Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Prizen on February 17, 2016, 11:58:54 AM
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Hey all,
I have never really given much thought to the Taylor Limited Edition models that they release (normally twice a year I think?).
I guess I have thought that if guitars are good enough and would be popular, why wouldn't they form part of the standard line-up. I thought that the limited edition runs are more about aesthetics rather than tone
However, my interest has been piqued recently, mainly due to the positive opinions on CV bracing that is used on some limiteds.
So, have you played standard and limited editions Taylors, and if so, has the tone of the limited matched or surpassed their beautiful aesthetics?
Would love to get your views?
Thanks!
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Look at the "Limiteds" as simply another guitar flavor, but it's a seasonal flavor as opposed to one in the regular lineup found on any day over the counter.
Whether the factory ends up procuring through chance a nice "wood find," or simply deciding to delve into their limited stash of coveted special woods, they create a limited line that is, truly, limited in number by sheer virtue of the small/finite supply of that species. Sidebar: this is wholly different from "signature series" Limiteds where the number is held by purely arbitrary choice (witness Gibson, Fender, et.al.).
So in answer to the question of whether the Limiteds sonically live up to their aesthetics? The answer is definitely maybe!
It's a guitar with different top/b/s wood combinations, and often with build specs; thus it has to be judged as a different guitar. So whether that particular Ltd. floats your tonal boat really is as subjective a question as they come. Personally, I've played many a Ltd and felt they were "merely" another nice Taylor (ok, not a bad thing right?), but nuttin tonally special. Then there are my two personal favorite Ltd models (only one of which I own) that are tonal home runs. My opinion only, and so it goes.
FWIW, one thing the Ltd models do have in their favor is the factory bundles lots of nice features that, were you to add these up yourself, you'd pay considerably more. So assuming you like the tone of a given Ltd, it offers more bang-for-buck than a Modified/BTO'd version.
Edward
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I agree with Edward on all points. Depending on the particular specimen, there are a few good things going on "under the hood" besides the unusual visual appointments. If you see/play one you like, they're usually worth the spend...
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I have to think there are some going for looks, and some going for different sound...and some combined.
In my case, a used 314LTD showed up while I was looking for an OM. I liked the sound better than the OM's I had tried. I also liked it more than standard 314's I had tried...plus it was less expensive than most guitars I was considering. But the sound was the thing.
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Yes they are special, and I would not say just it is just about the looks. A particular limited and if it appeals to you really depends on the wood combination, but almost always any of the 5 series or high limited editions get appointments and wood upgrades that would cost a tremendous amount of money if ordered as a BTO.
For example I have a 2015 Limited Edition 514ce-QS which if ordered as a BTO adds up to much more than the normal retail price. The retail price for the 2015 limited was the same as the retail price of a standard 2015.
I have always considered the Limited Edition models as a poor mans BTO. You get BTO options, but don't have to pay for them, but you lose the ability to choose the details. So if you wait for a limited that has woods that get you excited, amazing deal.
Edited per forum rules $.
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Having bought three of them, I find the LTD's to be a good value on unique instruments. Taylor also uses them as a test platform for new woods and build techniques. If one speaks to you, grab it, as it won't come along again any time soon.
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4 of my 8 Taylors are limiteds. 3 are BTOs and one is a standard model (with mods).
No complaints here!
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I have to say the 314ce with cedar/RW gave me the chance to have that wood combination new at less than a used price for a well cared for Taylor. While I would prefer the gloss finish, the satin looks good and the sound is awesome.
The 414ce I love. They ended up adding the gloss finish as standard the next year, without the gold hardware, but I still got a fantastic guitar at a slight discount.
I have been happy with the LTD's.
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I don't look at guitars while playing them, but I sure do listen. Quality, value, and wood pairings not offered outside of a BTO. What's not to like?
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Been collecting and trading Taylor LTD. since my 1st 2000 810ce LOTF Brazilian.
They are not all for looks, They are value add , Non production / off the wall standard models.
