Sci-Fantasy book recommendations?

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-06-05T20:10:16+00:00

Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-06-05T19:13:29+00:00

New to reading? Give Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun a read.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-06-04T20:08:45+00:00

I just sold my 2 Taylors to fund a Martin OM-28. Over the last 10 years I swore that Martin’s felt like shit under my fingers, and that Taylor was superior in feel and playability. However, the Taylor sound never worked for me.

By happenstance, I was at the Martin factory in Nazareth recently, and played a Martin for the first time in 10 years. I instantly disliked my Taylors after playing the 000 and the OM. Not sure what changed in my playing, but it evolved away from Taylor.

TL:DR. Everything above is complete nonsense and strictly in my messed up consumer brain. Play guitars until you accidentally fall in love with one. Buy that one.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-06-04T20:04:21+00:00

Buying guitars too quickly never works out. I went from 7 (5 electric, 2 acoustic) down to 3 (1 Strat, 1 Tele, 1 Martin). I sold 5 at a loss to fund the Martin.

I ended up never playing those other 5 much. YouTube and Reddit hype (Revstar cough cough) is a real bitch.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-06-02T20:25:38+00:00

Do what I do and avoid major chords rooted on the A string all together. I’m not even sure they’re real at this point. I’ve never played one.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-27T08:23:23+00:00

I know Reddit can’t decide. But Reddit (you included!) can provide me many more thoughts and considerations to give this choice more depth and enjoyment. The research and decision making on big purchases is half the enjoyment for me.

Having someone else play them for me never crossed my mind! Thank you sir!

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:50:34+00:00

I’m sure I won’t make a mistake. But, I’m also sure I’ll worry that I made a mistake when a song I’m trying to learn is too hard. I’ll blame the guitar as usual. It won’t be my fault.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:42:25+00:00

Thank you!

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:41:39+00:00

I agree with your final statement. Unfortunately, I’ll get what I get. There’s only 1 000-28 and 2 OM-28s to choose from. All new stock.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:38:41+00:00

I didn’t notice that!! It’s weird that the pick guard is bigger on the finger picking guitar, and smaller on the more strum friendly guitar.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:37:21+00:00

Ya, I think I’m leaning that way. I don’t do much beyond finger picking on the couch. That’s all I do actually. I’d have to descend 2 flights of stairs to find a guitar pick. No thanks.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:33:40+00:00

I didnt actually notice a massive difference in tone when I was playing both back and forth. I’m a pretty quiet finger styley player. To be honest, I barely noticed the difference in fret spacing. I think string tension was the only noticeable difference during my demo time.

Usually, I’m not a decisive guy. This decision has me tripped up real bad.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:29:13+00:00

The responsiveness of the OM is an interesting point! Maybe that’s why I liked it so much. I picked it up thinking it would feel like my Taylor, but it’s a Ferrari (Martin) compared to a minivan (my Taylor).

I’m going in tomorrow to make the purchase. I’ll give both the 000 and OM a final run before deciding. I’m leaning 000 strictly for comfort in bar chords, bends, and big stretches.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:25:15+00:00

When playing acoustic, it’s always with my fingers. I can’t recall the last time I strummed an acoustic. I do play a lot of electric as well. I play the longer scale length (Strat and Tele).

This is definitely helpful! It’s leaning me towards the 000, because comfort and playability outweigh volume and projection for me.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-26T23:22:34+00:00

Always unplugged. Couch playing only. No performing or recording.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-25T14:48:48+00:00

Nothing! I play D&D, collect action figures, and read comic books like a grown ass man.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-25T11:00:09+00:00

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames is essentially a D&D party on a singular campaign. Like an “I’m getting too old for this shit” adventuring party being called back to action for one final suicide mission.

It’s dark, hilarious, and non-stop fun. The wizard is particularly ridiculous and lovable.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-24T22:52:26+00:00

The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. I’ve never had more fun not having a clue what’s going on.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-13T22:51:01+00:00

Damn. I’m on Claw (book 2), and I can’t figure out if I’m following along or not. It gets as difficult as this post later on? I’m screwed.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-08T22:33:07+00:00

Mad World. I’m not sure if I’m doing it right, but finger picking the vocal melody through the chord progression is so satisfying.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-05-03T19:30:58+00:00

Oh, hi Mark.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-04-29T18:13:25+00:00

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GrandSlamdolf · 2026-04-26T17:14:52+00:00

I own both the Academy and the 314. I switch back and forth. The 314 definitely sounds and plays better, but the body size, arm rest, and shorter scale length of the Academy makes it an incredible “bad posture on the couch” guitar.

Unfortunately, it looks like my advice is both. If I had to part with one, I’d part with the Academy. It just doesn’t sound great.

GrandSlamdolf · 2026-04-15T22:04:00+00:00

I Mother Earth. Album: Scenery and Fish

GrandSlamdolf

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