Mahogany Strong New 500 Series Models Mahogany Top 300s

Grand Orchestra 718e / 818e

Allen Stone’s Soulful Sound

Music’s Healing Power Dehumidification Tips 2 www.taylorguitars.com 3

you take with each guitar definitely back to life. It now plays and looks like Under His Skin Letters shows. Soon I will be ready for the next the day I brought it home in 1999. It’s I wasn’t planning to buy a Taylor. Volume 76 step up in guitars, and I want it to be amazing how much better Brazilian Instead, I was simply trying to replace a Taylor. rosewood sounds after 14 years. Thank my old [other brand] that I’d played for Summer 2013 my fifth year in a row. As soon as I got Glynn Walker you for making such wonderful instru- nearly 20 years. But when I was in the Find us on Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube. Follow us on Twitter: @taylorguitars there I set up my campsite and went Palatine, IL ments. music store, I asked the salesperson, straight for the Expo tent where Taylor Bob Worley “Let’s assume I want to step up with usually has an exhibit. That is where Bayfield, CO my guitar rather than just stepping side- I met [district sales manager] Barney Embracing Change ways. What would you recommend?” [Hill] and [repair technician] Sam Eak- I am a relatively new guitar player He stepped behind the counter and ins. I explained all the trouble I was and absolutely dreaded changing the Music Womb placed what is now my Taylor 114ce having, and they told me they would be strings on my guitar. It was a frustrating I’ve been a traveling musician for in my hands. I took one strum and was On the Cover / 12 All-New, happy to look at it the next day at 10 experience, and the results were ter- a few years now and have been look- hooked. I couldn’t believe the difference a.m. I got there 30 minutes early, so I rible. I am not exaggerating when I say ing for a guitar upgrade. My parents in tone. Everything I played sounded All-Mahogany helped them unload the van and set it used to take two hours. It occurred knew I loved the Taylor sound and richer and fuller. My wife, who knows 12 up. While setting up, an elderly fellow to me that there had to be a better way bought me a brand new Taylor 214ce nothing of guitars, could also tell the 500s We build upon the rich heritage of all-mahogany asked if we (I had my Taylor shirt on) than doing it by hand, so I started look- for Christmas. I was stoked! Such a difference — it was that obvious. guitars with new models that fuse vintage had any 12-strings. We had just taken ing for some kind of attachment I could rich- and full-sounding guitar with a My Taylor is now my baby. It’s my character with signature Taylor playability. one out of the case and handed it to use with my cordless screwdriver. I beautiful tone. A short while later we favorite guitar. Ever. To date, I still Also: Mahogany-top 300s. Double Shot him to play. After we finished setting was so excited when I found that such got wonderful news: We were expect- haven’t played anything with the same “Hit Your Mark” by Shawn Persinger up, Sam grabbed my axe and looked a device existed that I immediately ing our first child! We found out that we feel and the same tone. In fact, I [Vol. 75 / Spring 2013] certainly hit my over it with a fine-toothed comb. He ordered it. Because I really didn’t know were having a boy. I had heard stories designed a tattoo for my forearm with mark with the picture of the girl “shoot- took it totally apart, taking the time to what I was doing, I visited taylorguitars. that babies can hear sounds from the my Taylor 114ce as the centerpiece. ing” the archery target with her guitar. explain each part/issue with me. When com, where I found the video featuring womb, so, naturally, I played my new Keep making great guitars, Taylor. Features I have two great loves: making music he handed that guitar back to me and Rob Magargal demonstrating the Taylor Taylor guitar every night to my fiancée’s Jim Streisel with my guitar (I started taking lessons I strummed it, holy cow. It was better way of changing strings. I cannot tell stomach in the hope that our son would a year and half ago) and shooting a than the day I bought it. In fact, I have you how much this video helped me. I love music just like his father! PLAY 6 PLAY LIKE YOU bow and arrow. I am a Level 1 coach had to re-learn to play it. I’m not afraid used my new peg winder this evening, Nine months later we got a surprise. Christmas Exchange Cover photo: You’ve been cribbing from your guitar heroes long for the National Archery in the Schools to say that I teared up. As a company the entire process took about 30 min- It turns out that “he” was a “she” all I’m 16 and had been saving up Mahogany-top enough. Shawn Persinger helps you develop an Program (NASP), and a strong pro- owner of 15 years, it’s employees like utes, and for the first time ever I actu- along! Our beautiful daughter, Maila, for a Taylor guitar for about two years. 524ce expressive voice all your own. ponent for getting kids into music and that whom you owe your success. Sam ally enjoyed the experience. Just like my was born on October 4. Playing guitar Finally, just before Christmas, I had outdoors. and Barney define why Taylor is Taylor. guitar-playing ability, this is something to her in the womb may have worked… enough money to buy one! I had beenLIKE I’m really looking forward to your Thomas Beachley Korpal that will only improve with practice. she just loves when I play and sing ill and was waiting for a date for an Road Show coming to Mojo Music here Someday, I will be able to afford to to her! operation on my face, so as a surprise in Bellingham, Washington, as my next P.S. The old guy bought the 12-string. upgrade my equipment, and my first Since upgrading my guitar to a Tay- my sister decided to phone up the 8 Backstage Pass: Allen Stone guitar will be a Taylor. purchase will be a Taylor guitar. I actu- lor my music career has taken off. I’ve owner of World Guitars in Stonehouse, The young, dynamic soul singer talks about Allan Scott ally had a Taylor 110 that I had to sell been an opening act for some national Gloucestershire, and pick me up my discovering Stevie Wonder, his love of soul Clear Musical Direction after I lost my job. I loved that guitar, artists/bands such as Train and Chris dream guitar on Christmas Eve, whichYOU music, and his feeling-based creative approach. I’m the bassist and music director but making sure my family has a roof Isaak and recorded a few singles that was a Taylor 416ce limited edition. Taylor Treasure for an upcoming artist, Daniel Stokes. over their head was considerably more were successful on various local radio It came to Christmas day and we Copping the styles of our guitar heroes is fun, but shaping I recently purchased a granadillo/ We were cutting one of the soon-to-be important. Someday I will buy a DN3, stations using my Taylor…truly a dream were sitting around opening our pres- spruce 416-LTD. I have played and singles, and his guitar wasn’t doing which in my opinion is a functional come true! Thank you for making such ents when I came to the final one. It your own guitar8 identity will help you express the true you 16 Wet Guitar Woes owned many Taylors, but this is without it for me. It sounds decent on stage, piece of art. amazing guitars. While dry conditions can hurt a guitar, was a blindfold and a note which read By Shawn Persinger a doubt the best one I’ve heard. The but in the studio, no! The producer, Brian Taylor Mark Saito something like, “Close your eyes and long periods of high humidity can also sound is unbelievable. The big body who also felt my pain, suggested that wait for your surprise.” I waited while lead to problems. Here are some gives it power and bottom end; the Stokes use his guitar, which was a something came down my stairs. I symptoms and solutions. granadillo makes the notes sing and Taylor. Man, talk about miles ahead! Essential Adventure Gear Co-writing Credit unwrapped it. I screamed. Then I began sustain. It’s a beautiful combination like It even made Stokes play better! We My wife and I recently celebrated Sometimes the guitar writes a song to open the case. It was lovely and all no other. You guys have hit a record- have about five songs left to record, our 10-year anniversary with a trip to for you. I had been stuck with a pro- I could have ever dreamed of. Until breaking home run with this guitar. I and that Taylor will be the acoustic he Costa Rica. My Taylor GS Mini could gression and about a quarter of a riff my mum asked as a joke, “Is it the 18 Grand Orchestra 718e / 818e love it and look forward to what it will uses. Either that or I’ll break his legs! not have been any better for our adven- of a song that I had been working on right one?” I checked again, and no, it Two new rosewood/spruce models expand the 2 Letters become as time goes by. It is a true Kudos for making such fine guitars. ture. From our time on the coast to our for a couple days. Nothing was sound- wasn’t; it was the 414ce. Most people Grand Orchestra family, unleashing a lush sound treasure. Anthony “Woodchuck” Durham road trip through rain forests to Arenal ing right. I was playing a cedar-topped would be annoyed, but I couldn’t care that’s loaded with sonic detail. 4 Kurt’s Corner Arnie Vasquez Volcano, my GS Mini provided hours of dreadnought, and it had great bass less because I went back a couple of enjoyment. I’ve been amazed from the but just wasn’t doing it. My roommate days later and exchanged it. I never 5 BobSpeak Vote of Confidence first day I purchased the GS Mini by its had just bought a 314ce, so I figured, thought I’d be able to say I owned a Getting Set Up A little while back I purchased a tone and ability to sound like a full-size what the heck, I’ll give it a whirl. I tried Taylor guitar, let alone two in one week! 20 Music’s Healing Power Departments 5 Editor’s Note In the summer of 2006, I put a Tay- 214, and because of it I am practicing guitar. I’m looking forward to my future the riff higher up on the neck, and that Millie Coleman Performing artist Erika Luckett shares her story of lor 810 on layaway, and in the summer daily and singing and playing in song Taylor purchases! ebony fretboard made my highs sing. It 26 beating cancer and what she learned about the 10 Ask Bob of 2007 I paid it off and took it home. I circles and a local coffeehouse. You Gary and Michelle Morgan was just the bump I needed. I kid you connection between music and wellness. worked my tail off for that guitar, and it guys don’t seem to sing the praises not, within the next 15 minutes I had 24 Soundings means the world to me. As time went of your 100 and 200 Series enough. that entire song written and ready to by, the sound quality diminished, and I know they’re not solid-wood guitars, Renewed Interest go. A week later I played it at an open 27 the craft I spent countless dollars going from but their quality and voice are among I wanted to thank the Taylor Service mic, and was booked because of it. 28 Improvements in Cameroon guitar tech to guitar tech with terrible the best I’ve seen. My confidence level department staff for the work done on My roommate was more than generous Better cutting tools, GPS referencing, and 30 EVENTS results. Everyone had completely differ- has greatly increased due to this instru- my 810-B 25th Anniversary guitar. I to let me borrow the guitar, but now I community engagement are among the latest ent opinions; I was pulling my hair out. ment (and practice), and I am flatpick- had the “Renew” package done, along wonder if he regrets it... because I have 20 developments of our ebony supply operation. 31 Calendar Two weeks ago I attended Merlefest ing the lead to some songs while with a repair for a slight vibration rattle. trouble putting it down! in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This was playing with others! The care and pride You guys did a superb job bringing it Silas Mishler 32 TaylorWare 4 www.taylorguitars.com 5

