Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
The Lounge => The Lounge => Topic started by: DennisG on December 09, 2011, 11:50:14 AM
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1. I can understand why Taylor is happy to let this forum exist: first, because it's so new and membership will be relatively small, they probably don't regard it as a threat; and second, they will be able to promote their own site here, which they likely wouldn't have done on AGF.
2. Josh, I already received a PM on AGF from another member who started a forum that has subgroups for the major guitar brands, including Taylor. So far, his site hasn't gotten any traffic, but you never know. That means that instead of having one site for discussing all things Taylor, we are about to have three. It would behoove you to think of ways to make this site very different from the other two -- more than just Taylor enthusiasts talking about Taylor guitars.
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1. I can understand why Taylor is happy to let this forum exist: first, because it's so new and membership will be relatively small, they probably don't regard it as a threat; and second, they will be able to promote their own site here, which they likely wouldn't have done on AGF.
2. Josh, I already received a PM on AGF from another member who started a forum that has subgroups for the major guitar brands, including Taylor. So far, his site hasn't gotten any traffic, but you never know. That means that instead of having one site for discussing all things Taylor, we are about to have three. It would behoove you to think of ways to make this site very different from the other two -- more than just Taylor enthusiasts talking about Taylor guitars.
Hi DennisG,
I really appreciate the thoughts! It's definitely AN HONOR to have Official Taylor Guitar employees join our humble little community!
In regards to your 2nd thought...I've thought about having more sub-forums for other brands...but then I could see it becoming like the other forum boards? What Do you members think?
I also know that "Martin Guitars" also have an "unofficial" forum, that is HUGE...and to my knowledge it's just for Martin guitars. I would kind of like to see this forum be the Martin equivalent...to the point where we alongside the Official Taylor forum would be the authority on all things Taylor...
What do you all think???
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Depending on how Josh intends to proceed, i think he can make
'his living room' very special & unique ... he's off to a great start, imho :)
I'm humbled by your comments. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
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Depending on how Josh intends to proceed, i think he can make
'his living room' very special & unique ... he's off to a great start, imho :)
I'm humbled by your comments. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Michaelw.....I'm an idiot!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't mean to edit YOUR comments...I thought i was quoting your comments!!!
PLEASE FORGIVE ME! That wasn't my intention!!!!
Man...I've got to watch my fingers...and what I click on.... :'(
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no problemo, whatsover-o
it's your place, you can 'rearrange the furniture' however you like :D
i love the decor, esp the color ...
very comfortable (really, this place is GREAT !)
i sent ya a PM -
forgot to send a copy to my 'outbox'
please let me know if you got it
thanks :)
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My thoughts; The whole purpose of Josh starting this forum was to allow those who desired a "Taylor-specific" forum a place to come. By doing so, he has offered folks something unique that will no longer be available in the near future at the other forum. If he makes it a forum for all guitar models (although with individual sub-groups), it will be competing directly with already established, larger forums that already offer this service (and would probably, IMHO, be a tough go). By concentrating on the "Taylor-specifc" niche, Josh is offering something many of us cherished at the other site and currently can't find anywhere else.
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My thoughts; The whole purpose of Josh starting this forum was to allow those who desired a "Taylor-specific" forum a place to come. By doing so, he has offered folks something unique that will no longer be available in the near future at the other forum. If he makes it a forum for all guitar models (although with individual sub-groups), it will be competing directly with already established, larger forums that already offer this service (and would probably, IMHO, be a tough go). By concentrating on the "Taylor-specifc" niche, Josh is offering something many of us cherished at the other site and currently can't find anywhere else.
I agree with this.
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I would like to see this stay Taylor specific, that's what drove me away from the other forum, if I want info about Martin's I'll go over to the appropriate forum.
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My thoughts; The whole purpose of Josh starting this forum was to allow those who desired a "Taylor-specific" forum a place to come. By doing so, he has offered folks something unique that will no longer be available in the near future at the other forum. If he makes it a forum for all guitar models (although with individual sub-groups), it will be competing directly with already established, larger forums that already offer this service (and would probably, IMHO, be a tough go). By concentrating on the "Taylor-specifc" niche, Josh is offering something many of us cherished at the other site and currently can't find anywhere else.
Again, just making a Taylor-specific forum puts it into direct competition with two other forums, so he's not offering something unique and he's not offering something that will no longer be available in the near future. This isn't a criticism of Josh. I'm thrilled he started this forum. But I want it to be vibrant and durable. Just making it Taylor-specific isn't enough.
