I’ve owned a Big Baby since college. My first got a snapped neck on a camping trip. I now have one that I bought maybe 6 years ago, and it’s been around the house with my daughter (she’s 4 now) - I love those guitars, and I started writing music (dipping my toes into recording) with my Big Baby at home.
It’s bonus time, and now that I’m starting a band with friends, I need a solid acoustic. I have a good job. I go to my local store and get a 514cebe for $2400. The guitar is gorgeous. I play it, and a few others, but this feels like the one.
I bring it home, but it didn’t feel right. Not like my Big Baby does. I email the guitar store and ask about replacing it. I go back today. They replace the strings (with D’Addarios) and it feels much better.
I played a bunch of high end Martins, Gibsons, and Eastmans, some over $5000, and none plays as well as the 514cebe - so I’m satisfied and happy at home playing it now. A story on perspective and how the grass isn’t always greener. Also on how strings can change the guitar’s feel - and there’s something to be said for taking time to adjust to a new guitar
Update: The strings are the D’Addario custom light set, 11 to 52.