Differences in Taylor guitars?

[HeeHaw]

What are the major differences in the 700, 800 and 900 series? They seem like the same three guitars in every bracket, but the price gets steeper. Is it workmanship and attention to detail or better materials?

[Nuclearfishin]

Mostly it's back and side combinations for wood. There are some aesthetic things, but the back and sides are the only things that would affect tone. Everything else is just cosmetic. For the price you'd pay for a 700-900 Taylor, you could buy a hand built custom guitar to your specifications that should play/sound a lot better.

[Flyin' Brian]

I had a Presentation Series Taylor. It was an expensive guitar that looked nice and I never bonded with it.

[HeeHaw]

Thanks! You guys just saved me a pile of money.

[Shnook]

Have you been down to the Fret Mill to try some out? I've learned over time not to make final decisions based on opinions I've read off of forums.

[Figher53]

Mostly it's back and side combinations for wood. There are some aesthetic things, but the back and sides are the only things that would affect tone. Everything else is just cosmetic.

This is fact. The wood selections are different and the inlays, etc... are different. Construction is no different.

For the price you'd pay for a 700-900 Taylor, you could buy a hand built custom guitar to your specifications that should play/sound a lot better.

This is opinion. I have played at least 5 guitars from hand built custom makers (Ryan, Goodall, etc...) costing twice as much that I would not trade my 810 for.

[klaetos]

Really it is all a matter of sound to your ears. Play a whole bunch of acoustics find the one that works for you.

On Taylors: The 700 is a great choice if you aren't into all the flash. It is basically a plain 900. It has the Englemann Spuce (or the Western Red Cedar) which is the standard top wood for the 900 and it has the rosewood sides and back. It just doesn't have all the fancy appointments of the 900 but it has all the sound. The new 700 does have the abalone rosette, mine has the Koa rosette. Taylor calls it the "working musician's guitar."

The Englemann has a more mellow sound to it while the Sitka Spuce of the 800 series has a more brighter, sparkling high end. You really need to play both to determine what you would prefer. The ES sounds awesome right into the PA.

All I can say is I LOVE MY TAYLOR! Can't say I have played all the other small company lutheirs but I wouldn't hesitate to look at another Taylor.

[tac5]

I have two 914c fall limiteds from 2003, one rosewood and engelman, the other maple and sitka. I wouldn't trade either for any truly hand built guitar out there. They are truly works of art and each has a wonderfully distinct tone.

[Cotton]

Yeah... I'd recommend a used 600 or 700 series Taylor as a best buy... But do check out the tonal differences between cedar, spruces, and rosewood before you buy. you won't be able to drop a set of seymour duncans in to get your sound if the actual guitar just doesn't do it for you... Good luck! Cotton

[geetarman]

700 series is the best buy minus any bling depending on whether you're flatpicker or fingerstyle you can order an appropriate top. I have a 814c which for me works great as a versatile all around instrument.

[mattattack]

The Englemann has a more mellow sound to it while the Sitka Spuce of the 800 series has a more brighter, sparkling high end. You really need to play both to determine what you would prefer. The ES sounds awesome right into the PA.

All I can say is I LOVE MY TAYLOR! Can't say I have played all the other small company lutheirs but I wouldn't hesitate to look at another Taylor.

I chose Engelmann over Adirondack and Sitka for my custom acoustic. It's hard to make generalizations about wood since each piece can vary so much, but the example I have is actually much brighter and clearer than any sitka topped I have had, with some tasty overtones that you would normally associate with Adirondack. Like it was stated before however, you need to play everything, figure out what you like, and then go find it.

I have to say that I was not a Taylor fan when I was a Collings and Bourgeois owner, but my pastor was set on buying one for the church mostly for the ES. It is a 600 series with the maple b/s. At first I was not thrilled, but I put an mammoth ivory saddle in it and the thing came alive. It competed with any small shop guitar I have played. Changed my mind on Taylors.

[clayville]

I really like my 812-ce for what its worth -- on Taylors you need to remember that the different woods lead to different voices, but also the different shapes do to (12, 14, etc.).