Volume 76 Editor’s Note Summer 2013 Playing Well, Feeling Well The connection between music and wellness is no secret. Many of Publisher Taylor-Listug, Inc. us can probably attest that just 10 minutes of playing guitar after a long day at work can help us shed stress. More and more research has been Produced by the Taylor Guitars Marketing Department rolling in to validate the benefits of incorporating music into our lives, both as listeners and players, at every stage of life. That theme resonates Vice President Tim O’Brien frequently on the pages of Wood&Steel, particularly this issue. From the Editor Jim Kirlin Taylor owner who wrote about playing guitar for his daughter while she Art Director Cory Sheehan was still in the womb (“Letters”) to the joy our Chief Financial Officer Bar- bara Wight felt in rekindling an interest in playing guitar later in life (“Kurt’s Graphic Designer Rita Funk-Hoffman Corner”), music embodies a vitality that nourishes both the mind and body Graphic Designer Angie Stamos-Guerra in myriad ways. Photographer Tim Whitehouse Taylor Guitars has been a longtime supporter of music education programs in part because we understand, as educators do, that kids who play music fare better in school and in life. In our profile of Allen Stone, Contributors the soulful singer-songwriter reflects on the socially conscious music of David Hosler / Wayne Johnson / David Kaye artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and the way it inspired him to create a positive vibe through his live shows. In her thoughtful article Kurt Listug / Shawn Persinger / Shane Roeschlein on the way music aided her recovery from cancer, performing artist Erika Bob Taylor / Glen Wolff / Chalise Zolezzi Luckett talks about the endorphin-releasing and immunity-boosting prop- erties of music, and touches upon music therapy as an important frontier of holistic medicine. Technical Advisors Kurt’s Corner BobSpeak We plan to continue to explore the relationship between music and Ed Granero / David Hosler / Gerry Kowalski wellness through different themes in future issues, including the benefits Andy Lund / Rob Magargal / Mike Mosley of music therapy for wounded war veterans and the positive effects of Can Guitars Get Better? music among our senior citizens. If you have any stories you’d like to Editor’s Note: Kurt is on vacation, so he invited Taylor’s Chief Financial Officer, Bob Taylor / Chris Wellons / Glen Wolff Barbara Wight, to sit in as a guest columnist this issue. So, where do we go from here? cheaper pizzas — two-for-one, or four- Another approach is to work hard share, feel free to e-mail them to [email protected] or share them at This is a question I’ve been asking for-one, with dressing and supersized to make guitars better and continually taylorguitars.com/taylor-stories. Contributing Photographers myself for years now. Is it better tone? drinks for free! substantiate the price that we feel they — Jim Kirlin Prettier wood? Better electronics? There are customers for both. are worth. This is hard work, but far Rita Funk-Hoffman / David Kaye / Katrina Horstman From CFO to C, F, G Four years ago, I became the Chief every day. Eventually I purchased a Cheaper? More expensive? What’s the People like a lot for their money, and to more interesting to me and our team. Financial Officer for Taylor Guitars. 512ce and began to wonder if I might next big improvement? some, that means a stack of pizzas for Fortunately, I’ve found over the years 2013 Taylor Factory Tours & Vacation Dates When I was in my early teens, I All of a sudden I was surrounded by still be able to learn to play someday. Circulation Printing / Distribution I think the answer is yes, guitars $10, and for others it means high qual- that there are customers who feel the A free, guided tour of the Taylor Guitars factory is given every Monday through was lucky enough to have a friend who amazing guitars and really great players Truthfully, it was a bit intimidating Katrina Horstman Courier Graphics / CEREUS - Phoenix can get better, and we certainly work ity for $20. same way and are pleased to step up Friday at 1 p.m. (excluding holidays). No advance reservations are necessary. knew how to play guitar and who even at first. I didn’t want to look stupid, on that full time. Andy Powers is mak- Personally, I like the latter: some- and buy into what we have to offer. Simply check-in at the reception desk in our Visitor Center, located in the lobby had an extra guitar. We spent many especially since I wasn’t a good player ing our guitars sound better with thing that’s special, that pleases me They feel that the exchange is a good of our main building, before 1 p.m. We ask that large groups (more than 10) call hours that summer strumming and sing- even when I played in my teens. How- Translation Translation Coordination his incredible skill. We already make because it’s good and because the one. us in advance at (619) 258-1207. ing along to the Eagles, John Denver ever, the Taylor Guitars family was Veritas Language Solutions Angie Stamos-Guerra great-playing guitars and have taken people who made it are taking care to The pressure to compete with what While not physically demanding, the tour does include a fair amount of and other early ’70s acoustic artists. amazingly supportive. Every time I on the task of understanding pickups make it well. That’s an easy choice to others do in the marketplace is always walking. Due to the technical nature, the tour may not be suitable for small We certainly weren’t talented, but we mentioned that I was thinking of tak- and electronics from a guitar maker’s make as a consumer. I like one over the looming over us at Taylor Guitars, and children. The tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and departs definitely had fun. ing lessons and trying to learn to play, ©2013 Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved. TAYLOR, TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR GUITARS, TAYLOR perspective. David Hosler and crew are other, so I go buy what I like. we take that seriously. But even more from the main building at 1980 Gillespie Way in El Cajon, California. I don’t remember why, but I I received tons of encouragement. QUALITY GUITARS and Design ; BABY TAYLOR; BIG BABY; Peghead Design; Bridge Design; in the throes of even more inventions But after I’ve eaten my slice, I real- interesting to us is the pressure to be Please take note of the weekday exceptions below. For more information, Pickguard Design; 100 SERIES; 200 SERIES; 300 SERIES; 400 SERIES; 500 SERIES; 600 SERIES; drifted away from the guitar after a Finally, about four months ago, I took 700 SERIES; 800 SERIES; 900 SERIES; PRESENTATION SERIES; GALLERY; QUALITY TAYLOR in this area. We also work every day on ize that I paid for it with the money I good at what we do, and make guitars including directions to the factory, please visit taylorguitars.com/contact. few months and moved on to other the leap and started taking lessons. GUITARS, GUITARS AND CASES and Design; WOOD&STEEL; ROBERT TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR the husbandry and care of the natural earned from selling something to other that people truly love, and be the kind We look forward to seeing you! teenage pursuits. Fast-forward a few I’m proud to say that I can finally play EXPRESSION SYSTEM; EXPRESSION SYSTEM; TAYLORWARE ; TAYLOR GUITARS K4; K4, TAYLOR resources that we consume and resell consumers, and I have to make that of company, or brand, that people feel K4; TAYLOR ES; DYNAMIC BODY SENSOR; T5; T5 (Stylized); BALANCED BREAKOUT; R. TAYLOR; decades, and I found myself frequently an F chord. I’m still training my fingers R TAYLOR (Stylized); AMERICAN DREAM; TAYLOR SOLIDBODY; T3; GRAND SYMPHONY; WAVE to you. choice again and again, as to what good about being associated with. And wishing with nostalgia that I was to learn to play a bar chord, but I’m COMPENSATED; GS; GS MINI; ES-GO; V-CABLE; FIND YOUR FIT; and GA are registered trademarks And yet, I wonder what the consum- I want to sell. That’s a much harder I’m not just talking about our custom- still playing guitar. In my 40s, I even finding plenty of songs to strum along of Taylor-Listug, Inc. NYLON SERIES; KOA SERIES; GRAND AUDITORIUM; GRAND CONCERT, er will want in the future, and who we choice. We all sell something; you real- ers, but also our employees, suppliers Factory Closures went so far as to purchase a guitar TAYLOR SWIFT BABY TAYLOR; LEO KOTTKE SIGNATURE MODEL; DYNAMIC STRING SENSOR; ize that, right? Everyone makes their and retail store partners. with, even with my limited (but grow- GRAND ORCHESTRA; GO; TAYLOR ROAD SHOW; JASON MRAZ SIGNATURE MODEL; NOUVEAU; will be competing against for that sale. I Monday-Friday, July 1-5 November 28-29 with the intention of learning again. ing) repertoire of chords. ISLAND VINE ; CINDY; HERITAGE DIAMONDS; TWISTED OVALS; DECO DIAMONDS; and SPIRES can’t help but look at the products and money from something that’s sold, even In the end, what interests me the (Independence Day/ (Thanksgiving Holiday) Unfortunately, I did what many people My experience has taught me sev- are trademarks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. offerings of other industries. One of my if they’re far removed from the process. most is making and delivering some- Company Vacation) do. I purchased a very low-end guitar, favorites is food. Not only because I If you’re one kind of a consumer, are thing that people feel is special and eral things: A little encouragement can ELIXIR and NANOWEB are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. D’ADDARIO PRO-ARTE Monday, December 23 thinking that I didn’t want to spend make a big difference; having a good is a registered trademark of J. D’Addario & Co., Inc. NUBONE is a registered trademark of David Dunwoodie. love to eat, but because it really does you another kind of seller? Do you good, and selling it at a price that both Monday, September 2 through Friday, January 3 the money in case it turned out that I show two sides of a coin. On one hand spend your money one way and earn makes the consumer happy to part with guitar really helps, especially if you’re a (Labor Day) (Company Vacation) couldn’t recapture the joy I’d found in beginner or rekindling an interest in play- Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. there are the people who make the your money in the same way, or in the their money, plus pays an equitable my youth. Of course, that became a ing after an extended hiatus; it’s never perfect wood-fired pizza with the most opposite way? price to those involved in building and Wood&Steel is published quarterly and is distributed to registered Taylor guitar owners and Authorized October 14 self-fulfilling prophecy. The guitar was too late to learn something new; and the Taylor Dealers as a complimentary service. To receive a subscription, please register your Taylor guitar authentic ingredients and time-tested A company like Taylor Guitars needs delivering the guitar. It’s ironic how the (Taylor Guitars Anniversary) hard to keep in tune, hard to play, and joy of achievement is incredible. at www.taylorguitars.com/registration. To contact us about changing your mailing address or ending recipes. Many customers are happy to sales to survive and prosper, and one success of Taylor Guitars makes that your subscription, please visit www.taylorguitars.com/contact. the sound wasn’t particularly inspir- pay for that quality and feel it’s a treat of the easy places to go for those sales balance more and more difficult all the ing. At that point, I had never played a We’d love to hear about your each and every time. Then there are is to offer more and more for less and time. There are more and more people quality guitar, so I assumed that I was Taylor journey. Please feel free to the big chains that have customers less. In that scenario, our costs become who want to experience our guitars and much more toward the idea of mak- that way with us, and we work relent- the problem. Maybe I was just too old share it with us at taylorguitars.com/ Online who’ve grown tired of a pizza the way a huge issue, and we who are involved our brand, and we have both types of ing higher quality items, delivered with lessly to do it right each and every day. and too busy to learn guitar. My dream taylor-stories it normally comes, so they want ranch in making the guitars, or supplying the buyers to consider. great service and support, and sharing went back into its dormancy phase for 512ce Read this and other back issues of Wood&Steel at taylorguitars.com dressing to dip the crust in, or extra wood, etc., suffer and have to work to We work to do a good job of both, a good experience with the players who ­­ — Bob Taylor, President another decade. crust with cheese inside, and they want push the cost off onto others. but let the record show that we lean buy our guitars. I think it will always be 7

