Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: cigarfan on January 31, 2013, 05:14:31 PM
-
First off, a big thanks to Jim @ Guitar Rodeo for the sweet deal and fantastic service. The guitar arrived last night, perfect condition and right on time.
In my hands a 2013 Taylor 618e (Sitka/Maple Grand Orchestra) First Edition (#16 of 100). As is the case with most NGDs I am riding a few feet off the ground! But enough of that stuff. You want to know what this thing sounds like.
Big and strong. Unlike typical Maple guitar it has good bass but not woofy. Reminds me of the bass on my old Martin D-35 (I know, heresy). I have a Gibson J-45 TV Adi/Mahogany. This 618, with the new bracing, has a similar sonic flavor with a little more sustain. But most pleasing to me is the clarity and balance low to high. Every note bass, mid-range and treble is crystal. I can play anywhere on the neck and get great volume. Even with a capo on the 5th fret. Haven't checked intonation thoroughly yet but to my ear haven't found any weak spots. I am a fingerpicking/fingerstyle kinda guy with a fairly light attack. This guitar responds unlike any big bodied guitar I've ever played. And just for grins I strummed with everything I had and it doesn't break up ... not one bit. And it was LOUD! I imagine this would be an awesome flatpicker.
Although it is a big guitar, I find it's very comfortable. With the waist on the right leg most of the lower bout is out of the way to my right. Physically it doesn't feel too much different than my old GS (traded it in) except the vibrations in your chest. This thing rumbles. That said I do think an armrest would be an excellent addition on this guitar. I have included a comparison picture below of the new GO next to my 12-fret GA just to give a sense of the difference in size.
About the only thing that bugs me is the gloss neck. It's a personal thing. Can't say it's causing me playing issues ... I just prefer the satin feel on a neck.
I did have Jim swap out the Taylor tuners for a set of Gotoh Delta Series 510s (1:21) and wow! They are smooth as silk. Excellent tuners.
My reason to buy this one was two fold. I wanted to try Maple (for recording and amplified performance) and I wanted a "big" sounding guitar. Mission accomplished! Can't wait to hear how it sounds on a recording.
And the pics .....
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-01.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-02.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-03.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-04.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-13.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-05.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-06.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-07.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-08.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-09.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-10.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-11.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-12.jpg)
-
Congratulations !
Thank you sharing the pictures. The grain of the headstock overlay, the headstock inlay and the Gotoh tuners are the perfect final touches.
Enjoy !
-
Dennis, very nice!! That 618 looks almost double the size of your GA. It should sound like a canon when you play it..
Congrats for a very fine guitar and I hope it servers you well.
-
Cigarfan,
Congrats on your new 618e!
I just put one on layaway today and it is #15 and one number lower on the serial number of yours! We have twins!
I thought I was going for the 518e but the maple won me over.
-
Congratulations on a beauty! :D
So I wonder which of the GO models will be the one most sought after...I think it might be this one! :)
-
Congrats, cigarfan!!
Mine is #19 born on a day later than yours.
As you said, GO guitars are great for fingerstyle albeit their large size.
Looking forward to hearing your recording.
-
Cigarfan,
Congrats on your new 618e!
I just put one on layaway today and it is #15 and one number lower on the serial number of yours! We have twins!
I thought I was going for the 518e but the maple won me over.
That's awesome Quake! Do keep us posted when you get it!!
-
Very nice!
I think one of the best things Taylor has done recently is lose the amber stain on the 600 Series.
Are those Cooper Stands in the photos? How do you like them? My local dealer sells them, but I don't know a lot about them, and haven't really checked them out.
-
Congratulations !
Thank you sharing the pictures. The grain of the headstock overlay, the headstock inlay and the Gotoh tuners are the perfect final touches.
Enjoy !
Glad to share the pics. And the Gotoh tuners .... wow! If you haven't yet I would suggest giving them a try!
Dennis, very nice!! That 618 looks almost double the size of your GA. It should sound like a canon when you play it..
Congrats for a very fine guitar and I hope it servers you well.
Yeah Gary, that's no illusion. It is a big guitar. The sound is big too! Thanks for your well wishes.
Cigarfan,
Congrats on your new 618e!
I just put one on layaway today and it is #15 and one number lower on the serial number of yours! We have twins!
I thought I was going for the 518e but the maple won me over.
Twins! now that is cool. We can compare notes as they grow up and become teenagers.
