New Jumbo In The House

fingerman314 · #1 06-18-2009, 08:52 PM

I shouldn't have done it, but last night I bought a Leo Kottke Signature Model (LKSM-6), and at least until I get the bill or get caught sneaking this into my house, I'm a very happy man!

Been lusting after this guitar for several years, but didn't want to order something I'd never played before. Finally found one in stock at a San Diego area shop back in March, and fell instantly, and shamelessly in love with the warm, rich tones of this mahogany jumbo. Wouldn't you know it, that same guitar was still in the cabinet yesterday, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Funny, but as they were restringing the guitar with a new set of D'addario EXPs, the Taylor Production Training Manager stopped by, talked for a couple of minutes, and left me his card. Well, that required some reciprocity, so in good faith, and as penance for buying myself yet another guitar, I headed over to El Cajon and did the Taylor factory tour again.

D. Churchland · #2 06-18-2009, 08:56 PM

That's great! The LKSM is one of my favorite Taylor models

chicago12string · #3 06-18-2009, 09:07 PM

Pictures and sound clips please!

Chazmo · #4 06-19-2009, 08:24 AM

Congrats, fingerman! Great choice.

Jumbos rule!

zookroo1 · #5 06-19-2009, 10:21 AM

Excellent grab! The jumbo is a great size guitar. Get some pics up quick!

fingerman314 · #6 06-20-2009, 07:26 AM

OK, had to take pix in the hotel, get to a computer that I could download to, join photobucket, upload and size, and all that to present these pix.

Not sure if you can see the green lines clearly in these due to size, but if you're lucky like the Irish, you just may see it.

Lou777 · #7 06-20-2009, 07:53 AM

Very nice congrats. WOW is everyone caving to GAS

Lots of posts. Yes I'm guity as well.

Lots of luck sneaking that one in at home

3rd_harmonic · #8 06-20-2009, 07:57 AM

I'd love to have a Taylor Jumbo. But I have Gibson and Rainsong Jumbos. I love the sound of them when tuned down a half step with medium strings. The big bodies can really handle the lower tone. I'm curious if the Taylor also has that extra special sound when tuned down.

fingerman314 · #9 06-20-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rd_harmonic

I'd love to have a Taylor Jumbo. But I have Gibson and Rainsong Jumbos. I love the sound of them when tuned down a half step with medium strings. The big bodies can really handle the lower tone. I'm curious if the Taylor also has that extra special sound when tuned down.

Will have to let you know on that, haven't gotten that far yet. I love a Kottke piece called Crow River Waltz; Leo must have recorded it with a 12 string, 'cause although he has obviously tuned down, he still has a crystal high E string.

Most jumbos I've played were maple, and while that sounded OK in a jumbo, I'm really not into maple . . . too cold and percussive for me. I love the fact that the LKSM is mahogany, which has such rich, warm tones. Just a little bit of growl at the low end under heavy attack, and I think that is way cool. After playing my 314 and OMC, I'm used to a bit more high end, but I understand the limitations of the jumbo body. Like my D-17, I'll get used to that soon enough. Sacrifices have to be made!

Chazmo · #10 06-20-2009, 09:12 AM

Fingerman, thanks for the personal sacrifice there!

Beautiful guitar, and mucho congrats. I have yet to play an LKSM, but I am a big jumbo lover, and I think this is one axe I have to get my hands on someday.

stratokatsu · #11 06-22-2009, 01:07 PM

I have a 315ce that has become one of my all time favorite guitars. If I played the Kottke, it would probably spoil me, so please keep that thing away from me... pretty please?... pretty please with sugar on it?... OK, send it over!

Chazmo · #12 06-22-2009, 01:33 PM

The world of the big jumbos is pretty small

. Seriously though, You've got Gibson, Guild, Taylor, and now Martin to explore. Enjoy the hunt. That Kottke should keep you mighty busy.

Nimrod · #13 06-22-2009, 01:44 PM

WOW I HATE YOU.

Good luck, its a beast!!!!

jaskofall · #14 06-22-2009, 04:27 PM

Hi Guys,
I bought a LKSM6 about 6 months ago.
I am a bit upset about it though.
Now I dont want to play any of my other guitars, it is the most comfortable and best sounding guitar I have ever played.
When I get gas now, all I have to do is take it to a store and play it alongside some other guitars there that I like and I always walk out with just the LKSM.
Nothing comes close to this guitar.

Jask

darylcrisp · #15 06-22-2009, 08:22 PM

okay folks

Help me out here. I have never played a Jumbo, been intriqued by them due to a lot of players that i like play them at times.

So how does this model differ from say a GS with the same woods, what type of tones/sounds do you get from a Jumbo that you would not from a GS model?

And how is the holding comfort factor of that Jumbo body-does it feel about like a GS?

just wondering-i love the lines of the cutaway
daryl