n this lesson we’re going to tap controlled bends, even some pre-Van ing is “totally original.” When I worked Play Like You into your creative side from some Halen two-handed tapping. at an independent record store, the By Shawn Persinger I unlikely angles, generate new ways So the next time you are incredulous local bands would frequently drop off of looking at old ideas, and push your regarding one of the “greats,” put your their self-released CDs for consign- playing to new levels — in some cases skepticism to the test by learning one ment sales. We would sell any band’s without pushing or playing! Best of all, of their classic licks. You might end up CD, but I always asked, “What do you I’m going to introduce you to a new singing, and playing, a different tune guys sound like?” If the response was, favorite guitar player: you! Here are once you’re done. “We sound like 311…” or Oasis or the six different ways to develop your own Stray Cats, I would say, “Great, I like voice as a guitar player. 3. Write It Down and those bands,” and then suggest them Develop It to customers. But more frequently the 1. Play Like Everyone Else I encourage all of my students to response was, “We don’t sound like Learning from the greats who came keep a music notebook — tab or nota- anyone else, we’re original.” I’d then before you is not only helpful; it is tion — write down every lick they learn, play their CD only to hear a band that essential to building a vocabulary of and, more importantly, make some up sounded like 311, Oasis or the Stray chords, solos, techniques and composi- themselves. Licks are ephemeral and Cats and would never promote them tional ideas. Ecclesiastes states, “There capricious, so if you don’t capture them to patrons. Did these bands really think is nothing new under the sun.” Para- when they materialize you can lose them someone who worked in a record shop phrased or not, keep it in mind. We all forever. Beyond writing them down I and listened to literally thousands of want to think we are doing new things, also encourage you to record them. The different bands and styles of music but if you have no real grasp of musical subtle difference between three straight wouldn’t find a point of reference? It history, what chance do you truly have? eighth-notes versus a triplet configura- was offensive to me as listener and Listen to every guitarist (and instrumen- tion can be the distinction between a even more so as a musician. talist) you can, learn what he or she is classic riff and a mundane series of In the mid-1990s I performed in a doing, and endeavor to play along. If notes. So write it and record it. But then group that not only played music that you think Chuck Berry (Ex. 1), Eddie what? sounded like that of King Crimson and Van Halen (Ex. 2), or Keith Richards This is where the real work begins. The Mahavishnu Orchestra, but we also (Ex. 3) has nothing to teach you, you Once you’ve filled half of your “licks had the same instrumentation (sans the might as well stop playing right now. journal,” start writing songs with them. keyboards). When the uninitiated asked These players, and many more, built the What may seem like an insignificant whom we sounded like, I always said, foundations of popular guitar music, and four-note pattern could turn out to be a “King Crimson and The Mahavishnu their legacy remains because what they classic riff waiting to be unleashed on Orchestra.” While many others, critics gave us is as vital today as it was 40, the listening public. Think of all the great and fans alike, were quick to point out PLAY 50, even 60 years ago. Not to mention three- and four-note riffs that define this obvious reference, no one ever that every one of those players will cite popular music today. Jimmy Page’s accused us of ripping them off or simply an influence or two on their playing: “Whole Lotta Love,” Ritchie Blackmore’s imitating them. If anything we were her- For Berry it was T-Bone Walker and “Smoke on the Water,” Miles Davis’s alded as picking up where these iconic Charlie Christian; Van Halen credits Eric “So What,” and Beethoven’s Fifth Sym- bands had left off. (King Crimson was Clapton and Allan Holdsworth; Richards phony (Ex. 4) were all small ideas that inactive when my band started play- cites Leo Kottke and…Chuck Berry. blossomed into grand masterpieces ing.) I believe this was because I readily because these composers had the admitted that these two groups, and 2. Get Skeptical sense to see beyond their simplicity and many others, were a major influence on I’ve learned a lot of great guitar develop them into important works of us, rather than making the impossible music due to my skeptical spirit. As art. Don’t dismiss anything you consider claim that we were “original.” LIKE a teenager I’d hear someone compli- even remotely valid. Put in the time and So do yourself and the listening ment a famous guitarist and think, “That effort to expand these flashes of inspira- public a favor: Be aware of and cite player is dreadful — and I’ll prove it. I’ll tion beyond their embryonic stage. your influences. Frank Zappa, John learn one of his solos and show every- Zorn and Yngwie Malmsteen have all one how lame it is.” Usually, as it turned 4. Take a Break included a laundry list of their influences out, the exercise left me humbled and Time away from your instrument on record sleeve liner notes. Not only is forced me to reevaluate my opinion of can do wonders for your creativity and, it magnanimous of the artist compiling any given player. There is an immense believe it or not, for your technique. If the list to give due credit to the artists amount of knowledge to be gained from you are playing the same ideas over and who inspired them, it’s also fun for the actually taking the time to learn a piece over, you are only getting good at that reader/listener to discover. of music, rather than simply listening to particular physical motion, and who is to YOU it and then dismissing it offhand. say even that is correct? 6. Embrace What You Don’t When I was younger I was not a big Classical guitarist Liona Boyd Like About Your Playing fan of Larry Carlton, but at Musician’s developed a neurological condition I can’t remember who first said this, Institute, students and teachers alike called “task specific focal dystonia” but when you strip away everything you Copping the styles of our guitar heroes is fun, but shaping raved about his skill. Arrogant youth from repetitive motion with her fingers. like about your playing and are left with that I was, I thought I’d dispel the myth This condition causes her fingers to do only what you don’t like, then that is of Carlton’s musical acuity by learning the opposite of she wants them to! So what you sound like. This was a “slap in his solo on Steely Dan’s “Kid Char- take a break and reflect on your playing. the face” realization for me personally. bothers you about your playing and Embrace the “worse” as a way of mov- your own guitar identity will help you express the true you why it troubles you. A deeper reflection ing forward rather than an impediment lemagne.” It turned out that everything Then go for a walk, cook a meal, read a I’m a bit of a sloppy player. For many Shawn Persinger, a.k.a. Prester John, owns a Taylor 410, two I’d heard about Larry’s playing was book, write a book. The guitar will still years this bugged me as I tried my best might produce new insight that you’ve that holds you back. Besides, what one By Shawn Persinger 310s and a 214ce-N. His music has been described as a myriad true and fully realized in that one solo. be there when you need it. to clean up my technique and smooth neglected and denied. Yes, I’m asking player hears as bad, another appreci- of delightful musical paradoxes: complex but catchy; virtuosic yet Navigating complex changes with the out the rough edges. Then one day it you to psychoanalyze your guitar play- ates as beauty. We should all be so affable; smart and whimsical. His book The 50 Greatest Guitar ease of a jazz purist and the energy of a 5. Don’t Fool Yourself dawned on me that many of my favorite ing. Don’t just settle for what you hear lucky as to have a distinguishing charac- Books is being hailed as a monumental achievement by readers bar-room blues player, Carlton throws in Few things are more insulting to players are pretty sloppy too! at face (ear?) value. You play the way teristic that sets us apart. Let your true and critics. (www.GreatestGuitarBooks.com) classically tinged pedal tones, flawlessly real music fans than claiming your play- Take time to consider what it is that you do for a reason, for better or worse. player shine, warts and all. 239