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+1 on the posts about keeping it Taylor-only.
I think keep this Taylorcentric, and whenever we end up with subforums keep them Taylor as well.
At some point I'd like to see FAQ/ForumQuestions, Acoustics/AE, Electrics Only, Buy/Sell/Trade, and a Lounge area for general chitchat that isn't strictly about Taylors or guitar playing.
I think this place is bound to get a lot of traffic, I'm pumped!
But, there does need to be some 'hook' or something different that will keep this place active, especially once Taylor rolls out their own forum. Hmmmmm.
-K
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I think keeping the site geared toward Taylor is a great idea. The Taylor site will more than likely be less "open" than this forum. I could see it having stronger guidelines, rule, etc. I do not know that will happen, just a guess.
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I get the feeling we're speaking two different languages here. No one has said anything about having this site include forums for other manufacturers. What I said was that in order to offer something that the other two sites AREN'T offering, we've got to provide more than just people rhapsodizing about their Taylors. Maybe instructional videos for songs, maybe interesting maintenance videos, I don't know -- there are all kinds of possibilities. But you can't just provide real estate where people can sit and gab and expect that to be more compelling than what the other two sites are offering.
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Not Darth...I love you sig! Member #34 ;D ;D ;D
I was made aware of the other forum just being started...but it, like AGF, had many sub-forums with different guitar brands. It was never my intention to compete with the AGF...as it is still one of THE BEST places for all things guitars. I really do respect what JR has created over there. (This forum was not created by myself out of spite for AGF or JR, but merely to create an alternative since the Taylor sub-forum is going to be deleted/merged.)
As of right now the only two "Taylor" forums (without other name brand sub-forums) are this one and will be the official Taylor forum once their new website rolls out mid-January.
I do think that making this "Taylor" specific lends uniqueness to this forum. What will make this forum even better is the introduction of Taylor specific sub-forums, which we will add soon. Once again if you visit the "theunofficialmartinguitarforum" it is alive and well! They have thousands of members, and tons and tons of participation...and all they talk about is Martin Guitar specific.
Once again it is an honor and a privilege to have Brian Swerdfeger @ Taylor Guitars HQ on this forum as a member. It's my dream to have other official Taylor Guitar employees join us.
Since Brian's announcement of an official Taylor forum being debuted in mid-January...I thought about the future of this forum. The more I thought about it and after getting some input from a trusted member here...I truly think that this forum will do amazingly well ALONGSIDE of our great and dear friends at Taylor Guitars. I truly think that BOTH Taylor forums could easily, easily compliment eachother!!! Many people in real life belong to multiple forum boards that talk about the same subject! Being a member of multiple forum boards really expands one's knowledge.
Once the official Taylor Forum goes live, I will join them as well, and hope that you will do the same.
I know that I sound like a broken record at this point, but once again, I can't explain or convey just how thankful I am for each and every one of you who joined, and who will join.
YOU ALL make this place special. You are great, and I'm super excited to see this community expand as we move into the future.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Sincerely, Josh......er...."jjrpilot" ;)
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IMO, one of the things that will make this forum viable and even preferable by a wider audience amidst other Taylorcentric forums is accessibility. I know this is a long way off, but making a platform that is easy to use on a mobile device (via an App) would be one step. I'm no "techie" so I have no idea what is involved in creating such a thing, but that accessibility would give the UTGF a clear advantage going forward.
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I'm going to add my vote to keep this forum Taylor specific, at least to start. That being said, I'm a member of the Larrivee forum and they have an "other brand" subgroup. However, I never go there; I go to AGF instead.
To me, AGF is the Big Box store of acoustic guitar forums. I'd like this one to be "the best little Taylor place" on the planet.
Gary
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...I was made aware of the other forum just being started...but it, like AGF, had many sub-forums with different guitar brands. It was never my intention to compete with the AGF...as it is still one of THE BEST places for all things guitars. I really do respect what JR has created over there. (This forum was not created by myself out of spite for AGF or JR, but merely to create an alternative since the Taylor sub-forum is going to be deleted/merged.)...
I think that's understood over on the AGF, and much appreciated. Though I reach first for my still new McKnight these days, my two Taylors still see lots of playing time!
