Author Topic: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret  (Read 7885 times)

cigarfan

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NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« on: January 24, 2014, 09:38:33 PM »
Been hankering for a GC almost ever since I acquired my first Taylor back in 2011 which was a 2011 SLTD GS All-Mahogany. I still have fond memories of that guitar but I ended up trading it in on a 618e FE when they came out last year. After hearing so many say a Cedar/Walnut wood combination was fantastic, I was focused on finding a GC in that combo but it was just not to be. Then I got to play several 52x models at a Taylor Find-your-Fit event at Melodee Music in Sterling, VA. Wow! They were some kind of special. But my collection had grown too large and I promised myself one had to go if I was to invest in another guitar. That finally happened a couple weeks ago and with the proceeds I decided to grab this 522 12-fret and invest in a mandolin after playing BigSkyTaylorPlayers Eastman 315 during our recent jam.

This 522 12-fret has an incredibly rich complex tone despite it's size. The dynamic range is surprising. The midrange is punchy with very good clarity. Especially when playing fingerstyle, it provides the kind of versatility that makes it perfect for most music I play. The Mahogany also contributes to this guitars well-balanced tonality and incredible sustain. The 12-fret neck join yields a warmer, sweeter, more “vintage” sound and the clarity of the deep bass is astounding.

I'm tickled. This 522 has definitely scratched my GC itch. Going to have a lot of fun with this one!

Soundclip

Specs
Shape: Grand Concert
Top/Back/Sides: Gloss Finished Tropical Mahogany
Body Length: 19.5”
Body Width: 15”
Body Depth: 4 3/8”
Bracing: 12-Fret Bracing
Back Configuration: 2-Piece (no wedge)
Binding: Ivoroid
Nut & Saddle: Tusq
Bridge Pins: Ebony
Truss Rod Cover: Ebony
Neck/Heel: Satin Finished Tropical Mahogany
Neck Joint: Scarf
Scale Length: 24 7/8”
Neck Width: 1 ¾”
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Number of Frets: 18
Heel Cap Binding: Ivoroid
Peg Head Binding: Ivoroid
Peg Head Type/Finish:  Slot Head/Satin
Rosette Size/Material: Single Ring/Ivoroid
Peghead Logo: Ivoroid
Tuners: Taylor Slot Head Tuners
Elixir Light Strings
Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case

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KenGL

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2014, 09:58:02 PM »
Totally, Totally, TOTALLY AWESOME! Congratulations on the acquisition of your beautiful Taylor 522 12-Fret!

Something tells me that all-mahogany guitars have gained a bigger following since the beginning of 2013 and will continue to gain in popularity with Taylor taking the lead in powering it all with their many offerings. Warmth with clarity is the all-mahogany signature tone and it's waiting for players willing to audition something different than the usual spruce/other-tonewood combination. Your 12-fret will really bring out the warmth, clarity, and response of an all-mahogany guitar. Enjoy!

Regards,

Ken
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ataylor

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2014, 10:03:55 PM »
Oh man. Great description, great photos, and... great playing and singing! Well done!

I keep going back and forth between this model and the 15 series Martins in terms of what I want next -- chalk this review up as a big plus in the Taylor column!

Congrats on the new guitar -- it looks and sounds great. Enjoy!
2005 Taylor 210 (sitka/sapele)

Lizzy

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2014, 10:05:57 PM »
Such a beautiful guitar and what a great sound clip, my husband and I really enjoyed listening to you. Congrats!

jrporter

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2014, 10:27:54 PM »
Very, very sweeeett. Congrats!!!!

Gutch

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2014, 10:34:57 PM »
Sweet -- Congrats!  I love the new inlays that Taylor is using these days.  So classic looking...
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michaelw

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #6 on: January 24, 2014, 11:00:59 PM »
maybe it's just me, but it sort of looks like there's someone trapped in that 'hog back -
kind of like han solo encased in carbonite, but different ... a little spooky :o


seriously though, it's very nice & thanks for sharing the pics :)
congrats 8)
« Last Edit: January 25, 2014, 12:49:52 AM by michaelw »
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CodeBlueEMT

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2014, 12:47:47 AM »
 Only thing I'm scratching is winter itch. ;) I'll take two of whatever Michael is having tonight. ;D

 Dennis, another beautiful guitar as always.
Shayne

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TaylorMate

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2014, 01:03:14 AM »
That's a beauty, Cigarfan. I had that GC itch ever since I bought my first Taylor, 714. back in 1997. The latter has always beens (and still is) a super instrument, but I kept on dreaming of also having a GC. For you as an obvious lover of blunts: next to my guitar a guitarillo.  And yes, this spring I was enticed by the 522. So I know exactly what you are going through. Very nice soundclip! Love your style and voice.  Better keep the cigars in the box and get this darling out as much as possible.
If you dig it, do it; if you dig it a lot, do it twice (Jim Croce)

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TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2014, 02:35:46 AM »
Another fine looking Taylor. Should fit in nice with your collection. Enjoy!
Susie
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Jersey tuning

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2014, 07:02:15 AM »
Beautiful instrument.   Congrats.

Definitely different tonal quality than my sinker/eir GC 12-fret. A bit crisper and huskier sounding.  Suits your baritone voice.
« Last Edit: January 25, 2014, 07:04:00 AM by Jersey tuning »
CURRENTLY PLAYING

'30 Martin 2-17 solid Mahogany
'97 Tacoma PK-30 Sitka/koa
'99 Alhambra 11C classical cedar/EIR
'05 TAYLOR 614ce 
'07 Breedlove Atlas 12-string Sitka/Mahogany
'10 Froggy Bottom "C" Adi/Brazilian   
'11 TAYLOR BTO GC 12-fret sinker/EIR.  
'14 Alvarez Baritone Sitka/Mahogany
'18 Cordoba hybrid Flamenco Euro Spruce/Ziricote
'23 M. Colbert Baritone Alaskan Sitka/Black Limba multiscale with Manzer wedge

mgap

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2014, 08:35:16 AM »
That is a very nice guitar.  It is beautifully made, and sounds great. ;D  Thanks for the great pics.
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stepchildusmc

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2014, 08:55:54 AM »
congrats CF ! nice score !
( it does look like a Yeti is hiding inside your new 522... i wouldn't sleep for a few days.... just in case!)
my 'hog itch is really rampin' up now. cant wait to get home and find a few ! i may just order one before i leave this rathole and have it ready for me when i get there.
Steppy
2008 NAMM Hot Rod(GA)
2013 spring ltd. 616 ce
2013 616 ce(honeyburst)
2011 Adamas 2080Sr
2014 324
2014 GS mini Hog
2013 GS mini Spruce
2014 GS mini Engelmann (HV)
only thing lacking is the talent !

gdeleo

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2014, 09:11:57 AM »
Very nice Dennis, Congrats!!  I really enjoyed you sound clip, AWESOME!
Gary
2013 Bourgeois OMC Custom
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Dave T

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Re: NGD - 2013 Taylor 522 12-fret
« Reply #14 on: January 25, 2014, 01:24:26 PM »
My local guitar pusher (smile) has one of those in stock and it is very nice, except for the skinny neck! I need 1-7/8" and don't want to go the special order route again so…oh well. Looks very nice and I'm happy for you. Enjoy!

Dave