Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Marketplace: Buy, Sell, Trade => Marketplace: Buy, Sell, Trade => Topic started by: Musicianized on June 05, 2012, 10:14:13 PM
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I'm buying a 814ce Sunburst online without playing it from sweetwater music. Am I stupid for not playing them first? They show they have 3 in stock and the salesman said he would play them and pick out the best one for me.
Can I be faithfull that there wont be much of a difference between them and whichever one I get will be totally awesome?? lol
Such a stupid question I'm sure... ???
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Doesn't Sweetwater have a return policy? If you are not happy then return it?
This is one reason to deal w/ the Forum vendors (Guitar Rodeo, LA Guitar, etc.) as they have a proven record, they work hard to get you the guitar you want at a great price and to make sure that you will be happy. Plus "what ifs" like, what if I am not happy with the guitar?
-Gary K
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I didn't realize there was forum vendors...
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We do have vendors here...
1. Guitar Rodeo
2. LA Guitars
3. Northeast Music Center Inc
4. My Favorite Guitars
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I bought my 714 CE-n from Sweetwater and couldnt be happier with the experience. I'm sure the form vendors are great as well.
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there are other exceptional authorized Taylor dealers that are active here also
Jon & Sharon (http://www.myfavoriteguitars.com/home.php?cat=297)
there are also dealers that members here have been very happy with as well
Marty & Don (http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/taylor-guitars.html)
Steve & Lance (http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/acoustics/taylor/index.htm)
Eric (http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/products/acousticguitars/products.php?pcid=10064)
Dave (http://davesguitar.com/products/taylor/condition/new)
Bryan, Dave & Dan (http://www.faziosmusic.com/pdshop/shop/category.aspx?catid=2)
i'm sure that any of them would be more than happy to answer any questions
you may have to help put your mind ease, in terms of ordering a guitar on-line -
i've heard good things about Sweetwater too &
i'm sure others will chime with other suggestions also
good to see you here :)
WELCOME!
glad you found the place -
please make yourself comfortable :D
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Sweetwater and Taylor are two names I would have no problem trusting. If there's an issue, they'll make it right.
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I bought my ES-345 from Sweetwater - perfect guitar, great salesman. I would trust them again when I'm ready.
Also bought From Jim - great experience there too!
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Over the years on various forums I have never heard a bad word about Sweetwater. I think you are quite safe.
-Dave
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Santa got my GS Mini from Sweetwater last Christmas. Brad Moline was my sales guy and he spent time with me by phone and email both before and after the purchase. Once I picked the one I thought I wanted I asked him two things - I didn't want the one off the showroom floor and if there was a nicer looking one feel free to substitute.
The one I got is really nice and their 55 point inspection is a bonus. Of course Taylors come out of the box well but it never hurts to have one looked over, especially if you can't play it first. They have a good reputation and return policy so I felt very comfortable using them, I would buy from them again.
The other vendors here have very good reputations both here and over at AGF so you wouldn't go wrong with any of them.
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I have had several good experiences with Sweetwater. I don't shop there as often as I'd like to though because they are located in Indiana and I have to pay sales tax if I order through them. Their return policy is top notch. A friend of mine at work ordered a Gibson ES-339 from there and it had terribly high action due to a defective neck. I believe they sent him a new one before he even got the original one shipped back to them. The new one was perfect. I think you might be able to get a better deal from some of the Forum vendors, but I think you'll be happy either way.
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Taylor has built a reputation on innovation and consistency. If you line up 10 814ce’s fresh from the factory, 1 might stand out a little from the others. But all in all, you will have 10 fantastic guitars in your hand. I wouldn’t worry about ordering a high end Taylor from a great shop like Sweetwater without playing it first.
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Taylor's consistency plus Sweetwater's great reputation and customer service ... if you must order online, this is about as good a combination as you can get ... I also have dealt with some of the businesses on the forums that were mentioned in an earlier post and have found them to be great folks ...
I do like to test drive any acoustic before I buy but it is rare that an 814 will not be satisfactory. Now, I do believe there are 814's once in a while that have a little something extra just like any acoustic of any brand.
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Huge +1 on Sweetwater. And you already know that Taylor is known for their consistency ...that, and yes, I would trust that the salesman will take the time to pick out what he thinks is the nicer guitar (do let him know what you're looking for, though) ...that outfit and the folks there are topnotch!
