Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Guitarsan on October 23, 2016, 10:58:11 PM

Title: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Guitarsan on October 23, 2016, 10:58:11 PM
NGD - Custom GS! Thanks to John Taylor at Gracewinds for his assistance in creating this dream guitar.

First, that top!

I wanted an Adirondack top, but not a pale white one, so I asked them to see what they could do about it. Come up with an answer they did, and a fairly unique one!

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14615770_10104832443890563_1387618411288351581_o.jpg)

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14615689_10104832444793753_936982489563498220_o.jpg)


AA rosewood back and sides...

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14712869_10104832444374593_164915197511348642_o.jpg)

Flamed koa binding, bound soundhole and armrest, Performance Adirondack bracing with relief rout as well. MOP inlays and logo. Paua shell rosette.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14682185_10104832445148043_6157982919245225729_o.jpg)

The armrest makes this GS shape instantly comfortable, can't tell you how much difference it makes in that respect.

(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14608699_10104832445038263_3194477605889914059_o.jpg)

To me right now, it sounds like a 816ce, but with a responsiveness you can only get from Adi top + Adi bracing. Adi tops open up and bloom in their early age, and I'm looking forward to that over time but right now this top acts like an "engine" providing a throaty sonority when you get the strings moving and the top vibrating. Very pleased with the result!


(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14566279_10104832445197943_3113874463819340748_o.jpg)
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: mgap on October 23, 2016, 11:06:53 PM
That is beautiful!  Love the top wood grain, love the arm rest, love the sound hole binding. Love, love, love it.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Guitarsan on October 23, 2016, 11:37:02 PM
That is beautiful!  Love the top wood grain, love the arm rest, love the sound hole binding. Love, love, love it.

Thanks!! I love it too.  8)

Here's a before and after on the AA rosewood back...

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/rosewood%20cropped_zpsey1so456.jpg)(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/11_zpsf6ofvvnj.jpg)
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Minnesotaman on October 24, 2016, 12:34:44 AM
Congrats. Nice top.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Craig on October 24, 2016, 02:59:05 AM
Wow that's a beauty, enjoy playing it.

Craig
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: timfitz63 on October 24, 2016, 06:08:35 AM
Very nice!  I was also impressed with the Performance bracing in the "Wild Grain" Rosewood Custom GA I recently picked up (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=7625.0).  Frankly, I think it's better the AP bracing; almost a mid-point between the old bracing and the new.  And I'll bet using Adirondack for the bracing really makes it come alive!

Really cool-looking top too!  And I know what you're saying about the armrest on a GS (or GO):  it really makes a difference in comfort.

Congratulations!  Enjoy!
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Strumming Fool on October 24, 2016, 07:10:16 AM
What a beauty with great woods all around. I have been enjoying my Adi/walnut custom built earlier this year, so I'm sure you're having some fun with this one. Great choices - play it in good health!
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: TaylorGirl on October 24, 2016, 10:04:45 AM
That is one beautiful GS! You did well picking out all the appointments. Love the top, very unique. Regarding the bevel arm rest, YES, they are so comfy. One day I'll own one, with the rosewood b/s. Enjoy your new gem!
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Guitarsan on October 24, 2016, 06:57:20 PM
Thanks all! It's always been my dream to spec a custom Taylor, and I'm glad I did.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Edward on October 24, 2016, 08:45:05 PM
Beautiful, no doubt.  But it's even better when one is able to finally realize a dream!  Kudos to you on both counts!  :D

Edward
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: NavyChap on October 25, 2016, 12:45:27 AM
Pur-dee!!!!
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: korlob on October 25, 2016, 01:24:12 PM
Stunning guitar in every respect! love that top. I wonder if the big open grain gives more low end response. I believe most luthiers think so.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Ted @ LA Guitar Sales on October 25, 2016, 06:47:03 PM
Beautiful! Use it in good health Guitarsan.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: fmbstrummer on October 26, 2016, 11:56:03 AM
Very Nice!  I especially like the Koa bindings. 

Enjoy!

fmb
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: burns on October 26, 2016, 08:19:24 PM
W-O-W
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: Frettingflyer on October 27, 2016, 09:37:59 PM
Congrats! What a fantastic guitar, great choices guitarsan.
Title: Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
Post by: crgoddard on October 27, 2016, 10:34:26 PM
Wow is that gorgeous. Would love to hear it.