Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: michaelw on January 23, 2014, 03:40:57 AM
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http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/series/800/story (http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/series/800/story)
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Cool stuff, Michael! I have to go back and read it again later!
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Thanks for the link Michael. Interesting read.
I'm looking forward to test driving a new 810.
It appears the new 800 Series Grand Auditorium is a cutaway model only?? No 814 or 814e?
Tom
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Glad to see the 812 make an appearance!
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Thanks for posting this illuminating article. I wonder how hard Bob swallowed to admit his guitars will get better under Andy.
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This is the information from the source we were wating for! Thank you Michael! It little hard to read when you just bought a few months ago an 812. However beautiful that one is... But only thumbs up for Andy P. Hope I am able to play his new series soon.
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I wondered about those that recently bought an 800 series, as I have been looking for an 812 but I kind of feel like the previous 800 series was a "Bob Taylor" model and the new series is an "Andy Powers" model. Doesn't mean better, just different.
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I wondered about those that recently bought an 800 series, as I have been looking for an 812 but I kind of feel like the previous 800 series was a "Bob Taylor" model and the new series is an "Andy Powers" model. Doesn't mean better, just different.
that's my take on it too &, on paper, i'm personally not too thrilled about the near
medium G & medium B & e, although it might be alright on 24 7/8" scale or 12 fret -
once there's an option for a 814c 12-fret & solid headstock ... oh boy :-\ :o
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Thanks for posting this illuminating article. I wonder how hard Bob swallowed to admit his guitars will get better under Andy.
i'll bet it didn't bother Bob one bit, because he knew he was needing to look for someone & already acknowledged where Andy excels -
i thought i remember reading somewhere that when Bob met/signed Andy something to the effect that "i hired a younger me."
if anything, if there is the ol' lump in the throat is because he's proud of Andy, what he's accomplished & deep down
Bob knows he made the right choice - knows the history of guitars, self taught, 20 years experience at less than 30 :o
chris wellons & ed granero are a big piece of puzzle at Taylor also & i'll bet shannon &
his team have worked their fingers to the bone, especially on this part of the website 8)
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Great article. It really drives home the point of the change at the helm. Bold move with the 800 series - I like it! And I am one who bought an 814ce a little over a year ago. I am not disappointed that "I may have bought too soon"... my 814 thrills my hands, ears, and heart. The curly maple binding is a beautiful accent, set off against the tobacco sunburst on mine. That said, I like the look of the clear maple with the new 800s, too. A Bob Taylor "classic," and now an Andy Powers take on the classic.
As a business owner, it makes sense to promote any changes as "better." I will look forward to trying one of the new 812s when they hit the stores. After buying a RainSong Shorty last summer, I am a big fan of that size and the 12 fret.
Looks to me like Taylor has another hit!
Best wishes,
Captain Jim
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Just did the factory tour this past Monday. Never, never go on a holiday. There was so many people there that they had to break it into 3 groups. I was in the first group and it felt rushed, to stay ahead of the second group.
Was really impressed with the new 800's. They were all very Taylor like, but better. The GC is one fantastic sounding guitar.
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i'm personally not too thrilled about the near medium G & medium B & e, although it might be alright on 24 7/8" scale or 12 fret - once there's an option for a 814c 12-fret & solid headstock ... oh boy :-\ :o[/font][/size][/color] [/quote]
Agreed. What bothers me is that it locks the buyer into forever purchasing the custom gauged ($$$) Elixer PBs, or else putting together custom sets of strings in order to make the guitar play as it was designed. What if I don't happen to like Elixer PBs and want Pearse PBs or something else? Very strange decision from Andy.
And dang, those are some pretty hefty prices to go with the new improvements! I love my five Taylors to death, but if I had that kind of coin to spend on a new guitar I'd be looking at boutiques or even a custom build from a smaller builder. But then again, I don't know what the prices were on the old 800 series so maybe the prices on the new models are in line.
