We thought we'd share a sampling of letters and e-mails we regularly receive from
Taylor workshop attendees, and the Taylor dealers who host them. They substantiate our belief that the opportunity to get "up close and personal"
with an admired artist, in an atmosphere conducive to learning and application, is of great value to all concerned.
TRAUM-O-TIZED
 Thank you for sponsoring Artie Traum's guitar workshop in Columbus [Ohio]. It was wonderful. I have been playing guitar for 35 years (sometimes a Taylor!) and the influence of the Traum brothers in spreading the knowledge of fingerstyle playing is just enormous. I was just amazed to see him and hear him in a casual environment. He is a great teacher and musician. I can't imagine a better representative to illustrate the pride you folks take in your craftsmanship! Thanks again!
Bruce Scheer
Via the Internet
TRUE LOVE
I just attended the Artie Traum Taylor Guitars workshop at Sam Ash music store in Canoga Park, California, and I would like to express how much I enjoyed myself. Mr. Traum is a great musician, and he was very insightful, and taught me many new things. He talked about Taylor guitars, even though he said he was not obliged to. I could tell how much he honestly loved his Taylor guitar, and I am definitely considering buying one. I also liked the free pins and strings you send for Mr. Traum to give out. Please continue to send out Mr. Traum and other artists like him; and I will be sure to attend.
Matt Dicker
Woodland Hills, California
SHOW IT OFF!
On February 2, I went to a clinic featuring Christopher Shaw and Artie
Traum at the Guitar Center in Fountain Valley, California. Both did a great job, and I learned quite a bit about open tunings. The Guitar Center had several
fruit-and-vegetable plates out, as well as Perrier and Clearly Canadian sodas. Very classy. Thank you for doing that series.
I'm going to the Steven King clinic at Sam Ash next week. Might I suggest that you encourage the clinicians to "show off" a bit with the stuff the rest of us couldn't
imagine, in addition to explaining the simple stuff? It gives me something to strive for, and also makes me feel that "it must be the guitar". Traum and Shaw played a
few of their songs, but I could have heard more. Thanks again.
Geoff Glass
Via the Internet
TAYLOR'S TAILOR
My brother and I attended our first Taylor Guitars clinic at Royal Music Center, in Merrick, New York. Artie Traum did a fantastic job. Great player, great spokesperson
for your company, excellent session. He covered a wide variety of subjects that were all tailored to the audience members' playing levels. I own three Taylors and am
always interested in hearing about the latest developments at your company. Thanks for putting on an excellent event.
Mike Munzer
Miller Place, New York
Via the Internet
KEEP THE TIP
I attended the clinic given by Artie Traum and hosted by Royal Music, located on Long Island, New York. This was my first attendance at a Taylor clinic, and won't be my
last. A great time was enjoyed by all. Artie had a little something for everyone, from beginner to experienced player, and was extremely enthusiastic and approachable. I
enjoyed the time very much. Thank you for sponsoring these events; I look forward to more Taylor clinics in my locality. Here's a tip: keep Artie on the road! He's a great
rep for the company; honest and informative.
PS: I am the owner of a Taylor 512. I really enjoy this guitar a lot. Thanks for making such a wonderful-looking, -sounding, and easy-to-play guitar. I'm sure there's
another Taylor in my future ( a 714 perhaps?)!
Greg Condemi
Via the Internet
ARTIE THE MAN
Just to let you know, I attended the Artie Traum clinic at Royal Music in Merrick, Long Island. I have to tell you that the evening far exceeded my expectations. Artie
shared a wealth of information in various styles that I know will prove invaluable to players like myself. The man can play the guitar.
Joe Guadagno
Levittown, New York
Via the Internet
MASS APPEAL
Just want to thank you for sponsoring the Artie Traum clinic at the MARS store in Somerville, Massachusetts. He was very entertaining, extremely helpful, and quite good!