t first it’s a shock to hear such a started leading worship at age 13 with ducer, so Stone and the band quickly the music has helped him connect in a mid-tempo groove. Tunes like “What melodically soulful singing voice — his acoustic guitar. He says he learned recorded a live performance of his song deeper way with a wider audience. I’ve Seen” and “Satisfaction” dial up think Stevie Wonder meets a lot about connecting with an audience “Unaware,” a mellow-grooved R&B “I envy people who know music the funk. “Contact High” draws inspira- Donny Hathaway — coming in that setting. tune that slowly builds into a goose technically more so than me, but I also tion from the Stevie Wonder songbook from that face. There’s the “That was a huge help, just being in bump-inducing vocal climax. The video, think that really good technical players as Stone ponders the alienating side Ablond-locked boyishness, the thick- front of people and learning how to sing dubbed “Live! From His Mother’s Living sometimes forget that most people effects of social media culture. At the BACKSTAGE PASS rimmed glasses, and a curious fashion in a way that people could sing along,” Room,” not only led to appearances on don’t really understand music [at that show I attended, Stone prefaced the sense one might describe as thrift store he recalls. “Even now, I have to relearn Kimmel, Conan and other national TV level], and that’s why it doesn’t resonate song by encouraging the crowd to hippie. But the moment Allen Stone’s almost every show that people want programs in the U.S., but it went viral in so much,” he reflects. “That’s why jazz is personally acknowledge each other supple voice takes flight in song, any to sing along with me. It’s not always a big way — at press time it had climbed one of the least popular types of music and not overlook the value of in-person visual disconnect melts into soul-stirring about showing off and being able to to over 2.3 million views. as far as pop music goes. For me, being interaction. The sentiment seemed both bliss. If you like vintage R&B and do a bunch of cool notes and runs. It’s “It was simply meant as an audi- more on the feeling side, I believe that ironic and spot on, especially given the haven’t heard Stone, do yourself a favor really about locking into a melody that tion tape,” Stone admits. “I wasn’t even maybe I have a better understanding sea of craning smart phones capturing and give this kid a listen. people can remember and sing along going to release it online, but we did, of how listeners perceive the music, the moment. I point this out and ask him The word-of-mouth buzz has been with. So it was really a great experience. and people have just been sharing it. because they’re not as fluent in aug- what inspired the song. simmering for a couple of years now in I got to play in front of people almost It’s been wonderful.” mented fifths and stuff like that.” “First and foremost it was a gut a modern-grassroots way, a blend of twice a week at church, and that would Stone can count esteemed purveyor Stone says he’s been a fan of Taylor check for me, because I noticed in my relentless touring and the viral magic have never otherwise happened in of rock & soul gold, Daryl Hall, as one of guitars for a long time. own life that I was using my phone of YouTube and social media sharing. Chewelah. There were no venues or live his biggest boosters. When Stone was “It’s such a well-crafted instrument,” as a crutch a lot in social scenarios,” Stone has been a rapt student along music scene.” invited to join Hall and his band on an he says. “I think when you’re attempting he reflects. “I would be on Facebook the way, eager to both elevate his craft Stone would eventually be exposed episode of Hall’s Web/television series to play guitar like I do, which is more chatting with people or updating my and learn the business, and fueled by to rock music through his brother, and Live From Daryl’s House, the natural like an electric guitar, it’s a lot of bar Twitter, and I was noticing people taking natural talent, musical passion, and an when a friend turned him on to Stevie musical kinship between the two was chords and muting; it’s very rhythmic. pictures of their breakfast. It was like infectiously joyful heart, he has culti- Wonder, it was all over. He immersed instant. As Hall’s keyboardist Eliot Lewis For the style of music I play, to me those they were living in this fake world that vated a growing fanbase around the himself in Wonder’s records for a year noted over dinner during the episode, guitars sound really beautiful.” we’ve created. I definitely still use all world. When he called in for a chat from and a half. He says Wonder and Donny those vessels and think they’re incred- his home in Seattle in April a few days Hathaway in effect became his musical ible tools if we are good stewards of before playing Southern California’s mentors. “Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On record them and don’t use them in excess. popular Coachella Festival, he had just “Listening intently and attempting It’s kind of hard…especially with my ALLEN returned from two months of touring to sing along really taught me how to really inspired me to sing about more than generation. We’ve started to lose the through the U.S., Europe, Japan and sing the way I do,” he says. “But it was ability to live in the now; we try to be in Australia. kind of my own journey, really. I feel like just relationships. It gave me a glimpse a million places at once, and our culture “Australia was epic,” he raves. “All it was a good way to learn, because I is so fast-paced that I think it’s good STONE the shows were sold out. We played for learned through the feeling and not so to have a rein on it and at least open between three and four thousand at the much the technical side of things. Once into the power that soul music can have.” up the conversation of whether we’re Byron Bay Bluesfest. In Germany I did a I heard Stevie and got into soul music, forgetting about the power of peer-to- tour with a band named Seeed. They’re I knew that was the route I wanted to speaking for the band, “Allen is the His main stage guitar as of late has peer relationships and looking people in really big. We played big arenas, like take.” epitome of what we love; it’s all about been a rosewood/cedar GC7. the eyes. That’s something I dealt with 15,000 people.” Beyond the music itself, Stone also feeling the music.” Hall ended up bring- “I like it a lot. I like the look of it and myself and just wanted to address.” In conversation, Stone comes found himself drawn to the deeper ing Stone out with him and the band the pickup. Typically I’ll turn down the One of Stone’s most potent yet across as genuinely sweet and gra- social themes that Wonder and other on their Nu-Soul Revue Tour, along with highs [on the preamp] and just run it nuanced social reflections is his cious. He’s prone to saying “bless you” artists were exploring through their popular neo-soul diva Sharon Jones. straight through. I get compliments from stripped-down tune “Last to Speak,” in in response to compliments in place of lyrics. Stone continues to be humbled and a lot of sound engineers.” which he examines institutional hypoc- “thank you” — perhaps a residual effect “I was always into socially conscious gratified by the mainstream success One of Stone’s distinctive appeals, risy and the negative impact of polarized of being a preacher’s son. He grew up hip-hop, and folk music is traditionally he’s started to enjoy, especially now especially as a dynamic singer, is his discourse. in Chewelah, Washington, a tiny dirt- pretty socially aware,” he says. “But it that he’s been signed to the artist- performance range. He’s equally adept “I actually wrote that in my head on road town with a population of less than was Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On friendly label ATO Records, and insists at captivating an audience through a a car trip back from a college show I 3,000. Under his father’s roof, listening record I think that really inspired me to he still has much to learn. powerful solo acoustic set — like he did had played,” he shares. “It was at the to secular music was forbidden. sing about more than just relationships. “It’s just a passion of mine to get in the Taylor room at the Winter NAMM point in my life when I was evolving “I was definitely sheltered,” he says. It gave me a glimpse into the power as good as I possibly can vocally, as a Show — or raising the roof with his full past the Church but still trying to figure “My parents attempted to raise me the that soul music can have.” songwriter, and an all-around performer,” band. He relates his versatility to one of out what I had learned there that I still way my father was raised, which was Once he knew he wanted to make he says. “Anymore it’s not so much just his favorite artists, Dave Matthews. cherish, and humility is one of those in a very conservative household, and music for a living, Stone dedicated about the singing aspect; it’s about the “I love him with a band, but I also things. I had noticed that I kept pointing being a minister you kind of attempt himself to every aspect of his craft, writ- whole package of being an incredible love hearing the songs in the context of at everything that was wrong with the to guide your flock accordingly. So I ing songs and honing his performance performer and a business man and a just him and Timmy Reynolds,” he says. government and the Church and the wasn’t too turned on to pop culture chops at every kind of gig imagin- writer and a fully encompassing artist. “That can potentially be a huge brand way I was raised, but wasn’t doing any- growing up.” able, both solo and with his band. He There are so many facets that you have for me, to be able to do the big soul thing constructive about it. I would just He did sing at his father’s church, released a self-titled album on his to be really, really good at, including tent revival show, but then also scale point and shoot instead of trying to find where people told him he had a good own independent label in 2011, which your branding, and music videos are a it back to just me and a guitar. I think a way to influence my culture and be a voice, although, in a small town, he climbed into the Top 10 on Billboard’s huge help with one’s career. I’m defi- people like hearing the different aspects positive light.” How a sheltered preacher’s probably didn’t realize how good. He Heatseekers chart and cracked the top nitely learning as I go. I feel blessed to of those songs.” Based on the impact he’s making 5 of iTunes’ R&B/Soul charts. He also be in the industry and around people Stone’s band shows are high-energy through his music, Stone seems well on came to understand the power of viral who are very talented.” affairs, fueled by his positivity and love his way to a brightly lit career. son found his voice through (Allenstone.com). Opposite page, top photo: videos, and that YouTube and social A largely self-taught guitar player, of bringing people together as par- Stone performs on the Taylor media sharing are tremendous tools Stone, like many singer-songwriters, is ticipants in the performance. His song soul music By Jim Kirlin stage at the Winter NAMM for spreading his music to the masses. self-effacing about his chops. Although “Celebrate Tonight” encapsulates that To view video performance clips of Show; additional photos by Case in point: The music booker for he studied a bit of music theory and idea perfectly, wrapping a simple, feel- Allen Stone from the Taylor room at Lonnie Webb Jimmy Kimmel Live had seen Stone wishes he had taken more lessons, he good message — forget your troubles, NAMM, visit taylorguitars.com/artists/ play and wanted to schedule him, says that learning to play by hearing and get together with friends, and enjoy allen-stone but needed a video to show the pro- paying attention to the feeling behind the moment — in an equally feel-good, 10 www.taylorguitars.com 11