Just curious, you say you chose the maple ... did you have a chance to play both before you chose? I was really after a big guitar in maple so I was really happy to hear it was going to be part of the initial GO release. Having read some other opinions of the 3 GOs, they seem to be leaning the way of the mahogany. Truly is a personal preference thing. Anyway, just curious.
Congrats on your new 618! :D
Congratulations on a beauty! :D
So I wonder which of the GO models will be the one most sought after...I think it might be this one! :)
Thanks Cindy. I've begun to call her the "Blonde Bomber". Striking to look at ... astounding to hear her speak!
I am curious about the popularity thing as well. I haven't been able to play the other 2 yet but I definitely love this maple guitar.
Congrats, cigarfan!!
Mine is #19 born on a day later than yours.
As you said, GO guitars are great for fingerstyle albeit their large size.
Looking forward to hearing your recording.
Thanks Giraku! And thank you for your early comments. Certainly proved out for me!
Congrats on #19.!
I don't have a dedicated area (for music) at my place so I will have to get the recording stuff set up. No worries ... it will be soon. I am really curious how well it records.
Very nice!
I think one of the best things Taylor has done recently is lose the amber stain on the 600 Series.
Are those Cooper Stands in the photos? How do you like them? My local dealer sells them, but I don't know a lot about them, and haven't really checked them out.
Thanks Nomad!
Those are indeed Cooperstands. I like em'. Really handy for quick setup and take down. They also fit in a guitar case under the headstock so very easy to transport. Only drawback is guitars sitting in them are susceptible to falling over if you bump them. Like in high traffic areas or those pesky pet dangers (wagging tails, etc.). I use Hercules stands for those situations.
-
Beautiful 618. I must give them a try. The Gotoh's were a good choice.
-
Love it! And I really like Gotoh's too.
-
Very nice!
I think one of the best things Taylor has done recently is lose the amber stain on the 600 Series.
Are those Cooper Stands in the photos? How do you like them? My local dealer sells them, but I don't know a lot about them, and haven't really checked them out.
The amber stain is still an option for an upcharge (as well as other colors). http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/618e
And it looks like other types of maple will also be available for an upcharge.
-
Very nice!
I think one of the best things Taylor has done recently is lose the amber stain on the 600 Series.
Are those Cooper Stands in the photos? How do you like them? My local dealer sells them, but I don't know a lot about them, and haven't really checked them out.
The amber stain is still an option for an upcharge (as well as other colors). http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/618e
And it looks like other types of maple will also be available for an upcharge.
By the looks of that, there is a charge no matter what top you get, even sitka!
-
The amber stain is still an option for an upcharge (as well as other colors). http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/618e
Yes, I meant losing it with regards to it being the "standard" color for a 600. I just think it's hideous.
-
Very nice!
I think one of the best things Taylor has done recently is lose the amber stain on the 600 Series.
Are those Cooper Stands in the photos? How do you like them? My local dealer sells them, but I don't know a lot about them, and haven't really checked them out.
Taylor sources their portable stand from Cooper also.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/Item.aspx?itemid=1278&categoryid=1004&page=1 (https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/Item.aspx?itemid=1278&categoryid=1004&page=1)
Very light and compact.
The amber stain is still an option for an upcharge (as well as other colors). http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/618e
And it looks like other types of maple will also be available for an upcharge.
Assuming that it is possible to place an order for a standard 618e now, there should be some options.
Last year, Taylor made the standard finish on the 600s natural with amber stain available for no upcharge.
There doesn't seem to be an option to delete the electronics.
By the looks of that, there is a charge no matter what top you get, even sitka!
The website is in the midst of updating.
Under 'View all 618e options', it shows Taylor gold or chrome tuners 'No Charge', then it shows an upcharge for Taylor gold tuners and Abalone dot bridge pins, which are standard features.
The Florentine cutaway is shown as an available option for the same upcharge as a model that already had a Venetian cutaway and
there is also a 12-string option, which is a bit premature.
So far, all the pictures I've seen of the 618e show a 'Premium' 3 piece back in natural finish.
With maple as highly figured as that, it doesn't seem to make sense to cover it up.
Sort of borrowing a page from Gibson's book.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SJ5SANNH?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CN71j9-4lbUCFQsGnQodcW4AsA (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SJ5SANNH?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CN71j9-4lbUCFQsGnQodcW4AsA)
-
Cigarfan,
Yes, I was able to play all three '18's on Tuesday. The 918e was considerably pricier and I have rosewood covered in various combinations and makers (Collings, Froggy Bottom, Goodall) so it had to blow my socks off to make the cut. The bass of the 618 really surprised me as well as the balance. I have a Gibby J-200 and the rumbling bass is my favorite aspect, but I'd not call it well balanced. The 518e sounded like a great mahogany/Sitka guitar with extra bass. I went back yesterday figuring it was 60/40 that I'd go for the 518e (the 918e had already been sold). I played it first, said this is really nice, then played the 618e and the bass rumble just surprised me again. Played them both a couple of times, had the sales person play them in the practice room then in the middle of the store and the maple just had a more "enveloping" sound to my ears. I said "I really like the 518e but I'll buy the 618e".
