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Author Topic: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony  (Read 2802 times)

Guitarsan

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NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« 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!






AA rosewood back and sides...



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



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



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!



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"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

2021 Taylor 914ce LTD Sinker Redwood/EIR
2016 Taylor GS Mini-e Flamed Koa

mgap

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #1 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.
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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2016, 11:37:02 PM »
Quote from: 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.

Thanks!! I love it too.  8)

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

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"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

2021 Taylor 914ce LTD Sinker Redwood/EIR
2016 Taylor GS Mini-e Flamed Koa

Minnesotaman

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2016, 12:34:44 AM »
Congrats. Nice top.
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Craig

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2016, 02:59:05 AM »
Wow that's a beauty, enjoy playing it.

Craig
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1978 Music Man Sabre II
1980's Charvel Model 6
2014 816ce First Edition
2014 714ce FLTD Sassafras
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timfitz63

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #5 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.  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!
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DN: 360e, 510ce, 510e-FLTD, 810ce-LTD (Braz RW), PS10ce
GA: 414ce, 614ce-LTD, 714ce-FLTD, BR-V, BTO (Makore, 'Wild Grain' RW, Blkwood), GAce-FLTD, K24ce, PS14ce (Coco, Braz RW, "Milagro"), W14ce-LTD
GC: 812ce-LTD TF, BTO TF ('Sinker'/Walnut, Engelmann/"Milagro"), LTG #400
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Strumming Fool

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #6 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!
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My Taylor Grand Auditoriums:

1997 Cujo14 - old growth cedar/black walnut
2014 K24e - master grade koa
2018 Custom GA - bear claw sitka spruce/mahogany
2019 614 - torrified sitka spruce/flamed maple
2020 714 - lutz spruce/rosewood

TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #7 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!
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Susie
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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #8 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.
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"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

2021 Taylor 914ce LTD Sinker Redwood/EIR
2016 Taylor GS Mini-e Flamed Koa

Edward

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #9 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
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NavyChap

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2016, 12:45:27 AM »
Pur-dee!!!!
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korlob

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #11 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.
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Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2016, 06:47:03 PM »
Beautiful! Use it in good health Guitarsan.
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fmbstrummer

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2016, 11:56:03 AM »
Very Nice!  I especially like the Koa bindings. 

Enjoy!

fmb
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burns

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Re: NGD - Custom Grand Symphony
« Reply #14 on: October 26, 2016, 08:19:24 PM »
W-O-W
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