My A200CE is on the way!

[rdet]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and new to Avalon guitars. The story:

I went to one of the local music stores to help purchase a drum kit for my son. While he and his Mom were waiting for the pieces to be loaded and pay the bills, I drifted over to the acoustic guitar room and picked up what turned out to be an Avalon A200CE (#3twenty-something). What a (beautiful sounding) mistake - I fell in love in about 2 minutes. Then I plugged it in and knew I was in real trouble. Things I had played for years were sounding totally new. There were nuances to the sound that I didn't hear in my present guitar and I wanted to explore some more. What fun! Alas, the price was way out of the WAZ (Wife Acceptance Zone). * sigh *

So I went home to my Larrivee L-19 which I've played and really enjoyed for 6 years now. She was still nice, but the thrill was certainly gone. Irretrievably lost. My heart had found another.

It took me a week or two but I went back to the Buffalo Bros. web site where I had bought my Larrivee and lo and behold, there she was again:

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images13000-13999/ngb13361-avalonA200/index.html

And then I remembered their 100% upgrade policy. I gave them a call and yes sir - even though I'd already put a pickup in the Larrivee they still honor the policy! $400 is definitely in the WAZ so here she comes and I can hardly wait!!

What a great looking, great sounding guitar. My hats are off to you all. I am really excited and looking forward to getting this one under my fingers at home.

While I wait, I have a couple of questions:

The one at the store had gold tuning pegs and this one, as you can see, has black - any significance in the difference? Any other differences that may turn up?

This one is #470 - can you tell me when it was made or anything about it at all?

Thanks!

Dick D.

[Colin Johnston]

Hi & welcome

Great story congrats on your gorgeous new guitar!

And then I remembered their 100% upgrade policy

Just one thing - how does this work?

[rdet]

It's a great deal.

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/upgrade.html

They have a great web site and everyone I've talked to down there (I'm in Boise ID, USA) has been friendly and helpful.

[bing4sons]

Congratulations on the new guitar! I just recently bought an A101ce (Cedar top/mahogany b&s). I've never even heard an Avalon with a spruce top. It would be interesting to compare.

I am having similar experiences with my Avalon. It just seems pump up my creative energy a little bit. I still like my Larrivee and Taylor, but playing the Avalon is just a dfferent experience.

[rdet]

Congratulations on the new guitar! I just recently bought an A101ce (Cedar top/mahogany b&s). I've never even heard an Avalon with a spruce top. It would be interesting to compare.

I am having similar experiences with my Avalon. It just seems pump up my creative energy a little bit. I still like my Larrivee and Taylor, but playing the Avalon is just a dfferent experience.

Oooo - so you got to keep yours - I'm jealous.

I'd be interersted in knowing the particulars of your others and how their sounds differ to you.

[JB]

Welcome to the forums rdet and thankyou for choosing one of our guitars

We use Grover and Gotoh tuners on our guitars. The other guitar probably has had the Gotoh ones fitted.

[bing4sons]

Oooo - so you got to keep yours - I'm jealous.

I'd be interersted in knowing the particulars of your others and how their sounds differ to you.

Well actually I sold a Larrivee L-09koa to get it. I already served my penalty for getting to 3 acoustics. The neck on the L-09k was too chunky for me. I love the neck on the Avalon. The timing was just right as I bought this one used.

With the cedar top, I can't strum as hard on the Avalon, but I don't need to. It has a lot more volume than my Taylor. I have a hard time describing tone. The Avalon just seems to have more presence. It's more open, if that makes any sense. The A101ce really shines in finger picking, playing lead, or playing open chords.

My Larrivee J-05 still is still getting played a good bit, as it's wonderful for alternate tunings and for when I need a big sound. To be honest, my Taylor is not getting much playing time right now. I'm sure that will change, but it just seems that the Avalon does what the Taylor does, only better. The Taylor does a good job, when I'm doing something really upbeat, with lots of barre chords (real percussive stuff).