you’re aware and willing to do the work. when we actually start moving toward less jangly. A 12-string tuned down is I have a three-year-old 214ce with even the plainest of nearly any tropical six years old now and is opening up Ed. Note: Jacob, considering the fre- producing a uke. a different guitar altogether, and I think perhaps 1,500 hours of playing time hardwood, like sapele or ovangkol. So and blooming with amazing tonal quent swings in your hygrometer read- you may appreciate the tone that way on it. While changing the strings, I there’s that. The other answer is that qualities. Ask Bob ings, it’s possible that you have a defec- more than at standard pitch. But even noticed that the top three or four the real supply of these trees is very Robert Wojie tive hygrometer. We recommend that if you stay tuned to standard pitch, the frets closest to the neck have devel- scattered — so scattered in fact, that you get another one — make sure it’s I had a Big Baby from 2003 to 2008 body of the GS and the mahogany will oped grooves in them where the it would be hard to gather a supply of Robert, I think you’ll find that guitar will digital, as it will be more accurate. and bought a GS Mini recently (and be a good combo. strings make contact, particularly the them. You mentioned trees you see get better with age as well. Maybe not Fretboard wear, Grand Orchestra cutaways, added the ES-Go pickup last night). high E, B and G strings. My techni- that come down in storms. Those are to the extent that your all-solid-wood Both are a great bang for the buck cian says that these frets need to probably park trees, yard trees, trees guitars age, but as you point out, the and playing with violins (great tone at a not-too-expensive be replaced. Is this routine mainte- on someone’s ranch or the beltways top is solid, and it certainly contributes I am the proud owner of a new 618e, price). I’m totally blown away by the I have been playing second violin nance? I’m surprised the frets are of public property, what I like to call a lot to the aging process. At least you number 98! I was lucky enough to huge sound coming out of such a parts [on guitar] with a cham- made of material that is so soft the “urban forests,” and while they exist, know that it will never sound lesser than I own an early 410, rosewood fret- making Grand Orchestras with a encounter it in Bozeman, Montana, small instrument in the GS Mini. The ber group and really love doing strings are able to press grooves into there’s no easy way to obtain them. it does now, and that’s a pretty good board and bridge, that has grooves cutaway? and I instantly fell in love and could Big Baby practically plays like an this. The group has two violins, a viola them. Is there a reason you don’t use Most trees like this, even if we could start, I think. in the fretboard and significant fret Steve not put it down (still can’t, actually). I electric (I had .011s on it). Have you and two cellos. I started with a Lar- material that is hard enough to stand get them, are full of bullets, nails, road wear from 22 years of G, C, D, E and really enjoy how crisp and clear it is, had any feedback from customers rivee D-60 dreadnought because I up to string pressure? signs, barbed wire, and an occasional A [chords]. I know that frets can be Thanks for being a loyal customer, while still maintaining a powerful yet on putting the lighter gauge (.012- thought I would need the volume, Rob Coley roller skate. They tend to be hard on replaced. What would the procedure Steve. Seeing that you like big guitars, controlled bass response. This is my .053) strings on the GS Mini? I want but even though it had a beauti- Lone Tree, CO the sawmill. And the forests are not Sometime back I heard a story on be for leveling the fretboard? Can I think you’ll love the Grand Orchestra first maple guitar, so I am unfamiliar to know if the loss in volume by the ful sound, there was too much of very full of these species in large size Public Radio about how Americans it be planed, or would it have to be when you get one. Andy did a great job with what to expect for the tone down lighter strings is noticeable, and if a “ring” to it, so the notes weren’t Rob, fret wire by nature is softer than for guitars. were no longer playing pianos, and replaced? I would like to keep the designing this guitar. Even though we’ve the road. What can I look forward to there is any issue with intonation. separated well. I then bought a Taylor other metals. It’s roll-formed and is Someday the realities of life on that there were thousands of old guitar as original as possible. released the guitar in models without as this guitar ages? I’m primarily an electric player and NS74ce thinking it would blend bet- meant to be malleable. It is, in fact, earth may force us there with solutions, pianos being thrown away every year. Ben Hogben cutaways, you can order one with a Adam Hutter sometimes perform heavy rock songs ter with the violins; it has an abso- pretty hard, but some people have but for now we’re concentrating our They interviewed a piano mover in Spencer, NY cutaway (Ed. Note: Either Venetian or Billings, MT “unplugged.” lutely gorgeous sound, the notes do more impact on its lifespan than others. efforts on treating the forests where New York City, and he said that his Florentine) through our BTO program. Lou separate, and it does blend better, but I’ve seen people (like me) go 20 years we get guitar woods with better regard company took 20 pianos a month Good question, Ben. We can plane We can accommodate you now. Adam, one of our Taylor employees, the volume isn’t there unless I really between frets being replaced, and other than in years past. When I say “we,” to the dump. I was wondering if you the fretboard before replacing the Anne Middleton, who lives and works in The guitar will work equally well with crank up the volume, which kind of people who get a year out of the first I mean people in general who are might be missing out on a lot of frets. However, I wouldn’t say that it’s Cameroon to keep watch over the envi- lighter strings, Lou. Yes, it will lose a distorts that beautiful sound. I am few frets. So, I’d say it’s pretty routine involved in logging in a larger way than good, aged wood here, not to men- actually better to remove all of the old ronmental impact of our ebony opera- little volume, but not much. If it suits your using a Phil Jones AAD Cub ampli- for many people to replace a few frets just the guitar makers. tion the ivory. Could you use the worn grooves if they’re deep. Rather, it I just purchased my first Taylor guitar tion, is also from Billings. So I thought Being a huge Taylor fan and having rather small needs better and you make the music fier. I would appreciate your sug- after a few years. If you have them wood from a piano to make a guitar? might be good to leave some of them. two days ago, along with an Oasis I’d give a shout-out! hands for playing guitar, I was thrilled when you you like to make with it strung that way, gestion as to the best guitar for replaced before the others are worn, I’m looking at an old upright piano at Why? Well, you’ll just start wearing new humidifier kit. The hygrometer differs What can you expect? More good- then feel free. No problem with intona- this purpose. I would definitely want it’s not too costly or invasive. Not much this moment, and it’s got some really grooves on day one, whereas if we leave every 10 minutes in my home, rang- ness, more clarity, more round, sweet introduced the short-scale neck. I have a 2007 GA8 tion either. The best bet is to simply try another Taylor. leveling or fitting will be required, and I live in Central Alabama. It’s very large pieces of maple or walnut in it. a bit of them, it will have already given ing from 18-32 percent. I have done notes. Here’s the thing: A guitar doesn’t custom short scale, and it has been a true blessing. it, because one person may not like it, Irene you’ll be good to go for another three humid here. I bought a GS Mini Steve Toland some relief for where your fingers love lots of research and know that the change its spots with age; rather, the I would like another guitar to maintain in D tun- while the next person will. Toss a set on or four years. After that, if you find that about a year ago. I have made no New Smyrna Beach, FL to go. The frets themselves will be level. right humidity range is 45-50 percent. spots just get prettier. All the things and see what you think. Irene, I understand. A nylon-string guitar you’re wearing them out to your dismay, adjustment to the guitar, and I have If you send your guitar to us for work, What can I do to keep my 716ce you love about this guitar will just be ing; my preference would be a short-scale 816ce. can’t compete volume-wise with violins. you could talk to our Service depart- a buzz that has developed in the Well, Steve, technically the answer is our Service department will be happy to playing perfectly? Is the single Oasis enhanced, and you’ll hear the changes Will this option cause any intonation, buzzing or It seems you are using the pickup in ment about other options. treble strings, particularly the G. yes, you could use wood from an old discuss the best approach for you and humidifier enough for both the body come in spurts. At least that’s what I’ve other issues? Would heavier gauge strings help, your guitar to be heard. This is one of Other than the intermittent buzz, it’s piano. Spruce in particular. Usually the your guitar. and neck at 20 percent humidity? Is noticed over the past 40 years. I like to I am currently researching 12-string those situations where I probably can’t a terrific guitar. Strangely, it seems walnut, being the case of the piano, is humidity really that big of a deal in say they come in the first 30 minutes, or is a normal scale 816ce the best option? guitars, as I am fascinated by the fix it in this response. In your case there to be worse when the humidity is plywood and wouldn’t do much good Ohio? the first month, five years, 10 years, Doug sounds they produce. I am find- are so many parts of the electronic sig- With all the difficulty getting exotic higher. Any suggestions? on a guitar. The maple pieces aren’t the Jacob Davis and 15 years. I have a 1978 810 that’s Dracut, MA ing that many of them can be very nal chain that someone will need to talk hardwoods, I wonder why no one Fred Harris right shape and size for guitar parts, Do different neck profiles have any a great-sounding guitar, but I haven’t chimey/jangly. I am hoping to avoid to you over the phone and guide you pays attention to some domestic Hoover, AL and even the spruce soundboard, while effect on tone, or is it strictly the Jacob, let me think, is humidity that big noticed much of a change since it was that particular quality if at all pos- through steps, or you’ll need to have an species. I have land in Central Florida solid spruce, it made up of narrow piec- player’s preference? of a deal in Ohio? ... Um, yes it is! Your 15 years old. Maybe something will hap- Doug, the short-scale 816ce would be a great gui- sible. I am mostly a strummer with expert at a repair center or a dealer help and see big, old, straight and tall Fred, I wish I could diagnose this in es, whereas guitars are wide pieces. Dave Henry guitar doesn’t want to be dry, so you pen at 50 years. tar for you. It won’t cause any buzzing or intona- some limited ability to throw small you to dial in your tone. You should be oak trees that I have been told are my response, but I don’t think I can. So, while the theoretical answer is yes, Las Vegas, NV really have to humidify it. In the sum- Bottom line, the tone will just be licks in from time to time. I love the able to get a nice clear tone with your Laurel oaks. I have seen them come I’d really have to see the guitar. In this the practical answer is probably no. mertime in Ohio, the humidity will be better. And I’m not talking about more tion issues for you. And, as you say, you have small way mahogany sounds, with its rich pickup and amplifier. Help is out there, down in storms, and when cutting case, I’m going to ask you to call our No, Dave, the different neck profiles higher, probably much higher, but the bass, or more treble, which people con- hands, so in that regard it would be perfect, and mids. I am having a hard time decid- so give our Service department a call them up for disposal, the wood looks Service department. They’ll help you won’t affect the tone. You can order any cold winters there cause the insides fuse for tone. I’m talking about the actual you’ll end up playing it more. I think it’s a great idea ing what will work best for me. I have and let’s help you find a fix. spectacular — multi-colored from yel- send your guitar to us, or help you find neck shape you want and not worry that of houses to be dry, because you heat tonal quality of each of the notes. They’ll read so much about tonewoods, but low to red to purple, and even black a local authorized repair person near Got a you ordered one that reduced your tone. your house, which lowers the humidity sound prettier. and that you’ll be quite happy with it. I am still uncertain. I would love to go and grey, and quite attractive! Even you. It could be so many things that we Ed. Note: In addition to Taylor’s stan- unless you run a good, capable humidity to my local stores here in Southern though I have never operated a saw- just need to look at it. question for dard acoustic neck profile, additional system inside. California to try as many as pos- I owned a 114ce for several years, mill and can’t estimate accurately, Bob Taylor? neck profile options offered through our Please keep your guitar in your case. sible, but being a lefty really kills that and recently traded up to a 314ce, I’m sure just one big straight log Build to Order program are Slim Carve, Don’t store it on a stand in your living I have enjoyed all the different voices might be provocative for fingerstyle be reached if you tuned it with medium option. I love the looks of the GA, which I really love. Although both of would yield a good amount of wood. Shoot him an e-mail: V-Carve and T5 Carve. room, even though it’s pretty and you of the Taylor guitars I have acquired playing with rhythmic bass notes. gauge strings to Eb or D. and the new GO seems very exciting. these models have Sitka spruce tops, So why not entertain the idea of a I own two of your fine guitars: a GC7 [email protected] want to look at it. Inside the case, you over the years. My first Taylor was Any insight? What do you think would be a good it appears to me that the 314ce has domestic line of guitars that would and my most recent purchase, a

