Thought you might like to see this message I recently felt I had to send to Taylor guitars, related to the issue of the original post but including other issues that had become apparent over the short time I have had my new T5z-12 Classic..................
Hi,
I have owned a T5S1-12 for quite a while now and I have always been delighted with it, but when recently I decided I needed something smaller and lighter I ordered a T5z-12 Classic that was shipped to the UK recently and I took delivery from my dealer three weeks ago.
I have to say that I was VERY disappointed with this guitar initially, but now after much time and work the guitar is superb and exactly as I would have wished. There were three major (design) flaws, all contributing to tuning and intonation issues.
1. The Micarta bridge saddle is in my opinion too soft and the intonation cut on the bridge from the factory was dreadful. The instruments intonation was erratic; I was unable to play in tune in varied positions around the fingerboard and having to constantly re-tune; occasional use of a capo was impossible.
2. (Related to point 1), although the tuners are 12 string “mini” tuners, the buttons appear to be full size and that, combined with the headstock on the T5z-12 being 150mm shorter, makes the proximity of the tuner buttons far too close, making tuning on the hoof difficult, and the use of a string winder nigh on impossible!
3a The small shoulder on the course of the octave bridge pins causes the concert pitch strings to be pushed to the right, deforming the natural line of the string route over the saddle. (&) b. The bridge pin holes for the 9th(A) & 11th(E) appear to be cut incorrectly to accommodate the larger wound strings, making cautious excessive force necessary to locate the pins correctly.
I have now formed & fitted a new bone bridge saddle, providing perfect intonation, string height & sound.
I have also fitted small mini (butter bean) tuner buttons, facilitating much easier tuning and the use of a string winder.
I have also cut away part of the small shoulder on the octave bridge pins, allowing the concert pitch stings to lie perfectly straight over the bridge saddle.
I have also gently reamed out a tiny fraction from the 9th. & 11th. bridge pin holes, providing a perfect fit!
All these were GENUINE issues on an instrument I bought to use professionally, and as a very satisfied T5S1 owner, NOT issues I would have expected.
I have to say however that after the above modifications, I am now completely satisfied with my new T5z-12 Classic, it is a truly excellent gigging instrument; I just felt that these few small issues needed to be pointed out!
Cheers.......Brian
I shall await there response with interest!
