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  #1  
Old 06-07-2023, 06:41 PM
wguitar wguitar is offline
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Default Tell me about a 1996 Taylor 815c

Hi,

Would appreciate your thoughts/comments on a 1996 Taylor 815c.

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 06-07-2023, 06:59 PM
SRL SRL is offline
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It's a jumbo cutaway (could be Florentine or Venetian style), sitka and rosewood, ebony fretboard and bridge, one piece mahogany bolt-on neck, scalloped x bracing.

Generally the 1990s Taylors are really good guitars with a very "pretty" sound, and tend to be more balanced across lows, mids, and highs than later models that have different, brighter, voicing.
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Old 06-07-2023, 07:14 PM
guitararmy guitararmy is offline
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Should be a wonderful guitar if it’s been cared for.
Love the snowflake inlays!
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  #4  
Old 06-08-2023, 07:17 PM
wguitar wguitar is offline
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Default Any Taylor 815 owners out there?

Hi,

I just ordered (online) a 1996 Taylor 815c and can't wait to receive it in a few days. Wondering if anyone owns/plays an 815 and what their thoughts are.

Thanks!
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  #5  
Old 06-08-2023, 07:43 PM
ScottSD ScottSD is offline
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I don't have any experience with 815s but I love old Taylors and I hope this one is turns out to be everything you're looking for! Looking forward to seeing what you think of it!

Scott
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  #6  
Old 06-09-2023, 03:38 AM
joeg5982 joeg5982 is offline
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Being Pre-NT is the only drawback.
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  #7  
Old 06-09-2023, 07:44 AM
SRL SRL is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joeg5982 View Post
Being Pre-NT is the only drawback.
The neck reset is more work but on the other hand, the pre-NT neck doesn't have that ugly finger joint at the headstock (it's a one piece neck) and it has a smaller heel for better access to the high frets.
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  #8  
Old 06-09-2023, 09:09 AM
catndahats catndahats is offline
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Wguitar, I haven't owned an 815, but have admired played/tried one.
Preference/opinion on my part:
The mid '90s Taylor's are just consistently great-nice woods and finishes. The longest held guitar of mine is a '96 612----over 20 years and fantastic tone and feel.
The one piece pre NT neck feels best to me (have owned both types).
The 15 series jumbos are rich and full sounding. I had a 615, sold it and friends are still talking/asking about it 20 years later.
Love the mustache bridge and sharp (florentine?) Cutaway.
Enjoy!

Last edited by catndahats; 06-09-2023 at 09:42 AM.
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  #9  
Old 06-09-2023, 09:51 AM
Athens Athens is offline
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Default Older Taylor

Quote:
Originally Posted by joeg5982 View Post
Being Pre-NT is the only drawback.
As Tony Stark says “ I respectfully disagree.” Pre NT has a definite advantage.

The pre NT guitars, ie, the 80’s and 90’s, have a much fuller sound than the ones made with the NT neck.

There have been more than a few threads on the subject, if you’re interested in looking for them.

In a nutshell, when Taylor went to the NT neck they changed the “Taylor sound” and it became much brighter. Too bright, but that’s just my less than humble opinion.

Also, the necks from the 80’s and 90’s had a different profile that was faster and, this part is personal preference, feels better.

I guess it’s just a matter of what’s more important to you.
__________________
1995 Taylor 412
1995 Taylor 612C Custom, Spruce over Flamed Maple
1997 Taylor 710
1968 Aria 6815 12 String, bought new
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  #10  
Old 06-09-2023, 10:46 AM
SRL SRL is offline
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Yeah, same here. That's why my only Taylor is a 1998. The NT neck vs. pre-NT doesn't matter as much to me, but I definitely prefer the sound of the pre-NT bracing and voicing, which was changed around the same time.
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