Redesigned Taylors.?

[BloodRose]

I made the mistake of stopping by a guitar store my last trip to Jax.. They had a good selection of different Taylors models and even better for me, several CEs in the different ranges. I have a 1999 814 CE and was curious to play the new Andy Powers tweaked ones. Was really hoping it was just hype, cuz I sure cant afford a new one.

But.... OMG.... I love the way Taylors play, but have been tempted by Martins and Gibsons because of the deeper low end. The new ones (at least to my ear) have a much better low end, a warmer tone over all and of course, still a joy to play.. I loved all the diff ones I played. 814, 500 series. and a couple others.

Anyone else tried the new ones?

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Redesigned Taylors.?

I have a 2002 Taylor 710 CE with the Fishman Matrix Blend preamp system. It is a transitional model, before they came up with their ES. In many ways, it is one of the best made guitars I own, among my Martins, Gibsons, G&Ls, Taks, Ibby's, et.al. But honestly, it has been a disappointment tonally. A Custom Shop cocobolo/sitka 710-CE I bought had a DOA ES, and after several go arounds with Taylor (they would/could not fix it) the guys at Guitar Center graciously refunded my money. Acoustically it sounded great, but the horrible ES and even worse customer service from Taylor left me with a real sour taste.

So I've bought Martins, and I have been very happy with them. My HD-28 E and D-18 E Retros with the Fishman Aura + have the best plugged-in tone I've ever heard, and acoustically...well, they're Martins. The mahogany D-18 just KILLS the rosewood 710, and my other D-28s and D-35s take it to an entirely different level. They are top of the line instruments, and they sound like it.

And one other issue I have with Taylor is that they do not hold their value well. Due in part I think, to their constant revisions. I've been thinking about selling mine, but with it so difficult to get my money out of it, I might as well hang onto it.

Taylor is having an event near me soon, and I may go look, but I'm a bit leery.

Considering what they go for, I'd very carefully weigh all your other options.

Good luck!

Bill

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Redesigned Taylors.?

Yesterday i played a huge selection of Taylors, american and mexican made. i compared them to my 1997 612. i always loved taylor necks, they are the big buying point for me. in this selection i loved the mexican necks better, they are more consistent now because CNC made with a lower amount of hand shaping. The big thing is the very small taper, which gets the same feeling up till the 9th fret. i think the usa made one can hold their value better.
Cant tell anything about the pickup system, because my 1997 is acoustic version. I think the current system is called evo2?