History of the Grand Symphony?

[deepermagic]

In my road show thread I mentioned they offhandedly said something about the Grand Symphony that sparked my interest, and I was wondering if folks around here had more info.

When he was talking about the Grand Symphony he said that Bob Taylor loves to listen to feedback from guitar players and some Nashville guitar players were telling Bob that they loved the Grand Auditorium but it just doesn't go as deep as they'd like. So Bob went to work inventing the Grand Symphony. Very cool.

But I was looking back through the W&S archives (and google searching) and apparently they don't have any that I can find online that talk about how the GS shape came to be. Not sure if there is a write up they had about it, or even an introduction to the GS shape, but if you guys had any further info I'd love to hear/see it.

[terrypl]

I recall the GS evolving from the first R. Taylor shape, called the Style 1. The Style 1 was larger in the lower bout than the existing Taylor GA model. That larger body shape was then bounced back into the Taylor line as the GS. I could be wrong about all that, but that's my recollection.

[jjrpilot-admin]

^ This from what I can remember.  The GS was born out of the R. Taylor line and obviously ended up being a great hit.  IMHO, the GS is just as powerful as your typical dread but is more versatile...everything from finger pickers to heavy strummers can use the body style.

 

[Edward]

I recall the same as Josh and Terry. 
R.Taylor made its commercial debut in 2006; what followed almost immediately was Taylor's addition of the GS body to the lineup.

Edward

[jalbert]

While the Style 1 shape is the same as the Grand Symphony, the R. Taylors offered different bracing choices that were not (and are not to my knowledge) available in the production Taylor line.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 I learned something today. Thanks. 

[michaelw]

While the Style 1 shape is the same as the Grand Symphony, the R. Taylors offered different bracing choices that were not (and are not to my knowledge) available in the production Taylor line.

^
larry breedlove & ed granero contributed greatly in the development of the
RTS1 in 05 & the design was adapted into the GS model the following year -
the RTS1 & GS are not exactly identical, terms of in dimensions & there were additional options
offered (1 13/16" nut) & the flat top geometry & the asymmetrical bracing pattern were not available
on the GS, although i have seen GS prototypes built around 06 that had some of the Style 1 features

the Style 2 debuted in 07 & the bracing pattern/profile was adapted into the
GS LTDs in 08 (CV) & it began to be phased into the 800/up series beginning in 09

the GS series began a bit like the GA did in back in 95, in a non-cutaway, pure acoustic
configuration, with the tonewoods being the main difference rather than aesthetics -
in 07 the acoustic series was introduced, the GS was phased in
using designations consistent with the tonewoods used at that time
MC - mahogany cedar ( 5 )
MS - maple sitka ( 6 )
RC - rosewood cedar ( 7 )
RS - rosewood sitka ( 8 )

in 08, the GS received a number for the the CE line (X16) the 416ce was added
in 2011 & the 316ce in 2012, as well as the 12 string 356ce & 456ce models -
in 2013 the acoustic line was discontinued & the models phased into the numbered series
with matching aesthetics, with the 316, 316e, 356, 356e, 416, 416e, 456 & 456e added

this year, the 400 series models have been pared down to 3, with the 416e, 416ce & 456ce remaining -
the 6, 7 & 900 series also have 3 standard X16 models, the 816 remains, along with the K26e, K26ce ,K66e, K66ce, PS16ce &
PS56ce, the 516 & 556(ce) return after a 6 month hiatus & the 566 standard models have been dropped, although a 12
string option is available on the 526 models, so overall the X16 line goes from 58 models (including baritones) last year to 35

[guitarsrsoawesome]

While the Style 1 shape is the same as the Grand Symphony, the R. Taylors offered different bracing choices that were not (and are not to my knowledge) available in the production Taylor line.

^
larry breedlove & ed granero contributed greatly in the development of the
RTS1 in 05 & the design was adapted into the GS model the following year -
the RTS1 & GS are not exactly identical, terms of in dimensions & there were additional options
offered (1 13/16" nut) & the flat top geometry & the asymmetrical bracing pattern were not available
on the GS, although i have seen GS prototypes built around 06 that had some of the Style 1 features

the Style 2 debuted in 07 & the bracing pattern/profile was adapted into the
GS LTDs in 08 (CV) & it began to be phased into the 800/up series beginning in 09

the GS series began a bit like the GA did in back in 95, in a non-cutaway, pure acoustic
configuration, with the tonewoods being the main difference rather than aesthetics -
in 07 the acoustic series was introduced, the GS was phased in
using designations consistent with the tonewoods used at that time
MC - mahogany cedar ( 5 )
MS - maple sitka ( 6 )
RC - rosewood cedar ( 7 )
RS - rosewood sitka ( 8 )

in 08, the GS received a number for the the CE line (X16) the 416ce was added
in 2011 & the 316ce in 2012, as well as the 12 string 356ce & 456ce models -
in 2013 the acoustic line was discontinued & the models phased into the numbered series
with matching aesthetics, with the 316, 316e, 356, 356e, 416, 416e, 456 & 456e added

this year, the 400 series models have been pared down to 3, with the 416e, 416ce & 456ce remaining -
the 6, 7 & 900 series also have 3 standard X16 models, the 816 remains, along with the K26e, K26ce ,K66e, K66ce, PS16ce &
PS56ce, the 516 & 556(ce) return after a 6 month hiatus & the 566 standard models have been dropped, although a 12
string option is available on the 526 models, so overall the X16 line goes from 58 models (including baritones) last year to 35

As usual Michael's extensive knowledge teaches me more than i thought I could know...thanks, Mike!  Very interesting history...

