I played several Taylor guitars in different places. They are not my cup of tea. I perfer the deep, full, round and muture sounds like Martin, Yamaha, and off course Larry etc. I played unplugged Taylors. Maybe Taylor sounds great when plugging in. I do appreciate their looks which are beautiful.
Just personal opinion, no intention to offend any Taylor fans here.

Why do you like and dislike Taylor?  :welcome:

I feel that Taylors attention to detail and consistency in their builds, pushed the other larger manufacturers to up the ante, and the we are all the beneficiaries of much better guitars today thanks to Bob Taylor. They have truly mastered the art of mass produced guitars. That said, I'm personally not a fan of the 'Taylor Sound. I find them too bright and lacking the warm that I prefer from a guitar.

I did own a Fall Limited Edition Taylor for a brief period, with Walnut B&S and a Sitka top. The Walnut actually warmed up the tone considerably and in retrospect, I wish I could have kept that guitar. Then again, I just love guitars, period, so in a perfect world I'd still own my Webber, Collings, Breedlove & Taylor :winkin:

~ Ray ~

I like Taylors.

Taylor glossies are eye-candy. Their matte/satin finish 100-400 series are good gits too.  I still like their expression system.

They do tend to be on the bright side - sound-wise. My Koa is bright compared to the warm sound of my FG III LSV-03R.


That said...

Knowing what I know now and having experienced other acoustic guitars, my default choice for the finest acoustic guitars and best bang for the buck will have to go to what BenF fondly refers to as the "lowly 03 series" Larrivee.

I was at GuitarWorks in Calgary because I wanted to hear and see the Spring Ltd Taylors - Tasmanian Blackwood
400 series will all gloss b&s (must be their ploy to entice GASers like me during this tough economic times - made me look). Great looking guitars complete with ES; sounds pretty decent too. However, if I had the money that day, I would have likely walked out with an OM-03 hog or sapele / spruce with the Baggs pickup.



I wonder if you have tried playing other tonewoods in the Taylor line - or do they just all tend to be "bright" sounding?

Could it be that the Elixirs they use lend to the brightness?

ricky

Hi Ricky, I'm from Calgary too. I played Taylor on 16th Ave. Guitar Works. Now the shop is also selling Core Clark though.
:cheers

 Can't say I don't - I have to agree with Ray, in that Taylor is with no doubt the yardstick for mass-produced guitars, and that Bob's methods and standards lead the way naturally in the industry. His approach in general and specifically towards responsible harvesting of timber and conservation is commendable. He is as far as I'm concerned the leader in bolted necks-technology, and in the development and successful application of the UV-cured polyester finishing on guitars. It is also known that he has the best grade woods (like JCL), and that he uses them on his guitars.
I have played a couple of nice Taylors, and would personally love to own a 514 with ES. I've yet to experience a Cedar topped Hog guitar that has the same warmth, responsiveness and ability to cut through any mix like that guitar. The Doyle Dykes signature model is also worth mentioning as pretty much the complete (gigging) finger style guitar for me.  :+1:

I have yet to try the custom R Taylor models, which I believe are stunning guitars.

   The one thing about Taylors that I personally don't like, but some find to their liking, is the bright sound of most. This has been their one selling point for their under $5000 guitars for years. You either like the brightness, or you don't. I find that a nice balanced Larrivee, which is what they're known for, can also produce some bright sounds @ the same time also, depending where you play on the guitar. Larrivees are known for their balanced sound coming from the special bracing that Jean developed & is now his "signature sound" on most of his series. I have had 2 GS8's, both beautiful guitars & more balanced than most of the other series. As I've said before, since I have an L-10 & find the GS series to be a ripoff of the L body & probably developed just for that reason, I didn't feel the need to keep them. Had 2 because I just had that "stigma" in my head about the L body & was trying to like them too much (the GS's). And just because you get alot of bang for your buck, esp. in the -03 series, doesn't make Larrivees any more inferior to Taylors costing the same. You just get a better sounding & playing guitar in that price range. Doesn't bother me! :bgrin:
   Taylors attention to detail & build quality can sometimes surpass Larrivees, but I just have found Larrivees to be the most balanced, best sounding, & most consitant guitars out there. I have owned many acoustics, some that are now in the $5000+ range, but still find Larrivees a better buy. My Baden is made by a former CEO of Taylor, leaving & taking his 13+ yrs. of knowledge & starting his own company. I find them more balanced & better sounding than Taylors, except for those "special" ones you can find. The Badens are a true work of art & simplicity & will soon increase in value as they become more well known. Keep an eye on those. Mr. Baden is no fool & took all of his knowledge (from Taylor) & produces low-bling, if any, guitars that sound great. Sure, some of the fancy Taylors are nice eye-candy, but I'd rather play a great guitar alot than have a great one that looks nice but doesn't sound as good as it looks. Know what I'm trying to say?
   Bottom line is you have fans of Taylors, fans of Gibsons, Larrivees, SCGC, etc., so it's just personal preference & how happy you are with your playing experience. I love Larrivees, have from my first one (got the old "never heard of these" back in '93 & beyond) & will always love mine. Also love my Baden A style, just a different guitar that helps break up my playing of all of my Larrivees. Plus, it fits certain things I play well. Go to California & ask this question. You'll find a higher positive response % than normal. Why, because they've had a following for years there & always will. That's where they're made. Same with Larrivees in Canada, where almost everyone has heard of them. Alot in the U.S. haven't & those that have, never played one. If they did, they would probably be a member of the forum? :thumb
     Jeff   :guitar

A couple of years ago I began shopping for my first steel string guitar in about 20 years.
I had tried steel but eventually ended up playing nylon. That was the only guitar I had all that time.

I did a lot of research on the internet, read a lot of reviews and comments, on many of the famous brands.
For price range and value I ended up deciding on a Tayor or a Larrivee.
After playing them and comparing, I bought a Larrivee L-03R.