As of 2008 They did start offering The CV bracing in certain years and LTD. offerings Some red spruced braced some sitka braced.
I dont own any standard run Taylors, all Ltd's Or Signature models.
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My favorite limiteds were the 2009 700 series with Madagascar Rosewood. Those were some stellar guitars.
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The GS4e LTD that I acquired recently sounds as good (if not better) than some of the 800 series that I tried in my local guitar shop.
I have found it difficult to find exact specifications on the build and would be interested if anyone has more information about it.
I am also one who goes by the sound more than the looks (though it doesn't hurt if it's pretty :) )
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My favorite limiteds were the 2009 700 series with Madagascar Rosewood. Those were some stellar guitars.
I enjoyed one of those for about six months. At that time guitar rodeo had the buy back deal and I swapped it for a really amazing used BTO.
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Look at the "Limiteds" as simply another guitar flavor, but it's a seasonal flavor as opposed to one in the regular lineup found on any day over the counter.
Whether the factory ends up procuring through chance a nice "wood find," or simply deciding to delve into their limited stash of coveted special woods, they create a limited line that is, truly, limited in number by sheer virtue of the small/finite supply of that species. Sidebar: this is wholly different from "signature series" Limiteds where the number is held by purely arbitrary choice (witness Gibson, Fender, et.al.).
So in answer to the question of whether the Limiteds sonically live up to their aesthetics? The answer is definitely maybe!
It's a guitar with different top/b/s wood combinations, and often with build specs; thus it has to be judged as a different guitar. So whether that particular Ltd. floats your tonal boat really is as subjective a question as they come. Personally, I've played many a Ltd and felt they were "merely" another nice Taylor (ok, not a bad thing right?), but nuttin tonally special. Then there are my two personal favorite Ltd models (only one of which I own) that are tonal home runs. My opinion only, and so it goes.
FWIW, one thing the Ltd models do have in their favor is the factory bundles lots of nice features that, were you to add these up yourself, you'd pay considerably more. So assuming you like the tone of a given Ltd, it offers more bang-for-buck than a Modified/BTO'd version.
Edward
Nope.
The limiteds are guitars that would otherwise compete with their standard lines, so Taylor doesn't want that to happen. Take the 400 Rosewood limiteds. They could continue producing Rosewood guitars for 400 prices, but that would mean they don't get to make the extra markup of the 800 series with the extra bling.
Imagine if Martin didn't produce the D-28 and you could only buy the D-40.
The truth is Taylor could produce Sitka/Rosewood 400s or Cedar/Rosewood 400s, it's not like Rosewood is in short supply, but they don't make as much profit on that as a 800 series. So they put out the Rosewood limiteds every now and then (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015) to catch the customers who couldn't afford the 800s that slipped through the cracks, but otherwise they are happy to keep selling the target customer the 800s at the higher price point (usually worship band members at megachurches with a lot of money).
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I've always considered the limiteds to be outstanding guitars for the money.
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Couldn't agree more... even the ones that didn't float my boat were easy to recognize as great values, based on the wood choices, the attention to detail, the extra features. The limiteds are about much more than occasionally substituting rosewood on the 400 series for the budget-minded player (as if we needed a fourth rosewood series in the Taylor line! I'm so glad that Taylor continues to offer ovangkol, which is a superb tonewood that has helped to broaden the horizons of the open-minded player.).
BTW, I'm fortunate to be able to afford some of the higher-end Taylor offerings, although I'm not being compensated by any mega church for the Christ-centered music I compose, record and perform. With that said, I'm glad that Taylor continues to offer limiteds that appeal to a broader spectrum of musicians' budgets. I think that the Taylor limiteds program represents a win-win for the company and its customers.
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Couldn't agree more... even the ones that didn't float my boat were easy to recognize as great values, based on the wood choices, the attention to detail, the extra features. The limiteds are about much more than occasionally substituting rosewood on the 400 series for the budget-minded player (as if we needed a fourth rosewood series in the Taylor line! I'm so glad that Taylor continues to offer ovangkol, which is a superb tonewood that has helped to broaden the horizons of the open-minded player.).
