Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Nicky Midss on October 03, 2015, 12:09:09 AM
-
Martin has the golden age d-45 as its holy grail of guitars.
What model/era Taylor would be considered that?
-
This is a good question, but I imagine you'll get as many different answers as there are forum members -- especially if we're going to throw tone into the equation, which is such a subjective matter...
To me, for something to be considered a "holy grail" it would have to be unique, desirable (collectible) for one or more reasons, and rather difficult to obtain due to limited numbers produced. Given that premise, and the relatively limited time in which Taylor has been producing guitars (compared to Martin), I'll put forth the Liberty Tree T5 (https://www.taylorguitars.com/news/2008/06/26/taylor-readies-release-liberty-tree-t5). There were only 50 made (in fact, it's considered Taylor's second "Builder's Reserve" guitar); each one is unique in that they were numbered and named for each of the 50 states, in the order in which that state entered the Union; they all got scooped up immediately; and they just don't come up for sale very often -- and never at anything resembling a reasonable price... :o
I would venture a guess that the first thirteen (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island) are the most desirable units in the series; and given the source of the wood used in these guitars (the last-surviving Liberty Tree that was in Annapolis, MD), #7 (Maryland) is probably the most desirable among those...
But which is considered the best-sounding Taylor...? Whew! Good luck getting a consensus on that question...! We all can't seem to agree whether the the recent bracing changes were good or bad... ;) I'd generally say any Taylor made with Brazilian Rosewood; but not even all of us agree on that premise...
-
2010 910 with the Cindy inlays because that what I have. Seriously though I think something from Lemon Grove.
-
I've played a lot a Taylors over the years, and am very fortunate to have whittled it down to two that really do it all for me. So this is not a question that is easily answered, to say the least.
Even with Martin, one has many eras, as well as hallmark models, to consider. Then there's the current-production Authentic line that is supposed to be the modern Martin "holy grail." So even with this time-honored breed, the question is impossible to narrow to one.
So I'll answer the OP this way: the "ultimate" Taylor out there is any R.Taylor.
It's still a "Taylor" through and through, but not a production-line guitar. But it's all Taylor in ethic, craftsmanship, and innovation ...with lots of true luthier man hours poured into hand-tuning and hand-crafting the best-sounding instrument they can. Yup, I've played lots of wonderful Taylors (and quite a few that were just "meh") over the years. But there's not been a single RT I've ever had in my hands that has ever failed to impress.
Edward
-
Edward's got the best answer, most likely. BTW, there is a good looking Style 2 on Craigslist Scottsdale, Az. Hog/Cedar, and slotted headstock.
-
Really in the eye (and ear) of the beholder, but many have opined that Taylor's golden age was in the mid to late nineties, as many suggest that Martin's golden age was in the 1930s. I think that the mid to late nineties was the period where Taylor solidified its now iconic personality that we've come to know and love. So if I had to pick a holy grail standard model, it would be the 914 with its Engelmann top and Cindy adornments. Very pretty guitars with an unforgettable tone. Just my opinion...
-
Edward's got the best answer, most likely...
Yeah, I'd forgotten about the R. Taylor line. Those guitars are probably the pinnacle of Taylors. I've personally only come across one.
-
But there's not been a single RT I've ever had in my hands that has ever failed to impress.
Then you haven't played enough of them! I really, really wanted to like an Adirondack/mahogany Style 3, but it was unremarkable. But I digress.
The Grand Auditorium shape is distinctly Taylor (20 years old now), and the Presentation Series is their ultimate production model, so a PS-14 by that reasoning would be the "Holy Grail" of Taylors.
-
I fully realize that there may be those RTs out there that won't float my boat ...anything is possible. I just haven't found that stinker yet. But heck, there were/are quite a number of Taylors that didn't/don't impress me (and that's being kind as some had/have truly make me scratch my head).
This is no disparagement whatsoever to the marque I love and have deep respect and admiration for; I am an unabashed Taylor guy. But I've learned to be very objective as I proceed on this walk. And I'm also not tonedeaf :D
So the numbers and experience speak to me: Taylor offers very good odds of "yes, that'll work just fine." While RT has, thus far, proven to be quite the homerun hitter. And, of course, all the above IMHO. :)
Edward
-
I don't know if it's their best guitar, but I would think that the 814ce is considered the Taylor "flagship".
-
I have a '99 Taylor 910 which I bought (new) because I found a Martin D-45 too expensive for me.
After all these years the top has aged in an almost gold colour, very special. The abalone is superb (canmot be compared with what I see these days), the binding details are soo nice (wood+red line). And the guitar still has the prefect action. Soundwise it has improved greatly as well.
There aren't many things that I don't like about my 910. Maybe the Rosewood headstock overlay (would have preferred ebony).
