Durability of Wood Guitars

[milo_otis]

After the really long and cold winter and now a wonderfully warm/hot summer, I've been toying with the idea of getting a carbon fiber guitar, specifically a Rainsong OM for traveling, lessons, gigs, playing around lakes and camp fires, etc. I don't want to get a GSmini for various reasons. 

Does anyone take their Taylor's out into the wild and not worry too much? A guitar is so portable and should be able to be taken anywhere. I take one every where and I don't want to be concerned if I have leave it in a hot/cold car for a short period of time or (gasp!) forget to water it for a day or two in the dry season. I realize Taylor doesn't build their guitars out of paper and that a carbon fiber guitar won't necessarily stop a bullet, but just how durable are wood guitars, Taylors specifically?

[timfitz63]

This is just a WAG on my part, but I'd say wooden guitars (including Taylors) are pretty durable.  Long-term abuse (lack/excess of humidity, temperature extremes) will hasten their demise, but I think they can accept short term 'abuse' (larger temperature and humidity swings) without permanent ill-effects.

I seem to recall a recent (within the past few years) Wood & Steel issue that had an "Ask Bob" question pretty-much just like yours; a guy was asking about taking his Taylor around the campfire, and was concerned about the heat/dryness.  Bob's answer was essentially that he shouldn't worry about it; as long as the guitar was returned to proper storage between campfire sing-alongs, it's fine to take your Taylor out into the 'wild.'

[michaelw]

After the really long and cold winter and now a wonderfully warm/hot summer, I've been toying with the idea of getting a carbon fiber guitar, specifically a Rainsong OM for traveling, lessons, gigs, playing around lakes and camp fires, etc. I don't want to get a GSmini for various reasons. 

Does anyone take their Taylor's out into the wild and not worry too much? A guitar is so portable and should be able to be taken anywhere. I take one every where and I don't want to be concerned if I have leave it in a hot/cold car for a short period of time or (gasp!) forget to water it for a day or two in the dry season. I realize Taylor doesn't build their guitars out of paper and that a carbon fiber guitar won't necessarily stop a bullet, but just how durable are wood guitars, Taylors specifically?

the mini is designed for the purpose you have in mind, imho -
just curious what it is about the mini that is a "deal-breaker"
(nut width, scale length, feel, name on the headstock )

the rainsong OM is offered in a few models, ranging from a 322 to 512ce in $ &,
but a full size 14 fret OM isn't particularly portable, which the nod would be given
to a guitar similar in size to a mini, ca cargo, or a voyage aire (like a VAOM02) -
from the conditions you list, any solid wood guitar would fare fine provided the
extremes of temperature & humidity are for relatively brief periods & for a little
extra piece of mind, an insulated/padded case cover will add a bit more protection

if you're looking for a guitar similar in specs (OM, cutaway, onboard electronics), i'd suggest trying one of these
http://www.martinguitar.com/series/item/3341-omcpa5-black.html
if you can find one used with a nick or scratch or 2 for a signficant discount, you'll be that much ahead of the game -
if a cutaway is not a necessity
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/martin-x1-000e-custom-auditorium-acoustic-electric-solid-spruce-top-hpl-back-sides

[milo_otis]

Thank you Tim. That's good to know. I treat my guitars like my children. They are always maintained in their cases in between play times.

I'm not a fan of the mini for a couple of reasons like nut width, no cutaway, the available electronics and scale length. The Voyage Air looked promising, but then when I looked at the ones that I'd really want to play, they become very close the Rainsongs. I've played the Rainsong series (Studio, Concert, Black Ice in OM and WS sizes as well as the Shorty) and compared them against the new 800 series playing and recording each one against its equal sized counterpart. I was absolutely blown away......by the Rainsongs. They matched the flagship Taylors in every way even surpassing them in the category of price, clarity and overall weight. They sound exactly the way that I think the maple Taylors are supposed to sound. Excellent bright lively balanced tone that cuts through without being harsh. I want a guitar that I'd actually want to play when I'm not traveling. A Studio OM shorty would be that guitar. Perfect tone and perfect size. If I had unlimited wealth I would have walked out the door with one. It's a big plus if its made in my home country.

[milo_otis]

Thank you Tim. That's good to know. I treat my guitars like my children. They are always maintained in their cases in between play times.

Hahaha! I just reread that!

BTW, I'm not an abusive parent. I don't actually have any children. My guitars ARE my children.

[stepchildusmc]

heading out camping for the week today. thunderstorms and 90 deg temps with 70% humidity aside, the HV mini, 324 and and Adamas 2080sr(carbon fiber) are all making the trip deep into the heart of the Adirondack mountains with me. as long as it isn't raining the guitars will spend their time leaning against a tree in the shade.
 they are after all, guitars. they're made to be played. if I were to worry too much about keeping them safe, I woulda just bought a Yamaha FG700S.

[milo_otis]

they are after all, guitars. they're made to be played. if I were to worry too much about keeping them safe, I woulda just bought a Yamaha FG700S.

Very good point.

[michaelw]

sounds like you've pretty much already made your decision
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4027718&postcount=16

either that or a gigbag for your Taylor, but i'd suggest something that offers a higher level of protection
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=222&o=&offset=&c=136&s=75

they are after all, guitars. they're made to be played. if I were to worry too much about keeping them safe, I woulda just bought a Yamaha FG700S.

