Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: TaylorGirl on February 23, 2014, 04:26:03 PM

Title: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 23, 2014, 04:26:03 PM
This past December, I ordered a custom mountain dulcimer that will have a walnut sapwood back (and maybe sides).  Which got me thinking....

Do any of you have a Taylor guitar made with sapwood?  Other brands?  Pics please.

I think you either love the look or not....personally, I think its nature's beauty.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: michaelw on February 23, 2014, 06:00:32 PM
nothing super-exotic or highly figured, but to me it looks like a mini-wedge -
210 sapele
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: GoManGo on February 23, 2014, 06:30:08 PM
I had this one. Loved the sapwood on it.

(http://i.imgur.com/oNdM2Nzl.jpg)

GoManGo...
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Strumming Fool on February 23, 2014, 07:02:47 PM
Here's a pic of the back of my 2003 Taylor Pelican - to me it looks like a cross between grafted and sapwood...

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/PGLTD-5.jpg) (http://s1198.photobucket.com/user/abpurfling/media/PGLTD-5.jpg.html)

The side has a similar effect:

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/PGLTD-1.jpg) (http://s1198.photobucket.com/user/abpurfling/media/PGLTD-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: michaelw on February 23, 2014, 07:19:41 PM
Here's a pic of the back of my 2003 Taylor Pelican - to me it looks like a cross between grafted and sapwood...
The side has a similar effect:
that one looks to be about 50% sapwood :o
8)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on February 24, 2014, 02:33:35 AM
Oh man.. This is an area I have a lot of experience with.
I happen to LOVE some sapwood in my guitars..
And have always looked for pieces with some interesting patterns and grains..
Heres a peek:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A3GrhkPxGrkGMz
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 24, 2014, 07:51:21 AM
Those are some awesome pictures you've posted so far....just beautiful.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: quake17 on February 25, 2014, 11:29:27 AM
I have a couple but the pics are not great. This is my PRS Tonare with cocobolo back with a touch of sapwood.

(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n143/quake17/IMG_0041.jpg) (http://s111.photobucket.com/user/quake17/media/IMG_0041.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: mgap on February 25, 2014, 03:09:08 PM
This one is not mine.  I do have a 2012 814ce LTD, but this is a Taylor stock photo.  Just thought I looked nice, and had to share.

(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/spring-2012-limited-thumb-taylor_zps09c59ab0.jpg) (http://s1232.photobucket.com/user/mgap1/media/814ce%20Cocobolo/spring-2012-limited-thumb-taylor_zps09c59ab0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: CodeBlueEMT on February 26, 2014, 02:20:33 AM
 My 616ce-LTD: sapwood and heartwood.

 (http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y539/MrDilligaff/HP-SHAYNE/616ce-LTDc_zps152b6f75.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 26, 2014, 06:31:32 AM
Awesome!!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: gamblemad on February 26, 2014, 09:31:36 AM
Love my 210E!   ;D
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: NorCal Strummer on February 28, 2014, 04:23:16 PM
My 616ce LTD

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee366/norcalsmoker1/IMG_9689.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Gary-N-LA on February 28, 2014, 05:31:07 PM
You HAD this one??  Wow, that's sublime.  Why did you let it go?

I had this one. Loved the sapwood on it.

(http://i.imgur.com/oNdM2Nzl.jpg)

GoManGo...
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: CodeBlueEMT on March 01, 2014, 12:56:17 AM
My 616ce LTD

(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee366/norcalsmoker1/IMG_9689.jpg)

Nice. :)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Cindy on March 01, 2014, 09:51:00 AM
These are some beauties in this thread! 8)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on March 01, 2014, 01:08:57 PM
These are some beauties in this thread! 8)

You are so right. I love the uniqueness of each one.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 01, 2014, 01:46:00 PM
Oh man.. This is an area I have a lot of experience with.
I happen to LOVE some sapwood in my guitars..
And have always looked for pieces with some interesting patterns and grains..
Heres a peek:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A3GrhkPxGrkGMz

Some preview images. (see above link for full resolution).
I am clearly a sappy guy!

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5111505/Sapwood.png)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: mgap on March 01, 2014, 02:04:54 PM
Nice Dave!  Some of the nicest I have ever see.

Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: madx2 on March 02, 2014, 11:17:14 AM
I love the look of these sapwood guitars.  I'm curious though, does the sapwood have any effect on the sound?  Better/worse than one without?
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 02, 2014, 12:40:13 PM
I love the look of these sapwood guitars.  I'm curious though, does the sapwood have any effect on the sound?  Better/worse than one without?