-
Thanks for your reply and the cool story. I had my reasons for going with the 618. Looks like I may have scooted out with the most popular first edition just by luck. Enjoy yours. I think in 5 years or so we are going to be downright flabbergasted.
-
Hey Cigarfan I noticed over at AGF that you were kicking around the idea of trying a set of lights on your 618. While I realize it will be some time, please post your review over here too. I'd be interested in hearing you take on them. Thanks.
-
Hey Cigarfan I noticed over at AGF that you were kicking around the idea of trying a set of lights on your 618. While I realize it will be some time, please post your review over here too. I'd be interested in hearing you take on them. Thanks.
Definitely will share when that happens. I'm curious too. I tried lights on my GS and I was disappointed with the results. A significant reduction in volume and the richness I had come to enjoy so much. My hope is the new bracing scheme on the GO that yields such nice tone from a light touch may allow it to work well with lights. We'll see.
-
Hey Cigarfan I noticed over at AGF that you were kicking around the idea of trying a set of lights on your 618. While I realize it will be some time, please post your review over here too. I'd be interested in hearing you take on them. Thanks.
Definitely will share when that happens. I'm curious too. I tried lights on my GS and I was disappointed with the results. A significant reduction in volume and the richness I had come to enjoy so much. My hope is the new bracing scheme on the GO that yields such nice tone from a light touch may allow it to work well with lights. We'll see.
Yes, it would be great to hear your review once you try out some light strings! Please don't forget us, cigarfan! ;D
-
Yes, it would be great to hear your review once you try out some light strings! Please don't forget us, cigarfan! ;D
I couldn't forget you all. I really like you folks !!!!!! 8)
-
Changed the strings on my new 618e just for grins (and requests) to determine what effect light strings may have on attack, tone, volume and sustain. The results were pretty much what I expected. Less volume, less sustain and tone is not nearly as rich. It still responds very well with a light attack. But let me put this in perspective ...
Without consideration of tonewoods (cause that would be in the too-hard-box), my old GS was louder and throatier (is that a word?) than my GA. I could feel the bass notes more than with the GA (like in my torso). Both have the wonderful Taylor tone with the nice round trebles with shimmer at the higher frequencies. I would say the GS tended a little more toward the bass side. Medium gauge strings on the GS and light gauge on the GA.
Along comes the GO and it is strong. I mean strong like you can feel it has muscles! More bass (even in maple) than the GS but this incredible balance bass to treble. Every note clear and round. And it takes very little physical effort (light touch) to get the sweet spot. Medium gauge strings on the GO.
When I changed to light strings the GO now has bass about the level of the GS but still better than the GA. The volume, projection and sustain is reduced ... more like the GA than the GS. Tone is still excellent and the light touch is still sufficient to get the top moving. Obviously it is easier to fret. Bottom line ... I could leave it this way and have a GA sounding guitar with a little more bass. Nah, I think I'm gonna re-string with the mediums and get that big rich voice back.
I think at the next string change I may try the light-mediums where the 4th to 6th strings are sized like mediums and the 1st to 3rd are like the lights. That will be a while.
So there you have it. Not really a surprise for me. I had a similar experience when I put lights on the GS. Easier to play but a reduction in overall sound. I put mediums back on my GS too.
YMMV 8) 8)
-
cigarfan, thanks for the detailed response. :) I would guess that Taylor designed the GO based on using medium strings especially with its larger soundboard and overall body size. Your GO sounds like an impressive guitar. Enjoy! ;D
-
I realized today that I didn't post pictures of a couple things.
First, the nice "First Edition" plate on the case.
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-16.jpg)
Then, I found this little gem inside the case compartment. Thought it was cool. Not sure what the numbers mean. They are in Spanish.
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-14.jpg)
And just to prove those numbers are in spanish, there was this little buggar on the outside of the case at the lowerbout side.
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-15.jpg)
-
The numbers are probably for internal use and the 'A1' could correspond to First Edition.
Sweetwater shows cases starting with '300'.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=taylor+guitar+case (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=taylor+guitar+case)
An ID tag makes sense, as the GA, GS and GO cases could get mixed up rather easily, especially after the First Editions are done.
