ON THE STAGE, ON THE PAGE
 On Christmas evening, I happened upon a special on Connecticut Public Television called "The Seventh Annual Rob Mathes
Christmas Concert". Rob played piano and guitar. I believe he was playing a 514-CE, with an
812-CE on a stand nearby.
I thought I'd mention the event, because Rob isn't mentioned on your artist page. He appears to be a fairly high profile
musician; guest performers included Michael McDonald, Vanessa Williams, and David Sanborn, with readings by Ossie Davis.
I thought you'd like to know.
Dan Carnevale
Enfield, Connecticut (412-CE, Baby M)
[Ed. Note: Thanks, Dan. Rob Mathes now can be found on the "Studio&Stage"
page of the "Artists Who Play"
section of our website.]
THE PERFECT COTTEN-PICKING GUITAR
My experience with Taylor guitars began last year, when I was shopping around for a new and better guitar - a truly "perfect" one. I played many
high-end guitars made by well-known guitar makers. My long search ended when I walked into a music store and played a Taylor 812-CE.
The visual beauty of the guitar made the first impression. The [Sitka] spruce and rosewood on this guitar were of impeccable quality, and the
fretboard inlay was exquisite. It was truly awe-inspiring. The appearance of this guitar was enough to sell it to any guitar lover.
Then, I strummed a chord and fell in love. I was speechless for the half-hour or so that I sat playing it, nearly oblivious to the sales clerk,
who couldn't say enough about the quality of the guitar (he owns one himself). He didn't have to sell me on it - the tone, clarity, ease of play,
and overall responsiveness and friendliness of the 812-CE sold the guitar in a matter of seconds. I knew my search for the "perfect" guitar was
over, and that no other guitar would stand up to the comparison.
After a little financial rearranging, I took the plunge, purchasing my 812-CE form Cotten Music Center in Nashville (great folks to buy from).
I cannot begin to describe the hours of pure musical bliss that I have experienced thanks to my guitar, and I am certain it will be a treasure
for many, many years. My deepest thanks to Taylor for creating the perfect guitar!
LeeAnn Helton
Hazard, Kentucky
Via the Internet
GUITAR, CONSERVATORY
 Having visited San Diego many times (my brother is a policeman in your fair city), I thought you might like to see what our conservatory looks like. You
might make better guitars, but we make better conservatories. Anyway, after my recent guitar lesson at Podium Music in Minneapolis, I strolled next door,
got a chocolate hazelnut coffee, and sat down to read and enjoy the Summer ['99] issue of Wood&Steel. Thanks for another fun and informative periodical.
I just acquired my fourth Taylor since 1998, when I started taking lessons at Podium. I began with the K-22, which is sounding better and better with age
and playing. It is so lovely to look at that at first, I must confess, I was almost afraid to play it. So, I bought a Baby Taylor to "drag around" with
me to lessons. For travel, and to leave on the kitchen table.
 Then, I indulged my love of 12-strings and bought the 355 (unable to afford a 555 or an 855, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the 355 sounded
very sweet, and was in my price range). My latest acquisition is an 812-C, which I fell in love with while attending
Pat Kirtley's workshop at Water
Music, in Stillwater, Minnesota. I need your latest catalog, so I can dream about my next Taylor.
My guitar teacher, John Franzen, asked all his students to give him a photo of themselves with their guitars, for the wall of his studio. Enclosed are
two photos I took, one of the Como Conservatory and one of me with my 355. Thanks again for the Taylor workshops, for Wood&Steel, and, of course, for
the wonderful guitars.
Mary Sweeney
St. Paul, Minnesota
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