Fantastic advice, Moe. Really good points about bringing some knowledge into the conversation. I am probably not going to be a buyer really soon but just itching to try different shapes and sizes, neck profiles, tone woods like you mentioned. Having said that, if I fall in love I will be very motivated to "earn" it. I don't really have enough money in my discretionary fund just yet, and the wife and I agreed that it is not a good idea to buy anything that we don't have in the budget right now, so I will save like a good little boy. 🙂

I will share my experience with you guys.

Dave...

ps. I know what you mean about the Academy not really having much visual appeal. I just want to try one out, and if it really is as easy to play (relatively) as it is touted to be I might like the look better.

pps. Playing in the parking lot sounds a bit surreal!