would installing a pickup decrease the collectibilty of a taylor

[small axe]

i am putting in a l r baggs element in my taylor 810 brazilian.  would it make worth less since it not stock anymore.  thanks

[MexicoMike]

To a collector of guitars (or anything else for that matter), yes, modifying it will certainly reduce it's value.  Whether it reduces the value to a player as opposed to a collector would depend on whether the player wants a pickup and whether the player wants THAT particular pickup.

[PureTone]

The LR Baggs Element requires drilling a hole through the bridge in the saddle slot for the Element UST.

For a completely reversible install, the Lyric could be used without drilling any holes.
http://www.lrbaggs.com/pickups/lyric-acoustic-guitar-microphone
The install could be done with Command strips, which should allow the system to be removed later without traces of adhesive.
http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Catalog/~/Command-Products?N=5584772+5924736+3294857497&rt=r3

[Montaramike]

I wouldn't worry about. If you like the guitar and want to use a pickup, go for it.  Its value may be decreased for collectors but gigging musicians (and anyone else who wants amplification) might find it desirable.

[Roman]

In my opinion, only if it's a "crappy" installation would there be a problem.

[mischultz]

FWIW, Taylors for a number of years have had the saddle slot predrilled and the endpin reamed to 1/2", so there shouldn't be any physical alteration necessary beyond adhesive for the battery Velcro (and preamp, depending on the pickup). Just hang onto the original endpin and the installation should be fully reversible, provided again you can clean the adhesive.

Best,

Michael

[cpmusic]

Unless you have something very unique which is highly sought after, guitars make lousy investments. If a guitar appreciates, it's usually due solely to inflation. And Taylor isn't old enough to have attained the kind of historic value of Martin or Gibson.

Of course, modifications are a personal matter, and if you don't feel comfortable adding a pickup to your Taylor, then it's probably better to leave it alone or use a pickup which can be removed without leaving tell-tale signs. FWIW, though, I have an '83 615 which has a pickup with a strap jack, and I couldn't care less whether it's lost any value. I've had that guitar for 25 years, and it's not going anywhere.

[MDS08]

I had the  LR Baggs Ibeam installed in my 910 and sounds amazing! It works really well. I'm not worried about resale value because my Taylor is staying with me until I die. Its nice having the option to plug in and nobody knows its there and I can take it out anytime.
 

[paul_zm]

If you wanted a Taylor with collectible value, I think you'd need to get a limited edition one. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.

[lestergibson]

FWIW, Taylors for a number of years have had the saddle slot predrilled and the endpin reamed to 1/2", so there shouldn't be any physical alteration necessary beyond adhesive for the battery Velcro (and preamp, depending on the pickup). Just hang onto the original endpin and the installation should be fully reversible, provided again you can clean the adhesive.

Best,

Michael

I had to drill the endpin out very slightly to a full 1/2" on my 2012 GA8 when installing a JJB 330 Prestige.  The drilling didn't take a lot off the guitar but it did take a bit.