Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: jjrpilot-admin on March 05, 2016, 07:03:01 PM
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Just curious that's all! :D
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I was a AGF Taylor sub-forum reader although not a sign up member of AGF.
I found this forum by my many Taylor guitar searches. I was so happy I found such like minded people, who are so involved and excited about Taylor guitars.
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
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I was doing a search for short scale and parlor guitars. About the first thing I ran across was references to the GS-Mini, and this site. That was around 2012. I ordered one from Sweetwater, after reading all the good reports about them on here. I was a lurker for a long time, before actually joining in Aug. 2013
Now I visit the site at least a dozen times a day.
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
This^^^^^^^.
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I was searching for information about a Taylor, can't remember which, and my google search turned up a thread here. Glad I found it, I like it here.
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Honestly can't remember but I'm glad I found it! Enjoy very much!
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I was incapacitated after foot surgery and largely confined to the house for weeks. Being terribly bored and not in the mood to play much, I started looking at AGF and that eventually led me here. Folks here are much nicer, BTW, although there is crossover between the two fora. I see many of the same folks in both places. I am Earl49 over there, due to my Alaska background, but I don't post there much anymore.
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I had just bought my first Taylor and was looking to share my views and opinions with other Taylor owners. I was actually looking for an "official" TGF when I stumbled across this one. I don't know if it says something about me, or the UTGF members, but this is the only (music related) forum I've joined. Sorting the wheat from the chaff on the internet is becoming increasingly frustrating, but on UTGF you're almost guaranteed specialist knowledge and trustworthy opinions...
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
Same thing with me.
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
Same thing with me.
Likewise!
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I am a member of AGF.
I was banned from AGF for 2 weeks,
so I started looking for another guitar forum.
I love Taylor guitars, so I did a search for
a Taylor guitar forum, and found this one,
and joined the same day.
I really like it here, much friendlier than AGF.
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Google search for something Taylor related and ended up on UTGF site. Joined after learning a ton just by reading thru a few posts.
What a great resource!
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I was on AGF and got a message from JR.
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Like many others, a late night search for Taylor Guitars eventually led me here. This forum is a terrific resource... I am a member of AGF, but find the information posted here seems to be, in many cases, more solid and trustworthy. At the AGF, if you post a question, you get a hundred different answers - here, there seems to be more thought about questions and more consensus on the answers. IOW, I'm much more likely to believe what I read here.
Thanks to jjrPilot for starting this forum.
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I was on AGF and got a message from JR.
That's my story, too.
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AGF changeover for me as well.
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Keeping the theme alive, I was searching for info on Taylors and found this site. Lurked for a year or so, and during that time, I gathered a bit of collection of Taylor guitars, so I figured it was time to start participating.
D
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I'm one of the old-schoolers that began on the Taylor subforum on the Acoustic Guitar Forum. A while after I joined, the Taylor forum broke away or was eliminated outright, not sure. But, thankfully people saw an opening and the UTGF was born and thrives here. Never had any issues with people on AGF.
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Like many others, I was on the AGF when the Taylor subforum closed and you (JR) were talking about setting up an unofficial site.
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I was a member over on the AGF when they announced they were getting rid of the Taylor subforum. Josh commented over there to stay tuned. I called Taylor's customer service asking what was going on (at the time they didn't seem to know) then I contacted Josh via PM.
So glad Josh created this forum. There were 2 other AGF members who created Taylor forums right after Josh got this one going, but this one held its ground--thanks to our initial members who joined here. :)
The camaraderie between members here is wonderful...and very personal compared with larger forums. Thanks Josh! :D
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I saw a link (somewhere) about counterfeit Taylor and it pointed here (or it pointed somewhere that pointed here).
Glad we're all playing genuine here
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I was searching for reviews of a Taylor 814ce. That led me here, so much good information and a passionate group of members.
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My wife bought me a 210 Deluxe for my birthday last weekend ;)
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My wife bought me a 210 Deluxe for my birthday last weekend ;)
Nice present, beautiful wife!
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I was looking for information on a Taylor 414ce and a link brought me here. So happy to find this forum and I enjoy reading the posts.
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A Google search on Taylor guitars brought me here.
I wonder why it's "Unofficial" ??
:D Danny
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I wonder why it's "Unofficial" ??
:D Danny
Because Taylor doesn't want an "official" forum unless it's theirs. We've had plenty of interaction with El Cajon on this forum and relations are good.
Honestly, when you've got the UTGF, there's no need for an "official" forum... :-)
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Thanks for the information.
Never heard of any "Unofficial" forum before.
I belong to a classic Chevy forum and no mention of official or unofficial.
:D Danny
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Martin has the same thing.
http://www.umgf.com
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long time AGF member; got an invite from Josh to switch over.
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I am a member of the AGF as well. When the Taylor sub-forum disappeared someone on the AGF alerted us to the new UMGF!.
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UMGF!.
? :-\ ;)
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Pretty sure I was googling info on my 814ce when I stumbled across it. I've very much enjoyed it so far.
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
Also true for me. Ironically, Taylor Guitars did not originate as a subforum on the AGF, originally before it was the AGF it was the Unofficial Taylor Guitar Form!
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I've never had a negative response here looking for an answer ,on some thing I had to make an important decision on. There lots of knowledge hanging around here
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Like others likely through google searches when looking for info on Taylors.
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I don't remember exactly, but I've been kind of a "forum junkie" for a long time. My first forum was surfermag.com which I joined in probably 2002 or 2003.
After that I frequented another music forum (I don't remember the name, but it had tons of members and contributions but they went through some changes and it seems like it kind of died off). There was an acoustic section there I used to frequent quite often. Now I remember--Harmony Central.
