12-STRING ODYSSEY
Just thought I'd share a little personal guitar-hunting odyssey. I learned to play guitar on a 12-string in the early '70s.
Then I sold my 12-string in 1978 to buy a six-string, thinking I'd get another 12 soon. Well it wasn't until 1999 that the bucks
for a new 12-string finally came together. Various other brands seemed nice, but lacked that certain something or were just plain
too expensive. I even bought an old "favorite brand" at one point, but its bridge started pulling up within three weeks and it was
quickly returned.
A friend suggested I try Taylor, because of its thinner neck — and my touch of arthritis. He told the story of how Leo Kottke
returned to the 12-string after playing a Taylor. To be totally honest, I found a few Taylors to try out, but wasn't too
impressed. Even as Jumbos they seemed a bit small and thin sounding. That may have been the store's [acoustics], but I did
have to agree that they were a breeze to play, especially for 12-strings. Since I play primarily in a loud church worship
band, I re-thought the sound thing: perhaps a thinner sound could overcome the acoustic feedback problems. Another guitar player
suggested mahogany as ideal wood for electronic stage use as well, so I decided to go with the Taylor 555.
After getting it home, I discovered a few surprises. First, the Taylor design made it a cinch for me to install an under-saddle
transducer and end-pin jack, plus a neck strap. Second, it sounded magnificent plugged in, whether flat-picked, strummed or
fingerpicked. No on-stage feedback at all, just clear, ringing tone. And third, that "thin" sound just doesn't exist any more.
I attribute that to Taylor's use of solid woods and fine workmanship. This guitar has really opened up since 1999. The need for
a separate studio guitar has totally disappeared. It's been almost two years now and I couldn't be happier.
I think Bob is right — mahogany still doesn't get the respect it deserves, but thankfully Taylor is doing something about that.
Keep up the good work.
John Bjorkman
Tucson, Arizona
BIRTH OF A SALESMAN
Thank you for your support of the Taylor workshops. I have attended three over the past two years, and each has
been informative, entertaining, and inspirational. The artists have been superbly professional musicians and very
personal with their audience. I think these workshops are the second-best way to promote the continued growth in
popularity of acoustic guitar playing. The best way is picking up a Taylor guitar for the first time.
I've been playing for 35 years and now own two Taylor guitars (a 555 and a 414-CE),
which I love. I also really
enjoy reading the Wood&Steel newsletter. Learning about the production of Taylor guitars and the innovations you
are developing makes all of us owners 'salespersons'. Keep up the great work!
John Chaffee
Raleigh, North Carolina
TRUST NEVER SLEEPS
 I am an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist specializing in Celtic and sacred music. I play a 12-string guitar in a special tuning in order to emulate other instruments,
such as the bagpipe, harp, and dulcimer. Although my playing is strongly influenced by my favorites, who include Phil Keaggy, Al Petteway, and William Coulter, I am
constantly striving to develop a style that is my own "signature".
This picture of me was taken last summer, at a festival I played at. I am playing my trusty road guitar (355). My other two are a 555 (custom)
and a 515 (custom), from 1992 and 1989, respectively. Thanks for the great guitars.
John Wilson
Acoustic Musicians Guild
Via the Internet
NECKING PLEASES CUSTOMER
I really appreciate the effort your company puts into the manufacture of a truly great guitar. I purchased a 420-K in 1996, and I really love that guitar. In '98 I called
your repair and service department to inquire about the cost of replacing the neck with a wider neck (1-7/8) and changing the inlay to the 600 Series pattern. Your staff
ordered the neck for me and in two weeks called to let me know that I could drop the guitar off, and when I would be able to pick it up. I was really surprised when I got
the call that my guitar was ready much sooner than that. It just shows how your staff goes above and beyond to satisfy the customer (by the way, the guitar turned out great,
and I have a truly "custom" guitar for a very reasonable price).
I have since purchased a 555, and have on order a 25th anniversary 714-BCE. It is your commitment to producing a great instrument, your effort to satisfy the customer, and
a truly great staff that has made Taylor Guitars an industry-wide and household name. It's no wonder that you have so many repeat buys from your customers. I'm a satisfied
customer.
James Stygar
Via the Internet
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