I compared Baby Taylors and the Larivée travel guitar--two of each--at the guitar center in El Cerrito (near Berkeley): My tone memory isn't fantastic and there is always a bit of seperation between them involved in putting one down and picking up and positioning the other, but--despite the fact that it looks a bit less serious--I prefer the Taylor, which I think has a nicer neck while the Larivée has a marginally better tone, comprimised by the rattle I got from the bass strings because of the inferior setup. The Larivée with a good set-up job may come close to the Taylor without one--except I like the feel of the Taylor neck exclusive of the strings (as well as with them as factory prepared). I had the action lowered on my own BT and I wouldn't part with it. Anybody want my Martin? (Mike, I couldn't in good conscience make that swap--your Vega is worth at least a thou more than my Martin.)

Mick, ya gonna join me in defending the Taylor's honor?

--seed