The only Taylor that I liked almost as much as the Larrivee cost more than twice what the L-03R was.
...it was a no- brainer.

I don't like the less expensive Taylors at all. They are very treble focused.
If you amped one and played in a group they might work well - you could leave the bass notes to the bass player.
...and you could play some lead melody on your Taylor.

But I play solo and all finger style - so balance is very important to me, and I don't care for guitars that are 'too' bright.
I now own a Larrivee SD-50 - that has a wide 1 7/8 neck. It comes that way standard.
I could only get a 1 7/8 neck from Taylor if I special ordered it and it cost more.

I still would not mind having the one Taylor I liked. I forget the exact model - it was a  GC07 OR 8 maybe
it had a slot head. I think it was a 1 3/4 neck and maybe 14 frets.

I've grown partial to the 12 fret slot heads and prefer a neck wider than 1 3/4
(because of all those years of only having a wide neck classical).
I was not able to adjust to the 'small' 1 3/4 neck on the L-03R I bought - that why I sold it and got the SD-50.

Like others said, I respect the company.

- Larry

There really isn't much for me to get excited about with the average Taylor. Gems exist though, cause I've played a couple amazing ones.

I never been a fan of Taylor's mostly because of the way there built too many things that can go wrong.

I also equit Taylors tone to Stratish for me fairly midrangey.No beef.Larrivee's on the other hand remind me of Tele's more full range.







I will now hide behind that really big tree in my front yard until the rock throwing stopd.

QuoteI never been a fan of Taylor's mostly because of the way there built too many things that can go wrong.

PLease share what those 'things that can go wrong' are-
no stones....I promise....
shucks, I'll even throw in a nice doughnut for your trouble

- Larry

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Overall I'm not a fan. I've played two Taylors I liked and the rest left me cold. A lot of them sound real thin, I wouldn't use the term bright. But even the ones that aren't thin sounding seem to be missing something, like they sound sterile or lack mojo(to me anyway). Playing a Taylor is like kissing a dead person(just kidding...kind of). Plus I don't like the way they look.

  I think there are at least 10 gits around the house. And I do visit the guitar stores every few weeks but I never have owned one, or played one that really just "grabbed me".
  I do have a nice Taylor gig bag though ;-)

   Larry & rob, I agree with all said. As I said, the Taylors are treble-heavy, though I found the GS series not to be as much. Just didn't fit my needs, as I said before. I like the analogy of the Strat to the Tele. I love Teles for just that reason. All of these guitar wizards & greats play what: Strats. You want a nice, balanced, down-homesounding guitar that can still have b***s., the Tele fits that.
   As far as Gibson, made great guitars in their early days, but now, even with their Montana plant, I don't thik their acoustics are all that great. The sound, to me, is a little subdued. Had a Songwriter for a year & would force myself to play it, finally trading it in towards the Taylor GS8's, which I tried to hard to like also, my L-10 always drawing me back to that one. I also think that since the neck setup was changed for the "better", it does allow for more things to go wrong. From what I hear, the Taylors made before that are much more stable & sound better. Taylor also has that "low-profile" neck, which is a fast neck, but still find the Larrivee necks more comfortable, IMO. And Larry, since picking up my SD-50, I'm in love with the wider neck. I have big hands & have no problem with it, which was a concern of mine when I bought it from Jim. An'05 form "mannish", great condition (other than the repaired crack, which is no longer an issue), sounding just fantastic, not ever needing any other dread ever, & all for $995! Breaks down to be Jim losing some $, but I got over feeling bad real quick!
   Which is all these posts are about anywat, aren't they? Just giving our opinions & hoping to help some out or being able to learn from others. That's what keeps me coming back. I learn alot about guitars, noyt knowing as much as I think & would like to. Am always open to learning something new! :bgrin:
     Jeff   :guitar

I've been playing since I was 10 (ouch) and through the years I've had the pleasure of playing and owning some very nice guitars and up until a couple of years ago I couldn't stand the Taylor sound at all. Well, I don't know what changed but I kind like the Taylor sound for certain music. I currently own a GS4e-LTD and a GA3-12 and really enjoy their sound.
Did my mind adjust to the brightness? I still prefer my L-03WL the best though.
BTW, I never cared for the Martin sound before and one day I was at my local GC and picked up a D-16GT and fell in love with it...Well, I now own a Martin as well.
I've owned some Larrivees that I didn't really didn't care for the way they sounded so, I sold them. I do regret selling my OM-03MT :crying:

OK you asked.
The fret tangs are smooth instead of rippled..the frets don't stay put very well.This may or maynot have changed.
The neck is installed with a nut and bolt,so as time goes by the bolts will seperate from there mooring in the neck wood.
There really is no reason for the 3 peice necks on such a high end guitar as they do look cheap,really not a design flaw as much as a why problem for me.
fretting the finger board,glueing it in place then having a machine cut everything to size at once the same time just doesn't sound smart the cutting blade must go thru wood and metal at the same time.
PO here but I feel that they are designed to be plugged in more over then p[layed as an acoustic instrument.
Again PO but the thinness of the neck is just  wrong.
The fingerboard at the end over the body isn't glued down..as apposed to the another company that use's allen screws to hold the fingerboard to the top.

QuoteOK you asked.

and glad I did Sir, thank you very much, now I feel better educated.  :thumb
I know the bolt on necks have become commonly used but I'm not sure I would want one.  :?

have another doughnut on me, there's still plenty left on the plate  :bgrin:

- Larry

Most companies use a screw to attach the neck,Martin uses wood screws.Some use dowels.I could be wrong but I believe taylor is the only company that use the nut and bolt system,they say they use them to make it easier to do neck resets,this just say's to me that the guitar was designed to break down.But what do I know........

