Dan, I don't know when the recovery in the financial sector will be. Not much at all happening at this regional that's positive.

Rental property and appreciating musical instruments (guitars-300 plus, etc.) are things I know and can count on, although, for the first time in a long time, prices on collectibles are soft. Plus, since most of my instruments are fully depreciated, there is the matter of capital gains tax.

Problem is, I find it hard to part with a single one. I recently gave a good friend a nice classical, and suffered during the selection (had 10 in the office to choose from). Thought I simply couldn't do without it, even though I hadn't used it in 5 or 6 years.

Have no problem (after initial "separation anxiety") with giving instruments to promising young players, and am actually pleased about my decision to will a "cherry" 70's L-5 Gibson to this fine young player and person.

And, I really won't have to sell off instruments to survive (LOL)!


Russ