Blues Music & Taylor Guitars (again)

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by LakewoodM32Fan

. . . the larger point is that Taylor, and Powers, are savaged more on AGF in general than just about any other maker . . . . .

You should have been here a few years ago when Gibson Acoustic was getting all the attention

All the criticism from others towards Taylor and Powers doesn't bother me (I'm a Taylor player these days), because I spend just as much time trashing their guitars (JK!!!!). Actually, Andy Powers' innovations, especially V-Class, fit my style of play so completely I have no reason to be insecure.

[jkinnama]

Originally Posted by rllink

I think it is that way with a lot of genres.

. You'll get some raised eyebrows if you show at a Bluegrass gig if your guitar isnt a D28, a D18 or a boutique version of same.

[jkinnama]

" Taylor don't exist until 1974. By that point, the first and second generations of blues players have established that the premium guitars for the style are the only ones that are available 1920-1960: e.g. Martin, and Gibson".

And Stellas, Regasl, and Nationals. Folks will go at great expense to aquire repro versions of the budget gutiars of that era. Collins Waterloo brand comes to mind.

[TedBPhx]

Originally Posted by rllink

Come on, I was impressed.

Brought a smile to this old English Major’s heart. Derrida forever.

[rllink]

Originally Posted by jkinnama

. You'll get some raised eyebrows if you show at a Bluegrass gig if your guitar isnt a D28, a D18 or a boutique version of same.

I hear this one a lot, but at least with the bluegrassers I have been around it hasn't been my experience. I just got back from a bluegrass festival and I don't even own a Martin, I have a Guild. No one has ever raised an eyebrow at it. I have even seen a few Taylor's show up on occasion. Sure there are some who consider themselves purists and dress the part, but I haven't run into very many of them. They tend to keep to themselves.

[aK_bAsh7]

Originally Posted by Bluesra

I personally like a guitar with prominent bass for the driving blues rhythm, also I hear blues guys like a mellow sound more akin to a Gibson.

I play a lot of blues and every Taylor that I've tried left me uninspired.

I've seen Corey Harris playing a Taylor, I don't think that's what he plays lately though.

Yes-- exactly! ! ! ! !

[Brucebubs]

Taylor guitars are perfect for playing the blues when you feel happy.

[jkinnama]

[QUOTE=Sugar Bear;6840560]
'Lawd, I'm pickin' on my Taylor, in my suburban living room.
I said I'm pickin' on my Taylor, in my suburban living room.
My woman up and left me, so I believe I'll dust my broom.'

Taylors, like in old Oscar Schmidt or Mauer, is an American-made factory guitar, built for mass consumption. when dyou looka t it that way, it's a nat'all for the blues. Or any roots music.

What would be incongrous would be a guy (it's usually us guys, right?) singing the blues on a boutique build, be it a Martin authentic, a custom shop Gibson, or a repro of an old ladder braced job by Mr Collins or a private builder. The kind of guitar where you pay beaucoup bucks "sound like a dead guy".
Peace, out.

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

Same reason nobody plays contemporary music on a Martin.

Good thing Michael Hedges didn’t know that….

[Stringmaster]

I like the sound of Taylor’s slope-shoulder dread for Blues, but the narrow string spacing is a deal breaker for me.

[jontewright]

Blues and rags sound pretty fine on my Taylor GTe.

[marciero]

As far as bluegrass-does Dan Crary count? Yes, he is or at least was an endorser, but its been like 30+ years.

In fact there was a time in the late 1980's when it was not uncommon to see them at bluegrass festivals and jams. This was back when no one was making scalloped braced production guitars. Now I dont think Taylor even makes dreads. But at the time the 810 blew most D-28s of the time out of the water.

[Italuke]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Because Taylor is very strong in the Worship music scene, and The Blues is the Other Guy's music?

Boom! Lol

All kidding aside, as noted, the acoustic blues field is very small these days. And from personal experience, in many circles, there is a "blues look" or vibe, like it or not. I'm primarily a bass player and back in the day, I know I lost gigs because I didn't play a Fender P and wear a bowling shirt. It's less nowadays but still exists somewhat.

I'd say the sound issue is the last factor, although that too may play into it. Shimmery, sustaining, restrained bass is the LAST kind of sound you want for blues.

[Italuke]

Originally Posted by jkinnama

Folks will go at great expense to aquire repro versions of the budget gutiars of that era. Collins Waterloo brand comes to mind.

Heck, you don't have to spend $3000, see Recording King. In fact, I'd argue that IS their vibe, they saw an opportunity and tapped into it.