Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: cigarfan on January 24, 2014, 09:38:33 PM
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Been hankering for a GC almost ever since I acquired my first Taylor back in 2011 which was a 2011 SLTD GS All-Mahogany. I still have fond memories of that guitar but I ended up trading it in on a 618e FE when they came out last year. After hearing so many say a Cedar/Walnut wood combination was fantastic, I was focused on finding a GC in that combo but it was just not to be. Then I got to play several 52x models at a Taylor Find-your-Fit event at Melodee Music in Sterling, VA. Wow! They were some kind of special. But my collection had grown too large and I promised myself one had to go if I was to invest in another guitar. That finally happened a couple weeks ago and with the proceeds I decided to grab this 522 12-fret and invest in a mandolin after playing BigSkyTaylorPlayers Eastman 315 during our recent jam.
This 522 12-fret has an incredibly rich complex tone despite it's size. The dynamic range is surprising. The midrange is punchy with very good clarity. Especially when playing fingerstyle, it provides the kind of versatility that makes it perfect for most music I play. The Mahogany also contributes to this guitars well-balanced tonality and incredible sustain. The 12-fret neck join yields a warmer, sweeter, more “vintage” sound and the clarity of the deep bass is astounding.
I'm tickled. This 522 has definitely scratched my GC itch. Going to have a lot of fun with this one!
Soundclip (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/Taylor-522-12-fret.mp3)
Specs
Shape: Grand Concert
Top/Back/Sides: Gloss Finished Tropical Mahogany
Body Length: 19.5”
Body Width: 15”
Body Depth: 4 3/8”
Bracing: 12-Fret Bracing
Back Configuration: 2-Piece (no wedge)
Binding: Ivoroid
Nut & Saddle: Tusq
Bridge Pins: Ebony
Truss Rod Cover: Ebony
Neck/Heel: Satin Finished Tropical Mahogany
Neck Joint: Scarf
Scale Length: 24 7/8”
Neck Width: 1 ¾”
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Number of Frets: 18
Heel Cap Binding: Ivoroid
Peg Head Binding: Ivoroid
Peg Head Type/Finish: Slot Head/Satin
Rosette Size/Material: Single Ring/Ivoroid
Peghead Logo: Ivoroid
Tuners: Taylor Slot Head Tuners
Elixir Light Strings
Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case
Pics
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-01.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-02.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-03.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-04.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-05.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-06.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-07.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-08.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-09.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-10.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-11.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-12.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-13.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-14.jpg)
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Totally, Totally, TOTALLY AWESOME! Congratulations on the acquisition of your beautiful Taylor 522 12-Fret!
Something tells me that all-mahogany guitars have gained a bigger following since the beginning of 2013 and will continue to gain in popularity with Taylor taking the lead in powering it all with their many offerings. Warmth with clarity is the all-mahogany signature tone and it's waiting for players willing to audition something different than the usual spruce/other-tonewood combination. Your 12-fret will really bring out the warmth, clarity, and response of an all-mahogany guitar. Enjoy!
Regards,
Ken
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Oh man. Great description, great photos, and... great playing and singing! Well done!
I keep going back and forth between this model and the 15 series Martins in terms of what I want next -- chalk this review up as a big plus in the Taylor column!
Congrats on the new guitar -- it looks and sounds great. Enjoy!
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Such a beautiful guitar and what a great sound clip, my husband and I really enjoyed listening to you. Congrats!
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Very, very sweeeett. Congrats!!!!
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Sweet -- Congrats! I love the new inlays that Taylor is using these days. So classic looking...
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maybe it's just me, but it sort of looks like there's someone trapped in that 'hog back -
kind of like han solo encased in carbonite, but different ... a little spooky :o
(http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2013-taylor-522-12fret-02.jpg)
seriously though, it's very nice & thanks for sharing the pics :)
congrats 8)
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Only thing I'm scratching is winter itch. ;) I'll take two of whatever Michael is having tonight. ;D
Dennis, another beautiful guitar as always.