Well I don't see why we wouldn't "need" a fourth Rosewood series in the Taylor line, given that Martin has Rosewood series in the 21s, 28s, 35s and 40s series. Having three Rosewood series all in the higher price bracket is like Martin only offering Rosewood for 40s, 41s, 42s and 45s but offering Ovangkol for the 28s.
And what's wrong with more choice? Like I say, they don't do it because they don't want to compete with their own line, not because more choice for the consumer is a bad thing.
There's nothing wrong with offering Ovangkol for "open-minded players" but what's wrong with offering Rosewood for close-minded players alongside Ovangkol so that the consumer has a choice?
Because it doesn't fit with their profit maximizing business model, that's why (not that I have anything against businesses doing what's best for them, I'm just simply pointing it out).
BTW, I'm fortunate to be able to afford some of the higher-end Taylor offerings, although I'm not being compensated by any mega church for the Christ-centered music I compose, record and perform. With that said, I'm glad that Taylor continues to offer limiteds that appeal to a broader spectrum of musicians' budgets. I think that the Taylor limiteds program represents a win-win for the company and its customers.
What I meant by that was not that they are necessarily compensated by their churches, but rather that they are the demographic that are targeted, as those who attend megachurches tend to be in the wealthier demographic, and the teenagers in that demographic are heavily influenced by their worship idols to play Taylor guitars (same goes for their worship idols who play Collings (Chris Tomlin) or McPherson (which actually gives their guitars away to many Christian artists for free: http://mcphersonguitars.com/artists/ - there's actually a video on YouTube where Keith Harkin says: "I've got one, Dave [Bakey]'s got one, [McPherson]'re great, they give their guitars to everyone").
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I'll be brief.. We obviously disagree about the value of Taylor limiteds - and the glut of rosewood acoustic guitars on the market. I respect your right to your opinion.
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I have a GSCE maple limited that looks gorgeous and sounds phenomenal. There's a lot of detail-oriented stuff (the sitka top is beautiful; almost like subtly-flamed maple) and a nice mix of ostentatious (Koa bindings and backstrap!) and subdued elements (No inlays on plain, smooth, black ebony fingerboard and headstock overlay). Great bass response and pretty loud. I'm not a very good strummer, which is a shame given how great this guitar sounds in the hands of someone who is. Much more than a pretty face.
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I'd been wanting a Taylor NS for some time. Played several other nylon string hybrids but didn't like any as well as Taylor's. But, I also wanted a cedar top, which is normally only offered in the 700 series and more than I wanted to spend. Then, along comes a used 2011 214 NS Fall LTD, with a cedar top in the AGF classified. I bought it and am very happy. Not sure what it went for new, but I got a great deal.
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No, my 516e Fall Limited (2013) has the upgraded tuners Gotoh & Adirondack braces. Those two things are functional.
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I'd been considering a gas mini for a while when they came out with the Holden Village Limited. With an Engelmann spruce soundboard, I think it's definitely more than about looks. I also bought a used 2011 Limited 214N ce. I really wanted a nylon Taylor with cedar top, which are normally only available in their high end series. But the 2011 Limited had a cedar top. Great guitar at a great price. So yeah, I would say a Limited often gets you something special.
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I would love to see Taylor produce at least one LTD each cycle without cutaway or electronics and focus on wood, inlay, and binding. Perhaps due to my age, I see a full-bodied acoustic as more timeless and ageless than one with cutaway and electronics. I used to wax and wane about Taylor producing an 8XX series with standard maple binding and sure enough they listened, and hopefully they'll hear my plea to return to their roots a bit and produce a full-bodied LTD (or two) acoustic without electronics but instead offer some really unusual woods, binding, and fingerboard inlay (that one couldn't otherwise order)....