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Great link michaelw, thanks for that. I had the pleasure of playing both the brand new 814ce and 816ce guitars last Friday in one of Taylor's demo rooms so I got a real good long listen. I can say the redesign is not just marketing, there is clearly an audible difference. Having played many of these models in the past, I felt that they both had an improved tone over their predecessors. The first thing I noticed is that they have a lighter feel in your arms and they feel and sound as if they are more delicate instruments than past model years. Of course they still feel like quality built instruments but just slightly less robust than I remember. I am curious to see how they will hold up as the years go by. That was the only drawback I could find.
I've always liked the GA shape for comfort and playability but in the past, I'd always wished it had a bit more bass. That has changed, the new 814 has better bass response and more volume. Imagine the sound of something between last years 814 and 816 models but a tad more lively and that is how I think of the new 814. The 816 is my preference out of the two and the redesign gives the GS an even more lively of a sound. They sported the "marbled" ebony fingerboards and I've got to say that, while I'm no Taylor apologist when it comes to the "marbled/striped ebony" debate, the fingerboard that was on the 816ce made me a convert, I've got to admit, I really liked that pattern of browns on this particular fingerboard and would prefer it over a solid black board. It also got me thinking something about the new rosewood pickguard, there seems to be an aesthetic to a rosewood pickguard when combined with a "marbled" fingerboard, perhaps this was also the thinking when they went to it? I would not be surprised if that was the case.
At the risk of going off topic, I also got to play an 818e that was hands down the winner over anything else I played that day. I don't know much about it except it sounded incredible.
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Nice to be able to modify an iconic model such as the 814 because of research and inspiration instead of dire necessity (to wit the Martin D-28 which was gradually stripped of many key original elements).
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Great info. I'm looking forward to test driving a few when they make it to the mid-west.
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... i'm personally not too thrilled about the near medium G & medium B & e, although it might be alright on 24 7/8" scale or 12 fret - once there's an option for a 814c 12-fret & solid headstock ... oh boy :-\ :o
Agreed. What bothers me is that it locks the buyer into forever purchasing the custom gauged ($$$) Elixer PBs, or else putting together custom sets of strings in order to make the guitar play as it was designed. What if I don't happen to like Elixer PBs and want Pearse PBs or something else? Very strange decision from Andy.
And dang, those are some pretty hefty prices to go with the new improvements! I love my five Taylors to death, but if I had that kind of coin to spend on a new guitar I'd be looking at boutiques or even a custom build from a smaller builder. But then again, I don't know what the prices were on the old 800 series so maybe the prices on the new models are in line.
on paper was omitted from my quote, which changes the context quite a bit, imho -
the difference in tension i've calculated are over a 17% increase
on the e, nearly 13% on the B & just a bit less than 9% on the G
i'm not so concerned about being "locked in" to the elixir HDs, as there are other
string companies, such as DR, that will make custom string sets & i can understand
the desire to fine tune string tension in order to produce a certain response,
but the tension of the medium G, B & e is something i struggle with, even
on a super-short 23.5" scale mini when playing up the neck & i don't see a
mention of a compound radius fretboard, but i know i'm already overthinking
this too much & in a way, i wish i didn't know this before being able to play
an example of the 14 814ce because i've have rather tried it & had an idea of
how the guitar sounded & plays to see if it is going to be an "non-issue"
it's been a good 8 years since i've bought elixirs, other than guitars that
already had them on & i've settled in on my string of choice as EXP19s,
but there are always round & flex core strings, like DR Sunbeams & martin FXs -
aside from the strings, the AP bracing, the 3.5 finish, rosewood pickguard
rosewood purfling on the top & rosette, the new fretboard inlay, gloss ebony
headstock, ES2 & nickel tuners, i would have expected the upcharge to be closer
to 2.75x the difference from 13 to 14 & if i decided i liked the guitar, the tone
acoustic & amplified & the playability, i would feel that it was well worth that $
i wonder how much of an effect a sunburst finish will have, seeing that the
new finish is 40% thinner, because if the burst adds a couple of mils, i think
i'd have to go au naturel, with the pickguard nestled in the pick box as well
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I still may hunt down a used 812 burst. I love the sound of the previous models and the newer price tag isn't fun :)
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the designation for the bracing pattern is aptly named for the one responsible for the design -
advanced performance, AP ...
