Oh geez...I did not wake up today expecting to buy a guitar!
Me either!
Also interesting that this is NOT on Taylor's website - I wonder what that means?
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Corbis 12 on June 22, 2020, 10:54:08 AM
Listed here https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/browse?series=12847
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: boneuphtoner on June 22, 2020, 11:13:31 AM
Thanks for sharing Corbis 12 - interesting that the hog topped model isn't on the series, but if you click on one of the spruce guitars, it comes up as a related guitar on the bottom - this certainly looks like a soft launch to me, or else a couple of retailers jumped the gun before Taylor was ready.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Edward on June 22, 2020, 11:54:14 AM
Interesting ...so the AD is a GP body with satin fin and V-bracing. I’m wondering in what ways this differs from a 317 and 417? And how the pricing against the 300s will compare, as well.
Edward
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: SDTaylorman on June 22, 2020, 12:21:58 PM
Interesting ...so the AD is a GP body with satin fin and V-bracing. I’m wondering in what ways this differs from a 317 and 417? And how the pricing against the 300s will compare, as well.
Edward
Can't answer your other questions but pricing is shown on the direct Taylor link above.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: boneuphtoner on June 22, 2020, 01:15:49 PM
Interesting ...so the AD is a GP body with satin fin and V-bracing. I’m wondering in what ways this differs from a 317 and 417? And how the pricing against the 300s will compare, as well.
Edward
I got the impression from the Sweetwater write up that these GPs were just the first release, because they talked about their "shapes" in plural. Although I'm not clamoring for one of these just yet, I think this is a brilliant move on Taylor's part.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: jjrpilot-admin on June 22, 2020, 01:45:11 PM
I saw the news broke this morning. Crazy cool!
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Shutterbug on June 22, 2020, 11:04:48 PM
Cool stuff!
These will be fun to check out.
I know we can't talk pricing here, but I bet the street price on these will result in a hefty case of temptation!
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: mgap on June 22, 2020, 11:10:07 PM
Wow, that is a surprise. All solid wood, and made in El Cajon. Some big bonuses at what looks like a good price.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: sergeko on June 23, 2020, 06:32:09 AM
Biggest differences with the 317:
ovangkol body vs sapele
aerocase vs hardshell
tusq nut vs graphite
chamfered edges vs binding
matte top vs gloss
eucalyptus fretboard vs ebony
matte neck vs satin
Also, they seem to have D'Addario strings by default instead of Elixir. I wonder why ?
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Frettingflyer on June 23, 2020, 07:43:03 AM
Many string makers are being hit by coronavirus production issues, either in their own factory’s or getting material, so it may just be the strings are available, or maybe they are less expensive to help the price point. I used D’addaio on my Taylors for many years and really enjoyed the sound, back to Elixir for long life though now.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: boneuphtoner on June 23, 2020, 10:17:14 AM
Also, they seem to have D'Addario strings by default instead of Elixir. I wonder why ?
I have heard cases of shortages of strings as a result of the pandemic - perhaps that might be issue? On the Taylor owners group on Facebook one of the larger dealers stated that this new line would be fairly limited ~1500 guitars or so - given that constraint, and given the string shortages, the choice of D'Addario might make sense if there is more availability and if this temporary switch is applied to these guitars only.
ON the other hand, it is possible that Taylor is moving towards D'Addario in general - we should know in a few months.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: boneuphtoner on June 23, 2020, 10:18:14 PM
Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from: "In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series: "With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Rev Roy on June 24, 2020, 08:19:03 AM
Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from: "In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series: "With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Not sure they are “admitting” anything. More like they are passing off “imperfections” as mojo. Clever marketing spin. Still, I think this lineup is a great idea. Should sell well.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Andromeda on June 27, 2020, 09:38:10 PM
I’m always happy to see Taylor offer a guitar with no cutaway and electronics. The Mahogany/Sepele model has my interest!
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Shutterbug on June 27, 2020, 11:47:52 PM
I’m always happy to see Taylor offer a guitar with no cutaway and electronics. The Mahogany/Sepele model has my interest!
I'm kinda' diggin' the Ovangkol thing.