My experience and belief says no, no tonal impact, purely visual.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Gutch on March 02, 2014, 05:42:07 PM
I love the look of sapwood on Cocobolo.  Then again, I love everything about Cocobolo!


Cocobolo #1 -- '02 814c Custom "TaylorStock".  My T-Stock order was pretty tame compared to others that came out of that event.  Sitka top with incredible silking, Cocobolo back & sides with 3-piece back, Maple binding.  Pretty much the Fall Limited offering for that year (Though I didn't know it at the time!), other than the Koa Torch inlay on the headstock and a V-profile neck -- Very comfortable.  This guitar is still my first grab when recording.  Incredibly balanced and easy to record.


The Front...


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/Coco_Gtrs/814ce_front.jpg)






...And now the back...:


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/Coco_Gtrs/814ce_backdetail.jpg)




Cocobolo #2 -- Came less than a year later.  2003 912ce Custom Shop -- Cocobolo back & sides (Again, a 3 piece back), Engelmann top, Maple binding, 1-7/8" nut width.  A beautiful instrument.  I'll be honest with you, it took a few years for the voice on this guitar to mature and become what I consider worthy of keeping.  I played the heck out of it to get it to open up, but it was a stubborn beast, sounding stiff and flat acoustically.  In the past few years, it has developed a warmth and character to match the laser focus of the tone and is now an excellent sounding guitar.  The wide nut has always been really comfortable and easy to play.  It is on the docket to get sent into El Cajon for an ES retrofit sometime this year (It currently has 1st Generation system).


Front:


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/Coco_Gtrs/912_fullfront.jpg)


...And the back...:


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/Coco_Gtrs/912_backdetail.jpg)




Cocobolos #3 & #4 came and went.  Very pretty but didn't trip my trigger sonically, so they hit the road.  Maybe a coincidence, but they didn't have any sapwood on them either...    ;)


Cocobolo #5 -- Came in 2008.  This custom/BTO features the GS body shape, another beautifully silky Engelmann top (Coco/Engelmann is just a killer combination!), Koa binding and rosette, and a blank fretboard.  In going around with the factory on backwood ideas, they came up with an interesting option -- a four piece back to create the chevron-like pattern of the sapwood.  After convincing me that it wouldn't impact tone, I gave it the thumbs up and the crew in California created this beauty.  Tonally, it is incredible and banjo killing loud to boot.  Infinitely versatile and incredibly comfortable to play, this is my primary church guitar and back up to the 916 for the secular gigs.


Front...:


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/916ce/gs-2.jpg)


... The back...:


 
(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/916ce/gs-3.jpg)


...And a close up to show the detail on the back, including Koa micro-strips between the outer edges of the sapwood and heartwood pieces...:


(http://www.twicebakedmusic.com/images/916ce/gs-5.jpg)




Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: stepchildusmc on March 02, 2014, 05:47:16 PM
Gutch... you had me at "Coco".....
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 02, 2014, 06:33:08 PM
Beautiful pieces Gutch.
Definitely a "theme" of dual sapwood striping in your Coco.
Your GS is probably my favorite, but they are all very awesome looking..
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Edward on March 02, 2014, 08:32:08 PM
Coco 2 and 5 have stellar tops!  I love the fact that both are engel, but indeed, the silking is stunning.  And the Florentine has always been my favorite!  If I had any decent photography skills I'd try to capture some of the stellar silking in my RTs and DNcustom.  But yours are, needless to say, gorgeous.  Enjoy!  :D

Edward
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on March 02, 2014, 08:55:22 PM
Gutch....your guitars are stunning!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Gutch on March 02, 2014, 09:08:07 PM
Thanks, folks.  The credit goes to Taylor for building these beauties.  I was lucky enough to bea able to bring them home!  :)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Gutch on March 02, 2014, 09:10:26 PM
Beautiful pieces Gutch.
Definitely a "theme" of dual sapwood striping in your Coco.
Your GS is probably my favorite, but they are all very awesome looking..


Dave, I've been drooling over all the great looking instruments you've posted above and also the ones you've been moving.  Isn't it incredible what the gang at Taylor can put together?
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 02, 2014, 09:52:53 PM
Beautiful pieces Gutch.
Definitely a "theme" of dual sapwood striping in your Coco.
Your GS is probably my favorite, but they are all very awesome looking..


Dave, I've been drooling over all the great looking instruments you've posted above and also the ones you've been moving.  Isn't it incredible what the gang at Taylor can put together?

Absolute works of art sometimes.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: BigSkyTaylorPlayer on March 03, 2014, 10:14:12 AM
Wow, all beautiful!

