Conference napalm::guitar

    
    I was just discussing acoustic guitars with Jimmy at Mr. C's Music
    the other day. He says that at the summer N.A.M.M. show, the Taylor
    guitars stole the show. He claims the model that everyone is drooling
    over has a shallow body, a cutaway, and a slim neck with extremely
    low action. This basic guitar can be had for about $1600, but the
    top-of-the-line version of the same instrument is priced around
    $3600. This includes all the fancy abalone inlays and other fancy
    ornamantation. He contends that while this may seem like a ridiculous
    price to pay for an acoustic guitar, everyone that has tried playing
    it has come away convinced that they want one and that the price
    is justifiable. His son is currently saving his pennys for one.
    When asked about the Dan Crary model, his response was that, while
    it is a fine guitar, it is really no better or worse than an off-
    the shelf Martin. 
    
    From what I understand Taylors start around $900 and go up from
    there. This puts them pretty much in the same pricerange as the
    Martins. While Martin pretty much sticks with their heritage of
    making traditional instruments, taylor is staking their claim by
    refining the traditional designs into an instrument that appeals
    to the modern guitarists. Their biggest claim to fame is their
    necks. 
    
    I guess the only way to judge is to go try out a few. McDuff's music
    in Shrewsbury is also raving about the Taylors, and supposedly have
    at least one or more in stock. You should check with them and demo
    one if you are in the Central Mass area. It seems to me, however,
    that this is not the type of guitar that one buys off the rack.
    It is pretty much intended to be a custom-order instrument. Of course
    we are talking about spending considerably more for a custom order
    instrument.
    
    Mark Jacques
    
    

    Ref: .1
    
    What about a model number for the guitar everyone was drooling over
    at N.A.M.M.?
    
    I have a Taylor catalog from early this year that I will enter below.
    Is it one of these or a new model?  Maybe it's an 812 (grand concert)
    with cutaway option ($1365 base + $200 cutaway option)?
    
    (reprinted without permission and with some reformatting)
    
    Taylor Guitar Prices, effective November 1, 1987

    THE 500 SERIES - Mahogany Guitars
    THE 600 SERIES - Maple Guitars
    The 700 SERIES - Rosewood Guitars
    The 800 SERIES - Deluxe Rosewood Guitars
    The 900 SERIES - Deluxe Maple or Rosewood Guitars
    
    Dreadnought 6-string   510-$933  610-$1022 710-$1091 810-$1316 910-$1884
    Grand Concert 6-string 512-$970  612-$1063 712-$1141 812-$1365 912-$1959
    Jumbo 6-string                   615-$1105           815-$1444 915-$2015
    Dreadnought 12-string  550-$1061           750-$1222 850-$1501
    Jumbo 12-string        555-$1168 655-$1281           855-$1576 955-$2146

    DCSM  Dan Crary Signature Model           $1500
    K-20  Deluxe Koa Dreadnought 6-string     $1502
    K-22  Deluxe Koa Grand Concert 6-string   $1562
    A-10  Colorful Maple Dreadnought 6-string $1785
    A-15  Colorful Maple Jumbo 6-string       $1856
    
    Cases are extra at around $140.
    
    Options include cutaway, left-handed, wide neck, stained finish,
    sunburst finish, Lloyd Baggs saddle pickup, Bartolini Preamp, and
    a variety of options to get the ornamentation of the more expensive
    models applied to the cheaper models (900 series inlays, etc.)

    The full catalog can be requested from:
    
             Taylor-Listug, Inc.
             9353 Abraham Way
             Santee, CA 92071
    
    I guess I should send for a new one and ask them about N.A.M.M.
    
    Bob

    I am not sure which model was referred to by Jimmy. My guess would
    be it was the K22 Grand Concert Koa. I know for sure, it was not
    jumbo size, in fact, it looked rather small, and comfy to hold,
    and had a vine inlay running up the neck. Jimmy showed me an ad
    in an older issue of Frets (I am not sure if it was an ad for
    Taylor guitars, or strings, or possibly instruction) but the 
    guitar was pictured in the ad. I looked for it last night, but
    couldn't find it. If I run across it, I'll let you know in another
    reply.
    
    You mentioned the optional Lloyd Baggs pickup and Bartolini preamp
    in your last reply. I have heard of the Baggs pickup, but have never
    seen one, or heard any details about them. The Bartolini preamp
    is totally new to me. Where can I find info on this pickup and
    preamp ? Is it the kind of thing that could be installed into any
    acoustic ? Is the preamp especially designed for acoustic ? I have
    looked through back issues of GP for any info on the Baggs pickup
    but haven't found anything. Where can I find an article, ad, etc.
    on this pickup ? what type of pickup is this, single element piezo,
    tape transducer, multi-element piezo, etc  ????
                                              
    The reason I ask is that I have tried numerous pickups in my acoustic,
    but I haven't been satisfied with any of them to date. I found out
    that you can buy an OP-24 pickup and preamp from Ovations and install
    it into any guitar you want, however it is quite expensive (~$350
    including installation). Also, I am not too willing to cut a hole
    in the side of my guitar for the preamp, anyways.
    
