SERENGETI SERENADE
I wanted to send you a couple of photos and tell you about my recent trip to Tanzania and Kenya. The trip was magnificent from start to finish; I saw more wildlife than could be imagined. It is pretty impressive being in the middle of the Serengeti during the annual zebra and wildebeast migration. They number in the hundreds of thousands.

All in all, I was in Africa about three weeks. I did a similar trip last year, but made the mistake of going without any sort of guitar. Three weeks without a Taylor in my hands is way too long. This time I took my new Baby Taylor. It was wonderful. It fit in all the airplane overheads, and never once did a stewardess give me a hard time about bringing it aboard.

In Africa, the guitar was a huge hit, and an instant friend-maker everywhere I went. Kenya and Tanzania are both very poor countries, and the local people simply cannot afford any sort of musical instruments other than what they make themselves. Everywhere I took the Baby out, it instantly drew a crowd. The people loved it (or maybe it was my rendition of those old bluegrass standards), but when I played, they came. Kids, old people, you name it, they all love music, and apparently don't get to hear very much of it. Kind of interesting playing American folk songs for a group of Masai warriors.

For the most part, we stayed in tented camps, and the Baby was wonderful around the campfire in the evenings. There's nothing like sitting around a fire in the African bush, being served gin and tonics, and picking on the Baby. Life is good in Africa for Baby Taylor owners.

On the way home, I had a five-hour layover in the Amsterdam airport. I was picking a little bit to pass the time, and people started coming up and dropping money in my case. Who says you can't make a living as a rock 'n' roll star? I got almost $15.00.

The trip was great, and having the Baby along made it a lot more enjoyable for me and I believe others as well. My fellow travelers loved it almost as much as the locals. I think the language of music can overcome a lot of barriers, and can do a lot to bring diverse peoples together. I'll never do another trip like this one without taking my Baby.

THE PERFECT BUNKMATE
About six months ago my U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Unit (PSU 309) was called to active duty by the President and sent to the Persian Gulf region to protect our naval ships in port. We were given about three days notice to report for duty. The day before I left, I ran out and bought a Baby Taylor and took it with me to the Gulf. Incidentally, it fit nicely in the overhead compartment on the civilian aircraft on the return home.

I played the guitar almost every other day for the entire deployment. Several of my shipmates joked routinely that the case matched my desert camo uniforms. It was truly a joy to have along on a deployment.

Eric M. Drake, Esq.
Attorney at Law/USCG PSU 309

STUNT PICKIN'
I'm a fingerstyle guitarist and a strolling entertainer on Grand Canyon Railways, a line of trains that tours the rim of the Grand Canyon. (I'm also a retired movie stuntman - I've worked on The French Connection, Shaft, What's Up Doc?, Cloak and Dagger, and Too Late the Hero,).

I do the train gig about six times a month, and when I do, I play my Baby Taylor. The action is great, and it's made to order for the train - perfect because of its size. When I'm working up and down those narrow isles on a moving train, I've got people coming by constantly, and I have to get into some weird positions in the middle of a song! You'll notice in the photo that my Baby has a pick guard: As a "Travis" picker, I didn't want to wear a hole where I rest my fingers.

There are a couple of other guitarists on the train who also play Baby Taylors. We get a lot of comments on the Babys. Other guitarists who take the tour will mention they own a Taylor, and often those who don't own Taylors will come up and tell me how impressed they were with the sound of this little guitar. And rightly so! I don't understand how you put all that sound into that tiny little guitar, but I'm glad you do!

[Photo: Top (L-R) -- Joe Pronto and his pickin' pal Charlie Oleson. Bottom (L-R) -- Kevin Johns, Joe Pronto.]

Joe Pronto
Ash Fork, AZ

FUNNY TOY
I bought my first Taylor guitar about four years ago. I had been used to a larger sized guitar, but thought I'd get a Baby Taylor as just a "fun toy". Then about two years ago I started performing as a standup comedienne in New York City and I started writing funny songs as part of the act. Now my Baby Taylor has become a wonderful companion to my act. It's easy to carry around and comfortable for songwriting (I can lean over it as I'm writing). The look of a smaller guitar works well with comedy and the sound of the guitar with a pickup is amazingly full. People always take notice of the Baby and can't believe the quality of the instrument.

