Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: psp on January 09, 2012, 09:36:19 AM

Title: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: psp on January 09, 2012, 09:36:19 AM

Could someone please tell me what model Tusq saddle ships with the Taylor 814ce.
Is it the Product #: PQ-9200-C0

Also, has anyone darkened the neck stain on their Taylor guitars? IM wondering what the best approach would be for this. Light sanding, rub on stain - what would be used as a top finish coat on the neck's back to provide a smooth and fast feel

thanks so much

psp

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: cjd-player on January 09, 2012, 10:28:42 AM

I'm not sure about the Tusq saddle.

To stain the neck, you would need to sand off all of the Taylor UV-cured finish.  Otherwise the stain will not penetrate into the wood.  Without removing the neck, that will be problematic at the heel where the neck joins the body.  Once you've sanded down to the bare mahogany, then you could apply stain.  Then you'll need to apply pore filler to get a smooth surface on the mahogany.  Then, finally, several coats of a clear topcoat (sanding in between coats) such as polyurethane varnish.   And all of this must be done without touching the fretboard binding.

That's a great deal of work just to change the color.

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: Steely Glen on January 09, 2012, 10:45:24 AM

I wouldn't mess with the neck color as a DIY project.  The only option I'd purse is to send the guitar back to Taylor.  You're asking for trouble if you do it yourself. 

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: psp on January 09, 2012, 11:24:07 AM

the neck joint area would be the most difficult - yes something I wouldn't do myself - more curious than anything what was involved.

Any clue on the saddle part number?

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: byrd on January 09, 2012, 11:54:40 AM

Quote from: psp on January 09, 2012, 11:24:07 AM

Any clue on the saddle part number?

Is this what you're looking for?...

https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/Item.aspx?itemid=1039&categoryid=1009&page=1

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: Edward on January 09, 2012, 02:33:00 PM

The NT neck design is perfectly conducive to this very desire.   A bazillion of folks have had their Fender necks worked on simply because it is a seperate entity which makes it easy.  By contrast, with LPs and other set-neck guits, precious few mod those for the obvious reasons of extensive labor and cost. 

That said, be certain you strip the finish off chemically: do NOT merely "sand" it off or you'll be removing wood!  Moreover, you'll "think" it's all off and you can still have filler or sealer in spots, then you'll stain with the new stuff and it will not stain evently.  Chemical stripper is the cleanest/surest way to remove the old and prep for the new.  Pretty basic woodworking 101.  If any of this sounds daunting, however, then I'd recommend you skip it and get a pro to do it.  But did I mention lots of folks have done it on Fenders... :)

Edward

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: psp on January 09, 2012, 04:03:18 PM

Yes, that is the saddle but I think that is Taylors part number where as graph tech (TUSQ) calls it something else. I will go to the music store today - but those guys know nothing.

I found this: They call it Taylor Style maybe it's the one:

http://www.graphtech.com/product-196-2/

With regards to the neck. I have finished altered less expensive guitars before with colour and stain. However, with an expensive 814ce (for me expensive) best maybe to leave it alone; however, I would be going a bit darker in stain which is always easier than going lighter  ???

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: dbf909 on January 09, 2012, 05:54:19 PM

I have purchased a few of these saddles (PQ-9200-C0) and used them on Taylor guitars with no problem.  I believe that this is the same one used at Taylor for virtually all of their models.

I hear you on the neck - I've seen some that are very light compared to the rest of the guitar.  However, I wouldn't consider re-finishing it mostly because I find the satin finish to be the most comfortable for me anyway.

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: Strumming Fool on January 09, 2012, 06:57:59 PM

Quote from: psp on January 09, 2012, 04:03:18 PM

With regards to the neck. I have finished altered less expensive guitars before with colour and stain. However, with an expensive 814ce (for me expensive) best maybe to leave it alone; however, I would be going a bit darker in stain which is always easier than going lighter  ???

I have several older Taylors per my signature below. These mahogany necks do darken over time. Here are some photos:

1997 with walnut back:

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/Cujo-fullback.jpg)

2001 with mahogany back:

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/514-fullback.jpg)

2003with myrtle back:

(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/PGLTD-4.jpg)

These all were very light when new. Hope this helps...

Title: Re: Tusq saddle on a Taylor 814ce and neck stain questions
Post by: psp on January 10, 2012, 09:21:37 PM

beautiful looking guitars. A nice aged look to it

I installed the above mentioned saddle but not happy with the lower action - quickly switched back to the original one - factory string height.