Special Edition vs Limited Edition

[Danbgt]

Taylor regularly does limited runs of non standard guitars. Yearly NAMM specials and signature models. I realize guitar builders have a habit of creating confusing numbers. 0, 00, 000. And name designations like “parlor” and “jumbo”. It’s all very confusing. Not that it really makes any difference. You find a guitar you like the size of and the way it sounds and go for it. Doesn’t matter what’s it’s called. But I’m a retired engineer. I like things to fit in the proper box. I am a 12 fret guitar fan and more specifically a Taylor 12 fret fan. I have had a couple of different Taylor 12 fretters. One I love and still have and one I loved the way it looked but it just never flipped my switches in the sound and tone department. I also have a love - hate relationship with the slotted headstock on Taylor 12 fretters. In searching for a Taylor 12 fret with a paddle headstock I have come across a few BTO’s and signature models. But most seem to be either “limited edition” or “special edition” models. Does anybody have a clue as to what the difference is?

[Earl]

Dan, it is mostly marketing-speak.  Either way the SE or LE or LTD designation identifies a limited-number run.  Many of the LTD's were a pretty good value with added features that would cost considerably more in a BTO (build-to-order or custom shop) configuration.  For example, my 354-LTD was the first GA sized twelve string that they made.  My 416-LTD baritone was an ovangkol version of the six-string baritone at about two-thirds of the rosewood (800 series appointments) street price of the regular six or eight string baritones.

In the old days, the LTD's were often a vehicle to roll out a new wood combo or test drive a new trim level, and we often had new spring and fall versions every year.  I'm an engineer too, but don't get too hung up on the nomenclature - guitar builders are not engineers, and don't think like us.

[SDTaylorman]

Taylor regularly does limited runs of non standard guitars. Yearly NAMM specials and signature models. I realize guitar builders have a habit of creating confusing numbers. 0, 00, 000. And name designations like “parlor” and “jumbo”. It’s all very confusing. Not that it really makes any difference. You find a guitar you like the size of and the way it sounds and go for it. Doesn’t matter what’s it’s called. But I’m a retired engineer. I like things to fit in the proper box. I am a 12 fret guitar fan and more specifically a Taylor 12 fret fan. I have had a couple of different Taylor 12 fretters. One I love and still have and one I loved the way it looked but it just never flipped my switches in the sound and tone department. I also have a love - hate relationship with the slotted headstock on Taylor 12 fretters. In searching for a Taylor 12 fret with a paddle headstock I have come across a few BTO’s and signature models. But most seem to be either “limited edition” or “special edition” models. Does anybody have a clue as to what the difference is?

I bet these guys know: https://www.taylorguitars.com/support
 

[Danbgt]

I'm an engineer too, but don't get too hung up on the nomenclature - guitar builders are not engineers, and don't think like us.

Does anybody else think like us? The correct way.

[Earl]

Indeed, Dan.  There is a t-shirt from my alma mater.  "I graduated from Michigan Tech.  To save time, let's just assume that I'm always right".  My wife is a EE and I'm an ME.  We did at least two other people a favor by connecting, so that a pair of normal people would not be saddled living with an engineer.

[donlyn]

I think Earl pretty much has the right of it.

I have 2 Taylor Grand Concerts, a 512ce L10  all mahogany GC and a 412e-R SE  sitka/rosewood GC.

The 512ce L10 (Limited #10; they stopped putting a number on the Limiteds after this) has a few more extras than appear on a standard GC at the time. And the 412e-R SE (Special Edition) is about the same as it's ovangkol brethren except they used rosewood (the '-R' in the nomenclature) instead of ovangkol for the back and sides. The next year, Taylor dropped the 'SE' for this model but continued to make it.

This falls in line with what has been previously noted.

But of course, none of this is set in stone. Marketing, you know.

*

Earl, I graduated from Boston College which is run by Jesuits. They don't assume that they're right. They know it.

And they teach it that way and promulgate this belief to their acolytes. Of course they do tap into a higher power, you know. 

Don

[sstaylor58]

I think Earl pretty much has the right of it.

I have 2 Taylor Grand Concerts, a 512ce L10  all mahogany GC and a 412e-R SE  sitka/rosewood GC.

The 512ce L10 (Limited #10; they stopped putting a number on the Limiteds after this) has a few more extras than appear on a standard GC at the time. And the 412e-R SE (Special Edition) is about the same as it's ovangkol brethren except they used rosewood (the '-R' in the nomenclature) instead of ovangkol for the back and sides. The next year, Taylor dropped the 'SE' for this model but continued to make it.

This falls in line with what has been previously noted.

But of course, none of this is set in stone. Marketing, you know.

*

Earl, I graduated from Boston College which is run by Jesuits. They don't assume that they're right. They know it.

And they teach it that way and promulgate this belief to their acolytes. Of course they do tap into a higher power, you know. 

Don

The LTDs are a good value in my opinion. I have owned several over the years but have sold them all for various reasons. The one I truly miss was the 512ce L10, it was a fabulous guitar that I never should’ve let go. I hope you are enjoying yours! If you ever decide to sell it you have a buyer! 

[Earl]

Earl, I graduated from Boston College which is run by Jesuits. They don't assume that they're right. They know it..... Of course they do tap into a higher power, you know. 

Above my pay grade, for sure.   

And I agree with SS that the LTD's are (or were) a good value.  Usually you get you some custom options at essentially regular model prices.  In fact, the only Taylor that I still have is a 424-SL 2007 spring limited edition all-koa GA.

[Edward]

Those old "Fall" and "Spring" LTDs are absolutely some of the best bang-for-buck guits as they offer some very nice touches not found on the production line guits. 

Though clearly not inexpensive, these LTDs were less costly than custom ordered ones, had diff wood combos for tone and aesthetics, sported unique inlays and bindings that set them apart, and most had the superior gotoh 510 machines.  Years back, I used to see more for sale in various forums, but now they are like hens' teeth.  Perhaps folks have caught on to how very good these guits are.  And personally, I'd rather have one of these various LTDs than most of what is available on today's menu: not a disparagement to the current crop as much as high praise for these superb guitars.

Edward