A couple of BTO questions

[Andromeda]

Okay, I'll admit I am as inpatient and excited a kid at Christmas. Today is the "approximate" shipping date of my BTO Cedar ~ Rosewood GS from the Taylor factory to the dealer. My question is how reliable or consistent is this approximate shipping date? I thought of calling Taylor customer service but I don't want to be a bother.

Also, I understand that BTO's are built along with the standard models but my question is does Taylor have separate wood pile they select for their BTO's or is that too selected from the same wood they use for standard production models?

[wooglins]

Yes they do have special woods for the BTO program.  I guess you could call it the best of the best they have on hand.   It also depends on the dealer you worked with to order your BTO.  Some dealers actually visit the factory and hand pick woods for BTO's but those are usually ordered ahead of time to sell as an in stock item for the dealer.

[azslacker]

I've been to El Cajon twice. Taylor runs at a high level of productivity, so I'd say the estimated finish date has to be close. On the tour, the first room you enter after the milling room is where tops and backs are glued. Right there in the same room they match back and sides together. From there they just go into piles. Once a build sheet is generated I got to believe the person picking wood for a BTO picks the best available at the time. Just my quess, and hope.

[Andromeda]

I've been to El Cajon twice. Taylor runs at a high level of productivity, so I'd say the estimated finish date has to be close. On the tour, the first room you enter after the milling room is where tops and backs are glued. Right there in the same room they match back and sides together. From there they just go into piles. Once a build sheet is generated I got to believe the person picking wood for a BTO picks the best available at the time. Just my quess, and hope.

That does make sense that they give some consideration for BTO guitars.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

...Also, I understand that BTO's are built along with the standard models but my question is does Taylor have separate wood pile they select for their BTO's or is that too selected from the same wood they use for standard production models?

I'm not supposed to share this, but here is the BTO wood pile at the Taylor factory. Let's keep this between us, shall we. 

[Strumming Fool]

Having three Taylor BTO's in my house, I can tell you that they're typically on schedule,  and the woods are indeed special. I'm excited for you, especially since my last BTO was a cedar-topped rosewood GA.

[TaylorGirl]

...Also, I understand that BTO's are built along with the standard models but my question is does Taylor have separate wood pile they select for their BTO's or is that too selected from the same wood they use for standard production models?

I'm not supposed to share this, but here is the BTO wood pile at the Taylor factory. Let's keep this between us, shall we. 

I bet this is where Taylor's "pallet guitar" came from! 
http://www.guitaradventures.com/taylor-pallet-guitar-story

[Andromeda]

...Also, I understand that BTO's are built along with the standard models but my question is does Taylor have separate wood pile they select for their BTO's or is that too selected from the same wood they use for standard production models?

I'm not supposed to share this, but here is the BTO wood pile at the Taylor factory. Let's keep this between us, shall we. 

your secret is safe with me! I think I can see the pile for the cedar BTOs! LOL!

[timfitz63]

My experiences with BTO wood selection is, if the dealer hasn't gone to hand-select the wood, Taylor will often provide photos of the wood sets that are available so you can at least choose the wood based on the aesthetics.  The first photo is of the raw wood set for my Custom GS-12 in Tasmanian Tiger Myrtle; it was sent to me by the dealer, who had gotten it from Taylor.  The next two photos are shots of the back and side of the delivered guitar (see attached photos).

Forgoing all of that probably gets you "luck-of-the-draw, first-come-first-served" wood from Taylor's premium stash.