Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: sdnesmithcpa on February 16, 2014, 11:28:29 AM

Title: Just had to smile...
Post by: sdnesmithcpa on February 16, 2014, 11:28:29 AM
I took my new 214ce DLX to my favorite luthier to have the nut lowered a bit yesterday, F chord was wearing my finger out.

This shop has high end Gibsons, Fenders and Martins but no Taylors.  Anyway, the kid I usually deal with is a musician so I have confidence in his opinion. When I opened the case he let out a long whistle and said the top was gorgeous, as its has dark grain streaks.  He didn't even realize it wasn't solid wood until I told him it was "only" a 200 series.

He confirmed the nut was a bit high and even though I have smaller fingers recommended I stay with lights and not go down to custom lights.  I reluctantly left her for a few days but know she's in good hands.

As I left he said thanks for bringing her in, it's always cool to see a nice quality instrument come in.  ;D

Shawn
Title: Re: Just had to smile...
Post by: MB on February 16, 2014, 12:26:51 PM
I think you will be very happy when you get her back...a good set up is like getting a new guitar.
Title: Re: Just had to smile...
Post by: stepchildusmc on February 16, 2014, 05:40:24 PM
but, the top is an all solid wood. once he figures that out, they may just up and move the store to another country so they can keep it..shoulda posted a guard !  ;D
Title: Re: Just had to smile...
Post by: sdnesmithcpa on February 16, 2014, 05:54:26 PM
Well it ain't much but it's all my skill level at this point can afford.

The kid is a Taylor fan, but being a small shop they don't carry them as apparently the buy in is too high.  I can't believe it's worse than for Martin or Gibson.

Shawn
Title: Re: Just had to smile...
Post by: michaelw on February 16, 2014, 10:19:14 PM
if that shop has gibsons & martins, i'd expect that there's a very significant amount invested, especially
in gibson, in order to have the stocking minimum requirements met to maintain an authorized dealer status -
the $ on the 200DLXs are the same, or slightly higher, than the pure acoustic 300 series 6 strings models &
with that kind of coin put into the game, i wouldn't feel that descriptors such as "it's only" or "it ain't much"
as being necessary, because you have a very nice sounding, playing & looking guitar, imho, which has the same
neck construction & joint, fretboard & bridge & electronics as some models (13 PS) that cost nearly 6X as much :o

i am a bit surprised that there seems to be more "reports" of new Taylors needing nut slots recut, or saddles replaced &
shims removed, as i see very little reason or benefit, if any, to have relatively high action at the nut as being a factory "spec" :-\

hopefully your setup is being covered under warranty, as there is no reason, imho, why your guitar
shouldn't play as effortlessly as a model that has solid back & sides, seeing that the main difference
in construction is just a little bit of glue between 3 thinner layers of solid wood for the back & sides

other companies, such as alvarez & washburn, can consistently knock out a comfortably fast &
low set up, with models that are subjected to rougher conditions being built & shipped overseas -
they come with an extra saddle & shims, in case the action needs to be raised for a 'grasser or for ease of lowering on a CE,
but the action at the nut usually doesn't have to be tweaked either way, unless there is binding & a "ping" while being tuned up

i hope your wait is a short one & when your 214ceDLX is back & ready to rock, that it plays like buttah :D