INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 02:02 PM

PoppaGator - I love my D-18 also. It's a 67 but I bought mine in 1969. Still have it too. I hope I'm able to pass it down to my son someday. But the guitar that gets the most action right now is a new Collings OM. Martin still makes some great guitars but for my tastes Collings has a more consistant product. I think being a smaller shop gives them the time and ability so produce a great guitar time after time. Right now it looks like Martin is caught up in trying to mass produce a lot of good guitars and Collings is willing to make fewer - but better instruments. But like the lady said who kissed the cow - "Everybodies got their own tastes".

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 08:20 PM

That was me, two posts ago at 7:44. Don't know why I was anonymous ~ I got in via the FRONT door (!!???!?)

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Sleepless Dad
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 08:01 PM

Yep - those D-18's are wonderful guitars. Sometimes I almost think I could be happy with just one guitar.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 07:44 PM

I bought my Martin D-18 in 1969 and have never thought much about buying another guitar ~ certainly not another wooden guitar.; (I've had plenty of daydreams about steel-body resonators I could never afford.)

For quite a few years, I quit playing in public, and gradually quit playing very much at all. Not only was I not in the market to shop for guitars ~ I wasn't even part of a "scene" with anybody else shopping for guitars (acoustics, anyway).

When I first poked my nose into the Mudcat a couple of years ago, I began encountering new and unfamiliar guitar brand-names for the first time, including all those mentioned in this thread title (and most of the others mentioned within the thread, too). The last time I was in touch (in the mid-1970s), Yamaha and Ovation were the newest "names."

I'm still not seriously considering a purchase, but I've become somewhat interested and a bit more knowledgeable about these newer high-end nameplates. A few months ago, while my one-and-only was at the luthiers for new frets and a neck reset, I started hanging out in guitar-store showrooms, just to be able to play a few hours a week.

While I was mostly interested in getting my hands on as many different resonators as possible, both wood-body and metal, I took the opportunity to play some nice wooden instruments too. The only one that really spoke to me was a Lowden; if I could possibly have afforded it (i.e., if I could have spent the price of a decent used car on a second guitar), I would gladly have grabbed that Lowden.

None of the other guitars I tried seemed at all special to me, not even the new Martins. Not even the Eric Clapton signature-model Martin, for that matter.

The Lowden that I played that day ~ sorry, I have no idea of the model number, which woods it was made of, etc., etc. ~ was different enough from my own good old Martin for it to make sense to me as an alternate instrument: much lighter, a little smaller, with a very different, brighter sound. Fantastic sound, in fact. Not to mention newer and shinier, too, of course.

But I'm happy with the one guitar I have. Some of the comments above, specifically those endorsing the sound of the mahogany body as opposed to rosewood, etc., make me feel better than ever about owning such a wonderful intrument. When I bought the D-18, price was the main consideration ($495, I believe, in 1969). I figured I was being smart not to spend extra money on ivory and mother-of-pearl (frills in which I still have no interest), but didn't realize that part of the price differential was due to the 18's mahogany construction, as opposed to the rosewood used for the pricier dreadnaughts. Now I'm pretty much convinced that mahogany, while chaper than rosewood, is not at all inferior, just different, and to some tastes (including my own), it's better.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 05:08 PM

Interesting to see this refreshed. One of the players who fell in love with a Taylor has just sold both his Taylors to buy a Gibson.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Sleepless Dad
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 04:32 PM

It looks like Taylors were well thought of a few years ago. I'm wondering if people still feel the same way ?

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 07:18 PM

Interesting.

No-one mentions Taylors being a bit sort of brash - like a bit twangy, and tizzy in the treble: very sort of country sounding. It was teh way I always felt about them, and I've seen some silly money paid here in teh UK for them - several thousands of pounds sterling (like up to about seven thousand, adn with the dollar as it is that's a lot of dollars) - and never really felt they justified it.

Now I know of two players who used to feel the same way, and just in the last few months both have gone and fallen in love with different Taylors. I havene't seent he instruments yet, just heard the stories.

