I can't help it - I'm at that "curious age"... for those who aren't familiar, old enough to be retired, but young at heart enough to still look around. Don't get me wrong, I am in a committed relationship... several of them, actually.
But, you know, sometimes you just want to see if what you've heard is true.
What's that? Checking out
what?? Hey, this IS a guitar forum, take that someplace else.
A norther blew in, and my lovely wife had a slight case of cabin fever. She suggested lunch out, a stop for some fabric she wanted (for a boat project), and I could stop at Guitar Center to pick up some strings. The high E-string on my 814 has started sounding a bit "warbbly" (yes, I think I made up that word... maybe "twangy" would be more accurate?).
After lunch and fabric shopping (yes, I live an exciting life
), we stopped at our nearest GC. I picked up a few sets of different strings to try out, while the Blonde looked around. She said, "I assume you want to look in the acoustic room before we go?"
Yes, a silly question. Nothing I need, but, like walking on the beach on a nice day, it's always a pleasure to look. What's that?? Yes, I'm talking about the shells and the pretty water - what were you thinking??
Where was I? Oh yeah, looking at guitars. I'm really not a "comparing" kinda guy - I know what I like. I am crazy about what I have. The young man who sold me the strings asked what kind of guitar I have... I led with my favorite and said, "A Taylor 814."
"Ohhhh -
really nice! That is my favorite guitar in this place. I play that one every chance I get."
Now, I'm sure that he is just doing that for the eventual owner, helping to move along the "opening up" process.
OK, I am digressing again. There was nothing in that place that turned my head. I happen to think the bursts on my 814 and T5 are as pretty as it gets. Then, I saw a Rainsong hanging up high. Just making conversation, I asked that same young man, "Have you ever played one of those?"
"No, I haven't. I like wood." I nodded in agreement. He said, "Want me to get it down for you?"
"Nah, I was just wondering what they play like."
"Let's find out," he said and scrambled up the ladder in a flash. He handed me the guitar. Interesting carbon fiber texture under that glossy finish. I pulled out a pick and sat down to give it a try... it sounded good. The guitar felt nice... I guess I was expecting it to be cold and lifeless. If that's what I was expecting, I was wrong. Don't get me wrong - it didn't move me like my 814 does. But, it was a nice instrument.
No, I'm not considering any changes. For full disclosure, though, I have been around long enough to know better than to say, "If I can get that _______ (fill in the blank), I'll never ask for anything ever again."
Yes, I know this is a Taylor forum, unofficial or otherwise. I just wanted to show I have an open mind. The idea of "humidity be darned" is interesting. We used to race sailboats - I understand the allure of carbon fiber. I also appreciate the warmth of wood.
When I handed that guitar back to the young man, I said, "Now, you play it - see what you think." He played... well. The guitar sounded good from this side, too. Another thing I learned here. As he was putting the guitar back, he said, "It's no 814, though."
Smart kid.
Best wishes,
Captain Jim
