Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: SkyHigh on March 31, 2012, 05:52:33 PM
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My favorite tone wood for Taylor to date has been Ovankol. It has mids and clear bass that Indian lacks. It also has but more warmth and overtone compared to Mahogany. I have own more than six 414ce in the past and currently have two. Everytime I sell for higher model(814/616)for sake of bling, I always come back to ovankol for sake of tone but again WISH IT HAD MORE... Bling!
My definition of bling: wooden binding, ablone rosette, veneer on back of the headstock, Gotoh tuners. I HATE WHITE PLASTIC BINDINGS ON 400 series!!! I would rather like black bindings on 300 series if given and option.
1. Quality of ovankol is BTO higher quality with more flame than standard 414ce?
2. Please show your BTO ovankol.
3. Am I a dumb_ as_ for spending twice or more for BTO for same of bling when standard 414ce tone is already perfect to my ear???
4. What is current lead time for BTO?
Cheers!!!
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First, if a 414ce fits you from a tonal perspective, I'm of the opinion that you should go that route, assuming that's all you're concerned about: Tone.
If you want something that someone can't simply pull off the wall at GC, then the BTO route is the way to go. You'd be surprised at how unique you can make your guitar by including some no cost or low cost options. You'd have a unique guitar, in the tonewood you like (and Ovangkol is a no-cost option on BTO), and it'll be just a few dollars more than a standard 414ce.
As for the Ovangkol set which would actually be used, my experience has always been that a BTO with Ovangkol is going to be built with a higher grade of wood than a production 400 Series guitar. This, in no way, means that will happen if you order an Ovangkol BTO. It depends on what wood sets they have ready to go at the time. I've seen some pretty striking Ovangkol used on BTO's, though, and I would be confident that I would get some nice grain/figuring.
Also, if you do opt for a BTO, don't use one of the BTO sheets that someone on any internet forum would be able to send you. The BTO worksheets change regularly, and there's no way someone on a forum can guarantee that they're sending you the most up to date version. The only exception to that is if the person on the forum happens to be an authorized Taylor dealer.
Hope that helps...
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My local shop (Dusty Strings in Seattle) had a gorgeous ovangkol GA BTO that totally changed my mind about the potential of that tonewood. It sounded at least as full across the entire tonal spectrum as my 814, and even had punchier mids. Aesthetics-wise, I think the wood gains a lot of booty in a gloss finish.
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Aesthetics-wise, I think the wood gains a lot of booty in a gloss finish.
Boy, that's no lie. Glossy Ovangkol is just sexy...
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I HATE WHITE PLASTIC BINDINGS ON 400 series!!! I would rather like black bindings on 300 series if given and option.
That too, is the only thing I hate about my 416ce-LTD. I wish the binding was a shade of brown if Taylor wants to differentiate it from the 300 series black binding.
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I HATE WHITE PLASTIC BINDINGS ON 400 series!!! I would rather like black bindings on 300 series if given and option.
That too, is the only thing I hate about my 416ce-LTD. I wish the binding was a shade of brown if Taylor wants to differentiate it from the 300 series black binding.
On a BTO, the black plastic binding is a no-cost option...
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Fuller's Vintage Guitars has had several Custom Taylors built to their specs that are glossy Ovangkol B&S (I forget what the tops were). They looked great and sounded heavenly. :)
-Gary K
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I feel EXACTLY how you do. I have a 314ce now because of the binding colors. I also prefer gold tuners and they look good with darker woods. Check out this 414ce I've had my eye on at sweetwater. Best looking back and sides, love the new inlays this year too.
http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s1102242043
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I HATE WHITE PLASTIC BINDINGS ON 400 series!!! I would rather like black bindings on 300 series if given and option.
