Would you ever trade a Collings for a Taylor?

[sled]

Originally Posted by TrueBaDoor

Hi AGF,


Any specific thoughts about the 2014 618e? Should I hold out for a Taylor Grand Orchestra with upgraded woods or something?

Your wisdom would be much appreciated! Thanks!

I absolutely love mine, especially since putting Elixir lights on it...

[Goodallboy]

Based on the dozens of each brand I've played, I would never dream of trading a Collings for a Taylor.

[ocmcook]

i ran into just the opposite at my local guitar shop.
i was looking at a used collings jumbo fell in love with the sound (maple). i left and after a couple of days went back and in its place was a taylor jumbo (maple) that had been traded in on the collings. and yes the collings was a far better sounding jumbo than the taylor jumbo and i like taylor guitars.

[TrueBaDoor]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

I don't really see what your physical stature has to do with the guitar size you choose to play. Surely one chooses guitar size depending on the sort of sound/tonality you are seeking.

However, you have decideed that you desire a larger guitar. Fair enough.

Why not get a larger Collings guitar ?

I do not care for Taylors and love Collings so my opinion might be biased.

Earlier this week I traded a National Style "O" Deluxe for a National Estrella Deluxe because I no longer play the Style "O" and wanted an Estralita (a cheaper model).

The dealer took a straight swap, and will make money out of the deal but I've got what I wanted.

Do what makes you feel happy.

I'd LOVE to trade up for a Collings Jumbo...or a Santa Cruz...or a Bourgeois...but, unfortunately, none of these wonderful builders seem to make a true jumbo (17" lower bout). They all make slope-dreads, but that doesn't give me the playing position I'm looking for. The large lower bout works well with my monkey right arm to put my hand in the proper strumming/picking position without stressing out my right shoulder.

[TrueBaDoor]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I've got a new 2015 Taylor 618e and I really love its tone, look, and playability! I've had Huss & Daltons that I've traded-in for Taylors and haven't regretted doing so. The new Taylor 618e is a tone monster and, IMHO, can be kind of thought of as a boutique-grade guitar.

CAUTION! Be sure the 2014 Taylor 618e that you're considering has the new Expression System 2. Look for the three disks behind the bridge, each with an Allen screw in its center. I personally think the ES2 is more acoustic-sounding than the older ES1 versions. I'd ask about trading your Collings for a 2015 Taylor 618e that has the ES2.

Hey SpruceTop, thanks for this advice. I hadn't thought to check about the ES2...good call.

[TrueBaDoor]

Originally Posted by sled

I absolutely love mine, especially since putting Elixir lights on it...

I saw a video where Teja Gurkin (Acoustic Guitar Mag) suggested restringing the grand orchestra with lights...he says it sounds noticably better (to him) than when strung with mediums.

[AZLiberty]

Not me. Then again I wouldn't trade a BMW for an Oldsmobile either.

[BrunoBlack]

Originally Posted by TrueBaDoor

I'd LOVE to trade up for a Collings Jumbo...or a Santa Cruz...or a Bourgeois...but, unfortunately, none of these wonderful builders seem to make a true jumbo (17" lower bout). They all make slope-dreads, but that doesn't give me the playing position I'm looking for. The large lower bout works well with my monkey right arm to put my hand in the proper strumming/picking position without stressing out my right shoulder.

Check out Goodall Jumbos as a possible option. Their jumbo has 17 inch lower bout. http://www.goodallguitars.com/jumbo.htm

[Txmiller]

I would not trade my Collings. In fact I traded 4 Taylors to start my Collings collection. You might find one of the larger Collings dealers like Hill Country in Austin and see if they will take your 000 in trade. I've found them very fair.

[martingitdave]

Well, I considered trading one of my children for a Collings. Does that count?

[merlin666]

Sell the collings and buy the Orpheum jumbo that's on reverb!

[bluzfvr]

Originally Posted by Earl49

PM sent, I have a mint 615ce jumbo in all black, made in 2010 but purchased as NOS just last October.

Come on Earl! You wanna sell it to buy a Collings doncha?

[handers]

Originally Posted by TrueBaDoor

Hi AGF,

I've recently realized that I'm much more comfortable playing large guitars than small. I'm tall with very long arms and true jumbo sized guitars (~17 inch lower bout) put my body in the correct playing position, versus smaller guitars.

My main axe is a near mint 2008 Collings 0001...and I'm thinking about trading it for a jumbo. I've actually got it posted in the classifieds section now for a trade, but I've also been digging around my local guitar shops, just in case AGF doesn't pan out. One shop owner offered to trade me a new 2014 Taylor 618e for the Collings 0001. If I can't get a good trade through AGF, should I do it?

I definitely want a jumbo, but it feels weird trading a "boutique-ish" guitar for a guitar from a giant company...is this just me being crazy? Any specific thoughts about the 2014 618e? Should I hold out for a Taylor Grand Orchestra with upgraded woods or something?

Your wisdom would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Keep Collings. Buy another jumbo

hans

[Captaincranky]

The reality is a jumbo with a 17" lower bout would only be a 1/2" higher than a 16" guitar when strapped in place. Most full size dreads and jumbos come in close to 5" deep.

Granted that the lower bout radius and waist have a good deal of effect on playing position.

With those things said, the first thing that springs to mind is there might be a bit of histrionics and some hasty conclusions at work here on your part. Not judging, jus' sayin'.


I think Taylor's largest body is the "grand symphony", not the "grand orchestra", I though I saw mentioned earlier.

[buddyhu]

If you are not comfortable with your 000, you should move it along. It doesn't much matter what takes its place, as long as you like the time and find it comfortable to play.

For me personally, I'd have trouble letting go of my Collings. Whereas I sold my Taylor 810 without much hesitation: never quite bonded with it.