Why is Taylor so polarizing?

[bo1142]

It seems that after exploring other forums in the past few days, Taylor is either love/hate with some people.  While I personally prefer Taylor over other brands, I don't like to talk bad about other manufacturers, as they are getting people playing music, which is great IMHO.  So why is it that Taylor seems to get so much heat when brought up in conversation with guitar "purist"?

[flaggerphil]

I think you get the same kind of thing with any guitar snob, no matter what the brand.  You get the same kind of situation with other objects...such as...oh...motorcycles.

[bo1142]

I know, but it seems Taylor really get their share, and then some.

[Ed422]

IMO, there are a couple reasons...

Bringing CNC manufacturing to high(er) end guitars

Introducing neck profiles targetted towards electric players switching to acoustic

Introducing a new EQ profile to acoustic guitars...  some call it "thin and reedy".  More emphasis on string separation and mid-highs and less on thumpy bass.

All of the re-designs.

And , gosh darn it, they don't follow the Martin standard designations.  (lol)

........  I really think it has to do with the total departure from tradition, and to some extent, thumbing their noses at it.

Ed

[Taildragger]

Yup, guitars, motorcycles, guns, and politics. They are all touchy subjects.

I think there are a lot of different aspects to the polarization. Martin is steeped in tradition, and Taylor is still a comparatively new guy on the block who is now matching sales with, and in some respects dictating Martin design decisions with the announcement of the Performing Artist series. Sure, there are differences, but they have Taylor written all over them!

Ultimately, who cares! Play what you like and encourage others to play what they like as well!

-mike

[forhim]

I heard a story from Kenny at Texas Guitar Workshop about Taylor not being taken seriously at the Grand Ol Oprey for the longest time.  They were strict traditionalists, apparently favoring Martin, Gibson and whatever else traditionally was used. 

Probably has a lot to do with the mechanization of the  Taylor line...which I totally don't mind.  I acquired a Taylor 414ce-LTD from a fellow forum member (thanks Boon) that is a stellar guitar.  It is now my only guitar...I gifted my 99 614 to my lead guitarist...I'm so happy I was able to do that.  He now has it to call his own and I don't have to carry two guitars for our acoustic worship sets...lol

 

Oh, and he totally has no issue with Taylor either.

[Scriptor]

Why is Taylor so polarizing?

This is actually a testimony to excellence.  Most any truly successful organization, be it sports team or company, will invoke strong feelings pro and con.  In true excellent fashion, Taylor doesn't take their detractors too seriously.  They just keep inovating and trying to make the acoustic guitar world a better place.  They don't rest on past accomplishments and aren't afraid to question themselves when they think something can be improved. 

[John429]

It seems that after exploring other forums in the past few days, Taylor is either love/hate with some people.  While I personally prefer Taylor over other brands, I don't like to talk bad about other manufacturers, as they are getting people playing music, which is great IMHO.  So why is it that Taylor seems to get so much heat when brought up in conversation with guitar "purist"?

You know, I thought I would take a shot at your question. My other interest is classic Fords and I have often smiled while reading guitar posts as to how similar the Martin -vs- Taylor thing is to posts I see on car forums discussing Ford -vs- Chevy. I think it is human nature for some folks to find a product they like (whatever that product may be - guitar, car, etc.) and want to become competitive with other brands in that same genre. So, I don't think this is anything unique to Taylor guitars but just typical competitive behavior that some humans exhibit with the gadgets they like! Just my $0.02

[michaelw]

i agree with Scriptor

imho, Taylor is a company that refuses to do things the way they've always been done -
the tone, playability, feel, aesthetics, build processes are constantly refined, redefined & always ever-changing

the GA, UV finish, sapele & ovangkol, Fishman OnBoard pre-amps, NT neck, 'monkey-butt' deluxe cases,
01 900 series, NS, Taylor tuners, ES, 100/200s, T5, GS, T3, SB, X16ce, BTO, GS mini, 11 900 & PS series ...

i don't believe that there is another builder that has made as many changes &
brought as many new ideas, concepts, instruments to the table in such a short time &
i feel that other builders have taken notice & have 'taken a page from their playbook'

to have a presence that evokes such strong emotions, pro or con, is good -
it keeps things interesting, new & refreshing ... not just the 'same-old, same-old'

[Edward]

All the above has summed it up, IMHO.  One can never discount the power of resentment.  Yeah, sad, but lots of folks seem to naturally fall in to resenting the successful.   Whether in sports, music, tech, business, whatever: the higher one rises in mainstream success, the larger the red bulls-eye grows.  I do believe that's the unfortunate nature of many a person, and it's as if we have to resist the initial, seemingly-reflex response, against the successful and look at the real merits of said individual (or company), and only then draw our conclusions from objective data and real outcomes.  But lets face it, that takes mental energy and maturity ...facets I fall short of daily! 

Ok, enough philophizing so early in the am ...gotta get a cup o joe to kick-start the day! 

Edward

[Terry]

Human nature for some folks  to tear down the things they don't have to enhance the perceived value of what they do possess.
"When all think alike, no one is thinking very much. .."

[Guitar Rodeo]

The world is filled with excellent guitars and superb makers. Just the same, Taylor has never been afraid of being their own style of guitar, and some people like them, some don't. As noted above, this has taken them far and they have a solid record of innovation. One of their strengths is their "big picture" approach not only to the guitars but to the entire scope of the guitar business. They are a shining example of the wisdom of moral soundness. They lead the way in responsible fair trade practices and set the pace for resource stewardship. I believe this approach will matter more and more as time goes on. Consumers are more conscious of the practices of companies whose products they buy. By following a "best practices" approach to all aspects of their business, they assure themselves of a loyal customer base for years to come. It is pretty easy for me to be an advocate of a product that sets standards like these. Like them or not, Taylor runs a tight ship and a just and fair business.

[dkoloff]

IMO, there are a couple reasons...

Bringing CNC manufacturing to high(er) end guitars

Introducing neck profiles targetted towards electric players switching to acoustic

Introducing a new EQ profile to acoustic guitars...  some call it "thin and reedy".  More emphasis on string separation and mid-highs and less on thumpy bass.

All of the re-designs.

And , gosh darn it, they don't follow the Martin standard designations.  (lol)

........  I really think it has to do with the total departure from tradition, and to some extent, thumbing their noses at it.

Ed

Ed,

Think you hit on it.....even though tradtional in some senses the reasons stated have made them have less "snob appeal".

[Andromeda]

Before I purchased my first Taylor I heard so much misinformation. People told me they were built too thin and were prone to cracking. Thank goodness I didn't listen!

[DMBfan41]

A ton of good reasons here already.  Innovators are normally not well-received at first.

Coming from a martial arts background, it is often said that "time will either promote you or expose you".  I believe this applies here with Taylor guitars as well.

Price doesn't make them anymore acceptable but you get what you pay for.  You want a quality product that exhibits superb sound that will stand the test of time, the elements, and playing?  Then pay for it.  If not, buy accordingly. 

Taylor has a consistent product that is being seen more and more in the public entertainment arena.  There is a reason for that.  However, I didn't purchase my first guitar because of an endorsing artist.  I purchased it because I wanted the best my money could buy.