[steveh]

Originally Posted by ZeroFretWear

Such a heavily braced guitar would have me running to get my deposit back

I'm super-impressed you can tell how heavily a top is braced simply by looking at it.

Originally Posted by ZeroFretWear

I've never heard of Ralph Brown

I've not heard of Ralph Brown either.
In contrast, Ralph Bown has far more "name" players using his guitars than Ervin Somogyi and his acolytes combined, who seem to enjoy guru status 'round here.

Originally Posted by Malcolm Kindnes

I have owned several Collings, tried to like them and sold them all. I have played several Bowns and they are in a completely different class altogether.

I have to agree with this. I bought a Collings years ago to see what the fuss was about but, although a well-made guitar etc., a luthier built guitar like a Bown is in a different class IMHO. Some Bowns I've played have been the very best guitars I've laid my hands on; a pal has a spruce/Amazon RW OM that I would buy in an instant. Unsurprisingly, he's not selling.

And Bown's woodworking skills are unsurpassed. Equalled by a few, but unsurpassed.

Cheers,
Steve