Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: ScottSD on February 12, 2023, 05:46:26 PM
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Hi All,
Here's my new (used) guitar day story... I have a favorite local guitar store where I've been taking lessons for years. I always get there early enough to scope out their guitars. Last week, I found a 1973 American Dream dreadnought on the wall. I spent a few minutes with that guitar and asked them to hold it for me. Came back the next day with my lovely Bride and a 714CE in hand thinking I'd A/B the two and possibly trade the 714 for the AD. Well, it turns out they were really different voiced so we decided the 714 got to stay. I was handing them the AD, telling them I was going to pass on this one when my very sweet Bride suggested that I might change my mind if I was able to do an in-home assessment, which they were happy to indulge... Fast forward 24 hours and I'm back in the store consigning my American Fender Strat Special Edition (never bonded with that neck) and paying for the American Dream.
As I'm sure most all of you know, Bob Taylor started out working in the American Dream guitar shop owned by Sam Radding in Lemon Grove Ca. This guitar was built in '73 possibly by Sam or Bob! Bob bought the shop in '74 and started Taylor Guitars.
This specific guitar appears to be spruce over solid Brazilian back and sides. The body is fully intact with no cleats or repairs. It has had a neck replacement which was nicely done by one of the long time Taylor luthiers and it's been converted to what looks to be one of the early Taylor bolt on designs. It has the original owner's initial's inset in the head stock. If you look closely you can see classic style thin/clear pick guards on both sides of the strings. Its got a Taylor profile neck, 1 3/4” at the nut, 2 ¼” at the bridge with perfect frets. It has an L.R. Baggs MiX pickup installed. Setup wise it's comparable to a new guitar. It plays easy and sounds divine and now it lives within a mile of where it was born. Ecstatic to have this historic guitar and pretty darned pleased with the Bride as well.
Scott
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Absolutely fabulous story and a wonderful piece of Taylor history! Just wow! Big congrats on the find, Scott; enjoy this beauty, man! I'd be very curious whether Bob, himself, recalls this guitar. Have you tried emailing them with pics?
Edward
(https://i.imgur.com/4gNNOd6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/09M8N1l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IX5rlce.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L9RMwP2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R3yCc8R.jpg)
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Edward,
Thanks a million for posting the pictures!
My instructor is friends with Sam Radding. He's setting up a meeting so I'll start there. I'll keep you posted.
Scott
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Wow, what a find, congratulations! It looks to be in beautiful shape. I'm looking forward to hearing "the rest of the story".
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wow that is super cool! congrats on the guitar and having an amazing wife!
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So cool Scott! Congrats on this piece of Taylor history. Keep us posted on what else you might find out about it.
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Hi ScottSD
Wow that's all I say! Great find and in beautiful condition. Look at that Brazilian :o
Tell me what's the shop you found it at? West coast?
I had a 1977 815 for a while.
Congrats on Dreadnaught and your New old guitar day !
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Hi Redwood,
Moze Guitars in La Mesa Ca. Moze worked around Sam Radding back in the day.
Scott
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So Cool, Thanks to Robert