   As far as the Martin D-16 GTR, I also had one, but just could not stand the feel of the "micarda" fingerboard. My fingers would stick to it & found it hard to play. Sounded great, though. Had a bone nut & saddle put on, plus necks dots on the opposite side, since I play backwards (totally). Also just did like the idea of "fake" woods being used, the bridge also made of that crap. Taylor has been doing it also for a few years now. Can't afford ebony, just put RW on. Doesn't cost much more. I'm sure the process of making the composite material is not that cheap, either.
   Rob, are you referring to the new Taylor necks?
     Jeff   :guitar

Jeff I think so aren't they made of 3 pieces.The headstock is cut in what I think is called a luthier joint{like a classical guitar} and the heek is added to the neck blank.



Roman sorry I hope I haven't offended you or anyone else its just the way I see it.Ridiculous as it sounds.

QuoteUNCLROB,  This is the first time I've read one of you responses that is most ridiculous ...   

dang, you guys are fast, while I was typing a response to tell Rob, not to worry I jumped in front to take the stone hit
(cause I'm the one who pressed him for his opinions)  responses were already made...

thanks again for your response Rob, it contained both facts and opinions -
I'm a big boy, I know how to discern between fact and opinion - and to respect opinions different than mine.

Roman, 'ridiculous' is a very strong statement - it warrents having some facts to show it as such - or at least a reference to a consensus on the subject by some knowledgeable group.
Unless you have that a simple - I have a different opinion and some reasons why would be a more appropriate response
- in my opinion.

- Larry

Quotebut just could not stand the feel of the "micarda"

I was a bit concerned about the Micarta but I don't think that is that big a deal...it is different though.

My 000-50 would be my desert island guitar (over my NRP "Model 97" Tricone and my Kalamazoo KHG-14) but my Larrivee L-05 12 string and my Larrivee OM-03R 12-string were replaced with a Taylor 355 12-string. I wasn't a big Taylor fan after buying a POC Baby that had the nut cut wrong and was hard to keep in tune and I really don't like the sound of their 6-strings (they sound better than Ovation un-plugged) but as far as the 355 I went through a Martin DM-12 and the two Larrivees in a 12 month period and it just sounded better than everything else, still have it 3 years later.

Now I'm off to the Chevy Forum to see if anyone there dislikes Ford :wink:

Larry don't be hard on Roman,we've both been here a long time and I do value his opinion.He know's I understand.He's a good guy and I respect him.We just both have different points of view sometime's just some stronger then most. :thumb

I'm still gonna admit that I do like Taylors, but I'm no longer the self professed Taylor Girl that I used to be.

I really like the brightness of the sound, but so far, I prefer brighter sounding guitars generally. Having said that, the cost for the bling is a little bit much in my opinion and I'm not sure I will ever go there. There is only one Taylor that would fit me and that is the Grand Concert and they start at around $2,000. However, if he ever does a limited edition GC I might be interested. There is also the R. Taylor line which is a whole different animal, which do interest me.

So, although I'm not much of a Taylor Girl anymore, they do still interest me.

QuoteLarry don't be hard on Roman,

ok,...understood...
I would defend you if need be....I asked you for the response (that you probably knew would be controversial)

no offense intended Roman ..have some on me   :donut :donut2 :coffee
I'll go back to being my usual 'born to be MILD' self  :bgrin:

- Larry

Quote from: mrkpower on May 15, 2009, 01:09:25 AM
Hi Ricky, I'm from Calgary too. I played Taylor on 16th Ave. Guitar Works. Now the shop is also selling Core Clark though.

I live in Edmonton (you'll forgive me for that, huh?) but I've been going to Calgary on most Mondays now that the snow is gone.

Would be good to connect some time. What do you think?

This thread has certainly generated some lively discussion. Good thing.

ricky

   As I mentioned, I like & tend to agree with rob about the comparison of the in-your-face sound that Strats have (3 pups). More power, where a Tele has 2. Strats are more power guitars made for lead playing, but also versatile enough for rhythm. It's a good one for the comparison of Taylor vs. Larrivee. Taylor, tend to be more bright & in your face. Larrivee, more balanced , but can still put out the highs when needed, not all the time like Taylors.
   Roman, we're all allowed our own opinions, or it wouldn't be a Forum. You have yours, which I respect, but don't have to agree with. I've only been playing 33+ yrs. & doing my own things to my guitars for a little less than you. It gives you a good idea of what needs to be done when & how they basically work. Everyone should do these things to their guitars, if it be only adjusting the trussrod. I understand that you & rob have a good relationship, just like I tried to explain to him about Jeremy & myself. He's given me some good info & pointers & I really enjoyed his thread of his guitar build. Initially, when people see a post like yours, or how I do the same type sometimes, they get the wrong impression, not knowing the nature of your relationship. It happens all the time, so i understand where you're coming from. Some don't. I just like the comparison of Strats vs. Teles. That's why I love Teles. Some don't. Just, like Taylors, personal preference & experiences.
   Larry, thanks for the explanation. Yes, they are 3 pieces now, which I don't know why they went that way. Good explanation about them. Thanks.
   And Lynda, I would never imagine that you, of all people, would be a Taylor fan! I'm so shocked, I'm speechless! I don't think your Larrivee's will talk to you for a while, if they are @ all! Shame on you!
     Jeff   :guitar
     

   Roman, i was just looking over your giant list of guitars & noticed that you don't own either a Strat or a Tele. What gives? How do you make a statement like that when you own neither? Not being argumentative, just observant>
   And  Lynda, I sense a slight stutter in your Taylor coments. Is that just me? :whistling:
     Jeff 

Quotesometimes, they get the wrong impression, not knowing the nature of your relationship. It happens all the time, so i understand where you're coming from

I see now, (said the blind man).....
it was one of those ' that's ridiculous'  statements that was really saying,

"that's ridiculous and I mean it in the nicest kind of way'

man I have trouble with those, hate it when I misinterpret.  :angry:

I read all Robs posts and respect his wisdom and experience.
I'd defend him if I thought he was being attacked - especially if he was responding to my request for information and / or opinion.