That said, in fairness, I'd definitely give vendors who support this Forum an opportunity on a sale. Enough cannot be said for stellar reputation Jim at Guit Rodeo and Ted at LA Guitar have built on this new forum and the AGF over the yeeeeaaars. There are sure to be other venders, but these two get consistent high marks with the added benefit of supporting us folks here ....just sayin :)
Edward
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I have bought two guitars from Jim. Stand up guy and fantastic to do business with.
Good luck on your purchase!
posting pics is appreciated, but it is not a forum rule ... thanks
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I have bought two guitars from Jim. Stand up guy and fantastic to do business with.
Good luck on your purchase!
posting pics is appreciated, but it is not a forum rule ... thanks
nevermind....
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I have bought two guitars from Jim. Stand up guy and fantastic to do business with.
Good luck on your purchase!
posting pics is appreciated, but it is not a forum rule ... thanks
nevermind....
LOL what did you want a pic of? The new guitar?
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I think you made a good choice. I'd be inclined to take my chances than have a salesman select a guitar from the several he has in stock. There is no guarantee that a salesman's preferences would match mine and no certainty he would ship the one he thought was best.
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I think you made a good choice. I'd be inclined to take my chances than have a salesman select a guitar from the several he has in stock. There is no guarantee that a salesman's preferences would match mine and no certainty he would ship the one he thought was best.
You might try your local Taylor dealer, mine have always matched prices, and then you can try the guitar before you make a choice based on what you hear by comparing them. I will tell you one thing my dealer always gives me great service with a friendly smile in person. Plus they have helped me multiple times with set ups, truss rod adjustments on the spot and never charged me. In fact the only time they charge me is if it is sent to a lutherie.
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I think you made a good choice. I'd be inclined to take my chances than have a salesman select a guitar from the several he has in stock. There is no guarantee that a salesman's preferences would match mine and no certainty he would ship the one he thought was best.
You might try your local Taylor dealer, mine have always matched prices, and then you can try the guitar before you make a choice based on what you hear by comparing them. I will tell you one thing my dealer always gives me great service with a friendly smile in person. Plus they have helped me multiple times with set ups, truss rod adjustments on the spot and never charged me. In fact the only time they charge me is if it is sent to a lutherie.
I have only bought from local dealers.
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I was happy with the service from Jim at Guitar Rodeo. He took my money! Now for the long wait till Monday... :)
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I'm buying a 814ce Sunburst online without playing it from sweetwater music. Am I stupid for not playing them first? They show they have 3 in stock and the salesman said he would play them and pick out the best one for me.
Can I be faithfull that there wont be much of a difference between them and whichever one I get will be totally awesome?? lol
Such a stupid question I'm sure... ???
With Taylors amazing consistency you are absolutely safe in ordering your 814ce without playing it first. The guys at Sweetwater are amazing, you are in good hands with them and it's bonus that they have three in stock and can cherry pick one for you.
Oops, looks like we posted about the same time Musicianized, I see you didn't order from Sweetwater afterall. Either way you are in good hands, congrats on the new 814ce!
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Yeah Jim done the same for me also. He had a brand new one from the factory come in yesterday and he compared the one he already had and the new one and is sending me the brand new one.
I'm so stoked to get it....
I've been playing on a Ibanez Performer AE that the top is all bowed up and you could drive a schoolbus under the 7th fret lol... Probably the worse taylor ever made would be a major improvement.. ;D
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Yeah Jim done the same for me also. He had a brand new one from the factory come in yesterday and he compared the one he already had and the new one and is sending me the brand new one.
Please, post some pics of that 814ce, now you've got me excited to see it!
-Gary K
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Sounds like you are getting a great guitar and I know it's coming from a great dealer. My BTO from Jim arrived this week and I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to see some pics. I love the look of the TSB 814ce. Enjoy the new guitar!
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Thanks all I will definitelyu post pics.. It will be here Monday.. I wish I could drive to the UPS dock in Wyoming MI and pic it up tomorrow lol, it's so close yet so far away. :-[
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Congratulations on your purchase! Please keep us updated with a review and pics once UPS comes through.
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Can you give us some feedback on your purchase and vendor?
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Congrats! Looking forward to your pics!
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First, let me compliment your outstanding taste! 8) I bought my 814ce (TSB) from Jim and James at Guitar Rodeo... a first class experience and a beautiful looking and playing guitar!
It was the first time in 48 years of guitar playing that I bought a guitar without playing it (OK, without even seeing it, in person). I was on pins and needles awaiting the arrival...
here's the thread: http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=2440.0
I have no doubt you will be delighted with the guitar and the service from Guitar Rodeo.
