manXcat, thank you for your thoughtful detailed discussion. At 64, and after 4 divorces, my feelings are beyond being hurt. I understand as a newbie I may not be getting placement right, but no matter how carefully I fret the the note I still get muting on the adjacent strings with this guitar. I don't get that on my acoustic or other guitars I have tried. I might overcome it as I progress but I am doubtful at this point. I am doing nicely with my acoustic now. I am thinking of selling my Yamaha to buy something more playable by me. I like the guitar, but I am not married to it. I will look for a guitar better suited to me. I will let your advice guide my choices. Thanx!