need dealer recommendation for a BTO

[darylcrisp]

i have something in my mind i want to run thru a dealer and see what it might cost-it correlates with my other post about the 2 1/4" saddle string spacing.

I want:

GA size, sitka top/EIR, no cutaway, no ES, rosewood binding with blk/white/blk purfling, heavy stripe ebony fretboard/bridge/headstock veneer, 1 7/8" nut width, 2 1/4" saddle string spacing(or 2 3/16" if thats all they will do), standard carve profile, probably standard scale-although shortscale is being considered as well. no fretboard inlay-side dots only.  maybe gotoh 510's

with GuitarRodeo out of the picture, i need to find someone who knows the ins and outs of the BTO program.
i only want referrals from a dealer you have used-not simply heard about.

i know of LA Guitars-looking for other recommendations also please.

anyone use Tobias for a BTO?
anyone use Fullers or Wilcutt?
how about Sweetwater?

thanks
d

[DennisG]

I think your best option is L.A. Guitar Sales.  They've really got the whole process down pat, and since they're so close to the factory, they often can hand-select wood.  I got my BTO through them and couldn't be happier.

[stepchildusmc]

i would second the LA guitars suggestion. i haven't dealt with Ted(yet) but i hear nothing but good things and his input on a lot of threads is always insightful leading me believe that he knows what it's about.

[darylcrisp]

and a dealer  can typically have taylor send out pictures of wood selection to the customer-correct?
d

[mikeguywest]

You might also want to check out Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad.

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/

[randymalone]

While there are a lot of great dealers, my only personal experience (which is what the OP asked for) has been with Tobias Music and Dave's Guitars.  I think Tobias is great to work with and also has a special relationship with Taylor, and my purchasing experience with them has been great.  The people at Dave's are also top notch.  Not a dig on any other dealer, of course. 

[PureTone]

Maybe this part needs to be in BOLD RED print, as it seems it's being overlooked.

... i only want referrals from a dealer you have used-not simply heard about.

i know of LA Guitars-looking for other recommendations also please...

Wildwood Music in Coshocton.
http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/taylor-guitars.html?locale=en_US&wppa-album=45&wppa-cover=0&wppa-occur=1
The $ range of the BTO you're looking at is within what they sell the most of (rather than the PS range ones).  Don and Marty are great folks to deal with.

You might also want to check out Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad.

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/acoustic-guitars/flattop-guitars/taylor-guitars
With 11 Taylors in stock ( 2 of them used), I doubt that the current staff has very much BTO experience.

I wouldn't expect to get pictures for a no upcharge EIRW set (or a nearly no upcharge AA Rosewood set) or fretboard/bridge (unless they were Macassar Ebony). If it were figured Rosewood (if they have it), Macassar Ebony, Cocobolo, or AA Koa, with figured wood binding, a request for pictures wouldn't be an unreasonable request.
BTW, have you considered LA ....

[Gutch]

Dave's Guitars - LaCrosse WI -- Have bought a couple from Dave's shop.  Top shelf organization
Tobias Music - Downers Grove IL -- Have not done business with them, but their reputation is great.
Wildwood Guitars - Louisville CO -- Have worked with Steve Mesple and his team a couple times over the years, including a killer Cocobolo/Engelmann GS.  Couldn't recommend higher
Buffalo Bros. - Carlsbad CA -- Under new ownership and definitely worth talking to about your needs.

[Drock2k1]

If I were going to do BTO...which I hope to again soon (come on Engelmann) I would start with Ted at LA  (which you already knew) who did my first BTO or Don and Marty at Wildwood. I have talked to them many times and they are absolutely phenomenal to talk to and work with.

There are tons of options though. Tobias in Illinois, Wilcut, or you may want to check with Randees Music. I don't know how they are with BTOs but their standard line pricing is amazing.

[Strumming Fool]

Martin Music, Memphis TN.

5 of my 6 GAs below came from there. Eric Martin is an absolute  pleasure to work with.

[darylcrisp]

Martin Music, Memphis TN.

5 of my 6 GAs below came from there. Eric Martin is an absolute  pleasure to work with.

i've watched your BTO's with fascination. I really like the aesthtics and organic nature you end up building-if i get close to this i may run my idea by you to see what you think-honest!

and yep, that was the shop i was trying to remember-they always seem to have some good stock inhouse.

thanks a bunch-and everyone else-thank you all
d

[Strumming Fool]

Martin Music, Memphis TN.

5 of my 6 GAs below came from there. Eric Martin is an absolute  pleasure to work with.

i've watched your BTO's with fascination. I really like the aesthtics and organic nature you end up building-if i get close to this i may run my idea by you to see what you think-honest!

and yep, that was the shop i was trying to remember-they always seem to have some good stock inhouse.

thanks a bunch-and everyone else-thank you all
d

Happy to assist, Daryl...have fun!

[mikeguywest]

Good point, PureTone! I'll learn to pay more attention one of these days I've seen some others who've done BTO's from Buffalo Bros and they were really nice looking, that's why I mentioned them, but no I haven't personally done business with them so I'm out of line - apologies.

[fmbstrummer]

Daryl, I have never commissioned a Taylor BTO.  I have owned a few Taylors.  Three guitars purchased from Buddy Roger's Music in Cincinnati.  Two were Taylors.  Not a forum member but a great representative of Taylor Guitars.  If I was interested in a BTO, I'd contact the owner, Dave Miller.  Dave has three Cincinnati retail stores and carry a good inventory of standard models, Ltds. and BTOs.  There are many first class Taylor representatives, many are sponsors here.  I am certain they're all good.  My experience has been with this dealer.

Enjoy the hunt!

FMB     

[JLed79]

I went through The Music Emporium(outside of Boston) at the recommendation of Nate Shivers at Taylor when I commissioned my BTO. Adam Dardeck specifically at Music Emporium. Couldn't have been happier.