Then I got a Tele and joined the TDPRI. I still post there pretty frequently. Then when I got my Taylor in 2014 I signed up here to show off my 314ce.
I'm also a member at the Martin forum; I don't post much there but I've learned a lot about Martins. I've got a cheap used X-Series but I'm hoping to upgrade to a D-18 at some point.
So, like I was saying...I don't exactly remember how I got here, but I like it.
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Just curious that's all! :D
Well, I've been a regular reader/poster at UMGF for years, so it would only stand to reason (at least in my mind) that there would be a UTGF, too.
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Looking for information on backordered taylors, and this site came up..
Love it so far
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Came across this forum when I was shopping for a new acoustic guitar, and needed to learn more about the various Taylor models and flavors.
I appreciate everyone's input here.
Ended up buying a new 414ce from GC.
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I was on (and still a member of) AGF and saw this forum referenced so I joined in.
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I was a member of the AGF. The Taylor subforum there disappeared and the word was that a separate Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum was being created instead. I looked for it, found it, and decided to join.
Same here - as a Forum, you could run but you couldn't hide ;) Still go to AGF, and still own 2 Martins and a Gibson AJ, but find the best info about my 322ce here.
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I was on AGF and someone referred to it!!!!!
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Was a member of the original Taylor a Guitar Forum that morphed into the AGF. Got a note asking me to join when this place was formed.
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I purchased a 214DLX just to see what all the hubbub was about. Did a "Bing" search to find a Taylor forum and found you fine folks.
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Welcome Stevedel! Congrats on your new Taylor!
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Stevedel -- welcome aboard!!!
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Though I got my first Martin before I bought my first Martin, I got to know the UMGF first...And once I told to myself "maybe they have a forum too !?" So I ended up typing Unofficial Taylor For...
And ended up here...
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Someone posted an invite on the Taylor owners FB page.
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Someone posted an invite on the Taylor owners FB page.
sweet! that was me!
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Purchased my first Taylor in November...GS-Mini Koa. Have "heard" about Taylor's' off and on for years (my 40 yr old son's name, so naturally it gave me a "huh" moment). Never really researched them until lately; having retired I have a renewed interest in a long lost love...acoustic guitars. I probably had not picked one up but a dozen or so times in a couple of decades...well, you know, "life happens."
Have had many guitars over the course of 55 years...currently about 17 or 18 (nothing high, hell likely not even mid, level). I'm "exposing myself" (chortle) to a variety of body sizes, woods, etc. As I am studying "Luthiering" I plan to do setup/repairs and resell acoustics, mostly as an education/experience/labor of love endeavor. I have been a woodworker of one form or another (just retired from tree service, now that's primal woodworking experience) most of my life, along with numerous other enterprises; and ya' know what?...I'm still a darn rank amateur when I get a guitar in hand...lol.
My main guitar is a 1974 Guild D40 I purchased new, it and a 1970 something lawsuit Martin knock-off and my new Mini are my go-to instruments at present. I have learned an enormous amount about the design, construction and dynamics of acoustics over the last 6 +/- months, and have now via actual hand's (ear's?) on experience aligned my preferences with what my (potentially) ultimate guitar will be. Found a very interesting 'study' online: (http://www.psych.lancs.ac.uk/hearing/the-guitar-experiment/online-tests/); absolutely mindblowing for moi'...I highly recommend it. I have labored under the delusion that my "ultimate, be-all, last I would ever want/need" guitar was...tada...HD-28!!! WRONG!!!! Almost mortgaged the wife to snap up a great deal on one, new, drive out, shipped free, FINANCED NO INTEREST 12 months....and 45 day 'no questions asked' return policy'. darn glad I could not justify it; wifey would have been pissed too :-). Anyway, back to my point...the "ears on" study was enlightening (you would'a had ta' bin' there)...I did their blind test run through and consistently picked two b/s tonewoods (all spruce top guitars used in the study), and they weren't Rosewood! I have since gone back thru the test(s) multiple times, refining my techniques and keeping copious notes; still dead on consistent with my top two choices, with one edging out the other for 1st place; 1 statistically significantly (say that 10 time fast) comes in third, while the other three flop around a bit for 4th thru 6th...but that's academic. After a few runs through, the position of the guitar presented becomes a constant, so some objectivity is lost, but I compensate by compressing my scoring and putting days/week(s) between exposure; I know I can say with confidence what I most appreciate in tonal quality from that experience and having listened to hundreds (hyperbole?) of online comparisons of these versus other tonewoods. I am purposely withholding my pick(s) as I hope some of you take the opportunity to experience the study, and we will have a whole new thread to pursue. :-). Keep in mind, there are only 6 different guitars, i.e., only 6 tonewoods, but they are the 'standards' of the industry and likely reflect (no pun intended) the tonal characteristics enjoyed by most "guitarophiles" (sic).
Ok, now what was the question? Right...how did I end up here...quite simply, researching the Taylor line. After purchasing one, then discovering my "tastes", I became more convinced that the Taylor resides at the top of the heap over all that I have experienced...albeit, I obviously have not played a fraction of the others, dare I say that would probably take more years than are likely allotted to me, but using my totally objective perspective (NOT...read TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE), the demos of the instruments I have managed to experience (Martins, Gibson's, Matons, Breedlove, Seagull high end, Yamaha hi end, Larrivees, BlueRidge, ...gasp...the list is far longer, but you get the point), Taylor has more than held it's own for my listening enjoyment, and I have played most of their stock models (sigh, love at first pluck).
OK, no one asked for a short story that was not Pulitzer worthy, but once I get on a roll, well..you see. I will end with an apology for this tome of a posting and ask your tolerance...I don't know the rules of the game here...don't do participatory forums (typically), but my passion for guitars and specifically Taylor's paragon of the art of guitar building has opened up a floodgate. Thank you folks for this forum, and I promise to at least try to be more succinct in the future...likely get my wrist slapped and be instructed to 'cop or drop' :-). Regards all...
