Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: DimEyeGuitarGuy on March 09, 2022, 10:42:27 AM
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So, as I’ve posted on here, my wife bought me a 914ce LTD w/ Bocote back and sides. I DO still love this guitar… HOWEVER…
I am really REALLY wanting a Grand Pacific 717e. I really dig the more traditional tone (warmer etc) of the 717e.
Here’s the caveat… I can’t afford to have both guitars unfortunately. AND, I’m out of the return window for Guitar Center. So I’ll have to sell the 914 or trade it in with someone on the 717e.
So, I’m asking you much more knowledgeable folks… is this just a crazy idea? Have I lost my mind for even considering such a thing? I know that it’s all subjective… I’d just like to get some of your (more experienced) opinions.
Thanks,
Tom
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They're two different animals so there's a chance that you might miss some aspects of the 914 if you just have the the 717e. I have played the 717e, and it is my favorite rosewood guitar outside of the grand auditoriums. Tough choice. I have moved many guitars out to acquire others. I can honestly say the I have no regrets. But it's almost always better to have both guitars in the house before you move one of them out. Your 914 is a very special and versatile guitar that can handle any playing style, so for me, it would be easy to choose the 914 over the 717. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance!
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They're two different animals so there's a chance that you might miss some aspects of the 914 if you just have the the 717e. I have played the 717e, and it is my favorite rosewood guitar outside of the grand auditoriums. Tough choice. I have moved many guitars out to acquire others. I can honestly say the I have no regrets. But it's almost always better to have both guitars in the house before you move one of them out. Your 914 is a very special and versatile guitar that can handle any playing style, so for me, it would be easy to choose the 914 over the 717. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance!
Actually super helpful… and is also a clear reflection of some of my thoughts on the 914 side of this equation. Thanks for taking the time.
Tom
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Tom,
Before I'd do anything drastic, I'd first see if I could warm up the tone of that beautiful 914. You might try another type of strings -- for example, DR Rares, which I've used in the past to warm up some chilly guitars. If you use a pick, try changing pick material. Those are two relatively inexpensive ways to try to get the tone you're after. Good luck.
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Tom,
Before I'd do anything drastic, I'd first see if I could warm up the tone of that beautiful 914. You might try another type of strings -- for example, DR Rares, which I've used in the past to warm up some chilly guitars. If you use a pick, try changing pick material. Those are two relatively inexpensive ways to try to get the tone you're after. Good luck.
These are great thoughts/ideas and sage advice. Thank you for posting. I really appreciate it.
Tom
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Tom,
Before I'd do anything drastic, I'd first see if I could warm up the tone of that beautiful 914. You might try another type of strings -- for example, DR Rares, which I've used in the past to warm up some chilly guitars. If you use a pick, try changing pick material. Those are two relatively inexpensive ways to try to get the tone you're after. Good luck.
I’m using bluechip picks… maybe I’ll give the DR Rares a try.
Tom
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Tom,
Before I'd do anything drastic, I'd first see if I could warm up the tone of that beautiful 914. You might try another type of strings -- for example, DR Rares, which I've used in the past to warm up some chilly guitars. If you use a pick, try changing pick material. Those are two relatively inexpensive ways to try to get the tone you're after. Good luck.
I’m using bluechip picks… maybe I’ll give the DR Rares a try.
Tom
I use Blue Chip picks, too. I don't think you'll find a warmer pick than that.
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I use Blue Chip picks, too. I don't think you'll find a warmer pick than that.
I ordered a couple sets of the DR Rares.. I’ll give ‘em a shot. Reviews online are good and say they’re nice and warm. We’ll see :P
Tom
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You would be trading down in cost, of course. Strings and picks can make a big difference in tone, as noted above.
Have you tried moving your picking hand towards the fretboard? That is FREE, and also can make a Huge tonal difference.
I like to get as many tones as possible per guitar, so I am used to moving my picking hand, but it is interesting how many folks do NOT.
I would definitely keep the 9
Just me…
Be well and have FUN
Paul
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You would be trading down in cost, of course. Strings and picks can make a big difference in tone, as noted above.
Have you tried moving your picking hand towards the fretboard? That is FREE, and also can make a Huge tonal difference.
I like to get as many tones as possible per guitar, so I am used to moving my picking hand, but it is interesting how many folks do NOT.
I would definitely keep the 9
Just me…
Be well and have FUN
Paul
Hi there. Thanks for posting.. yes, I try to move my hand around… maybe not as much as I think I do.. I’ll definitely try to be cognizant of that. Thank you for taking the time to post.
Tom
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Hey Tom,
Please remember that you did, in fact, ask.
Yes, you have absolutely lost your mind to even consider this.
Stop right there. No diplomatic equivocation from me, sir. Stop and appreciate the grand instrument you have. You are, in my estimation, lured by a thought --mere speculation-- than another guitar provides an answer that your present guitar fails to deliver. Do not get sucked down into this vortex. I will spare you my cheap psychologizing (or is it too late?) and simply advise that you enjoy the beauty you have now. Enjoy it now. Relish in the abundance that a 914 offers in all its glory. And ultimately, relish it even more knowing how it got to you in the first place. Do not lose sight of genuine value, man. Seriously. And remember, you asked!
