Taylor 214e - and the buzz - am I the problem?

[mediaman09]

Well many months have now passed. Got me a stool, strap, footrest etc and keeping a better eye on my posture, position etc. Am trying to play more, but still haven't nailed the 'joy' I am looking for.

I would like to try a change in strings next, going from Elixir light (12-53) to extra light  (10-47).

Per post above, I know I should expect a change in tone as well, which is fine.  On that point, is there a particular brand/type that will tend give me a less-bright, less-harsh, more mellow tone? .  I realize the irony here in that the Taylor are brighter that others to begin with...but I would like to try something a little toned down. As well I am currently not hearing a great deal of sustain.

Again, main purpose is to see if the lighter gauge makes the playability easier. I mainly play (learning to play) a chord melody finger style . Here is a sample, mistakes and all, on an electric : https://soundcloud.com/mediaman09/vincent-don-mclean-18-1

I do NOT use a pick and do not perform (clearly) so I hope that helps mitigate issues re breaking strings, and volume.

For now I will stick with phosphor-bronze ( vs 80/20), and try :
Elixir    / 16002     Acoustic Phosphor Bronze with NANOWEB® Coating                  
D'Addario / EXP15     D'Addario EXP15 Coated Phosphor Bronze Extra Light Acoustic Guitar             
Martin / M-SP-7000    Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Treated Acoustic Guitar Strings
               


Many thanks for the patience support to date!

[mediaman09]

I have D'Addario EXP15's  on now and it's a 1000% better re playability.

I still gotta figure out things if i do or dont have any remaining buzz or shrill sounding notes once the stings are broken in.......but looks like extra lights are a good move for me so far.

[mediaman09]

Yup, that shrill/tin/dead sound is still there on the higher strings. As I've already had the tech (and other players) check it out, and have changed my playing posture habits and changed string types, and have been playing it more and more, I think I've taken this as far as I can.

I know its a great guitar, but I'm simply not getting 100% joy from it. I wont get rid of it and my daughter is learning as well, so it will stay in the family.

If I buy a another, that's a whole different discussion. I doubt it will be a Taylor though ; the 214e is a quality and aesthetically beautiful guitar but as I am discovering, its just too bright for my taste, are is still giving me some grief, and the electronics are quite unimpressive. My daughter will be happy though to take it off my hands!

I will likely try out a more mellow Martin as I think that's what my ears and brain prefer. But even Martin wont be a no-brainer as I have read so much about inconsistencies even within a given model, and at this point I have no idea what model would be appropriate for me. I will of course start trying them out, but there is always so much uncertainly as the model you try, and dismiss, might be the old version, the new version, the one with the bad strings, or the heavier strings etc etc.  Am even wondering if I should go in the other direction and go for something from the Seagull or Simon & Patrick offerings!