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That's a beauty, Cigarfan. I had that GC itch ever since I bought my first Taylor, 714. back in 1997. The latter has always beens (and still is) a super instrument, but I kept on dreaming of also having a GC. For you as an obvious lover of blunts: next to my guitar a guitarillo. And yes, this spring I was enticed by the 522. So I know exactly what you are going through. Very nice soundclip! Love your style and voice. Better keep the cigars in the box and get this darling out as much as possible.
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Another fine looking Taylor. Should fit in nice with your collection. Enjoy!
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Beautiful instrument. Congrats.
Definitely different tonal quality than my sinker/eir GC 12-fret. A bit crisper and huskier sounding. Suits your baritone voice.
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That is a very nice guitar. It is beautifully made, and sounds great. ;D Thanks for the great pics.
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congrats CF ! nice score !
( it does look like a Yeti is hiding inside your new 522... i wouldn't sleep for a few days.... just in case!)
my 'hog itch is really rampin' up now. cant wait to get home and find a few ! i may just order one before i leave this rathole and have it ready for me when i get there.
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Very nice Dennis, Congrats!! I really enjoyed you sound clip, AWESOME!
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My local guitar pusher (smile) has one of those in stock and it is very nice, except for the skinny neck! I need 1-7/8" and don't want to go the special order route again so…oh well. Looks very nice and I'm happy for you. Enjoy!
Dave
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So beautiful. Congratulations.
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Lookin good cigarfan!! Enjoy your beautiful new guitar! This instrument has found a great home!!
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Congrats. Have fun with the new addition.
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Congrats Dennis on another NGD! Your stable is simply outstanding and ever evolving! :D
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Oh man. Great description, great photos, and... great playing and singing! Well done!
I keep going back and forth between this model and the 15 series Martins in terms of what I want next -- chalk this review up as a big plus in the Taylor column!
Congrats on the new guitar -- it looks and sounds great. Enjoy!
i got rid of my D15M a few months ago... just couldn't get the lowers strings to liven up. just sounded too dull on E and A.
plus it didn't have the added benefit of a Yeti living in it ! :o :o :o :o :o :o
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Beautiful. Lovin' the 12-fret!
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Beautiful guitar and beautiful playing. I have one of these on order, except I went with the optional Western Red Cedar top. Can't wait! It should be here by the end of this month. Happy playing!
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Thanks again y'all :)
My daughter came home (from college) for a visit this past weekend. She is eyeing my new 522. What am I to do ... I told her she could take it if she promised to care for it properly. Didn't have that one for long. :'(
@hoosierpicker: I'll bet your new guitar is gonna be a good one! Congrats!
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Beautiful guitar and beautiful playing. I have one of these on order, except I went with the optional Western Red Cedar top. Can't wait! It should be here by the end of this month. Happy playing!
I have one of those hoosierpicker. I love it.
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Beautiful guitar and beautiful playing. I have one of these on order, except I went with the optional Western Red Cedar top. Can't wait! It should be here by the end of this month. Happy playing!
I have one of those hoosierpicker. I love it.
mgap, could you please share how your cedar/hog 12 fret GC sounds? I've been unable to play either an all hog GC or a cedar/hog GC, let alone a 12 fret model in either wood combination.
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Congrats,
Got one too, about a month ago. My favorite guitar at the moment.
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mgap, could you please share how your cedar/hog 12 fret GC sounds? I've been unable to play either an all hog GC or a cedar/hog GC, let alone a 12 fret model in either wood combination.
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The cedar had significantly more overtones than the mahogany and felt like it sustained more, but in the end the all mahogany 12-fret won out for me. I like my cedar topped 514ce (loved it when I first heard and bought it), but this smaller all hog guitar is soooo playable and has such a warm sound without the overtone clutter of the cedar in the smaller size. Even though it's a smaller body with the hog top, it's impossible for me to overdrive even with a heavy pick.