You really need to play a bunch and wait for the one that speaks to you -- sounds trite, but with acoustics there's a lot of variation from example to example, and you won't know until you know. But then you'll know.

[klaetos]

...you won't know until you know. But then you'll know.

:AOK

[mischultz]

The *only* exception/caveat that I would make to the above (with which I'm in whole-hearted agreement in all the essentials) is that there will be a slight tonal difference in the 900 series with the abalone purfling, simply because the top is routed at the edges in a way that it's not with the 700 and 800 series. Not better or worse, merely potentially different. Moving into the realm of personal opinion, I have a penchant for simple, even austere aesthetics and would probably be inclined to track down one of the numerous Indian Rosewood editions of the 400 series, just to take it a step further in that direction. The genius of the Taylor system is that in every way in which the lines are identical, they are truly identical. Consequently, so long as the tonewood combination suits your palette, there's great value to be had in moving down the food chain.

Best,

Michael

[Monkey23]

Mostly it's back and side combinations for wood. There are some aesthetic things, but the back and sides are the only things that would affect tone. Everything else is just cosmetic. For the price you'd pay for a 700-900 Taylor, you could buy a hand built custom guitar to your specifications that should play/sound a lot better.

Everything you said is not true. The back and sides on these three models are all rosewood. Also, Taylor (along with many other brands) make a great guitar for the price. I can't speak for other companies but in this case you are not paying for the name. To each his own of course, but who wants to wait months and months for a guitar that you have no idea how it's going to sound? There is enough variety out there that there really is no need (there are exceptions of course) to go looking further than the big guys for your perfect guitar.

[Monkey23]

Have you been down to the Fret Mill to try some out? I've learned over time not to make final decisions based on opinions I've read off of forums.

Definately true. As you can see even among the few posts here, there is an enormous difference in opinions. Take everything and everybody's opinion (including my own) with a grain of salt.

[HeeHaw]

I went down to the fret mill last year and tried out a bunch of nice acoustic guitars. Truth be known, I couldn't tell a darned thing about any of them because all of them had strings that were just completely dead. It's a shame becasue some of them were some pretty high end Taylors and Martins.

[suhr_rodney]

I went down to the fret mill last year and tried out a bunch of nice acoustic guitars. Truth be known, I couldn't tell a darned thing about any of them because all of them had strings that were just completely dead. It's a shame becasue some of them were some pretty high end Taylors and Martins.They'll put new strings on a guitar if you're seriously interested. Just ask. They typically have a great selection of acoustic guitars. Last time I was there I played a Huss & Dalton. Holy cow those are incredible. Check one out before you take the plunge.

[Curly]

this is fairly simple to sort out if you look at their site ...
basically, from 2-9 series, it's a matter of wood choice and appointments

I have a 714CE ... I fell in love with the warmth of that model, but I played quite a few over a couple of years before getting mine.

I thought the 5- series was a close second ... but again, this is a matter of getting what suits you.

personally, I'm looking for a Martin OM now. :)

[GuitarsFromMars]

The nicest sounding acoustic guitar I have played in this millenia,was a 514CE with Fishman electronics.In that particular guitar,cedar and mahogany work well together.

[Shnook]

I went down to the fret mill last year and tried out a bunch of nice acoustic guitars. Truth be known, I couldn't tell a darned thing about any of them because all of them had strings that were just completely dead. It's a shame becasue some of them were some pretty high end Taylors and Martins.

I was down there the other weekend and the few I tried seemed pretty 'fresh' to me. I went down there to have an amp worked on and damn near walked out with an awesome sounding/playing 314CE. I may go back this weekend to see if it's still there. If your really interested in one, ask Ken to put some fresh strings on it if you feel they're 'dead'. After 25 years of buying locally, I've found that the Fret Mill goes above and beyond to make sure there customers are happy.

[HeeHaw]

I was down there the other weekend and the few I tried seemed pretty 'fresh' to me. I went down there to have an amp worked on and damn near walked out with an awesome sounding/playing 314CE. I may go back this weekend to see if it's still there. If your really interested in one, ask Ken to put some fresh strings on it if you feel they're 'dead'. After 25 years of buying locally, I've found that the Fret Mill goes above and beyond to make sure there customers are happy.


