Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Tammany Tiger on June 08, 2012, 06:57:55 PM
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I played a 356ce today that was luscious. I've been thinking a little about a BTO 12er but am not sure I want to devote that many dollars to a niche guitar, especially if a stock guitar at this price point sounds so good.
Does anyone have experience with Taylor 12s?
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I have a 355. I LOVE IT. A very reasonably priced Taylor 12 string. Sounds wonderful.
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I just got my GA3-12 last week. Can't imagine needing anything more in a 12-string!
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I just got my GA3-12 last week. Can't imagine needing anything more in a 12-string!
Yes, that GA shape suits me better. Is yours a cutaway? Electronics?
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I have a 355. I LOVE IT. A very reasonably priced Taylor 12 string. Sounds wonderful.
Is this jumbo shape a load to play? I agree that they sound wonderful but even the GS is a handful for me after anhour or so.
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See my Avatar? Maple rocks in a 12-er. Don't play it as much as I should.
And I may have to sell it to fund the BTO I'm contemplating.
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I have been thinking about doing a BTO 12'r but I need to take another look at the 356 and 656. They played very well last time I played one and they don't cost as much.
Anyone know anything about the LKSM?
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See my Avatar? Maple rocks in a 12-er. Don't play it as much as I should.
And I may have to sell it to fund the BTO I'm contemplating.
I love maple. Is that a jumbo?
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I have a 355. I LOVE IT. A very reasonably priced Taylor 12 string. Sounds wonderful.
Is this jumbo shape a load to play? I agree that they sound wonderful but even the GS is a handful for me after anhour or so.
Not for me, it isn't. But I'm a 5'9" woman, so the jumbo is not a problem. It's got a nice loud voice. I could see a GA if you are a smaller person or like the size of a GA. I have a GA for my 6 string, which I really like too. So, get the body shape that you like the feel of best. I think there are stock 12 strings from Taylor that would be everything you are looking for in a 12 string.
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See my Avatar? Maple rocks in a 12-er. Don't play it as much as I should.
And I may have to sell it to fund the BTO I'm contemplating.
I love maple. Is that a jumbo?
Yup. I use med string tuned down a step, and it's an "orchestra in your lap!" I really need to find a way to keep it.
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No cutaway .... I added Fishman Matirix Infinity after market.
I just got my GA3-12 last week. Can't imagine needing anything more in a 12-string!
Yes, that GA shape suits me better. Is yours a cutaway? Electronics?
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Two in the house here. A K65ce made from the "Killer Koa" log. Amazing tone. A friend compares it favorably to an Olson 12 string that his father owns.
The other is a T5-12 string. If you do any 12 string playing on stage, you gotta try it! Just a Great sounding guitar and so easy to play...
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FWIW, I've played (incidentally) 12 stringers for decades. I've always wanted one but never owned one for one simple reason: action/feel. Wide, thickish necks, action requiring gorilla grip at higher frets, many of old required tuning 1/2 step down, and also built heavy. Could never get myself to love one beyond an hour to "convince" me to get one. And yes, throw in the much-beloved Guilds. Gone through a bunch and I loved the idea of owning a 12 more than the actuality of it.
Enter Taylor. Wow. All those obstacles thrown out the window; Taylor absolved it all for me. No hyperbole. I bought a gorgeous 655ce from a forumite and that was my keeper guitar. Played easy at concert pitch, sounded gorgeous with superb note definition, and the jumbo body did not at all impede with playing one iota nor ever feel bulky (I'm not a big guy either). Just a great 12er that sold me! I eventually tried a 3-series 12 and found the same superb action/feel: yep, Taylor simply got the 12-string formula right ...dead-on, for me.
And I'd have kept the 655 forever were it not for a certain RTaylor that crossed my path. Style 1 GS body, 12 strings resonating in the most figured flamed maple you could imagine, and a bottom end that was bigger and deeper than any 12 I've ever played. All the attributes of a quality Taylor 12, with extra bottom and depth, lighter weight, and crazy-beautiful aesthetics. Um ...I had to have it. :)
So there you go. You wanted a Taylor-12 opinion, and you got my unvarnished love fest. But if I may say, I am pretty good at being critical and objective, and am not bowled over by any pretty faces. Function definitely trumps all in my book, and no "pretty guitars" or gear ever stays in my possession if it can't deliver the goods. And if I were to recommend a 12, not only would it be a Taylor, it would be in GS body as I feel it offers all the attributes of a Jumbo bod with greater comfort and "familiarity" in feel ...IMHO of course. Hope that helps you a bit.