It is a guitar that has never let me down in any respect. Maybe the Presentation series would be an alternative, but I find the older 900 series a bit more stylish.
-
Maybe the Presentation series would be an alternative, but I find the older 900 series a bit more stylish.
Couldn't agree more. The 90s 900s rock!
-
I think I read in Wood & Steel that Bob Taylor said the difference between Martin and Taylor is that Martin's best guitars were made 70-80 years ago while Taylors keep getting better every year.
That being said, I would love to have a new Martin to go along with my 314ce. After visiting the factory this summer, I have to say the Factory Delivery program seems pretty cool to me.
-
I think I read in Wood & Steel that Bob Taylor said the difference between Martin and Taylor is that Martin's best guitars were made 70-80 years ago while Taylors keep getting better every year.
I love it!
-
Who decided that Martin's GE D-45 was the "holy grail"? Frankly, I would think a 1939 D-45 would fit that bill.
I was at a dealer once while the Taylor rep was there. He and the dealer were talking about Taylor's company plane. The rep said that they wanted the tail number "814CE", but it was taken, so they went with "914CE".
Given that Taylor wanted "814CE", for me, that would suggest that Taylor believes the 814CE is the most important guitar they've made, so I would say the 814CE.
-
I think of the 814ce being akin to the HD-28 (the "Mainstays"), and the 914ce more akin to the D45 (the "Grails"). More bling, top woods, not over the top (like the D-100/PS).
-
Is the holy grail the most popular or the best? They may be different things.
-
Is the holy grail the most popular or the best? They may be different things.
"Most popular" would be fairly easy to define, whereas "best" is very subjective.
-
To me, the holy grail is seemingle unattainable and legendary, such as the Martin D-45 (with the D-28 being more attainable). I chose the 914, because it is Taylor's highest level rosewood guitar in keeping with the classic rosewood spruce tradition.
-
Don't know about "Holy Grail" Guitars but the best ones I played was the late 90's 510 WMB the local shop and my good friend had.
-
I'd have to say any 2004 900 L7 Brazilian.
Or my Kenny Loggings KLSM
-
While most would agree that Martin's 1930's D45 and 000-45 guitars are holy grail worthy, Taylor holy grail status is on a personal level via the BTO program. No one stock model Taylor has yet risen to holy grail status, but it is possible to have crafted your own particular holy grail.............
-
Good point Jersey...my cedar/rosewood BTO has a bit of the holy grail vibe going on at least for me....
-
For me, it would be a mid-90's 912 or 912c with Engelmann... to really go nuts Brazilian back and sides, although I don't know if they made them with BRW. I've really grown into a rosewood guy and love the GC/OM body size.
-
Is the holy grail the most popular or the best? They may be different things.
All I know is that I never really believed in those vintage Martins to be so good that they match their high prices.
Until I played a D28 and an OM28 from around 1930. These guitars were both very different, yet I have never played an instrument that comes close to one of these. There was something magical on both of them. I've played hundreds of guitars in my life and also own 20+ premium guitars. But none has the sound I experienced in these old Martins.
Holy Grail = something you don't have and is very very hard to get?
-
holy grail is a non-existant item of mythological and allegorical origins for which many have searched but no one has found.
. . . hmmmm, was that 'san greal' or 'sang real'?
-
For me, it would be a mid-90's 912 or 912c with Engelmann... to really go nuts Brazilian back and sides, although I don't know if they made them with BRW. I've really grown into a rosewood guy and love the GC/OM body size.
I appreciate reading this because I only have one Taylor, and it is exactly this (not BRW, but I think EIRW). My other wood acoustic is a Santa Cruz (SCGC) Firefly. I like smaller guitars.
As for "holy grail", I honestly don't know since I really have not played many Taylors, but I do think my 912c is a fine instrument. :)
Tony
-
I was thinking about this. For me, I can't answer the question in terms of a guitar. I think it's because I see Taylor as never being stagnant, always trying to "one up" (to quote Walt Disney.....similar philosophies). Always trying to improve the products and never accepting something as the best that can be done. I see Taylor as wanting to make every single guitar a great guitar, whether it's a 100 series or it's a Presentation Series. All guitars are important and that's why we see so many great examples on this forum. We are all trying to find that one or those few that really match the type of player we are. We are looking for that fit. That doesn't mean what we love is Taylor's best, it means it fits what we are looking for really well. This is hard to say, but think of it this way. If there was one holy grail for Taylor, would so many of us have so many Taylors? I guess Taylor's never quit attitude is their holy grail to me. To quote another company (which I won't go into)....."it's always too soon to quit."
-
For some folks it may be the Taylor you plan to get next.
