...I'm not saying the older guitars are bad -- I still love them and they're not going anywhere. However, the new designs are definitely more appealing to the discerning ear and will broaden the potential customer base for Taylor. The philosophy of continuous improvement is a good thing - It keeps us coming back for more...
And there's the thing I'm talking about: new is not "by definition" better, even if it is by a company we trust, and even if it comes with others who concur. Reason: tone is still in the subjective ear of the beholder.
So folks love what Powers has done, and likewise love that Bob loves it, then they play said new creation and
because it is different, it is better.
Now don't get me wrong, if you truly love the difference, that's great. But just because Powers did it, Bob loves it, and others like it do not mean that the said new flavor is "an improvement" in
fact.
FWIW: I love my 616 SpringLtd. ...a "powers" design that I enjoy, to be sure as I definitely like what tones it brings to the table. But that challenges nothing. It is different from my other beloved Taylors, not "better." Now is it "better" than some other Taylors that I no longer own? Heck yeah, since I clearly sold Taylor x because I prefer Taylor y. Better. But is it better than other Taylors within the current stable? No. Different voice offering another flavor, yes. But better, no.
I am not detracting in the least what Powers brings as I am equally excited at what will be coming from the the factory. But listing the new features and quoting Powers et al as to the tonal "improvements" simply grates at my sensibilities when referred to as "improvements." Then again, they are their creations so they can say what they want. But I will not
I wonder if the tonal schism will be so significant there may one day be pre and post Powers camps. Kind of like pre-CBS for Fender or post-Norlin for Gibson, or more closely pre-war for Martin? Perhaps the tonal differences are too subtle to create such a distinction and I am over-thinking this. Or perhaps the
real differences are still around the corner waiting to be developed? All I know is I love what I have, but am still tuned in for next season.
Edward