I got a chance to play one of the American Dream guitars over the weekend while on vacation. The one they had in stock (just received a couple days before I played it) was the
AD27.
This is the "Mahogany" model, w/o pickup for $1,399 street (the pup model would be the AD27e for $1,599 street - see link above). It is actually Sapele b/s with "Mahogany" top - but whether that is Mahogany, Sipo, Khaya Mahogany or something else, I don't know.
The guitar was constructed flawlessly, and the woods and finish were top drawer. Set up was also very good (however, I'm a lefty trying out this righty guitar, but it still felt very good compared to other righty guitars I tried in the store that day).
The sound was very balanced with nice bass, but certainly not Martin "boomy". I compared it to two Grand Pacifics - same body shape and V-bracing; a 317 ($1,999) and a 517 ($2,999). Those two guitars, especially the 517, had a little "more" of everything in their tone - BUT - they were also both Sitka tops, so not an even comparison. In light of that, the AD27 (at $1,399 for US made all solid woods) held it's own very well.
This includes up the neck. I know it's partly just Andy Powers/Taylor marketing to say that the V-bracing plays in tune up the neck, and that notes don't muffle out or die - but it's actually true; very observable sustain and clarity on notes up the neck, including on the lower wound strings...making it a pleasure to play these guitars.
As a confirmed Larrivee and Martin lover, I have to say there was a lot to like about the American Dream model. Wish I could have tried an AD17 (Sitka top, Ovankol b/s); I'm tempted to order one of those blind if I can get a good price on it. Also, I'll order it without Taylor's pickup system; I'd much rather have a K&K or other under bridge transducer for amplification (and NO HOLES in the side of the body!).
Again - this model was very comparable to the Grand Pacific models - kinda like a Larrivee 03 Series compared to a 05 or 09 series - you're getting a lot for your dollars.
However, I do have something else coming this week... see my other post (I'm so hopeless)!
