Posted by Norm on 9/18/2009, 10:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Taylor 9-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar--A Winner?"
OK, Sandy: Who are you and WHO sent you??! You're way too reasonable and a kindred spirit, so of course *some* of us might think something's amiss! 
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You must have lurked here awhile (or are a quick-study) as you seem to know Ken an my predilections in our guitar posts. I'm with you that major-brand luthery seems to be at a zenith right now (and boutique and single builders are enjoying unprecedented fame and fortune due to the largess of "Boomers" with some disposable income, and GAS). Glad to hear we agree on those 855's. I seem to recall someone on AGF mentioning you could "BTO" and 855 c/or/ce/or no c or e. Pity they removed it from the standard catalog. Maybe too much of a niche instrument. I also owned an older Harmony Sovereign 12 (and a 6), two Guilds, and now my Taylor.
I suspect for Ken, Dave Stutzman in Rochester may be the likliest stocker of an Anniversary 9-string. Down here in Chautauqua County, I'd bet on Lynch Music across the PA State Line in Erie. They are a major Taylor dealer, and have sponsored Stephen King (NOT the author!) and Doyle Dykes in Taylor workshops over the years. I would like to try one myself, but unless I won one, could always "mod" my 855 temporarily (actually, it "modified" itself now and then with a string break!).
As for Martins, I am thrilled they returned from some not-so-consistent years for quite awhile now (maybe since this Bob Taylor fella shook the tree a bit). I sold an immaculate handbuilt by Kevin Gallagher to finance a purchase of my HD-28 (preferred it over the "V"), and had a fair bundle of cash left. I don't regret it. I think with all the small shops/builders out there now, and large places like Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson, and FMC subsuming Guild and Tacoma, Santa Cruz, Paragon/Bourgeois, blah blah, the average guitar player beyond a beginner these days KNOWS quality and just a name on a headstock isn't any kind of guarantee. Ask anyone who's bought a Gibson a few years back. I think Bozeman is turning out good ones again, but it's been a pretty long drought. That aside...
I hope you'll drop in around here. We need some "new blood" and different views than the "gang of six (or two or three)" who tend to dominate posts around these parts.
T'aint "my forum," but Ken won't mind if I welcome you as well!!
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