can control the humidity with your Oasis an 810 in 1993 when bluegrass was Mitch Schuster, MD, FACOG, FACS combination of woods to avoid the a “prettier” top than my 114ce had utilize a variety of available timbers 214ce-N. I really like this guitar a lot. humidifier kit. Be careful not to over- my mainstay. I moved to fingerstyle too-bright tone that can often accom- (finish notwithstanding). Are better like ash, birch, hickory, oak, elm, etc? I was wondering about the “bloom” If you have a specific I have three Taylors that are all Jum- humidify your guitar. We are very bullish and loved the W14ce, and then to Mitch, you’ve had lots of cool guitars. Are there any plans to add ukuleles pany the 12-string? examples of Sitka spruce used in the Edward Placha factor with the 214ce-N. I know that repair or service bos (and one R Taylor Grand Sym- on the Humidipak from Planet Waves, praise and worship with the 814ce- To answer your question, the guitar to your product line apart from the Jason tops of higher-grade Taylor guitars? a good-sounding laminate guitar is concern, please call phony). Obviously I like big guitars. because it will not over-humidify your L7. Seven Taylor guitars later, I ask a would be under too much tension, or matched sets that you offered last Ventura, CA Jerry Downs Edward, it’s a good question. The just that — as long as one takes care our Customer Service I’m thinking of ordering a BTO guitar guitar, so I recommend you check them stupid question: What will happen if at least the strings would, if you tuned year? answers are varied. One, and probably of it, it will continue to sound just as department at soon, and since you don’t make Jum- out. They are disposable, and you have I string my Baritone-6 with medium your baritone to standard pitch. That’s Mike Hogan Jason, I’ll answer it this way. I think a GS Yes, Jerry, that’s right. We definitely the most important, is that the market good as the day it was purchased. (800) 943-6782, bos anymore, I’m thinking of getting to buy new ones, but each winter you’ll gauge strings, [tuned to] E-A-D-G-B- because strings are made to be under body with mahogany would be a great grade tops, as does our spruce supplier, isn’t quite ready for guitars made from Because the 214ce-N has a laminate and we’ll take a Grand Orchestra. I play frequently use some and toss them, and then the E? My thought is I will get a deeper a certain tension, and their length is fig- Honestly, Mike, we have a desire to add 12-string for you. If you like, you can put for separate uses, with the tops that the woods you mentioned. We can back/sides construction, will this care of you. high up on the neck, so a cutaway is next winter you’ll do the same, and the bass response with increased ured into that design. Actually, the good ukuleles but not a plan yet. We’ll be sure a bit heavier string set on it and tune it have more even and sparkly grain going sell maple and walnut. But to a frac- guitar mature at all given that it has a must for me. When will you begin cost isn’t that much. Either way, I’m glad sustain in the midrange, and that it tension range for your strings would to keep everyone posted on our plans down to D because it will sound a lot to higher-priced models. tion, and I mean a small fraction, of a solid Sitka top? My GC7 is over 17

