1978 655 12 string

[tommyc]

I've been offered a Taylor 655 made in 1978. It is in excellent condition, and the gentleman is only willing to part with it due to arthritis. I'm not having any luck searching the value of this guitar. There aren't many 1st year examples of this model available for sale. Does the fact that it is a first example of its kind? If so, does this add value, or should I seek a newer model? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Tom

If I make the trade, he wants a 60th American anniversary Stratocaster that I picked up. He wants this guitar as it will be easier for him to play.

$

[Strumming Fool]

No simple answer to this question. While many of this forum's Taylor nuts (me included) would enjoy the prospect of owning a 70s Taylor jumbo 12 string, I personally don't view old Taylors for their collectable value like an old Martin, for example. If you like the way it sounds and plays, and if it's in good condition ( and you're in the market for a 12 string), I'd say go for it.

[tommyc]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to get a ballpark on the Taylor's value, but it's difficult to find one from this year available. I was able to confirm that this is the first year for this particular model. [

[Strumming Fool]

It sure is a beauty...not sure of the  $$ value, but it appears to be a nice instrument to own. Perhaps you could call Taylor and get more definitive information related to its serial number.

[tommyc]

It has to be worth $XXXX or more. I might just go for it.

$

[mgap]

I would heed Strumming fools' suggestion and call Taylor support. 
Next, have you had a Jumbo in your hands and spent some time with one?  They are big, do you like them that big?

[tommyc]

I've bought and sold more guitars than memory can recall. The only vintage guitar that I hung onto is a 1957 ES 175. Partly this is due to the larger body, the rest is related to the wonderful pickup (a single PAF).

I'm confident that the Jumbo body will be a delightful fit. However, I'm not sure that I will keep a 12 string. My entire collection has been limited to 6 wires hanging over my fretboard. It is so eye appealing, and it being the first of it's kind is intriguing.

If it turns out to be something I won't keep, the price seems reasonable enough to flip without yielding a significant loss. A '78 655 hand built Jumbo in superb condition should easily fetch a XXXX. That is assuming there is a reasonable demand for a quality 12 string.

$

[mgap]

So, the size is good for you, excellent.  Now the 12 string dilemma.  I like 12 string guitars, they definitely offer a different tone to work with.  For me, it is a whole new challenge.  The tonal difference and challenge are how I would decide on the purchase.

[tommyc]

I finally got the serial number information from the gentleman. It is actually a 1988 model. Does this detract from the value? It's a 4 digit number beginning with 6.

[Strumming Fool]

From the pics, I suspected that it was a newer model. That's why I had suggested you contact Taylor. I have already given you my opinion about "vintage" Taylors' value or collectibility. Many believe that the 90s represent Taylor's "Golden Age". While they are excellent guitars, I don't buy that. Taylor's culture is one of innovation, so the vintage value doesn't follow the same rules that govern old Martins and  Gibsons. I personally wouldn't buy it with the possible expectation of flipping it. I would buy it, because I love old Taylor jumbo maple 12 strings....

[michaelw]

From the pics, I suspected that it was a newer model...

i looked at a few as well & thought it might be a 87 model -
1988 into 1992 models were made in the santee factory,
rather than lemon grove, but there were unique models
made in santee as well (the original 400s, including a
deep body 412 in 91, custom models & deep body 812)

I personally wouldn't buy it with the possible expectation of flipping it.
I would buy it, because I love old Taylor jumbo maple 12 strings....

i agree -
buy it to play it

[tommyc]

The serial number indicates a 1988, but it has a lemon grove label. 4 digit serial that starts with a 6.  Your advice is noted, and appreciated. I always try not to invest more than something is worth just in case I need an out. I've pended way guitars than I've kept. Does XX seem too much to invest in a great quality 12 string?



$

[TaylorGirl]

Does XX seem too much to invest in a great quality 12 string?



$

As you can see, the mods have edited your posts, because forum rules don't allow for the inclusion of prices when discussing Taylor guitars. Maybe take a quick glance at the forum rules. That said, PM's may be helpful if you want to discuss prices with a particular forum member. Otherwise, in a thread like this, general ideas of how to best research prices on used Taylors is helpful.

[michaelw]

The serial number indicates a 1988, but it has a lemon grove label. 4 digit serial that starts with a 6...

the serial # determines which factory a guitar was started/built in -
as you stated, a 6XXX serial # denotes an 88 model, built in santee

not sure why it would have a lemon grove label, but the
last guitar started in lemon grove was a 1987 510-c (5300)
https://www.themusiczoo.com/blogs/news/taylor-guitars-serial-number-dating-guide

i've seen lemon grove models with santee heel block labels
on them, likely because they had repair work done in santee &
there may not have been lemon grove labels available then

as for intrinsic value, it all depends on the amount someone
is willing to pay for a guitar which truly determines its value -
there are instrument blue books & buyer's guides, one can get an appraisal,
or look on the internet for past listings, but where the rubber meets the road
is if one is looking for a guitar, finds one, likes it, comes to an agreement with
the seller & buys it, whatever the $ was is what's 'fair' to both parties, what
the buyer is willing to pay for it & what the seller is willing to let it go for

unlike an appliance, a piece of hardware or cell phone, there are
certain 'intangibles' in a musical instrument & when the guitar in
question is a 29 year old model, there can be many more variables