I am currently using an Alvarez Yairi Jumbo with two B-Band pick-ups installed and a Yairi concert sized rosewood and spruce guitar with the same B Band pickups. I have in the past used a Takamine LTD 1999 series, a Takamine EN20C, a Guild Standard and a Canadian made 12 string Seagull. I am anxiously awaiting delivery of a harp guitar that is being built for me by Jeff Sigurdson of Port Kells BC.
Each guitar is strung differently depending on the tunings used for each instrument. I use so many live to reduce re-tuning between compositions.
I use a variety of tunings, they allow me to get voicings for chords that would be impossible in standard tuning. My all time favourite is DADGAD (low to high). I have also been playing with FACGCE and EBEGAD. But there are many others.
I play fingerstyle guitar on steel strings. It takes one month to grow the nails to the correct length and about ten minutes of playing to trash them. (Makes practicing really difficult). I have tried many methods to strengthen them including; crazy glue and baking soda, gluing cut up ping-pong balls on the inside and fingerpicks. The most successful treatment so far has been acrylics put on at a salon. (Although the home kits will do in a pinch)
Without a doubt Michael Hedges, when I first heard him play I instantly thought that is what I wanted to do. I have also been influenced by Bruce Cockburn, Ralph Towner, Pierre Bensusan, Alex DeGrassi, Martin Simpson and John Renbourn. I also want to mention Don Ross, he is a brilliant musician, teacher and mentor. And finally Tony Desmarteau he was the first person to show me anything on guitar.
Seems of late I can't get enough of Ty Tabor, (King's X, Jelly Jam) He is a brilliant song writer and in my humble opinion one heck of a producer. Check him out.
Very simply Lash as in eye lash or whip lash.