Elvis was sighted at our local Sam Ash store!

One of the cubs and I went to the Sam Ash store to look at acoustics and banjos last evening. While there, someone who was the spitting image (in most every way, including casual dress with buckle and boots) of Elvis. No kidding.

Elvis played a couple of the Martin and Taylor acoustics in the acoustic room, then moved out to the electric guitar area and played a couple of shred-er-ific Ibanez guitars on the floor. It was amazing.

While we were there, we looked at and played a couple of Washburn B9 banjos - Washburn makes an relatively inexpensive banjo that sounds as good as many of the "Name Brand" $$$ banjos I've played. If you're thinking banjo, don't leave Washburn off your list! I've got my sights on one someday when we can get a few bucks together.

We also played two lovely low-priced Applause (Ovation) electric-acoustics, an AE48 and an AE28, both in Ruby Red. They have a fantastic sound! I was very surprised at the crisp, full warm tone, even though I'm someone who has played Martins, Alvarezs and Takamines over the years.
The AE48 uses different sound hole techniques than the standard type of acoustic guitar. It has surprising tone coming from that nearly-closed design. For a little less money, you can get the AE28, with the traditional sound hole and rosette, with a shallow-depth bowl. One of these might get in the plans someday, too. I'd love to do some recordings with either one.