Why Do Taylor Guitars Look So Gorgeous?

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by SoCalSurf

Every issue of Wood and Steel I get confirms the beauty of Taylor guitars, particularly those with chosen wood sets suitable for publication in Wood and Steel. Just some wonderful eye candy.

Wood and Steel is a great publication. Happy that I get it free in the mail every quarter.

[Brucebubs]

The GC, GA, GS and GO - yes
The DN - not so much.
The new 717 shape is nice too.

[RP]

I had been a Taylor devotee for quite some time and had the collection of Taylors (mostly GAs) to prove it. Last year I thought that maybe I was missing out on the offerings from other manufacturers and sold most of my Taylors. However, I've recently cleaned house and come back to the Taylor fold. I love the way they look, play and sound and hope to never question my loyalty again. There are undoubtedly some great brands and guitars out there, but there is just something about a Taylor that fits me like an old comfortable pair of jeans. And like the OP said, their woods and workmanship are really nice....

Originally Posted by leew3

My 2012 814 was beautiful when new with nearly white sitka top that is gradually becoming golden in a way that highlights the bearclaw in the top. It's GA size doesn't limit the wide range of tone as it's got plenty of bottom end...

I agree. The Taylor 814 is a very special do-it-all guitar....

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

To me, the Taylor Grand Auditorium (x14/x14ce shape) is the most gorgeous guitar form I've seen. Its lines and contours just seem to flow into one another and it's comfortable to play, too.

Agreed....

[Mycroft]

Taylor makes a nice instrument, good fit and finish, nice woods, nice finishes. They make a fine instrument. I've always been impressed. Yet, somehow I've never come across one that I wanted to buy. How do I know? Because I've never bought one. At least, not yet.

vive la différence

[Johan Madsen]

Personally I don't like nor Taylor guitar's shapes, and especially not their pickguards, but yes they do sound great! I love 0, 00, and 000/OM shape, but those don't exist in Taylor's line. I don't like their headstock either, nor the bling that often is part of their models. Though I don't like the way they look, I do enjoy the sound and playability of some of their models!

[EverettWilliams]

Do they? I don’t grant the premise.

Both Taylor and PRS look decidedly 90s to my eye.

[laughingskunk]

I do agree. Most Martin's for example look really traditional and plain in a good sort of way. Taylor's on the other hand have a total visual more modern look. But both are great guitars.

[Pickcity]

I suppose this is what makes the world go round. Some Taylors look really nice, while others are so so. Just like anything else. I do love Taylor guitars, and play my very basic 114e as much as any other guitar I own. It's a great guitar for me in every aspect. Made to play, exactly how I like my guitars.

I prefer simple looks, with minimal bling. The simple ones can still be elegant and beautiful.

[Monsoon1]

For me it's the oh so elegant bridge. The rest of the guitar just seems to come together from there.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

I think Martin is taking a page from Bob Taylor's book with the new Modern Deluxe Martins. They are taking some design cues from Taylor in terms of aesthetics. I currently don't own any Taylors, but the GS body shape is one of my favorites to look at and play. Their 800 deluxe appointments are the most attractive to me.

Martin has been playing copy-cat to Taylor to a very large degree as of late.

[Rosewood99]

Taylors are nice but so are about a hundred other guitar brands.

[Canora]

I am sure I am telling you the obvious but it's the eye of the beholder.
And, even if they do look good, it's the music that matters.
They almost always feel good, but they rarely sound as good to my ear as the "main brands".

[TBman]

Taylors are nice, but there are others at and around their price point..

Avalon Ard-Ri L2-320 (see images)


Furch

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by Dryfly

for the awful shaped pickguards!

You beat me too it!!!!!! I totally agree!!!!!! And the bridges are very ugly too, like pointy wings!!!

Nonetheless, great well made guitars.

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

I think Martin is taking a page from Bob Taylor's book with the new Modern Deluxe Martins. They are taking some design cues from Taylor in terms of aesthetics. I currently don't own any Taylors, but the GS body shape is one of my favorites to look at and play. Their 800 deluxe appointments are the most attractive to me.

I think Taylor is trying to adopt the legendary Martin sound by changing their bracing.