stargazer55

Adam, Thank you for this. It provided me an opportunity to get my wife a Platimum Membership at an excellent rate and time. Regards, Tom

I agree with you. Christopher Martin might disagree though. I've met him on several occasions and I believe his political affiliations stem from environmental issues that directly influence his industry. Specifically, the sustainability of hardwoods that are used to build acoustic guitars. Today, Brazilian rosewood is the most highly prized and rare tone wood for the back & side portions of guitars. It has gotten so scarce that, if you were to order one from Martin or just about any other reputable maker, it would immediately jack up the price by $7 -10K ! In fact, they only have about 800 or so blanks left in inventory. So, I would imagine the price will get even higher. Adirondack Spruce, the Holy Grail of acoustic tops, was in that situation several years back but is becoming more available due to timely forest management. I think he could be even more effective for his cause if he realized that capitalism & environmental issues are not always in opposition and sought out assistanceon that side of the fence.

Hey Rod! Hope all is well. I come down to your city every year for a guitar gathering with about 70 people & learn & jam with some of the greatest artists from there. We always have a great time. It was disgusting what happened to Gibson. Gibson makes some of my favorite electrics ( the ES335 & Les Paul). While I don't agree with Martin's political affiliations, they make my favorite acoustics. I believe their craftsmanship & tone sets the bar for the industry. Additionally, one has to applaud the loyalty they have toward their employees. In spite of the economy & dropping sales, they refused to let of any of them go, realizing that their people are their most valuable asset. Most of them have been there for decades. Instead, they are introducing new models at both the low & high ends and are implementing new marketing strategies. One of the things they've had to deal with is the cloning of their guitars in China. The China clones have Martin's logo on the headstock & on the interior label. You have to examine the workmanship & play the actual guitar to tell the difference. Hard to do if you are placing an order overseas. Martin has actually developed a DNA process to positively identify the wood in their new guitars. I believe Gibson may have been affected by this as well. Keep putting up those great posts!

The center passed right over the area where I live & I will definitely be voting!

Thanks Woody.

That one NEVER gets old! :lol:

Any time I can strap on the skinny boards & fling myself over a cliff makes me happy!

Wow! Hadn't thought about that. Very interesting.

Desimo - It's simple. If you don't like the threads, you don't have to read them. No need to be barking & telling people what to do. Also, before accusing someone of hiding behind their computer, you might want to look in the mirror first. We're all tapping the keys here, friend. As for being involved in politics, the answer is yes. During the first part of my life, my law enforcement career kept me mostly out of politics. I did however, assist in drafting laws and getting them passed in my state and that helped make it a safer place. Now, post career, I am very involved in politics. You sound like a person of action and that is a good thing. Nothing more annoying than listening to someone complaining and KNOWING they don't do anything to change their circumstances. As for liking to stir the crap, I plead guilty, to a certain degree. When I feel that someone is getting a bit too pushy, I push back. Be well !

Agreed.

It's gonna get really dirty now!

SNIP Even better is, if you don't like political threads, then don't read them.

Adam, thanks for staying on top of this.

Thanks for sharing mrref! Hope all is well & stay safe out there!

:lol: