Breaking News- New Tacoma-influenced guitars coming from George Gruhn

[pickitPaul]

I hope they aren't made in China or Indonesia. Why oh why can't inexpensive but good product be made in the USA?

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

George has had a few other collaborations in the past and in recent years. He has enough sway and connections to try things. I think it's great. He had a new shape and size of the Avante line from Veillette run a few years ago. It's positive when someone was knowledgeable and credible tries to innovate or collaborate to bring new ideas to the market...or, possibly like this case, join in on something that wouldn't likely work or get any attention if not for his name, input and blessing.

Tacoma guitars at one time were very successful and one of the fastest growing acoustic guitar companies in the USA. They were in the guitar business from 1996-2008. They built not only Tacoma guitars, but Guilds, Washburn, Triggs and others. They had some unique designs and the guitars pull their own weight. George is not bringing life to an unknown brand, just building something he has seen before and giving it his personal touch. Most "Tacomites" will be curious, but have little interest in owning.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Boy

Probably this one: "New Tacoma-style guitars coming from George Gruhn!"

https://youtu.be/wNSzyjkFaC4

Interesting thanks.

This video plays like half infomercial for a really cool guitar, and half list of specific changes from the original Tacoma's that amounts to a case against anyone who might claim he's infringing on copywrite protected original designs. Smart.

[Gunny]

Looks like Fender let the trademark lapse. Does that mean a person could use it as they wish? Maybe I am reading this wrong.

https://trademarks.justia.com/764/37...-76437370.html

[Jaimoe]

Originally Posted by pickitPaul

I hope they aren't made in China or Indonesia. Why oh why can't inexpensive but good product be made in the USA?

Guitars? Labor costs, primarily. And the fact that for-profit companies often prioritize profit margins over other considerations.

Not that there aren’t other inexpensive/good products made in the US.

[backliner]

I liked the screw-on neck of my old Tacoma dread shaped object, having bought a used Martin once that needed a neck reset.
Hope they keep that feature.

[Jaimoe]

Originally Posted by Gunny

Most "Tacomites" will be curious, but have little interest in owning.

Oh, I don’t know about that. If it’s under $2k and gets a few decent player reviews, I’ll likely bite.

I bet we’ll see at least 3-4 TGFers grab one. What do you say, Gunny—gentlemen’s bet?

Jaimoe/SEATAC

[Wellington]

The bridges are too much for me, couldn't do it.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by Wellington

The bridges are too much for me, couldn't do it.

The new ones that Gruhn is coming out with have normal-looking bridges.


whm

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by Jaimoe

Oh, I don’t know about that. If it’s under $2k and gets a few decent player reviews, I’ll likely bite.

I bet we’ll see at least 3-4 TGFers grab one. What do you say, Gunny—gentlemen’s bet?

Jaimoe/SEATAC

Not saying I wouldn't want to try one.....

[Gunny]

Originally Posted by Wellington

The bridges are too much for me, couldn't do it.

Being a tad OCD, I had to get past symmetry myself. The bridge and headstock make them unique.

One of my favorites. PKK40

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by Gunny

Tacoma guitars at one time were very successful and one of the fastest growing acoustic guitar companies in the USA. They were in the guitar business from 1996-2008. They built not only Tacoma guitars, but Guilds, Washburn, Triggs and others. They had some unique designs and the guitars pull their own weight. George is not bringing life to an unknown brand, just building something he has seen before and giving it his personal touch. Most "Tacomites" will be curious, but have little interest in owning.

My first real guitar was a Tacoma and I’ve had a few more since. Well aware of the history. They died a sad death, unfortunately. Im not sure if you’re arguing with my point or just missing it, but I’m certainly in favor of potentially great products being introduced to the market and if it requires the horsepower of a giant of the industry, that’s ok by me. Tacoma as a brand died the moment they were acquired by Fender, so expecting anything like the originals is just not worth it. That will never happen again. It doesn’t mean whatever is coming can’t be great in it’s own right. It could be awful, too…we’ll see. If one is such a purist, it wont be for them, I get it. Fender has never been the same since CBS bought them, but they’ve had their moments. Guild has changed hands multiple times and has had a lot of great stuff under each era. It could happen here. Too early to say.

[Gunny]

FMIC said they had big plans for Tacoma. I was a guest at the 2005 summer NAMM. They did have a huge display along with Guild and a couple other labels they owned. The rep went on & on about their plans. I am sure he too thought they were going to keep the brand at that time. Then the bean counters come in and things started to look different. Model inventory went from 66 to a handful. Then when they acquired Guild, the factory was buzzing. Then the closing of the factory and even then they said they were taking Tacoma back East with Guild. It was all lies as the dumpsters out back were full of blueprints, designs, model spec sheets, jigs, dies, etc.. They literally threw Tacoma in the trash! A friend of mine did some dumpster diving and sent me over 200 spec sheets along with some bridges and other goodies. There are a few PACRIM prototype Tacomas out there, but the idea died quickly. Like many big companies, they chose not to compete with themselves.

Anyway, all that to say that Gruhn's idea is certainly "cool", but I suspect it will not go past the model he is displaying. Yes, I want to see and try one.

[drive-south]

Assuming they release an affordable Papoose-12, I would have to choose between that and a Veillette Avante Terzilla. I'm referring to the import Joe sells for under $2k. I've played a few Terzillas and they are tough to beat.

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by drive-south

Assuming they release an affordable Papoose-12, I would have to choose between that and a Veillette Avante Terzilla. I'm referring to the import Joe sells for under $2k. I've played a few Terzillas and they are tough to beat.

Are Terzillas available somewhere? They haven't been made for like 10+ years if I recall.

To that point, are Avante guitars even being made anymore? Joe sold the line some years ago. Gruhns actually had a design made called the Elan in the Avante line they had produced a few years back. I haven't seen new ones in years and wondered if it just died out completely.