I was playing [my new Antonio Picado No. 54] last night and realizing how much I am growing to love it. The more I play the more I love it. This is because it speaks to me, it responds. It vibrates. It is sensitive.

Here are some other observations:

It is a good size for me. It fits my body welI. I find each string different, at least in its responsiveness to me. I especially like the sound I get all the way up the fretboard on the third and fourth strings. Maybe these are the strings that stood out to you and were part of the "intriguing" sound. I could listen to them all day. I am working on Julia Florida by Barrios in which you drop the 6th string to D and play it open, then move up on the 5th and so on. I like how it all sounds on this guitar.

I take this to heart: "Guitars are living things, with a spirit, and are touched in their own spirit with the feelings of the people who play them."

All this to say my relationship with my guitar is off to a good start. It will get better as we become more acquainted, adjust to each other and work out our little idiosyncrasies.

Valerie Eves, Bend, Oregon

I purchased an Amarillo Conservatorio from your fine store in March of this year. I wanted you to know how pleased I am with both the guitar, and the experience of shopping at your store. Although I am a elementary player, having started in November of 2002, Mr. John Penn went out of his way to make sure that the guitar that I selected would be right for me. He spent at least 2 hours with me, listening to me playing a variety of guitars, and demonstrating a variety of guitars for me. There was no pressure, there was no rush, and it was a lot of fun.

The guitar itself is terrific. Its a joy to play.

Please be assured that The Classical Guitar Store in Philadelphia will be the only store I visit in the future for my guitar needs. Thank you and please express my appreciation to Mr. Penn.

Vincent Best

Bob,

Just wanted to let you know I'm really enjoying the Picado [Concierto model]!! Brilliant sound, a broad spectrum of tonal and expressive possibilities, and a lovely instrument. Thanks for hooking me up!

Kevin McChesney - An internationally known composer of church music

Bob,

Just thought I'd let you know the A-Frame Guitar Support is working out great. It doesn't take any getting used to and really makes a difference for long practice sessions. I haven't used the footstool since I got the A-Frame and my back feels a lot better. I'd recommend it to anyone who thinks that the footstool may be causing back pain. Very reasonably priced too.

Thanks for the good advice.

John Powers, Woodbury, NJ

Dear Bob,

I purchased my Giambattista G6 at The Classical Guitar Store in September of '02. First, I would like to thank John Penn for his patience in allowing me to compare so many instruments with different tonal characteristics and feel in my search for the one guitar that suited me, and my style of playing best. I love my G6. It is a pleasure to play in virtually every respect. Not too physically demanding. Crisp high end. Accurate in the lower registers without sacrificing the ever important warmth in the middle. Perfect intonation. A slice of heaven at an earthly price. Thanks again.

Joe Marchione, Bensalem, PA