THAT TERRY TOUCH
Several years ago, I found that my Taylor 615 (picture attached) needed a new bridge, having developed a crack in the
existing one. Since this guitar dates back to 1983 before the advent of your "signature" bridge, my local shop declined
the work and suggested instead that I send it to you.
I got the guitar back about two weeks later and found the new bridge to be a perfect match visually, but the guitar didn't
sound quite right. It seemed less than its former self, as if its tone had been clamped down somewhat. I called and was
connected with Terry, who apparently did the work and remembered the guitar. He apologized and asked me some questions,
arriving at the possibility that the newer saddle material (tusq) was making a difference, especially since I had installed a
bone saddle some years earlier. He asked me to send it back and said he would make it right.
And make it right he did. Not only did he cut a new saddle out of bone, he also cut a new nut and dressed the frets!
When I got it back, it didn't just sound like its old self, it played better than ever.
I think it's important to note that I am not the original owner of this guitar and, as such, I added nothing to
Taylor's bottom line when I bought it. Nevertheless, except for a modest fee for the bridge replacement, the repair
was handled like a full warranty job. Terry was courteous, attentive, and eager to please in the face of what could have been
taken as criticism of his original repair, and he did the extra work free of charge.
In short, he treated me like I was Taylor's most important customer. This speaks as well for Taylor as my 615
does, and that's saying a lot. My belated thanks to Terry, and to Taylor Guitars for creating an environment that fosters
such wonderful service.
Chris Peterson
Yorba Linda, CA
P.S. I don't know if anyone is still around from the Lemon Grove days besides Bob and Kurt, but my thanks also go to
anyone involved in building this guitar. After 13 years, it still amazes me.
JUST TRY IT
I recently took a tour of the Taylor facility, and was quite impressed with the cleanliness of
your shop, the strong "family" atmosphere that permeated the plant, the attention to detail,
and, finally, how the manufacturing process appeared to work like a well-oiled clock. We even
had an opportunity to meet Kurt, and I was pleased to see that he took time out of his busy
schedule to field questions and talk shop.
When I returned to Boston from my trip to California, I received a phone call from my guitar
store that the Taylor
615ce had arrived (I had been waiting two months, since your company had
to make the guitar from scratch). All I can say is that it was worth the wait. It was as though
Taylor made a guitar with me in mind. I am a strong, percussive player, and the 615 really
resonates unlike any other guitar I've heard, and I've played [many other name brands]. This
Jumbo is the best investment I could ever have made. I love the color and grain of the maple,
the simple but effective inlay work, the feel, the action, the sturdy guitar case . . . well, I
could go on and on.
On a side note, two of my friends who have played my 615, and who are also stoic "other brand
users," are in the process of ordering their own Taylors. I believe that "just try it" attitude,
coupled with your "word of mouth" philosophy, has been and will be your company's strength. So, I
guess I'm saying thanks a million; I'll have this guitar to enjoy for a lifetime, and I wouldn't
trade it for another. Keep up the exceptional work!
Larry Fire
Melrose, Massachusetts
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