The blue and white sticker is for the benefit of those whose first language is English.
(http://www.impulsoindustrial.mx/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/HechoEnMexico.jpg)
-
I realize I'm a bit late here, but wanted to say congrats on the the new 618 - I was so preoccupied with your Ziricote build that I missed this one - hope you're having fun with your new big boy!
-
I realize I'm a bit late here, but wanted to say congrats on the the new 618 - I was so preoccupied with your Ziricote build that I missed this one - hope you're having fun with your new big boy!
No worries. It's all good. The Ziricote is still in Brad's shop. He was having some challenges with binding the headstock. He hopes to have it sent out for finish soon.
In the meantime Taylor goes and releases the Grand Orchestra. Go figure. So I see and hear these big ol' beautiful Taylors and couldn't resist. <Sigh>
-
Hey Cigarfan,
Just a curious detail in that the serial # of your GO begins with "11", do you know why that would be? Since it's a 2013, and awfully early in the year, could it be that your guitar was made in 2011? Maybe the answer is obvious since I don't think Taylor would change up the serial #s meaning for the GO. Hmmm...
-
Hey Cigarfan,
Just a curious detail in that the serial # of your GO begins with "11", do you know why that would be? Since it's a 2013, and awfully early in the year, could it be that your guitar was made in 2011? Maybe the answer is obvious since I don't think Taylor would change up the serial #s meaning for the GO. Hmmm...
From what I read the Taylor 10 digit serial number breaks down as:
1st digit - Factory
2nd digit - 3rd digit of the year
3rd & 4th digit - 2 digit month
5th & 6th digit - 2 digit day
7th digit - 4th digit of the year
8th, 9th & 10th digit - 3 digit production schedule #
So my serial number 1112042076 means born on December 4th, 2012 at El Cajon and was the 76th guitar produced that day.
The label clearly shows it is a 2013 First Edition.
-
Found a real nice surprise waiting for me today when I got to my mailbox. ;D
The extra goodies promised by Taylor to all GO First Edition buyers (First Edition Book, Certificate of Authenticity and special strap).
A really nice touch.
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-17.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-18.jpg)
-
I agree that the go is big but comfortable. I wish i could have played the 618. Its probably beter that i didnt since i already have a maple guitar. I really liked the 918 but i liked the custm gs more. In a perfect wold i would/could buy both. Congrats on you new guitar. It looks awesome.
-
I agree that the go is big but comfortable. I wish i could have played the 618. Its probably beter that i didnt since i already have a maple guitar. I really liked the 918 but i liked the custm gs more. In a perfect wold i would/could buy both. Congrats on you new guitar. It looks awesome.
Hey, you did the right thing. You went ... you played ... you listened ... you selected. Best way to approach guitar buying.
Thanks for the congrats. I am sure you are going to enjoy yours!
-
Veey much so. I bet the maple sounds awesome.
-
Veey much so. I bet the maple sounds awesome.
It does sound awesome. And as usually is the case with maple, amplified it is awesomer. Have played thru the PA at church a few times and it usually prompts a few "man, what kind of guitar is that?". Sounds really nice recorded as well. I am well satisfied to have picked the 618e.
-
I can not wait to get an amp for mine. What would you recommend?
-
I can not wait to get an amp for mine. What would you recommend?
That would really depend on how and where you plan to use it. I have a Fishman LoudBox Mini which works real well for my needs. Nice features and acoustic sound. You would do well to ask that question in a separate thread rather than buried here. There are folks allot more versed amps and such than I.
-
Found a real nice surprise waiting for me today when I got to my mailbox. ;D
The extra goodies promised by Taylor to all GO First Edition buyers (First Edition Book, Certificate of Authenticity and special strap).
A really nice touch.
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-17.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-Taylor-618e-FE-18.jpg)
Got my box today as well! The book and certificate are cool but I really love the strap. The funny thing is I was just thinking about starting a thread to see if anyone had received their extras from Taylor yet.
-
I received mine too (for 918e)!!
I'm still waiting for another one for the 618e.
The strap is indeed a nice one. Big thanks to Taylor Guitars!
-
Beautiful aquisition cigarfan! Hope you enjoy the new GO. I played a 600 series 12 string GA at a local shop this past weekend in the natural maple finish....seriously fighting G.A.S.!! I may have to "flip sumpting"!!!
-
Very beautiful, enjoy it and congrats. Its a great feeling to own a Taylor.
