Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: fretted on January 19, 2014, 12:39:31 PM
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You'd have to say that the D-28 is definitely the iconic Martin and perhaps the J-45 or J-200 would be the iconic Gibson acoustic steel-string, but what would be the iconic Taylor? I saw an image of a 512 ce with a spruce top that was unmistakably Taylor which got me thinking about this.
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I would say the Taylor 810....
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To me the grand auditorium is Taylor's signature shape so I would vote 814.
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I would probably have to vote for the 814 because it employs the things that defined Taylor as a market leader and innovator: the cutaway, the electronics, the body size, the shape, the sound. This is the guitar that other companies are trying to copy.
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I think it'd have to be a GA. I'd say it's the 814ce first in terms of popularity but the 514ce has been a long time winner for them too.
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I agree that the 814 is the model that that best represents Taylorness. The 514 is probably a close second. When most people think of a Taylor, they think of the grand auditorium style.
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I am afraid you guys fortget my '96 714. Shape- (like the other GA's) and soundwise it has often been compared to the iconic Martins :). Maybe a little less ornamented than the 814, but exactly therefore an iconic Taylor.
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Taylor 814ce
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814ce
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Baby Taylor Swift
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810 & then 96 & later 814c/e -
if there is a redesigned 810 with AP bracing & 3.5 finish, then it might convince me to retract the 814c/e,
but there are probably more 814ce models up on stage & under the lights now, so they're likely more recognizable
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Yeah, the 814ce hits all the sweet spots for me. It's the guitar that bumped my previous "favorite guitar" from that status... a position it held for 47 years. When I think "Taylor", I think 814ce. Make it a tobacco sunburst (with that gorgeous curly maple binding), and I think "MY Taylor."
Iconic? Yeah, that works for me.
Captain Jim
(http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/eiwiz/Jim814E.jpg)
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The 810 has been called the "flagship" of the Taylor lineup but I tend to agree that a GA with a cutaway is probably the stereotypical Taylor that people think of.
That being said, I'd submit that there is no truly "iconic" Taylor guitar. And that might not be a bad thing. Three reasons why:
1. Taylor doesn't have near the amount of history and legend as brands like Martin, Gibson, or Fender.
2. This means they're not bound as much by that history and instead have made innovation their hallmark rather than tradition. They have more freedom to change up appointments and features without being accused of sacrilege.
3. Taylors are relatively consistent across the range of shape and series in terms of having the Taylor overall look and sound -- that has changed a little recently with the 700 and 500 series models.
I actually think the "icon" of Taylor Guitars isn't a specific model, but rather Bob Taylor and his approach to building guitars. That is the legacy that people have tried to imitate and that is what history will remember. And I think that's pretty awesome.
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everyone's got to start some where -
maybe not iconic , but possibly some of the more memorable ones
855
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MaZdWoLvsc/UBj2suSYlwI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/HbOc_WE8Y-A/s1600/Neil%2BYoung%2Btaylor_855_1978.jpg)
612ce
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd218/CJanssen-Wishaupt/2004-04-20Prince-MusicologyRelea-25.jpg)
custom 610
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_s1UquYoiP3g/S_aAluC3AaI/AAAAAAAAAH0/JMtydrLUfF0/s1600/Alan-Jackson-01.jpg)
512 ng
(http://www.ptsroadhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/Show-76-_5E0A/nanci-griffith-press-kit.jpg)
512c
(http://makingmusicmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/LL-Web-Live-Chicago-photo-credit-Lee-Klawans.jpg)
914c
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/Clay/dave-matthews-taylor-guitar.jpg)
jksm
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/Jewel_(USO).jpg)
614ce
(http://img.wmgstg.com/wmglmbranch/files/imagecache/original_image/photos/michelle-branch-460-100-460-70.jpg.jpeg)
GS8
(http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/blogs/soundcheck.ocregister.com/taylor1.jpg)
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Any GA would be iconic. To me it's the 814ce. ;D
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The 810 has been called the "flagship" of the Taylor lineup but I tend to agree that a GA with a cutaway is probably the stereotypical Taylor that people think of.