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I would love to see Taylor produce at least one LTD each cycle without cutaway or electronics and focus on wood, inlay, and binding. Perhaps due to my age, I see a full-bodied acoustic as more timeless and ageless than one with cutaway and electronics. I used to wax and wane about Taylor producing an 8XX series with standard maple binding and sure enough they listened, and hopefully they'll hear my plea to return to their roots a bit and produce a full-bodied LTD (or two) acoustic without electronics but instead offer some really unusual woods, binding, and fingerboard inlay (that one couldn't otherwise order)....
I have been leaning the same way as far as full-bodied guitars. First off I am never up to the 14th fret. 95% of the time I never plugin, I have the batteries out of all of my guitars, so I don't really need an ES system. I am however in to different woods and to a lesser extent cosmetics.
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In case you didn't know, I'm in total alignment with jrporter and mgap. No cutaway (even though I do hang out around the 14th fret quite often), and I'd rather install reversible, non-invasive electronics in my acoustics if at all. Love the woods, different bracings and organic inlays - that's what attracts me to the Limiteds.
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Ok Andy, are you listening????
I have been leaning the same way as far as full bodied guitars. First off I am never up to the 14th fret. 95% of the time I never plug in, I have the batteries out of all of my guitars, so I don't really need a ES system. I am however in to different woods and to a lesser extent cosmetics.
In case you didn't know, I'm in total alignment with jrporter and mgap. No cutaway (even though I do hang out around the 14th fret quite often), and I'd rather install reversible, non-invasive electronics in my acoustics if at all. Love the woods, different bracings and organic inlays - that's what attracts me to the Limiteds.
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A truly great read. I've been drooling over a 412e-Rosewood LTD. Sounds like the LTD versions are worth going after. Since I haven't found one in a store, I might have to order online which I would rather not do. I've done that twice; one was a stinker and the other a winner. BTW, the winner was a Taylor HV Mini from the factory. The stinker - well, was not. Can't go wrong with a Taylor.
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On my LTD Taylors they have adirondack bracing and feature CV With relief route. Plus one of them featured Gotoh tuners which are not just about looks. I think the limited runs are a good value inhancement
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It was a Taylor ltd that got me to take the plunge into a higher end (for me) guitar...Just about a year ago in fact. I have a 314ce RW-ltd but even more than the RW (which I do enjoy) it was the cedar top that I fell for. At the time, and maybe still, I would have had to jump to a 700 series guitar for a cedar top.
Alan
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there have been LTD models that
had aesthetic enhancements only -
among them
96 NGSM (512c)
97 KMSM (612c)
99 5-600ceAB
00 CBSM (912c), GSLJ (610), GSST (612), JCCM (914c), KLSM (k65c), RSSM (k24c)
03 600L1/L2/L3 (600), 900L1 (900), HRLTD (600), JDCM (k22)
RHLTD (615), RNSM (615ce), SHSM (k22), WHCM (900)
04 300-KL30s
12 GSminiSLTDs
14 400SLTDs (gloss)
16 312/6ceLTD (sunburst)
the others have usually had different tonewoods &/
or bracing material, inlay & tuning machine changes
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Wow Michael, I can't get over the wealth of Taylor information you come up with and share with us!
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I currently have two Taylor Limiteds, a 2014 Fall Limited 718ce with the Sassafrass b&s, and a 2016 Fall Limited 316ce Honey Burst. They sound very good. Each one different tonally for sure. The sassafrass is louder and bolder with a deeper sound overall. The honey burst is a little more mid-range and quite a bit of reduced volume in the bass. These two are my 3rd and 4th Taylors (the first two were traded in). The sound is great on both and the looks is really awesome with the sassafrass and I love the honey burst looks on most guitars. I am just so happy to have these two great guitars. 8)
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Indeed, two beautiful Taylors, golfreggie!
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I've owned a 2013 514e fltd. Definitely more bang for the buck. One of these days I'd love to get the 2011 spring Ltd with flamed walnut. I played one and it had a great sound.
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There is something very special about the sassafras look and sound.