It's great that you have Brian already here. I fondly remember when "Uncle Bob" was a regular presence over on the original Taylor Guitar Forum, the one that became the Acoustic Guitar Forum when we were no longer allowed to use that name. It makes a lot of sense to have "company" people participate in the discussions with their fan clubs, and I hope that continues even after the official forum is up and running. As much as I look forward to the official forum - something of a nearly real-time Wood and Steel - it will be good to have a place like this (and the AGF) where people are free to discuss things without first having to think about how something might be received by the Marketing Department. (I don't mean that in a negative way; I understand that Taylor and other great companies have to do their best to maintain their hard earned image.)
I really don't have much time to frequent other forums, but I wish this one only the very best, along with the upcoming official forum. Talking Taylors is good, almost as good as playing 'em! Now if you'll excuse me, my 914 and I have a date tonight.
John Cotten
1996 612c Cotten
2000 914c
2011 AGF Award McKnight OM
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...I was made aware of the other forum just being started...but it, like AGF, had many sub-forums with different guitar brands. It was never my intention to compete with the AGF...as it is still one of THE BEST places for all things guitars. I really do respect what JR has created over there. (This forum was not created by myself out of spite for AGF or JR, but merely to create an alternative since the Taylor sub-forum is going to be deleted/merged.)...
I think that's understood over on the AGF, and much appreciated. Though I reach first for my still new McKnight these days, my two Taylors still see lots of playing time!
It's great that you have Brian already here. I fondly remember when "Uncle Bob" was a regular presence over on the original Taylor Guitar Forum, the one that became the Acoustic Guitar Forum when we were no longer allowed to use that name. It makes a lot of sense to have "company" people participate in the discussions with their fan clubs, and I hope that continues even after the official forum is up and running. As much as I look forward to the official forum - something of a nearly real-time Wood and Steel - it will be good to have a place like this (and the AGF) where people are free to discuss things without first having to think about how something might be received by the Marketing Department. (I don't mean that in a negative way; I understand that Taylor and other great companies have to do their best to maintain their hard earned image.)
I really don't have much time to frequent other forums, but I wish this one only the very best, along with the upcoming official forum. Talking Taylors is good, almost as good as playing 'em! Now if you'll excuse me, my 914 and I have a date tonight.
John Cotten
1996 612c Cotten
2000 914c
2011 AGF Award McKnight OM
Good to see you Cotten. I have enjoyed your years and years of wonderful posts. I look forward more of your knowledge and insight in future.
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i think taylor only is the way to go plus it will stay in taylor guitars good graces.
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i believe that there is enough diversity in just one brand
that it may not be necessary to expand into any others
there are some many areas that can be explored within this one particular brand &
i don't believe that the full potential was utilized at any other forum, thus far -
i believe it can happen here & it being an independent '3rd party' of enthusiasts,
if something is good, bad or indifferent, we'll run a 20 page thread in a heartbeat ;)
Josh,
i think as the forum settles in, gains a little traction & begins to
put down some roots, it will grow in the direction that it needs to
you'll see it & at that point, i am confident that you will do what's best for this place.
some may not disagree (can't please everyone), but i know what you decide will be 'right'
you go BOY :D
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i think as the forum settles in, gains a little traction & begins to
put down some roots, it will grow in the direction that it needs to
+1 ... I think the important thing right now is Taylor-centric because that is where the need/void is currently ... go slow, keep it simple ... the seed has been planted and the "trunk and branches" will not (need not) come overnight ... oak trees grow slow but if the conditions are right, they hang around for a long time and provide many benefits ...
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I definitely agree on keeping it Taylor-specific!! I appreciate all guitars but I only play one brand and that is Taylor!! I come from a bluegrass background and I am so sick of the "If it ain't Martin, it ain't bluegrass mindset!!" It's very refreshing to come to my own little neighborhood and not listen to trash-talk about my choice of guitars!!
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I also agree with keeping this a Taylor-specific forum, like the other brand-specific forums for Martin, Guild, Larrivee, etc. AGF is good for general guitar information and independent luthier builds, but if you're looking for just one brand it's cumbersome to have to search for information.
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I also know that "Martin Guitars" also have an "unofficial" forum, that is HUGE...and to my knowledge it's just for Martin guitars. I would kind of like to see this forum be the Martin equivalent...
The UMGF is not just for Martins, although Martins are the focus. The folks there talk quite a bit about Gibsons and other acoustic brands (particularly vintage guitars), as well as electrics. There's no limitations; Taylors are certainly mentioned!