Edward
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FWIW, I've played (incidentally) 12 stringers for decades. I've always wanted one but never owned one for one simple reason: action/feel. Wide, thickish necks, action requiring gorilla grip at higher frets, many of old required tuning 1/2 step down, and also built heavy. Could never get myself to love one beyond an hour to "convince" me to get one. And yes, throw in the much-beloved Guilds. Gone through a bunch and I loved the idea of owning a 12 more than the actuality of it.
Enter Taylor. Wow. All those obstacles thrown out the window; Taylor absolved it all for me. No hyperbole. I bought a gorgeous 655ce from a forumite and that was my keeper guitar. Played easy at concert pitch, sounded gorgeous with superb note definition, and the jumbo body did not at all impede with playing one iota nor ever feel bulky (I'm not a big guy either). Just a great 12er that sold me! I eventually tried a 3-series 12 and found the same superb action/feel: yep, Taylor simply got the 12-string formula right ...dead-on, for me.
And I'd have kept the 655 forever were it not for a certain RTaylor that crossed my path. Style 1 GS body, 12 strings resonating in the most figured flamed maple you could imagine, and a bottom end that was bigger and deeper than any 12 I've ever played. All the attributes of a quality Taylor 12, with extra bottom and depth, lighter weight, and crazy-beautiful aesthetics. Um ...I had to have it. :)
So there you go. You wanted a Taylor-12 opinion, and you got my unvarnished love fest. But if I may say, I am pretty good at being critical and objective, and am not bowled over by any pretty faces. Function definitely trumps all in my book, and no "pretty guitars" or gear ever stays in my possession if it can't deliver the goods. And if I were to recommend a 12, not only would it be a Taylor, it would be in GS body as I feel it offers all the attributes of a Jumbo bod with greater comfort and "familiarity" in feel ...IMHO of course. Hope that helps you a bit.
Edward
Thanks, Edward. This is a great report and is very helpful.
I have had the same general experience with 12 strings with one exception. The Seagull S-12 also has conquered all of the problems and the straight acoustic sells at an unbeatable price point. I think that all of the Taylors are better guitars for a variety of reasons but the Seagull is a reasonable option.
I love the idea of the new 754ce. That's a great look in a comfortable, great sounding guitar.
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I had no desire to own a 12-string for all the reasons mentioned ... that is, until I happened to play a Taylor GA3-12 at GC one day and it dispelled all my prejudices instantly!!
Still, I wasn't convinced that I wanted to spend that much on a 12-string, so I tried several lower priced makes and models.
In the end it came down to Taylor or the Seagull. The Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 is a very, very nice instrument, especially for the money. I am a huge fan of Seagull guitars, but, the Taylor was just in a league by itself.
And the fact that it has the NT neck while the Gull has a set neck, making neck adjustments easy on the the Taylor and all but impossible on the Seagull made me more confident that for the very long haul, the Taylor would serve me best
FWIW, I've played (incidentally) 12 stringers for decades. I've always wanted one but never owned one for one simple reason: action/feel. Wide, thickish necks, action requiring gorilla grip at higher frets, many of old required tuning 1/2 step down, and also built heavy. Could never get myself to love one beyond an hour to "convince" me to get one. And yes, throw in the much-beloved Guilds. Gone through a bunch and I loved the idea of owning a 12 more than the actuality of it.
Enter Taylor. Wow. All those obstacles thrown out the window; Taylor absolved it all for me. No hyperbole. I bought a gorgeous 655ce from a forumite and that was my keeper guitar. Played easy at concert pitch, sounded gorgeous with superb note definition, and the jumbo body did not at all impede with playing one iota nor ever feel bulky (I'm not a big guy either). Just a great 12er that sold me! I eventually tried a 3-series 12 and found the same superb action/feel: yep, Taylor simply got the 12-string formula right ...dead-on, for me.