- Larry

I am a huge fan of the woods that Taylor uses - I've seen some R. Taylors in cocobolo, koa, lacewood, brazillian rw, macassar ebony, curly maple, redwood, and numerous other species that were just stunningly beautiful! Definitely "face to the wall" boxes!

But I've never really liked the necks, and I've yet to play one that sounded good enough to warrant my wanting to buy it ( at the prices they ask for them ). They've sounded good, but just not as good as my Larrivees. I never play plugged in, so that may make a little difference too -

Now, I have not played a Taylor 12 string. As much as I love my Larrivee hog top 12, I may have to keep my eyes open for opportunities to play a few Taylor 12s - but that bar is set pretty high -

Tad

PS - Is it just me, or do others hate the process of trying to get the floor model 12 strings into tune just to give them a listen?

For my money, Larrivees and Martins have better balance. I do like the looks of Taylors, not the tone that much. There was a 12 str. Taylor at GC that was the best sounding acoustic 12 string I have ever played. Everyone has different tastes. I have never played a Taylor in any store that had the sharp fret ends of my 0M30R. JP

QuotePS - Is it just me, or do others hate the process of trying to get the floor model 12 strings into tune just to give them a listen?

I do too.

I purchased an extra clip on headstock tuner that I keep in the car...I'm getting lazy in my old age. :smile:

Quote from: BluesMan1 on May 15, 2009, 02:22:03 PM
 
   And Lynda, I would never imagine that you, of all people, would be a Taylor fan! I'm so shocked, I'm speechless! I don't think your Larrivee's will talk to you for a while, if they are @ all! Shame on you!
     Jeff   :guitar
     

Jeff, you can stop now!  :roll

Roman I've always known that you like Taylors and most on the list you've had for some time.I will say this I have had the pleasure of working on the only Taylor that I've ever like and I did threaten with much physical harm the to the customer who was stupid enough to consider selling it.I don't know the modal name but it is a sunburst dread in rosewood with a rather beefy neck,I have never seen another one like it.

lw216316  I 'm glad to know you've git my back.


Jeff is right the more you know about your guitar and the more you can do yourself,to me this make's you a better client,it makes it easier to get the best out of what you want and the guitar can deliever.



See even I can find a diamond in a pile of wood :humour:

   Larry, turn your angry face to a smiley one! I think we would all defend rob if need be! :thumb
     Jeff 

Quote from: tadol on May 15, 2009, 03:17:47 PM
PS - Is it just me, or do others hate the process of trying to get the floor model 12 strings into tune just to give them a listen?

I just tune 'em and leave! Heck I'm exhausted when I do it at home (where's that devil emot when you need it). I usually get back to play it in a few days.

Tele's are much cooler than Strat's so enough smack about 'em (where's that devil emot when you need it).

Before I knew about guitars and what I wanted, I thought Taylor was my next guitar, only cause it was the brightest guitar I had ever played and it made me sound better than I was.So shimmery!Pretty chords, wow, this sounds different from anything I have played before,
fast forward a couple of yrs and I hear about a guitar called a Larrivee, Hmmmm...... this guitar is loud and bright but not too bright.
very well made, very balanced.
Taylor ? whos that , I want this larrivee!

Taylors in my opinion are very overpriced for what you get.
Necks are a little wide
have come to find out I like a whole lot of other guitars besides Taylor.

Larrivee rules, Martin rules.
among others, Taylor ? not my cup of tea.
dave

I played a Taylor with a sinker wood top a couple of months ago that was out of my price range but an amazing guitar.

My son has an all wood Taylor 214 that is really easy to play and sounds great to my untrained/unschooled ear. I bought him gold tuners for Christmas a couple of years ago and one of them broke the gears off inside. He called Taylor's customer service and the guy asked him a couple of questions to confirm the right size and dropped a new replacement tuner in the mail that day. I gave him my Larrivee Parlor to tide him over until the tuner arrived and now it reminded him how bad he wants one of those. The $500 outlay for my Parlor is a far cry from the $2,000 starting point for a Taylor Grand Concert that Lyric Girl referenced in an earlier post.

I forgot to mention,Jim Holler has a Taylor 12 string posted on his used guitar page over at Trinity. I would give up my Larrivee 12 but I would like to hear that one.

My guess is that I would rather go with a Larrivee Maple 12 string though after playing one in February.

Quote from: lw216316 on May 15, 2009, 12:50:48 PM
ok,...understood...
I would defend you if need be....I asked you for the response (that you probably knew would be controversial)

no offense intended Roman ..have some on me   :donut :donut2 :coffee
I'll go back to being my usual 'born to be MILD' self  :bgrin:

- Larry

                 I'll go back to being my usual 'born to be MILD' self   :bgrin:

               Nice one Larry :winkin:

I wouldn't play a Taylor over a Larrivee, but they still have a nice unique sound. Ive played 314s as well as 810s and I think they sound great!  :whistling:

For my taste, and I guess playing style, Larrivee's are better guitars for fingerpicking & strumming.  Had a Larri D-10 which I sold because for a dread, it didn't pack any punch.  Years ago I had a Taylor 810 dread which in retrospect I regret selling.  That thing could boom.

Now I've settled on a sweet Taylor DN5 for a dread.  I'm very satisfied with that and a couple of Larrivees, one of which is the Forum III. 

So to answer the question, I love both Taylor and Larrivee.  I also find them very similar in regard to neck, playability, etc.

:cheers

I can't say enough to express my admiration for Mr. Bob Taylor in raising the bar for mass-produced quality acoustic-electric guitars.

Since I play plugged in, 25% of the time, I applaud their innovation of their proprietary ES (expression system) pick-up.
Some love it. Some don't.

I also like how they came up with a hybrid - T5... and now their solid body gits and their latest one with the Bigsby? thinga-ma-jig.


Above all, I like their beautiful exotic woods (they should stick to wood bindings only - period... none of this ivoroid plastic) - they should do their backs like Mr. Larrivee does his - that looks like a one-piece.