That being said, I'd submit that there is no truly "iconic" Taylor guitar. And that might not be a bad thing. Three reasons why:
1. Taylor doesn't have near the amount of history and legend as brands like Martin, Gibson, or Fender.
2. This means they're not bound as much by that history and instead have made innovation their hallmark rather than tradition. They have more freedom to change up appointments and features without being accused of sacrilege.
3. Taylors are relatively consistent across the range of shape and series in terms of having the Taylor overall look and sound -- that has changed a little recently with the 700 and 500 series models.
I actually think the "icon" of Taylor Guitars isn't a specific model, but rather Bob Taylor and his approach to building guitars. That is the legacy that people have tried to imitate and that is what history will remember. And I think that's pretty awesome.
I love my Grand Auditoriums, but voted for the 810 for its historical significance within the Taylor lineup...
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At a road show, the rep said that when Taylor bought their plane, they tried to get the tail number "N814CE", but it wasn't available. Instead, they opted for "N914CE".
It's pretty evident that Taylor gives the strong nod to the 814ce, so I'll defer to them.
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It's either the 814 or the 514 depending on one's tonewood preferences IMO....
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One more for the 814 (ce) or GA
It's just got it all going for it, size, sound, playability -
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to me, it would depend on what one's definition of an icon or the adjective iconic is -
the statue of liberty, empire state building, mt rushmore & the space needle, i feel, are icons
the 810 was there from year one, along with the 815 & 855 & the 800 series
has been the foundation that changed the least in the past ... up until now -
the 900s were originally maple, the Cindy inlay didn't appear until 93, then took
some time off from 01 to 10, other than a few LTD runs & returned in 11, while
the 700s were available in 77 at the request from a distribution company &
along with 500s, the aesthetics of those were closest to a standard 18/28
the X14 was introduced in 94, as the 20th anniversary XX-GA MC & RS models, with 250 made of each
http://www.elderly.com/items/20U-14170.htm (http://www.elderly.com/items/20U-14170.htm)
there was a numbered GA-RS model, with 300 made in 95, the 814c debuted in 96 & the 814ce in 98 -
the X10 used to be the first to receive the redesigns, with the body shape change in 97 & standard II
bracing in 02, but the tide has changed as the 814 & 816 were selected as the first 2014 800s released
there may have been more 814ce built & sold, due to CNC & increased production, overall than the 810,
but without the 810 being accepted & becoming a successful model, chances are there wouldn't be an 814
icons don't really "change" per se, imho, but the status of being considered "iconic" does -
the apple II was released in 77 & the macintosh in 84, iPod in 01, iPhone in 07 & iPad in 2010
is this considered "iconic", as it is not what apple is most recognized/known for now, or an "icon" ?