at 0:29, the braces appear to be tapered parabolic, rather than hybrid scalloped
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBNn8i9x6eM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBNn8i9x6eM)
nearly 80% less bracing mass
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProtoDread (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ProtoDread)
the dreadnought body was recently redesigned by larry breedlove &, to me, it
looks like the upper bout has a slightly softer curve with a more gradual taper 8)
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
I think they do. Here's a prototype 814e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-1-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108213168-/231136277270?pt=Guitar&hash=item35d0cbb316
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
I think they do. Here's a prototype 814e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-1-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108213168-/231136277270?pt=Guitar&hash=item35d0cbb316
Thanks- the guitar in that link is indeed a prototype with some different aesthetic appointments than the stock 2014 814ce being offered (rosette and binding to name two). While I did not see the 814e in the 800 series last time I looked, the 2014 price list does display that model as available. Well, there may be one of these in my future, as long as I can change the sitka to an edgeburst-finished cedar top. I still am leaning towards a 2014 BTO, but the test-drive will tell.
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I just played the new 814 at Dusty Strings in Seattle. It's a real tone monster with more pronounced midrange than the previous iteration. I also love the new ES2. I'd really like to try a new 812.
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I think they do. Here's a prototype 814e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-1-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108213168-/231136277270?pt=Guitar&hash=item35d0cbb316
Poking around that link to learn more about Willcutt Guitars (they're near me) it appears that they have five different 814e prototypes for the 2014 models from four different prototype versions (1, 5, 7, and 9). Would be fascinating for a real student of these kinds of things to compare them to see the progression of the development. (I have nowhere near enough skill, knowledge or ear to do it justice.)
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&item=231136277270&pt=Guitar&_osacat=0&hash=item35d0cbb316&_ssn=willcuttguitars&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.Xtaylor+prototype&_nkw=taylor+prototype&_sacat=0&_from=R40 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&item=231136277270&pt=Guitar&_osacat=0&hash=item35d0cbb316&_ssn=willcuttguitars&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC0.A0.Xtaylor+prototype&_nkw=taylor+prototype&_sacat=0&_from=R40)
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What gave me pause when I read the website page on the new changes and watched the videos was the thinner finish. Over time the finish on all my Taylors thins out as the solvent gases out and one can see the washboard effect as the soft part of the grain shrinks in. Having a thinner finish no doubt gives a head start on the guitar opening up, but at the expense of getting a new dent or mark on the finish every time I pick it up.
The new Expression 2 pickup gives me pause as well because it looks like the saddle is resting on the pickup insert that gets wedged into the underside of the saddle. Seems like there's gonna be some transmission loss of energy there. I applaud Taylor for trying to improve it's pickup system cause I have the newest system and hate it. It seems like the new string gauges are a way to even out the piezo response from the new system, perhaps. If I never use the pickup I hope I'll get just a good a sound with my customary custom light Elixars.
I also miss the abalone rosette and the rosewood pickguard doesn't appeal to me. I guess I'm an old dyed in the wool stick in the mud, but I'm giving this one a frowney face. >:( That is until I actually pick one up and play it and it changes my mind.
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
I think they do. Here's a prototype 814e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Taylor-Prototype-Version-1-814e-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-SN-1108213168-/231136277270?pt=Guitar&hash=item35d0cbb316
I'm not sure what makes this a prototype, but it doesn't appear to have the new bracing....
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Having just gotten my 814ce a couple of months ago, I have to admit to groaning when I heard new versions were coming shortly after I got it. One of the main reasons I wanted a really nice acoustic guitar was that it WASN'T something I needed to worry about upgrading. At least not like I do all the electronic/software tools I use in the studio day in and day out.
At first it was hard not to feel a little bummed, but the more I thought about it, the more I changed my view on the issue. This is likely the last Bob Taylor designed flagship guitar for Taylor. While I don't doubt the newer ones under Andy are every bit as awesome, it was orginally reading interviews with Bob and seeing his thoughts on sustainable wood use that really made me consider a Taylor in the first place.
