Thanks so much guys for the replies.
Never heard of FAITH guitars. I'll keep my eyes & ears open. I've played a few Larry's and although I appreciate all that goes into them, I'm not crazy about their tone. the hog b/s models sounded hollow to my ear, and the rose b/s models were a little muddy when strummed hard. It could of course just be the ones I've played. My current guitar sounds a little hollow or muddy, and I was hoping for a significant improvement.
Ya know, I was never sold on the Ovation concept and sound, but I really do appreciate the thoughtful suggestion.
GRW3, I definitely feel like a fugitive around these parts, toting around a japanese copy of an Irish guitar.
Let me be a little more specific in my recommendation request. What size, shape, and wood combinations would meet my needs? As for brands, I do like the Taylor sound. So if I were to limit my choices to Taylors, what model? I've played a GS8 and I think I'm in love, but is it the right one for me? I'm not brand loyal, and open to suggestions and corrections.
Jalbert, you're on