(http://everystevejobsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Macintosh-Hello.jpg)
the mouse & GUI concept apple had an 11 year advantage with, as it took microsoft nearly 10 years to
finally gain traction with their windows operating systems, with 95 being the advent of the start button
this could be considered the mustang equivalent of the 94 XX-RS, or more accurately a 74 810
(http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/attachments/classic-talk/112342d1286286905-641-2-65-66-red-convert-wheel-combo-img_1467.jpg)
& the "14 814"
(http://image.automobilemag.com/f/62689249%2Bw807%2Bh454%2Bq80%2Bre0%2Bcr1%2Bar0/2015-ford-mustang-front-view.jpg)
the iconic moniker could be connected to the most popular, most made or
most sold, but the icon comes first, as there's no iconic without icon ... just ic
for me, the jury's still out -
i'll wait until the 14 810 FE is released to "pronounce judgment" ;)
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to me, it would depend on what one's definition of an icon or the adjective iconic is -
the statue of liberty, empire state building, mt rushmore & the space needle, i feel, are icons
the 810 was there from year one, along with the 815 & 855 & the 800 series
has been the foundation that changed the least in the past ... up until now -
the 900s were originally maple, the Cindy inlay didn't appear until 93, then took
some time off from 01 to 10, other than a few LTD runs & returned in 11, while
the 700s were available in 77 at the request from a distribution company &
along with 500s, the aesthetics of those were closest to a standard 18/28
the X14 was introduced in 94, as the 20th anniversary XX-GA MC & RS models, with 250 made of each
http://www.elderly.com/items/20U-14170.htm (http://www.elderly.com/items/20U-14170.htm)
there was a numbered GA-RS model, with 300 made in 95, the 814c debuted in 96 & the 814ce in 98 -
the X10 used to be the first to receive the redesigns, with the body shape change in 97 & standard II
bracing in 02, but the tide has changed as the 814 & 816 were selected as the first 2014 800s released
JFK was an iconic president, newb8e that he was. John Quincy Adsms and Millard Fillmore, his distant predecessors, were not
there may have been more 814ce built & sold, due to CNC & increased production, overall than the 810,
but without the 810 being accepted & becoming a successful model, chances are there wouldn't be an 814
icons don't really "change" per se, imho, but the status of being considered "iconic" does -
the apple II was released in 77 & the macintosh in 84, iPod in 01, iPhone in 07 & iPad in 2010
is this considered "iconic", as it is not what apple is most recognized/known for now, or an "icon" ?
(http://everystevejobsvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Macintosh-Hello.jpg)
the mouse & GUI concept apple had an 11 year advantage with, as it took microsoft nearly 10 years to
finally gain traction with their windows operating systems, with 95 being the advent of the start button
this could be considered the mustang equivalent of the 94 XX-RS, or more accurately a 74 810
(http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/attachments/classic-talk/112342d1286286905-641-2-65-66-red-convert-wheel-combo-img_1467.jpg)
& the "14 814"
(http://image.automobilemag.com/f/62689249%2Bw807%2Bh454%2Bq80%2Bre0%2Bcr1%2Bar0/2015-ford-mustang-front-view.jpg)
the iconic moniker could be connected to the most popular, most made or
most sold, but the icon comes first, as there's no iconic without icon ... just ic
for me, the jury's still out -
i'll wait until the 14 810 FE is released to "pronounce judgment" ;)
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A guitar in my possession is reality, anything other would be fantasy or desire and I can't comment on a guitar that I haven't lived with. I have owned a handful of Taylor's but I honestly can't say I have owned one I would call iconic...As of yet anyway.
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A guitar in my possession is reality, anything other would be fantasy or desire and I can't comment on a guitar that I haven't lived with. I have owned a handful of Taylor's but I honestly can't say I have owned one I would call iconic...As of yet anyway.
Not trying to pick a fight but the OP wasn't asking if you thought Taylor's were iconic, just which model best exemplifies the essence of a Taylor guitar.
I've never played a Gibson I bonded with in any way shape or form but that doesn't mean I can't acknowledge they have a legacy of building great guitars.
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Having been a guitar player since I started at 13, I can't say that I would consider any Taylor guitar "iconic." They did not define a style/image/ or become a mental "poster" that everyone is familiar with. A Strat is an iconic Fender guitar, a D28 is an iconic Martin guitar. But there is no association in my mind re a Taylor and "icon." I would call the GA a "signature model" from Taylor but I can't come up with any of the same relative fame, association, cachet or whatever you want to call it that would make a Taylor iconic.
I would say the same of Collings or any number of other famous guitar makers.