Pete Massa
Medford, Massachusetts
Via the Internet
THE MAN GETS AROUND
I just wanted to say that I went to the Artie Traum/Taylor Guitars workshop in Olympia, Washington, last night. It was just fabulous. Artie was articulate, warm, and
funny - not to mention his great playing. I have also been to Taylor workshops by Steven King in Moorhead, Minnesota, and Doyle Dykes in Bismarck, North Dakota. Doyle
was particularly great; his workshop was one of the greatest musical experiences I have ever been part of.
These workshops are just fabulous; I can't thank you enough for doing them. What a great idea! I hope you keep doing them. By the way, the video on your new necks was
very informative and helpful. I have a fantastic 514-CW and I'm trying to save up for another Taylor - hopefully a W12! Thanks again.
Jim Vranna
Via the Internet
THE PLEASURE'S ALL HIS
Wow, what a pleasure! I attended the clinic presented by Taylor Guitars and Horseshoe Music in Lake Oswego, Oregon. It was fabulous. Artie Traum put on a great show.
This is the fourth clinic I've attended (put on by various retailers in the Portland area). This one was the best blend of performance and clinic. Artie played, and
then patiently and informatively showed his tricks and gave tips as to how he achieved various sounds.
He also connected well with the audience. He was relaxed, and truly seemed to be enjoying himself. Good banter and humor, and, of course, guitar playing excellence!
Thank you very much for sponsoring the clinic and having Artie on the Taylor team!
Mark LaHaie (Taylor 314 owner)
Hillsboro, Oregon
Via the Internet
GUITAR MADE SIMPLE
I attended an Artie Traum clinic last night at the Brass, Reed, and Guitar Shop in Vancouver, Washington. I really enjoyed the clinic. Artie is a very good player and
does a great job explaining his approach to guitar playing. I like his philosophy about keeping guitar playing simple. Thanks for making last night possible.
P.S. I really like my 512.
David Allen
Portland, Oregon
Via the Internet
MASTER OF MIXOLOGY
Artie Traum was great at his clinic in Portland, Oregon. His mixture of instruction, performance, and anecdotes was compelling, yet entertaining. I learned a great deal.
Please send him back! It was well attended. Thank you.
Juliet Hyams
Via the Internet
HE'S SO FINE
Thanks for sponsoring Artie Traum's [workshop] at the Brass, Reed, & Guitar Shop in Vancouver, Washington. Artie is a true virtuoso who entertained, discussed questions,
and provided a warm, humorous, user-friendly presentation. He played a 612ce, which sounded great. I hope he returns soon. The audience was attentive and likely to
welcome other such fine artists.
Stan Hahn
Portland, Oregon
Via the Internet
GUITAR PR
I just attended a workshop with Artie Traum at Music 6000, in Olympia Washington. I saw Doyle Dykes at A # Music in Renton last year. I don't know what you are paying
these guys, but you're getting your money's worth. Each of them performed for about two and a half hours. Their playing is the best PR you could have for your guitars. I
look forward to more workshops.
David Klumpp
Via the Internet
MR. OCTOBER
Thank you so much for sending me an invitation to the Artie Traum guitar workshop held last October in New York. That was the first Taylor workshop I have attended, and
it was incredible. I've been playing the guitar for 24 years, and Artie showed me things that will help me immensely! The workshop also reaffirmed something that I have
known since I bought my 814ce: that Taylor guitars are the finest guitars at any price! Please notify me of any upcoming workshops. Once again, thank you so much!
Steven Levine
Fresh Meadows, New York
Via the Internet
ISLAND BLAST
Just a note of thanks. Attended the workshop at Royal Music Center in Merrick, Long Island. Artie Traum was a blast. Hard to find acoustic guitar teachers around these
parts. Thanks again.
Dennis Russo
Via the Internet
HIS AXES ARE FOR PLAYING, NOT GRINDING
Just wanted to pass along a heap of praise for the workshop Artie
Traum did at our shop on October 27. From the time he arrived 'til the time he pulled out of the parking lot, it was a terrific evening. We've had
various sessions from assorted vendors and artists, but this was about as good as it gets. At the heart of the matter is Artie himself.