Lynda... the R. Taylor line comes in Style 2 model now - which is really the Grand Concert size... and you can specify the most responsive and thinnest bracing insider if you like... and put the most dizzying hypnotic highly figured dead tree for the back and sides. And how about some creamy Adi or Engelmann or better yet Italian spruce top (you'd have to beg JCL for one).

Oooooppsss... I digressed.

Again, for the money --- 1000-1500... I'll take the Larrivee.

At 2000 northwards --- I'd take the Taylor with ES every time or Collings or MacPherson.

ricky

   Mr. Bob Taylor has made a giant guitar monster that just won't stop growing, thanks to all of the "scarce" wood he been piling up. Besides all of the now non-endangered. It's like the Joni Mitchall song, "Raised on Robbery", where they "take all the trees & put 'em in a tree museum". That time will come, thanks to Bobby- Baby, instead of the joker, the "Grinner". You ever wonder why he has that scary grin on his face? It's because of all of the plastic surgery he's had & now it's fixed!  :humour:
   IMHO, only the R. Taylors are worth the look-see & and they are worth every penny!
   Besides, I don't like Taylors. They all sound too much alike. Can you tell? Give me "honest-Abe Larrivee" with his genuine smile from making US happy, not trying to find people to promote his guitars & giving them away to musicians to play to show the name & make HIM happy!  :wacko:
   Give me Larrivee or give me death! Hey, I'm going to try to sell that one.
   Now, where's that damn Taylor Forum thread. I have something to say to them. :roll
     Jeff   :guitar
   Here's my point, like I said before. You either like them or you don't. What people like is their business & shouldn't be open for contradiction of their feelings. Some like Martins, some like Gibsons. It almost seems like all of us are sying the same thing over & over, but in slightly different ways. Taylor lovers, take off those rose-colored glasses & see the light! larrivee is the best for the $ & that's just right!
   Boy, am i going to get beat up for this late night post.TGIF! Maybe no one will notice?
   And by the way, other than the good stuff i said about larrivee, this all meant as a joke! Mr Taylor has raised the bar on what Ricky mentioned & also his tax bracket! :+1:

Quote from: jeremy3220 on May 15, 2009, 10:04:22 AM
Overall I'm not a fan. I've played two Taylors I liked and the rest left me cold. A lot of them sound real thin, I wouldn't use the term bright. But even the ones that aren't thin sounding seem to be missing something, like they sound sterile or lack mojo(to me anyway). Playing a Taylor is like kissing a dead person(just kidding...kind of). Plus I don't like the way they look.

That's exactly how I felt about the Taylors I've played (admittedly nothing in the serious money category) - couldn't put it better myself.  I tried a few when looking for my first decent acoustic, and they all felt too clinical, with no soul - first time I picked up a Larrivee, it was a completely different feeling - it just felt totally "right" straight away.  Still does.

(Just for the record, I've never [knowingly] kissed a dead person.....).

Ricky,

I'm totally aware that the R. Taylor Style 2 is the GC. Gotta admit that I would love one of these, but unless I win the lottery,it's not likely gonna happen. Speaking of the lottery, I better check my tickets from last night. :roll

I am usually not much of a Taylor fan either. As Jeremy said they seem to lack MOJO or something. Then again, I haven't felt many Larrivee's that kick the MOJO switch either! I did play one 712 that was absolutely an incredible instrument.

In fact, I wish I would have bought it instead of my 000-60. It was a killer guitar and had, ready for this, WAY BETTER BALANCE, and SUBSTANTIALLY better bass response than any Larrivee I have ever played. It was one of those descions I regret, because the Taylor on the headstock got in the way of my ears making the purchase.

As I was playing the 712, for about the 50th visit to the shop, I finished up a tune in Drop D and let her ring out and the bass just swelled up and was sooooooooooo deep and resonate, it felt spiritual. I thought, dam it to hell, I'm buying this instrument. I stood up and then realized where a large portion of that giant bass was eminating from. The room humidifier was right behind the stool I was sitting on and the motor in it was droning along a perfrect D pedal tone in the same octave as my dropped E string!

In all seriousness that 712 was a good guitar. Probably as good as the 00-50 I passed on at the Music Emporium in Lexington Mass about 2 1/2 years ago. Still regret that one BIG time!

Quote from: GA-ME on May 16, 2009, 06:28:03 AM

As I was playing the 712, for about the 50th visit to the shop, I finished up a tune in Drop D and let her ring out and the bass just swelled up and was sooooooooooo deep and resonate, it felt spiritual. I thought, dam it to hell, I'm buying this instrument. I stood up and then realized where a large portion of that giant bass was eminating from. The room humidifier was right behind the stool I was sitting on and the motor in it was droning along a perfrect D pedal tone in the same octave as my dropped E string!

That's funny but also a good lesson about being aware of the acoustic environment you try out guitars in. It's easy for a guitar to sound huge when you play it in a room lined with reflective and resonanting guitars.

I was just trying a guitar yesterday...I was in a pretty big room and couldn't hear the guitar very well...so I sat about in front of big wooden door about 18 inches from the soundhole.  That sound reflected right back in my face and sounded huge...

   Hey GA-ME, you want your MOJO switch kicked? Have you tried an SD-50 or -60? The OOO won't do the job. You need one of the bigger dread bodies that just blow away ANY Taylor around the same price, or more. They are like "rockets in your pockets", kinda. My SD will knock the socks off any martin D-18 or a similar Taylor. Just stating a fact. Lacks all of the biggg bottom end of the-60's or other RW's, but it still has plenty of bass. I'd put it up against any HOG dread & it will sound better. Unless we're talking prewar Martin D-18's or such.
   All guitars are different, that's why you play more than one until you find "yours". Like Jeremy said also, the environment you're playing in makes a big difference. Stores just don't have acoustic rooms for climate control, but also so they can control the sound of the room. Ever notice that guitars tend to sound better in the store's room than when you first get it home. Just doesn't sound the same. Some might, but most won't, unless you have a room at home designed just like the stores!
   Your story adds credence to this & all should be aware of this. Liked it & it was funny. Sounds like you already know alot of this, so others pay attention. It can save you a trip returning a guitar that you're just not happy with when it gets home. And if you're referring to "something spiritual", please don't swear right after :humour:
     Jeff  :guitar

As a relative newbie here, I have to say how pleased I am at the good manners with which this thread has progressed. I can tell you for certain, (and I'm sure many of you know the forum of which I speak), there are other places where this would have collapsed into a bonfire of nasty, "if you don't own (the forum brand), you aint worth what went down the toilet."