Being "iconic," of course, has NOTHING to do with the quality of an instrument or its sound. One could call the image if Elvis and his leather-covered Martin "iconic" but I doubt that the guitar sounded very good! :)
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To me, "iconic" means the first thing that pops into my head when I hear the word. So while that good ol' Apple Mac started a generation, it is the ipod that pops into my head. So for Taylor? My vote goes for 914, then the 814. I don't think "dred" with Taylor, despite the obvious history, but one can't deny the roots. Speaking of roots, and the rabbit hole Michael opened up... ;)
History ...the icon that comes to this head o mine:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/Porsche911_1500_zps55eb7ae2.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/Porsche911_1500_zps55eb7ae2.jpg.html)
Where "history" meets CNC ...my favorite era:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/md_porsche-993-carrera-4s-5_zps41383ab8.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/md_porsche-993-carrera-4s-5_zps41383ab8.jpg.html)
The everyday home guitar at a weekend bar gig:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/imagesCAPVTPXS_zps94ed5823.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/imagesCAPVTPXS_zps94ed5823.jpg.html)
How the pros play their guitars:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/imagesCAVZJN75_zpsaf0b817a.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/imagesCAVZJN75_zpsaf0b817a.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/imagesCACYY93R_zps9631ccce.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/imagesCACYY93R_zps9631ccce.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/993edward/imagesCA78D9XL_zps36437605.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/993edward/media/imagesCA78D9XL_zps36437605.jpg.html)
:D
Edward
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JFK, newbie that he was, was an iconic president. Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and even John Quincy Adams, his distant predecessors, were not. So first around the block is not necessarily iconic. Martin produced iconic guitars in the 1930's after 100 years of business. I vote for the 814ce Taylor.
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+1 for the 814ce
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JFK, newbie that he was, was an iconic president. Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and even John Quincy Adams, his distant predecessors, were not. So first around the block is not necessarily iconic. Martin produced iconic guitars in the 1930's after 100 years of business. I vote for the 814ce Taylor.
I agree; while Martin produced legendary models in the 30s and 40s, Taylor had its watershed moment in the mid 90s with the grand auditorium, which offered everyone a middle point between the dreadnought and the OM. It became their signature tone and look that distingusihed them from Martin and all the other Martin immitators. The GA led to the GS and the GO as well. OK, so it was only 20 years ago, but the whole Taylor GA experience has felt iconic to me. It definitely changed the way I think about guitars. So whatever your choice, rosewood, mahogany or maple, an X14 would be that iconic Taylor model IMO...
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I thought Prince had an issue with logos. I can't believe the purple 612ce he is playing has "Taylor" on the headstock. LOL!
language
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that guitar was likely 10 years or more behind this one -
86 paisley A-12 on page 9
http://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/ws_spring_2011.pdf (http://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/default/files/ws_spring_2011.pdf)
i've heard there's a mid 80's 612c florentine cutaway model or 2, with
abalone edged top & blue edgeburst finish that was supposedly made for
mr. (http://www.upscalehype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/prince-pod-1.png)rogers nelson
i'm thinking he has a signature stamp to sign checks because it would take a while to reproduce the monogram
especially when buying a piece of property or a vehicle, or the CDW on a rental car check out form -
"please print your name here, sign here, initial here, here, & here to waive the collision damage coverage ..." ;)
but in all seriousness, he can play, imho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6SFNW5F8K9Y#t=207 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6SFNW5F8K9Y#t=207)
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I personally prefer the GS body shape, but the GA seems to be their "bread and butter". So based on that, I would have to say the 814ce is most iconic Taylor.
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...Martin produced iconic guitars in the 1930's after 100 years of business...
& after the 814ce had been in production for 11 years,
someone figured out they'd better "get in the game" ;)
http://www.elderly.com/items/10U-5669.htm (http://www.elderly.com/items/10U-5669.htm)
if something iconic causes a rift in a long standing tradition & more
weight is placed on that than the basis of one's beginning, then yeah ...
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/814ce (http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/814ce)
in terms of sitka/rosewood Taylors, for me square shoulder X10s
are "it", but they're not making any more of those new as of now :-\
hmm... maybe a deep body redesigned X10 adi/rosewood,
adi AP, 3.5 finish & a 12 fret slope shoulder to go with it 8)
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Everybody that makes a steel string guitar should probably send Martin a dime, perhaps even a dollar for each one produced. Even though they may look different on the outside, under the top virtually everyone uses that brilliant X brace . . . I'm kidding of course. I'm well aware of how human knowledge progresses idea upon idea. When you come up with an existential idea, like it or not, it kind of becomes the property of everyone despite the best efforts of patent and copyright law. Once an idea is shared, there's no take-backs. Like a launched child it has a life of its own.