That too, is the only thing I hate about my 416ce-LTD. I wish the binding was a shade of brown if Taylor wants to differentiate it from the 300 series black binding.
creme binding would be nice, imho, which is used on the acoustic
non cutaway 3 & 4 series & on the 99 25th anniversary 300Ms also
rosewood binding is an option on a BTO, but it is a bit pricey &
faux 'tortoise' is available too, as on the current 500 series,
but there is no option to have the headstock bound in 'tortoise'
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comparing satin ovangkol models i've seen & owned
(http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/44461/2114734450081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/44957/2884436980081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/18082/2094316150081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
& the gloss models i've seen, i think that the gloss finish process
may end up possibly taking some of that 'flame' away a little -
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/finish (http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/finish)
i feel that the 2nd application of the same polyester finish may have an effect similar to a polarized filter,
where at certain angles, the refraction/reflection of light that intensifies the 'flame' can be diminished
sort of like if one is looking that the surface of a lake & the ripples ('flame') reflect the sunlight on a clear day -
if one were put on a set of sunglasses with polarized lenses, the glare is reduced & for some companies
it is a selling point to where they claim that in shallow water (a creek), one can see a bit 'below the surface'
satinwood & imbuia seem to exhibit this to a certain degree as well, to me,
as i've had & seen some JKSM models with very extremely flamed figuring &
the gloss finish satinwood has either been stained to accentuate the
characteristics of the wood, or it has lost a bit of it's 'prismatic' quality
on-the-other-hand, gloss walnut & koa seem to keep
their 'fiddleback' figuring more consistently, imho
http://www.gbase.com/gear/byid?item=1778617 (http://www.gbase.com/gear/byid?item=1778617)
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=273 (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=273)
ymmv
edited to correct finish process misinterpretation
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this reminds me of the path I took to my 914ce, with a cedar top
I suggest that you play the 2011 714ce (Im not sure what changed in the 2012)
. the 2011 714 cedar/rosewood combo made me realize there was a tone in which I'd prefer over my 414ce.
long story short (full details in a link to my thread below) - the cedar/rosewood combo provided the wide range of rosewood, with a warm blanket of midrange.
my 914 sounds even deeper and crisper than the 714ce I played, but was noticeably less audible.
I'm not sure if the difference is the bracing or the bone saddle.
either way, to prefer the tone to the cedar 914 over my 414.
I wouldn't buy a BTO with ovangkol without exhaustively playing more wood combos.
check out the ltd's too.
the 2011 814 and 2010 914 I played (Sitka/rosewood) left much to be desired finally for me; and it sounds like you have a similar taste.
it's not a 914, but check out "broken angel" - live and acoustic at the fort studios by Boyce avenue on YouTube.
it reminds me of how my 914 sounds...without being mixed. the guitar bring used on the video is a w14ce.
finally, here is a link to my cedar 914ce
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=935.0
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comparing satin ovangkol models i've seen & owned
(http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/44461/2114734450081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/44957/2884436980081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/18082/2094316150081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
& the gloss models i've seen, i think that the gloss finish process
may end up possibly taking some of that 'flame' away a little -
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/finish
i feel that the 2nd application of the same polyester finish may have an effect similar to a polarized filter,
where at certain angles, the refraction/reflection of light that intensifies the 'flame' can be diminished
sort of like if one is looking that the surface of a lake & the ripples ('flame') reflect the sunlight on a clear day -
if one were put on a set of sunglasses with polarized lenses, the glare is reduced & for some companies
it is a selling point to where they claim that in shallow water (a creek), one can see a bit 'below the surface'
satinwood & imbuia seem to exhibit this to a certain degree as well, to me,
as i've had & seen some JKSM models with very extremely flamed figuring &
the gloss finish satinwood has either been stained to accentuate the
characteristics of the wood, or it has lost a bit of it's 'prismatic' quality
on-the-other-hand, gloss walnut & koa seem to keep
their 'fiddleback' figuring more consistently, imho
http://www.gbase.com/gear/byid?item=1778617 (http://www.gbase.com/gear/byid?item=1778617)
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=273 (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=273)
ymmv
edited to correct finish process misinterpretation
my 414ce has no flaming :(
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my 414ce has no flaming :(
this one didn't either, but it didn't bother me in the least
(http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/43713/2742786230081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
the 414 that's here now doesn't, but it's not going anywhere ;)
(http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/49827/2439899240081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
imho, it's all about the tone
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A cheaper option is just to get inlay stickers:
http://www.inlaysticker.com/
Honestly, I've never seen a fingerboard inlay sticker that was worth much.
That said, I'm not familiar with these. How durable are they?
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A cheaper option is just to get inlay stickers:
http://www.inlaysticker.com/
Honestly, I've never seen a fingerboard inlay sticker that was worth much.
That said, I'm not familiar with these. How durable are they?
