First, a big thanx to Josh for putting this new forum together.
I like the idea of idea of learning about each other with some introductory information as well..
I can't believe Josh's excitement and enthusiasm for all things Taylor, and he just got his first one this year! It's awesome, as only a few brands spark this kind of fervor among their fans in any market; besides Taylor I also happen to find myself drawn to some of the others as well, like Apple and Harley Davidson.
I'm Dave. I've been playing bass and guitar for almost 30 years now (holy cow, has it been that long!), since I was 13. I started buying, collecting, selling, and trading stuff pretty early on, though nothing of value until post college. I played in working bar and wedding bands a lot then as a side job, and always funneled any money I made playing music back into gear. In 1995, I was finally ready to buy a "good" acoustic, so I went shopping. I grew up on the east coast (I am on the west coast now), and had been to the Martin factory a few times, and everyone knew that name was the standard. In a little acoustic shop I went to, the dealer gave me a Taylor 810 to compare to the others I told him I was interested in.. I couldn't believe the difference in playability, and the quality of the build and tone. I even loved the case (I still miss those pink poodle Taylor-made cases). I walked out a Taylor owner, and a have been a fan, player, and collector ever since.
I believe they have continued to innovate in so many ways, and make their best products ever today.
Over the years I have managed to accumulate some nice guitars... I especially have been obsessed with Cocobolo ever since those 2008 Fall Limiteds hit. That Wood and Steel issue had me at first sight. I keep waiting for the GAS to mellow, but so far, it hasn't happened..lol.. I usually try to justify any new ones by agreeing to sell another one.. Those are the hardest choices ever, though!
I have been fortunate to have made a lot of great friends, even with some dealers and some Taylor staff over the years, thanx to this "hobby".. I wish I had found the online Forums long ago, but I've only been a daily Taylor reader on the AGFs for a year or so now.. And I am exciting by the prospects of meeting all of you HERE, and in the official Taylor forum soon.
Happy playing!