And I'd have kept the 655 forever were it not for a certain RTaylor that crossed my path. Style 1 GS body, 12 strings resonating in the most figured flamed maple you could imagine, and a bottom end that was bigger and deeper than any 12 I've ever played. All the attributes of a quality Taylor 12, with extra bottom and depth, lighter weight, and crazy-beautiful aesthetics. Um ...I had to have it. :)
So there you go. You wanted a Taylor-12 opinion, and you got my unvarnished love fest. But if I may say, I am pretty good at being critical and objective, and am not bowled over by any pretty faces. Function definitely trumps all in my book, and no "pretty guitars" or gear ever stays in my possession if it can't deliver the goods. And if I were to recommend a 12, not only would it be a Taylor, it would be in GS body as I feel it offers all the attributes of a Jumbo bod with greater comfort and "familiarity" in feel ...IMHO of course. Hope that helps you a bit.
Edward
Thanks, Edward. This is a great report and is very helpful.
I have had the same general experience with 12 strings with one exception. The Seagull S-12 also has conquered all of the problems and the straight acoustic sells at an unbeatable price point. I think that all of the Taylors are better guitars for a variety of reasons but the Seagull is a reasonable option.
I love the idea of the new 754ce. That's a great look in a comfortable, great sounding guitar.
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Thanks Edward and everyone, I am beginning to lean towards a 356 or 656 for my 12-string purchase.
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I had no desire to own a 12-string for all the reasons mentioned ... that is, until I happened to play a Taylor GA3-12 at GC one day and it dispelled all my prejudices instantly!!
Still, I wasn't convinced that I wanted to spend that much on a 12-string, so I tried several lower priced makes and models.
In the end it came down to Taylor or the Seagull. The Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 is a very, very nice instrument, especially for the money. I am a huge fan of Seagull guitars, but, the Taylor was just in a league by itself.
And the fact that it has the NT neck while the Gull has a set neck, making neck adjustments easy on the the Taylor and all but impossible on the Seagull made me more confident that for the very long haul, the Taylor would serve better.
I respectfully disagree that neck adjustments are impossible on guitars with a set neck. Even set neck guitars have truss rods and the truss rod set up on the Seagull is one of the strongest around. Nor is it fair to say that a set neck may never be reset. That was going on for a time before bolt on necks came along. By the way, doesn't Seagull use a bolt on neck?
It seems to me that the legitimate point is that most twelve strings will require neck adjustments sooner than six strings do and that neck adjustments, particularly heel angle adjustments, will be easier on Taylors than on other guitars, particularly those with set necks.
I think we also disagree on Taylor 12s being in a league of their own. I actually thought that the tone of the entry level Taylor 12 was pretty comparable to the Seagull. Fit and finish were better on the Taylor and as you say the the NT neck makes the guitar maintenance easier. I agree that the Taylor is better but I am not sure that it is two and a half to three times better, using price as a measuring stick.
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Aww... I came in here expecting pics!
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OK, so no affiliation here. But I soincidentally ran into these from the AGF. Nice ...especially the 854 IMHO! (this should give you some satisfaction BB ;) )
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251225
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254563
Side note: the toughest thing about trying a Taylor 12 is the scarcity in showrooms ...let alone a GS-bodied 12. Tone is the great variable, to be sure. But rest assured a modern Taylor 12, particularly because of the NT neck, will play like no other 12 out there.
Edward
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the seagull has a bolt on neck, not unlike a preNT (http://www.taylorguitars.com/global/pdfs/bolt_on_neck.pdf) Taylor, collings or goodall -
it's not a 'set-neck', where the neck heel & block are one (think Les Paul)
or a spanish heel (on some classical/flamenco guitars), dovetail or mortise & tenon
the truss rod adjustment allows for setting of the relief, not beck angle,
which i believe what was being referred to as the neck 'adjustment' &
on the seagull there would be a little more involved than what would be
required on a Taylor NT reset, but nowhere near what a dovetail 'entails'
if i were looking for a 12'er, it'd be a 356c (no need for e on this one, got enough of 'em) -
the 'snap' & 'punch' of sitka/sapele with the GS body shape just sounds extremely rich & full
(can't imagine what it'd sound like if the order of the octave strings was swapped, like a ric)
anyways, 650 hangin out here - square shoulder, more like a 'bird (yeah, it's a beast)
(http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/51639/2652560410081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/48043/2499307790081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/47548/2539987120081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
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I've got a couple of pix for you. BTW, this is the 655ce that Ed owned before the RT "took him home."
