R. Taylor follow up....

fitness1 · #1 03-08-2018, 01:27 PM

Obviously there was a reason that I was asking about the dimensions of the R. Taylor Style One dimensions a few days ago. I had one in my sights

My quest for a larger bodied Mahogany/Spruce instrument that fits my ear has continued over the last couple of years. Had a couple that were very close to what I was looking for, but in the end something held them back.

I just got this today, so I'll hold any reactions to it tonally as I just got it cleaned up and the new strings are stretching in - I will say that so far it seems pretty impressive though.

One thing that was a really nice surprise was the gorgeous darkened bearclaw Adi top - it didn't show in the dealers photos that were taken in bright studio lighting. One of those that you could stare at for quite a while and not get bored.

There's no question these are on another level of workmanship - and it was MUCH lighter (even with the "stealth" ES system onboard) than I expected. Perfect setup and intonation right out of the box too (that makes it easy!)

This one had a couple of finish imperfections from a slightly botched "repair" so it was very easy on the pocket book. In the old days I wouldn't have been so tolerant, but I've softened some.

Here are a couple of shots.....

ChalkLitIScream · #2 03-08-2018, 01:28 PM

Lovely looking top! Very classy guitar

Earl49 · #3 03-08-2018, 01:31 PM

Congrats -- that's a beauty!

Brucebubs · #4 03-08-2018, 01:45 PM

I have a larger body Spruce/Mahogany guitar - nowhere as pretty as yours - but I get an idea of how beautiful they can sound.
Nice one - love it.

westman · #5 03-08-2018, 02:04 PM

yeah, fine guitar - I almost bought one.

markallen · #6 03-08-2018, 02:24 PM

Very nice - Congrats!

FOG01 · #7 03-08-2018, 02:38 PM

Great photos! That is just gorgeous and I bet it sounds as great as it looks.

jseth · #8 03-08-2018, 05:29 PM

Nice one, Todd! Hope it gives you what you're looking for...

Without exception, every R Taylor I ever held in my hands (20-30) were flawlessly finished and fit... as you said, an obvious "cut above" the standard Taylor line - and those are already darned near perfectly done.

I had occasion to visit the Taylor factory to check out a backlog of R Taylors that were back in the shop with Tim Lauranc. A buddy of mine pulled a couple strings, and I went down there fully prepared to purchase one if it "got me" in the right spot; the deal was I could get one of the "already built" R Taylors for 45% off of list, so it was a good opportunity.

Unfortunately, there weren't any that really grabbed a hold of my ears, but I was overall impressed by the whole operation, including the little shop where they had the R Taylor's built. As Tim explained to me, "it's like a small shop that has access to ANYTHING in the factory we might want or need...". They really were building them just a couple at a time, each in various stages of the build.

Excellent guitars, R Taylors! Enjoy!

Godfather · #9 03-08-2018, 05:39 PM

Gorgeous! Hope it sounds exactly like what you are listening/looking for Todd. Anxiously await your review and...SOUND CLIPS

BrunoBlack · #10 03-08-2018, 05:46 PM

Very handsome guitar. Looks like fun. Good luck.

fitness1 · #11 03-08-2018, 06:27 PM

Thanks everyone - I only got about 40 minutes or so on it this afternoon once the new strings stretched in. It will take a couple days for it to get back to normal after cross country shipping.

It is a radiused top - wasn't aware of that when I bought it. I've had a couple H and D's in the past and they seemed a bit tight - think this one will be more responsive than those were.

Sure is pretty in person! Ewwww......just noticed the fibers on the headstock picture. I'd just rubbed out the fingerboard after cleaning and conditioning - I guess I forgot to blow it off!

HOF dad · #12 03-08-2018, 06:31 PM

Gorgeous - hope you love it (how can you not?)
congrats!

wooglins · #13 03-08-2018, 06:48 PM

Gorgeous guitar. Play in good spirit, I am sure you will enjoy it. The Taylor vibe really deserves the radius top. I have seen very few flat top R. Taylor’s I don’t think they sold as well.

Guitar Forest · #14 03-09-2018, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jseth

Without exception, every R Taylor I ever held in my hands (20-30) were flawlessly finished and fit... as you said, an obvious "cut above" the standard Taylor line - and those are already darned near perfectly done.

How were they a "cut above"? As I understand it, R Taylors were finished in the same spraying booths (with their high tech machines) as regular Taylors.

fitness1 · #15 03-09-2018, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitar Forest

How were they a "cut above"? As I understand it, R Taylors were finished in the same spraying booths (with their high tech machines) as regular Taylors.

Spraying is only a small part of "finish". The rest was done by their most talented builders. The other aspects are the woods used and attention to detail with binding work etc.

I've owned almost 100 Taylors and there sure seems to be a difference in this R. Taylor's voice if nothing else. Much warmer and rounder than any other I've owned. Most of those were from the pre '99 era which I consider the best.