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Certainly, if we're talking dreads, everybody is just copying Martin. The funny part is that companies like Collings and others essentially started business with the idea of making dreads the way Martin used to make them because Martin no longer did. Of course, now Martin has realized there is money to be made by making REAL Martin copies of old Martins. I guess that's the good news; the bad news is they cost more than the Collings versions! :)
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Martin's first X braced guitars were not dreadnoughts, they were not even steel strings. But the company discovered the invention of its founder worked exceedingly well for that purpose. I agree that Martin and Gibson, Fender, all those companies are now copying themselves . . . and sometimes Taylor as it was shown by michaelw.
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if it weren't for the oliver ditson company, there's a possibility there may not have been pre-war martin dreadnoughts,
as up until that point, most of their instruments were smaller body, not steel string & not even 6 string guitars -
the original Taylor X10 body design more closely resembled a gibson silhouette & if it weren't for the success of the X14
there may not have been any reason to redesign the X10 in 97, with more similar contours of a martin d, along with the
X12 & X15 being updated in 00 to being the aesthetics in line with the rest of the line, which lead to the X16, then X18
ceo6
(http://images.guitarcenter.com/products/optionLarge/Martin/DV016_Jpg_Large_H71007.001_sunburst_V.jpg)
with kidney tuner buttons, rather than the more angular schaller style
(http://www.wilderlens.com/images/guitar/hstocks.jpg)
the same could be said for Taylor switching from Grover branded tuners to their own in 03, as
the tuner buttons resemble what martin & larrivee were using, but with no exposed set screw
going just by history, credit for the electric guitar would probably go to beauchamp & rickenbacher & the archtop to gibson -
maybe the term to use isn't exactly "iconic", but what could be considered slightly more accurate is what is Taylor most recognized for ?
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& after the 814ce had been in production for 11 years,
someone figured out they'd better "get in the game" ;)
http://www.elderly.com/items/10U-5669.htm (http://www.elderly.com/items/10U-5669.htm)
So I am not the only one who recognize that the Grand Performance series from the "other guys" is a pretty direct copy pf the 14 series Taylors, including most specs.
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So I am not the only one who recognize that the Grand Performance series from the "other guys" is a pretty direct copy of the 14 series Taylors, including most specs.
the lower bout is slightly narrower, the body depth at the tail block is a bit deeper, the fretboard inlays
vaguely resemble the 2g 800 series progressive diamonds, the curvature at the bottom of the bridge is kind of ...
not quite as close as the prs singlecut was/is to the gibson LP, imho, but there's an awful lot of "influence", which is
fitting because in the beginning it took a few years for martin to be repaid for wood that was purchased by Taylor
martin has "realigned" the performing artist series to where if one wants the "high end" electronics,
the $ has to be paid & even then, the fretboard & bridge are no longer made of solid wood -
http://www.martinguitar.com/series/item/975-gpcpa1-plus.html (http://www.martinguitar.com/series/item/975-gpcpa1-plus.html)
i'd like to see a SWGPPA model, as i have a 98 SWD & it flat out rocks 8)
http://www.martinguitar.com/model/item/76-swdgt.html (http://www.martinguitar.com/model/item/76-swdgt.html)
or, better yet, a SWGJ or SWJ :-\
hold on a minute ...
no way :o
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325745 (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325745)
dang ...
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After reading in a post to this thread that Taylor Guitars had a jet with the registration number N914CE I had to lookup what kind they bought. In case anyone else is wondering, it is a 2007 Hawker Beechcraft Corp Hawker 850XP which is in the midsize category of corporate jets. Below are photographs of an 850XP. It is not an iconic jet. That honor would go to a Learjet or Gulfstream jet.
