Road show tips?

[thomasabowden]

I've never been to a Taylor road show, but I see several coming up within driving distance this month. Any tips on what to expect if I decide to make the trip? I'm wondering whether there's a set program/performance, sales pitch, opportunity to try new guitars, personal consultation on questions, etc. Do people bring their guitars to be looked at/played by the Taylor pros?

[BobSol]

I've been to one about eighteen months ago here in the UK. The Taylor guys bring along all the latest models and give a presentation to demonstrate different tonewoods, shapes and sizes. I guess the new T5Z will be put through its paces on the electronics front and the Taylor guys are very impressive players. After that they usually allow a "try for size" session which unless it's seriously well attended is a lot of fun. Go along, you won't regret it, just leave your wallet at home. 

[TaylorGirl]

A great experience. The Taylor folks bring lots of guitars and spend time explaining the various woods, shapes and features. They do demonstrations for you and answer any and all questions. They even give away prizes! They then let you "have at it" and play whichever ones interest you. Like BobSol said, you might want to leave your wallet at home, because it's pretty darn tempting. Lots of beautiful Taylors, good information and fun.

[rolleiguy54]

If you even think you may be buying a guitar go an hour early.

They bring many one off customs and the store usually makes down their current stock.

If you find something you like and want to buy do it. I waited on one I wanted and it was sold minutes later.

Taylor used to restring and look over you guitars but that stopped a few years ago.

have fun.

[mgap]

Re: 

Like BobSol said, you might want to leave your wallet at home

  I went to a Road Show and I knew I would be picking up a FLTD that night.  They were offering special discounts, which I did not expect and so I saved some money because the Road Show special.  Just some food for thought.  I brought my wife with me and she got free strings, I got Taylor embossed sound hole(sitka) coasters.  They were also handing out t-shirts, Taylor had a drawing (at a later date)for a guitar you could enter for.

[Christhee68]

I’ve been to several. They always demo the guitars and talk about the latest features, etc. There’s also a Q&A session and a “petting zoo” where they let you play all the guitars. They also have a raffle/drawing where they hand out prizes like t-shirts, coasters, picks, strings. Depending on turnout, almost everyone wins a prize of some sort.

[ronmcc4]

Here's another question about these events:  Do you need to RSVP or can you just show up?  I may get to go to one in Horseheads, NY next week as I'll be working about 2 hours away. But - I won't know if I'll be able to make it till the last minute.

[Edward]

The RSVP is really just for the store to get an idea of attendance; it's not mandatory.

The several I've been to were all great.  Some were pretty crowded, others sparsely attended; it's a roll of the dice.  The talent they bring has always been stellar, which is always great (at times jaw-dropping) to witness up close (get there early-ish to get a front seat).  There is certainly a degree of "salesmanship" but that's really more a function of the store host, so the "deal" and attittude will again vary, but I've not yet found one that was by any means pushy.  Go in open-minded and relaxed and you'll have a great time!

Edward

[ronmcc4]

Thanks for the info Edward. I'm hoping I can make the trip.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

If you can get to one that is not too crowded that is best, and if there are several in the area the first one scheduled will most likely have better stock.  It's fun, get there early while they're setting up and you'll get an advance preview the petting zoo can be wild if there's lots of people.

I like to hear the sound differences between all the guitars and they usually have a performer there give a mini concert highlighting the guitars.

You'll probably walk away with a t-shirt or strings and even more GAS than ever!  Have fun!

[thomasabowden]

Thanks everyone for the info! I have a lot better idea now of what to expect. I've signed up on the Taylor website, printed my raffle ticket, and have the date marked on my calendar. If any forum members are attending (Catonsville MD), hope I run into you!

[timfitz63]

I've never made it to one yet either, but will try to catch one at Strait Music in Austin, TX on Wednesday.  I just never seem to be in the right place at the right time to attend one, though... 

If you see the blue '89 Firebird in the parking lot, you'll know I'm there...!  Say "Hi!"

[GratefulHead]

As many have already stated, especially if you're thinking of making a purchase, go a little early. & Even if you're not in the market, it's wel worth attending.
Went to a Road Show at a recently opened store here in town earlier this year & came home with my first Taylor, a 214 ce sunburst.
I had been looking at several options in the weeks leading up to the show, but the Roadshow (along with some "one night only" pricing) made it a no-brainer to go with the Taylor.
  I couldn't be happier with my decision.

[timfitz63]

Well, as it turns out, I never did make it to the Road Show at Strait Music...   Just couldn't get out of Lorena until ~7 PM (i.e., the start time of the event) -- and Austin is about a 1.5-hour drive from there...  *SIGH* Maybe some other time...

[Earl]

Tim, you gotta rethink your priorities, man.