$
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Purchased my first Taylor in November...GS-Mini Koa. Have "heard" about Taylor's' off and on for years (my 40 yr old son's name, so naturally it gave me a "huh" moment). Never really researched them until lately; having retired I have a renewed interest in a long lost love...acoustic guitars. I probably had not picked one up but a dozen or so times in a couple of decades...well, you know, "life happens."
Have had many guitars over the course of 55 years...currently about 17 or 18 (nothing high, hell likely not even mid, level). I'm "exposing myself" (chortle) to a variety of body sizes, woods, etc. As I am studying "Luthiering" I plan to do setup/repairs and resell acoustics, mostly as an education/experience/labor of love endeavor. I have been a woodworker of one form or another (just retired from tree service, now that's primal woodworking experience) most of my life, along with numerous other enterprises; and ya' know what?...I'm still a darn rank amateur when I get a guitar in hand...lol.
My main guitar is a 1974 Guild D40 I purchased new, it and a 1970 something lawsuit Martin knock-off and my new Mini are my go-to instruments at present. I have learned an enormous amount about the design, construction and dynamics of acoustics over the last 6 +/- months, and have now via actual hand's (ear's?) on experience aligned my preferences with what my (potentially) ultimate guitar will be. Found a very interesting 'study' online: (http://www.psych.lancs.ac.uk/hearing/the-guitar-experiment/online-tests/); absolutely mindblowing for moi'...I highly recommend it. I have labored under the delusion that my "ultimate, be-all, last I would ever want/need" guitar was...tada...HD-28!!! WRONG!!!! Almost mortgaged the wife to snap up a great deal on one, new, drive out, shipped free, FINANCED NO INTEREST 12 months....and 45 day 'no questions asked' return policy'. darn glad I could not justify it; wifey would have been pissed too :-). Anyway, back to my point...the "ears on" study was enlightening (you would'a had ta' bin' there)...I did their blind test run through and consistently picked two b/s tonewoods (all spruce top guitars used in the study), and they weren't Rosewood! I have since gone back thru the test(s) multiple times, refining my techniques and keeping copious notes; still dead on consistent with my top two choices, with one edging out the other for 1st place; 1 statistically significantly (say that 10 time fast) comes in third, while the other three flop around a bit for 4th thru 6th...but that's academic. After a few runs through, the position of the guitar presented becomes a constant, so some objectivity is lost, but I compensate by compressing my scoring and putting days/week(s) between exposure; I know I can say with confidence what I most appreciate in tonal quality from that experience and having listened to hundreds (hyperbole?) of online comparisons of these versus other tonewoods. I am purposely withholding my pick(s) as I hope some of you take the opportunity to experience the study, and we will have a whole new thread to pursue. :-). Keep in mind, there are only 6 different guitars, i.e., only 6 tonewoods, but they are the 'standards' of the industry and likely reflect (no pun intended) the tonal characteristics enjoyed by most "guitarophiles" (sic).
Ok, now what was the question? Right...how did I end up here...quite simply, researching the Taylor line. After purchasing one, then discovering my "tastes", I became more convinced that the Taylor resides at the top of the heap over all that I have experienced...albeit, I obviously have not played a fraction of the others, dare I say that would probably take more years than are likely allotted to me, but using my totally objective perspective (NOT...read TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE), the demos of the instruments I have managed to experience (Martins, Gibson's, Matons, Breedlove, Seagull high end, Yamaha hi end, Larrivees, BlueRidge, ...gasp...the list is far longer, but you get the point), Taylor has more than held it's own for my listening enjoyment, and I have played most of their stock models (sigh, love at first pluck).
OK, no one asked for a short story that was not Pulitzer worthy, but once I get on a roll, well..you see. I will end with an apology for this tome of a posting and ask your tolerance...I don't know the rules of the game here...don't do participatory forums (typically), but my passion for guitars and specifically Taylor's paragon of the art of guitar building has opened up a floodgate. Thank you folks for this forum, and I promise to at least try to be more succinct in the future...likely get my wrist slapped and be instructed to 'cop or drop' :-). Regards all...
$
this is an awesome post and i wanted to try your link but your post added a semicolon at the end
http://www.psych.lancs.ac.uk/hearing/the-guitar-experiment/online-tests/
welcome and feel free to type away, looking forward to some interesting posts from you!
thx for sharing the link i will try it tomorrow when the kids sleep!
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Howdy Zeebow...thanks for letting me know that someone actually read my post...lol. Sorry bout' that link...dang cut 'n paste...not me of course, it was the Russians :-)
Look forward to the potential camaraderie and sharing of experience, knowledge, and just plain ole dang Joy and fun.
Best
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Howdy Zeebow...thanks for letting me know that someone actually read my post...lol. Sorry bout' that link...dang cut 'n paste...not me of course, it was the Russians :-)
Look forward to the potential camaraderie and sharing of experience, knowledge, and just plain ole dang Joy and fun.
Best
i can relate to your 1st post. we have 3 kids, two are young (4 and 2) so finding time is tough, especially w/ challenging work schedules. all that being said, i'm excited about my upcoming BTO which should be here soon, will be my first small body guitar and 1st 12 fret..
what's your current fav?
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I found this through the Taylor Guitars Owners Group on Facebook. I believe Zeebow posted about it. Don't know about anybody else, but I find that group to lean towards the pretentious. There are a few folks on there who promote their own business but then moderate the heck out of anybody else who even brings up the topic of buying and selling. And I have also found there to be a pecking order of sorts. So far this forum here has been very different. Very positive. Thanks everybody.