I just had to let you know how much joy this guitar has brought me and wanted to thank you for your quality guitars and the human touch in your marketing. If I can ever swing it, I'll be getting another Taylor!

Susan A. Unger
Rego Park, New York

BABYFACE
I thought you might enjoy the enclosed photo of my four-year-old son Robert. He wanted a guitar for Christmas. The Baby Taylor seemed like the best choice. I think you will agree that when you look at Robert's face, he was thrilled to have his very own Taylor guitar!

I am sure he will enjoy it for many years to come.

Richard Gaul
Novi, Michigan

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TAYLORS
I bought my Baby Taylor last July, for the purpose of travel. But I soon learned that this guitar was much more than just a convenient carry-on; it sounds great and is fun to play. I knew I would be visiting Aspen in the fall and looked forward to bringing the Baby with me. This little guitar was small enough to carry-on and the airlines had no problem with that.

Begun in October 1998, hundreds of John Denver fans gather in Aspen to celebrate a "Musical Tribute to John Denver". It has become so popular that the town of Aspen has issued an official proclamation, declaring it John Denver Week!

John Denver played Taylor Guitars and several of his fans play them also. I knew that many of them would be in Aspen too, and that's when I got the idea of including all the Taylor guitars in the picture.

This picture was taken on Sunday, October 15, 2000, in front of one of the world's most photographed mountains in the world, Maroon Bells. We gathered an astounding eight different Taylor models, and two Baby Taylors. The people in this photograph traveled from all over the country to attend the John Denver tribute events. They are:

Standing in back row, left to right: Rod Hier (Nebraska) - K22; Dr. Christopher Westfall (New Jersey) - 814 with custom inlay; Steve Gorman (Northern California) - 355; Frank DeLaMarre (Michigan) - K65

Kneeling in front row, left to right: Dave Howard (Texas) - 512; Pat Hier (Nebraska) - Baby Taylor; Shirley Pestana (Southern California) - Baby Taylor; Melanie Trondson (Colorado) - 655; Judy Therrien (Northern California) - 815E

Thank you for making such great sounding guitars and for making the Baby Taylor.

Shirley Pestana
Via the Internet

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
Yesterday was a "Taylor day" here in the Johnson household. I bought a Baby Taylor in the afternoon and attended a Doyle Dykes workshop in the evening. Two great guitar experiences in one day! The Baby is so much fun to play. Thanks for making such a quality instrument at such an affordable price. There is probably another Taylor in my future, but for now the Baby is the perfect instrument for me to start playing, more than the bass I have been playing the last 15-20 years.

Doyle is an excellent representative for your company. His style and technique are breathtaking and his message is inspiring. While the vast majority of us who listened last night will never approach his level of playing, his encouragement to just play and share the music in our hearts gave everyone there a nudge to improve and share. Thanks again for all of your patience and information regarding my many questions. I look forward to a life-long affair with Taylor guitars.

Mike Johnson
Via the Internet

LE Bébé TAYLOR
I am enclosing a picture of a poster for the French cutting edge artist "M" (his real name is Mathieu Chedid) playing a Baby Taylor on stage. "M" received two "Victoire de la musique" [awards] (the French equivalent of the Grammy) at this year's contest.

I am one of the few owners of a Baby Taylor here in France. I bought it during a business trip in Houston and have played it every day since then. I bring it on my surf trips (let's say business/surf trips) all around the planet (Nigeria, Oman, Gabon, UK, etc…). I try to make it the most traveled Taylor of the planet....

Keep up the good work. Cheers.

Cyril Saint-Andre
Via the Internet

TRAVELING IN STYLE
I just purchased a Baby Taylor - what a piece of workmanship. I tried [several other travel-type guitars], and there is no comparison. The playability was superb, as was the sound quality. My original intentions were to make this my "bang-around", portable guitar - you know, throw it in the trunk, take it to the beach etc. I don't think I have the heart to treat this guitar in that fashion. I may have to use my full sized [other model] (the Baby sounds better).

I do plan on purchasing an 814ce when I can save enough funds. Keep up the good work, I'm sold on Taylors! And please pass these comments on to your manufacturing people - they deserve a pat on the back.

Tom Reynolds
Via the Internet

BABY GETS AROUND
I am a performing musician and teacher, as well as general manager of Picker's Supply, a Taylor dealer in Fredericksburg, VA. I am also the author of Melodic Fingerstyle Guitar, which is published by Bill Edwards Music.