(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/340/img0195rs.jpg)
Oh, and I've lost 50 lbs since the following was taken!
(http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1009/655ce.jpg)
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Great stuff.
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Recently at the Taylor Factory tour I was trying to help a potential new Taylor owner who was shopping for a 12-string.
He played a 656ce, then a 356ce (both GSs) while I listened at a bit of a distance.
They both sounded beautiful, of course.
But I did really like the 356ce, the sapele/sitka combo *really* works not only for the 6-string models but for the 12-stringers as well.
-Gary K
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Of course you can make truss rod adjustments, but I'm talking about actually re-setting the neck, which all 12-strings will need eventually.
I have a lot of recent experience with the issue of resetting the neck on a Seagull and this is what I have found out through talking both with guitar techs who work on them and the Godin/Seagull customer service reps. I've also watched Seagull guitars being made and seen how the necks are attached. Here's a Youtube of the Seagull Factory Tour that shows the process in detail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXGV31hOYhs
Seagulls, for the past 4-5 years have used a process by which the neck is permanently set in epoxy. It's a very precise process, but it precludes being able to do a traditional neck re-set down the road. The bolts on a Seagull neck are only used to hold the neck in place while the epoxy is setting up, then although they are still in there, they become superfluous. While you can achieve the same results as a neck re-set, you have to shave down the bridge on a Seagull if it needs a neck re-set.
I fully agree that the Taylor is definitely not three times as good a 12-string as the Seagull is ... but IMO it's better by a fair measure and the supreiority is reflected in the price.
And I'm a guy who thinks so highly of Seagull guitars that I run a chat forum with 200 members devoted specifically to Seagull/Godin owners and fans.
I love Seagulls and over the past few years I've owned 4 of them. Seagulls are great guitars ... especially for the money.
I had no desire to own a 12-string for all the reasons mentioned ... that is, until I happened to play a Taylor GA3-12 at GC one day and it dispelled all my prejudices instantly!!
Still, I wasn't convinced that I wanted to spend that much on a 12-string, so I tried several lower priced makes and models.
In the end it came down to Taylor or the Seagull. The Seagull Coastline Cedar 12 is a very, very nice instrument, especially for the money. I am a huge fan of Seagull guitars, but, the Taylor was just in a league by itself.
And the fact that it has the NT neck while the Gull has a set neck, making neck adjustments easy on the the Taylor and all but impossible on the Seagull made me more confident that for the very long haul, the Taylor would serve better.
I respectfully disagree that neck adjustments are impossible on guitars with a set neck. Even set neck guitars have truss rods and the truss rod set up on the Seagull is one of the strongest around. Nor is it fair to say that a set neck may never be reset. That was going on for a time before bolt on necks came along. By the way, doesn't Seagull use a bolt on neck?
It seems to me that the legitimate point is that most twelve strings will require neck adjustments sooner than six strings do and that neck adjustments, particularly heel angle adjustments, will be easier on Taylors than on other guitars, particularly those with set necks.
I think we also disagree on Taylor 12s being in a league of their own. I actually thought that the tone of the entry level Taylor 12 was pretty comparable to the Seagull. Fit and finish were better on the Taylor and as you say the the NT neck makes the guitar maintenance easier. I agree that the Taylor is better but I am not sure that it is two and a half to three times better, using price as a measuring stick.
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Michael ... that was true up until about 2006 ... after that, all Seagull necks have been permanently epoxied in place, with the bolts serving the purpose of securing the neck while the epoxy sets. According to Seagull customer service and my guitar tech, newer Seagulls necks cannot be re-set, but you can shave the bridge down to achieve the same results.
