Terry's name seems to be floating around a lot lately so I figured I'd add to the infostream.
I recently acquired a used TCM Taurus Forum Limited Edition, serial #1; gold top, '57 neck carve. As has been the case recently, this was purchased sight/sound unseen/unheard at what seemed to be a decent price. In retrospect, after having the guitar for the past month, it is an absurdly reasonable price for what this instument delivers!
The fit and finish is as good as anything I own up to triple it's price and the best part is, it sounds absolutely amazing. Unique combination of swamp ash back, carved maple top and mahogany neck coupled with specially wound TCM pickups give the guitar wonderful definition with a really round, warm overall tone that has plenty of sparkle on the high end with absolutely no hint of harshness. Coil taps offer single coil tones surprisingly similar to mid position strat settings. Astonishingly versatile range of voices on hand and not a weak one in the bunch. I am not a fan of big '50's style necks so I had a little concern over the neck carve. (I owned a '53 LP goldtop that felt terrible in my hands.) That proved to be baseless as this feels slightly larger than a prs wide-fat and, coupled with great fretwork, couldn't be more comfortable for my taste (I have fairly small hands). Beautiful and interestingly original inlays as well. Did I mention that this thing sounds freaking incredible???
Articulate, big and thick in HB mode and substantial but snappy in SC mode. IMHO, the overall design is classic but updated and very elegant.
I've had as many comments about the look of this guitar as I have with many "eye candy" pieces from Baker, Suhr and PRS.
My only compaint is that from a comfort standpoint it lacks what I have become accustomed to in terms of ergonomic features; no belly cut, forearm radius, etc. Access to the highest frets, though, is effortless due to the neck joint and cutaway taper. At it's price point, this is a negligible issue and is certainly no different than a trad LP or Tele.
I am not often moved to write reviews but this Taurus FLE proved so much more than I could ever have hoped for that it deserved some mention.
BTW: to Terry M. Thanks for a special instrument and kudos to you for your ultra classy remarks in one of the latest Gustaffson threads. Although I would certainly own a JG given the finances and opportunity, I can't imagine it being a factor of 10 better than the Taurus with which I am so pleased.
I recently acquired a used TCM Taurus Forum Limited Edition, serial #1; gold top, '57 neck carve. As has been the case recently, this was purchased sight/sound unseen/unheard at what seemed to be a decent price. In retrospect, after having the guitar for the past month, it is an absurdly reasonable price for what this instument delivers!
The fit and finish is as good as anything I own up to triple it's price and the best part is, it sounds absolutely amazing. Unique combination of swamp ash back, carved maple top and mahogany neck coupled with specially wound TCM pickups give the guitar wonderful definition with a really round, warm overall tone that has plenty of sparkle on the high end with absolutely no hint of harshness. Coil taps offer single coil tones surprisingly similar to mid position strat settings. Astonishingly versatile range of voices on hand and not a weak one in the bunch. I am not a fan of big '50's style necks so I had a little concern over the neck carve. (I owned a '53 LP goldtop that felt terrible in my hands.) That proved to be baseless as this feels slightly larger than a prs wide-fat and, coupled with great fretwork, couldn't be more comfortable for my taste (I have fairly small hands). Beautiful and interestingly original inlays as well. Did I mention that this thing sounds freaking incredible???
Articulate, big and thick in HB mode and substantial but snappy in SC mode. IMHO, the overall design is classic but updated and very elegant.
I've had as many comments about the look of this guitar as I have with many "eye candy" pieces from Baker, Suhr and PRS.
My only compaint is that from a comfort standpoint it lacks what I have become accustomed to in terms of ergonomic features; no belly cut, forearm radius, etc. Access to the highest frets, though, is effortless due to the neck joint and cutaway taper. At it's price point, this is a negligible issue and is certainly no different than a trad LP or Tele.
I am not often moved to write reviews but this Taurus FLE proved so much more than I could ever have hoped for that it deserved some mention.
BTW: to Terry M. Thanks for a special instrument and kudos to you for your ultra classy remarks in one of the latest Gustaffson threads. Although I would certainly own a JG given the finances and opportunity, I can't imagine it being a factor of 10 better than the Taurus with which I am so pleased.
