Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: M19 on August 11, 2012, 08:56:06 PM

Title: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: M19 on August 11, 2012, 08:56:06 PM
Here's the links to two Denis Turbide tunes I recorded with the "NG:"

Dimples:  https://www.box.com/s/94d86cd4a392a96dd688

Samuel:  https://www.box.com/s/88155c08503ac1eb0748

Seven weeks and six days from order, my Taylor BTO arrived at Guitar Rodeo. I had just told my wife that I was a little surprised I hadn’t heard anything when the e-mail from Jim arrived! I arranged to pick it up the next day after work.

(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3724/mct001.jpg)

When I see all the fantastic and striking BTOs in these threads; what with Striped Macassar, Cocobolo, Quilted Maple, with abalone gone wild and the like, I wonder that you might give a yawn with mine, but I went with understated simplicity, and think that what it lacks in flash it more than makes up for in class!

(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1982/mct004.jpg)

And here it is! A GC body with venetian cutaway, short scale with 12 frets to the body.

(http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3096/mct009.jpg)

All straight-grained mahogany with red paste fill stain and gloss finish. Ebony binding with white purfling.

(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/9798/mct005.jpg)

Two piece back (no wedge). Neck stained to match, and gloss.

(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5070/mct006.jpg)

Five ring Ebony rosette.

(http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/2977/mct015.jpg)

Ebony bridge, pins, fretboard (unadorned), headstock overlay and truss rod cover (unfinished?!).

(http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/1225/mct012.jpg)

It is a very light guitar, and very lively to the fingers. It has that mahogany “woodiness” in its tone, with the mids predominant, followed by the trebles, and the basses more muted. Just the type of tone I was hoping for .The geometry of  the 12-fret design will take a little adjustment, what with my fretting hand  2-3” closer. I’ll post a recording in a couple of days when I feel like I can do this wonderful guitar justice. Oh, and I bought sets of Newtones, J Pearse and Dragon Skins to compare to the Elixirs as I grow with the guitar.

(http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/107/mct014.jpg)

Thanks to Jim and James at Guitar Rodeo for their facilitation and accommodation with the process both instrumental and financial. As always, fantastic photos by my wife Connie (Resonant Images LLC).

I’m a very happy boy!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Steve on August 11, 2012, 09:30:19 PM
Man, congrats!

Probably the only thing I'd have done differently would've been to go with an Ebony rosette, but that's a personal taste thing.

Oh and, as a photographer, kudos to the wife; nice shots!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Von Beerhofen on August 11, 2012, 09:33:53 PM
Great guitar there M19, the color reminds me of my early Gibson SG. Looks right on mahogany to me.
I like the plainess of the guitar too, it's a guitar and that's all it basically needs, plus a good sound ofcourse. My idea on it is that the plainer it is the less chance of things falling off or getting damaged somehow.
It doesn't happen very often but it happens.
Nothing nicer then a good all ebony fingerboard, it's the woods which make the sound not the Abalone, hehehe.

Ludwig
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: cjd-player on August 11, 2012, 10:08:58 PM
Beautiful guitar, M.  No need to apologize for lack of bling.

That mahogany top with ebony rosette is stunning.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Steve on August 11, 2012, 10:47:48 PM
Beautiful guitar, M.  No need to apologize for lack of bling.

That mahogany top with ebony rosette is stunning.

Is that an Ebony rosette? I thought it looked like abalone. Granted, maybe a very subdued abalone, but abalone nonetheless...
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: M19 on August 11, 2012, 10:59:41 PM
Beautiful guitar, M.  No need to apologize for lack of bling.

That mahogany top with ebony rosette is stunning.

Is that an Ebony rosette? I thought it looked like abalone. Granted, maybe a very subdued abalone, but abalone nonetheless...

It's ebony. There is some creaminess in the wood, so it gives kind of a muted abalone look. It was Jim's suggestion, and it's great.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Giraku on August 11, 2012, 11:08:26 PM
Beautiful guitar and marvelous photos!! Congrats!!!
Looking forward to hearing your recording. Enjoy!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: oatordeal on August 11, 2012, 11:34:52 PM
fantastic looking guitar! grats on your NGD, M19!!!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Steve on August 12, 2012, 12:46:19 AM
Beautiful guitar, M.  No need to apologize for lack of bling.

That mahogany top with ebony rosette is stunning.

Is that an Ebony rosette? I thought it looked like abalone. Granted, maybe a very subdued abalone, but abalone nonetheless...

It's ebony. There is some creaminess in the wood, so it gives kind of a muted abalone look. It was Jim's suggestion, and it's great.

It's a winner for me, then!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: gdeleo on August 12, 2012, 07:53:17 AM
M19, congrats on a beautiful guitar.  Your wife did a fantastic job with the pictures.  I hope you enjoy many years of playing with it.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Edward on August 12, 2012, 01:08:00 PM
Wow, did that ever turn out great, Marty!

I agree with "no need to apologize" ...aesthetics swing both ways: from the richly adorned to the classic simple.  Yours is gorgeous!  Superb call on the ebony contrasts, and especially the stained-to-match neck.  I love the way the stained back peeks through the slotted headstock and contrasts against the ebony.  Just beautiful, man ...enjoy in the best of health, friend!  And indeed, kudos to that lovely wife of yours for great pics!
 :D

Edward
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: ataylor on August 12, 2012, 04:32:12 PM
Beautiful guitar! The photos are great too -- I like the fourth one down best.