Funny I saw this thread, I was just reading an old Wood and Steel (last summer highlighting the ebony mill purchase) and Bob Taylor mentioned how they were beginning to get people to accept the variegated ebony (which I have always liked) for fretboards and likened it to the fact that people didn't like sapwood back in the day but now it's requested.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: michaelw on March 08, 2014, 01:14:03 AM
Beautiful pieces Gutch.
Definitely a "theme" of dual sapwood striping in your Coco.
Your GS is probably my favorite, but they are all very awesome looking..


Dave, I've been drooling over all the great looking instruments you've posted above and also the ones you've been moving.  Isn't it incredible what the gang at Taylor can put together?

Absolute works of art sometimes.
some of them don't sound half-bad, either
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 08, 2014, 02:42:03 AM
Quote
some of them don't sound half-bad, either

I think its likely understood that members of this Forum probably like the Taylor tone!
My note about them being works of art was not intended as a visual compliment only..
I call them "functional art", which is what makes them so wonderful.
They can be appreciated for either visual or audio beauty.. or BOTH!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Sam on March 08, 2014, 06:46:45 PM
My 2001 Taylor 414ce still in fine condition. Beautiful sound. It is fickle and only excepts Elixir strings.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: michaelw on March 08, 2014, 08:41:22 PM
My 2001 Taylor 414ce still in fine condition. Beautiful sound. It is fickle and only excepts Elixir strings.
nice :)
thanks for sharing the pics, sam, &
WELCOME ! ! !
over the years, i've had a few 01 414ce ovangkols, some a few years older & some a few years newer, but,
imho, they were the most tonally consistent models & i liked each one of them ... a 98 414 currently resides here :D

enjoy 'er & play those elixirs clean off ;D
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: timfitz63 on March 10, 2014, 03:36:47 PM
Been trying to upload these for a week now; hopefully the smaller images will take.

First is my Custom GA with Makore back/sides; that's a Bloodwood stripe running down the middle of the back.

Next is my Custom TF with Walnut back/sides.

Third is my Liberty Tree Guitar; Tulip Poplar back/sides.

Last is my 614ce-LTD.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: davwir on March 10, 2014, 04:37:45 PM
Been trying to upload these for a week now; hopefully the smaller images will take.

First is my Custom GA with Makore back/sides; that's a Bloodwood stripe running down the middle of the back.

Next is Custom TF with Walnut back/sides.

Third is my Liberty Tree Guitar; Tulip Poplar back/sides.

Last is my 614ce-LTD.

Very nice pieces! I love the Walnut and the Liberty Tree especially!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on March 10, 2014, 04:57:18 PM
I agree. I was hoping to see some awesome Taylors and I think that's exactly what we got!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Jersey tuning on March 10, 2014, 04:58:30 PM
Happy Traum of Homespun Tapes plays a Liberty Tree Taylor
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Strumming Fool on March 10, 2014, 05:05:48 PM
Been trying to upload these for a week now; hopefully the smaller images will take.

First is my Custom GA with Makore back/sides; that's a Bloodwood stripe running down the middle of the back.

Next is Custom TF with Walnut back/sides.

Third is my Liberty Tree Guitar; Tulip Poplar back/sides.

Last is my 614ce-LTD.

Beautiful wood choices - excellent examples of each species - thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: timfitz63 on March 11, 2014, 10:08:23 AM
Very nice pieces! I love the Walnut and the Liberty Tree especially!
I agree. I was hoping to see some awesome Taylors and I think that's exactly what we got!
Beautiful wood choices - excellent examples of each species - thanks for sharing!

Thanks all for the compliments!

And if you thought my Walnut-backed guitar is nice, you should see my brother's Custom TF!  I guess it's technically referred to as grafted, not sapwood; but it's sure pretty either way...!  Attached is the best image of it that I have; the photo really doesn't do it justice.  I told him he has to will it to me...!  ;)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: stepchildusmc on March 11, 2014, 09:07:33 PM
Very nice pieces! I love the Walnut and the Liberty Tree especially!
I agree. I was hoping to see some awesome Taylors and I think that's exactly what we got!
Beautiful wood choices - excellent examples of each species - thanks for sharing!

Thanks all for the compliments!

And if you thought my Walnut-backed guitar is nice, you should see my brother's Custom TF!  I guess it's technically referred to as grafted, not sapwood; but it's sure pretty either way...!  Attached is the best image of it that I have; the photo really doesn't do it justice.  I told him he has to will it to me...!  ;)
sooo...have you hired a hitman yet???  :o :o
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: timfitz63 on March 12, 2014, 12:31:33 PM
sooo...have you hired a hitman yet???  :o :o

No.  And I think that may be the reason why my brother is reluctant to tell me that he'll bequeath the guitar to me...  ;)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 13, 2015, 09:17:21 AM
I can now add my K24ce to this thread.
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p677/free2rv4fun/Taylor%20K24ce/IMG_20141113_100029365_zps8e2d570f.jpg)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p677/free2rv4fun/Taylor%20K24ce/IMG_20141113_095745996_zps861d0130.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: shorty on February 13, 2015, 03:30:32 PM
STUNNING TaylorGirl!!
Small wonder why you are so happy....what beautiful koa!! 8)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: ntotoro on February 13, 2015, 03:41:00 PM
Yowza!!!

