You know those decorative celticky looking things that you can get to put over the sound hole on a guitar? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to fitting them?

On the subject of decorative guitars...I saw a HELLOKITTY electric guitar in my music shop the other week. It was bought within a few days I don;t play but it was sooooooooooooooo cool

Erm, great.

meerkat, I have a lute and a mandolin that I've fitted with decorative soundhole covers and it has not affected the instruments performance in any way. I can't think of any disadvantages of fitting them, but you should try them out temporarily before permanantly attaching them.

Matt - what sort of lute do you have?

Oh nothing fancy YAP, it's a budget one made by a company called Blue Moon. Still cost £300 though!