I'm new here, but have been a member of the Acoustic Guitar Forum for a long time and I always admired how well their "Be Nice" rule seemed to work. I compliment myself on the good taste to have found you folks now!

And for the record, as I wrote in the other thread about who likes Taylors, I do like some Taylors that best fit an intended purpose. I do have a couple, a 315ce jumbo and a T5 Spring Ltd.

I have also had a 314, a 410ce and a 414Koa Ltd that I just sold.

My preference is for a more bass oriented sound without always going all the way into Martinland, though I do also ave a Martin dread.

Having recently discovered Larrivees, I feel that I've found the happy medium and I find myself more frequently playing my L03SP, (all sapele) and my D03SO, the incredible silver oak dread I recently got.

Regards,
Dennis

I remember playing a 510 years ago that was really nice. But Im not a Dread guy, and the smaller OM-000 style guitars didn't float my boat tone-wise.

Cheers, Scott.

I had a 510 for 10 years, I liked it a lot.  Then I discovered Larrivee...every story has a happy ending.  :winkin:

I've owned one taylor so far and played several.  If you find one with the tone that you like then it's probably worth the money(maybe)  I do feel that for the amount of production they do, that they are a bit over priced.  I've never been a huge fan of the expression system either.  Not enough Umph for me personally. 
Having said all that, they do sound well live with a Fishman or K&K pick up and the one I owned was a true work horse of a guitar. 
I have a buddy that has a 90's 710 and it's a killer guitar.  Awesome tone! But your going to pay for it too!

Quote from: bluesman67 on May 20, 2009, 07:49:46 PM
I had a 510 for 10 years, I liked it a lot.  Then I discovered Larrivee...every story has a happy ending.  :winkin:

My story is pretty much the same.  I had aTaylor 810 for eight years (we refer to them as "the lost years"), and was quite happy until I played my son's L03. And yes, every story does have a happy ending.  My 4th Larry is on the way, a lovely JCL 40th Anniversary model that I purchased from a fellow Forum member. 

And what's with the plastic binding on those Taylor's? 

jimmy

Quote from: jimmy buffett on June 08, 2009, 03:43:58 PM
My story is pretty much the same.  I had aTaylor 810 for eight years (we refer to them as "the lost years"), and was quite happy until I played my son's L03. And yes, every story does have a happy ending.  My 4th Larry is on the way, a lovely JCL 40th Anniversary model that I purchased from a fellow Forum member. 

And what's with the plastic binding on those Taylor's? 

jimmy

Congrats Jimmy, those JLC 40's look spectacular and I'm sure sound equal to the task.  That's a very nice find, I saw that one in the for sale section, a real beauty.

I got a Taylor for my birthday about 10 years ago. I kept it 3 weeks and traded it for recording equipment. Sorry it just was the thing to do.

Quote from: BluesMan1 on May 18, 2009, 01:23:18 AM
   Hey GA-ME, you want your MOJO switch kicked? Have you tried an SD-50 or -60? The OOO won't do the job. You need one of the bigger dread bodies that just blow away ANY Taylor around the same price, or more. They are like "rockets in your pockets", kinda. My SD will knock the socks off any martin D-18 or a similar Taylor. Just stating a fact. Lacks all of the biggg bottom end of the-60's or other RW's, but it still has plenty of bass. I'd put it up against any HOG dread & it will sound better. Unless we're talking prewar Martin D-18's or such...    Jeff

Or maybe the D-18GE (built mostly like it was in 1934).  The SD-50 is a cannon, so to speak.  But the GE is a larger barrel cannon.  And to my ears a flatpicker's dream.  So the SD went down the road.  I'd still have it if I was a collector.  That was a beautifully voiced instrument and wonderfully built.  Used it was a lot cheaper than the GE.  The GE is a lot cheaper than a D-18A "Authentic" which is about as good a factory guitar as you'll ever see these days.

I'm not a fan.  I've played one here or there that was okay, but none that ever "wowed" me.

For the same $, there are many other guitars I'd rather have that I feel are far superior.

Taylor has brought the art of quality machine production to a fine art, which essentially means that you can pick p an Taylor and it will sound to the same standard. This is not the case with the Larrivées I've tried. Every one is slightly different, and some sound better than others, IMHO.

It is for this very reason that I prefer my Larrivée OM-03RE to any Taylor I've tried - and to the Larrivée OM-03RE that was next to it in the shop! When they ring out, they really RING out. I've just been strumming my OM with Bumble Bee thumb pick, and the guitar has new Elixir Nanoweb strings on. Result? Beautiful ringing tones, huge volume and absolute clarity. Taylors don't give such highs and lows. They're good guitars, but there's no fun if you can't search for that elusive "ME" quality!

Cheers,

Will

I've owned a Yamaha 12 string, a Larrivee 12 (L03-12), another Yamaha 12 (FG720S-12) and now own a Taylor GA3-12. The Taylor is the finest sounding 12 string acoustic I've ever heard or played. And that includes Martin and Guild 12's.

QuoteTaylor is the finest sounding 12 string acoustic I've ever heard or played

:+1:

I also own the GA3-12 and I chose it over the Guild.

I must also add that Lord willing down the road, I'm looking to get the 12 string version of the Taylor 814...that jewel is just plain lush!

