I'm sorry if it sounded like I was 'talking down' to you. I didn't have a good idea of your skill level. Also, I write my posts as much for other surfers looking in, as for the guy I'm responding to.

I'm amazed at how much money you're able to put into your instruments! That beat-up old Guya I started with, cost me $40 in 1968. I guess that's about $100 in 2002 dollars.

Anyway, keep at it. The callouses eventually settle down to become a smooth, hard layer on your fingertips. You may wear a hole in them once in a while, but they soon smooth out.

And a Merry Christmas to one and all!