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Hello all, newbie here....at least to Taylor guitars. I just bought my 1st Taylor, a limited edition 2010 510ce Sitka/Koa, so I sure do hope they aren't all about looks. But how about those looks!! Bought it from a retired professional, who obviously takes care of his stuff....immaculate house, cars and 6 other Taylor guitars besides the one I purchased. This guitar didn't have a mark, not even a smudge on it, nor did the case, not that that is a major factor for me when buying, but it is pretty nice when it happens. The setup is beautiful on this baby, the sound is already very rich, only to improve with further aging, guess I've been bitten by the Taylor bug. I was fortunate enough to have this gentleman show me and let me play his collection, which included a top of the line model (can't recall the model #), which he told me sells for close to 10K (Cdn), yikes! I've asked for first refusal on any others he may part with in the future, but I don't think that particular one is in the cards for me, that kind of $$$ would have to be spent on something vintage. Anyway, I'm looking forward to enjoying this one for many years, cheers!
1960's Framus 12 String
1985 Takamine EF371C
1995 Gibson Gospel
1996 Gibson Blues King Electro
2010 Taylor 510ce
2012 J45 Custom
1967 Gretsch Nashville
1973 Tele Deluxe
1979 Strat Hardtail
2001 Strat Deluxe
2001 ES446
2012 Rickenbacker 360 Fireglo
2013 SG 61 Reissue
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You know, I was curious about the same thing the last time I visited the Guitar Center in Memphis. I played a couple of the very expensive limiteds and they sounded and played wonderfully, but no better than the standards hanging on the wall. But, when you play a Taylor other than your own, if you're like me, you think they're all awesome sounding, so it's hard to say. I was curious how different the same models are compared to others of the same model??? I would bet you would find some with considerably different tonal qualities. Guitar Center doesn't usually display more than one of a given model to test that theory....lol. I know for certain, when I bought my current 814CE I played every guitar in the shop for comparisons and every time I picked up the 814CE I bought, it was a clear winner even more so than more costly guitars. That was a great NGD!
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I was at the Roadshow and a Taylor 714ce LTD caught my eye.
It was a torrfied spruce top and a Koa back sides, and I got the chance to play it. It has this wonderful sound that sonically settled between the 814ce and 514ce I own. So I decided to buy it, because that wood combination is not offered regularly and could be much expensive if I did a BTO. It has been a few days and I am loving the tone of it.
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I was at the Roadshow and a Taylor 714ce LTD caught my eye.
It was a torrfied spruce top and a Koa back sides, and I got the chance to play it. It has this wonderful sound that sonically settled between the 814ce and 514ce I own. So I decided to buy it, because that wood combination is not offered regularly and could be much expensive if I did a BTO. It has been a few days and I am loving the tone of it.
i'm so jelly!!!
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arunakalu,
I'm new here. I purchased the same guitar after attending the Pensacola roadshow. I love it. What I know from Taylor customer service is they only built 75 total. 3 were sent to the southeast region. I have one of those three. Beautiful guitar!
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arunakalu,
I'm new here. I purchased the same guitar after attending the Pensacola roadshow. I love it. What I know from Taylor customer service is they only built 75 total. 3 were sent to the southeast region. I have one of those three. Beautiful guitar!
Not too late for a NGD post with pics, just sayin
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well the 2012 GAce FLTD has gotoh tuners and the upgraded adirondack bracing....not found normally on stock guitars
a rep said it was like a 800 and a half series
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there have been LTD models that
had aesthetic enhancements only -
among them
96 NGSM (512c)
97 KMSM (612c)
99 5-600ceAB
00 CBSM (912c), GSLJ (610), GSST (612), JCCM (914c), KLSM (k65c), RSSM (k24c)
03 600L1/L2/L3 (600), 900L1 (900), HRLTD (600), JDCM (k22)
RHLTD (615), RNSM (615ce), SHSM (k22), WHCM (900)
04 300-KL30s
12 GSminiSLTDs
14 400SLTDs (gloss)
16 312/6ceLTD (sunburst)
the others have usually had different tonewoods &/
or bracing material, inlay & tuning machine changes
Just wondering ... was the performance bracing already standard in 2016 for the regular 300 series ?