Does anyone think Taylors are growing up a bit - less immediate impression and more maturity and soul in the sound?

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Marion
Date: 22 Dec 02 - 08:52 PM

I recently saw an ad for Taylor that said: "You're right. It's probably too late to get into the rock and roll hall of fame. But it's not too late to give the world another cover version of Smoke on the Water."

Although Rick said way up at the top, "I've talked to literally hundreds of store owners over the last 10 years and the market these instruments are aimed at is one made up of University educated 45+ businessmen who remember their teen folkie years with fondness (and their beloved Harmony guitars) and are back in the market with a vengeance," I was surprised to see Taylor deliberately marketing themselves as a mid-life crisis instrument.

Marion

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,SlickerBill
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 03:58 PM

Interesting point from Norton1. I was guitar hunting and had it down to two Morgans; mahogany auditorium (slender neck, bright lively tone), or the concert (wider neck for fingerstyle, richer tone). couldn't decide. Happen to be looking around at Larivees, picked up the LO-5; sold. The only thing I'm finding with the Larry to watch is humidity. It's such a light construction that it reacts to humidity and temperature in quite a significant way. In southern Manitoba in winter that presents a challenge. In winter you just have to keep it in the case with the humidifier. Summers I keep it on the stand. Otherwise a terrific guitar. SB

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Spotty
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 05:21 PM

Erm, me again, erm sorry for bein tedious.... Nothing does everything quite like a Lowden... Erm for me ,anyway, and I've had a few over the years. More than my dear wife cares to remember!! Erm, Lowden is spelt L...O...W...D...E...N! I just love mine - sorry!!

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 03:56 PM

Here's a link (Clik) that explains what it does. I believe you could plug Korg DT-7 into any search engine and find one.

The really high end Washburns are all coming from the factory with Buzz Feiten tuning now.

Hope this helps you -

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: michaelr
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 09:19 PM

Norton1 - could you provide more info on the Korg DT-7 tuner? How is it different from others?
Cheers, Michael

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 03:39 PM

michaelr,

The beauty of the Feiten tuning is that capoing is so easy. With the guitar in tune with itself there appears to be no changes necessary as I move the capo around the neck area. I've gone as high as the 10th fret with no audible difference in being in tune. Before I had to retune every time I changed where the capo was located.

It does require a special tuner though - a Korg DT - 7.

Riley - Welcome to the Cat. Searching for a new guitar has been an ongoing thing for me over the past 20+ years. It wasn't until I hit this space in time that I started figuring out what sound I liked and what woods came close enough to make that sound. I'm having one built for me. I know the tree the Mahogany is coming from and the luthier and I have been friends for many years. After all of the playing and researching I have a pretty good idea of what I want now. You are right about having one jump in your lap and saying "ME ME ME" as that is what happened with myself.

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 12:03 AM

Sorry Rolfy.....I think dwditty still has his 71 he bought a few years ago.

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 05:12 PM

Thanks Spaw and Midchuck. I did as you suggested and found some stuff about Gallagher guitars, but only three post in either place which talked about the Gallagher G-45. And those were of the 'gee whiz, I love it' type. Most comments are about the Doc Watson model and the G-70.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: michaelr
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 03:38 PM

Norton1 - you mentioned getting the Buzz (unfortunate name) Feiten tuning system installed. I'd like to know if anyone has had this done, and how they feel about it.
In a recent issue of Guitar Player, renowned luthier Rick Turner says that while the System improves in-tuneness of the open strings and lower positions, capoing or playing up the neck is a no-no. (Maybe I'll start a thread on the subject.)

I bought a used Lowden O10 for a grand, and I love it!! Mahogany back and sides, spruce top, no-pin bridge - it all adds up to one of the sweetest sounding guitars I've ever played. And the sound is quite distinctive from the Martin/Taylor/Collings crowd.

Michael

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 12:41 PM

Rolf, try going to the Flatpick-L Archives and running a search under "Gallagher." But allow plenty of time to read the results. You might want to search under your specific model #.