Now I look at it like I have the culmination of one man's lifetime of experience making guitars, hard to beat that or feel like I should have waited when I think of it that way. :)
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Now I look at it like I have the culmination of one man's lifetime of experience making guitars, hard to beat that or feel like I should have waited when I think of it that way. :)
That's really a helpful and nice way to look at my 812 I bought only a few months ago. I will cherish that thought!
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great spin
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great spin
no spin, imho -
Bob had mentioned that he had taken the 800 series as far as he felt he could regarding the
playability. consistency & tone, so he turned the series over to Andy to see what he could do
those changes were then implemented, as much as they could be, into the 2014 800s -
whether the new 800s are "better" or "different" is up to the individual player,
just as the 09 CV, 02-04 Standard II & the 99 - earlier preNT neck models were
i had a 97 814c that i wish i was able to keep & i would have added a 2014 814ce to it -
i'm still going to work on ordering a new one, possibly a Custom because i'd like a 12 fret X14 &
a deep body X10 to match, but there are also a couple of NOS models that will be in the mix too
to me, these are not meant to make 13-earler models "obsolete", but there are players that are relatively new,
or not-so-new, to Taylor & depending on personal preference, they may purchase a new 800 series because
they like the changes, whereas previously they were not considering an 800, they may add a model, or two,
to the guitars they already have, they may decide one of the earlier models that they may already own is more
preferable, or they may dismiss the 2014 800s altogether as being "hype" without playing one & keep moving on
i don't believe Taylor is not trying to be all guitars to all players, as it would be boring if everyone played the
same guitar, but if the changes that are being made appeal to more players, then more "powers" to them 8)
ymmv
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COOL, I think I'll use that same philosophy for my old iMac - the last model made on Steve Jobs' watch! Thanks - it'll save me a bunch of money. :)
Actually, of course, changes to a guitar are just that…changes. Just because a new model sounds different than the previous model, doesn't make it better. Depending on the listener/player, it could just as easily be inferior in sound to the previous model.
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COOL, I think I'll use that same philosophy for my old iMac - the last model made on Steve Jobs' watch! Thanks - it'll save me a bunch of money. :)
Actually, of course, changes to a guitar are just that…changes. Just because a new model sounds different than the previous model, doesn't make it better. Depending on the listener/player, it could just as easily be inferior in sound to the previous model.
if it still functions as designed & serves it's intended purpose, why not ?
there are companies that have made changes that have stuck
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/D18.htm (http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/D18.htm)
some haven't
http://www.martinguitar.com/component/search/?searchword=d-28p&searchphrase=all&Itemid=148 (http://www.martinguitar.com/component/search/?searchword=d-28p&searchphrase=all&Itemid=148)
while others have discontinued them completely
(http://images.businessweek.com/ss/10/01/0127_20_stock_market_rocking_products/image/010_new_coke.jpg)
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
There will be an 814e and 814. :)
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Thanks Shannon!
I'll check them out...
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What gave me pause when I read the website page on the new changes and watched the videos was the thinner finish. Over time the finish on all my Taylors thins out as the solvent gases out and one can see the washboard effect as the soft part of the grain shrinks in. Having a thinner finish no doubt gives a head start on the guitar opening up, but at the expense of getting a new dent or mark on the finish every time I pick it up.
the UV cured polyester finish Taylor has been using for the last 19 years has more solids & considerably less
solvent than other finish methods & once the guitar has been through the UV process, the finish is cured -
what you're seeing is likely because the guitar, or guitars, have been in a low humidity environment
(http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/images/soundboard/dry-guitar-top.JPG)
The new Expression 2 pickup gives me pause as well because it looks like the saddle is resting on the pickup insert that gets wedged into the underside of the saddle. Seems like there's gonna be some transmission loss of energy there. I applaud Taylor for trying to improve it's pickup system cause I have the newest system and hate it. It seems like the new string gauges are a way to even out the piezo response from the new system, perhaps. If I never use the pickup I hope I'll get just a good a sound with my customary custom light Elixars.
