Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Marketplace: Buy, Sell, Trade => Marketplace: Buy, Sell, Trade => Topic started by: bbfarmer on May 01, 2016, 01:07:11 PM

Title: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: bbfarmer on May 01, 2016, 01:07:11 PM: Hello you guys,
I'm new to this site, and this question has probably been answered, but I'll ask again. I'm looking to build my own taylor guitar and I know which woods I'd like. I wanted to know who you guys thinks has the best price/service for BTO. Mainly, I wanted to use someone that can get specific as to what the wood could look like. I really love the look and sound of sinker redwood, but there are several looks I like and don't like. Is there someone who can see the wood, or help pick out the grain look I'm going for? Does Taylor help with this?
Would love your help.

Thanks

SA
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: Strumming Fool on May 02, 2016, 06:37:08 PM: Welcome bb-

I have used only one shop for my BTO projects, so I can't tell that it's the best, because I have nothing to compare it with. However, Martin Music in Memphis TN has repeatedly done a great job for me through the three BTOs I now own, plus another one on the way.

If you'll contact Eric Martin, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Here's their website and contact info:

http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/

Phone: (901)729-2466 Email:emguitar@aol.com
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: timfitz63 on May 05, 2016, 06:21:19 PM: Welcome, SA!

I've done BTO's with two Taylor dealers: Empire Music in Pittsburgh, PA (http://empiremusiconline.com/) and Willcutt Guitars in Lexington, KY (http://willcuttguitars.com/). Both did good by me.
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: Six-String Samurai on May 06, 2016, 09:32:37 AM: Can you not order direct from taylor?
I am pretty sure they are playing that game now too.
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: jalbert on May 06, 2016, 09:57:11 AM: Unless something has drastically changed recently, Taylor does not sell new guitars direct to consumers. (They do sell demonstrators in their on-site store in El Cajon.)

Sinker redwood has on-again/off-again availability. You may be able to specify to your dealer what you prefer, but I'm not sure that extends to choosing which set of wood from a menu of available choices. (It'd be cool if they did!)

Meanwhile, here's a Sinker-topped Custom GS:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bm4p_VD7elg/UM0DmL1ii4I/AAAAAAAACxk/QcVrztaLG7gcrRTjxmOW3Fizm9CHrje7wCCo/s288/20121215-DSC_0011.jpg)
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: jima9426 on May 29, 2016, 09:48:56 PM: Quote from: bbfarmer on May 01, 2016, 01:07:11 PM
I wanted to know who you guys thinks has the best price/service for BTO.

Look for a local dealer who does a lot of house custom models. In my hometown of Pittsburgh, that would be Empire Music. Their acoustic room displays no less than 6-8 house BTOs at any given time.

As for price, a dealer should price a BTO at XX% below the list (i.e. Taylor's custom estimate). At least that's what my two favorite shops routinely do, Empire Music and N'Stuff Music. The same goes for Martin custom models.

$
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: Guitarsan on May 30, 2016, 12:03:11 AM: Quote from: Six-String Samurai on May 06, 2016, 09:32:37 AM
Can you not order direct from taylor?
I am pretty sure they are playing that game now too.

No. You must buy through a dealer.
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: autovon on June 21, 2016, 08:25:47 PM: Try LA Guitar Sales. Ted is wonderful to work with.
Title: Re: Where is best place to buy a BTO?
Post by: Andromeda on June 24, 2016, 05:55:16 AM: I also highly recommend Ted @ LA Guitars Sales. Easy to chat with, very friendly and extremely knowledgable and has great prices!