My wife and partner, Laurie Rose Griffith, and I are avid travelers, and have spent a bit of time in Southeast and Central Asia. I always take my Baby Taylor to keep my chops up, as well as ingratiating myself to any indigenous players I encounter. So far, my Baby Taylor has been played in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), India and Nepal. And, oh yes - the U.S.! I think China and Africa will have to put up with my playing before it's all over!

I have enclosed a few pictures that may amuse you, plus a little poster that graces the travel guitar display in our shop. By the way, my performing and recording guitar is a 612c, and Laurie's is a GA-RS limited edition. Keep up the good work.

Peter Mealy
Fredericksburg

FEELS RIGHT AT THE CAMPSITE
Flipping through the latest issue of Acoustic Guitar, I once again saw advertisements for [two other "travel guitar" brands]! I am the proud owner of a Baby Taylor, and I feel that your product is by far superior to the aforementioned two and others that I've tried. My "Baby" accompanies the family on our many desert outings, and out there, in the middle of that desolate beauty, you should hear that Baby sing! Let the world know that this guitar isn't just about size, it's about sound and playability!

I enjoy playing my full-size [other brand] guitars, but around the campfire, the sky bursting with distant light, it's the Baby Taylor that feels right! I've sent along a picture to help you visualize the scene; this one was taken one morning just after the sun came up. This location is about one hour west of Riyadh, near an ancient lake bed. When the time comes to seek out another full-size, you can be sure that Taylor will be on the short, short list!

Carmine Filice
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

TWIN-KLING LITTLE STARS
I am an acquaintance of [San Diego-based singer-songwriter] Cici Porter, who suggested that I introduce Taylor Guitars to two of my brightest students. Cameron and Tyler Loughman are seven-year-old twins, and also Baby Taylor players. They have been studying with me for two years. They are sight-reading and improvising, and the scariest part is that their music-theory knowledge is at high school level. Think of the possibilities! I am sending you several photos.

Brent H. McHenry
Encinitas, California

A MUSICAL BRIEFCASE
A well-deserved thank you to all at Taylor Guitars. In the 15 years that I have played guitar, I have struggled with inferior guitars and at times wondered if it was at all worth it. Until Taylor came into my life, nothing has graced my fingers with elegance, excellent design, phenomenal workmanship, beauty, and playability, as much as my Taylor 420 and 855 have. I love my Taylors so much that I just had to get a Baby Taylor to take with me on trips and to work, for my daily rock'n'roll lunch hour. Thank you not only for the wonderful instruments that you brought into this world, but also for my little odd-shaped brief case that carries music to my day.

Sam Spence
Via the Internet

TAYLOR IN THE MIDDLE
I am sending this e-mail to tell you a story about a friend of mine. I had loaned him the Taylor video [Taylor On Guitars: New Neck Designs]. He was so impressed with the video (plus my constant endorsement of Taylor guitars), he had to try a Taylor guitar for himself. He went to our local guitar store (Murch Music, in Cambridge, Ontario) and tried a few different models. He now knows that, although he cannot afford one at this point, his next guitar purchase is going to be a Taylor.

However, the story does not end there. His wife was pregnant with their third child at the time. When their child was born, my friend called me and said he had a "Baby Taylor ". He named his son Jacob Taylor Lehmann, and, yes, the "Taylor" is named after Taylor Guitars.

James Felder
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

ANNIE'S LEAP OF FAITH
I'm on a road trip that will last until mid-May, and I thought I'd share this photo of me and my Baby Taylor bungee-jumping 43 meters (about 130 feet) off a bridge over the Karakua River in Queenstown, New Zealand!

What was I thinking? It was the most frightening thing I've ever done, but also incredibly gorgeous. I sat at the side of the river playing for an hour in order to get the nerve to jump. But, I finally did. It was unbelievable. I've been playing my Taylor on buses and such all over, and folks keep asking about my "great little guitar". I lived to say, "Taylor guitars go everywhere." Many thanks!

      

Annie Wenz
Via the Internet

BABY STEPS
I am a beginning, left-handed guitarist, 51, and last week I bought a lefty Baby Taylor while on a business trip to the Minneapolis area. It's a great little guitar, and it has given me a real motivation to pursue this hobby more seriously. My other guitar, a good [other brand], was a full-size dreadnought and difficult for me to practice on at home, due to the size. At my current skill level, I need to be able to maneuver easily and feel comfortable with finger placement, etc. The Baby Taylor does that. It's a fine instrument.