First, he's a real pro. He was cordial and helpful as we set up a stage and sound system for him. No technical axes to grind, just a whatever-you've-
got-will-do-just-fine approach. Non-prissy; score one for Artie. Two, he is a monster player. If you name a style, he can play it, and teach it. That
gets us to point three - Artie is a wonderful instructor. He has an easy way of presenting concepts and techniques so that all levels of players
can benefit (as they told us after the session).
The topics he covered were things that players can use every day, not just some occasionally thrown-in licks. He developed contexts so that you get
the technique, and ideas of when and how to employ them. Hey, isn't that what these workshops are supposed to be about? Four, imagine about 60
students in a room together, intensely focused on the teacher. Not educator fantasy. We had a roomful of pickers hanging on Artie's every note,
every word. He's entertaining and informative and credible.
One person commented that Artie has "been around" as a player, and has worked with the biggies in the business; he doesn't have anything to prove,
so what you get is the real deal. Also, when he tells you why he plays Taylors, you know it's not jive due to a promotional hookup. That's how he
feels. No fluff, just good stuff. More "stuff", please.
Lee Cunningham
Victor's House of Music
Paramus, New Jersey
Via the Internet
ARTIE WILL SEE YOU NOW
Wanted to let you know that I attended Artie Traum's clinic last night at Victor's House of Music, in Paramus [New Jersey], and thoroughly
enjoyed his wonderful guitar playing (all on a 612-C) and his tips on fingerstyle guitar. Artie was a pleasure to
talk to, and made himself available to anyone who wanted to speak with him individually. This is the second clinic I've attended at Victor's
(where I've spent way too many dollars on musical equipment!). I hope you continue to send many more of your people my way. Best regards.
Mike Aufrichtig
Via the Internet
EAR CRAFT CARRIER
Tonight, I attended the Artie Traum workshop at Ear Craft, in Dover, New Hampshire. It was a great shop and facility in which to hold a
workshop. It has a stage setup in the back with lighting and a wall of sound. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and can't wait for the next one. Artie
was very informative and enjoyable to speak with after the workshop. His guitar, a W-14-C I believe, was incredible.
Ear Craft Carrier
Howard Page
Seabrook, New Hampshire
Via the Internet
ARTIE THE MAGNIFICENT
This is to thank Taylor Guitars for sponsoring the clinic that Artie Traum gave last evening at the MARS store in Somerville (Cambridge),
Massachusetts. He is a worthy spokesperson and representative of Taylor Guitars. He is also a virtuoso musician. I could not have been more in
awe of his abilities if he transformed a rabbit into a guitar right before my eyes. He has magic hands. His Taylor guitar also inspires awe,
both for its sound and for its physical beauty.
Paul D. Nachtwey
Via the Internet
OUT OF THIS WORLD AT MARS
The Taylor clinic at MARS Music in Milwaukee, which featured Artie Traum,
was a very welcome event. There has been a lack of Taylor clinics in our area for some time now, and I was elated that I was able to finally meet Artie
Traum. The clinic was attended (by my estimate) by about 75 guitar enthusiasts. It was doubly exciting to see Artie playing the same model that I play
(the 612-CE). Artie was extremely friendly, and took a lot of time to talk to the folks who attended.
You have chosen an excellent representative for your fine guitars — once again, another great artist representing a great company! I have been
exchanging e-mails with Artie to see if I can get him into an acoustic concert series that I run here in the Milwaukee area. Thanks for a great time
and great sounds.
