Hey Guys - someone on the acoustic guitar forum posted about some interesting background on these American Dream guitars is at the Sweetwater site:
Whee the name comes from:
"In 1974, a young Bob Taylor cut his teeth building custom acoustics out of San Diego's American Dream guitar factory. The American Dream series pays tribute to this time in Taylor's history with its working-class, American-made pro instruments, built with the same values and American spirit that have driven the Taylor name for the past 45+ years."
Why the price range is less than other series:
"With the American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers have opened a new chapter in Taylor value and performance. Never before has it been this affordable to own an American-made Taylor guitar with class-leading features. The Grand Pacific AD17e slope-shoulder dreadnought is built from solid Taylor tonewoods (spruce, ovangkol, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections to honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic these early guitars are known for. Taylor's V-Class Bracing gives the AD17e impressive sustain and a clean, pure tone that stands up to even the scrutiny of the studio. All in all, the American Dream Taylor AD17e is a professional instrument that comes in at a price that will ensure you're not afraid to take it on the road."
What I find interesting is they admit they are using some woods with cosmetic imperfections- not surprising but I admire the honesty. Also I saw in the specs they are using eucalyptus fretboards! I’ve always been a soundhole sniffer but never the fretboards LOL
Not sure the are “admitting” anything. More like they are passing off “imperfections” as mojo. Clever marketing spin. Still, I think this lineup is a great idea. Should sell well.
I agree. The wording indicates that the pieces with minor imperfections were specifically selected in order to honor some nostalgic memory. I better not find one with a soundboard that has no imperfections, otherwise I will not be getting what was advertised!
Seriously, hate being patronized as a consumer. What's so difficult about simply stating that these pieces of wood that would otherwise not make the cut for higher series is used on these lower series, and as a result, the price can decrease as the consumer does not have to pay a premium for wood without minor imperfections? I'd be OK with that. What I'm not OK with is Taylor assuming I'm so dumb I can't tell that the real reason isn't to honor or pay tribute to some sort of young man's dream.
Hey, here's a car with dents in it, I could have got you one that had no dents and scratches, but wanted to honor and pay tribute to when you used to drive cars with dents and scratches! I'm going to patronize you and not tell you straight up that hey, it's cheaper. Saves me some face.