Peter.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 12:34 PM

Try Gallagher in the forum and DT search Rolfy. A lot of names didn't have individual threads and Gallagher has come up....But if you want to start a thread re: opinions on Gallagher...Do it! Several Gallagher owners around here. Matter of fact, start one with two names in the title that would be good to have a single commentary place on....

Info/Opinion-Gallagher&Doherty Guitars

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 12:24 PM

Mindful of Spaw's instructions to enter a guitar maker's name in the search/filter box and set the time box for three years,and wanting info about one of my guitars, I entered Gallagher and three years. Result: Nothing. I tried variations and got nothing.

So should I start a new thread seeking information about my well loved G-45 (and other Gallghers)? The G-45 is baldly listed on Gallaghers site (at the bottom of the "G" model list) without description, pictures or apparent interest. I've e-mailed Gallagher twice over the last year without response. Maybe there's nothing to say about a "bottom-of-the-line" mahogany/spruce dreadnaught.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Fortunato -- That ain't hominey grits.
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 08:03 AM

Welcome to the 'cat Riley. Your opinions will be noted and appreciated here. If you followed 'spaw's suggestion to search threads, by now you know that we've discussed woods and glues and small shops and big discount stores, large luthiers and small. Hell, we've discussed picks to the nth degree and finishes and inlays and so on. There are young and old here, professionals and neophytes. Guitar builders and sellers and players sign on here. Some are guesst and you won't know who unless you know them personally. Some names are household words, most are not, but whoever they are their opinions are welcome and often the least experienced of us has much to contribute and shake up the 'old hands'. It's a great commnunity. Regards, Fortunato

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 08:35 PM

I think you'll find all of that rings true here Riley and has been said about a hundred times before around here. These threads were simply meant to be places to log specific info and all.

Welcome to the 'Cat......You'll find an active guitar community here too with loads of opinions and everything from openminded to very biased folks....which makes it fun. Enter the word guitar in the filter box and set the refresh for 3 years and see what you get. Like any folk session, lots of guitar and other instrument talk too.

Glad to see you here.

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Riley Stokes
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 08:27 PM

Being a neophyte net grazer, I'm not at all sure of what I have stumbled into here. I just plugged in "Larivee OM" into Google and all these opinions popped up. Very interesting. I have to say, though, that I hear a lot of apples-to-oranges comparisons. When you sit down to compare guitars against each other, you are also comparing sizes, woods, strings (light, medium, new, worn-out), action setup, price range.... Even the relative age of "new" guitars is important. One may have just arrived at the shop and be only a few weeks from all its components having been separate slabs of wood. It still has internal tensions that will kill the sound for a while. And on top of that, guitars are just plain individuals, which is one reason we're fascinated by them.

Concerning price and price range, a high percentage of guitars made by individual luthiers (those who know what they're doing) and the top-end small shop makers like Collings and Bourgeois, etc., will be great guitars. They have the advantage of being made of choice woods and are the beneficiaries of a dozen decisions, large and small, made by the luthier or luthiers along the way. They are tweaked, in other words, and have every chance of being great instruments. But that doesn't mean you can't find equally great-sounding guitars in other price ranges, and from the big factories like Martin and Taylor--or the even bigger factories in Asia. Very often there's the serendipity factor; a certain happy combination of pieces of wood come together in a certain way and you've got a great instrument, no matter whose name is on the headstock.

All this comes into play when you compare guitars. So when you go away from a comparison session in which you've had a chance to play only a few instruments, and you're thinking, well, I like Taylors better than the new Gibsons and Guilds and... you're doing both the makers and probably yourself a disservice. A really good time to comparison-play guitars is when you're not looking to buy one. You just stop in at the showroom once in a while and pick around on stuff. But if you make that a practice, don't be surprised someday if a particular guitar seems to jump off the wall and into your arms and says "Buy me!" The best thing to do then is walk out... and sneak back in a few days and try the thing again, and it still speaks to you, ask yourself: Is buying this guitar worth straining the family budget and therefore my marriage? If the answer is yes, you may have found yourself a new guitar.