This Seagull Factory Tour Youtube shows the process in detail:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXGV31hOYhs
the seagull has a bolt on neck, not unlike a preNT (http://www.taylorguitars.com/global/pdfs/bolt_on_neck.pdf) Taylor, collings or goodall -
it's not a 'set-neck', where the neck heel & block are one (think Les Paul)
or a spanish heel (on some classical/flamenco guitars), dovetail or mortise & tenon
the truss rod adjustment allows for setting of the relief, not beck angle,
which i believe what was being referred to as the neck 'adjustment' &
on the seagull there would be a little more involved than what would be
required on a Taylor NT reset, but nowhere near what a dovetail 'entails'
if i were looking for a 12'er, it'd be a 356c (no need for e on this one, got enough of 'em) -
the 'snap' & 'punch' of sitka/sapele with the GS body shape just sounds extremely rich & full
(can't imagine what it'd sound like if the order of the octave strings was swapped, like a ric)
anyways, 650 hangin out here - square shoulder, more like a 'bird (yeah, it's a beast)
(http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/51639/2652560410081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/48043/2499307790081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
(http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/47548/2539987120081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
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seagull must have under gone other changes too (body depth & so on) -
the neck can be reset (http://frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/NeckReset/BCRIchReset/bcrichreset1.html), but it all depends if
one desires to put the resources into it
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seagull must have under gone other changes too (body depth & so on) -
the neck can be reset (http://frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/NeckReset/BCRIchReset/bcrichreset1.html), but it all depends if
one desires to put the resources into it
According to Godin, as reported in an Acoustic Guitar Magazine blog, new Godin necks cannot be reset:
Just got a reply from Michel Belanger at Godin and my 2005 Artist model has the older neck that is simply bolted on and CAN be re-set ... the epoxied neck process began in 2006 ... this is good news for me, but I do agree with the comment made by RLV, that the higher-end models should be made in such a way that they can be adjusted. Michel confirmed to me by e-mail today that the newer Seagulls with the epoxied necks are indeed fully covered under warranty, so that's comforting for original owners. Either Godin is correct in their theory that these necks will not need re-set ... or they are going to be replacing a fair number of guitars under lifetime warranty for original owners. It's the people who buy them second-hand who may suffer, however.
http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/group/SeagullAficionados/forum/topics/seagull-neck-re-sets-what-i-found-out-today
My own experience with wood epoxies supports this conclusion. The adhesion bond will not break and the glued part always comes loose with hunks from the piece to which it is glued. That's part of what makes hide glue desirable in instrument construction. It's fussier and not as strong but it dissolves in water.
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I've got an all 'hog BTO that I bought used from Jim. Love it when I get to play it. My wife has pretty much made it hers to play church gigs with. Very nice guitar. When looking at it I played it against an 400 series 12 string (very unimpressive) and a Koa 12 (awesome guitar that I regret not buying almost every day).
-Dave
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Yup ... But in the interest of full disclosure, that's actually my web page and my quote discussing my Seagull Artist Mosaic (small world, the internet) ;)... but your subsequent conclusion concerning the feasibility of trying to remove and re-set an epoxied neck is exactly what I've been told numerous times by both Godin and luthiers. It just won't work and is not worth the trouble.
But, I suppose MichaelW is technically correct ... anything can be accomplished if the the time, effort, and resources are applied .. but it's just not feasible to do that with a Seagull.
PS: Sorry for the thread jack ... it was never supposed to wander off into a technical discussion of Seagulls here on the Taylor Forum, LOL.
seagull must have under gone other changes too (body depth & so on) -
the neck can be reset (http://frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Guitar/NeckReset/BCRIchReset/bcrichreset1.html), but it all depends if
one desires to put the resources into it
According to Godin, as reported in an Acoustic Guitar Magazine blog, new Godin necks cannot be reset:
Just got a reply from Michel Belanger at Godin and my 2005 Artist model has the older neck that is simply bolted on and CAN be re-set ... the epoxied neck process began in 2006 ... this is good news for me, but I do agree with the comment made by RLV, that the higher-end models should be made in such a way that they can be adjusted. Michel confirmed to me by e-mail today that the newer Seagulls with the epoxied necks are indeed fully covered under warranty, so that's comforting for original owners. Either Godin is correct in their theory that these necks will not need re-set ... or they are going to be replacing a fair number of guitars under lifetime warranty for original owners. It's the people who buy them second-hand who may suffer, however.
http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/group/SeagullAficionados/forum/topics/seagull-neck-re-sets-what-i-found-out-today
My own experience with wood epoxies supports this conclusion. The adhesion bond will not break and the glued part always comes loose with hunks from the piece to which it is glued. That's part of what makes hide glue desirable in instrument construction. It's fussier and not as strong but it dissolves in water.
