I am an acoustic guitar fan. Though I really connect with good electric guitar music, the acoustic guitar is so dynamic that I have no inclination to own or play an electric myself. My guitar career began with a "Silvertone" that was purchased from a Sears catalogue by my grandmother. The one shown in the picture to the left is not my original instrument but is the exact same model. It was given to me at a party at which I was implored to play some old Cat Stevens songs. Not having a guitar with me, one of the more enthusiastic party attendees ran home and brought the Silvertone back. It had a missing string peg and was completely unplayable, but I offered to buy it from the guy. He simply gave it to me. I had Edward Dick of EVD Instruments repair and make it playable.

I purchased a Takamine NP25C primarily because of its sound when plugged in. One thing that Takamine really does right is a trouble-free and good sounding pickup. This is a high-end jumbo acoustic with rosewood and cedar solid woods. I have not seen another Takamine exactly like it, and I suspect there were not many of them made. I used the Takamine for all 6-string songs on my instrumental CD Unspoken. This guitar sounds particularly good when it is tuned down a step.

At one time I played an Ovation 12-string, but found that I really missed feeling the music through the back of the guitar, and I could never keep the thing from sliding off my lap. I sold it and purchased a Taylor 855. This guitar has a wonderful sound, and it physically moves me. I put a Fishman active matrix pickup in it which represents the guitar adequately with some eq help. I used the Taylor 855 on several songs on the 'Til The Light and "Places" CDs.

A few years ago I contacted the Taylor guitar factory, and they assisted me in my purchase of a 1996 Presentation Series Grand Auditorium (PS14). This guitar is made with the holy grail of guitar woods and is simply a beautiful piece of art. The sound and playability of this instrument are incredible, and it is brighter and louder than any guitar I've ever played. Though it looks like it should be framed in a glass case, it gets played at home, in the studio and on the road. I use a Fishman active matrix pickup and internal microphone processed through a Fishman pocket blender for sound reinforcement. I acquired this instrument after I had recorded most of the songs on 'Til The Light, but I was compelled to use the Taylor to record all the remaining songs and to re-record several of the previously taped songs due to this guitar's wonderful clarity. "Signs and Wonders" and "Teach Me the Way of the Spirit" are two of the songs on this CD recorded with the Taylor PS14.

In February 2002, Edward Dick of EVD String Instruments completed construction of a custom acoustic guitar for me. He used Koa for the back and sides and spruce for the top. This combination resulted in a more complex and rich sound to contrast with the brightness of my Taylor. We purposely designed the guitar to be elegant in its simplicity. Edward's workmanship is quite remarkable, and I'm proud to play one of his creations. This guitar has become my primary stage instrument and the first one I tend to pickup when playing at home. I put a K&K Mini Trinity Western dual source pickup in it that is the best I've ever used. I highly recommend it.