It's been longer than I thought since I went down there. I may well go down saturday myself and see what they have available. I probably could have taken more time at Fret Mill, and they are very nice folks to buy from. I pickup up a Marshall DSL 100 and a cab down there for a song a couple of years ago. I also recently played a Gibson over at Kelly's I'd loved to have on the spot, if I hadn't have put a Nocaster relic on layaway.

[Shnook]

It's been longer than I thought since I went down there. I may well go down saturday myself and see what they have available. I probably could have taken more time at Fret Mill, and they are very nice folks to buy from. I pickup up a Marshall DSL 100 and a cab down there for a song a couple of years ago. I also recently played a Gibson over at Kelly's I'd loved to have on the spot, if I hadn't have put a Nocaster relic on layaway.

Which Gibson? I tried that Nocaster at Kelleys out a few weeks ago and DAMN.... it had a neck on it! I like a big neck, but god lord that was too much for me. Glad it found a good home.

[HeeHaw]

Which Gibson? I tried that Nocaster at Kelleys out a few weeks ago and DAMN.... it had a neck on it! I like a big neck, but god lord that was too much for me. Glad it found a good home.

It was one of the J models. I traded an SG on the tele so the damage wasn't so bad.

Hey Snook!

I got a chance to piddle around on a nice 700 series Taylor tonight. I was impressed. It had a tight bass response, with nice treble and a lot of zing. Also, the neck was wide and flat with strings spaced far enough apart to facilitate easier fingerpicking for my stumpy fingers.

[Shnook]

It was one of the J models. I traded an SG on the tele so the damage wasn't so bad.

Hey Snook!

I got a chance to piddle around on a nice 700 series Taylor tonight. I was impressed. It had a tight bass response, with nice treble and a lot of zing. Also, the neck was wide and flat with strings spaced far enough apart to facilitate easier fingerpicking for my stumpy fingers.

Is the SG for sale on the Kelley's site yours? Any issues with it? I may go try it out tomorrow if it's still there. It's gonna be too cold Saturday to get outside, so might as well hit the guitar stores!

Are you thinking seriously about the 700 series Taylor? I guess I'm biased right now on the Taylor's cause I've been glued to my Fall Limited 312CE L7 for 2 weeks now. I haven't even touched an electric guitar except for band practice. However, I have talked my band into working up some acoustic numbers because I'm that obsessed with my acoustic these days!

[HeeHaw]

Is the SG for sale on the Kelley's site yours? Any issues with it? I may go try it out tomorrow if it's still there. It's gonna be too cold Saturday to get outside, so might as well hit the guitar stores!

Are you thinking seriously about the 700 series Taylor? I guess I'm biased right now on the Taylor's cause I've been glued to my Fall Limited 312CE L7 for 2 weeks now. I haven't even touched an electric guitar except for band practice. However, I have talked my band into working up some acoustic numbers because I'm that obsessed with my acoustic these days!

I'm seriously thinking about a taylor, but it's gonna' be a few months. I was mighty impressed by the sound of the 714 or was it a 713c? Either way, it was nice. I'd be willing to go for one of the less expesnive models if they sound as tight as the one I played last night. I won't be able to do any acoustic guitar shopping this weekend due to playing four services at my church this weekend.

The SG I traded at kelly's was a really nice heritage cherry SG classic. No issues, only two months old. I just can't bond with Gibsons for some reason. :jo

[kwaves99]

Originally posted by HeeHaw:
I went down to the fret mill last year and tried out a bunch of nice acoustic guitars. Truth be known, I couldn't tell a darned thing about any of them because all of them had strings that were just completely dead. It's a shame because some of them were some pretty high end Taylors and Martins.