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I found this through the Taylor Guitars Owners Group on Facebook. I believe Zeebow posted about it. Don't know about anybody else, but I find that group to lean towards the pretentious. There are a few folks on there who promote their own business but then moderate the heck out of anybody else who even brings up the topic of buying and selling. And I have also found there to be a pecking order of sorts. So far this forum here has been very different. Very positive. Thanks everybody.
Welcome! You'll find things to be pretty interesting and fun around here. It's friendly, like a family (or should I say like most families ;)).
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I found this through the Taylor Guitars Owners Group on Facebook. I believe Zeebow posted about it. Don't know about anybody else, but I find that group to lean towards the pretentious. There are a few folks on there who promote their own business but then moderate the heck out of anybody else who even brings up the topic of buying and selling. And I have also found there to be a pecking order of sorts. So far this forum here has been very different. Very positive. Thanks everybody.
woo hoo! i did, i asked the mod on that group and he was cool with it. i'm new to that group so i don't have an opinion on it. i can say i "met" some cool people on there.
this forum is super friendly, some other guitar forums can be rough around the edges but this one, everyone is supportive. for instance, got tons of good advice for my BTO
if you have questions hit me on the private messages or just post!
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I just did a Google search for "Taylor forums".
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I found this forum in the last couple of months while researching various Taylor guitars I was considering purchasing. Because it was Taylor-specific the info and opinions were much more specific and useful to me - although the Acoustic Guitar Forums is good too, just broader in scope, obviously.
I had narrowed my choice to Taylor primarily due to the sound I was looking for, and (to be honest about something many might consider superficial) I really like the use of Ebony (a real wood) vs the Richlite that the lower-end Martins are using.
When I discovered the 214ce QM Dlx was available, I really started digging, and this was one of the few places that even mentioned it.
And after purchasing, I decided to sign up, because clearly this isn't going to be my one and only Taylor.
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I found this forum in the last couple of months while researching various Taylor guitars I was considering purchasing. Because it was Taylor-specific the info and opinions were much more specific and useful to me - although the Acoustic Guitar Forums is good too, just broader in scope, obviously.
I had narrowed my choice to Taylor primarily due to the sound I was looking for, and (to be honest about something many might consider superficial) I really like the use of Ebony (a real wood) vs the Richlite that the lower-end Martins are using.
When I discovered the 214ce QM Dlx was available, I really started digging, and this was one of the few places that even mentioned it.
And after purchasing, I decided to sign up, because clearly this isn't going to be my one and only Taylor.
interesting historical fact is that the AGF started off as the taylor guitar forum and expanded.
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And after purchasing, I decided to sign up, because clearly this isn't going to be my one and only Taylor.
You aren't alone!
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interesting historical fact is that the AGF started off as the taylor guitar forum and expanded.
Heh, I did not know that (no reason I should have, I suppose).
And after purchasing, I decided to sign up, because clearly this isn't going to be my one and only Taylor.
You aren't alone!
I do need to qualify that my next instrument is likely to be a banjo, since I borrowed and played one as accompaniment on one of my tracks on our CD we put out last year, and I'd like to futz about a bit more to see if it can be used for any of my new material.
But a Taylor 300 series, perhaps 500 or 600, is certainly on my radar.
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I knew about this forum for years, and actually signed up years ago. Took till recently to get going here...
I am 65 and still gigging. Never learned to use a computer, and just limping along with an iPad!
Thanks for being here UTGF !
Cheers
Paul :)
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I also found the UTGF via the AGF, LOL! I enjoy both forums but wanted more Taylor specific info & discussion.
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OK shinksma....color me "green" (envy..lol). I have had the pleasure of playing the 214ce QM...sigh..I was instantly infatuated. One build aspect of GS-Mini's, the braceless arched back is shared by the 100 and 200 series; I'm fairly certain that design characteristic is responsible for the incredible volume obtained from the relatively small Mini's and the "quality" of the 100 and 200 voices. I have played the 300's and 400's, and perhaps due to my aged hearing, I actually prefer the perceived clarity of the arch-back models.
I have not had the opportunity to play any of the 600 series, but I await the experience with 'bated breath'...I am all over being committed to the 214ce QM as my next Taylor...butttt, I am not really a fan of the 'ce' models...give me the full GA (x14) or GS (x16) (heck I'll even take a dread or a GO :-), w/o the electronics. Perhaps I am too much of a purist for the built in electronics, but if I was a "true purist" I would insist on the "Battleship"...go figure. I am disconcerted, however, vis-a-vis the "layered" vs. solid Maple B/S as I do not have enough experience/exposure to the nuances. Having recently read that Taylor's middle ply in the lam is poplar...dashed my "perception" that they used all the same tonewood(s), thus their term "layered" turns out out to be just marketing :-( ... 1 demerit for Taylor ...I am now diligently researching the qualities of poplar as a tonewood. Having been a carpenter/cabinetmaker/arborist, annddd, a North Georgia resident for ages, I am intimately familiar with poplar. Trivia: the name is associated with its' tendency to "pop" when it burns, thus not even good firewood unless you use a wood burning stove. Poplar is deciduous (hardwood), but relatively soft, and is used a lot for cabinet interiors and shelving for same. It's relatively stable, but I am not sure how I feel about it as a component of my acoustic guitar.