Riley Stokes

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: kendall
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 03:55 PM

I do have to admit that I have heard some very fine guitars besides the Taylor. Moonchild has a nice Larrive, Midchuck has a nice Collings, and a guy in Florida has a nice Collings. He wouldn't let me play it, but, it sounded good to me. I was surprised at how much Ricks old Martin had to offer. It sure doesn't belong in the back seat. Jeds' guitar is a sweetheart too.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 11:46 AM

Spaw - That's funny! Jan read it and went - "Yeah right." Then - "Who's Mose?" Mose has always been "Steve's Mossman" or from Jan - "Your Mossman." I don't know about committted but I know she has been wondering why in the heck I would want another guitar. But Jan is convinced I can play a rock and make it sound good - (Nothing like an adoring Fan Club :-)).

Rick - Blew your budget? Ahem? This the same person who was saying in another post about paying off something or another?? Too funny!!

On the way home yesterday Jan was asking me why in the heck I would want another guitar. I could, after all, only play one at a time. Then she goes, "Oh, I get it." And I was trying to figure it out and the look on my face must have set her in motion - She says, "Horses." I really had to laugh then. I have two horses and Jan has six. Now why would anyone need eight horses?? Because they are beautiful and we love them each for their respective qualities. When they are new borns for their potential and exuberance, and as they grow for their abilities as they develop, then as mature adults for the steadiness they display - dependability - and the sheer beauty and strength they embody. Ever ridden a well trained cow or trail horse? If you've played a beautiful old guitar that was broken in right and used a lot - then you have the perfect analogy.

So I'll be getting me another guitar - just going to have to play a lot of them to find the magic one.

BOB - Thanks for your support - you don't mince words and I certainly like that!


Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 01:05 AM

Steve, that was a great post because you got yourself into a position to hear for yourself and "sense" the difference in woods. No matter how beautiful they are or how much we try to describe the qualities they possess here, nothing beats hearing these sometimes striking and sometimes subtle differences. Always need to throw in the bit about apples and oranges and not comapring a mahoghany Larrivee to a koa Martin or whatever, but you had yourself a great experience......so far.

Mose may be better and more wonderful than before, but then anyone who already owns a guitar of a lifetime still needs a spare.......right? Tell that to Mose who will be flattered and agree and then to your wife who will have you comitted.

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 12:19 AM

Norton, I was pretty interested in the Blueridges until I blew the budget on the Gibson I've mentioned in the new thread. Still love to play a couple though.

Love the name "Old Mose" (probably 'cause I have a friend who IS "old Mose" (Scarlett that is). My Gibson has been christened "Agnes"....'cause Heather's birth mother was Agnes Gibson.

Rick

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 12:14 AM

Sure starting to sound like it Spaw - If Old Mose is what I think - I probably won't buy a second guitar. I can't see buying anything that is not as good as what I have - and the price I'd have to apparently spend to improve is out of my league.

I'm going to wait and see what Mose sounds like Feitenized. My Luthier tells me that it really makes a difference - helps develop the bottom end, and Mose already had that, and - how did he say that? Wakes them up a bit? I'll see.

Although it was fun to see all of the guitars, and to play them, I just wasn't impressed. Too weird. Maybe I got my hopes up too high - Sure going to be good to have Mose home though - - I'll be beating on it tomorrow night for a fact!!

One thing for sure - I could tell the difference on the woods for backs and sides. I definetely like Mahogany the best. Koa was a bit mushy and the Rosewood was pretty good - just not the solid sound that Mahogany gave. For pure crisp sound it exceeded the others. The Spruce tops were all very similar and the Morgan may have been weak on the bottom end due to a bad string - the grain was a bit wider - the others had a lovely mix of close grain and medium grain blend in the top. So the midrange was as good as the bass. I learned a lot through this and think I am still going to keep looking. Mose is so beat up that I ought to be ashamed of myself. We'll see - have to try a Blueridge again and this new DR 20 Tacoma coming in to Shaun's shop.

