Why are the 2011 Fall Limited Cocobolos not that popular?

[retiredat21]

Just based on my observations because a lot of guitar sellers (Guitar Rodeo, Martin Guitars, LA guitar Sales, Wildwood  Guitars) still sell them, and usually, fall ltd taylors are always sold out.

Are the not that good?

[jalbert]

I'd say it's because they're considerably more expensive than the limiteds in the lower numbered series. And when you get into the higher price ranges, there's a lot more competition. I'd offer it has nothing to do with them not being good guitars!

[Gutch]

I think the other issue is, as someone pointed out previously, is that Cocobolo seems to be the fallback tonewood for the limiteds every year.  That makes the limiteds made of this wood not so limited in the eyes of the buyer.  I would suggest they let Cocobolo take a couple years off to help drive demand back up.  In the meantime, introduce a new and equally interesting wood to the higher end limiteds.  Ziricote?  Perhaps A funky grained something or other that grabs the eye and the ear equally?  Don't know what, but it would again position Taylor as the company willing to step away from tradition and introduce the public to something new.

[Maynard9089]

I want the LTDS to stick to the traditional Taylor Series numbering. 6xx's are maple, 4xx's are ovangkol and so on. If they want to introduce woods out of the normal series then create some new number or ID for it. When I was shopping I was comparing new and used but many of the 414ce's I found were LTDs so it wasn't a direct comparison. I was new to Taylors and their numbering system was relatively easy to understand with a minimal amount of research. I prefer it over the Martin and many other manufacturers numbering which I am still confused with. So far this is the only gripe I have with Taylor and as much as it annoys me, in reality it is pretty minor.

[ataylor]

I want the LTDS to stick to the traditional Taylor Series numbering. 6xx's are maple, 4xx's are ovangkol and so on. If they want to introduce woods out of the normal series then create some new number or ID for it. When I was shopping I was comparing new and used but many of the 414ce's I found were LTDs so it wasn't a direct comparison. I was new to Taylors and their numbering system was relatively easy to understand with a minimal amount of research. I prefer it over the Martin and many other manufacturers numbering which I am still confused with. So far this is the only gripe I have with Taylor and as much as it annoys me, in reality it is pretty minor.

The series numbers are just as much about appointments as they are wood combinations. And assigning new numbers for every batch of limited runs twice a year seems like it would be more confusing than less in the long run. I think staying within a series number for a wood change (such as offering several 400 series guitars in rosewood) makes more sense than giving that guitar a new number or assigning it a 700 or 800 number.

And when Taylor does a special run of limiteds that don't necessarily tie in to a certain series, It makes sense to be more literal with the name by going with the wood type.

As for the original topic, I think that as the BTO program is as popular as ever, folks looking to buy a Taylor in cocobolo might be opting to do it their way or buying similar guitars custom-ordered by dealers. The refresh of much of Taylor's lineup and the reintroduction of the Builder's Series might be factors as well.

[e8n]

I played the GA at Jim's and it is spectacular.  It is also sold from what I am told.  The thing I really didn't like about it was actually the inlay.  I always thought I would like the wood inlay but seeing it in person it doesn't do it for me.  The sound on the other hand is just unbelievable. 

-Dave

[Greenheart]

Just based on my observations because a lot of guitar sellers (Guitar Rodeo, Martin Guitars, LA guitar Sales, Wildwood  Guitars) still sell them, and usually, fall ltd taylors are always sold out.

Are the not that good?

I see you asked the same question over on the AGF and I think Ted from LA Guitar Sales answered it best when he wrote "if every guitar sold in 90-days it would mean Taylor didn't make enough"

 I see MFG just got their first 2012 spring LTD's, are you expecting him to sell all of them before fall?

[S MS Picker]

I think the other issue is, as someone pointed out previously, is that Cocobolo seems to be the fallback tonewood for the limiteds every year.  That makes the limiteds made of this wood not so limited in the eyes of the buyer.  I would suggest they let Cocobolo take a couple years off to help drive demand back up.  In the meantime, introduce a new and equally interesting wood to the higher end limiteds.  Ziricote?  Perhaps A funky grained something or other that grabs the eye and the ear equally?  Don't know what, but it would again position Taylor as the company willing to step away from tradition and introduce the public to something new.

I agree. How about a 400 series in Ancient Kauri Whitebait?
Steve

[resonator48]

As beautiful as the Coco's are, and they are gorgeous, they are one of the most inconsistent when it comes to tone. At least that's been my experience. I've played a couple that were spectacular in the tone department. I would have bought if I had the coin at the time. That said, I've played a lot of Coco's that didn't sound as good as the much lessor priced Taylor's.