I also miss the abalone rosette and the rosewood pickguard doesn't appeal to me. I guess I'm an old dyed in the wool stick in the mud, but I'm giving this one a frowney face. >:( That is until I actually pick one up and play it and it changes my mind.
the 800s have an abalone rosette, with rosewood purfling inner & outer ring & a maple bound soundhole
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/810e (http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/810e)
it's nice to be able to keep an open mind ... that's the spirit :)
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
There will be an 814e and 814. :)
Shannon: Do you anticipate that there will a good number of 814s (no cutaway or ES2) in stores or will that configuration be more of a special order???
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Shannon: Do you anticipate that there will a good number of 814s (no cutaway or ES2) in stores or will that configuration be more of a special order???
Honestly, I'm not sure. That's more of a sales department question. :)
Let me check...
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I'm going to try and check out the new 800s at my local store tomorrow. Not being a fan of rosewood guitars in general, this should be an interesting test-drive. If I'm blown away, I may have to adjust my thinking about whether to include a rosewood GA in my stable in the future...more to follow.
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here's an 814 from from 2013
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-TAY-814-LIST?SRC=D0301DT0HAMS0000&utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=feed& (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-TAY-814-LIST?SRC=D0301DT0HAMS0000&utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=feed&)
& another, er, oh ... looks like it's the same one :-[
http://www.zzounds.com/item--TAY814 (http://www.zzounds.com/item--TAY814)
the original - if interested, i would contact Taylor CSR with the serial # to see if the warranty may still be transferable
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-XXRS-guitar-and-case-near-PERFECT-never-gigged-/251433814066?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a8a9f8832 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-XXRS-guitar-and-case-near-PERFECT-never-gigged-/251433814066?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a8a9f8832)
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I truly love my new 2014 816ce acoustically, and plugged in!
Awesome guitar in my book!
Definitely give the new 2014 800 series a play if you get the chance....
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I truly love my new 2014 816ce acoustically, and plugged in!
Awesome guitar in my book!
Definitely give the new 2014 800 series a play if you get the chance....
congrats :)
i believe you're the first one here to pull the trigger on one -
just wondering if it is a First Edition, but either way ...
very cool 8)
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Thanks michaelw!
Yes, my 816ce is a FE and it looks and sounds awesome!
My advice is to definitely give the new 816 a test drive when auditioning the new 800 series! 8)
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Thanks michaelw!
Yes, my 816ce is a FE and it looks and sounds awesome!
My advice is to definitely give the new 816 a test drive when auditioning the new 800 series! 8)
nice :D
i was wondering if the basic differences between the FE & the "standard" 2014 816ce are
the additional headstock inlay, gold tuners rather than nickel, the numbered soundhole label,
case plaque & the strap, book & COA sent under separate cover after the guitar is registered ?
respectively, the 818e FE has adirondack bracing & numbered label, while the rest of the appointments
are standard 13, with no additional headstock inlay, faux tortoise pickguard, gloss 6.0 mil finish & ES1
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Saw and played a new First Edition 814ce. Love the tone improvements and the thinner finish was very very nice. The new 800 Series standard maple fretboard binding makes me pause. I like the understated look of some of the protoypes. I'm planning to wait for the BTO options to open up.
GoManGo
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I played the new 814ce as well today. As someone who is normally less than impressed with rosewood guitars, I have to say that this one is a winner. Wonderful depth and increased volume. The brilliance is still there - it's just fatter. As far as balance, rosewood's characteristic midrange scoop was not evidenced in this specimen. A fine guitar that has given the 814ce a quantum leap in tone and looks. The subtle streak in the ebony fret board actually worked well with the inlays. Very classy...not a fan of pick guards in general, and the satin finish on the rosewood guard did not appeal to me. Anyway, for 814ce fans, it's just gotten a lot better.
More to think about as I plan a BTO for later this year ... with that bracing, I might be persuaded to build with rosewood this time, although I still have my heart set on ebony. Maybe that bracing with ebony (if available) is the thing to do....
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Thanks michaelw!
Yes, my 816ce is a FE and it looks and sounds awesome!