    I would appreciate any info that anyone can offer on the Baggs system.
    If I run across the Taylor ad, I'll let you know.
    
    'nuff for now
    Mark Jacques
    

    Attention All Pickers...(Guitar that is...) I have been the proud
    owner of a Taylor Dan Crary Signature Model for about 8 months,
    and after owning a Martin HD-35 for 4 years I can assure you that
    a Martin should not even be compared to a Taylor unless we are hung
    up on status symbols or just wish to pay substantially more money
    for a sound that is unique to Martin guitars. (Notice I said unique,
    not better or worse.) I purchased my Taylor through Rice Music Co.
    in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He usually has 4-6 models in the
    store at any given time ranging from the 510 to the 812. A friend
    of mine who plays locally has ordered a custom 912 but he is getting
    the Baggs pickup installed by a luthier in Boulder,Co. I think this
    has something to do with the warranty of the pickup because Taylor
    use to install them at the factory. This is just a brief excerpt
    in defense of Taylor guitars. I will add more to this note file
    Monday because I'm getting ready to enjoy a long week-end in Durango,
    Colorado. So stay tuned and I will fill you in on the outstanding
    service Taylor provides after the purchase.
    
    Later,
    Joel McKenzie

    As you can see, most people have high reagard for Taylor.  I am
    an old (25+ years) Martin fan and own three of them at the moment,
    and have owned more than 20 over the years.  You mentioned someone
    who said "Taylors play like butter".  That must have come from Stan
    Jay, the owner of The Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island, New York.
    He happens to be an old friend of mine and whenever I am on the
    East Coast, I try to stop in and see him - and the shop.  He owns
    the nicest and most comfortable guitar shop I've ever been in. 
    At any rate, I was in Bedford for a two week training class last
    March (I live in Denver) and I went down to New Yorkon the weekend
    to stay with Stan and his family.  I spent Saturday afternoon at
    the shop.  He had about 20 Taylors in stock on the floor.  He is
    now the largest Taylor dealer in the world and last year he sold
    more Taylors than Martins for the first time.  Bob Taylor even made
    him guitar and GAVE it to him for his efforts.
    
    Well, I am very impressed with the Taylors I have played.  They
    are, as was cited, making a name for themselves by extending the
    traditions Martin established.  They use top quality materials,
    give you lots of choices in models and features, and their craftmanship
    is first class.  They have models like the Dan Crary that are intended
    for flatpickers, but the model Stan was given was the smaller model
    that is really a fingerpickers guitar.  It can be had in a number
    of trim levels - Stan's is Indian rosewood and spruce, with a very
    nice wood trim.  It was strung with light guage strings and it does
    play like butter.  The action is better than almost any but the
    new Martins. (Martin is really worried about Taylor.  Taylor is
    the company that has "forced" Martin to begin offering adjustable
    truss rods in their necks, as well as low profile necks and scalloped
    bracing.)
    
    My best recommendation is to check them out.  It may well be worth
    trip to the Mandolin Brothers to see the entire line.  They sell
    like crazy.  But be careful.  If you take your checkbook or credit
    cards, you may spend large sums of money!
    
    One last note: Stan also carries Santa Cruz guitars, also made in
    California.  They tend to be more "traditional" but they are as
    good or better than Taylor or Martin.  In fact, I played a SCGC
    OM while at Stan's.  Very plain, but with some of the most gorgeous
    Brazilian rosewood I have ever seen.  This guitar was easily the
    equal of any (and I mean ANY) Martin OM I have ever played, including
    1929-32 models.  A killer at $1900.  If I hadn't already owned a
    Martin OM-45, I would have bought this baby.
    
    Paul Malkoski
    

    I have a Taylor catalog that is about to be 86ed.  If anyone wants it,
    reply here and it is yours.
    
    Mike

    
    I'll take it Mike, I love drooling over catalogs.
    
    Thanks,
    Bob           CFO2-2/F53

    Taylor just moved from Santee CA to El Cajon, 
    both suburbs of San Diego.
    
    619-258-1207
    \Gary

    
    I've been test-driving acoustics lately, and have pretty much decided
    to go with the low-end Taylor (Model 410). Can someone clue me in to
    any other Taylor dealers in New England (I know about the Minor Chord
    in Acton, MA). I'm looking for a place that might have more than
    one of each model, and it being in New Hampshire (no sales tax) 
    would be a bonus.
    
    Rodney

        Ted Herbert's,  Elm  St., Manchester has some Taylor's in stock
        as of Saturday last...
        
        Andy
        

	. . . and the Guitar Warehouse in Portsmouth is a Taylor dealer
	too.

