NGD -- PS56ce "Milagro"

[timfitz63]

I was contacted in June by the salesman with whom I'd worked at Willcutt Guitars in Lexington, KY about a unique opportunity being offered by Taylor.  As many of you already know, Taylor has been purging their inventory of exotic woods, including Brazilian Rosewood.  Apparently, Taylor had a special stash of Brazilian Rosewood that was also being offered, available only as an upgrade to the new 900 Series guitars or the Presentation Series guitars:  "Milagro" (translated as "miracle").  This Brazilian Rosewood was sourced from a particular 400-year-old tree (a la Mahogany's "The Tree") and is supposed to be the best-of-the-best where Brazilian Rosewood is concerned.  And if I recall correctly, only 50 sets of "Milagro" were available from Taylor.  As you might surmise, the upgrade to "Milagro" adds a substantial premium to the guitar...

The prospect was intriguing nonetheless.  Not having a Brazilian Rosewood 12-string, I thought this would be a good opportunity to create a "crown jewel" for my Taylor collection.  After due consideration (which took place over the next couple of months), I commissioned a PS56ce with the "Milagro" upgrade.  It arrived at Willcutt just after Christmas -- my gift to myself.

Sadly, I have not yet held or played the guitar; but I've received some photos (see attached).  Aside from the back, side and backstrap woods (all "Milagro"), the guitar is a standard PS56ce.  Although I was not able to personally select the wood set, I have to say it's the nicest set of "Milagro" that I've seen so far.  The guys at Willcutt seem to think so too...!

[mgap]

All I can say is WOW!   That is a beautiful guitar.  Nicely laid out timfitz63.  Hope you give us a complete overview of your new acquisition.  Plus all the pictures you can offer.

The Ps models have a whole lot of bling don't they.  Love the little extra they add to the bridge.  The back wood is very unique and very nice.  Of course I dig all those Gotoh 510s.  Congratulations !

[Strumming Fool]

Gorgeous, just gorgeous, Tim. Congrats!

[Earl]

Way cool, Tim.  Enjoy!
Probably somewhat less than an engine overhaul for the plane, eh?

[Craig]

Wow, that deserves to be #1 on the 2016 NGD thread.

Craig

[TaylorGirl]

Wow, that deserves to be #1 on the 2016 NGD thread.

Craig

Yes, I agree!
Wow, what an elegant 12-string. You did well! That would have been very hard to sit and wait for. Hope to get a full review after you get it. A big congratulations to you, Tim.

[George]

Veeeery nice Tim - the Crown Jewels indeed!  What a stunner.  When will you get your hands on it?

[Cindy]

What a gorgeous guitar! Hope you will have it in hand soon!

[Edward]

Ohhhh man, Tim,

Yeah, "Crown Jewel" says it all: that is one seriously nice and unique Taylor that easily qualifies as top shelf (and with your stunning collection, "top shelf" ain't easy!).  Huge congrats on a very special guitar!  And special kudos to you for commissioning it as a 12er which makes it even specialer in my mind.  I have one stunning 12-string with which I will never part, you've got a family of them ...well done!

Needless to say, we eagerly await your tone impressions ...as do you, I'm sure

EDIT: I can't stop from clicking between each of your pics: stunning instrument, just captivating!

Edward

[shorty]

Breathtaking!! Congrats and enjoy!!

[Jersey tuning]

Beautiful and fascinating.  Breedlove gives some insight into Milagros and other rare Brazilian redwood trees in the following link.

http://breedlovemusic.com/blog/breedlove-acquires-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-legal-brazilian-rosewoo

[timfitz63]

Wow!  So many comments so quickly!  Rather than address all the compliments directly, I'll just give everyone a general "thank you," and promise that I'll definitely provide a review once I finally do get to play the guitar!  To answer a few of the direct questions/comments:

... The Ps models have a whole lot of bling don't they...

They do indeed!  Over time, I've come to appreciate the Presentation Series accoutrements.

... Probably somewhat less than an engine overhaul for the plane, eh?

Yes, Earl, but not by as much as one might have hoped...!

... When will you get your hands on it?

Most likely I won't get to strum it for another 2-3 weeks, depending on weather.  Our flight test project in Alabama has not yet concluded; I came back to Alabama directly from spending the holidays in Pittsburgh, and won't set foot in Lexington, KY until later this month.

... Breedlove gives some insight into Milagros and other rare Brazilian redwood trees in the following link.

http://breedlovemusic.com/blog/breedlove-acquires-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-legal-brazilian-rosewoo

That's a great link for the background history on the wood.  Thanks, "Jersey!"

[kcnbys]

Wowzers!  What a beauty - congrats and enjoy it!

[Frettingflyer]

Wow Tim, "Crown Jewel" for sure. Bet this will be a long three weeks! I think it qualifies for 2016 NGD because you didn't get to play it until 2016. Better use of funds than an engine overhaul too:)
Looking forward to mote pics and a review, maybe even audio? Looks awesome, hope it sounds even better.

[timfitz63]

Once again, thanks for the compliments, guys!  Like you, Dave, I'm hopeful that the guitar's tone lives up to the reports about "Milagro" Brazilian Rosewood!

Wow, that deserves to be #1 on the 2016 NGD thread.

Craig

Yes, I agree...!

... I think it qualifies for 2016 NGD because you didn't get to play it until 2016...

Well, it seems that the grassroots movement has spoken!  This guitar is #1 for 2016...!