Congrats!
Captain Jim
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I've done the same with Buffalo Bros. They've even played over the phone for me so I could hear the difference. I realize that the phone is not the best audio device in the world but it made for a good comparison tool!
I was always happy...with three transactions.
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I got my 814ce late last year from Jim as well. You will not be disappointed!
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Thanks for the input everyone. I'm glad I got a heads up on the site vendors. I talked to Jim at Rodeo Guitars today and he is selling 814ce's in sunburst at an awesome price that blows everyone else out.. He also seems like a straight up guy and was a pleasure to talk with. I'll be ordering my new 814 tomorrow!! :)
I can tell you my experience trying out 814ce. I went with 2 other friends at a local store. They had three 814ce (two 12' & one 11'). We tried them for an hour. Two of us ended up liking guitar A and my second friend liked guitar C. I have to say, Taylor 814ce are pretty consistent and would have liked any of the three 814ce. But two of us picked guitar A because it had slightly more resonant "bell" like treble. My second friend picked guitar C because it felt a little more comfortable playing it. Now, the differences I described are very minimal, only able to tell when AB in a very quiet room. Enjoy your 814!
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Since the poster asked about Sweetwater, I'll say that I've never heard a bad thing about Sweetwater. I've never purchased from them, but I know people who have, and all say they will in the future.
There are many good dealers out there, and Sweetwater is most certainly one of them.
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they've got a pretty cool engelmann adi CV imbuia 814ce
with 03 appointments & 04 single ring rosette too :)
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I recently bought a used Taylor from Jim at Guitar Rodeo. We had a nice phone conversation and he seemed very familiar with the guitar I was interested in.
The price was right, the shipping was fast, and I'm thrilled with my "new' Taylor.
I've also purchased supplies and strings from Sweetwater and have never had a problem.
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No worries with Sweetwater.
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Sweetwater is goooooood to work with in my experience. Good luck!
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Plus 1 for Sweetwater. Really happy with my purchase. Especially with the detailed photos for each serial number they stock. And best part of all, if your unhappy they will take it back no questions asked.
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Sweetwater is great to work with I bought my GS many ther (Hog)
Carl
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I've ordered twice from Sweetwater (PA gear, electronics, and accessories - never a guitar) and they were both positive consumer experiences. Easy to work with, prompt shipment, correct contents.
The only negative thing I have to say is their "follow-up" policy. Seems that the sales staff have strict orders to follow up several times with phone calls to see if you are happy with the purchase. If I were not happy, they would certainly know promptly. While post-sale follow-up is not necessarily a bad thing, they kept calling my work cell phone early in the morning (I am in a different time zone) waking me up and using up my cell minutes. Despite repeated requests to stop they kept on calling, so I eventually was forced to block their number. After a dozen or so unanswered calls over the next three months, they finally gave up. So instead of a warm fuzzy feeling of support I was left with a sense of harassment, and have not ordered from them since. Just be careful what phone number you give them when ordering. I wish I had given them the fax number.
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I've ordered twice from Sweetwater (PA gear, electronics, and accessories - never a guitar) and they were both positive consumer experiences. Easy to work with, prompt shipment, correct contents.
The only negative thing I have to say is their "follow-up" policy. Seems that the sales staff have strict orders to follow up several times with phone calls to see if you are happy with the purchase. If I were not happy, they would certainly know promptly. While post-sale follow-up is not necessarily a bad thing, they kept calling my work cell phone early in the morning (I am in a different time zone) waking me up and using up my cell minutes. Despite repeated requests to stop they kept on calling, so I eventually was forced to block their number. After a dozen or so unanswered calls over the next three months, they finally gave up. So instead of a warm fuzzy feeling of support I was left with a sense of harassment, and have not ordered from them since. Just be careful what phone number you give them when ordering. I wish I had given them the fax number.
I'm not sure when it was you last bought from Sweetwater, but I bought a 316ce just this last December. My salesperson, Clint, did call once to follow up and that was it. It was my second Taylor purchased from them in a little over a year and received only one follow up call then as well. It might be the salesperson or maybe they have changed their sales policy. I have had nothing but great experiences with them.
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It's been a couple of years since my last Sweetwater order. They must have called me at least a dozen times over the 3-4 months following the initial order, which I felt was excessive telemarketing. Let me reiterate that I was quite happy with the product, the value provided, and the service. My only complaint is the post-purchase "ambulance chasing". I'm glad to hear that they no longer do that.