My advice is to definitely give the new 816 a test drive when auditioning the new 800 series! 8)
nice :D
i was wondering if the basic differences between the FE & the "standard" 2014 816ce are
the additional headstock inlay, gold tuners rather than nickel, the numbered soundhole label,
case plaque & the strap, book & COA sent under separate cover after the guitar is registered ?
respectively, the 818e FE has adirondack bracing & numbered label, while the rest of the appointments
are standard 13, with no additional headstock inlay, faux tortoise pickguard, gloss 6.0 mil finish & ES1
Sorry to argue with you again fine sir....
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/818eES2FE?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CIPLy97VwrwCFaE7OgodiToAeg
The 2013 818e First Edition seems to be a First Edition of the Grand Orchestra shapes, while this new 2014 First Edition 818e is a First Edition of the new 800 series, with all the new appointments. So new thinner finish, new inlay, new rosewood lining on top and around rosette, and the streaky ebony.... I am assuming the same bracing as the other 818e??? Rather confusing as their are both currently in stores/online.
But it looks as though all 5 body shapes will have an 800 First Edition release.
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these are the 818e FE models i was referring to in the second paragraph & from
the specs i mentioned, i thought that the point was made quite clearly - 2013, not 2014
http://randeesmusic.com/shop/2013-taylor-818e-grand-orchestra-first-edition-ae-guitar/ (http://randeesmusic.com/shop/2013-taylor-818e-grand-orchestra-first-edition-ae-guitar/)
http://www.laguitarsales.com/pages/5057/Taylor_818e_1st_Edition_13_3978.htm (http://www.laguitarsales.com/pages/5057/Taylor_818e_1st_Edition_13_3978.htm)
do you have any idea if the 2014 800FEs have sitka or adirondack bracing ???
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Gotcha. Your formatting makes it hard to read/understand you posts on a mobile device at times.
I am purely guessing here, but I haven't seen Adi listed anywhere, so I will guess spruce.
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
There will be an 814e and 814. :)
Love this. I used to only be a CE fan...but then something just snapped...and I only see myself buying non "CE" guitars. ;D
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I'd like to try the new 814ce, but I'd only consider buying an 814e version with the standard "modify a model" options. Hope Taylor offers that, so if I fall in love with it, I may finally have a rosewood keeper.
There will be an 814e and 814. :)
Love this. I used to only be a CE fan...but then something just snapped...and I only see myself buying non "CE" guitars. ;D
I'm with you, jjrpilot...
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I played the new 814ce as well today. As someone who is normally less than impressed with rosewood guitars, I have to say that this one is a winner. Wonderful depth and increased volume. The brilliance is still there - it's just fatter. As far as balance, rosewood's characteristic midrange scoop was not evidenced in this specimen. A fine guitar that has given the 814ce a quantum leap in tone and looks. The subtle streak in the ebony fret board actually worked well with the inlays. Very classy...not a fan of pick guards in general, and the satin finish on the rosewood guard did not appeal to me. Anyway, for 814ce fans, it's just gotten a lot better.
More to think about as I plan a BTO for later this year ... with that bracing, I might be persuaded to build with rosewood this time, although I still have my heart set on ebony. Maybe that bracing with ebony (if available) is the thing to do....
Played my sinker/ovangkol GA later in the day and decided that I don't need the new 814 as they sound quite similar....
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I played the new 814ce as well today. As someone who is normally less than impressed with rosewood guitars, I have to say that this one is a winner. Wonderful depth and increased volume. The brilliance is still there - it's just fatter. As far as balance, rosewood's characteristic midrange scoop was not evidenced in this specimen. A fine guitar that has given the 814ce a quantum leap in tone and looks. The subtle streak in the ebony fret board actually worked well with the inlays. Very classy...not a fan of pick guards in general, and the satin finish on the rosewood guard did not appeal to me. Anyway, for 814ce fans, it's just gotten a lot better.
More to think about as I plan a BTO for later this year ... with that bracing, I might be persuaded to build with rosewood this time, although I still have my heart set on ebony. Maybe that bracing with ebony (if available) is the thing to do....
Played my sinker/ovangkol GA later in the day and decided that I don't need the new 814 as they sound quite similar....
wow :o
that sounds like a very significant change, in terms of warmth, depth & overall
"roundness", but it also gives me some idears for a possible SMO 800 model ...
hmmm :-\