The Tour...

[Steve]

Anyone here taken the Taylor tour?

I took the tour for the first time back in, if I recall, 1992. Since then, I've taken it over 40 times. As an employee, I would sometimes take it just to see what had changed. Even as someone who was at the factory every day, it was always a pretty awesome thing to watch.

Anyone ever go?

[DennisG]

Yes, and I loved everything about it -- from the piles of tone wood to seeing how the tops are cut out to getting a good understanding of how it all comes together.  It's great to have an opportunity to play the guitars in the Taylor store, too.

[Steve]

Yes, and I loved everything about it -- from the piles of tone wood to seeing how the tops are cut out to getting a good understanding of how it all comes together.  It's great to have an opportunity to play the guitars in the Taylor store, too.

Once upon a time, that wasn't possible, as there was no Visitor's Center to speak of. That's a relatively recent thing. It was an outstanding idea, though. In the past, when a tour was over, people would leave. Now, they sit and test drive guitars, buy shirts, accessories and, sometimes, even guitars.

It's also a great place to showcase new models...

[tnfiddler]

Living FAR AWAY in Tennessee, visiting the Taylor factory is a dream of mine!!  Unfortunately it's one I think will always have to be just a dream.  I would love to see it and watch the guitars built!!  I think they should offer a program like Chevy has for Corvettes.  You can pay an extra charge and get to go to the factory and help build your car.  That would be a cool option on the BTO program letting people do some crafting on their guitar.  Of course, it would have to be the simple things  but it would still be cool to say, "I helped build this one"!!

[TaylorGirl]

My husband and I took the tour in 2006, during our trip to the west coast from Michigan.  It was awesome.....made me even more proud to be a Taylor owner.  I'd love to go back and see what's changed since then.  We've regretted one thing though....after that trip, we realized just how close we were to Deering Banjos.  We would have loved to take their tour too (assuming they have one), because we're both banjo players.  We don't own Deerings, but have alot of respect for the company and understand the connection between the Deerings and the Taylors.

[Scriptor]

We've regretted one thing though....after that trip, we realized just how close we were to Deering Banjos.  We would have loved to take their tour too (assuming they have one), because we're both banjo players. 

Sounds good.  I play banjo and have a Deering Goodtime ... I am impressed with the quality of their instruments.  Living in NC, it's a long trip for the Taylor Tour but I'd like to do that some day ... I am trying to work out a business trip since we have some sales associates in our company minutes away from Taylor.  Still working on it ... 

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I have not been on the Taylor tour.....yet.  Will get out to the SD area someday to take it.

In the last year I have toured the Gibson acoustic plant in Bozeman, MT and the Martin Guitar Factory in PA.  They were very different and very educational and fun.  I imagine Taylor is more along the lines of Martin as Gibson still does alot of work by hand.

At Gibson there was a very small reception area that sold a couple of hats, t-shirts, etc.  At Martin I understand they have a large 1833 Shop but it was closed for renovation when we were there last month - probably a good thing.  If Taylor has a store where one can buy a guitar after the tour....well, then I'd better leave my hubby home and go by myself...... ....come to think of it I should probably leave my wallet with him......

[tnfiddler]

I have not been on the Taylor tour.....yet.  Will get out to the SD area someday to take it.

In the last year I have toured the Gibson acoustic plant in Bozeman, MT and the Martin Guitar Factory in PA.  They were very different and very educational and fun.  I imagine Taylor is more along the lines of Martin as Gibson still does alot of work by hand.

At Gibson there was a very small reception area that sold a couple of hats, t-shirts, etc.  At Martin I understand they have a large 1833 Shop but it was closed for renovation when we were there last month - probably a good thing.  If Taylor has a store where one can buy a guitar after the tour....well, then I'd better leave my hubby home and go by myself...... ....come to think of it I should probably leave my wallet with him......

If I went to the Taylor factory for the tour, I'd have to stay out of the gift shop because I would probably buy one of everything!  I don't go to Guitar Galleria in Chattanooga, Tn. for that very reason!  If I was to go there, I would end up with another guitar and have a hard time explaining that one to the wife!!!

[sachi]

When I saw the thread title I got excited because I thought we were talking about Le Tour de France – the Tour for me.

But yes, I've been on the tour – I went just a few weeks ago with my brother. It was fun to see.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

If I went to the Taylor factory for the tour, I'd have to stay out of the gift shop because I would probably buy one of everything!...

Me too, I do like Martin's and if they had been selling them on site I may be the proud new owner of a 00-15 or D-18 (I play that song on my "Taylor D-18"  someone should write a Taylor song and Josh could make it the "official" song of this "unofficial" forum  )  One does tend to get caught up in the hype - even my husband would have approved of a purchase that day as he seemed more disappointed that the store was closed and no guitar sales on sight than I was.....wait until we get to Taylor....

I did come away with a cool hoodie that Martin just put out - I wish Taylor would put one out like this (maybe Brian S. will see this post) - it's black and has the Martin headstock embroidered on the back - you can see it at the 1833 Shop webpage.  The inside is lined with CM oops, that should be CF Martin backing and just overall looks good.  I walked around at a conference for 3 days wearing it and people thought I worked there - why, yes I am.....

[DennisG]

TaylorPlayer,

I noticed in your signature that you have a koa uke make in "late 2012."  In the absence of a time machine, how did you pull that off?  Just askin'.

[Gutch]

Believe it or don't, the last time I was out in El Cajon was a particularly stressful meeting on BT's 50th birthday in March of 2004.  Haven't seen the new visitor's center.  , I never got a chance to see the R. Taylor labs.  I think I'm going to remedy this situation in 2012, though - I've got a freq. flyer miles ticket that I need to burn before the end of the year, and I'm thinking San Diego may just be the place to go...

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I noticed in your signature that you have a koa uke make in "late 2012."  In the absence of a time machine, how did you pull that off?  Just askin'.

Ha, never thought of it that way.  I'm on Brad's build list for an October delivery - check out this video for a sample of his work - I can't wait to get one of these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTNcw9SKn5I&feature=channel

BTW - he's out on Cannon Beach - not far from you Dennis.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Anyone here taken the Taylor tour?

Took the full tour back in 2010 and we were fortunate to have had Bob Taylor as our guide. Not only was I impressed by the whole operation but I was quite impressed with how much passion this man had for the company after all these years. Everyone at Taylor was warm and friendly and my wife and I truly felt like guests at a friends house.

[Steve]

Believe it or don't, the last time I was out in El Cajon was a particularly stressful meeting on BT's 50th birthday in March of 2004.

Hehehehehe... I remember lunch that day, and the dive bar, which was NOT enjoyed by all, that night!

I've got a freq. flyer miles ticket that I need to burn before the end of the year, and I'm thinking San Diego may just be the place to go...

Dude...