My New Toolbox
First, meet my new Taylor Guitars
Late last year (2022) I became aware of Taylor running a year-end sale; buy a qualifying guitar and get a choice from another list for up to 70% off list price. I’d had my eye on a 12-string for months, having played it at a guitar store in Minnesota. This might be the time to jump in. I selected Model 352ce to replace my Gibson B-45 12-string.
For the “sale” guitar, I selected a Taylor GS Mini-e Koa, sight and sound unseen or heard. What a pleasant surprise! Its beautiful Koa wood body only enhances the overall quality and sound of this smaller-body instrument. With the included custom gig bag, this ax travels easily in the back seat or cargo area of my vehicle and produces bright, yet deep sound. It is versatile enough that I can play any song, either native to six or twelve strings.
I picked up these two beauties in early January of this year (2023). Having not seen nor heard either guitar prior to purchase, I can say that I am thrilled with their workmanship, sound, look, feel, and playability.
I made a trip to a guitar store that I knew had several Taylor guitars of varying price levels, in stock. A funny side story developed as I began trying to test some of the options. Most of the Taylor guitars were on locked wall brackets. The salesperson was only allowed to unlock one at a time, making it difficult to compare sound and action between models. I finally complained and ended up being assisted by the store manager who had the authority to unlock multiple guitars for me to test.
I spent between two and three hours playing the same songs on various models, winnowing the field, eventually down to two models with one being significantly more expensive. Ultimately, there was no doubt that the Taylor 724ce LTD, priced literally thousands of dollars less than the competition, exhibited higher sound quality and playability. It produced sound similar to that of my Yairi, an important consideration when trying to marry its sound with my playing style. Not to mention the beauty of its solid Walnut body! The store manager was in total agreement, saying that the sound from each string rang true and clear.
Meet my Taylor Guitars, Stitch, Double-Stitch, and Anchor (stitch).
Breedlove Classical Nylon String Guitar
There is yet another addition to my toolbox, a Breedlove Pursuit Concert CE NY. Purchased prior to Anchor, I was looking for an option specifically to address my finger-picked songs. I hoped to gain a different sound for softer songs, while providing increased playability with a wider neck and more flexible, nylon strings. This is a Classical style guitar that I use to develop sound and practice with less left-hand stress. I have not used it in performance, but I don’t rule out that option. I also anticipate new music emanating from its use.
Gibson B-45 12-String
My EKO 12-string bit the dust during the summer between senior year and college. When I got to Iowa City Alan told me of a broken Gibson B-45 12-string for sale. I bought it broken and ordered a replacement bridge (made of metal). I paid a lot for it and hoped for the best. I wasn’t disappointed. I’ve had it 47 years now.
Alvarez Yairi DY-45
I purchased an Alvarez Yairi when I sold my business in the 1990’s as a gift to myself. I absolutely love this instrument! It’s been my main axe ever since and has been my collaborator for much of my music.
Martin Backpacker
My son and I were preparing for a Glacier NP through-hike in 2008 and I wanted to pack a guitar, expecting to be inspired by the journey. It’s functional and I used it extensively, but only once backpacking on what would become known as our Successful Failure. That story will appear elsewhere in this blog.
Ovation 1778 Elite
Purely a whimsical buy. There was a music store within walking distance. I used to walk in and play these strings on occasion (an occasional Ovation?). When they announced a going-out-of-business sale, I finally broke down. It has rich tones and is my first axe with built-in pickups. I’ve had this one parked at my Mom’s place for many years now, so I don’t have to take it on a jet. It also has been involved in several artistic developments.
Klos Traveler
Research, research, research! This guitar solves all of my needs for travel and backpacking. The body is carbon fiber. I went all the way with upgrades to keys, neck, pickups, special color, and engraving. It has significantly better sound than the Martin Backpacker and includes an adjustable steel neck rod. It’s lightweight and the gig back with special neck bag, I was not worried about the rough and tumble abuse of a multi-day backcountry trek.