Can't say i like them ,can't say i dont -their OK , but I like about everything else better

Attended a Taylor Road Show last week and I told the fine folks from Taylor that I know lots of folks who find them too bright. His suggestion was to install a bone saddle. :?

I used to enjoy playing a lefty Taylor 310 in a store in Raleigh, but it sounded no better than my Seagull M6, which was half the price. I've played a few Taylor 2 series, which I thought sounded geat, but were overpriced for their materials. I really like the Taylor GS in rosewood and maple (spruce tops), maybe even more than the the L-03RE I owned, but it cost about twice as much. I like Larrivee's dreads much more for sound, but Taylor does have the option of a short scale and a 1 3/4" neck. Taylor has its strong points, good quality control and consistency, some fine-sounding guitars, and a big selection. I always thought Taylor's brightness had to do with its extremely low action, as opposed to Martin's high action and deeper sound (I'm sure there are other factors). Obviously I prefer Larrivee overall, but I don't understand the Taylor fanaticism or the Taylor hatred.

 :rolleye:   but I like about everything else better   . . . Right . . .  :rolleye:

Quote from: lyric_girl on June 15, 2009, 09:51:17 AM
Attended a Taylor Road Show last week and I told the fine folks from Taylor that I know lots of folks who find them too bright. His suggestion was to install a bone saddle. :?

That's not a crazy suggestion when we consider bone vs tusq. Saddles and strings are one place where terms like 'bright' and 'warm' are especially ineffective. I think bone saddles sound thicker than Tusq while also giving a harder quicker attack and maybe an extended frequency range, while the Tusq can sound thin- most notably on the treble strings. Which one is 'brighter'?... heck if I know.

QuoteWhich one is 'brighter'?... heck if I know.

I know. I purchased a bone saddle for my GA3-12 and my GS4e-LTD and ended up putting the Tusq back on...it is BRIGHTER!
I don't know why the rep said that.

Quote from: jeremy3220 on June 15, 2009, 01:43:01 PM
That's not a crazy suggestion when we consider bone vs tusq. Saddles and strings are one place where terms like 'bright' and 'warm' are especially ineffective. I think bone saddles sound thicker than Tusq while also giving a harder quicker attack and maybe an extended frequency range, while the Tusq can sound thin- most notably on the treble strings. Which one is 'brighter'?... heck if I know.

Thanks for the clarification Jeremy. I really wasn't sure if they were full of it or not. It was quite interesting listening to the gospel according to Taylor though.

I like the sound and looks of Taylors (have owned two in the past) but I find the E strings too close to the edge of the fretboard. For some dumb reason (likely my playing style - or lack thereof) I seem to flip the end strings off the fretboard too easily on a Taylor.  :whistling:
I do like their crisp, bright tone.

Sure I could change the nut, blah blah.. but why bother when I can own a Larrivee  :thumb

I've always wanted a Taylor, until two years ago when I was shopping around for my 1st really nice guitar (L-05). I was acually in the market for a Taylor and I came accross larivee. But that's not the reason I didn't go with Taylor. It seemed there was something lacking to my ears, like it was missing fullness. I still like their sound though. My buddy has a 90's Taylor 810, and it sounds very nice.

Quote from: leftync on June 15, 2009, 10:43:33 AM
Obviously I prefer Larrivee overall, but I don't understand the Taylor fanaticism or the Taylor hatred.

I feel the same way about Larrivee. I prefer it overall, especially the 03 series and the FIII. I sure wish I could speak for the other 2 Forum gits, but I've never had the chance to hear or play either one.

As for Taylor fanaticism, I can see how that's possible. The relentless quest for excellence & quality consistency, variety of selection, the eye candy factor, the innovations in their R&D department, the proprietary ES pickup (I happen to like it a lot and wish they would share it with the rest of the guitar world - just one man's wishful thinking) and I guess, lots and lots of amateurs and pros own or use one or a few. It also helps that they have quite the marketing system and excellent customer service and support.

As for Taylor hatred... perhaps, dislike or non-preference or not-others'-choice would be the more appropriate words as "hatred" is too strong a word - I don't get the bashing (literal or figurative) of any guitars or manufacturers.

ricky

Quote from: rpm60912 on June 19, 2009, 03:18:54 AM
I don't get the bashing (literal or figurative) of any guitars or manufacturers.

ricky

:+1: Ford fans, Chevy fans... :whistling:
Never has there been the variety, the intense focus on technology, development, testing towards better fabrication methods, tighter tolerances, finding alternative and more suitable materials than right now. This is the golden era of guitar making, and ultimately every builder of note contributes to better guitars for the masses. Thank goodness everyone doesn't love Taylors, Gibsons, Martins or Larrivees only - what a boring place this would be if we all did...

Quote from: rpm60912 on June 19, 2009, 03:18:54 AM
I don't get the bashing (literal or figurative) of any guitars or manufacturers.

Esteban?

and I played a DeVille cutaway dread yesterday.  It astonished me how little sound you could coax out of such a huge uncomfortable box.  The thing must be 6 inches deep, weighed about 2 stone, and sounded like it was made of cardboard.  I 'hated' it with bells on.

In addition to my previous post, I am borrowing my buddies older Taylor 514ce this weekend. I have not had a pickup installed in My Martin Dread yet so the Taylor will work for this weekend.  When I picked it up during lunch today I sat down and played a few notes and runs on it and this guitar has aged nicely.  It's not quite 10 years old yet, but it has a cedar top and hog back and sides with the fishman blender. 
I still was ringy on the top end, but had a great bass response and bass depth to it. 
I still say that I'm not a fan of the expression system, but the 310 I owed from 2001 was a work horse with a baggs undersaddle in it.
I do think the 90's model taylors sound the best and that may just be due to the age of the guitar now and also the neck design of the 90's?  In any case my final verdict is that they are well put together, yet over priced, and if you are looking for a plug and play guitar with highs to cut through then a Taylor isn't a half bad guitar!