(http://www.aviationbusinessindex.net/aircraftPictures/model/642.jpg)
(http://www.lunajets.com/photo.php?tag=amodel_inner_71)
Because of the many options available, the interior of Taylor’s jet may not look anything like the above photograph. Some versions of the 860XP can have up to 15 seats. That many seats in an airplane of this size would probably be as cramped as tourist class in a SouthWest Boeing 737.
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Geetars bin berry berry gude to Bruddas Robert and Kurt!
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Definitely the GS Mini. When I hear "Taylor" I think GS Mini.
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Gotta be the Big Baby !
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After reading Michael's post of Taylor's redeveloped 800 series, I give equal nods to the 810 and 814.
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It is not an iconic jet. That honor would go to a Learjet or Gulfstream jet.[/font]
I never said it was an iconic jet. I said their desired tail number gives insight into what model guitar Taylor believes is their iconic guitar.
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i would consider the 34-5 x braced 14 fret D28 to be an icon & D28s made thereafter to be iconic, but the D
evolved from the ditson, D2, then the D28 in 31, all of which were 12 fret bodies with slotted headstock -
the 810 has not changed to that degree & while the 814ce currently
maintains it body shape, a 12 fret LTD model was offered in Fall 10
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/814CELTD10F.htm (http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/814CELTD10F.htm)
along with a deep body 810
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/810ELTD10F.htm (http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/810ELTD10F.htm)
tallying "votes", & "awarding" 1/2 a point to each model
if 2 were selected, it looks to me that, so far, we're here -
512ce |
514 | 1/2
714 |
810 ||
814 ||||| ||||| |||
914 1/2
TSBT | - there have probably been more baby Ts made overall than any other model @ 50 a day since 96
GSMini | - this one is likely in the running for second & will continue to build steam
BBT |
the 800 series could be viewed as the "flagship" line, the "bench-mark", the 810 was there from the beginning & the 814ce
is one of their most popular models, but i don't think the folks at Taylor would consider it/them to be icons or iconic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXxr9nmPhxM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXxr9nmPhxM)
GC - nice hair, dude 8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aNf_hbW3c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4aNf_hbW3c)
MF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A0m86Smf_4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A0m86Smf_4)
but, that's not the question fretted originally posted, so in essence all responses are valid
because it's based on personal preference & what one's own definition of icon & iconic are -
it could be the most seen model in youtube performances or on the stage, or the first thing
that pops into one's mind, like fast food hamburgers or the first production automobile
what could be, if there is, the ironic Taylor acoustic guitar ???
see 1:26, if youtube decides to start the video at the beginning ::)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=NrRQNhpPo18#t=86 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=NrRQNhpPo18#t=86)
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You can't make a Taylor into "an iconic acoustic guitar" any more than you can make Yamaha into "an iconic grand piano." That belongs to Steinway, just as "Iconic acoustic guitar" belongs to Martin. Sure, you can claim some specific Taylor is their most popular or best known guitar. But "iconic" just isn't there.
Of course, that "status" has nothing to do with the fact that the quality of a current Taylor guitar/Yamaha grand piano may, by some, be considered better than a current Martin or a Steinway because "iconic" is about image. It is the same as comparing a Honda NSX with a Ferrari 308. The NSX may be (IS, in my opinion) a "better" car but the 308 is iconic. Most people wouldn't know an NSX if they saw one. Iconic is ONLY about an image; it has nothing to do with what product is really "better."
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You can't make a Taylor into "an iconic acoustic guitar" any more than you can make Yamaha into "an iconic grand piano." That belongs to Steinway, just as "Iconic acoustic guitar" belongs to Martin. Sure, you can claim some specific Taylor is their most popular or best known guitar. But "iconic" just isn't there.
Of course, that "status" has nothing to do with the fact that the quality of a current Taylor guitar/Yamaha grand piano may, by some, be considered better than a current Martin or a Steinway because "iconic" is about image. It is the same as comparing a Honda NSX with a Ferrari 308. The NSX may be (IS, in my opinion) a "better" car but the 308 is iconic. Most people wouldn't know an NSX if they saw one. Iconic is ONLY about an image; it has nothing to do with what product is really "better."
