Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Strumming Fool on June 14, 2020, 06:49:41 PM
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For those who haven't read past posts on this, here's a quick summary:
1. Ordered January 24th
2. Delivered to Martin Music on March 16th for after-market additions
3. Small dent discovered in the top from a faulty case - sent back to Taylor for repair and case replacement
4. Taylor factory closes due to the pandemic
5. Taylor completes the repair and ships the guitar back to Martin Music on May 26th
6. I received the guitar this past Thursday June 11th
Okay, I’ve been really busy these past few days so my only time spent with the guitar was getting it properly humidified and stored on Thursday night. On Friday, I put the Lyric battery pack in place. Then, having realized that I made the wrong choices in tuner buttons and bridge pins, I replaced the tuner buttons with straight black and replaced the dyed bone pins with water buffalo bridge pins with abalone inlays to compliment the abalone inlays on the fretboard and headstock. By introducing less color and going with the theme, I’ve made a more formal, dressed up guitar that looks quite elegant. The burst is actually redder than the 756 I had purchased a few years back, but still quite pretty – it’s a happy burst!
So yesterday was the first time I actually got to have quality time with the guitar. My first impression while playing it was “is this a rosewood guitar?”, because it sounded quite different than all the rosewood guitars I’ve owned in the past. Gone were the muddy bass, the midrange scoop and the plethora of overtones that sometimes got in the way of my playing and singing with a rosewood guitar. Next impression was that this was a very balanced, articulate sound ( common to a Taylor GA – just never heard in a rosewood Taylor like this), with limitless headroom and superlative projection. It’s a loud guitar that is still very responsive to a light touch. Similar to my V-class 614 in its preciseness, it has added depth and sweetness in the tone. I recalled the several Adirondack topped guitars I’ve played or owned in the past, and I can understand why Andy feels that the Lutz spruce tone is reminiscent of old growth Adirondack in character.
Overall, it is a surprising guitar in many ways – and she will fit in very nicely with her six Taylor GA brothers and sisters! BTW, I've named her Renata (it means "reborn" - appropriate I think for a number of reasons...) Here are some pics taken at the shop before she shipped to me:
(https://i.imgur.com/4eTj3h0l.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/BUEsR0El.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/BFb8KjBl.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/VslGJvHl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HX7Otaal.jpg) (https://i.imgur.com/tNAihnTl.jpg)
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That is one gorgeous guitar! Mazel tov.
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It's going to have quite the presence when playing out. Love the back, it's just hard to beat a classy Taylor rosewood back. Play it in good health (which has a whole new meaning in 2020). Happy that your wait is finally over, congratulations.
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Thanks guys! One other plus I forgot to mention: the rosewood is reminiscent (in both looks and scent) of my 1980 Martin HD28 that used to get passed around in jam sessions just so everyone could get a whiff!
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What do they call that burst?
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It's a western sunburst ( option associated with the 700s). It's not quite as red as the pics portray. It's more of a medium brown to gold burst.
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It's a western sunburst ( option associated with the 700s). It's not quite as red as the pics portray. It's more of a medium brown to gold burst.
Taylor guitars are hard to photo...hard to capture their true beauty. In my last attempt (GSM), I kept getting slightly different coloring depending on the room (and even within the same room, at different angles). It was hard to get a picture that showed the natural colors. I still didn't truly capture what I see in person. Maybe you can attempt a pic or 2 in your home so we can see that WSB that way.
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Glad you finally have it! I have been impressed with the Lutz topped 700’s I have tried, and it sounds like yours is a winner. Congrats, and thanks for sharing.
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What do they call that burst?
My guess is 'Gorgeousburst'.
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Oh my gosh, many congrats Strumming Fool - it is GORGEOUS - I think your decision to go without the pick guard and cutaway really complement the look. And aesthetics are so personal, but overall I think the 700 series looks might be the most elegant to my eye.
Did you get the ES2 or no?
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Oh my gosh, many congrats Strumming Fool - it is GORGEOUS - I think your decision to go without the pick guard and cutaway really complement the look. And aesthetics are so personal, but overall I think the 700 series looks might be the most elegant to my eye.
Did you get the ES2 or no?
No ES2. I had an LR Baggs Lyric installed. That's my system of choice these days...
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Congrats SF...she's a beauty! Glad you found a rosewood guitar that excites you...I know exactly the 'muddy bass' you're referring to.
...and I see you are still keeping your 7 guitar 'rule'...LOL
Enjoy in good health!
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Thanks Marco! Over the past week I've discovered that this guitar is a real player, just like my 614. These V class guitars are definitely different animals than my other five Taylors. I'm in no way abandoning my X braced Taylors - I still love them as always. It's just refreshing to have two very different guitars to complete my seven guitar arsenal.
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I would not abandon my X brace Taylor's either, they are too good. Maybe you should consider a 2 week guitar rotation then you will have a better division between X and V bracing
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I would not abandon my X brace Taylor's either, they are too good. Maybe you should consider a 2 week guitar rotation then you will have a better division between X and V bracing
Great minds think alike! That's what I've begun doing, and I'm having a ball with it! So far neither bracing is "better" than the other - just different - and viva la difference!
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very nice CF! hope the EIR stays :) i’m
super biased towards rosewoods :)
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Thanks zee!
I thnk that this might be the one. It's either the V bracing or maybe I'm just too old to fuss anymore!
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Congrats Strumming!!! Amazing looking guitar!
You have any sound clips by chance?
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I concur. That is definitely a guitar worth waiting for. What beautiful set of rosewood. Well done!
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Another gem, "SF!" Congratulations!
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Thank you gentlemen!
No sound clips at present, but I'll share when I do have one! I really think this is it. I have all the guitars I need or want. Next I'll focus on updating my recording technology - and probably be asking for some advice as I go!