Taylor T5z-12 (my newest project)

[fazool]

I am super excited about this fun looking project.

I have always gravitated toward 12-strings and wanted an electric 12-string just because they are so darn cool. I did a semi-rescue of a Framus vintage but a new owner wanted it unfinished ASAP so I never got to play it.

I like Taylor guitars (obviously) and their T5 line is very innovative, so this project is perfect for me.

This one I just bought was brand new but dropped.

This type of repair is "right up my alley" I think. I love a 3D puzzle and love working with mahogany (I prefer that for rescue jobs).

This will be a fun project.

[mirwa]

They are a very nice guitar

Steve

[Dutch1244]

I do not understand the need for 2 end pins on this, seems that is the area that broke?

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by Dutch1244

I do not understand the need for 2 end pins on this, seems that is the area that broke?

My T5 has two end pins. The guitar sits different with a strap, depending on which you use.

[fazool]

Fedex will be here tomorrow! Looking forward to this one.

[fazool]

Guitar arrived today - and it's exactly right. Brand new but damaged from dropping - no surprises at all. No wear at all - truly brand new.

First step is a thorough examination, including a bore-scope camera inspection of the internals, especially the braces and checking the crack lines.

I examined the soundboard sensor closely worried, because that is pretty delicate but it looks and sounds perfect.

Then I tested out the electronics to test all the electronics - everything works perfectly, including the pre-amp, both pickups and the 5-way switch.

Next I examined the wood - all the breaks were very clean so I am highly optimistic about the repair.

Before I could get into the disassembly I needed a spanner wrench for the ES2 controls. I had a piece of stainless that was the perfect thickness, and a dremel tool, so I made my own spanner wrench.

Shortly, I've got the internals removed.

And I have a husk of wood to fix, now.

[fazool]

next pics of the inspection and disassembly

[fazool]

And finally the repairs can start

[fazool]

Just got an email from Sweetwater thanking me for my purchase. Well the box had a Sweetwater label on it but I bought it from an eBay store - I guess it was Sweetwater's scratch-and-dent seller.

[auffenauger]

Another interesting thread to subscribe to. This looks like a really fun project!

[fazool]

Structural repairs first, so it's clamp-city as I reassemble the 3D puzzle.

Then on to testing color matching - I usually blend my own colors for a better match.

[fazool]

The structurally repaired crack on the back before cosmetic fixes....

[fazool]

The crack repairs before "blending" and "finishing". Considering the extent of damage that tightened up nicely. I have some work to do with finishing to hide (or minimize) the visibility of the repaired cracks.

I have added a J. Pearse armrest to every acoustic I own so will likely do the same here, and will will certainly help my aesthetic issues. I may need to custom make one for this, however.....

[jrmyrnsm]

Impressive! Great job so far on the repairs. Glad to see this guitar will get another shot at life

[martingitdave]

Well done Fazool! I'm enjoying your progress reports.