Author Topic: NGD 150e  (Read 6034 times)

Guitarsan

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NGD 150e
« on: August 01, 2014, 01:30:29 PM »
As Taylor says "An acoustic 12-string lingers on the wish list of many a guitar lover, but its tendency to play more of a secondary role might make it hard to justify the investment in a high-end solid wood model. If you’ve ever compromised and bought an inexpensive 12-string, you’ve probably paid the price in other ways, namely a sub-par playing experience. That’s where our new 12-string Dreadnought 150e comes in. We think it’s the best 12-string you’ll find for the money in terms of playability and tone."

Well, that's me. For the past, oh, 34 years. Ever since the guy in college who taught me to play had as his main guitar a 12 string acoustic, I've wanted one. Owned a number of acoustics and electrics along the way (and still do), but never pulled the trigger...until now.

So it arrived today, after spying it online at Wildwood Guitars. Once I saw the bookmarked bearclaw markings, it was love at first sight. I always try to have something unique about all of my guitars. Out of the normal production model in some way. I've played the 150e at a store already, and have "shopped" them online. But I noticed because I'm sure the price point the spruce tops are quite plain and the stain a bit on the pale side. Anyway, like I said, I'm thrilled with it, having verified it looks as great in person!

Just as a tease, only have time to upload this now, but will upload some other photos by this weekend. Probably gonna be playing it in my spare time until then.  ::)

« Last Edit: August 01, 2014, 01:36:28 PM by Guitarsan »
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

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TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2014, 01:54:27 PM »
Congrats.....staying "tuned" for more pics.  :)
Susie
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mgap

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2014, 02:16:56 PM »
That is looking good Guitarsan.
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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2014, 12:35:07 PM »
OK, here's a couple of the original online photos, which I think capture the bookmark bearclaw the best, plus a quick one I took. Really happy with it so far. I strummed it pretty hard for about an hour and a half straight and it definitely got a bit louder and better harmonic content and I'm sure it will continue to open up for a bit as I play it. Happy with the tone, especially for the price. Very nice construction, super easy to play (for a 12 string) and I couldn't find a single flaw. (Was a bit concerned by the slight bowing on the sapele back until I read in the fine print this is intentional for strengthening the back.) About the only change I'm contemplating is Tusq bridge pins with the white dots for a bit of flair and possibly help a bit with sustain and resonance. (While the nut and saddle are Tusq, the bridge pins look to be plastic) Longer term, we'll see how often I end up changing strings on this. It's tempting to install locking tuners when you sit there staring at 12 of them.  :o







« Last Edit: August 02, 2014, 12:40:00 PM by Guitarsan »
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

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TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2014, 02:30:18 PM »
She's pretty sharp looking. I'm glad you got yours. I'm going to keep looking forward to mine. So, does it fit the bill for you?
Susie
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Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

ataylor

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2014, 02:47:45 PM »
Nice! The simple appointments on these plus the black pickguard and the 12-string headstock give a really nice vintage vibe. I need to try one out.
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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2014, 07:44:10 PM »
She's pretty sharp looking. I'm glad you got yours. I'm going to keep looking forward to mine. So, does it fit the bill for you?

It does, totally! I've always coveted a 12 string, but just couldn't "justify" it until now. I have 3 electric guitars and my main acoustic (814ce) looks like this:



This 150e is just a tremendous value, given the competition in the price point, new and old. Hope you enjoy yours when you get it!
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

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TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2014, 09:42:31 PM »
Cool. I'm happy that it is everything you wanted. I think it's going to he a good fit for me too. Enjoy the heck out of it.
Susie
Taylors: 914 ● K24ce ● 414 ● GSMeK+ ● BT-K
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Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2014, 09:43:56 PM »
Oh, beautiful 814ce too! ;)
Susie
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Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

JimW

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2014, 09:46:38 PM »
I love having a 12 string! Congrats on yours. Enjoy!
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CodeBlueEMT

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2014, 01:04:07 AM »
 Congrats. Great looking bearclaw on top. You could upgrade with Gotoh Mini 510 tuners. :)
Shayne

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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #11 on: August 04, 2014, 07:53:43 AM »
Congrats. Great looking bearclaw on top. You could upgrade with Gotoh Mini 510 tuners. :)

Thanks! The photos don't really do the bearclaw complete justice. In person they're much more 3D in appearance, so they look less like a defect and more like an attractive artifact.

Those tuners look really nice, but I'll likely go with Grover 406C mini locking tuners http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/406C, which are half the price and appear to be lighter. (When there's 12 of them, it'll make a difference) They also seem very highly rated as well.
« Last Edit: August 04, 2014, 07:55:16 AM by Guitarsan »
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

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Guitarsan

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2014, 09:53:08 PM »
Well, I got the Tusq bridge pins today. Confirmed the stock pins are plastic. Did the ole drop test on them and they just went...clunk. Then I dropped one of the Tusq pins and it was almost like listening to a penny bounce. Quite a difference. They actually ring.

So, just finished installing them. Most noticeable is an increase in sustain. Behind that, a less noticeable but still an improvement in "sensitivity" or dynamic range. Sliding my fingers along the strings while playing I could hear the finger slides - they were more pronounced. Negligible change in "tone" per se, beyond the sonic effects of the above. I'm happy, and they look a bit fancier than the plain black pins with a small white dot in them.
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

2021 Taylor 914ce LTD Sinker Redwood/EIR
2016 Taylor GS Mini-e Flamed Koa

TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2014, 10:04:47 PM »
Where did you get them?

Also, does that gigbag have the neck support like the GS Mini hard bags?
Susie
Taylors: 914 ● K24ce ● 414 ● GSMeK+ ● BT-K
Ponos: ABD-6C Master Series (Cedar/Acacia) ● MGBD-6 Deluxe (Mango)

Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

Guitarsan

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Re: NGD 150e
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2014, 11:20:38 PM »
Got them on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006ZXG0A (two sets)

Unfortunately, no neck support in this bag.
"The guitar is the perfect drug because when you play it you're in no pain, and when you put it down, there's no hangover." Paul Reed Smith

2021 Taylor 914ce LTD Sinker Redwood/EIR
2016 Taylor GS Mini-e Flamed Koa