-Mix-

I have nothing against Taylors but as a Canadian, I prefer everything about Larrivée guitars. What's your (plural use of word) excuse?  :laughin:

Quote from: ducktrapper on June 19, 2009, 12:44:12 PM
I have nothing against Taylors but as a Canadian, I prefer everything about Larrivée guitars. What's your (plural use of word) excuse?  :laughin:

Hey, my D-09 is made in the U.S.A....by a Canadian :smile:

QuoteIn any case my final verdict is that they are well put together, yet over priced

I keep reading that the Taylors are overpriced and I don't believe that to be the case.
I just purchased a Taylor GA4 and it was only $25 more than the L-03R.
I really like the sound of this GA4. It does not sound like my Larrivees nor does it sound like my Martin, which is a good thing.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/rrgguitarman/TaylorGA4sideview.jpg)

I do not like Green Eggs and Ham, and I do not like Taylors that cost more than $2000 for the following reasons:
1.  Bolt-on neck.
2.  Plastic poly finish
3.  3 piece neck
With these 3 ingredients I believe that solid wood Taylors under $2000 are a reasonably good buy. 
Otherwise the build technique used do not justify paying more than $2000.   
Just my opinion.

I agree with Kazz. Plus to get Solid Rosewood on a taylor you have to get a 700 series that will cose you over $2000.00 when you can buy a Rosewood Larrivee for between $1000.00 and $1500.00 with a great quality build. I'm not saying Taylor isn't quality, and I'm not saying they don't sound nice (depending on the sound you want), but I just don't feel you should have to pay that much for Rosewood,Koa,Mahogany. 

Yes I know they come out with limity 300-400 series rosewood every now and again, but your 500-700 series to me are over priced.

QuoteYes I know they come out with limity 300-400 series rosewood every now and again

Don't forget the Special run of Tasmanian Blackwood like my GS4 has.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/rrgguitarman/GS4Frontgoodangle.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/rrgguitarman/GS4Back.jpg)

Taylors are overly bright for my tastes and tend toward a more tinny sound than I prefer.   The are uniformly well made and good quality but I haven't played one that I would own.  I own all Martins and Larrivee and prefer them.

I finally sold my Taylor 314 to subsidize my Forum III purchase and I'm happy with my decision.  Even with the bone saddle I found my Taylor to be weak on mid-range -- The low E boomed and the high B & E shimmered, but everything in between was thin and metallic to my ears.  And overall the guitar was a bit quiet. 

One thing I will miss is that Taylor playability.  Super low action and no buzzing and the straightest neck I've ever played.  The truss rod never needed adjusting.  Sadly, my two Larrivees aren't quite as easy to play and I've got a few buzzes, but we'll get 'em in shape!

<< Who doesn't like Taylor?? >>

United Airlines...

Quote from: Dale_I on July 09, 2009, 11:10:45 AM
<< Who doesn't like Taylor?? >>

United Airlines...

LOL :roll

I had never tried out a Taylor but just picked up a K14C that is real nice. The Cedar top with Koa Back and sides makes a very nice combination.

   As I read my new "Wood & Steel", Bob T.'s pic on the front reminds me of a porno mag or something. Just the grin on his face & the presentation! Seriously, he talks about the "tens of thousands" of guitars they produce each year, almost making me wonder where they all go? I know Taylor can make some nice guitars, especially the R. Taylors, but it mind-boggling to think of that quantity. He has a CNC machine for almost EVERY job done, being a pioneer in that side of guitar making.
   Now you have Larrivee, who makes literally a small fraction of that per year. They utilize CNC machining in some aspects of the building, but only in a very small portion of it, as we all witnessed on the F-III build. More old-style, Taylor wanting to come out with something new every year. Is that what you want in a guitar? Does it really make it better? Or just easier to make & adjust? I'd but a Larrivee anyday over a Taylor just for the hands on of the guitar build & liking the final sound better. Still have that that Taylor stigma of "brightness", which many find true & will agree with me on. Just a matter of finding the right guitar with the right sound. Want that "in your face brightness", get a Taylor. Want a "balanced in your face SOUND", get a Larrivee. Now you know why Bob is always grinning like that, from his sales profit!
     Jeff   :guitar

I've played a number of Taylors since I got re-interested in guitars a few years ago. Even been tempted to buy a couple of times. (A used 314ce particularly sticks in my mind, for only about $800. Wish I'd gotten that one.) But I realize that that chimey, "pretty" Taylor sound isn't the most compelling thing to me. For the most part, Taylors just seem a bit superficial. My own mental imagery is of a continuum from bright, bell-like Taylors on one end to dusky, dark, serious Martins on the other. IMO, Larrivee is somewhere in between--having some of that beautiful Taylor sound, but also a bit of gravitas, like Martin. Best of both worlds, you might say.

I've got nothing against Taylor as a company - they make beautiful guitars that are obviously hugely popular.

I just don't like the way they sound when I play them.  I have yet to pick up a Taylor and play it and not go, "Eh."  And then I go pick up a Larrivee or Martin and say, "Nice!"

I've been trying to diversify my little collection and have found what I like best is to have one of each.

Larrivee, Martin, Taylor, Guild, Gibson, Harmony, National

With my limited knowledge; I hear Taylors as  bright sounding. I like that sound
in lots of songs. :smile:
I also like my Larry.
I'm thinking my next git could be a Taylor.
:guitar

I only own a couple Taylors, (well, ok, 3), a Custom Shop K14CE, Koa B&S, Cedar Top, a 414, and a Big Baby, ( which doesn't really count, does it?)
I love the Koa model, especially with the warmth afforded by the cedar top...I think Koa and Cedar and a natural combination!
The other two?
Took them in trade deals, nice guitars, but if anybody here wants one, they're for sale.....I just don't find that I choose them when reaching for a guitar! Hard to say why.....just have others I choose first...does that make any sense?