Lee Kelm
Via the Internet
LOMBARD SUPPORT
Attended Artie Traum's "Essential Riffs For Acoustic Guitar" workshop
at Sam Ash Music, in Lombard, Illinois, and I just wanted to let you know I really appreciate your support for these programs. A friend from the
Old Town School of Folk Music told me about the workshop and I was glad I went — I learned so much. Artie's unassuming responsiveness to everyone's
questions and clear illustrations of his wonderful techniques made for a very enjoyable and educational evening. And it was great chatting "Taylors"
with him, too. Thanks again!
P.S. To continue the experience, I made sure I didn't leave without picking up a copy of his new CD, Meetings With Remarkable Friends.
Mike Lenich
South Holland Illinois
(Taylor 414-KCE & Baby-M)
A SYMPHONY OF ONE
Thanks for sponsoring Artie Traum's "Essential Riffs For Acoustic Guitar"
workshop at Sam Ash Music, in Lombard, Illinois. I am amazed at what can be accomplished on a guitar. Artie's expertise and humble regard for it are
refreshing. He sounded like a one-man orchestra to me. It inspires me to keep plugging away. Thanks again!
Andrew J. Malkewicz
Matteson, Illinois
A SMASH AT SAM ASH
Just wanted to comment on the recent Artie Traum workshop at Sam Ash
Music in Lombard, Illinois. Artie did an excellent job, related very well to the audience, and is, of course, a super musician. Thanks to Taylor
Guitars for sponsoring this event.
Earl Thompson
Elmhurst, Illinois
AWE, ARTIE!
Just a short note to thank you for sponsoring the guitar technique workshop I attended last week at Sam Ash Music in Lombard, Illinois. Artie Traum did
a wonderful job of presenting techniques that were new to me. He has a very warm, engaging manner, and I didn't feel uncomfortable asking him questions.
As a novice guitar player, I was awed by his expertise on the guitar. And I really enjoyed the songs he shared. Thanks again for your part in making
these workshops available!
Patricia Caldwell
Park Forest, Illinois
60 MILES, 60 BUCKS
I just got home from Artie Traum's clinic at the Sam Ash store in NYC. What an excellent show. I live about 60 miles from the city and his CD [Meetings with
Remarkable Friends], which was very reasonably priced, cost me about $60 in total after adding travel, parking, tolls, etc. It was worth every cent!
I recently discovered Taylor guitars by visiting a local eatery which has just added acoustic music to their venue. I fell in love with the beauty, both
visual and sound! Artie was playing his walnut back/sides Taylor [W14-C] as pictured on his latest CD. I have one word to explain the clinic: A-W-E-S-O-M-E! He said
great things about the guitars and the company, as did patrons of the clinic. A few are already Taylor owners. I was feeling them out because I want one!
No one had anything negative to say. I've just got to earn the cash and continue to practice on my [other guitar brand]. I hope to own a 600 Series [model]
soon; I love the look of the maple. However, the Koa Series looks great, too. The decision is going to be difficult!
Timothy Galbreath
Via the Internet
ACTUALLY, 37 WORDS
Just a word of thanks for sponsoring the Artie Traum guitar workshop at the Sam Ash store in White Plains [New York]. It was a great event — good music,
good information, and good vibes. Nice guitar, too.
John Rhodes
Via the Internet
MORE WORKSHOPS IN THE BIG APPLE!
Artie Traum put on a fine demonstration of alternate-tuning fingerpicking here in Manhattan toward the end of July. Most of his tunes were in D-modal, a
tuning I had never used much, and one that I have enjoyed since. Please schedule more clinics here in New York City. I appreciate the advance notice that Taylor sent me regarding the workshop. That was very useful.
I purchased my first Taylor, a 914-C, here in Manhattan at Rudy's Guitars, which has a
fantastic selection of Taylor guitars all the time (and they are a great bunch of guys). On another note, I am eagerly awaiting a custom K14-C, I ordered via
McFayden Music in Wilmington, North Carolina. You folks are adding a koa top and the "Cindy" fretboard inlay for me, and I can't wait to get it. Thanks for the great instruments. And please, more clinics!
W.M. Long III
Via the Internet
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