Actually, The Takamine EG461SC

I posted about a guitar I was targeting last month, the Takamine EG361SC; I have since selected that guitar's sibling, the EG461SC. The 461 is made from the same materials but has quite a different (and even more attractive) shape, and produces a similar and more balanced sound.

I began to learn to play on a friend's Epiphone (thanks Jeff), and while his guitar had a decent sound, it helped me to appreciate the ease of playing a better guitar. The strings on the Epiphone were quite difficult to fret, and the difference between his guitar and my new Takamine is a welcome change.

I have been "playing" now for about two months, and I have made great strides! I have progressed far beyond what I thought possible in this time period; that being said, however, I still cannot play the silly thing well enough to play in front of an audience. I still take much too long to change between chords. But I am making progress; if it used to take me five seconds to change between chords, maybe it takes me two or three now. Hopefully I will be able to contribute with this guitar in worship before too long.

Speaking of contributing in worship, it looks like I might get to participate with a different instrument; a bass guitar. Our church recently purchased a Yamaha RBX170 electric bass because our bass player is joining the military. I have practiced a little with the new bass, and I am able to apply the very little I know about the guitar to the bass and contribute in a significant way! I am really excited to be able to play in the band! Here's a pic of the RBX170:

The Takamine EG361SC

Well, I think I have found the guitar for me. I never knew all the variables involved in producing great, rich sound from a guitar! Rosewood, apparently, is the Cadillac wood of guitars, and the sound it produces is much deeper and louder than most others. I think the Takamine EG361SC is my best bet for the money, and I have not played a guitar in its price range that comes close to the beautiful sound this guitar produces.

I have been practicing the guitar for almost two weeks. A good friend at work let me borrow a guitar that he learned on, and I've been playing almost every day. My fingers are starting to become calloused, but my inability to put together the chords fast enough to play a song really irks me! The guitar I am playing on is a bit difficult to play, and I am really looking forward to practicing on this guitar!