TP516 has had a set on her guitar for about 3 months or so
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=775 (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=775)
i would guess it could depend the environment the guitar is exposed to
(temperature/humidity) the player's style (bending, etc) & body chemistry
(excessively oily/acidic fingertips), but i doubt the adhesive backing is 3M
the ab-look dots or small slotted diamond fretmarker could cover MOP/pearloid dots
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Musical-Instruments-/619/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=fret+sticker (http://www.ebay.com/sch/Musical-Instruments-/619/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=fret+sticker)
... Pac-Man (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pacman-Fret-Markers-Inlay-Sticker-Decal-Guitar-Bass-/120880717925?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1c250d6065#ht_3630wt_1037) anyone ;)
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1. Quality of ovankol is BTO higher quality with more flame than standard 414ce?
2. Please show your BTO ovankol.
3. Am I a dumb_ as_ for spending twice or more for BTO for same of bling when standard 414ce tone is already perfect to my ear???
4. What is current lead time for BTO?
Cheers!!!
1. Sonic quality should theoretically be the same, but you should be able to work with your dealer on what look you'd like to have on your ovangkol. If Taylor's got it, they'll be happy to oblige.
2. Here's a couple of photos of the ovangkol back and side of my 2011 BTO :
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-4.jpg)
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-5.jpg)
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-1.jpg)
3.Definitely not!
4. About 8 weeks.
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I prefer the cream bindings on the 400 Series over the black bindings on the 300 Series.
Wood bindings are nice, but I have no problem with plastic.
With that said, if I had the desire to own a custom Taylor I would go the BTO route.
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I prefer the cream bindings on the 400 Series over the black bindings on the 300 Series.
Wood bindings are nice, but I have no problem with plastic.
With that said, if I had the desire to own a custom Taylor I would go the BTO route.
hi ed,
good to see you here :)
WELCOME !
glad you found the place &
are making yourself to home 8)
Taylor does offer some nice options, imho, that
can result in some pretty nice guitars, like this (http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/products/acousticguitars/products.php? pcid=10064&cid=37393&pid=51008) :o
looking forward to hearing more from you :D
edited - link in bold
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I feel EXACTLY how you do. I have a 314ce now because of the binding colors. I also prefer gold tuners and they look good with darker woods. Check out this 414ce I've had my eye on at sweetwater. Best looking back and sides, love the new inlays this year too.
http://www.sweetwater.com/guitargallery/electric/custom/s1102242043
Wow, the ovangkol on that one is stunning!
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I prefer the cream bindings on the 400 Series over the black bindings on the 300 Series.
Wood bindings are nice, but I have no problem with plastic.
With that said, if I had the desire to own a custom Taylor I would go the BTO route.
hi ed,
good to see you here :)
WELCOME !
glad you found the place &
are making yourself to home 8)
Taylor does offer some nice options, imho, that
can result in some pretty nice guitars, like this (http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/products/acousticguitars/products.php? pcid=10064&cid=37393&pid=51008) :o
looking forward to hearing more from you :D
Thanks Michael - you guys have a nice forum here. I plan to stick around.
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Um, is it my imagination, or was there some post dumping done in this thread?
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Ovangkol has been my favorite tone wood thus far too. I almost bought a 414ce once but went for a 714 ce instead and regretted it. I traded that for a Sitka/maple Gibson and wasn't really into that either. I keep coming back to the ovangkol, so I sold the Gibson and ordered an Adirondack/Ovangkol BTO three weeks ago.
I say if you know the tone you like and the appointments you want (bling), then you should go for it. My BTO wasn't nearly as much as I thought it would be and I got everything I wanted. I'll definitely post some pics of the glossy ovangkol went the guitar gets here in 3-7 more weeks (The worst part about the BTO process is the waiting).
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1. Sonic quality should theoretically be the same, but you should be able to work with your dealer on what look you'd like to have on your ovangkol. If Taylor's got it, they'll be happy to oblige.
2. Here's a couple of photos of the ovangkol back and side of my 2011 BTO :
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-4.jpg)
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-5.jpg)
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-1.jpg)
3.Definitely not!
4. About 8 weeks.
Those images make the guitar look like it has a satin finish. Is it satin or is that just the camera angle? It even looks like the top is satin to me.
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It's the camera angle. The entire body has a gloss finish.