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Dec 01 - 08:53 PM

Well...........If you didn't mind the neck on the Larrivee, you should be okay with the Blueridge and I'm tellin' you, THAT guitar is a BUY!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: 53
Date: 07 Dec 01 - 08:34 PM

old mose sounds like my old j-40 you just got to love her. BOB

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 07 Dec 01 - 08:27 PM

The Morgan's were gorgeous in real life - but they certainly didn't sound as well as I thought they should for $2500. The Larivee blew it away forty ways from Sunday on sound, sustain, and articulation.

I also played a DR-20 Tacoma. I was really disappointed in it. Had a great neck, but fingered a bit stiff, and certainly wasn't playing on air like its little cousin I played at Shaun's shop.

As for fit and finish none of them impressed me. For the money the Tacoma was the best. For sheer beauty of finish and workmanship the Morgan was gorgeous - although the top was not as nice and smooth as I thought it could be - maybe a little better sanding and another coat of clear? The Larivee had some little blems where the neck joined the body. Like the varnish didn't settle in right in a couple of small places on the underside. Either that or the neck had been reset after assembly.

Price wise the Larivee beat them all. The Tacoma DR-20 was $900 with case, the Larivee was $1200 with case and the Morgan was $2400 with case. They didn't have a mirror to look inside so have no idea what the top bracing looked like. What I could see looked very nice on all of them. No glue sticking out or lack of finish issues of concern that Spaw had mentioned to look for.

Jan went with me and I spent about two hours playing the three. Jan thought that Old Mose sounded as good as any of them - the only exception may have been the Larivee with a better bottom end boom. And I haven't played Mose yet with the Buzz Feiten work done. I'll get him back tomorrow afternoon so will have an opportunity to compare them.

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: 53
Date: 06 Dec 01 - 06:54 PM

go for it. BOB

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 06 Dec 01 - 01:46 PM

Since this thread has the name Larivee in it I'll add one more - Morgan sound familiar? Morgan was the head luthier at Larivee and was the only other person, besides the family, to be able to declare an instrument ready to go out for sale. He is apparently making his own - all hand made - just him. They are a bit more spendy $2200 - but I'll find out if it is as good as they say tomorrow. They have three of them - all spruce tops but the back and sides are Koa, Rosewood, and one other. All Ebony fretboard, bridge, pins, - ought to be interesting at the least.

Damn Rick - I was pretty careful and had Jan pretty OK with $900 for the Tacoma - but $2200 may be a bit of a stretch -

I know!!! I could get it for her for Christmas! Since she is learning piano I'd have to play it, you know - break it in and all - until she mastered the piano and then opted for the guitar - - - What do you think??

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: UB Ed
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 10:55 PM

Leej, I've gone back over this thread twice; the Larivee was twice the cost of a Taylor. Doesn't seem right. May not have an apples to apples comparison...

Ed

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,G
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 09:39 PM

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: 53
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 08:45 PM

i'm real confused about humidifiers, i've had my takamine ltd90 for 10 years and i've had my gibson j-40 for 21 years and i've never used a humidifier in either one and now i bought a taylor big baby and that's all they talk about is a humidifier, maybe it's just the manufacturer that suggests it, need more info. BOB

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 08:31 PM

Geez - I found a Laravee to try out - Unsure of what model it is but the guy said the sale price is around $1100 - down from $1600.00? That sound right?

All I was looking for was a humidifier!

My Luthier said I shouldn't use a humidifier on Old Mose. He says it is an old guitar and humidifiers should only be used on new ones - and mine has been raised on wood heat (little subtle encouragement to play well or "The Axe" brought out a shiver of fear) - and Mountain Home has an annual rainfall of about 10 inches in a good year. So I don't know - he wants to look at the one I've opted for and will render an opinion.

Well well well - now what!

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 05:52 PM

Seems to me us guitarists are all a bit introspective about what we play. I've got a Taylor 514 Custom (no cutaway, no electrics) I bought in NYC, a Martin HJ28 and a Santa Cruz 000. I'm a resident in a folk club (St. Neots) in England. I tend to take to the club whatever guitar I'm in love with on the night and guess what? Nobody but me (and maybe the guest act) can tell the difference!