Nick
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 13, 2015, 05:22:30 PM
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: doctorinthehouse on February 13, 2015, 06:43:54 PM
(http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq340/storme37/gsminikoa1_zps877a0b95.jpg) (http://s461.photobucket.com/user/storme37/media/gsminikoa1_zps877a0b95.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 13, 2015, 06:52:55 PM
That mini is truly unique!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Guitar Cowboy on February 14, 2015, 11:00:13 AM
I got hooked when TaylorGirl posted her K24 and bought the K24's big brother from the same shop.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 14, 2015, 11:13:16 AM
I got hooked when TaylorGirl posted her K24 and bought the K24's big brother from the same shop.
I was hoping you'd post pictures of your K26ce.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: doctorinthehouse on February 14, 2015, 12:51:14 PM
That mini is truly unique!
thank you
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Strumming Fool on February 14, 2015, 07:09:25 PM
I might as well add the back of my 2014 K24e as well....

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/Dulcinea-closeupback_zps51f0f2a5.jpg) (http://s1198.photobucket.com/user/abpurfling/media/Dulcinea-closeupback_zps51f0f2a5.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 14, 2015, 08:02:53 PM
You betcha SF, we had a series of nice sapwood koa's last year.
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Guitarsan on February 14, 2015, 08:27:03 PM
Cocobolo sapwood on my Custom GC....

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/E0413224-40D0-427E-A31D-88AE5FC9C516_zpsjb2tfbqe.jpg)

Closeup....

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/IMG_1091_zps74c028b7.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Willhubbs on February 15, 2015, 09:10:31 AM
Here's my apparently decent example of last years 712e-FLTD in Tasmanian Blackheart Sassafrass. Sapwood FTW!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: doctorinthehouse on February 15, 2015, 11:39:48 AM
some beauties here
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Guitarsan on February 16, 2015, 08:02:20 AM
TaylorGirl, let's see that dulcimer!  8)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 16, 2015, 09:22:37 AM
TaylorGirl, let's see that dulcimer!  8)
I didn't want to put a dulcimer into a Taylor guitar thread, but now that you asked, I must oblige. This was custom built by Doug Berch in Okemos, MI. It has a curly sassafras top, walnut b/s (with some sapwood), walnut fretboard with a bubinga rosewood overlay, and a passive pick-up. I nice warm sounding dulcimer. With the pick-up, I'm able to play duets with a friend of mine who plays mandolin.
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p677/free2rv4fun/Instruments/IMG_20141207_155340_zpsryxtpshx.jpg)
(http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p677/free2rv4fun/Instruments/IMG_20141207_155250_zps8vk6oupz.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: Guitarsan on February 16, 2015, 12:21:27 PM
TaylorGirl, let's see that dulcimer!  8)
I didn't want to put a dulcimer into a Taylor guitar thread, but now that you asked, I must oblige. This was custom built by Doug Berch in Okemos, MI. It has a curly sassafras top, walnut b/s (with some sapwood), walnut fretboard with a bubinga rosewood overlay, and a passive pick-up. I nice warm sounding dulcimer. With the pick-up, I'm able to play duets with a friend of mine who plays mandolin.

That's why I asked. Wow, prettiest dulcimer I've seen!
Title: Re: Show Us Your Sapwood Guitars
Post by: TaylorGirl on February 16, 2015, 12:26:44 PM
TaylorGirl, let's see that dulcimer!  8)
I didn't want to put a dulcimer into a Taylor guitar thread, but now that you asked, I must oblige. This was custom built by Doug Berch in Okemos, MI. It has a curly sassafras top, walnut b/s (with some sapwood), walnut fretboard with a bubinga rosewood overlay, and a passive pick-up. I nice warm sounding dulcimer. With the pick-up, I'm able to play duets with a friend of mine who plays mandolin.

That's why I asked. Wow, prettiest dulcimer I've seen!
Thank you. The dulcimer world is pretty cool. The instruments are not as flamboyant as Taylors, because of their build and finish. But, they are truly wonderful instruments to play (and relatively inexpensive :o). They are very soothing, yet can be used in many different settings and genres. The people are ALMOST as nice as Taylor people  ;).