I also like the padded Taylor gig bag, which protected it well during my flight back (as carry-on luggage). I am new to Taylor, but the website will provide me with a lot of info and tips, I'm sure. The Baby Taylor testimonials were helpful, too. I look forward to our new relationship, and my renewed relationship with the guitar. Thank you.

Karl Kunkel
High Point, North Carolina
Via the Internet

THE PERFECT POLYNESIAN SEA COMPANION
Aloha, I am writing concerning my recently acquired Baby Taylor. I play a Hawaiian style of guitar called "slack key" or "kiho'alu". I am also involved with an organization called the Polynesian Voyaging Society, whose task is to relearn the lessons of our Polynesian ancestors as they voyaged and settled the area in the Pacific called Polynesia. We have been sailing a Polynesian voyaging, double-hulled sailing canoe called "Hokule'a" for the past 25 years. You might be interested to look at our website to see our latest voyage to the Marquesas, Rapa Nui, Tahiti, and back to Hawai'i.

I was selected to crew on this voyage and desired to take a guitar along. On the first leg to the Marquesas, I brought a full-size guitar, but it proved a bit large to be comfortable on the trip. On the fourth leg, from Rapa Nui to Tahiti, I looked around at a number of travel guitars available in Hawai'i, but could not find one that had the tone, volume and general sound I was looking for.

Finally, I happened upon the Baby Taylor. As soon as I played it, I knew this would be the perfect companion on the voyage at sea. I was a bit apprehensive about taking such a prize out into the elements, but I figured I'd just be careful. It was a good thing the hard case came with the guitar; it even fit in a dry bag that I had purchased for the trip.

Out at sea, the Baby Taylor provided welcome entertainment and enjoyment that the whole crew jammed on. We had some beautiful jam sessions under the stars, as well as during the day. Other crewmembers couldn't believe that such a full sound came from such a small package. It sounded so good that some of the crew commented about purchasing such a guitar once we arrived back in Hawai'i.

Its small size fit perfectly in my small sleeping compartment without compromising any other gear that I needed. It also stood up to the natural environment and high humidity of the tropics and being at sea. If you look at the voyaging website, there is a picture of me playing the Baby Taylor while we were sailing from Rapa Nui to Tahiti.

This is the most satisfying sounding and playable guitar that I have ever owned. Mahalo nui loa,

Dennis Chun
Via the Internet

WOLF'S GANG
We're an acoustic-rock cover band from Neuwied, Germany, and looking forward to creating our own website with info, tour dates, pictures, and all other kinds of info and fun stuff. We're using three Taylor guitars — a 414-KCE, a Baby Taylor, and a 310 — for live performance and in the studio for our last demo CD. Playing grunge-rock covers on Taylor guitars sounds pretty good! We like the guitars very much.

Ulle Wolf
Neuwied, Germany
Via the Internet

BY DESIGN
Many thanks for the catalog and video. The video was particularly interesting; in fact, a colleague of mine has used it to illustrate for a class of Design Technology students how long-standing design faults can be overcome by understanding the problem and innovating design.

I have had my Taylor 712 for over two years now. It was a special birthday present, although the present turned out to be far more special than the birthday! My next purchase will be a Baby Taylor, which I hope to buy in San Francisco when I make a short stopover there next year, following a ski holiday to Heavenly. Can't wait! In the meantime, thanks again, and keep up the excellent work.

Bob Gallagher
Via the Internet

HAPPY IN HAPPY VALLEY
I just wanted thank David Magagna and Steve Rapp for sending more materials than I could have hoped for. I have received my SmartStart Guitar book, the Taylor On Guitars video, catalogs, Wood&Steel newsletters - you name it, David sent it! I will be placing an order, before Christmas, for a left-handed Baby Taylor (if I do not manage to pick one up in Hawaii next month). Thanks again for exceptional customer service!

Rob Park
Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Via the Internet

TECH FOR TWO
I have just downloaded a few of the Tech-Sheets from the Taylor website and wanted to say thank you for adding this feature to the site! In our household we have two Baby Taylors and a 422-R.