Side note: I do hope you've not verbalized this insanity beyond this forum. If not, consider yourself lucky that you have dodged that bullet. Now go and do the right thing. Yes, seriously!
Edward
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I agree with Edward. You should slow down, don't shop around, and play and enjoy the beautiful guitar your wife got you. She did well in choosing. It is a guitar that will be able to handle most of what you throw at it. The GA's are known for it (like SF said). The others beat me to the punch in suggesting experimenting with different strings. That would be my first step. You may not be crazy yet, but if you sold the 914 at this point, I think I would call you crazy. ;)
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Hey Tom,
Please remember that you did, in fact, ask.
Yes, you have absolutely lost your mind to even consider this.
Stop right there. No diplomatic equivocation from me, sir. Stop and appreciate the grand instrument you have. You are, in my estimation, lured by a thought --mere speculation-- than another guitar provides an answer that your present guitar fails to deliver. Do not get sucked down into this vortex. I will spare you my cheap psychologizing (or is it too late?) and simply advise that you enjoy the beauty you have now. Enjoy it now. Relish in the abundance that a 914 offers in all its glory. And ultimately, relish it even more knowing how it got to you in the first place. Do not lose sight of genuine value, man. Seriously. And remember, you asked!
Side note: I do hope you've not verbalized this insanity beyond this forum. If not, consider yourself lucky that you have dodged that bullet. Now go and do the right thing. Yes, seriously!
Edward
I DID ask didn’t I? 8)
No, I haven’t posted this anywhere else… I figured the folks here would have the strongest opinions on two Taylors.
I appreciate your candor. It is exactly what I was hoping for when I posted. The 914 is still sitting here and is not for sale. I’m currently just gonna try a few different sets of strings… experiment with some technique.
Do NOT get me wrong… I love this guitar. But you are right, the THOUGHT that I might love another guitar more is probably fueling this IDEA.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
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I agree with Edward. You should slow down, don't shop around, and play and enjoy the beautiful guitar your wife got you. She did well in choosing. It is a guitar that will be able to handle most of what you throw at it. The GA's are known for it (like SF said). The others beat me to the punch in suggesting experimenting with different strings. That would be my first step. You may not be crazy yet, but if you sold the 914 at this point, I think I would call you crazy. ;)
HAHA!! Well, then I guess I’m not crazy yet :) I definitely am slowing down. I appreciate all the advice/guidance folks have offered so far. I appreciate you taking the time to respond, TaylorGirl.
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My thoughts are based on the fact that, on March 7, you posted that you LOVE the 914. Then on March 9, you posted about considering selling it to buy another Taylor. Correct me if I am wrong, though!
That being said, this is likely a classic case of what fuels GAS for a lot of folks: The adrenaline of receiving a new guitar is palpable. Especially one as special as the one your wife bought you. As with most, the dopamine levels start to decline after a few days, and you subconsciously seek that out, thus considering another new guitar which, you can convince yourself, is going to be better. That is what I think is going on here.
And I have been there many times. As have many of us.
Of course, I could be wrong. The 717 may be better for you. But I highly doubt it. You would get that guitar, be thrilled with it, and after a few days may likely be be right back to the search.
The Grand Pacifics are wonderful guitars. I own a 517 in mahogany. But it will not be better than what you have, in no small part because your wife purchased that for you. So if you can't afford both, keep the 914. It's all you need, even without the initial dopamine rush.
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May I also suggest you put a ToneRite on your 914?
It is still new and just getting used to being a guitar. Don’t sell it. Let it grow up a good long time.
And PLAY the snot out of it.
You can thank us all later! Hahahaha
Be well and have fun
Paul
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Glad you didn't take offense, Tom! I was absolutely candid, so am genuinely thankful that you took my words in good spirits! :D
Look, the guitar --any guitar-- can be "massaged" toward this or that tone to a degree. But that range is wider than most folks realize. String choice is a biggie, to be sure. Then there is --wait for it-- us, our hands, our approach to the instrument. This ain't mystical or esoteric stuff. Ask anyone who has been playing any instrument for decades (playing seriously, that is), and they will tell you about tone. And no, I am not a pro musician (I have a day job where I am safe from having to prove my worth with musical skill! ;) ), but have been hacking away at this music thing for a while ...even gigging when we can (L.A. is easily one of the worst places of late given all our idiotic mandates, but that aside) and as a self-proclaimed hack, I know there is far more that *I* need to do than any of my guitars, amps, or pedals to sound good. And likewise, to offer different tonal flavors, the onus is on me. As is oft repeated, and too often downplayed IMO, it is the carpenter not the tool that builds best. I get by, and am glad for it. I have multiple guits because my mental illness prompts me so, and the wife is generously supportive of my malady. But nothing more than one guitar is, in fact, necessary. (yikes, did I say that aloud??). If there's anything definitive I have learned over the years of hacking at music it is that no piece of gear makes anything even closely enough of a difference than what the player can bring.
You asked here: for this I am glad as this really is a cool place to hang ...here, this forum! You asked, you got sound answers; good folks here! Thankfully you didn't float this idea aloud to your better half. Your guitar is great. The giver even better. You have both. Now where in the world are you going to find that combination?!!! Just sayin, man!
:D
Edward