Anyone played a DN5?

[Smitty]

Hey folks,

Looking for opinions of the DN5 as compared to other mahogany/spruce dreds that are available.

Also, what year did Taylor start with the forward shifted bracing?

Thanks!

[egkor]

The FSII bracing, thats a @michaelw question, I believe it was phased in over time by series.

Here is an excerpt from a previous @michaelw post:
---begin---------------
the 6 string GA models have always had scalloped bracing, with the
Standard II forward-shifted pattern & relief rout being phased-in
around the fall of 04 on 500/up & in the fall of 06 on 300/400s -
---end---------------

Aside:  We really need a FAQ with this data so it doesn't have to be asked and answered over and over.

It is a good question. 

-Gary K

[Smitty]

Thanks Gary. I appreciate it.

Finding hands on opinions of the DN5 is kinda tough. I'm guessing most folks look elsewhere for mahogany dreds.

[mgap]

Thanks Gary. I appreciate it.

Finding hands on opinions of the DN5 is kinda tough. I'm guessing most folks look elsewhere for mahogany dreds.

I had a 510 L9, it was a DN5, but in 2004 they called it a 510.  It had a short scale size(24.7" I think)and it played wonderfully.  Typical for a 500 series Taylor, in that it had great mids, descent lows and highs.    Again it was a great playing guitar, I got rid of it because I prefer the GA body shape, not because of the sound.

[Martin]

A friend of mine has a straight-up 510 from the mid 90's.  I love it!  It's a great-sounding guitar.

[michaelw]

hi smitty,
the standard II forward shifted bracing with relief rout
was first used on the 02 510 & 710 LTDs -
these models had sitka tops & soft-V neck carves

the standard 510 had an engelmann top from 96-06
while the DN5 had a sitka top from 07-11

this year, the DN5 has an engelmann top, which brings it
more 'in-line' with the other 500 series models

i have a 79 510, as does another member here, which has a
sitka top ('classic' non-forward shifted bracing) & more
squared-off shoulders (more hummingbirdesque rather than
the current rounded D18-ish shoulders (redesigned in 97)

i've played & have let others compare a early 410 model
(sitka/honduran mahogany) to a D18-V, D28 & D45 -
when hearing the guitars being played, the projection
of the 410 stood out distinctly from the others

in the current issue of wood & steel, there is an mention of a redesigned dreadnought
(david mayfield's DN8), so i'm wondering if this design will be phased in before long 

good to see you here
WELCOME !looking forward to hearing more from you

[Smitty]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the info.

I am considering a mahogany guitar to go with my old 810, and I like the sound of the new D-18, but I like the playability of Taylor guitars.
Elderly's have a 2010 DN5 for sale that would have a sitka top on it, and that would be the wood combo I am thinking of.

[egkor]

@Smitty,

Can you play it first, or would you have to order it & try it (w/ return policy)?

In general (and since my ears are tuned to Taylor tones) I would prefer a good DN5 vs. a Gibson Hummingbird, for example, unless the Hummingbird was a *really good* one.

If you could get the DN5, then use your return period to A/B it against other Mahog/Spruce dreads, then you would know for sure.

-Gary K
 

[Smitty]

I would have to order it, but Elderly's have a return policy.

It's very tempting. Even though it is "used", it appears in new condition.

[egkor]

You know too, if you order the guitar, receive it, inspect it, play it, and if it "speaks to you" then ...

Done! 

You might just bond with it right out of the box.

BTW I saw a Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) a few weeks ago w/ Jason Mraz.  He was playing a shiny new Taylor dread.  At the time I was guessing it was a DN5.  Here is a youtube link to it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA7WSUmj4Xk

Another data point:  Bob Taylor, in one of his videos, said that the "8" series and "5" series is what built the Taylor company.

I am always hunting for a GS5 (Mahog/Cedar), BTW. I took note of the dread JM was playing in JKL, I'm a fan of the 5 series as I really like that mahogany tone signature (loud, punchy, crisp).

-Gary K

[ataylor]

If you're looking at the DN5, might I suggest giving the DN3 some consideration as well? It's going to be very close in sound and feel at about half the price. You could grab a DN3 and a GS Mini and come in under the DN5 line! Something to think about...

[Black Beauty]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the info.

I am considering a mahogany guitar to go with my old 810, and I like the sound of the new D-18, but I like the playability of Taylor guitars.
Elderly's have a 2010 DN5 for sale that would have a sitka top on it, and that would be the wood combo I am thinking of.

Have you considered the D-28P? I prefer the playability of Martin's performance artist necks because they remain at the same width down the whole scale, whilst Taylors gradually get wider the further down you play. Depends on how big your hand is I guess but I've found that mine flies down the Martin fretboard.

[Smitty]

Thanks everyone...

I am considering a new style Martin D-18, mainly because of their new neck design, and I really like the sound of the new 18's as well. Nice, deep, and punchy... Perfect for the flatpick...
But I have to admit, I'm a Taylor fan.

I did consider a DN3, and am still keeping them in mind as I sort this out.
I just bought a GS mini mahogany about 3 weeks ago. That is great little guitar!!! I love the tone of the mahogany top.
I fitted a new Tusq saddle blank to raise the action, along with a nut extender, and am playing slide on it. Sound real cool!

[Black Beauty]

Thanks everyone...

I am considering a new style Martin D-18, mainly because of their new neck design, and I really like the sound of the new 18's as well. Nice, deep, and punchy... Perfect for the flatpick...
But I have to admit, I'm a Taylor fan.

I did consider a DN3, and am still keeping them in mind as I sort this out.
I just bought a GS mini mahogany about 3 weeks ago. That is great little guitar!!! I love the tone of the mahogany top.
I fitted a new Tusq saddle blank to raise the action, along with a nut extender, and am playing slide on it. Sound real cool!

Whoops, I did mean the D-18P in my post, not D-28P.

[ataylor]

Thanks everyone...

I am considering a new style Martin D-18, mainly because of their new neck design, and I really like the sound of the new 18's as well. Nice, deep, and punchy... Perfect for the flatpick...
But I have to admit, I'm a Taylor fan.

I did consider a DN3, and am still keeping them in mind as I sort this out.
I just bought a GS mini mahogany about 3 weeks ago. That is great little guitar!!! I love the tone of the mahogany top.
I fitted a new Tusq saddle blank to raise the action, along with a nut extender, and am playing slide on it. Sound real cool!

Good call on the D-18! I'm tempted by those as well. And you got the Mini covered already! Nice.