Bill Jarocki
Via the Internet

SHUCKIN' THE BABY CORN
Last August, I rode my bicycle across the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. I took along a Baby Taylor. Yep - on the bike. What a joy it was to be able to play a good-sounding guitar after a long day of pedaling! Or, just after a steep climb, to burst out in song in the middle of a cornfield - shuckin' the corn! I want to thank you for making such a lightweight, sturdy, terrific-sounding travel guitar. Bless you all.

Arie vanderKlooster
Rotterdam, Holland
Via the Internet

THE EDGE OF ADDICTION
I read the [Summer '99] issue of Wood&Steel, featuring the new 25th Anniversary models. First, let me say that I read those newsletters, front to back, as soon as I can, and am yet to be disappointed in any edition. Kudos. Also, let me interject that after reading them at work, I go home, pull out one of my four Taylors (410-K, 655, 814-CE, and Baby), and reacquaint myself with my love affair, hoping the urge to purchase your latest cutting-edge model will fade. So far, it's worked. Until I saw the Anniversary models.

I know their number is terribly limited, and, judging from the craftsmanship that goes into each of them, and the rest of your guitars, I can see why there is a limit. I had to laugh at the recent letter in Wood&Steel, about Taylor Acquisition Syndrome. Tone and playability should be controlled by the government, for they are very, very addictive. Congratulations to all at Taylor for 25 years of splendid, and much-appreciated work.

Geoff Roubik
Via the Internet

BABY AND BABY
Imagine how lucky the little fella is without him even realizing it: the very first note he plays is on a Taylor. Lucky kid. Baby Taylor lessons! I'm glad I took the Baby to this dinner party. I can't believe that I'd allow that on any of my other Taylors. Yours in guitars.

Brian M McConnell
Williston, Vermont

CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER
Last Christmas, my wife and children gave me my sixth Taylor, a black beauty 612-C. Gary Niemchick of R.I.T. Music Central [in Grand Rapids, Michigan], who's my longtime buddy and the best guitar doctor around, helped them in surprising me.

Proof of my love for your guitars is my seventh Taylor, a Baby Taylor, purchased at my other favorite music store, Rainbow Music [also in Grand Rapids], so we would have two of them for a road trip to St. Louis. Owners John Gelderloos and Pete Bardolph are responsible for turning me on to Taylors. I bought an 810 and a Steven Curtis Chapman Baby Taylor [a 1997 limited edition that was part of a promotion] from them, and have never looked back.

Rainbow has brought Doyle Dykes here twice, and they actually call to personally invite me to the workshops. I attend them with my daughter Jessica, and Doyle goes out of his way to make her feel very special. Your choice of Doyle to endorse your guitars makes me feel that much more pride in owning a Taylor. His guitar playing pales next to his personality and his Christian values. (Wow, what a statement that is!)

Taylor guitars could not have chosen a better dealership in West Michigan or a better ambassador than Doyle Dykes. A few years ago, in my quest for special Taylors, [Taylor repair and service manager] Terry Myers directed me to his old stomping grounds at Huber-Breese, where I bought my koa 712 and my Brazilian 710. It was a three-hour drive from Grand Rapids, so I invited my mom to come along.

As I was trying out the two guitars, my mom asked the salesman if he had any really special guitars, and he showed her the GA-BE [1995 LTD Brazilian rosewood/Engelmann]. She negotiated with Paul as only she can, and when I went to the counter to ring up my two new "babies", she said, "we'll take this one, too." Of course, I was floored. She said, "Happy Birthday. This makes up for all the years I didn't get you anything." Needless to say, I now invite her every time I go to the music store!

Walt Gutowski Jr.
Via the Internet

THE LOANER
Falling in love with the Baby Taylor. Here's a picture of my daughter, aged eight (in Singapore), playing the Baby Taylor I loaned her over the weekend. Got to get her one when the new stock arrives.

Phoon Chiong Wye
Singapore
Via the Internet

TRAVELIN' GUITAR
I bought a Baby Taylor a year ago and strapped it to the back of my bicycle in a "soft case" that I'd improvised from a wet-suit top and a 10-year-old's raincoat. Then, I rode from San Francisco to L.A. and out to Colorado, playing all the way. I love that guitar! And so did a lot of guitar players I met along the way. This year, I'm heading with it to Europe, but I want to leave the wetsuit/jacket contraption behind! My friend, Bob Evans, had the wetsuit idea, and the raincoat addition was the idea of another friend, Phil Moore.

Jim Wiggins
Via the Internet