You've just described GC's to a tee. I can't tell you how many GC's I've gone into, wandered into the back room with the expensive acoustics, and every damn guitar has strings that are DEAD :nono



http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=2332705)

[bforest4]

I have a mid 90's 910 that is much better than any other lower series Taylor I have compared it to. I remember somebody mentioning that the 900 series had a thinner top that would resonate more, not sure about this. Does anybody else know about this? Maybe I just got lucky and mine is one of the better ones(I had it shipped to me, so did not get to try before I bought it.)

I think acoustics vary alot from guitar to guitar, and you could easily find a great cheaper model if you try enough of them.

[Shnook]

Originally posted by HeeHaw:
I went down to the fret mill last year and tried out a bunch of nice acoustic guitars. Truth be known, I couldn't tell a darned thing about any of them because all of them had strings that were just completely dead. It's a shame because some of them were some pretty high end Taylors and Martins.

You've just described GC's to a tee. I can't tell you how many GC's I've gone into, wandered into the back room with the expensive acoustics, and every damn guitar has strings that are DEAD :nono



http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/quote.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=2332705)
I can assure you the Fret Mill is NOTHING like a Guitar Center.

[PedalFreak]

Another difference (minor difference) is that the grade of the wood goes up on the models. If you look at the engelmann spruce on a 700series then on a 900, you will see the 900 is brighter looking, tighter grain. The rosewood is the same, 700 wider grain, then as you go up the wood becomes "nicer." So some of what you are paying for is the "better" wood quality, as well as the cosmetics of the guitar.

[wstsidela]

I have an 815ce that sounds spectacular. I sat in the acoustic room at the Hollywood Guitar Center and played every acoustic guitar between 3-5k and this guitar spoke to me. Like one of the previous posters said "you'll know when you know"

[surfshack]

Another difference (minor difference) is that the grade of the wood goes up on the models. If you look at the engelmann spruce on a 700series then on a 900, you will see the 900 is brighter looking, tighter grain. The rosewood is the same, 700 wider grain, then as you go up the wood becomes "nicer." So some of what you are paying for is the "better" wood quality, as well as the cosmetics of the guitar.

is this what you mean?

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/aded_12.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/ab3e_12.jpg

a 914 custom cutaway Brazilian , Hawaiian Koa and Abalone binding , Cindy inlay......AND it sings! this one is scary good! the guy who originally ordered this went all out. i have no idea why he sold it , the only reason i can think of is he upgraded to an original Martin or something like that. It's crazy , you don't see many guitars like this.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/aeb8_12.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/ac3b_12.jpg

[PedalFreak]

What year is that? I don't think I have seen that 914 before. I've seen brazilian back & sides 914 but not with the koa binding. That guitar is BEAUTIFUL!!!

[surfshack]

What year is that? I don't think I have seen that 914 before. I've seen brazilian back & sides 914 but not with the koa binding. That guitar is BEAUTIFUL!!!

2000 , Have you ever seen that grade of brazilian before?:crazy

[Figher53]

is this what you mean?

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/aded_12.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/ab3e_12.jpg

a 914 custom cutaway Brazilian , Hawaiian Koa and Abalone binding , Cindy inlay......AND it sings! this one is scary good! the guy who originally ordered this went all out. i have no idea why he sold it , the only reason i can think of is he upgraded to an original Martin or something like that. It's crazy , you don't see many guitars like this.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/aeb8_12.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u281/surfshack_2007/ac3b_12.jpg

Un-freakin-believable....

[PedalFreak]

2000 , Have you ever seen that grade of brazilian before?:crazy


Yeah, I have. In Taylor Standards that is AA Grade, maybe AAA. that is a very very nice piece though. If you get the chance to see a Presentation Series Brazilian that will BLOW YOUR MIND!!! It has all the grain, curl, wavyness & dark brown color of Brazilian but it is flamed like a really nice piece of Maple. I wish I had a picture of it. I work at a store that is a taylor dealer. We have had some very nice pieces of Brazilian come through, but nothing has compared to that piece on the Presentation. But I guess for $13000 you should expect that :D

[surfshack]

oh yeah , you're right!.....i just looked at them on Taylor's website. The Brazilian is amazing , and the abalone inlays and binding are spectacular!!
I just love the sound of Brazilian!! It's so killer!

W:eek:W!!!!