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Taylor Limiteds - So are they just about the looks?
Seems the answer is maybe, but it's more about the construction and materials. To re-state a previous opinion, they are at least different guitars. And you will get more bang for the buck with many of the Limiteds. But about the post about the 4xx rosewood, Taylor is still making 4xx rosewood models. A limited model is always worth checking out, but not always worth buying just because it is 'Limited'.
I own 1 Taylor 'Limited', a 2005 Taylor 512ce L10 all mahogany Grand Concert. But I also have a 2016 Taylor 412e-R SE sitka rosewood Grand Concert, which I believe was billed as a "Special Edition" and shows up as such in the model nomenclature. I think a GA version was previously alluded to (or lumped in with) as a 'Limited'. Either way my 412e-R SE looks about as bare bones as a Taylor guitar can be, but it sounds grrrrrreat (a tip of the hat to Tony the Tiger). For me this is the ultimate test of a guitar. And it's my current 'go-to' guitar.
And a non-Taylor footnote, my Gibson J 200 is also a limited edition guitar.
Don
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My first limited model was a 2005 512ce-L10, all hog. It was a wonderful guitar, and came out before Taylor started making hog tops part of their standard line. I eventually ended up with another all hog guitar, a custom Martin OM-15 from Ted at LA Guitars. Loved both of them, but in the end decided to trade my 512 on another limited model, a 2013 516e FLTD, euro spruce over flamed mahogany. An absolutely stunning guitar, with Adi bracing, gotoh's and the very first install of the ES2 system.
So in my case, both of the limiteds I own(ed) were not just pretty faces, they had upgrades over standard models and to my ear sounded fantastic. Still miss my 512 limited...on the lookout for a 514 version...
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My first Taylor was a 516 Fall Limited it was an upgrade from a 20YO $150 Yamaha, I didn’t know anything about guitars and was in the market for a mahogany. I played a few and the guy brought out the 516 which that year was a Koa B&S...well, hello there beautiful.
I played it and my husband said buy it and here were are 7 years later and I love it. Then I bought a new Mini, traded it in on a 566 Koa, and later added the Holden Village Mini.
I do think the limiteds are worth it, priced separately they are more expensive and they are...well, limited so not that many are out there.
So yeah the looks draw me in but the build and the value kept me...YMMV.
Have fun!
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I just purchased a used 2016 416ce Fall LTD that is a cedar/walnut combo. Haven't had it long but enjoying every minute of playing time.
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I just purchased a used 2016 416ce Fall LTD that is a cedar/walnut combo. Haven't had it long but enjoying every minute of playing time.
Hi mdbedard, welcome to the forum. I bought a 414ce LTD in 2006 it was also a walnut back and sides, but with Sitka top. I enjoyed it very much. It takes a while for it to open up, but is wonderful in all its Taylor awesomeness.
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I just purchased a used 2016 416ce Fall LTD that is a cedar/walnut combo. Haven't had it long but enjoying every minute of playing time.
Cedar top is one of my top-two favorites for tone and build! And in a GS body adds even more to this wood combo, in my eyes and ears. Congrats, enjoy it, and big welcome to the forum!! :D
Edward
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Recently added a Taylor ( my first ) to the herd. Long time Martin fan with several in
my collection along with a couple of Gibsons. I played many different Taylor shapes
and tonewood combos. Most sounded and played great but I wanted something different
than the Martins and Gibsons. I found it in a 2016 514ce Limited Edition with a cedar
top and granadillo sides and back. It is both beautiful looking and great sounding. And the
Taylor complements the rest of the herd with it’s unique sound and striking looks
Bottom line IMHO the Limited Editions offer a wonderful bang for the buck on all fronts.
Ed
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My 2017 714ce 12 fret with cedar top, Koa back and sides, 12 fret short scale neck, and GA body dimensions is not another pretty face. It’s a brilliant execution of tonewoods and design that should become a standard model.