814 Prototypes.....Who Buys them?

[krugjr]

so the new 2014 814 is out.......but there are a lot of 814 prototypes for sale....version 5, version 9, version this, version that....what's this all about? I mean, either it's a really good product and worth more or it's a reject and not worth much at all.....if it was all trial and error during the building process, aren't they trying to sell the "error"? who buys them? I can't picture buying a guitar that the Taylor crew deemed "not good enough" to be the "new 814"......any insight?

$

[michaelw]

beats me
#9, with no ES2, offset back bracing or pickguard, but it has a really nice case &
the ebony binding that was nixed on the production 800s in favor of pale maple
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-9-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108303161-/231122123177?pt=Guitar&hash=item35cff3b9a9

#5, with "hazard flasher" inlays 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-5-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108273155-/231122117605?pt=Guitar&hash=item35cff3a3e5

#1 - looks like #5 with a pickguard to me
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-1-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108213168-/231136277270?pt=Guitar&hash=item35d0cbb316&nma=true&si=nInl1ybvd2Jy%252By4F2KuL0H8hyDs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

#7, with schaller grandtune tuners
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-7-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108303159-/251436938254?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a8acf340e&nma=true&si=nInl1ybvd2Jy%252By4F2KuL0H8hyDs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
http://www.schaller-electronic.com/hp514590/GrandTune-superior-tuning-machines.htm

rev#17, sans 'guard - not a great deal, considering there's no warranty, but it looks to have the closest to the final specs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-Year-End-Blowout-Sale-2014-PROTOTYPE-814ce-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-/161179767413?pt=Guitar&hash=item2587101275&nma=true&si=nInl1ybvd2Jy%252By4F2KuL0H8hyDs%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

none of them are "rejects", as they aren't stamped "used", they just didn't make the final cut, except for maybe #17

[Edward]

I've personally had three prototypes in my hands at various times, and an acquaintance bought one of them.  They were stellar guitars, all, and would have not seen any issue with buying were it not for my finte resources.

Edward

[Blueshwk]

As I said in another thread, Intonation and a neck adjustment to suit your string desires are both well worth the time and effort. I have seen many guitars sold or returned when simple adjustments would have cured what ailed them.

Of course I have had a few myself that the intonation just couldn't be righted. High dollar stuff too. That is one aspect of quality control that should never get past the final inspection and I have seen it on Taylor's Martin's and others. Just goes to show you that no matter how fine the instrument, clunkers still get out the door. Maybe prototype is a more polite word for blem which could be cosmetic or something other than looks.  Not to say that Taylor prototypes are blems but I suppose they could be considered so in a way, if they do not meet current requirements of a changing new design build. Not a a bad thing, just not on the current spec sheet.

Never saw a poor looking Taylor nor Martin for sale other than dents and dings that most likely happen in the stores. I have heard rumors that the Taylor's and Martin's that get a little banged up at the factory get sold to employee's. Pretty good perk there I'd say.

Gibson says their 2nd's are always cosmetic but I have seen plenty of Gibson's with no noticeable aesthetic shortcomings. Either way, there are tons of Gibson 2nd's out there. Bought one or two myself through the years.

Martin says they destroy their 2nd's. Not sure what Taylor does with their's.
Anyone know the answer to that one?

[Kim]

Does this mean Andy Powers only experimented on approximately 17 guitars before finalizing his design?

[michaelw]

Does this mean Andy Powers only experimented on approximately 17 guitars before finalizing his design?

there may  have been more than 17 prototypes built for the 814,
but then there's also the 810, 812, 812 12 fret, 812-n, 814-n, 816, 856 & 818

there could  be a 810 deep body & 814 12 fret in the works as well

[jalbert]

Does this mean Andy Powers only experimented on approximately 17 guitars before finalizing his design?

I saw multiple instances of at least one different revision (#1). So there were definitely more than 17 prototypes before the new design was signed off.