    
    	The place in Jaffery NH carries them. String shop but it's name
    is hiding on me at the moment.  FWIW, they carried list on their
    stickers, don't know about haggling.
    
    	bob

    <The place in Jaffery NH carries them. String shop but it's name>
    <is hiding on me at the moment.  FWIW, they carried list on their>
    
    You're talking about Fiddler's Choice.
    
    Charlie

    
    re .13 - you're correct, thx charlie. 

    Thanks to all for the lists. I ended up going to Ted Herbert's in
    Manchester (15 minutes from my house) and got a Model 510 for $900.
    
    Nice, nice guitar. Always wanted to have a guitar that would inspire me
    to play it. It ain't top o' the line, but it's the best (and most
    expensive!) guitar *I've* ever owned.  Even my wife noticed th
    difference ("It sounds so much fuller than your old guitar [a Guild
    D35]").
    
    Count me as another happy Taylor owner.
    
    
    	Rodney

    Hi Rodney,
    
    Congratulations! I played one of those at MacDuff's in Shrewsbury 
    and it was very, very nice. If I ever replace my beat up old
    Yamaha acoustic I would definitely look at a Taylor.
    
    Bob

    I played the one at Mac Duff's too. Killer guitar! Now, how can
    I rationalize selling some stock to my wife?
    
    - Dave

>    I played the one at Mac Duff's too. Killer guitar! Now, how can
>    I rationalize selling some stock to my wife?

Depends - is she paying higher than market rate?

    
    Does anyone have the current retail price list for Taylor?
    
        I've been looking at the model 510 recently, and I'd like to
    know what's a fair price for one. Can Taylors be had at the usual
    40% off list? The "Minor Chord" in Acton MA has one with the
    hardcase for $1200. This seems a little high. I plan on visiting
    some of the other Taylor dealers in the NH/Mass area.
    
    -Jeff
                                                   

    Just for comparison, the Mandolin Bros. catalog lists a couple of
    *used* Taylor 510s for about $1000.
    
    Still seems high for a mahogany guitar, but they're supposed to be
    nice guitars.

    Wow, used 510's for a grand? I bought mine two years ago (almost to the
    day) for $900 in Manchester, NH. I've been thinking of trading it in or
    selling it to get a 710 - I've always wanted to have a rosewood guitar.
    Nice to know I can probably at least get back what I paid for the 510.
    
    Rodney
    

    Anyone know of some mail order houses that carry Taylors?
    
    thanks,
    Mike

    I think Elderly and Mandolin Bros. both have Taylors. 
    
    Dave
    

    I played a 912C and a K12C at lunch today.  Loved them both!  The
    difference between them basically is that the K12C has Koa back and
    sides and less elaborate inlays.  I actually thought the K12C sounded
    better - more rich, better bottom.  It's also $1K cheaper than the
    912C.
    
    They both use Fishman pickups, solid spruce tops, gold hardware, pearl
    inlays, ebony fingerboards, mahogany necks... NICE!
    
    Mike

    Well since a few are interested in my new Taylor...
    
    The 912C is a very nice guitar, but the small body and bright sound
    didn't appeal to me.  I went back to the store where I fell in love
    with the K12C (Koa wood) and noticed that they just got some x14C
    series guitars in.  The owner told me he can't keep them in stock so I
    thought I'd try one out.  This dealer is having a Taylor clinic tonight
    with some special performer and they don't have any 514C's in stock for
    the show! ;-)
    
    The 514C caught my eye right away.  The wood grains and detail are
    beautiful.  It appears they basically merged some of the features of the 
    x12C series with their dreadnaughts.  Bigger dreadnaught body with the 
    attractive details and playability of the x12C's.  The brightness and 
    lack of depth of the 912C was one of the disappointments for me.  The Koa 
    (K12C) addressed part of this since it was much more richer in sound than 
    the spruce top 912C.  I think the 514C beats them both handily.
    
    As I said in the gear topic, it's a 6-string cutaway.  rosewood 
    fingerboard with inlays that are a cluster of 4 small diamonds.
    Mahogany back & sides with a cedar top (even smells good like a cedar
    chest ;-)).  Mother of pearl inlays around the soundhole and a dark 
    tortoise shell binding (like the Fender picks but nicer) around the body 
    seams and neck.  Their cases are exceptional too.  The craftsmanship is 
    awesome down to the last detail.  No imperfections or glue markings 
    anywhere from what I could see.  It stole my heart ;-)
    
    From the first chord, I couldn't believe how rich it sounded.  If you
    banged out a chord or played a scale, the clarity was still there.  With 
    the Fishman pickup I had installed, it doesn't lose a single thing thru am
    amp either.  Some of the Olson's that I inquired about were made of the
    same woods.  I even think one of Keaggy's has a cedar top too. Thinking 
    about his tones, this guitar seemed very similar to me.  I don't know 
    a whole lot about woods and tones, but this Taylor has lots of warmth 
    and clarity.
    
    If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
    
    Mike