Judging by the response to this thread, I'm guessing that the T3 has little interest for the folks here. Even more ominous is the fact that neither my local Sam Ash or GC have had any in (as far as I know); Elderly Instruments doesn't stock them, despite having around 50 Taylor acoustics at any one time, and even Guitar Rodeo didn't have any when I checked yesterday.
I got a more enthusiastic response to this question on The Gear Page, but someone there reckons Taylor may be considering winding down its electric models given their scarcity in stores and conspicuous absence in the recent edition of Wood and Steel. I'm still intrigued by this guitar, though. The review in Premier Guitar Magazine was unconditionally positive and the guitar looks beautiful and a dream to play.
Well as far as Taylor's electrics go, I just don't think there is much of a following anywhere, not just in this forum. If Bob and kurt had a tough time breaking into the acoustic market in 74, I think their strategy of offering superior build and playability at that time was their trump card. And as is often said, the rest is history. But what do they bring to the electric world's table? Nothing new or ground breaking, IMHO. This is no slam on them at all, as I am an ardent Taylor fan. But as an avid player for many a decade, I personally never witnessed any "inherent excitement" imbued by their electrics, contrast this to what their acoustics bring to the marketplace; and this, since their inception.
If I may speculate on this, perhaps one reason for the tepid reception by the buying public is that there are far more good electrics out there that make for a very competitive field (as opposed to inexpensive acoustics that are
also really good ...c'mon, it's easier to do good-n-cheap on a 'lectric
), and at all price strata from decent cheapies up to the 2K mark where T had priced some of their best. Or simply said, Taylor offered the acoustic world
playability and tone that simply wasn't the norm at that time, and players responded with open arms and wallets. And electrics? Taylor brought good guitars to a broad field already glutted with good guitars. Which takes nothing away from their electrics, of course, but simply means their mousetrap was no better than the myriad others already available. And then, of course, was the already-established mindset of Taylor as the "acoustic" guys, and what did they know about electrics?
Which brings me to ask: what do you really want in an electric? Chet-style, chicken pickin, jazz, blues, fusion, whatever, can all be had on any decent semi-hollow (or full hollow if that is your bent) from inexpensive to stellar. The T3s are really nice, IMHO. If I were in the market for that style guit, I'd look used as Taylor resale on the electrics is pretty poor, which means you can score. And of course, the million other alternatives out there: Gibbys being the obvious go-to, to a bunch of Ibanez or Epi offerings from inexpensive (and good!) to excellent. Like a good acoustic that is "found"
when she's played, do the same with a T3 and its brethren. Body shapes, neck carves, and of course tone is all over the map so if I were you, I'd look at a T3 but not get locked into a T3. And sorry for the long-winded response: it's been a lazy morning
Edward
