Well, I got a call from Mass Street Music (in Lawrence, KS) unexpectedly on the 29th, saying that my 324 has just arrived! It wasn't supposed to show up until mid-late January!
I stumbled across this guitar at a "Find Your Fit" event at Mass Street back in early November. I went to just look around etc and at the time I was thinking about possibly doing a BTO. I wanted a "dark" sounding Taylor. I know it's kind of an oxymoron but it's the sound I was looking for.
I was able to play an all Mahogany guitar and it sounded good, but lacked some lower end. I knew this about all Mahogany guitars but wanted to hear it for myself. I moved on and played some of the new 600 series and even tried a Sinker BTO just for kicks etc. They all sounded great, but it was when I picked up and strummed the 324, I knew I had found something different. The solid Mahogany top and solid Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides blew me away.
I was able to play it alone in one of their sound rooms and the sound....oh the sound was marvelous. It still had that distinct Taylor note separation and it was oh so warm in the mid range and the bass growled and I could literally feel it in my gut. This is the darkest Taylor I've ever played. The trebles were there but not overpowering at all. It was so balanced!
Well I left the store, but I took that sound home with me. I thought about it back and forth and finally a week later ordered a 324 (no cutaway or electronics) but with a 1 11/16th nut width via Taylor's "Modify a Model." For weeks, I couldn't shake that sound and kept trying to distract myself during the waiting period.
Well I picked it up and thankfully it sounded JUST like the one I played earlier in November thanks to Taylor's consistency. I'm super glad that I had tried this model. I never in a million years thought that this 324 would have everything I wanted. The sunburst on this guitar is lovely and the satin finish is great as well. I NEVER thought I would own a satin finished guitar...but here I am!
It goes to show that sometimes it's worth giving a guitar a try, even when you don't think it'll be the "one."
I really look forward to playing this and enjoying as it opens up and gets even warmer with age. If you're looking for a unique sounding, or possibly looking for a really warm sounding Taylor, look no further than the new 300 series with Mahogany and Tasmanian Blackwood.
I'll post some pics soon!
PS: If you live anywhere near Lawrence, KS go give Mass Street a visit! Their staff are wonderful and their selections of guitars is out of this world.