This is basically academic...the voice of an instrument is a function of multiple variables, either it sound's like what you want to hear or it doesn't. I mentioned a study earlier in this thread, which after many trials, allowed me to consistently chose Maple (Claro Walnut, darn near a tie) as possessing the tonal characteristics I most appreciate. Maple has been used for centuries as a primary wood for stringed instruments, think Antonio Stradivarius :-); it is the most 'transparent' of the tonewoods, accentuating the primary tonal characteristics without the overtones and having a rapid note decay. This (to my ear) yields a 'cleaner' more distinct balanced spectrum; no overpowering basses, teeth clenching highs, or "scooped" midranges. But I would be loathe to imply this is what all acoustic guitars should sound like...beauty is in the eye (ear?).
Ok, now having once again overstayed my welcome, I do have a communal request. With all the talent on this forum, I humbly request feedback on experience with the 600 series, especially as it relates to the instrument of discussion, the 214ce QM; and I know that I can be accused of comparing apples to chocolate, but since it is mostly subjective, that is the type of input I seek. If I were a rich man (da de da, da de da da - Fiddler on the Roof :-), I would just plan on getting both, but I am wondering whether to go for the 214QM... ASAP, orrr, be content with my Koa Mini and assorted hog, rw, nato, etc., dreads until I can pop for a 600...I don't expect a definitive answer on that question, just personal hands' on experience/opinions. Also, since I mentioned it, I would also like any feedback from folks with both the 600's and an appreciation for the Maple character, and experience with the Koa line; I have not been able to get a good "ear's on" experience of a Maple vs Koa listen. The Koa research has also intrigued me as it characteristics, while supposedly "warmer" than the Maple (the only 'lack', albeit a small aspect in the Maple spectrum), are implied to accentuate a similar 'voice'. I have not had enough time on my new Mini to form an opinion...it needs different strings than OEM, I think, and it needs to be played in...I incurred "Saturday Night Palsy" Christmas night and still don't have sufficient use of my left hand (just when i thought it was safe to go back in the water :-(, to even hold appropriately, much less put fingers to strings on, any of my guitars.
Thanks to all who take the time to read this, and my most grateful laudations to any who put forth the effort to address my interests.
Best to everyone of the nice folk (what the hell, best to the not so nice too...lol) of this forum.
Ladds Banks
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OK shinksma....color me "green" (envy..lol). I have had the pleasure of playing the 214ce QM...sigh..I was instantly infatuated. One build aspect of GS-Mini's, the braceless arched back is shared by the 100 and 200 series; I'm fairly certain that design characteristic is responsible for the incredible volume obtained from the relatively small Mini's and the "quality" of the 100 and 200 voices. I have played the 300's and 400's, and perhaps due to my aged hearing, I actually prefer the perceived clarity of the arch-back models.
I have not had the opportunity to play any of the 600 series, but I await the experience with 'bated breath'...I am all over being committed to the 214ce QM as my next Taylor...butttt, I am not really a fan of the 'ce' models...give me the full GA (x14) or GS (x16) (heck I'll even take a dread or a GO :-), w/o the electronics. Perhaps I am too much of a purist for the built in electronics, but if I was a "true purist" I would insist on the "Battleship"...go figure. I am disconcerted, however, vis-a-vis the "layered" vs. solid Maple B/S as I do not have enough experience/exposure to the nuances. Having recently read that Taylor's middle ply in the lam is poplar...dashed my "perception" that they used all the same tonewood(s), thus their term "layered" turns out out to be just marketing :-( ... 1 demerit for Taylor ...I am now diligently researching the qualities of poplar as a tonewood. Having been a carpenter/cabinetmaker/arborist, annddd, a North Georgia resident for ages, I am intimately familiar with poplar. Trivia: the name is associated with its' tendency to "pop" when it burns, thus not even good firewood unless you use a wood burning stove. Poplar is deciduous (hardwood), but relatively soft, and is used a lot for cabinet interiors and shelving for same. It's relatively stable, but I am not sure how I feel about it as a component of my acoustic guitar.
This is basically academic...the voice of an instrument is a function of multiple variables, either it sound's like what you want to hear or it doesn't. I mentioned a study earlier in this thread, which after many trials, allowed me to consistently chose Maple (Claro Walnut, darn near a tie) as possessing the tonal characteristics I most appreciate. Maple has been used for centuries as a primary wood for stringed instruments, think Antonio Stradivarius :-); it is the most 'transparent' of the tonewoods, accentuating the primary tonal characteristics without the overtones and having a rapid note decay. This (to my ear) yields a 'cleaner' more distinct balanced spectrum; no overpowering basses, teeth clenching highs, or "scooped" midranges. But I would be loathe to imply this is what all acoustic guitars should sound like...beauty is in the eye (ear?).
Ok, now having once again overstayed my welcome, I do have a communal request. With all the talent on this forum, I humbly request feedback on experience with the 600 series, especially as it relates to the instrument of discussion, the 214ce QM; and I know that I can be accused of comparing apples to chocolate, but since it is mostly subjective, that is the type of input I seek. If I were a rich man (da de da, da de da da - Fiddler on the Roof :-), I would just plan on getting both, but I am wondering whether to go for the 214QM... ASAP, orrr, be content with my Koa Mini and assorted hog, rw, nato, etc., dreads until I can pop for a 600...I don't expect a definitive answer on that question, just personal hands' on experience/opinions. Also, since I mentioned it, I would also like any feedback from folks with both the 600's and an appreciation for the Maple character, and experience with the Koa line; I have not been able to get a good "ear's on" experience of a Maple vs Koa listen. The Koa research has also intrigued me as it characteristics, while supposedly "warmer" than the Maple (the only 'lack', albeit a small aspect in the Maple spectrum), are implied to accentuate a similar 'voice'. I have not had enough time on my new Mini to form an opinion...it needs different strings than OEM, I think, and it needs to be played in...I incurred "Saturday Night Palsy" Christmas night and still don't have sufficient use of my left hand (just when i thought it was safe to go back in the water :-(, to even hold appropriately, much less put fingers to strings on, any of my guitars.
