NGD: 316ce with a short Comparison

[kendallhadden]

I'm copying this from my post at AGF.  I figured this would be a good first post here.

Last Monday I received a Brand New Taylor 316ce from Ted at LA Guitars. After a week of playing, these are my thoughts:
For the money, this guitar is going to be hard to beat. I have always been a fan of Taylors 3 series guitars. Probably moreso than any of their others besides the R.Taylor I owned. The playability is like most Taylors. I did have to do some nut work to it, but that is to be expected. Now it plays extremely well. The bass response is pretty amazing and I would definitely compare it to a dread with possibly more projection than many dreads I have played. The highs are still a bit sparkly right now and may stay that way. I'm thinking that with some time, that will change some. I had my lead singer do a demo of my Schenk RD Sapele/Adi and the 316 just as a comparison. He plays more towards the bridge, which I don't like as much but it gives an idea of the tone of both. Overall I'm extremely happy! Here is the link, tell me what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZmnqFpMrKA

By the way, the Schenk RD has been played extensively the past 6 months and is breaking in well. I have been very impressed with it.
Blessings,
Kendall

[jjrpilot-admin]

Congrats on the new Taylor!!!  I hope it brings you years and years of enjoyment!   

[egkor]

I love the 3xx series and have been GASing for a 316ce.

What type of work had to be done to the nut?

Congrats,

-Gary K

[kendallhadden]

Gary,
I just filed the string slots some.  I brought the stings down in the slots to where I like them so it is even easier to play.  Frets.com has a great explaination of how the strings should be, heightwise, in the nut.   Not many manufacturered guitars get them just right.  They get them close, so it only takes a little time and patience to get them just right. 

Kendall     

I love the 3xx series and have been GASing for a 316ce.

What type of work had to be done to the nut?

Congrats,

-Gary K

[pottski]

Thanks for the demo of two really nice guitars. I just closed my eyes and listened, and I have to say that I like the 316ce a little more. It was really close, but the sound from the Taylor seemed to be a bit more full if that makes sense. Of course, it all boils down to personal preference and in the end you now have two great guitars. Thanks again for sharing.

[egkor]

@kendall,

WRT to the "nut job": 

I just replaced the Elixir Nano 80/20 Mediums (.013s) with same, but Lights (.012s) on my 315ce Jumbo.  This seems to have improved playability without affecting tone.  I love the Jumbos and GS shapes, but after months of playing the .013s are just one size too much for me.

My question is, should a player first be sure of the string brand/gauge they will be going with before nut slot work?

Just curious,

-Gary K

 

[S MS Picker]

@kendall,

WRT to the "nut job": 

I just replaced the Elixir Nano 80/20 Mediums (.013s) with same, but Lights (.012s) on my 315ce Jumbo.  This seems to have improved playability without affecting tone.  I love the Jumbos and GS shapes, but after months of playing the .013s are just one size too much for me.

My question is, should a player first be sure of the string brand/gauge they will be going with before nut slot work?
 
 If you're having a nut made from scratch ,yes. The slots will be cut to match the string diameter,ideally to a depth of no more than 1/2 the string diameter. If you're lowering the action at the nut and going to smaller gauges it really won't matter.Be very careful not to go too deep. .005" can make the difference in just right and buzzing.
A well made, quality bone nut can last 5yrs or longer with "weekly" string changes. Good ivory usually last 3 times as long. It's all about abrasion and friction.Tusq is about like bone in durability.
Steve

Just curious,

-Gary K

[cjd-player]

I much prefer the sound of the 316 in the vid.   Better note articulation and not as muddy in the bass.  But then I'm not a fan of dreads just for that reason - too much note mushing in the lower registers.