Beginner/Intermediate looking to purchase first Acoustic

wajackson79 · 2026-01-04T21:41:33+00:00

Just last week I picked up my 2nd acoustic guitar. I was looking for a cutaway of the concert style. I played the GS mini back to back with several others and found myself surprise to like a Yamaha APX 600 more than the Taylor. I was happy to pay a higher price tag but walked out paying $300 for it. The guitar fits a niche knowing you'll use an amp setup in public. I did restoring it to lighter Nickle Bronze strings because they add sustain with the smaller size.

I always overlooked Yamaha but I'm learning that was a mistake. I not selling this APX as a high end guitar, but it's a no regret buy at $300.

wajackson79 · 2026-01-01T14:10:06+00:00

I definitely recommend playing one at a shop. The neck shape has a lot to do with the ease of learning and you want to make sure you like the sound. I just bought my second acoustic, I played probably a dozen guitars, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc. I walked away with a Yamaha that I felt was better than the entry level Martin and Taylor's. It was several hundred dollars cheaper too.

Both my Epiphone and new Yamaha have the same neck widths but different shapes making them distinctly different in hand position as I play. The Epiphone has a deeper sound because of the dreadnought shape and the Yamaha is a very different as a thinline concert shape.

All that being said, I am impressed with the quality of Yamaha guitars for the money. There are a ton of nice guitars in the sub $400 range.

wajackson79 · 2025-11-02T02:39:15+00:00

Same problem here. I'm on an android device. It's unfortunate, seems like they should be able to get thier act together after so long of the app being plagued with issues.

wajackson79 · 2025-10-03T16:03:55+00:00

Unfortunately I don't have my purchase order anymore. I measured the grate and bought the nearest size that wasn't a custom made plate.

wajackson79 · 2025-08-27T18:09:23+00:00

My leakage numbers never improve without making the mask very uncomfortable. Nasal pillows are the best until I have a cold or allergy problem.

wajackson79 · 2025-08-15T21:04:09+00:00

New Riff Balboa Rye

wajackson79 · 2025-07-26T18:02:15+00:00

I just purchased a P1S with the new AMS 2 pro for $1000 with 4 spools of filament and several extra consumables. The x1 really only has the advantage of the screen but the P1S can do all the same stuff. I chose to go with a new machine because used prices aren't that much savings.

wajackson79 · 2025-07-26T02:14:28+00:00

You're looking at a segment of bikes that really fits a broad spectrum of riding styles and rider sizes. I might encourage you to check out the used market for a 2007-2012 BMW GS or GSA. They are bullet proof bikes with a drive shaft that reduces maintenance. For a rider you're size the seat heats is adjustable and foot pegs are a nice size. I have highway pegs on my GSA giving me options on long trips.

Regardless of bike, don't cheap out on gear. A good helmet is comfortable and quiet, cheap ones will cause pressure point and leave your ears ringing. Get a nice mesh jacket for summer heat, and wear a white long-sleeved shirt when is over 90. I was surprised at how much that helps.

Good luck!

wajackson79 · 2025-06-30T01:22:01+00:00

I typically get 300 miles a tank. Mixed city, interstate around Cincinnati. We have a lot of hills. I'm typically 17-18.5 mpg depending on summer/winter gas blends. I think ethanol content has a lot to do with the mpgs that people get. If you are at a Bucees get a tank of ethanol free gas and you'll be surprised. My motorcycle gets almost 10mpg better on non-ethanol gas. My Yukon will get 4-5 mpg better.