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Hey Marty!!! Ahhh, the pic brings back fond memories. Lookin good with the guit, man! Enjoy, my friend!! :)
Ed
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Yup ... But in full disclosure, that's actually my web page and my quote discussing my Seagull Artist Mosaic (small world, the internet) ;)... but your subsequent conclusion concerning the feasibility of trying to remove and re-set an epoxied neck is exactly what I've been told numerous times by both Godin and luthiers. It just won't work and is not worth the trouble.
Sorry for the thread jack ... it was never supposed to wander off into a technical discussion of Seagulls here on the Taylor Forum, LOL.
No need to apologize. This is great stuff and frankly it provides an interesting reason to consider buying a new Seagull. I worry about necks on twelves for all of the obvious reasons and the lifetime warranty provides a lot of peace of mind.
I think that the S-12 is a great value with tone about equal to the entry level Taylor twelves. I can't see spending almost three times as much just to have a Taylor and the neck adjustment advantage that I won't need as long as Godin has my back. The question I need to ask myself is whether I will use a twelve string enough to justify spending the extra $700-$1,000 (above the 356, for instance) and getting a really good Taylor. I'm inclined to believe that the upgrade is worth it if I am committed to playing a 12 string, so in a convoluted way, the choice is really a Seagull or holding out for a 754/756.
If I am sure that I will really use a twelve string then is makes sense to spring for the nicer Taylor. If the guitar will only get occasional use, then there is no need for anything more than the Godin, if any of that makes sense.
Great to hear that I nabbed a reliable post from another forum!
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Yup ... But in full disclosure, that's actually my web page and my quote discussing my Seagull Artist Mosaic (small world, the internet) ;)... but your subsequent conclusion concerning the feasibility of trying to remove and re-set an epoxied neck is exactly what I've been told numerous times by both Godin and luthiers. It just won't work and is not worth the trouble.
Sorry for the thread jack ... it was never supposed to wander off into a technical discussion of Seagulls here on the Taylor Forum, LOL.
No need to apologize. This is great stuff and frankly it provides an interesting reason to consider buying a new Seagull. I worry about necks on twelves for all of the obvious reasons and the lifetime warranty provides a lot of peace of mind.
I think that the S-12 is a great value with tone about equal to the entry level Taylor twelves. I can't see spending almost three times as much just to have a Taylor and the neck adjustment advantage that I won't need as long as Godin has my back. The question I need to ask myself is whether I will use a twelve string enough to justify spending the extra $700-$1,000 (above the 356, for instance) and getting a really good Taylor. I'm inclined to believe that the upgrade is worth it if I am committed to playing a 12 string, so in a convoluted way, the choice is really a Seagull or holding out for a 754/756.
If I am sure that I will really use a twelve string then is makes sense to spring for the nicer Taylor. If the guitar will only get occasional use, then there is no need for anything more than the Godin, if any of that makes sense.
Great to hear that I nabbed a reliable post from another forum!
A lot of Taylor dealers will rent guitars. You might consider renting for a couple of months to see how much you'll use it. It's a low-risk, low-investment way to dip your toes in the water.
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My '93 555 is going strong and it's had a lot of use. No need for a neck reset yet, thankfully since the pre-NT neck is a bit trickier than the NT neck. Besides a little bellying beyond the bridge she's in great shape structurally, her action is great and the sound? Louder and more sustain than any of my other Taylors, just gorgeous sounding!
The LKSM model is braced differently than the typical Taylor 12er. The bracing is lighter/less strong than stock so the guitar is meant to be tuned down one stop to a "D" I believe. Don't rely on my memory though, google the model...
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I have a Taylor 355ce. Great sound and easy to play.
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I have a GA3-12...one of the easiest playing 12 strings I've ever played.
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I have never had a Taylor 12 string, but I have had 2 Takamine 12 string for about 6 months. They both sounded great, both were almost 30 years old(ya they had opened up by then), and both got about 5 hours worth of use out of them. I have seen them on sale on ebay recently, so I got you a link just for giggles.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Takamine-F-400-12-string-acoustic-guitar-w-HSC-/130709168626?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e6edfa1f2 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Takamine-F-400-12-string-acoustic-guitar-w-HSC-/130709168626?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e6edfa1f2)
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I have a GA3-12...one of the easiest playing 12 strings I've ever played.
