Got a question about options for a Taylor I'm considering.

[BilbotheGuitarist]

What do you guys think about putting a cedar top on a 518e? What I'm looking for is a nice fingerstyle guitar with a somewhat stronger bass that doesn't overpower a set of relatively clear, sparkly mids. I'm less distinguishing about the highs. Do you guys think this combination would be good for that? I tend to like larger body styles, so the versatility of a GO seems to suit what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance

[cigarfan]

Cedar and Mahogany on a GO sounds awesome to me. I would think that combo would fit that style of play perfectly.

And OBTW, welcome to the forum. Make yourself at home!   

[BilbotheGuitarist]

Thanks for the input! That's great to hear.

[mikeguywest]

Sounds good to me, too. The new bracing on the GO's should give some good volume even with finger style.

[andyi5]

I think it's be great. I recently played the 416ce ltd (tasmanian blackwood and cedar) and was amazed at the warmth. Cedar and mahogany was available across the 5 series before, so I wonder if it'll find it's way onto the GO's? Right now it seems to be cedar on the 12's and 14's, spruce on the 16's and 18's.

[BilbotheGuitarist]

I had the question because I was browsing the Taylor website at this link: http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/518e
, and if you scroll down a bit you should see something that says "Taylor 518e Options". One of the options is the aforementioned Western Red Cedar, so I was thinking I could just contact them and choose to have the guitar made with the options that they provide. Is this correct?

[oatordeal]

if i'm not mistaken, it's called the modify-a-model type of order. wherein certain models will have different options on tops, finishes, short or standard scale necks etc. welcome to the forum and keep on playing! 

[BilbotheGuitarist]

Ok, thanks!

[maritimer]

Cedar topped Taylors are my favorite.   I have 2 GA's, one cedar over macassar and the other cedar over blackwood.  The warmth and edge that is imparted to the sound are mesmerizing!  I had a cedar over mahogany GS in short scale and mistakingly sold that. 

Good luck!

[GSMC Bob]

I think Taylor does a great job with Cedar tops.  I own/have owned Cedar over Rosewood (GA), Mahogany (GS), and (my favorite) Walnut (GC, GA, GS).  Cedar-topped Taylors never seem to get too muddy or squishy - just nice and warm with lots of overtones, but still a bit of sparkle.  Taylor's "Modify-a-Model" program is now just referred to as "Standard Model Options".  It's a great way to take a standard guitar model and makes some minor changes (top swaps, scale length, nut width, finish, tuners...etc.) at a reasonable cost.  It is how I got my short scale 814c with a tobacco burst and no pickguard as well as my short scale 714ce with bone nut/saddle, clear pickguard, and Gotoh tuners.  It's easier than going full BTO and less expensive for the same specs usually. 

I would recommend playing both a GS and a GO.  Cedar-topped GS's are wonderful for fingerstyle and do well with light gauge strings.  It's a pretty big body and a full-sounding guitar with lots of bottom but no mid scoop - very tonally balanced high to low.  I haven't tried a GO yet, but would like to.... although I suspect it might be too big for me.  It's hard to go wrong with with a Mahogany/Cedar Taylor!  Keep us posted on what you decide.

By the way, you don't contact Taylor directly to have a guitar built.  You have to work with an authorized Taylor dealer to place your order.

[PTC Bernie]

One of my. Breedlove's is cedar over walnut. You may want to consider that combination as well. Very warm sound and great clarity

[egkor]

One of my favorite Taylor models is the GS5. Mahogany w/ Cedar top. Wow! Just love the warmth and overall tone. Will own one someday.

-Gary K

[TaylorGirl]

Go for it! I love my cedar/hog 512ce. Yes, those options are there for you to modify a standard model. You are limited to the changes/options they offer for that series.  Good luck and have fun.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

It will be an amazing guitar! If I would make one suggestion it would be to order it with Adirondack braces. The Adi will provide added punch and head room without sacrificing any response.

[Strumming Fool]

Although I'm not a fan of the GO, I do like cedar tops on somewhat larger guitars. I've played some Lowden Os with that wood combo and they were truly sublime. My cedar/walnut GA is still my favorite guitar- amazing volume, bass, clarity and brilliance - it's got it all!