Thanks to all who take the time to read this, and my most grateful laudations to any who put forth the effort to address my interests.
Best to everyone of the nice folk (what the hell, best to the not so nice too...lol) of this forum.
Ladds Banks
i really enjoy your posts! i think to get the most responses, you should open a new thread in the general section.
it helps keep the discussion focused - and you'll get the most help.
in the mean time i will say
1. not so much difference in the laminate guitars to me in terms of tone
2. solid koa and solid maple really show different css. koa has mid tone warmth, maple is brighter and no overtones - perfect for recording
3. the revoiced 600s feature a torrefied top, and the sugar stain makes the guitar "brown" which makes it more attractive to the casual guitar player, the voice is phenomenal, it is. or overly bright like the previous 600s
4. i would save and get the 600
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Thanks Z. Yeah my inclination is to tread water and save, at least I can get the model w/o the "c"...mayhaps they will offer a non "e" by then too; seems a bit inflexible that so many of the models are offered with the "e" or nothing. What 'bout us mere mortals that play and don't WANT to be heard by others...lol.
Also appreciate your advice regarding the zone shift to a new thread...will have to peruse the logistics and see if I can figure out the procedure...then a lot of cut'n and paste'n...only good for so many words per/some indeterminate period of time based on indeterminate variable :-).
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Thanks Z. Yeah my inclination is to tread water and save, at least I can get the model w/o the "c"...mayhaps they will offer a non "e" by then too; seems a bit inflexible that so many of the models are offered with the "e" or nothing. What 'bout us mere mortals that play and don't WANT to be heard by others...lol.
Also appreciate your advice regarding the zone shift to a new thread...will have to peruse the logistics and see if I can figure out the procedure...then a lot of cut'n and paste'n...only good for so many words per/some indeterminate period of time based on indeterminate variable :-).
you might want to send taylorgirl a private message. she ordered a 914 with no cutaway and no electronics, not sure how she did that
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=7819.0
you could use the same philosophy for the 614...
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Yea, likely classed as a "BTO" (?)...anyone that can call Taylor and 'order' a 900 series is wayyyy out of my league...would not even feel worthy to request an "audience"...lol.
Thanks zeebow, you have been an inspiration for me...I have become "involved" as opposed to "lurking" as a result of your input.
BTW, I did build a new thread...anyone who opens it will either be really dedicated...or masochistic.
Hey, you've mentioned your 3 kid's...how old? I got grandkids already gradjiyated college :-). I'm "Vintage"...lmao...
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Yea, likely classed as a "BTO" (?)...anyone that can call Taylor and 'order' a 900 series is wayyyy out of my league...would not even feel worthy to request an "audience"...lol.
Thanks zeebow, you have been an inspiration for me...I have become "involved" as opposed to "lurking" as a result of your input.
BTW, I did build a new thread...anyone who opens it will either be really dedicated...or masochistic.
Hey, you've mentioned your 3 kid's...how old? I got grandkids already gradjiyated college :-). I'm "Vintage"...lmao...
BTO stands for build to order, it is taylor's custom order program where you specify every aspect of the guitar, i'm fortunate to just have completed that process and pick my woods at the factory in el cajon
my kids are 12,4 and 2 :)
the cool thing about forums is that it transcends age.
most people (me and taylorgirl included i'm sure) would love to give advice..my point on you reaching out to her is that she can provide details on what she did, to potentially save you hundreds off the 600 series
in fact, i helped my sister pick out her 114e
everyone has a price point. i have friends that ask me how i afford a BTO, yet they spend $100-$200 going drinking every weekend, it's all about choices and what you value is my reply :)
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you might want to send taylorgirl a private message. she ordered a 914 with no cutaway and no electronics, not sure how she did that
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=7819.0
you could use the same philosophy for the 614...
Zeebow is right. You can order any series Taylor (not so sure about the 100, 200) without a cutaway and/or without electronics. All I did was have my dealer order it the way I wanted it (no c and no e). I had done that before with other Taylors. It's really very easy. You'll have to wait 4-6 weeks for it to be done (my 914 took about 4 1/2 weeks), but that's insignificant to get it the way you want it. Taylor is very accomodating. And doing this is called "modify a model", which is entirely different than a BTO. It saves on the cost too, since you aren't paying for something you don't want or need. Hope that helps.
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Hi agin' zeebow...yeah I knew the acronym, was including the question mark as query if you knew it would or would not be treated as one, but thanks for picking up on it...better twice known than not known :-). But I do plead ignorance on one you used previously, to wit:
" ...show different css." ??
Yes, the forum is a very good venue for leveling the field...especially when it has good hearted folks participating. I look forward to learning and growing by participating as and when I can. You and taylorgirl both appear to be most gracious and giving...of you knowledge and your time. The best way to learn and grow is to teach...keep up the good work :-).
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Hi agin' zeebow...yeah I knew the acronym, was including the question mark as query if you knew it would or would not be treated as one, but thanks for picking up on it...better twice known than not known :-). But I do plead ignorance on one you used previously, to wit:
" ...show different css." ??
Yes, the forum is a very good venue for leveling the field...especially when it has good hearted folks participating. I look forward to learning and growing by participating as and when I can. You and taylorgirl both appear to be most gracious and giving...of you knowledge and your time. The best way to learn and grow is to teach...keep up the good work :-).
that would be my iphone not correctly dictating what i said to it lol
i meant to say the real difference "not css" can be heard in solid guitars - maple and koa sound VERY different..maple is bright, koa is mid range
thx for the compliment. a lot of knowledgeable people here, i'm just ok :)
my fav tone wood combo that i have heard from taylor is cedar/rosewood
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That's an easy to answer question. Whenever I want to know the "straight skinny" on any issue, I search for a user forum. They are always the experts on the subject. I was considering sending my 814CE to the Taylor shop to upgrade the ES system to an ES2. I couldn't find a lot of posts on the subject, but those I did find were positive. So, yesterday I sent it off. I am excited to see how it sounds after the upgrade...I'm having Taylor withdrawals!!!
