Laguna de Cuicocha

This is Laguna de Cuicocha, an inactive caldera situated at 10,070 feet above sea level, with the Cotacachi volcano overlooking at 16,220 feet. The lake is about fifteen minutes from the center of Cotacachi.

Akai X-330

Here is a photo of the 1969 4-track Akai X-330 that was used by the infamous Cotacachi band, Rumba Habana (1949-1979), to produce their records. This recorder is now in one of two new rooms that were opened in their honor during an event which I had the privilege of attending today at the Cotacachi museum.

Cotacachi on flickr!

Introducing a new Cotacachi flickr group! Come see my wonderful hometown :)

Martin 000X1 Review

[Updated November 2019]

In 2008 I chose a Brunner Outdoor Guitar Deluxe over the 000X1 for travel purposes, but I still maintain that this could be Martin's best fingerstyle guitar below $1k and even somewhat higher. Regardless of the HPL back and sides and absence of finery. To my ear it is very well balanced with sweet and substantial first and second strings, making it more ideal for fingerstyle. Strong fundamentals from these two strings with enough overtones are mandatory for me nowadays, and the primary reason I consider the 000-28EC, OM-42 and 00-28 to be the ultimate fingerstyle guitars in Martin's lineup. The updated 000X1AE also has a more comfortable 1 3/4" nut, as does the new 2020 000-X2E equivalent, with more refinements.