Good to hear, I recently played some 12 strings, the 356, 656, and the GA3-12. I liked the 356 and then the Taylor guy gave me the GA3-12 and said it was the best one on the wall. I did really like it but was wondering about the GA as opposed to the GS body style.
I really wanted to like the 656 - and I loved the look of the maple but the sound was a bit........well, I liked the others better.
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+1 on the GA3-12 ... just got mine. The GA body is very cozy and comfortable to play. I like it a lot. If you're looking for the really big sound of a classic Guild 12-string, you may be disappointed, but that's a subjective matter. I was unable to find a 12-string that was as easy to play as the GA3-12 after an extended search.
I have a GA3-12...one of the easiest playing 12 strings I've ever played.
Good to hear, I recently played some 12 strings, the 356, 656, and the GA3-12. I liked the 356 and then the Taylor guy gave me the GA3-12 and said it was the best one on the wall. I did really like it but was wondering about the GA as opposed to the GS body style.
I really wanted to like the 656 - and I loved the look of the maple but the sound was a bit........well, I liked the others better.
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I have a 654ce in "Red Maple" which is easy to play and has great tone plugged in or not.
A buddy of mine had the same model in "Blue Maple" and would let me play it. I tried to buy if from him but
he said it was favorite to play and didn't want to part with it. I found the "Red Maple" at Dave's Guitars in WI.
I bought the T-5 12 because of the appearance and the way my T-5 plays. Black with Amber Maple and a custom inlay.
I have not spent as much time on this one. I hope to spend time with it "in retirement".
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Went to GC today and played a GA3-12 (I'm leaving off the rant about no help from the salespeople and the loud heavy metal music playing.....).
You guys that own one are right on, it played beautifully, I liked the neck and the tone and the body size.
The one I played had one of the G string's busted but it was actually in tune so I just played it for awhile and it sounded so nice. So now I am thinking about getting one....... ::)
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Here's my new GA3-12 that I got a short while back after ordering from El Cajon ... it was worth the wait!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/307017_3583183737190_1953392664_n.jpg)
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Here's my new GA3-12 that I got a short while back after ordering from El Cajon ... it was worth the wait
Beautiful guitar!
I played an NOS GA4-12 on Saturday that was just wonderful.
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Wow, she's a beauty Blackville!! Congrats!!
I am leaning heavily toward the GA3-12 rather than a BTO. I think I would like to have a cutaway but they don't seem to be made that way - must be a reason.
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I haven't played any Taylor 12's. My Carvin C980-12 is the most comfortable 12 string I've owned and played to date. It's a great sounding guitar and I'd like to see how she sounds next to a Taylor. Then again, maybe not.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of 12 string players representing this forum. 8)
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Yep .. no cutaways in the Grand Auditorium size 12-strings. Just the two models GA3 and GA4 ... everything else, cutaway or non-cutaway is the larger Grand Symphony size.
Wow, she's a beauty Blackville!! Congrats!!
I am leaning heavily toward the GA3-12 rather than a BTO. I think I would like to have a cutaway but they don't seem to be made that way - must be a reason.
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I have a 555 spruce/hog built in 2000. Beautiful sound, and it really puts out the volume, especially when it's got medium strings and is tuned down a whole step. As I've said before, if I could only keep one guitar (I have four), this would be it. Plays just as easy (if not, easier) than my six strings.
I also have a 1966 Gibson B-25; a parlor-size 12-string, of all things. Rarely play it, but it was my first "real" guitar, so I don't want to part with it.
John
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Had they offered them with a lefty option at the time, I would've gone with as LKSM. My brother owned one and it really was a great 'rumbly' 12-string.
I received this guitar in '95 as a gift ( :))—a Taylor 555 mahogany jumbo 12-string. Really was EASY to play and had a very nice tone. Had an under-saddle pickup installed & used it often onstage. Sold it a few years ago as I commissioned a custom lefty 12-string from a luthier.
One of the better Taylors I've played...
Kevin
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Taylor%20555/555_incase.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Taylor%20555/555_top_1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Taylor%20555/555_back_full.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/GuitarPix/Taylor%20555/555_hdstk_full.jpg)
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Here's my GS8e-12. Awesome 12 string!!!
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/steelerboy329/SAM_0167-1.jpg)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/steelerboy329/SAM_0170-1.jpg)
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/steelerboy329/SAM_0168-1.jpg)