I respectfully disagree. The guitar itself is an icon for many things including popular American music. Now when I think "dreadnought", a D-28 will certainly come to mind as the iconic dreadnought. But when I think of a grand auditorium guitar, Taylor's name rises to the top, even though Martin makes something similar. Taylor's grand auditorium was a game-changer since its introduction as was Martin's dreadnought after it was introduced. That's what makes them both iconic to me.
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I support Strumming Fool's postion. I don't think "icon" is easily definable other than I just know one when I see one. It becomes a "meme" - a subconscious agreement. While each D-28 might be on an order of magnitude - that is, one better or worse than another - The conceptual D-28 itself transcends that order. You might say," I don't like D-28s" but that would be absurd like saying, "I don't like Model T' Fords" You might say it, but the concept itself has become existential and beyond review.
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Bosendorfer is as iconic as Steinway. And as iconic as a 1930's D28 is, the '50's D28's were mostly duds. Not to mention archtop and electric Martins. But let's give Martin its props for introducing the dreadnaught.
The 814 is the iconic GA. Was when introduced, still is.
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Taylor are the Oregon Ducks of the guitar world. Where brands like Gibson, Martin, and Guild are the Alabamas, Michigans, and Notre Dames -- built on tradition and reputation. Taylor is like Oregon in that they have chosen to embrace innovation and change as their tradition -- not holding fast to any one iconic look or tradition.
While Oregon may not be considered an "iconic" football program by some, there's no denying that their methods and approach to the game and recruiting have had a massive impact -- with programs like those I've listed above even borrowing here and there from their playbook (both literally and figuratively). I think it's fair to say Taylor can make a similar claim in the guitar industry.
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You can't make a Taylor into "an iconic acoustic guitar" any more than you can make Yamaha into "an iconic grand piano." That belongs to Steinway, just as "Iconic acoustic guitar" belongs to Martin. Sure, you can claim some specific Taylor is their most popular or best known guitar. But "iconic" just isn't there.
Of course, that "status" has nothing to do with the fact that the quality of a current Taylor guitar/Yamaha grand piano may, by some, be considered better than a current Martin or a Steinway because "iconic" is about image. It is the same as comparing a Honda NSX with a Ferrari 308. The NSX may be (IS, in my opinion) a "better" car but the 308 is iconic. Most people wouldn't know an NSX if they saw one. Iconic is ONLY about an image; it has nothing to do with what product is really "better."
Completely disagree, there can be multiple "iconic" examples within the same genre. Take cars for example:
Chevy Corvette
Porsche 911
BMW 2002
Jag E Type
Ferrari Daytona
No way there is "one and only one" iconic acoustic guitar...
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You can't make a Taylor into "an iconic acoustic guitar" any more than you can make Yamaha into "an iconic grand piano." That belongs to Steinway, just as "Iconic acoustic guitar" belongs to Martin. Sure, you can claim some specific Taylor is their most popular or best known guitar. But "iconic" just isn't there.
Of course, that "status" has nothing to do with the fact that the quality of a current Taylor guitar/Yamaha grand piano may, by some, be considered better than a current Martin or a Steinway because "iconic" is about image. It is the same as comparing a Honda NSX with a Ferrari 308. The NSX may be (IS, in my opinion) a "better" car but the 308 is iconic. Most people wouldn't know an NSX if they saw one. Iconic is ONLY about an image; it has nothing to do with what product is really "better."