New all-mahogany models bring a punchy sound and classic vibe to the 500 Series

By Jim Kirlin

There’s a lot to love about a rich, complex acoustic sound. That said, a guitar’s tonal personality should fit comfortably into its playing context, and sometimes complexity can get in the way, like when other instruments are in the mix. When a more focused, direct tone is desired, a guitar with a tropical hardwood top, such as koa or mahogany, will often make a good choice. Though less prevalent than spruce-top guitars, hardwood-top acoustics boast a notable musical heritage. They trace back more than a century to the Hawaiian Islands, the birthplace of the steel guitar, and would later infuse American roots music with distinctive tonal flavors. Not surprisingly, many early Hawaiian steel guitars were made with backs, sides and tops of koa, a native tropical hardwood, which resonated with a long and even sustain when a metal bar was slid along the strings to create an evocative elastic slur. As Hawaiian instruments and Island music migrated to the U.S. mainland in the early 20th century and became popular, U.S. guitar manufacturers fueled the trend by making Hawaiian-style guitars and ukuleles. Along the way, instrument makers embraced mahogany, a more readily available tropical hardwood, which produced a similar tone profile. Between mahogany’s abundant supply, tool-friendly properties, and overall durability, it made a natural choice for instrument makers. For similar reasons, mahogany was already coveted by craftsmen in other parts of the world. Great Britain had been importing it from the West Indies