Sometimes it ain't what you play, it's how you play it...just make sure it's kept clean and the strings aren't too old.

qf

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 05:02 PM

Hey Leej.....have you read this thread? Worth a look......

Spaw

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 04:44 PM

I'm in the early stages of looking for a new 6 string. After playing several Martins, Gibsons, Guilds, Taks etc at Mars Acoustic showcase, I found the Taylor 310 ($849) was my favorite. Very light and resonant, beautiful action, and the range of tone was better than anything but the Larivee I played a few days ago. The Larivee was twice the price, however.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Frank
Date: 05 Dec 01 - 11:32 AM

I have tried Taylors. I've tried Larivees. Tried Collings. Galllaghers, and some of the other makers.

I have come to this conclusion. It all depends on the player and the style of music. Also, what sounds good live in concert may not sound so great in recording.

I have a Martin 0021 with a Sunrise pickup. The neck was adjusted by John Carruthers in California and I haven't touched it since. I can't find a guitar that I like better than it. I like it's versatility and have used it on folk, jazz and classical music gigs. I've played it in bands and solo.

These are all fine guitars. It depends on the affinity that the player has for any one of them. A lot of players I know stick to one main guitar because they've grown into it. There was something that attracted them to it in the first place and they developed that by perfecting their skill on that particular instrument.

If I were to advise someone to buy an instrument it would be based on a subjective attraction.Money would be a secondary consideration. Kinda' like pickin' a marriage partner. If you're in love with the instrument, your chances of playing it better improve.

One of the things I like about my guitar is the range of music that I can play on it. I have eclectic tastes. Most of the above mentioned guitars are kinda' specialized in my opinion.

Also, I think you need to own a quality instrument for some time before a decision on it's merits for you can be reached.

I feel that every instrument has it's own "ghost" inside. It wants to play a certain type of music. I think you gotta' go with that.

Frank

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: DonMeixner
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 11:36 PM

As many of you know I recently bought a new Martin JC 16 GTE. A great guitar in the $1500.00 price range. The runner up was a Larrivee. Taylors never came close in that price range. In fact the only guitar that was I liked in the Taylor collection at Elderly was Koa wood model way beyond my budget.

Don

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: 53
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 11:32 PM

i have a taylor big baby, and i also have a takamine ltd 90 which i use on stage, the taylor is a 15/16 size guitar but it is a superb guitar,if you have a chance for a taylor go for it. BOB

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 11:24 PM

Jed's guitar does sound mighty fine! I am assuming it is the one he used for his album. Has a lovely sound to it!

Certainly an impressive array of folks here who have played a lot of different types of instruments. I've never seen a Taylor so don't have a clue there. But I am getting one huge education on these pieces of wood!

I made it a point quite a bit back to only deal with my local shop. We are a small town and the amount of small businesses going under is scarey. Of the 8-9 on the two sides of the street where Shaun's shop is all but two are going under. Wally world and the K marche have killed them. Shaun has a wonderful way about him and a very nice cluttered store that smells of music. He will meet or beat any price by anyone. He told me that for his loyal customers he will discount to the point of being rediculous (he made $.50 on a guitar once-no that is not a typo) - I refuse to let him - it is more important to me that I don't have to drive 50 miles to buy a new pick, or to talk guitars, or pick up a set of strings, or a host of other things I like to do on occasion. He can have anything I need within 3-4 days - and that works for me.

This new Tacoma I am looking at can be had for under $900.00 through him - I guess I may pay a bit much now for some things but I'm somewhat of a dinasaur anyway.

Steve

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 06:18 PM

Marion, if the one I think it is, I JUST played it! Didn't even have time to tell you that I think it's superb! Go for it!

Rick

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 04:52 PM

corner sewers?

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: GUEST,Marion
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 02:31 PM

I went guitar-shopping recently and what caught my eye was a Taylor 314 CE, with a spruce top, cutaway, and Fishman "Prefix Plus" pickup. No specific questions right now, but I'm refreshing this thread in case there are new Taylor connoisseurs around who have anything to add.