magnum p.i. may have put the 308GTs into iconic status, but it wasn't without hiccups -
a few years later, the 208GTs was offered with a 155hp 2.0L V8
http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/208_GTS.aspx (http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/208_GTS.aspx)
a turbocharged version followed rather quickly, then it was replaced by the 328
this what the 308GTs turned into
http://458speciale.ferrari.com/en/ (http://458speciale.ferrari.com/en/)
http://www.pininfarina.it/en/ferrari_458_speciale (http://www.pininfarina.it/en/ferrari_458_speciale)
not bad for 39 years of continuous production & evolution, in spite of having to confirm to varying regulations
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131111/carreviews/131109814# (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20131111/carreviews/131109814#)
the Acura, in NA & HK, NSX was axed after 15 years of production because sales volume was too low & production costs were too high -
nearly 3 years after the demise of the NSX, another "supercar", which the NSX did not qualify
to be in that category, imho, was promised 2 years later & after 5 years, this may be what's next
early renderings, looking quite pininfarinaesque
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/honda/2016-honda-nsx-ar100635.html (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/honda/2016-honda-nsx-ar100635.html)
http://acuraconnected.com/tag/2016-acura-nsx/ (http://acuraconnected.com/tag/2016-acura-nsx/)
by the time 60mph gets there, the nsx will probably be about 10 car lengths behind
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/acura/2016-acura-nsx-ar155562.html (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/acura/2016-acura-nsx-ar155562.html)
the tag on the acura is likely to be nearly twice of the 2005 model
the 11 3.7L V6 mustang made 15 more hp than the 05 NSX, for about 1/4 of the $ & with a relatively
small investment in suspension pieces, rolling stock & tuning, the ford will likely outhandle the NSX too
http://www.continentaltire.com/www/tires_us_en/conti_communication/news/pr/10_03_2013_en.html (http://www.continentaltire.com/www/tires_us_en/conti_communication/news/pr/10_03_2013_en.html)
in my mind, this is iconic
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/stradv.htm (http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/stradv.htm)
but, that's just my take on it
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It's gotta be the 814-CE.
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in my mind, this is iconic
http://www.stradivarius.com/
but, that's just my take on it
This link took me to a women's clothing on line shopping. Now I may have been interested (not) but no link for the USA. Hmmm...
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in my mind, this is iconic
http://www.stradivarius.com/
but, that's just my take on it
This link took me to a women's clothing on line shopping. Now I may have been interested (not) but no link for the USA. Hmmm...
er, oops :-[
i meant this
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/stradv.htm (http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/stradv.htm)
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A 910 with the Cindy inlays. Yea because that's what I play along with my D18. Just kidding. A 814 goes down in my book!
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It is not an iconic jet. That honor would go to a Learjet or Gulfstream jet.
I never said it was an iconic jet. I said their desired tail number gives insight into what model guitar Taylor believes is their iconic guitar.
I know you never did which is why I didn’t quote your post. My comment about corporate jets and their iconic status was incidental.
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here's Bob & Andy's take on it -
Q1
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/series/800/story (http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/series/800/story)
the 814ce combines the series & the shape, but i still like the "old school" 810s :)
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Yeah, the 814ce hits all the sweet spots for me. It's the guitar that bumped my previous "favorite guitar" from that status... a position it held for 47 years. When I think "Taylor", I think 814ce. Make it a tobacco sunburst (with that gorgeous curly maple binding), and I think "MY Taylor."
Iconic? Yeah, that works for me.
Captain Jim
(http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z440/eiwiz/Jim814E.jpg)
This is such a great pic!
Of course, you have no idea what you are doing.......but you really look like you do know what you are doing.....which make the pic....great! Ha!
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..."the iconic Taylor?" The particular one I am playing at that very precise point in time.... LOL ;)
Jeff
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No really, the iconic Taylor is a GA shape. It's what they do uniquely better than anyone else. The 814 may be it, but my 114 and 914 are in the mix as well.
please contact the UTGF staff regarding the editing of this post
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Bob, Kurt, and Andy use the "i" word (iconic) a lot to describe the 800 series in the new issue of Wood & Steel, and the Grand Auditorium, in particular....
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I couldn't begin to pick one from another as iconic, but I will say, they are all eye candy!
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One Taylor Iconic
(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r141/1Tomcat/1976%20Taylor%20815/DSCN1272_zps4c632eb5.jpg~original)