Am going to look at it a bit differently, as in maybe the guitar that helped define something. That way, a number of instruments would fit. The Liberty Tree guitars. The 912 with Cindy inlay. The 855 jumbo 12 string. Each guitar in a way helped define what a Taylor guitar is to some folks. The Liberty Tree because it had a lot of crossover press, including the cover of American Forests magazine. The 912 with Cindy inlay is in my mind the guitar that really helped establish Taylor as not just a good fingerpicking guitar, but also one that could look really nice on stage. And the 855 could be considered the 12 string that helped break the hold Guild had on the market.
With all that said, for myself the Holy Grail (or at least grail shaped) guitar would be the paisley jumbo made for Prince. In my mind it is the guitar that really got Taylor off the ground from a small struggling operation to a "legitimate" guitar builder in the eyes of many. And will also consider it a grail as it was for sale at least a couple of times. And I've held the guitar. (For those interested, it sat in a closet at The Podium in Dinkytown, MN when the shop was the bottom floor of a house).
-
For me, it would be a mid-90's 912 or 912c with Engelmann... to really go nuts Brazilian back and sides, although I don't know if they made them with BRW. I've really grown into a rosewood guy and love the GC/OM body size.
I appreciate reading this because I only have one Taylor, and it is exactly this (not BRW, but I think EIRW). My other wood acoustic is a Santa Cruz (SCGC) Firefly. I like smaller guitars.
As for "holy grail", I honestly don't know since I really have not played many Taylors, but I do think my 912c is a fine instrument. :)
Tony
Enjoy it, Tony! The 912's are fantastic.
-
For anyone,
I think the Hand Build Lemon Grove's are A potential candidate!
I got an an 810 and Ohw my goodness,.... You can not compare anny other Taylor guitar with it.
It is so much warmer sounded than the new ones (And not that they are bad, not at all). Obviously the age (1981) playes an roll.
But realy these guitars sets the tone. Taylor did not get this big, making bad guiters back in the days where they started :D
-
I started my Taylor journey in 2000 with a 810Bce LOTF.
The earlier 900s up to 2000, In my mind are a prize.
Runner up KLSM/Kenny Loggins Signature Model. Have had 3, still one of the 100 made.
Got stuck on the 2004 900 L7's, Brazilian/Engelmann , 19 years later I ended up with 3(again)
My "Holy Grail"
912ceL7
914ceL7
915ceL7
I have many cool Taylors, But the #'s talk for L7 900's
X12 16 made
X14 36 made
X10 10 made
X15 5 made
-
Hmmm. This is right up my alley
First, technically, R.Taylor was always a complete separate company, even tho the six builders worked in a small building adjacent Taylor’s huge El Cajon campus.
I vote for an early or first year (1996) 514c, no e. Check all the hits recorded with “Excalibur”. One big producer’s studio weapon.
Too bad the informative video on line is out of tune! Hahaha
I have had 4 of these, and may have one again!
Cheers
Paul
-
R.Taylor ...nice that you brought that up, Paul!
Fwiw, I do think these are the pinnacle of the Taylor guitar. Yes, the 900s are fabulous. But the RTs, to me, are really something special. I don't often like to bring them up on forums as they seem to attract derision from folks ...oh, that typical "its just a toyota dressed as a lexus" drivel. Not to my ears and hands, and certainly not the ones I own. And I am pretty darn critical --and objective-- and have no qualms about stating what I don't like. There is no shortage of really fine Taylors. But for me, every R.Taylor over years past that I've personally tried was in more than one measure a cut above the production line. And I certainly ain't ever getting rid of mine because they are that special!
Edward
-
Another candidate
1994-99 LKSM 12 string
Hard to fault the LKSM 12 ! Made to be tuned down to C# or even C with MEDIUM gauge strings. Don’t tune it up to E with them or it may explode…
Get ready to RUMBLE.
Paul
-
For me, it is my 1991 515 Ltd. which is a spruce/mahogany Jumbo with a soft cutaway. The woods are beautiful, and the guitar has great dynamic range. To my ear the guitar is a bit warmer sounding compared to some of the more recent Taylor models, and after 30 years of playing I still smile every time I play that guitar. It gets pretty loud when flat picked but also sounds great fingerstyle. In early 2003 I sent the guitar back to Taylor for a neck adjustment under warranty. During that process I asked the Taylor shop if my 515 Ltd. was a predecessor of the LKSM 6-string which had been released in 1997 or about then (they look identical except my 515 has dot markers on the fret board vs. none on the LKSM 6). They confirmed that mine was "basically" the same build as the LKSM 6. Over the years I can recall seeing two 515 Ltd.s for sale, but they seem to be pretty rare. My guess is that most owners of this model are like me and know a good thing when they hear it.