Taylor Fret Buck

[Tae]

I was just browsing through Tacoma guitar web site and their factory tour pictures, then I came across this picture.

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Features/Tacoma/TacomaViews/tacomaguitar108.jpg

I remember someone in forum saying Tacoma was founded by some people from Taylor. If that is the case, then that could explain the picture above.

However, I do not remember seeing that peice of equipment from any fo Taylorstock pictures. Maybe I missed it or something.

Anyway, did you guys see this fret buck at the Taylorstock?

[cpmusic]

As far as I know, Tacoma was started and is still owned by a Korean company that makes piano. I think some former Martin people helped design the plant and get it started. I can't explain this item, though, unless Tacoma bought some old equipment from Taylor. These days, Taylor has a mechanical press for installing frets.

[Steve314]

Originally posted by cpmusic
As far as I know, Tacoma was started and is still owned by a Korean company that makes piano. I think some former Martin people helped design the plant and get it started. I can't explain this item, though, unless Tacoma bought some old equipment from Taylor. These days, Taylor has a mechanical press for installing frets.

I had heard similar; that Tacoma was started by some people who left Taylor Guitars. What's most interesting, though, is that nobody at either company will confirm or deny it!

Steve

[trombone]

You can buy one of these fret bucks through Stewart McDonald.

[bubbamatt]

Tacoma Guitars was brought to this country from Korea. It is part of a large Piano company who's name escapes me at this moment. The lead man who help set up the company in Washington was Michael Dresdner, an ex Martin employee who designed (I believe) the original D-1 guitar system. He is a very intelligent woodworker who used to write for "Fine Woodworking" magazine on adhesives and finishes. A terrific guy and one of the most knowledgable persons I have met about what makes adhesives and finish work. A bright and fun guy to hang with. Nobody from Taylor was involved in the startup of Tacoma guitars. If BT knows of someone I missed, he will set the record straight.
As the designer of the Fretbuck, the reason you will not see them at Taylor in the production area is the new neck design does not require installing frets in a finished guitar. You will find them in the repair area where we still install the frets with a hammer over the unsupported area of the guitar.
We sell this tool to other manufacturers and repairmen as it makes a better fret job in less time than traditional methods. You will also find our "kerf clamps" in a variety of small and larger companies.
Hope this helps.....:)

[J.R. Rogers]

Thanks, bubbamatt! Appreciate the clarification.

J.R.

[buddiesorg]

Hey Matt ... I knew that about the Fretbuck and kerf clamps ... but didn't have a chance to get back on the Forum today until now. Of course, I suppose that wouldn't surprise you, though. :)

Man, that picture brings back memories ... I remember watching people at Taylor pounding in frets like that years ago ... if I remember correctly, it used to be done in the same section where they did binding as well, but I can't remember the layout of the factory as it was back then (before the new building).

[worshipvertical]

Hey I've got a friend who has one. No big deal you don't have to work at Taylor you can get one through STew Mac. Pretty cool design.

[Tae]

Hey bubbamatt,

Thank you for the clarification. I didn't mean to start any rumor.

[meridian]

Here is a pic of how Taylor does it now.

http://homepage.mac.com/musicandlight/PhotoAlbum2.html

Scroll down halfway, on the right side titled:

"Fretting Machine"

OK, it is really not a machine, it is a hand-operated press.

I've seen video of the same type of press being used at Fender USA.

[bob taylor]

The name of the company who founded Tacoma guitars is Young Chang. It was their goal to be an American based OEM manufacturer of guitars for people who normally import guitars from Korea. They lost interest once they were here. Dresdner had started a line of his guitar designs, in the meantime, calling them Tacoma. Dresdner is the designer of the D-1 Martin, having worked for Martin at the time, and eventually moving to Tacoma to work for Young Chang.

After a while Dresdner left, and later, the President of the US guitar operation bought the company from Young Chang. Young Chang also has a mill on the property, about 50 acres, where they process spruce for piano soundboards. The mill came first and that was the thing that made it easier for them to consider starting a guitar factory here. They had the property and the corporation already started.

That is the basic story.

[bob taylor]

You can go to www.michaeldresder.com to find out about the guy who designed some Martin models and the Tocoma models like the Papoose.

[bob taylor]

Oops, I mispelled it.

www.michaeldresdner.com

[Tae]

Thank you much for the clarification, Mr. Taylor!!
:) :) :)