Why is a guitar made with cocobolo so expensive?

[ewalling]

That's a-nice!!!!  Beautiful instrument, sir!

Thanks a lot! 

[Gutch]

Here are a few examples of Cocobolo that are a part of the herd here at Casa del Gutch...:

1.  '02 814c Custom "TaylorStock"  (Coco/Sitka) -- The one that started it all...




2.  '03 912ce Custom (Coco/Engelmann) -- 1-7/8" nut make this one very comfortable for fingerstyle




3.  '04 910 Custom (Presentation grade Coco/Redwood) -- Beautiful chevron flamed Redwood top made this one very unique.  Has since moved on to a new home.




4.  '05 812ce Custom (Coco/Sitka) -- I thought the revoiced GC body would be a good addition.  In fact, it sounded almost identical to the 814c mentioned above.  This one didn't stick around long - It found a new home with a fingerstylist in New England.




5.  '08 GS Custom (Coco/Engelmann) -- Taylor did a killer job on this one!  Koa binding and rosette with the blank fretboard give this guitar a very understated look from the front.  The tone of this one belies the simple look -- It is an absolute CANNON, yet the responsiveness to dynamics makes it equally sweet to play quietly. 

[michaelw]

Well, this Kremona Solea certainly has both the looks and the sound.

sweet
i checked out the kremona site & there a lot of nice instruments in there -
sapele, walnut, rosewood, lacewood, madagascar rosewood & cypress

since we're sharing coco pics, here are 3
engelmann top GA

adi top GA

sitka top DN

currently there are none -
sometimes difficult decisions need to be made, but i don't regret it for a moment

there will be opportunities for other guitars, but i doubt i'll be able to acquire another fred

[RGtheMusicGuy]

Wish I had a good camera... but this is the back on my '08 Fall LTD Cocobolo

[ewalling]

Wow, some amazing-looking guitars here! I once owned a T5 in cocobolo, and while the guitar wasn't quite for me, I still kinda regret letting such a beautiful instrument go.

[davwir]

I am an admitted Cocobolo addict..
I find its looks and tone to be fantastic, and i especially love what Taylor does with it..
Seeing some of the other pix here, i had to share my own with those that might appreciate..
Im a bit spoiled, for sure...

[Giraku]

Wow! What a collection, davwir!!
I need to print it out in a poster size so that I can touch and drool...

[Gutch]

HOLY COW!!!!      I thought I had a problem -- Not anymore!  You win!!!!!   

Great looking collection of Cocobolo.  How do the electrics sound with the Coco tops as compared to a more common Maple cap or solid Mahogany or Ash?  Warmer?

I am an admitted Cocobolo addict..
I find its looks and tone to be fantastic, and i especially love what Taylor does with it..
Seeing some of the other pix here, i had to share my own with those that might appreciate..
Im a bit spoiled, for sure...

[davwir]

I can't say that I think the tops on the electrics really alter the tone too much.
But it's really pretty to have a Coco top for sure!

[play2praiseHim]

I am not a fan of rosewood on anything larger than an OM, but if you like rosewood, you will go coo-coo for cocobolo! It has everything that indian rosewood has and more. I like it better than brazillian. The trebles are less harsh and glassy. Cocobolo is smoother and rounder in the trebles with less scoop in the midrange. Taylor does cocobolo very well. I think it is worth the up charge, especially on the LTD's. The latest 814ce LTD is a real winner! beautiful appointments, lively, rich, and full of overtones. I think it sounds very much like a Goodall for about half the price.  If you like rosewood, buy cocobolo.