Taylor Jumbos

[Andromeda]

I understand that Taylor is redesigning their jumbo line. Does anyone besides myself would love to see the jumbo be included in their acoustic line up?  I think a JU-3,4,5,6,7,8 with simple appointments no electronics (optional) no cutaway would be great.

Who's with me on this?

[Steve]

I understand that Taylor is redesigning their jumbo line. Does anyone besides myself would love to see the jumbo be included in their acoustic line up?  I think a JU-3,4,5,6,7,8 with simple appointments no electronics (optional) no cutaway would be great.

Who's with me on this?

Well, they sorta' had those at one time. They had the 355, the 455, etc.

The reality is that they don't sell well, so, there's not a lot of reason to keep them in the line.

As Brian Swerdfeger likes to say "We'll sell tens of them"...

[Andromeda]

Too bad there are not more jumbo guitar lovers in the world.

[mgap]

I have never had one in my hands before.  I don't recall any at the nearest Taylor store, ever.

[Edward]

I love Taylor Jumbos, owned a beautiful 655, and very much look forward to their revoicing!  That said, I am not convinced that a jumbo in their "acoustic line" will make sense for them.  When I think "jumbo," I think instantly of stage use.  That's just me, of course.  But I'm not convinced there are a lot of folks who want  a jumbo acoustic-only to play for themselves, especially when a GS is right there in their lineup.  I could be wrong, but I don't see it.

Edward

[Strumming Fool]

I'm with you, Andromeda! Although I don't currently own one, I've found a certain allure with every Taylor jumbo I've had the pleasure to play - 6 or 12 string. I used to own a W65 that was a very special 12-string. I really prefer the GA body, but if I were to go for a larger guitar, I'd probably choose a jumbo over a GS. The jumbo has a more distinctive personality in both looks and sound IMO - it's got a vibe all its own!

[Gutch]

My K65ce fills the jumbo need nicely.  As far as tone goes, I think the GS is a more powerful and satisfying contender.

[jalbert]

While I can see (and hear) the reasons why Taylor promotes the GS over the jumbo, I am also intrigued that they are going to revoice it.  For many years the jumbo and the dread had the same voicing and consequently a very similar sonic signature. I wonder if they'll lighten up the bracing to increase the responsiveness? If I'm not mistaken they already have an automated side bender for the jumbo shape, so it's not a matter of tooling. I'm looking forward to hearing what they come up with!

(I had a 555 for awhile, but like its three owners before me I did not bond with the instrument. I did not find the jumbo body shape a deterrent to playing it. It was large for sure, but manageable.)

[Herb Hunter]

I had a 1996 LKSM-6 which I was forced to sell and miss. Its tone still haunts me.

[egkor]

I Tivo the "Live From Darrell's House" (LFDH) TV episodes. Many times these episodes feature Taylors.

Darrell Hall's ex-producer, Tom "T-Bone" Walk (that in recent years passed away) seems to be playing a Taylor full body (no cutaway) jumbo that is (my guesses) Maple back and sides and possibly Cedar top, /w old-style barn door preamp and UST.

Over many LFDH episodes Mr. Walk used that guitar for rhythm, leads, and slide.

That guitar sounds great, and cuts through the mix.

My point is, I'm seeing recorded evidence of a Taylor full-body acoustic jumbo in a live mix being played in 3 different modes (strum, slide, & lead) and it sounds good.

I think the pairing of Jumbo shape and Maple tone-woods is a natural, to add some body to the Maple's brightness.  Also to provide an alternative to the the Gibson J-200.

However, @Steve is likely correct that there is probably not much of a market for it.

IMHO it would be wise of Taylor to have a path to this type of guitar on a BTO basis.

-Gary K
 

[resonator48]

I've had the chance to play three Taylor Jumbo's over the years while cruising music stores. In every instance, the Jumbo was the BEST sounding guitar in the store. Big lush sound with outstanding balance. Surprisingly, they all were very responsive to a light touch. Just great guitars. What stopped me from buying was the fact that they were uncomfortable to play because of their size. That's when I played guitar on my right knee. Since then, I've discovered playing in the classical position and large body guitars are now very comfortable. I'd buy a Taylor Jumbo if the right one came along. I presently own a Rainsong Jumbo with the unidirectional top. What a great guitar!

[Steve]

I think the pairing of Jumbo shape and Maple tone-woods is a natural, to add some body to the Maple's brightness.  Also to provide an alternative to the the Gibson J-200.

However, @Steve is likely correct that there is probably not much of a market for it.

Whether a guitar sounds good or not isn't nearly sufficient to keep a guitar in the line.

If it doesn't sell, it's not going to live... period...

[egkor]

Since I found my 315ce (Jumbo) I thought I had become a Jumbo fan.

However, I'm not yet fully committed to the Jumbo.

I feel like, with a Jumbo "you gain something and you lose something".

I had a 314ce (GA) and the 315ce (Jumbo) shape guitars at the same time.  What I feel is there was a trade-off going on between brightness+shimmer (the 314ce) and body/bass/thump (the 315ce).  So I'm thinking the GA shape with its lighter gauge strings showcases the brightness+shimmer.  The Jumbo shape with its heavier gauge strings to me fills in the lower end at some expense of the brightness/shimmer/sustain.

So I'm finding now I'm having to pick and choose what's more important to me ...

-Gary K

[Strumming Fool]

So I'm thinking the GA shape with its lighter gauge strings showcases the brightness+shimmer.  The Jumbo shape with its heaver gauge strings to me fills in the lower end at some expense of the brightness/shimmer/sustain.

So I'm finding now I'm having to pick and choose what's more important to me ...

-Gary K

Good points here, Gary.

Some feel that the brightness and shimmer constitute Taylor's signature sound, which is readily apparent in the GA. Regarding the GC , dreadnought and jumbo, each has its own personality, which tends to favor specific playing styles (although rules are meant to be broken). In my opinion, the GS tends to be an amalgam of the others without really having its own unique personality, which is why I'm still not a big fan. That's also the reason I'm glad that Taylor will resurrect the jumbo. I believe it still has a place in Taylor's lineup, especially since it's an important part of the company's legacy.

[Steve]

I believe it still has a place in Taylor's lineup, especially since it's an important part of the company's legacy.

The first Taylor that the majority of the world saw was a Jumbo, in the movie "Rust Never Sleeps"...