[deepermagic]

While the Style 1 shape is the same as the Grand Symphony, the R. Taylors offered different bracing choices that were not (and are not to my knowledge) available in the production Taylor line.

^
larry breedlove & ed granero contributed greatly in the development of the
RTS1 in 05 & the design was adapted into the GS model the following year -
the RTS1 & GS are not exactly identical, terms of in dimensions & there were additional options
offered (1 13/16" nut) & the flat top geometry & the asymmetrical bracing pattern were not available
on the GS, although i have seen GS prototypes built around 06 that had some of the Style 1 features

the Style 2 debuted in 07 & the bracing pattern/profile was adapted into the
GS LTDs in 08 (CV) & it began to be phased into the 800/up series beginning in 09

the GS series began a bit like the GA did in back in 95, in a non-cutaway, pure acoustic
configuration, with the tonewoods being the main difference rather than aesthetics -
in 07 the acoustic series was introduced, the GS was phased in
using designations consistent with the tonewoods used at that time
MC - mahogany cedar ( 5 )
MS - maple sitka ( 6 )
RC - rosewood cedar ( 7 )
RS - rosewood sitka ( 8 )

in 08, the GS received a number for the the CE line (X16) the 416ce was added
in 2011 & the 316ce in 2012, as well as the 12 string 356ce & 456ce models -
in 2013 the acoustic line was discontinued & the models phased into the numbered series
with matching aesthetics, with the 316, 316e, 356, 356e, 416, 416e, 456 & 456e added

this year, the 400 series models have been pared down to 3, with the 416e, 416ce & 456ce remaining -
the 6, 7 & 900 series also have 3 standard X16 models, the 816 remains, along with the K26e, K26ce ,K66e, K66ce, PS16ce &
PS56ce, the 516 & 556(ce) return after a 6 month hiatus & the 566 standard models have been dropped, although a 12
string option is available on the 526 models, so overall the X16 line goes from 58 models (including baritones) last year to 35

Woah! Bingo. Just the kind of thing I was looking for. Thanks!

My 316ce was made in January 2012, so I must have one of the early ones? (unless 316 production was hot'n'heavy in '11)

[catan]

Thanks Michael, that was very thorough

[michaelw]

there were also some GS LTD models early on -
06 GSKS - most of them had figured koa that appeared to be AA"+" grade (the one in the pic, not so much)
http://www.madisonmusic.com/instruments/steel-string-guitars/taylor-gsks-06-detail
this one, however
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251506461785

06 GSBA - brazilian/adirondack
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-11380.htm

the acoustic series was discontinued prior to having a standard GS4 ovangkol,
but there was a GS4eLTD tasmanian blackwood model in 07
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/GS4ELTD07.htm

there was another run of adirondack/brazilian GS LTDs in 08 -
someone got a pretty nice deal on this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-GS-LTD-B-Brazilian-Rosewood-Acoustic-Guitar-/121232605247?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c3a 06c03f&nma=true&si=N%252F96EXd4f2bB%252F546faPucK3dF%252Fo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
... to flip
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-GS-LTD-B-Brazilian-Rosewood-Rare-/141199029874?_trkparms=aid% 3D111000%26algo%3DREC.RVI%26ao%3D1%
26asc%3D20261%26meid%3D5446273668699305588%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D9059%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd
%3D331149794952&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=b2EuNfnudVZ42KFv1nI7yoiaPpc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
NOS from an authorized dealer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-GS-LTD-B-/190821642753?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

[deepermagic]

Do you know if Wood & Steel ever carried an article introducing the GS?

[ntotoro]

They used to keep back issues going all the way to the beginnng of the publication, but I can't seem to find them anylonger on their site.

Nick

[michaelw]

Do you know if Wood & Steel ever carried an article introducing the GS?

winter 06 issue, volume 47 -
i downloaded what was available on the previous website (spring 01, volume 28 was the earliest issue available on-line), but then
the hard drive on my laptop decided to take a vacation & data recovery scrambled & discolored a bunch of my pdf files & pictures

hopefully the back issues of W&S & the archive of limiteds & older models will be added back to the site -
it was cool to be able to look up specs of 98-11 models & check out tech sheets that dated back to 94

[deepermagic]

Do you know if Wood & Steel ever carried an article introducing the GS?

winter 06 issue, volume 47 -
i downloaded what was available on the previous website (spring 01, volume 28 was the earliest issue available on-line), but then
the hard drive on my laptop decided to take a vacation & data recovery scrambled & discolored a bunch of my pdf files & pictures

hopefully the back issues of W&S & the archive of limiteds & older models will be added back to the site -
it was cool to be able to look up specs of 98-11 models & check out tech sheets that dated back to 94

Thanks! With a little google ingenuity I was able to come up with a pdf of that issue and was able to read all about it. Fan-tastic.

It's a shame they don't have all the W&S archived on their website. I find them to be pretty valuable for the information.