Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Guitarsan on August 01, 2014, 01:30:29 PM
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As Taylor says "An acoustic 12-string lingers on the wish list of many a guitar lover, but its tendency to play more of a secondary role might make it hard to justify the investment in a high-end solid wood model. If you’ve ever compromised and bought an inexpensive 12-string, you’ve probably paid the price in other ways, namely a sub-par playing experience. That’s where our new 12-string Dreadnought 150e comes in. We think it’s the best 12-string you’ll find for the money in terms of playability and tone."
Well, that's me. For the past, oh, 34 years. Ever since the guy in college who taught me to play had as his main guitar a 12 string acoustic, I've wanted one. Owned a number of acoustics and electrics along the way (and still do), but never pulled the trigger...until now.
So it arrived today, after spying it online at Wildwood Guitars. Once I saw the bookmarked bearclaw markings, it was love at first sight. I always try to have something unique about all of my guitars. Out of the normal production model in some way. I've played the 150e at a store already, and have "shopped" them online. But I noticed because I'm sure the price point the spruce tops are quite plain and the stain a bit on the pale side. Anyway, like I said, I'm thrilled with it, having verified it looks as great in person!
Just as a tease, only have time to upload this now, but will upload some other photos by this weekend. Probably gonna be playing it in my spare time until then. ::)
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Congrats.....staying "tuned" for more pics. :)
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That is looking good Guitarsan.
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OK, here's a couple of the original online photos, which I think capture the bookmark bearclaw the best, plus a quick one I took. Really happy with it so far. I strummed it pretty hard for about an hour and a half straight and it definitely got a bit louder and better harmonic content and I'm sure it will continue to open up for a bit as I play it. Happy with the tone, especially for the price. Very nice construction, super easy to play (for a 12 string) and I couldn't find a single flaw. (Was a bit concerned by the slight bowing on the sapele back until I read in the fine print this is intentional for strengthening the back.) About the only change I'm contemplating is Tusq bridge pins with the white dots for a bit of flair and possibly help a bit with sustain and resonance. (While the nut and saddle are Tusq, the bridge pins look to be plastic) Longer term, we'll see how often I end up changing strings on this. It's tempting to install locking tuners when you sit there staring at 12 of them. :o
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/150efront1_zps8750f72f.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/150efront2_zpsb23f16d3.jpg)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/mine1_zpsfa09cc9c.jpg)
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She's pretty sharp looking. I'm glad you got yours. I'm going to keep looking forward to mine. So, does it fit the bill for you?
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Nice! The simple appointments on these plus the black pickguard and the 12-string headstock give a really nice vintage vibe. I need to try one out.
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She's pretty sharp looking. I'm glad you got yours. I'm going to keep looking forward to mine. So, does it fit the bill for you?
It does, totally! I've always coveted a 12 string, but just couldn't "justify" it until now. I have 3 electric guitars and my main acoustic (814ce) looks like this:
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa174/apocalyps0/814cefront_zps01ccbe4d.jpg)
This 150e is just a tremendous value, given the competition in the price point, new and old. Hope you enjoy yours when you get it!
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Cool. I'm happy that it is everything you wanted. I think it's going to he a good fit for me too. Enjoy the heck out of it.
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Oh, beautiful 814ce too! ;)
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I love having a 12 string! Congrats on yours. Enjoy!
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Congrats. Great looking bearclaw on top. You could upgrade with Gotoh Mini 510 tuners. :)
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Congrats. Great looking bearclaw on top. You could upgrade with Gotoh Mini 510 tuners. :)
Thanks! The photos don't really do the bearclaw complete justice. In person they're much more 3D in appearance, so they look less like a defect and more like an attractive artifact.
Those tuners look really nice, but I'll likely go with Grover 406C mini locking tuners http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/406C (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/406C), which are half the price and appear to be lighter. (When there's 12 of them, it'll make a difference) They also seem very highly rated as well.
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Well, I got the Tusq bridge pins today. Confirmed the stock pins are plastic. Did the ole drop test on them and they just went...clunk. Then I dropped one of the Tusq pins and it was almost like listening to a penny bounce. Quite a difference. They actually ring.
So, just finished installing them. Most noticeable is an increase in sustain. Behind that, a less noticeable but still an improvement in "sensitivity" or dynamic range. Sliding my fingers along the strings while playing I could hear the finger slides - they were more pronounced. Negligible change in "tone" per se, beyond the sonic effects of the above. I'm happy, and they look a bit fancier than the plain black pins with a small white dot in them.
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Where did you get them?
Also, does that gigbag have the neck support like the GS Mini hard bags?
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Got them on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006ZXG0A (two sets)
Unfortunately, no neck support in this bag.
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Thanks, good info. on both points. Probably going to invest in a hardshell case for mine.
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Congrats Guitarsan on your new 150e!
I am really enjoying mine. It truly sounds fantastic and feels great to play! 8)
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Your 12er is gorgeous, I would have jumped on that top as well!
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Your 12er is gorgeous, I would have jumped on that top as well!
Thanks to you and all on the compliments. Just have been really enjoying playing it - the bass it has continues to surprise me given the price point. But, I think that's possibly due to the dreadnaught shape. It's not overbearing, but just right. Actually I guess that's one of the enjoyments about this guitar, takes me back to my dreadnaught days several decades ago.
On another topic, I went to the store to buy some strings this past weekend and made the "mistake" of playing some of the nicer Taylors there.
I definitely got some impressions and had an "aha" moment on the new 8XX 2014 series, but I'll save that for another post.
And, it inspired me to buy a new K24ce guitar which I'll have photos of next week. It's all good!
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takes me back to my dreadnaught days several decades ago.
And, it inspired me to buy a new K24ce guitar which I'll have photos of next week. It's all good!
My 150e will be my first DN in 12 years, so I think it will be cool to have in my life again.
Congrats on your new K24ce. Looking forward to seeing the pics. I'm 170 miles away from my favorite local guitar store. Maybe that's a good thing.
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Check out the bear claw on this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-150e-/321492043412?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ada6b4694
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Check out the bear claw on this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-150e-/321492043412?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ada6b4694
Very cool! Is it tempting you? ;D
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Check out the bear claw on this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-150e-/321492043412?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ada6b4694
Very cool! Is it tempting you? ;D
It's pretty cool...that's for sure. But, I'll stick with my store. I'm loyal to them, and have a sizable credit there to use. So, I'll continue to test my patience. Probably a few more weeks.
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It's pretty cool...that's for sure. But, I'll stick with my store. I'm loyal to them, and have a sizable credit there to use. So, I'll continue to test my patience. Probably a few more weeks.
Credits are good. The wait'll be worth it!
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The wait'll be worth it!
Yes....I'm looking forward to it. It will be nice to have a Taylor 12 in the stable again.
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Well, this 150e may be for sale soon. If so, there will be a story and a NGD sometime after. Got some bonus money and have been thinking....that gets me in trouble. FYI, it has upgrades including the tusq bridge pins described and reviewed in this thread and Grover locking mini-rotomatics. (Makes short work of restringing a 12er) Stay tuned, I will update here when I have one.
edited for content
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Been looking for a good affordable 12 string for the last 6 years. Most were horrible a few were OK, the Beedlove was good but I never found one I really wanted to spend my Money on . The 150e was love at first strum. It's the warmest sounding 12 string I've ever played at ANY price.