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Welcome ParisTNDude, glad you joined us. This is a great forum. ;)
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Having decided sometime towards the end of 2016 to make a determined effort to learn to play a guitar I bought a GS Mini Koa at the beginning of this year. Once I had it in my hands, and being delighted with it's playability, sound etc, I just knew those plastic bridge pins would have to go. The subsequent search for info re the pins was where I found this forum.
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Well.....welcome Marquis. You're definitely at the Taylor "place of knowledge". I've been playing Taylor guitars for 14 or 15 years and because each model sounds awesome, I find myself upgrading when I can and even buying a second when I don't really need it. Hey!, you wouldn't have much fun in life if you bought only the things you NEED!...right?
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Having decided sometime towards the end of 2016 to make a determined effort to learn to play a guitar I bought a GS Mini Koa at the beginning of this year. Once I had it in my hands, and being delighted with it's playability, sound etc, I just knew those plastic bridge pins would have to go. The subsequent search for info re the pins was where I found this forum.
welcome! i signed up for an online instructor too! been playing guitar for a long time but having an instructor will def help you take it to the next level
feel free to ask questions as needed!
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Google Searched for a Taylor Guitar Forum
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A Google search for "Taylor guitar forum". (seriously)
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Thought AGF was only forum so made many attempts to be AGF member but membership failed , and failed. Then I found your forum and membership was easily completed. Thanks for the constant hard work of operating a forum.
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I was a member of the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. When I bought a Taylor I looked to see if there was an equivalent UTGF, and there is was!
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Google leads to all things...
I was trying to decide if I wanted to buy a koa guitar and looking for opinions of owners of one, this place showed up in the search results.
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I am a Taylor owner and searched out a forum to try and sell the guitar. What better place than a group dedicated to the brand!
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I am a Taylor owner and searched out a forum to try and sell the guitar. What better place than a group dedicated to the brand!
Welcome. We hope members join, so they can participate. That is the purpose of this forum, sharing information and learning about Taylor guitars. If you are joining JUST to try to sell a guitar, you might want to check out the marketplace rules.
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=2296.0
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I had been a moderator over on the AGF for a long time, even back when we were the Taylor Guitar Forum. For a number of years after we became the "Acoustic Guitar Forum," out of respect for our roots we maintained a sub-forum we called the "Taylor Guitar Forum." It was the only sub-forum dedicated to a single manufacturer. There was nothing equivalent for Martin, Gibson, et al. After a while, the owner decided it was time to simply fold Taylor discussions in with "General Acoustic Guitar Discussion." This was fine with a lot of folks, but we had a good number of people, Josh included, who would rather keep the focus mainly on Taylors. So he decided to start this place. It wasn't out of anger or malice on anyone's part. In fact, Josh and I talked for a good while about structuring his own forum. He didn't exactly model his new forum after the AGF, but he certainly incorporated some of its best ideas. He went about setting this place up in all the right ways. Now, several years later, it's clear that first laying a strong, carefully considered foundation has made for solid, steady growth.
I later resigned my AGF duties, and stayed away for a while. I'm back over there occasionally now, and am pleased to see things running smoothly. It's still a great forum, though with over 100,000 members now, can't compete with close knit camaraderie felt here, especially among our regulars. That's to be expected, and is certainly no slam to either forum. I've only recently begun checking in here again, and I love the atmosphere, the information, inspiration, and the entertainment that is today's UTGF! (Good to see so many friends in both forums.)
Great job, Josh and company! You've created exactly the kind of community Josh first envisioned, a great place for Taylor guitar lovers to hang out together. I'm enjoying the conversation!
cotten
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When my passion for playing was recently rekindled I knew pretty quick I wanted to build a stable of 12 strings and wanted one of them to be a Taylor. Soooo, I googled "Taylor Guitar Forum" and here I am!
That and I was stalking Cotten... ::)
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I saw this forum mentioned on the AGF and UMGF, and since I had just
bought a Taylor, figured this would be a fun place for me.
Ron
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Just Googled Taylor Guitar Forum one day to see if there was one and this popped up. All simply out of curiosity.
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As I was considering the purchase of a new Taylor to replace my old friend Alvarez that got stolen, I Googled information about Taylor Guitars, and Taylor Forums. BINGO! This is a great forum. Very helpful people here.
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google was my friend in finding this forum. although lower activty i find it better (probably cause i only care about taylor guitars lol)
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I'd call it "blind, outhouse luck"...i think it was a Google search, but i lurked here for a long time before i registered. Awesome information here. While i have a distinct Martin side, I love my Taylors!
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While i have a distinct Martin side, I love my Taylors!
Unusual, but very cool! Welcome to the UTGF!
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I was looking for a used 522e going through numerous links on Google and this forum showed up. I used to be a member of the Larrivee forum as well so knew what this was about. I love the infos I can find I am a little confused with the search features as when I find a link and click on it it ends up back at the front page though. ANyway, terrific, slightly addictive and if I was spending as much time playing as I am reading on this forum I would be the next Lagoya by now.
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Shortly after buying a 314ce I had a vision..........it led me here.