-
#10 will arrive tomorrow! I cannot wait to get this thing in my hands.......
-
#10 will arrive tomorrow! I cannot wait to get this thing in my hands.......
Congrats! ;D We'd love to see pics once you get the chance! ;)
-
#10 will arrive tomorrow! I cannot wait to get this thing in my hands.......
How will you sleep tonight?
-
#10 will arrive tomorrow! I cannot wait to get this thing in my hands.......
Congrats chorrie! That's fantastic. It's a really really fine guitar. No really.
-
WOW! I cannot stop smiling.. This thing is everything they said and more. I cannot believe the sustain. Also the lows are like nothing I've ever heard from a Taylor Guitar. You can feel the rumble in your chest. The depth and clarity of the sound is astonishing. The size and shape suit me well as I am used to playing a 210e and a T-5 Koa. It actually sits a little better on my leg than the Dread. I was a little torn between this and a 610e, but I made the right choice. I have never bought a guitar without playing it, but I will say this, order one today! Truly amazing.
-
Wow....another gorgeous Taylor. I love this site.....so much eye candy. I love the maple back. Great choice in a Taylor. Enjoy!
-
Hey CF, I missed your NGD - congrats. I played the 618 at Melodee and it was one sweet guitar!!!
-
Thanks folks! It is an awesome guitar. Never played a guitar this big that responds so well.
@chorrie - You need to post your own NGD thread and show us some pics man! You don't want your NGD to be buried in this old thread.
-
Beutiful guitar. I love maple guitars. No dealers in my area have a GO yet.
-
Congrats! The best sounding maple!
-
How is the playability for your fretting hand? How is the action compared to a GA and GC? Anyone try tuning down a half step? The reason for the questions is I own a Taylor 12 fret GC Mahogany/Cedar that easier than any acoustic I've played. Very low action and no buzz. It's basically a fingerstyle guitar. It's a decent for light to medium strummer also. I'd love to add a x18 to go with my 12 fret, but only if the playability is good for my fretting hand. Arthritis is the problem.
-
How is the playability for your fretting hand? How is the action compared to a GA and GC? Anyone try tuning down a half step? The reason for the questions is I own a Taylor 12 fret GC Mahogany/Cedar that easier than any acoustic I've played. Very low action and no buzz. It's basically a fingerstyle guitar. It's a decent for light to medium strummer also. I'd love to add a x18 to go with my 12 fret, but only if the playability is good for my fretting hand. Arthritis is the problem.
It depends on the setup and string gauge. I always setup my guitars by myself adjusting the nut and saddle.
Usually, Taylor guitars do not need big effort. Most of the time, cutting the nut slots a bit deeper on some strings and slightly sanding down the saddle should be enough.
With GO, it comes with medium gauge strings, so you may want to change them to light gauge with some volume reduction.
But after appropriate setup, medium gauge strings are not problem for my playing.
-
Anyone using light gauge strings?
-
Anyone using light gauge strings?
Back in Reply #21 to this thread I posted my assessment of light gauge on an x18 (my 618e specifically).
Since then I have been using light gauge (didn't want to waste a set of Elixirs and these things last near forever!). The guitar responds well and still has all the nuances I love so much it just doesn't have the punch and volume it does with medium gauge.
Most of my playing is at home for me. Light gauge work perfectly fine. Amplified it sounds pretty darn good too! I sang a solo in church this past Sunday and the guitar sounded wonderful over the PA with light gauge. The song was "The Old Rugged Cross" fingerstyle so it didn't really need allot of punch.
I guess it really depends on how you are going to be using your guitar.
-
Anyone who has played the GS and GO do a comparison in comfort? If it is less comfortable, is it worth it for the sound difference? I know this has probably been addressed before so sorry in advance!
-
Amazing looking guitar. I had a D-35, so you really piqued my interest. And the three piece back look great too. Wish I could hear what it sounds like. Enjoy!
-
Anyone who has played the GS and GO do a comparison in comfort? If it is less comfortable, is it worth it for the sound difference? I know this has probably been addressed before so sorry in advance!
I have owned both GS and GO. Both are bigger feeling guitars in your lap than a GC/GA. That's expected. Personally, I don't notice any difference in comfort between the GS and GO ... I mean the GO is bigger but my comfort level isn't affected if that makes sense. Standing with a guitar strap, virtually no difference.
-
Very Nice Guitar. I had the chance to play one a few weeks back and ...wow! Maple looks great but to get most maple guitars to sound full is a challenge for guitar makers. Taylor did a great job on this one! It sounds full and bright...great combination!