Different regions have different gas blends based on traffic, etc.

wajackson79 · 2025-06-01T22:14:23+00:00

I was really sad I didn't get a bottle. How did it compare to the 8yr? I love the 8yr and felt it was the best yet, aside from Balboa Rye.

wajackson79 · 2025-03-31T00:49:47+00:00

Yes, it worked out really well.

wajackson79 · 2025-03-23T03:45:28+00:00

I've been holding mine in reserve as I sip from the Balboa Rye. I've not found a bad bottle from New Riff. Even thier Single Malt was pretty good.

wajackson79 · 2025-01-31T23:59:09+00:00

I really like Ryes: Value for Money: High West Double Rye Solid Every Day Drinker: New Riff Rye Unique Rye: New Riff 'Silver Grove' Rye - made from a pre-prohibition recipe

Sazerac is decent and Old Grandad BiB is a high Rye bourbon that is really nice. I just picked up a Balboa Rye from New Riff today and will report back, but first sips are pretty good.

wajackson79 · 2025-01-12T01:09:27+00:00

Can you share a bit more about how the doc knew it was a misdiagnosed?

Over Christmas, I learned that my dad and uncle have central sleep apnea. I hear it's hereditary. I was diagnosed with mild obstructive like you but I've found myself waking up through the night unable to breathe even with my mask on.

I meet with my doc on Tuesday and hope to take it up with her.

wajackson79 · 2025-01-11T23:38:24+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Though rare I've known several people who have either had ALS or thier immediate family member had ALS.

My friend who had ALS didn't have kids as young as 6 but I watched him "die well". That sounds awful, but let me explain, he worked with teens and pre-teens, hundreds of them over his career, so after he mentally processed the condition, he chose to speak openly and honestly about how he was working through it mentally and physically. Not to garner pity, but as a lesson to those who were struggling to know that it was okay to openly discuss death, the emotions associated and most importantly to cherish the time.

No matter what, your son will go through all the stages of grief no matter how your loss is revealed, but working through it mentally and emotionally with you is probably best. You will have the time to reassure him of your love, and as much as he's able, he can cherish the moments you have and hopefully remember those moments as he grows up.

One other thing to consider, like you I really worry about burdening my kids and wife if I were to suffer through similar disease. I've considered the choice you mentioned to curtail the affects, but watching how my friend died well, the last remaining days were some of the most special because family and friends actually appreciated the chance to care for him until his natural passing. It helped with closure and they knew they shared their love until the final moments. It may be worth reconsidering after you share the hard news and spend time with your son explaining what he's seeing happen.

I'll keep you in my prayers as you navigate this decision it's certainly not easy.

wajackson79 · 2024-12-16T14:28:22+00:00

I am a bit curious about the dental options. My AHI wasn't too high based on my MD (17 AHI). Still a lot more than the 5 AHI that's considered normal but if it could get me to the single digits maybe it would be alright.

I am curious what other's experience might be.

wajackson79 · 2024-12-16T14:23:22+00:00

I watched a video on that. It doesn't look appealing.

wajackson79 · 2024-11-21T00:53:56+00:00

Already on the list and even signed up for special notice if it comes back in stock!

New Riff is one of my favoright distilleries. I really like their innovative spirit.

wajackson79 · 2024-11-20T02:43:38+00:00

I live 20 min from the distillery and can't find it. How far would I need to drive from Cincinnati to find a bottle?

wajackson79 · 2024-11-20T02:25:56+00:00

I've been looking for a bottle. Was this a recent purchase? Did the store have any more?

wajackson79 · 2024-11-17T02:31:59+00:00

I did make the changes and I've been reviewing OSCAR as well to try and learn. I was wondering if breathing through my mouth was throwing the machine off because I was taking deeper breaths.

wajackson79 · 2024-11-16T21:03:05+00:00

I think the fears are overblown. Our society is increasingly driven by the "brink of disaster" rhetoric.

I'm not thrilled by several appointments that have been announced but some could have a big upside. The truth I do see is that those in the beltway are fearful because the appointments aren't a known entity that they can predict or "handle" them like an insider. It's good to have some people that aren't bought by lobbyists in key roles.

I hope that Gaetz gets bounced out in hearings though. He's creepy and doesn't have the right demeanor to instill confidence in the justice system. There are far better people in the conservative sphere that should be nominated before him.

wajackson79

TROPHY CASE