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This is my first posting ever to any forum. I'm glad it's this one as I find a lot of kindred spirits here. I found this forum by search for the topic "who has the oldest Taylor Guitar". I've been in recent communication with Bob Taylor and now believe that to be me or possible one other. Bob Taylor has graciously modified his website to now read:
"The two oldest verified serial numbers are 00109 and 10109. Record keeping in the early days was spotty and it's uncertain which guitar is actually the first one, but these two were built within the first few months of Taylor Guitars production." I own S/N 00109, a beautiful maple jumbo Bob himself made for me in early 1975 in their newly purchased shop in Lemon Grove.
I'm going to post more on the unique guitar and the story about my history with Bob and Kurt and the making of the first Taylor. It's also my hope that whomever has S/N 10109 reads this forum and comes forth with his or her own story. Perhaps we can help Bob's spotty record keeping and solve once and for all the question of "who has the oldest Taylor"?
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Welcome to the forum Hornwriter. Great story with your Maple Jumbo. I hope your whos who is solved. I know it is not me, my oldest Taylor is from 2007
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This is my first posting ever to any forum. I'm glad it's this one as I find a lot of kindred spirits here. I found this forum by search for the topic "who has the oldest Taylor Guitar". I've been in recent communication with Bob Taylor and now believe that to be me or possible one other. Bob Taylor has graciously modified his website to now read:
"The two oldest verified serial numbers are 00109 and 10109. Record keeping in the early days was spotty and it's uncertain which guitar is actually the first one, but these two were built within the first few months of Taylor Guitars production." I own S/N 00109, a beautiful maple jumbo Bob himself made for me in early 1975 in their newly purchased shop in Lemon Grove.
I'm going to post more on the unique guitar and the story about my history with Bob and Kurt and the making of the first Taylor. It's also my hope that whomever has S/N 10109 reads this forum and comes forth with his or her own story. Perhaps we can help Bob's spotty record keeping and solve once and for all the question of "who has the oldest Taylor"?
Welcome. Wow, that is cool. We'd love to see more pics of the guitar. Also, my heart goes out to you, as a good star father. Thank you for your sacrifice.
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Suzie,
Thank you for your gracious thoughts. I had always though I would pass this beautiful guitar down to our son Sean. After 9/11 our son felt strongly about becoming a U.S. Marine and went on to serve his country in faraway Iraq. We lost our only Son in northern Iraq and miss him so very much. Our daughter Melissa will now keep this instrument safe for one of my grandchildren to enjoy. The circle of life goes on and the gift of music will always be a precious one.
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Suzie,
Thank you for your gracious thoughts. I had always though I would pass this beautiful guitar down to our son Sean. After 9/11 our son felt strongly about becoming a U.S. Marine and went on to serve his country in faraway Iraq. We lost our only Son in northern Iraq and miss him so very much. Our daughter Melissa will now keep this instrument safe for one of my grandchildren to enjoy. The circle of life goes on and the gift of music will always be a precious one.
I am so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. You should be very proud of Sean. Thank you for sharing, bless you all.
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Was googling something and posts from here were in the results.
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I don't remember :(
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Google search!
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Was looking for a 562 on line and a reference for this forum was made in a review.
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Google search for me.
Bought a Taylor and want to learn all I can about it's history, tweaks, care, what kind of strings work best, etc.. etc etc.
I'm learning.
Thanks.
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I was searching the web for an answer about the old T5 I just bought. i noticed the URL for this forum and started to look around... And here I am...
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Basic Google search, glad I found youse guys too.
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Searched for a Taylor guitar forum.
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Was searching for information on the Taylor Balanced Breakout Box, and one of my searches returned a page from this forum. Since I couldn't go deeper into the forum without registering, here I am.
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When first looking into buying a Taylor, I found this thru various searches. It's been a good source of information.
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Wow. How existential for a guitar forum. How did I get here? 8) I turned left at the UMGF then another left at Gibson-Talk, then right at letstalkguild. I went back to the UMGF and landed at The Acoustic Guitar Forum. I passed through the Larrivee Forum (my Larrivee guitars haven't needed any therapy or assistance :). It's the prototypical American musician/guitar player/guitar addict story. I found myself in a dark place recording in LA in the mid-90's and felt an empty place for a different sound that my usual fixes didn't satisfy at that moment....... In a weakened state I began experimenting with Taylors ( I know. Don't judge) from the '90's through 2010, or so, then got really addicted with my first 814. I tried to kick the habit a few times cold turkey, of course, then relapsed and realized that my addiction to Bob's urging me to "here buy another....... you know you want to....." led me to my 912 and 914 which meant I was probably destined to have a Taylor, or two, in the entourage for the long haul. Like most addicts, I sought the comfort of like-minded users here at the UTGF.
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Wow. How existential for a guitar forum. How did I get here? 8) I turned left at the UMGF then another left at Gibson-Talk, then right at letstalkguild. I went back to the UMGF and landed at The Acoustic Guitar Forum. I passed through the Larrivee Forum (my Larrivee guitars haven't needed any therapy or assistance :). It's the prototypical American musician/guitar player/guitar addict story. I found myself in a dark place recording in LA in the mid-90's and felt an empty place for a different sound that my usual fixes didn't satisfy at that moment....... In a weakened state I began experimenting with Taylors ( I know. Don't judge) from the '90's through 2010, or so, then got really addicted with my first 814. I tried to kick the habit a few times cold turkey, of course, then relapsed and realized that my addiction to Bob's urging me to "here buy another....... you know you want to....." led me to my 912 and 914 which meant I was probably destined to have a Taylor, or two, in the entourage for the long haul. Like most addicts, I sought the comfort of like-minded users here at the UTGF.
Great post! :)
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Saw mention of it on the AGF ...
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Internet search...
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Just a simple internet search! I wanted to see how many acoustic guitar forums would show up, and this one seemed interesting, especially since I have always liked Taylors, even though I never owned one. I expect that to change soon. 8)