Marion

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From:
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 06:28 AM

Sandy, why don't you offer spaw a complimentary pick to drop in the soundhole. Make it clear to him that he is only allowed to drop it in and not to drop it out of the soundhole.

Roger, when there are small stores that really offer something I would certainly patronize them. After all, for the extra money, you get the benefit of their knowledge and experience passed on to you. Even when you don't buy. Sydney seems to have very few stores that specialize in fretted instruments (as opposed to being music stores with a guitar department). There is only one that I like. He really does specialize in guitars and sells keyboards, computer hard and software, etc. to support his "good guitar" room upstairs. I always go to him first. His guitar prices are not bad compared to the large stores; but he charges somewhat more for strings and accessories. I still go there. Buying strings is a good excuse to say hello and talk to him and some of his better assistants. Getting on track. He has this beautiful small-bodied Taylor. I can't remember its name--its not a baby--it is an "0" shaped guitar. It is one of the nicest guitars I have ever seen. But it sounds blah. It doesn't come anywhere near my small-bodied Maton with laminated sides and back.

Murray

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 09:02 AM

I own a Lowden and a Larrivee, and heartily recommend either. The Lowden is my main guitar -- it's an O32-C that I bought just last year, after drooling over it for quite a while. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, a jumbo shape with a soft cutaway. It moves a lot of air, and has a unique personality -- you would never mistake it for a Martin, or really for anything else. It's warm, resonant, "big" sounding without sacrificing any sweetness of tone. Not the slimmest neck, or the most playable guitar I've ever owned, but I find that its tone and responsiveness make me rise to the occasion. Street price is between $2500 and $3000 (American), I believe.

The Larrivee is a 1994 OM-10, which is a similar body style to a Martin 000. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, beautiful inlay (which Larrivee is known for). This one was made before Larrivee got into its current mass-marketing approach, although I don't know if that really means anything (I don't have any reason to believe that the quality of their higher-end instruments has suffered from their recent focus on mid-priced instruments). As someone else mentioned, they are quieter instruments than some others, with a very even, piano-like response; as someone who came to steel-string acoustics by way of the classical guitar, this works just fine for me. In fact, I remember sitting in the shop before I bought it, comparing it to a Martin OM -- I instinctively played the two instruments very differently, because they clearly had different strenghts -- the Larrivee was more suited to quasi-classical fingerpicking, the Martin responded better to a more aggressive attack. I believe I paid about $1800 for it back in 1995. It is my second Larrivee -- I owned an earlier model in the early 1980s, which I had to part with for financial reasons.

I string both the Larrivee and the Lowden with medium-guage phosphor bronze strings, and use both for flatpicking, fingerpicking, alternate tunings, and anything else I can think of. Both have flattish fingerboards -- again, for someone with a classical guitar background this is nice, but others who are accustomed to Martins and Gibsons may find that it takes some getting used to.

I have owned three Taylors, and ultimately sold or traded them all. They're great instruments, very well made, good woods, good design -- I especially like the 14 body style, which is bigger than an auditorium size but smaller than a jumbo. They tend to seem a little generic to me -- that "lack of personality" that others have mentioned -- but that is a very subjective thing, and I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it. I just never really bonded with any of mine to the extent that I have with the Lowden and the Larrivee.

Electronics deserve a separate thread (to my ears the onboard Fishman Blender system on my last Taylor never lived up to its advance billing, no matter how much I fiddled with it). Thanks for starting this thread; I am following it with much interest.

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: JedMarum
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 09:01 AM

... by the way; I have old Gibson, a Heritage model, built in 1969. It has had many years of playing (and it looks it) but it has really mellowed beautifully. I haven't played it for years (the slender finger board is more then my fat fingers want to stand, now that I have other guitars) - and now it needs a bit of work to correct the action. One music store owner I showed it to was sure it needed to have the neck reset.

Has anyone had experience with neck resets? Is it risky? I'd like to restore this guitar to a good playing condition, even if I only pass it on ...

Subject: RE: INFO/Opinions:Taylor,Larivee,Collings,et al.
From: JedMarum
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 08:56 AM

great story kendall - let me know when you're finished with that Taylor!!