Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF

Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: mgap on November 24, 2016, 01:36:51 PM

Title: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 24, 2016, 01:36:51 PM
I got up fairly early today and decided to give a String change to my 814e LTD.  Tuned it up and WOW did that make a difference.  Went with the Elixir Nanoweb HD Light strings.  They are .013 to .053 It is true the do give a bolder high end, and a fuller low end.  I am loving it.

While I was changing strings I decided to clean it up a bit.  Thinking back I believe I have not done this for a couple of years.  It was pretty grimy.  After using steel wool on the frets I put Kyser's Dr. Stringfellow Lem-oil on the ebony fingerboard and bridge, they are looking very nice.  Then I cleaned the body with Lizard spit of coarse and polished it up with Turtle wax Express shine.  This has to be one of the most extensive cleaning jobs I have done on this guitar in a very long time.

Wanted to show you the fretboard with the strings off.


(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/IMG_2352_zpsvyntiagl.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/IMG_2351_zps2flc8jqd.jpg)
(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/IMG_2353_zpsjmi8gbnt.jpg)
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: zeebow on November 24, 2016, 04:37:50 PM
nice work!
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: TaylorGirl on November 24, 2016, 05:00:27 PM
 :o nice job!
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Minnesotaman on November 24, 2016, 07:14:12 PM
I would use caution when using steel wool on the fret board. Make sure you cover the sound hole so that little pieces of steel wool don't fall inside that could short out your pre-amp board. :)
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 24, 2016, 07:38:35 PM
I would use caution when using steel wool on the fret board. Make sure you cover the sound hole so that little pieces of steel wool don't fall inside that could short out your pre-amp board. :)

The first thing I do is to place a paper towel over the sound hole then tape it down with blue painters tape.  I then use oooo steel wool to brighten up the fret wire and clean out the grime next to the frets.  After that I'll use the lemon oil liberally, then a good wipe down to get all the excess oil off.  The pictures are after the oiling.  After that I go for the body work.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: madx2 on November 24, 2016, 07:53:40 PM
I just put the same strings on my '13 DN7 yesterday.  I have never used them before so it will be interesting to give them a try.  I am getting it ready for an upcoming event.   Some friends are having a 6 hour "picking party" on the 4th with over 10 musicians invited.  The line-up and musical styles will change throughout the night as different people join and leave the stage.  Should be a blast.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Wbferrara on November 24, 2016, 09:28:53 PM
What are you using for the neck support?
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Strumming Fool on November 25, 2016, 07:43:57 AM
What a beautiful guitar - great job on the fretboard.  Your routine is very similar to mine and the results are a testament to that method. What year is your 814, and what makes it a limited? I have an old Martin neck support and pad like yours, but it has seen better days. I  would love to get a replacement without the Martin logo. I will have to look around.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 25, 2016, 02:21:30 PM
What are you using for the neck support?
The StewMac work bench comes with a plastic tube, foam mat, and neck support that acts as one end to the tube.

What a beautiful guitar - great job on the fretboard.  Your routine is very similar to mine and the results are a testament to that method. What year is your 814, and what makes it a limited? I have an old Martin neck support and pad like yours, but it has seen better days. I  would love to get a replacement without the Martin logo. I will have to look around.

It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: TaylorGirl on November 25, 2016, 02:33:50 PM
It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back?  :o
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 25, 2016, 02:43:33 PM
It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back?  :o

Not that great of a picture But....here you go.

(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/DSCN0598.jpg)

(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/DSCN0597.jpg)
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: TaylorGirl on November 25, 2016, 03:07:31 PM
Thanks, that is beautiful! It seems like every cocobolo back is very unique.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Frettingflyer on November 26, 2016, 08:57:52 AM
Love the look of the Cocobolo on every one I have seen. May have to play one someday and then keep my eyes open for a used one.
Great job on the holiday cleaning, looking sharp!
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 26, 2016, 09:25:59 AM
Love the look of the Cocobolo on every one I have seen. May have to play one someday and then keep my eyes open for a used one.
Great job on the holiday cleaning, looking sharp!

I have always enjoyed my 814.  the tone is perfect for me, I like Mahogany and I think the tone extends both in the highs and the low end as well.

Tone chart:


(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/TaylorToneChart_zps068e5685.jpg)
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: jjrpilot-admin on November 26, 2016, 09:30:03 AM
It is a 2012 Spring Limited.  From Spring 2012 Wood & Steel:
Few woods can match cocobolo’s assertive visual beauty, expressed through bold, fiery hues and dramatic variegation. Tonally, cocobolo is known for its volume and a deep low end that’s balanced by an overall brightness, making it a favorite among players. Normally used for our Presentation Series and Build to Order guitars, this spring we’ve paired cocobolo with our premium 800 Series appointments, featuring contrasting curly maple binding and our popular pearl inlay design.

Can we see the back?  :o

Not that great of a picture But....here you go.

(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/DSCN0598.jpg)

(http://i1232.photobucket.com/albums/ff366/mgap1/814ce%20Cocobolo/DSCN0597.jpg)

 :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: M19 on November 26, 2016, 10:40:46 AM
Did the same "treatment" on two of mine yesterday. The Taylor 12-fret mahogany didn't exhibit much tonal change with the fresh Newtones, but my Martin 00-18 absolutely LOVED the new Elixir Nano lights it got. What a difference a string change makes in that guitar.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 26, 2016, 11:09:28 PM
It is amazing how a new set of strings can change your whole outlook on a guitar.  When I did my string change the fresh tone reminded me of the first day I owned the 814. 
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Craig on November 27, 2016, 01:13:13 PM
What are you using for the neck support?

I've just realised that the padded bag for my GSMini has a great neck support and it's only held in with velcro ;-)

Craig
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 27, 2016, 11:14:52 PM
What are you using for the neck support?

I've just realised that the padded bag for my GSMini has a great neck support and it's only held in with velcro ;-)

Craig

Thanks for that little bit of information.  I never knew that you could take out the neck support from the hard bag.  It will work great for a string change, or other work.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Cindy on November 29, 2016, 02:51:39 PM
Your fretboard looks good, Mgap! Nicely done. :)
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on November 30, 2016, 09:07:15 PM
What a beautiful guitar - great job on the fretboard.  Your routine is very similar to mine and the results are a testament to that method. What year is your 814, and what makes it a limited? I have an old Martin neck support and pad like yours, but it has seen better days. I  would love to get a replacement without the Martin logo. I will have to look around.

I have kept my eye open for a Taylor work mat and neck support over the years but nothing so far. 
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: Strumming Fool on November 30, 2016, 09:15:37 PM
I did find one at Stew Mac, so I  think I'll give myself a Christmas present.
Title: Re: Changing strings on Thanksgiving Day
Post by: mgap on December 01, 2016, 07:53:28 AM
I bought mine from Stew Mac also.  The only complant I have is that when it has been rolled up and put away the foam pad wants to stay rolled up when you want it flat, and so it takes just a few minutes to lay flat.

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Maintenance/Guitar_Bench_Rest.html (http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Maintenance/Guitar_Bench_Rest.html)