Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: je00143 on February 16, 2015, 04:14:59 PM
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I use the T5-Z in "Swiss Army Knife" mode. I play in a couple of 17-piece big bands and I am called upon to play
jazz in the Freddie Green style, Latin numbers using the acoustic setting, and some rock as well. Although I have had this
instrument for over nine months, this weekend was the first time that my harshest critic - my spouse - heard this instrument
at work, or at play as the case may be. She was astounded at how much better I sounded, even though I am supposed to
be felt more than heard. Can't be the talent, so it must be the instrument. For reference, I am playing through a Fender
Acoustasonic 150 amp. The adjustments I make in tone are only in the guitar, not the amp.
I am one happy camper.
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Always nice to hear stories like yours. THIS is what it's all about! :D
Thanks for sharing.
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T5 has always been on my radar, and the new T5Z is just so much more comfortable to hang around one's neck
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Great to hear the T5z is working out so well for you. I'm in the market, but haven't decided in the version. Which one do you have?
Gary
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I have the Pro model, in Tobacco Sunburst. The Pro Special Edition has a Molasses Sunburst color, much darker.
To my ears, it matters not whether the guitar is handmade or is done on a CNC - each one is unique in tone. You can, indeed, tell the difference
between maple and spruce UNAMPLIFIED. There is, to my ears only, not as much difference between maple and spruce with amplified. But there is still
some. I haven't figured that one out yet. I can't understand what a pickup's magnetic field has to do with the wood it is mounted on.
Maple is, all other things being equal, is brighter. What gives me a world of difference in the sound is that I went to D'Addario 12-52 flat wounds. I leave the amp controls alone, for the most part,
and find I can make all the adjustments I need to do with the active circuitry in the tone controls. When I play rock, I use position 3, kick up the treble, and pick over the bridge pickup. That seems to get rid of any excess earwax that has built up! I can mellow out with the acoustic position and by rolling off the treble a bit. One can have a lot of fun seeing what the tone controls can do. They are
highly effective, that's for sure.
And as always, YMMV.
<pontification mode off>
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I've read others saying the maple is brighter, and that make sense. It also seems like everyone loves their T5z, regardless of the model.
You mentioned using 12s on yours. I believe the stock strings are 11s. I'm wondering - for ergonomic reasons - how it would work to go down to 10s. Arthritis in my fingers has made it necessary to setup my guitars with lightest possible touch.
I'm kind of leaning toward the Mahogony model. Even though it's apparently the "economy" model, I really think it looks great. I've really liked the mahogony acoustics I've played.
Great you're liking the new T5z.
Gary
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Tens would work, I would think. I did't have to change anything to go up to 12s.
What is important here is the sound, the tone, the feel, the "I've got it!" emotion.
Not much else matters after that........