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Author Topic: Greetings From El Cajon CA  (Read 2010 times)

Navairgeek

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Greetings From El Cajon CA
« on: January 04, 2017, 12:52:05 PM »
Yes, I live about 5 miles from the Taylor factory, and just got my first quality acoustic : a 414 CE rosewood  ;D

I've played all my life, have several electrics, but this Christmas present from my wife is the heirloom I always wanted! I kept trying to 'want' a 214 (to save money), but she went with me to the La Mesa GC (complete with Taylor shrine) and ordered me to pick the 414 or she'd 'just come back and buy it for me'. She's a keeper  ;D The salesman said they should put her on the staff...

It's cool to own it, knowing it was handcrafted just down the road!

I love it of course, but think the 0.013 string set are a little too heavy for me. Any opinions on running an 11-52 set (Elixer or D'Addario)?
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zeebow

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2017, 12:59:06 PM »
welcome! the 400 series rosewood is an excellent value! a 414ce was my first guitar too - but with ovangkol

have you visited the factory?

if you got your guitar in 2017, there is a ngd (new guitar day) thread where we keep track of how many guitars were obtained per year, pretty fun!

in terms of strings, idk - i always buy elixir lights and elixir pb lights

when i visited a GC - they put random strings on a 914ce i was lookin at, so keep that in mind
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1995 912C - englemann/eir
2009 xxxv-p - sitka/madagascar
2010 414ce - sitka/ovangkol (made on my wedding day!)
2011 914ce - cedar/eir
2014 martin 000-28 custom - adi/cocobolo
2017 BTO GC 12 fret - lutz/cocobolo
2019 BTO GC 12 fret - cedar/cocobolo
2019 sheeran w03 - cedar/santos rosewood
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2020 lowden s35 12 fret alpine spruce/madagascar
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TaylorGirl

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2017, 01:30:12 PM »
Welcome. Nice selection for Taylor and nice selection for a wonderful wife. I too am blessed with a very supportive spouse. Glad you're here with us.
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Susie
Taylors: 914 ○ K24ce ○ 414 ○ GSMeK+
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Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

Strumming Fool

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2017, 04:58:13 PM »
Welcome to our forum - really envious that you're so close to the mothership. You picked a winner in that 414. If I were you, I'd experiment with different light gauge string brands to determine what works for you. I've always liked the D'Addario EXP16s, but I've come home to Elixir PB lights, regular or HD. There's no wrong answer here. I'm sure you'll find your fit (to steal a phrase) in good time.

Enjoy your stay!
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My Taylor Grand Auditoriums:

1997 Cujo14 - old growth cedar/black walnut
2014 K24e - master grade koa
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woodnut

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2017, 05:59:32 PM »
Good choice, I have a custom 412 ce 12 fret and love it.
I've worked in El CaJohn  ;) over the years even going to the Mother Goose parade as a kid.
Welcome to the forum.
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NavyChap

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2017, 07:29:25 PM »
Navairgeek, welcome to the Taylor clan! 
I started with a 314ce which I bought in 2014 -- and recently picked up a 1997 414ce (mahogany) which I have completely fallen in love with!
Enjoy to your heart's content!!
Jim
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2015 Taylor 314ce
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Guitars44me

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #6 on: January 05, 2017, 06:19:53 PM »
I Love the Elixir HD Lights. Andy P is a genius...

Give them a shot!

I am in the mts. East of you about 20 miles...

Enjoy the rain!

Cheers

Paul :)
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Navairgeek

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2017, 01:38:12 PM »
Thanks all! I need to do the tour now (never have). I'll definitely try the Elixir HD lights.

I think I'll take it to Fred for a setup  :D For all in the San Diego area, it's 'The Repair Zone', but the gitfiddle community just refers to him as Fred. He's a magic man!
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warsmokeeagle

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #8 on: January 06, 2017, 04:36:26 PM »
Welcome! And enjoy that 414.  It won't be long before you're buying another Taylor.  Trust me.  It's like trying vanilla ice cream for the first time and then discovering they make it with all different kinds of toppings and flavors (says the fat guy).
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Jersey tuning

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #9 on: January 07, 2017, 10:56:39 AM »
Sounds like you ALREADY have the Elixir HD lights on your guitar.  Try the Elixir lights if you like coated strings, or John Pearse PB Lights or DR Veritas Lights (both 12's on the high E) which are both uncoated strings that last a long time.
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CURRENTLY PLAYING

'30 Martin 2-17 solid Mahogany
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ParisTNDude

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #10 on: February 10, 2017, 11:24:12 PM »
Welcome to the forum. I feel like we have a kinship already...lol...I just sent my 814CE to the Taylor facilities in El Cajon a couple days ago for an upgrade to the ES2 system. So, you're closer to my Taylor than I am...lol.

Post lots of times!
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SoCalSurf

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2017, 12:01:48 AM »
Congratulations and welcome! Try John Pearse strings. I have them on two of my custom Taylors and they are very bright.
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roxfan25

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2017, 04:36:08 PM »
Congratulations on your new 414.  Ovangkol's the biggest bang for the buck, IMO.  Also, about string gauges, Taylor recommends lights on the Grand Concert (x12) and Grand Auditiorium (x14) and mediums on the Grand Symphony (x16), Grand Orchestra (x18) and the GS Mini.  That recommendation was updated on their web site this month.  Enjoy!
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Russ
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didger

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Re: Greetings From El Cajon CA
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2017, 06:40:09 PM »
Quote from: Navairgeek on January 06, 2017, 01:38:12 PM
I think I'll take it to Fred for a setup  :D For all in the San Diego area, it's 'The Repair Zone', but the gitfiddle community just refers to him as Fred. He's a magic man!
Ha! Most of my life was in San Diego, but I've lived elsewhere since 2004. It's great to hear Fred & The Repair Zone are still at it!

Enjoy the new guitar!
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Randin Graves
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