Go for it, or wait?

Neal Pert · #1 12-03-2020, 05:26 AM

I was picking up my amp after a repair at a local shop when I spied a used Taylor 314ce with the V bracing on the wall. $1600 on the price tag. I hadn't played a Taylor for years, thinking of myself as more of a Gibson guy. Anyway, I plugged it in to test my amp and dang if that thing didn't sound just great. And it played like a dream-- a lot of stuff that I find difficult to play on my J-15 came out clean and easy with the Taylor. I'd forgotten how good a Taylor felt in my hands.

I was planning on waiting until after the pandemic to go to some big acoustic guitar shop and try everything before buying something. And after listening online I've started thinking that I'd prefer something like a 324e because I'm not nuts about cutaways. I really want a "do everything" guitar-- I'm not a collector or anything-- so the Grand Auditorium seems a good idea. Then again, a Martin 000-18 or similar also seems like a good idea.

My Gibson is really, really nice-- it's a J-15 with a burst finish. I can't imagine it'd be hard to sell or that it would fetch a low trade in.

So, do I wait until I can get to a place where I can try everything? Do I set up an appointment now at another local shop that has a pile of Taylors in stock? Do I just go and buy that 314 because hey, it's a pandemic and we need to get the dopamine going however we can?

ChrisE · #2 12-03-2020, 05:39 AM

If it's used I'm guessing the price is a lot less than new. I'd say go ahead and get it now and enjoy it, and when the world returns to normal start shopping and comparing.

If you find something you like better and can't swing it financially, you can sell the 314ce and probably get most of your money back.

GuildF20Guy · #3 12-03-2020, 05:41 AM

Great guitars are great guitars. And used great guitars generally maintain their value when you sell them for another great guitar. My suggestion is to keep the J-15 and buy the Taylor. If you find a better one down the road you won’t be out much $ if any. And if you DON’T find another great one, you’ll be happy you bought the Taylor.

Neal Pert · #4 12-03-2020, 06:03 AM

I edited the original post to indicate: Price on the tag is $1600. I've not done business with these guys before so I have no idea if they're flexible on their prices.

ALBD · #5 12-03-2020, 06:21 AM

1600 looks to be the top end of the going price. No harm in offering 13-1400 bucks. And if the guitar stuck out to you the way it did and you can swing it, I’d buy it. Good luck!

Lillis · #6 12-03-2020, 06:33 AM

I know it’s difficult but I would recommend waiting. Especially if you’re not wanting a cut away. For that price I think you can find a guitar that is just right for you.

rmp · #7 12-03-2020, 06:38 AM

I'm a strike while the iron is hot kind a guy..

So it sounds like it fits your hands, plays as nicely as you seem to say and you can easily play what you like to play the most. If it's just sitting there for the taking, why not see if you can work a deal?

I will say Taylors are pretty consistent, so even if you did wait, you would probably find just about the same results, at least that's been my own personal experience, I have three Taylors, and had a 4th one that I sold to a family member about 4 years ago. I also have a J200, wonderful guitar but none of my Taylors needed a setup. they were bang on pretty much right off. Can't say the same for the J200

besides, Taylors and Gibsons make good room mates.

beatcomber · #8 12-03-2020, 06:45 AM

What it comes down to is urgency. How disappointed will you be if you don't buy this one now, and can't one as satisfying later on?

rokdog49 · #9 12-03-2020, 06:49 AM

I guess it depends on how much that Taylor vs. possibly paying a couple hundred less for another one means to you.
For me, $200 or so...not enough to care about if I love the guitar.

Dru Edwards · #10 12-03-2020, 10:18 AM

Neal, I recommend playing a bunch of guitars in that price range to see if anything else hits you. That aside, I say go for it - that specific guitar. No guarantee that the next 314ce you play will sound the same.

Rockysdad · #11 12-03-2020, 10:26 AM

If, it was only the *plugged in* sound that got you, I'd say wait and try other guitars.
It wouldn't be hard to re-create a plugged in sound, purely acoustic, is another matter IMHO.

rllink · #12 12-03-2020, 10:40 AM

I've never understood the, "I really like this guitar, but I'm going to look around for something else." If you like it and you have the money I dont see that there is much more to the discussion.

donlyn · #13 12-03-2020, 10:42 AM

Go for it, or wait?

Neal Pert,

I would go for it. Used Taylors are about as good as new ones, except they're already broken in. (I have 4 used Taylors, the last 4 in my 'heard'.)

And keep the J-15 !

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmp

I'm a strike while the iron is hot kind a guy..

So it sounds like it fits your hands, plays as nicely as you seem to say and you can easily play what you like to play the most. If it's just sitting there for the taking, why not see if you can work a deal?

I will say Taylors are pretty consistent, so even if you did wait, you would probably find just about the same results, at least that's been my own personal experience, I have three Taylors, and had a 4th one that I sold to a family member about 4 years ago. I also have a J200, wonderful guitar but none of my Taylors needed a setup. they were bang on pretty much right off. Can't say the same for the J200

besides, Taylors and Gibsons make good room mates.

I agree with this opinion. And Taylors and Gibsons are agreeable roommates, especially with a J-200. Basic Taylor shapes are kissing cousins with Jumbo shapes.

Only caveat is did you play the Taylor unamplified? Amplification can make a guitar sound just like all other amplified guitars. And V-bracing can sound a bit different from X-bracing. Do try it out unamplified if you didn't before.

Don
.

KevinH · #14 12-03-2020, 10:46 AM

I'd go back and give it another go. If you still like it...a bird in the hand....

Neal Pert · #15 12-03-2020, 11:00 AM

Sorry-- I didn't tell the story well. I was trying out my newly repaired amp and grabbed the Taylor and plugged it in. It sounded and played fantastically well in that context, so I turned off the amp to hear just the acoustic sound. It also sounded quite lovely un-amplified as well.

I can't get the sound and playability out of my head and I'll be driving near the store tomorrow. They also expressed a willingness to look at my Gibson for trade.