Very good point.

except that the fg700s & the more comparable size (to the OM) fs700s are not made in north america, which seems
to partially be reason why the solid top Taylor & HPL martin models are being dismissed (where they're made)

[timfitz63]

Thank you Tim. That's good to know. I treat my guitars like my children. They are always maintained in their cases in between play times.

Hahaha! I just reread that!

BTW, I'm not an abusive parent. I don't actually have any children. My guitars ARE my children.

No worries.  That does bring up a humorous mental image, though... 

I'm not a fan of the mini for a couple of reasons like nut width, no cutaway, the available electronics and scale length. The Voyage Air looked promising, but then when I looked at the ones that I'd really want to play, they become very close the Rainsongs. I've played the Rainsong series (Studio, Concert, Black Ice in OM and WS sizes as well as the Shorty) and compared them against the new 800 series playing and recording each one against its equal sized counterpart. I was absolutely blown away......by the Rainsongs. They matched the flagship Taylors in every way even surpassing them in the category of price, clarity and overall weight. They sound exactly the way that I think the maple Taylors are supposed to sound. Excellent bright lively balanced tone that cuts through without being harsh. I want a guitar that I'd actually want to play when I'm not traveling. A Studio OM shorty would be that guitar. Perfect tone and perfect size. If I had unlimited wealth I would have walked out the door with one. It's a big plus if its made in my home country.

I might have to check those Rainsongs out, seeing as how I already like the Taylor maple guitar line...

The nut width and scale length on the GS Mini doesn't bother me much; if the truth be told, it probably suits my hand size better than the standard nut width and scale length.  So when I transition back to a full-size guitar -- especially my 12-strings -- it causes me some frustration before I re-adjust.  I'm right there with you on the lack of a cutaway, though; I really prefer to have that option.  Given you're looking for a travel guitar, I wouldn't get too hung up on electronics; I mean, where can you plug in 'round a campfire anyway...?

[Edward]

Lots ' good stuff already said here

WRT the Rainsong, I had once toyed with that idea (and other CF guitars) because of their very durability and no-worry promise against env't elements.  But after playing a few and weighing their cost, it dawned on me that what I'd be buying is such a narrow-purpose guitar that would see only "that" much playing.  They wouldn't replace my love/desire to play the others on the wall, so really they'd be out only when I'd be afraid of taking one of the others out.  Blahhh ...nonsense, and a pox on me!   I'm using my guitars where and when I feel like using my guitars.  Given common-sense care, they'll fare just fine, and I'lll truly be enjoying the guitars for the very purpose I bought them: to play and not just to own.  ...imho, anywho. 

Edward

[milo_otis]

sounds like you've pretty much already made your decision
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4027718&postcount=16

either that or a gigbag for your Taylor, but i'd suggest something that offers a higher level of protection
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=222&o=&offset=&c=136&s=75

they are after all, guitars. they're made to be played. if I were to worry too much about keeping them safe, I woulda just bought a Yamaha FG700S.

Very good point.

except that the fg700s & the more comparable size (to the OM) fs700s are not made in north america, which seems
to partially be reason why the solid top Taylor & HPL martin models are being dismissed (where they're made)

Thanks Michael! You're right, I pretty much have made up my mind. I hadn't seen the one by SKB, but that looks quite promising! That might be the case that I'm looking for. It'll make trips to the city much more fun.

Lots ' good stuff already said here

WRT the Rainsong, I had once toyed with that idea (and other CF guitars) because of their very durability and no-worry promise against env't elements.  But after playing a few and weighing their cost, it dawned on me that what I'd be buying is such a narrow-purpose guitar that would see only "that" much playing.  They wouldn't replace my love/desire to play the others on the wall, so really they'd be out only when I'd be afraid of taking one of the others out.  Blahhh ...nonsense, and a pox on me!   I'm using my guitars where and when I feel like using my guitars.  Given common-sense care, they'll fare just fine, and I'lll truly be enjoying the guitars for the very purpose I bought them: to play and not just to own.  ...imho, anywho. 

Edward

The durability was what got me thinking about them, but when I played them I actually enjoyed it! Enough to own one. But, yes, I did kind of "wake up" and think of all the old guitars that made it through lifetimes. So, I took my koa Taylor to a grassy lakeside beach and played outside for friends and family. It was perfectly fine and sounded great.

[milo_otis]

I might have to check those Rainsongs out, seeing as how I already like the Taylor maple guitar line...

The nut width and scale length on the GS Mini doesn't bother me much; if the truth be told, it probably suits my hand size better than the standard nut width and scale length.  So when I transition back to a full-size guitar -- especially my 12-strings -- it causes me some frustration before I re-adjust.  I'm right there with you on the lack of a cutaway, though; I really prefer to have that option.  Given you're looking for a travel guitar, I wouldn't get too hung up on electronics; I mean, where can you plug in 'round a campfire anyway...?
[/quote]

I'll be looking forward to what Taylor does with maple shortly. I was considering a 614ce or 616ce some time in the future for extra cut and clarity, but......

The Rainsongs were great sounding. Not just great for a CF guitar, but a great sounding guitar. So good if fact that I'd actually want to play them and gig with them. The sound plugged in was full and bright as well. I'd truly worry about my other acoustics not being played at all since it would be the only acoustic hanging out much of the time.

One thing that I forgot to mention was how natural and easy it felt to bend strings on them. The neck was substantial but very comfortable.