I might have to make a run to the bank soon...
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: boneuphtoner on July 05, 2020, 12:49:13 PM
Here is a great little snippet from Andy Powers:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0EwZO5F35gw
On a related note, I listened to the latest Taylor primetime episode on YouTube and during the Q&A someone asked about the D’Addario strings included on these and the reply was these were the strings that were available- thus confirming that the switch was prompted by the shortage. But they also mentioned that they hold D’Addario in high regard and these have (and continue to be) the standard strings included on the Taylor nylon and GS mini basses.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Coco Kid on July 06, 2020, 04:57:26 AM
Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from: "In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series: "With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Not sure the are “admitting” anything. More like they are passing off “imperfections” as mojo. Clever marketing spin. Still, I think this lineup is a great idea. Should sell well.
I agree. The wording indicates that the pieces with minor imperfections were specifically selected in order to honor some nostalgic memory. I better not find one with a soundboard that has no imperfections, otherwise I will not be getting what was advertised!
Seriously, hate being patronized as a consumer. What's so difficult about simply stating that these pieces of wood that would otherwise not make the cut for higher series is used on these lower series, and as a result, the price can decrease as the consumer does not have to pay a premium for wood without minor imperfections? I'd be OK with that. What I'm not OK with is Taylor assuming I'm so dumb I can't tell that the real reason isn't to honor or pay tribute to some sort of young man's dream.
Hey, here's a car with dents in it, I could have got you one that had no dents and scratches, but wanted to honor and pay tribute to when you used to drive cars with dents and scratches! I'm going to patronize you and not tell you straight up that hey, it's cheaper. Saves me some face.
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Shutterbug on July 06, 2020, 11:18:15 AM
Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from: "In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series: "With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Not sure the are “admitting” anything. More like they are passing off “imperfections” as mojo. Clever marketing spin. Still, I think this lineup is a great idea. Should sell well.
I agree. The wording indicates that the pieces with minor imperfections were specifically selected in order to honor some nostalgic memory. I better not find one with a soundboard that has no imperfections, otherwise I will not be getting what was advertised!
Seriously, hate being patronized as a consumer. What's so difficult about simply stating that these pieces of wood that would otherwise not make the cut for higher series is used on these lower series, and as a result, the price can decrease as the consumer does not have to pay a premium for wood without minor imperfections? I'd be OK with that. What I'm not OK with is Taylor assuming I'm so dumb I can't tell that the real reason isn't to honor or pay tribute to some sort of young man's dream.
Hey, here's a car with dents in it, I could have got you one that had no dents and scratches, but wanted to honor and pay tribute to when you used to drive cars with dents and scratches! I'm going to patronize you and not tell you straight up that hey, it's cheaper. Saves me some face.
So, you won't be buying one?
Cool.
Moving on...
Title: Re: Taylor's new line - American Dream
Post by: Coco Kid on July 06, 2020, 11:26:53 PM
Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from: "In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series: "With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Not sure the are “admitting” anything. More like they are passing off “imperfections” as mojo. Clever marketing spin. Still, I think this lineup is a great idea. Should sell well.
I agree. The wording indicates that the pieces with minor imperfections were specifically selected in order to honor some nostalgic memory. I better not find one with a soundboard that has no imperfections, otherwise I will not be getting what was advertised!
Seriously, hate being patronized as a consumer. What's so difficult about simply stating that these pieces of wood that would otherwise not make the cut for higher series is used on these lower series, and as a result, the price can decrease as the consumer does not have to pay a premium for wood without minor imperfections? I'd be OK with that. What I'm not OK with is Taylor assuming I'm so dumb I can't tell that the real reason isn't to honor or pay tribute to some sort of young man's dream.
Hey, here's a car with dents in it, I could have got you one that had no dents and scratches, but wanted to honor and pay tribute to when you used to drive cars with dents and scratches! I'm going to patronize you and not tell you straight up that hey, it's cheaper. Saves me some face.
So, you won't be buying one?
Cool.
Moving on...
Unless Taylor brings back Advanced Performance bracing, then that's correct, I am not a fan of the V-Class bracing.