There's no reason why this forum could not also encourage discussion of all guitars, despite the focus on Taylors.
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Maybe have an Other Brands sub-forum and maintain the Taylor focus. The Taylor-centric discussion is why I'm here.
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I understand that the purpose of this thread was not to suggest that this forum abandon its brand specific format but would like to point out that by being a Taylor-only forum, it is presently unique.
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My two thoughts about this forum:
1. A place to talk all thing specific to Taylor guitars. If it should digress in opening up discussion to other makes and topics altogether, so be it, so long as the meat and potatoes of the material is Taylor oriented. After all, that's why I'm here. If I wanted information on Martin and strats, I'd view and take part elsewhere, which I do.
2. I'm glad the AGF (acousticguitarforum.com) decided not to host a Taylor-oriented forum. That way, I don't have to sort through coal to find the information diamond.
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I'm glad the AGF (acousticguitarforum.com) decided not to host a Taylor-oriented forum. That way, I don't have to sort through coal to find the information diamond.
:) :) :) :)
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i don't know. i'm a little ambivalent. will this forum really need to be that specific? will there be questions such as, did taylor ever make a maple bridge? or will it typically resort to the same ad infinitum questions asked on the AGF, UMGF, Guitars Music and life, and various other fora, such as: does my guitar really open up? or, does the tonerite/prime vibe really work? or, do brass bridge pins really give my guitar more resonance? or, what is the greatest guitar in the world for under $100? and, no the answer is not an estaban. Ha!
i don't know the answer. i'm just throwing out the questions.
play music!
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Actually I think AGF had it right before they dropped the Taylor section. A general section for all things playing and guitar and a Taylor specific for for all things Taylor. It allows the best of both worlds.
-Dave
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My $0.02...
1. My primary acoustic interest is branded with the Taylor Guitars logo. I still enjoy playing other builders when in the shops, but the guys in El Cajon consistently get my cash. For that reason, I enjoy reading about them and their guitars whenever I can. This place, along with the Taylor website, is the place to do that.
2. Electrics and other acoustics can be found at The Gear Page, The Hamer forum, The Fender Forum, The Les Paul Forum, The UMGF, etc...
3. There really is nothing else tying me to the old place. Hence, I've deleted it from the favorites. Buh-bye now...
The UTGF will get bigger and busier as the months and years move on. The best way to grow member ship is to do what you're doing right now - Provide a friendly, relaxed, informative website with good information and good people. If you've built it right (and I think you have), they will come...
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i don't know. i'm a little ambivalent. will this forum really need to be that specific? will there be questions such as, did taylor ever make a maple bridge? or will it typically resort to the same ad infinitum questions asked on the AGF, UMGF, Guitars Music and life, and various other fora, such as: does my guitar really open up? or, does the tonerite/prime vibe really work? or, do brass bridge pins really give my guitar more resonance? or, what is the greatest guitar in the world for under $100? and, no the answer is not an estaban. Ha!
i don't know the answer. i'm just throwing out the questions.
play music!
hi muscmp
good to see you here :)
WELCOME !
i feel that there many things to discuss here, even without a general section
i have no 'answers', as what works well for me may not for anyone else & vice versa ... it's all good, imho 8)
i've never seen a maple bridge on a Taylor, but they have done them in cocobolo & macassar ebony -
i have a guitar that has a transblack quilted maple headstock & maple binding, but i never thought to ask
about the possibility of a maple bridge, as there are no rosewood or maple boards offered yet on the SBs
a guitar opening up ???
depends on who you ask - i think it does, even without constant playing
tonerite/prime vibe - a member was using a tonerite on an all koa guitar, curious to hear an update
brass bridge pins - liked 'em on a 'hog top & would be careful with them on string changes on a cedar top :o
under a franklin - perhaps an 'imperfect' silver creek or a used solid top alvarez, walden, washburn or yamaha ???
lots of string threads in here too (Elixir NanoPolyWeb PB 80/20 EXP JP ClearNewTone Martin Extra Light medium gauge) ;)
on another note -
just wondering if have a favorite BBQ sauce, if you golf or are an auto enthusiast :)
hope you enjoy the place & please make yourself comfortable :D
play on ;D
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I came here because it was Taylor specific, please keep it that way. I have other guitars but can talk about them other places.
This is a great idea, don't change it. Just my two cents.