Also, you're not the only one that prefers understated elegance, even in a custom model -- this is right along the lines of what I'd put together when I eventually get around to doing my own BTO Taylor (probably a 12-fret for me too!).

Really, really nice. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: e8n on August 12, 2012, 05:19:01 PM
Very nice guitar!  Looks a bit like the one Jim did for my wife!  I know you will really love it!

-Dave
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: CodeBlueEMT on August 12, 2012, 10:08:57 PM
 Great looking guitar and photos. I'd be smiling too. Congrats.  ;D
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: cigarfan on August 13, 2012, 11:28:26 AM
Congrats Marty! Well done. The guitar is a beauty.

I have an all hog 2011 Spring LTD GS with abalone and diamond MOP fret markers. Gotta say, I like your appointments better.

Only improvement I could suggest for the photos would be to let your wife model with the guitar. I know she knows how to use a timer!   8)
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: mgap on August 13, 2012, 07:58:06 PM
Very nice.  With those pictures that guitar looks like it fits you perfectly.  Congrats.
Thanks for the great pictures.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: The G on August 13, 2012, 08:34:32 PM
Very nice. Congratulations !!!
Look forward to your up coming sound clip and...........your string critique.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Colbyjack on August 14, 2012, 01:54:55 AM
Very nice!!

I love the look; and as a Taylor 12th Fret owner, I'm sure you'll love the tone.


Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: darylcrisp on August 14, 2012, 02:44:06 AM
excellent pictures and the guitar looks fantastic. love everything you did with it in the build.

very nice dog there also!

d
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: M19 on August 15, 2012, 09:06:41 PM
Here's the links to two Denis Turbide tunes I recorded with the "NG:"

Dimples:  https://www.box.com/s/94d86cd4a392a96dd688

Samuel:  https://www.box.com/s/88155c08503ac1eb0748

Tried to record them last night and had a **** of a time, and finally gave up. This evening, I got home from work and promptly did each in one take. Go figure.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: cigarfan on August 16, 2012, 12:53:53 PM
Sound is excellent. Mids and highs very clear with the bass just a little less but typical to the GC shape. Schweeeet!

Nice playing too! I enjoy your style.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Giraku on August 16, 2012, 02:06:00 PM
Nice recording and beautiful playing, M19!!!

Could you share your recording settings?
What microphone and recording device/software did you use?
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: ramrod25 on August 16, 2012, 04:15:44 PM
Congratulations on your new guitar - it is stunning. 

I just acquired a "standard" spruce/indian rosewood 12 fret and am absolutely
amazed at the sound/projection/awesome bass and great mids and trebles from
this design.  It continues to surprize me and I learn more about it every time I get to
play it.

Plugged it into a new Fishman acoustic amp last nite and wow! - what a delight
to play.

Am currently using D'Addario EXP26 Coated Phosphor Bronze, Custom Light, 11-52,
but will experiment with other strings as time goes by.

Wondereful pictures -

Regards
Rodney
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: M19 on August 16, 2012, 06:32:24 PM
Nice recording and beautiful playing, M19!!!

Could you share your recording settings?
What microphone and recording device/software did you use?

Totally pedestrian!

Zoom H4n "pointed" at the 12th fret. Only post processing (using only Roxio sound editor) was to normalize.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Giraku on August 16, 2012, 08:22:21 PM
Totally pedestrian!

Zoom H4n "pointed" at the 12th fret. Only post processing (using only Roxio sound editor) was to normalize.

It's amazing that such a great recording can be done with that simple setup!
I will try a similar setup.
Thanks, M19!
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: not darth on August 16, 2012, 11:27:41 PM
What a fantastic looking guitar, congrats!  I'm sure it sounds just wonderful, as well.
I really dig the understated guitars, they remind me of 'sleeper' muscle cars - they look like the plain Jane family sedan, but the engine and suspension are tuned and ready to pounce!  And in a guitar, the engine (woods) and suspension (bracing/construction skill) are equally hidden but in many ways much more interesting than flashy paint and spinners.
Don't get me wrong, I also appreciate the 9xx Taylor's and other decked out gits, but it's a different appreciation. 

I'm in a spot where I can't afford another guitar for probably several years (little baby, loans from Bachelors, plans to go for my Master's...) but one day, when I can, a 12-fret to the body Taylor is really high on my dream list. 

(And, maybe I'll be able to hear/see your NG sometime at a TC get-together! :) )
-K
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: ewalling on August 17, 2012, 09:00:24 AM
Looks fantastic - congratulations! Out of curiosity, have you ever played one of the smaller bodied all-mahigany Martin 15 series? I think many on this and other acoustic guitar forums are familiar with the Martins, and I was just wondering how the Taylor compares soundwise.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: M19 on August 17, 2012, 01:04:59 PM
No. I was intensely interested in one of the specials that Ted is ordering at LA Guitars. Then Taylor come up with their 1 yr no interest, and I really wanted a cutaway to pair with the 12 fret, so here I am! My expectation would be that the Martin would sound a bit more "old-timey" and less full, but that's just a guess.
Title: Re: NGD-Taylor Custom Mahogany 12-Fret GC
Post by: Drock2k1 on October 19, 2012, 02:17:48 PM
Great guitar, great pics, and having owned an all hog...great tone I'm sure. Congrats.