Originally Posted by: john of MTThe "beware of generalizations" is a cautionary for statements like, 'never buy (fill in the blank)' or, 'X-brand is better than Y-brand.'

The 'I don't know much but' *with* the parenthetical statement that followed was an attempt at self-deprecating humor, i.e. directed at myself. :)

The entire paragraph was trying to make the point that shopping by brand or making recommendations by brand is iffy...there are so many models, so many options/configurations and so many changes in materials and manufacturing. Then there is history -- I have read that some (most?) makes experience ups and downs and its reflected in their guitars from time to time. Shoot...some companies change ownership...how are we to know what that means for their future product? What did the CBS network's ownership of Fender do to the guitars?

This is true. I know I've said a few times that you have to play it and let it sing to you.

That said, I do understand why someone desires a sound from a specific model. The historic Les Paul tone is a good example. I used to have one and will again have another. If you know that what the instrument brings to your playing is by a specific brand, then I can see being a bit myopic about it.

But you need to know what that 'thing' is.

I was convinced I needed a resonator/Dobro up and until a week ago. Convinced. I wanted that old time, lo-fi bluesy sound. I did my research and went and played several models I thought would fit what I wanted, and I was ready to slap the cash down.

None of them gave me what I wanted. Not a one. They gave me some but not totally there. I'd always pretty much got that lo-fi sound from my wife's Taylor Baby but figured with a Dobro, I could get closer to that sound I desired.

I bought nothin'. The Taylor was giving me exactly what I was looking for and I already had it.

Key is this, I knew the sound I wanted. I just needed to look around to ensure I was getting it. I saved money knowing what I wanted and being honest about it with myself.