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Opposite page, Front: 520 Back (L-R): 522 12-Fret, 524ce 14 www.taylorguitars.com 15 and Central America for a couple of a revival that has bubbled into a mean by ‘dry’ tone. Many players Playing Applications some bluegrass players might prefer mojo that injects a dark, warm, sweet tuners are slothead gold with synthetic centuries, and it became associated mainstream embrace, led by acts will hear the response and say, ‘Oh, Considering mahogany’s strong a mahogany Dreadnought over one and surprisingly dynamic vibe into a New Mahogany-Top ivory buttons), ivoroid binding, an with fine furniture and boats (due in such as Mumford & Sons, The Avett it’s right in my face. I hear just the fundamental focus, an all-mahogany with rosewood back and sides. The tune. 500 Series Models ivoroid rosette, and an ivoroid Century part to its resistance to wood rot). Brothers, The Lumineers, Heartless notes that I played. I’m not hearing guitar will fit a number of playing rosewood one might have too much fretboard inlay design that comes from In the guitar world, companies like Bastards, Old Crow Medicine Show, this sharp attack, or a long, ringing scenarios. ring for playing their rhythm parts on All-New 500 Series the same family as the 700 Series 520, 520e, 520ce Washburn placed a premium on and countless others, interest in complex overtone mix.’ So, the common “Like koa, it’s a fantastic wood for fast fiddle tunes.” Appointments Heritage Diamonds inlay motif. mahogany, although in subsequent hardwood-top guitars has been description is a focused midrange recording or stage use,” Andy notes. Another big-body all-mahogany The addition of mahogany-top 522, 522e, 522ce “We played with the weighting and years guitar makers began to use it rekindled, as musicians strive for punch.” “Because of its unique response, an option, the Grand Orchestra 528, models literally changed the complexion 522 12-Fret, the placement of the inlays to make it on less expensive instruments partly authentic vintage sounds to fit their That focused midrange character all-mahogany guitar really flatters its will produce a husky, burly voice that of the 500 Series, inspiring a design 522e 12-Fret, 522ce 12-Fret feel modern and yet like it belongs to an because the large size of the mahogany music. highlights some of the tonal differences pickups. And since its sonic imprint would also respond well to lively overhaul that helps express the older time,” Andy says. 524, 524e, 524ce trees harvested produced a plentiful between mahogany and rosewood, isn’t a mile wide, it’s a guitar that strumming. identity of these guitars. With the supply. All-Mahogany Tone: which tends to feature a more scooped plays well with others. On a track “It’s a guitar I would have loved to mahogany top’s rich, saturated color 526, 526e, 526ce First Editions “The lower cost wasn’t due to it Fundamentally Strong midrange and ringing overtones. Bob with other guitar parts you don’t want have seen Johnny Cash play,” Andy and prominent grain front and center, 528, 528e Like Taylor has done with the launch being an inferior wood,” explains Taylor Any sort of hardwood-top guitar, Taylor spoke to the sonic contrast in an interference between players.” adds. “I could see him playing ‘Folsom Taylor’s development team, led by Andy of new Grand Orchestra models this luthier Andy Powers. “It was just that whether all-koa or all-mahogany, tends interview for Acoustic Guitar magazine Depending on the body style, an Prison Blues’ and just wailing on it. Powers, embraced the old-school aura year, the mahogany-top 500s debuted Note: All spruce-top 500 you could get more boards out of a to produce a natural compression, so back in 2010, describing a hardwood- all-mahogany guitar also makes a great Or Elvis Presley. He was a fine rhythm that reflects mahogany’s guitar heritage. with 100 First Edition models for each Series models will now mahogany tree than a rosewood tree it won’t yield as quick a response as a top guitar like mahogany as “typically option for players with an aggressive guitar player. He would have sounded He relates it to Taylor’s recent neo- body shape. Premium features include feature Sitka spruce rather because the trees grew bigger. It was spruce-top guitar will. As Andy Powers lo-fi, great for strumming and blues, attack, due to the natural compression great on that guitar.” vintage treatment of the rosewood 700 an additional Century peghead inlay, than Engelmann. also more stable than rosewood when explained with the recent introduction but no church bell tones.” In ensemble effect of the wood. Smaller bodies like the Grand Series. CV bracing, and a custom First Edition you dried it.” of the all-koa Grand Orchestra K28e, playing, those differences actually “I can play these guitars as hard Concert 522, particularly the 12-Fret, “After we re-designed the 700 label and case plate. Once the guitar Mahogany’s greater durability there tends to be more of a subtle “roll- can work together nicely to create a as possible with the thickest pick yield a smooth, balanced, easygoing Series with all-ivoroid appointments, is registered, the owner will receive compared to softer soundboard woods in” effect to a note. complementary acoustic sound, as in the world, and they sound great,” character that will work well for blues, players really flocked to it,” he says. “The A black pickguard adds a bold a custom First Edition guitar strap, a like spruce also enabled it to be used “To put that into a more practical mahogany’s strong midrange and Andy shares. “You don’t have to play country and ragtime picking, and the sentiment was like, ‘This isn’t my dad’s visual counterpoint to the mahogany numbered certificate of authenticity, and for guitar tops without the need for context for the player, it sounds like it’s rosewood’s scooped mids fit together them that way, but they can take it. A hardwood top can easily handle the guitar, this is more like my granddad’s tops (spruce- and cedar-top models will a special commemorative booklet. After binding or extensive finish work, which a really long, sustaining, very controlled well without competing. mahogany-top guitar basically takes kind of gritty, snappy plucking that guitar,’ but with all the refinements of retain the faux tortoise shell version). the First Editions are produced, the helped lower the production costs. attack,” Andy says. that huge abundance of raw energy adds funky tonal color to roots music. modern guitar-making techniques. So Other new appointments include an models will officially join the 500 Series. As Hawaiian-inspired music and Compared to a spruce-top New Mahogany-Top 500s and helps control it. That focused Give the wood a little time to open up we brought more of that aesthetic to ebony headstock overlay (formerly To sample an all-mahogany guitar, visit instruments cross-pollinated with mahogany guitar in Taylor’s 500 Series, Over the years, Taylor has produced sound comes in handy. That’s why and you’ll have a guitar with serious the 500s.” rosewood), chrome tuners (12-Fret your local Taylor dealer. popular American music forms, all- an all-mahogany steel-string produces a several batches of mahogany-top mahogany instruments brought a dark, distinctive flavor. guitars. The summer of 1996 saw the earthy musical character to American “It still has the fundamental, strong, release of the limited edition Grand guitar-based genres like country and direct sound you can expect out of a Concert 412-M, while that fall brought blues (which had borrowed some of mahogany guitar with a spruce top — the 512-M. Both were conceived Hawaii’s slack key tunings). Mahogany- that dry, woody quality,” Andy says. “But with acoustic blues in mind, at a time top guitars have continued to maintain the mahogany top will make it even when fingerstyle music was enjoying a their identity in the Americana world in more controlled, to where it starts to resurgence. The beloved Baby Taylor the years since, ebbing and flowing in accentuate its unique sustain a little (which was originally conceived as a response to different musical trends more.” ukulele) would welcome a mahogany- and history. When the Adirondack “Punchy” is a word that’s often used top sibling in 1998. Our 2005 Fall spruce supply was heavily depleted to describe the character of mahogany, LTDs included the all-mahogany New by the U.S. military during World War particularly in the midrange. 512ce-L10 and 514ce-L10. The GS II, mahogany joined Sitka spruce as “It’s punchy in the sense that the Mini Mahogany, which debuted in Mahogany-Top a viable alternative for tops. More notes you play are the notes you get,” 2012, has brought another flavor to recently, as roots music has enjoyed Andy elaborates. “That’s what people our modern-day parlor guitar. And last fall, our Builder’s Reserve VII offering celebrated the all-mahogany sound with a special 12-Fret and ukulele pairing. This spring, we renew our 300s All-Koa vs. All-Mahogany Players might wonder about the tonal distinctions between an commitment to the all-mahogany guitar all-koa and an all-mahogany guitar. We asked Andy Powers how he sound with the addition of mahogany- would compare them. top models to the 500 Series, in every Join the Line “Both will be fairly similar overall, because of their relative body shape, including the Grand similarity in density and grain structure,” he says. “Koa will have Orchestra, as well as a 12-fret edition a touch more shimmer and chime, because of its slightly denser of the Grand Concert. The mahogany In addition to bringing all-mahogany nature. The mahogany will produce slightly stronger fundamentals, tops will be designated with a “2” as models to the 500 Series, we’re also with clear and direct focus. Some folks will describe koa as the second digit of the model name, so introducing several mahogany-top guitars sounding more wet or saturated, because of the upper register the naming conventions for the models to the 300 Series. The African sapele harmonic structure, and mahogany as sounding more woody and will look like this: used for backs and sides shares many of dry because of its strong fundamentals. I usually avoid talking mahogany’s tonal properties, with slightly about mahogany’s upper-end dampening effect, because the word Dreadnought: 520 less midrange punch and an extra splash ‘dampening’ sometimes has a negative connotation among players. Grand Concert: 522 of treble brightness. Mahogany tops will be But dampening is actually a good musical attribute when it occurs Grand Auditorium: 524 offered with three non-cutaway body styles: in the correct place or is applied in the right way. It silences the Grand Symphony: 526 Dreadnought (320), Grand Concert (322), noise that would otherwise obscure the notes we are attempting to Grand Orchestra: 528 and Grand Auditorium (324), with optional produce. The sustain will be quite close between the two woods, electronics. although the upper-end harmonic chime of the koa might give the Extensions of these base models impression of a slightly longer sustaining tone.” include versions with electronics (e.g., L-R: 320e, 322e 520e) and those with a cutaway and electronics (520ce). 2117

Planet Waves Humidipak wetextended exposure to highthreat humidity can hurt a guitar.

here are some ways to dehumidify. By Jim Kirlin

Over the years we’ve devoted a lot dry and wet guitars back to health. midifying a guitar often takes longer, cessful results is Eva-Dry (eva-dry.com). the moisture from the entire case and months, although more extreme condi- Room Dehumidifiers of attention to helping Taylor owners “If the action is too high, even with especially in higher humidity conditions. Designed to absorb moisture from boat the guitar. If you have a cutaway guitar, tions may necessitate more frequent If you keep multiple instruments in a keep their guitars properly humidified. the neck straight and tuned to pitch, “For some reason the guitar doesn’t cabins, safes, bathrooms, lockers and another placement option is in the replacement. Magargal says that Humi- music room and humidity is an issue, a Though dry conditions are the more that’s often a sign,” he shares. “Also, want to give the moisture up,” he says. closets, this renewable mini-dehumidifi- space created by the cutaway. dipak (known in other industries by the dehumidifier is essential. They typically common concern, too much humid- you might see wood swelling on the “Once it gets to about 65 percent for er also uses silica gel beads. When the Ken Cameron, owner of Hilo Gui- brand name Boveda) is getting ready draw indoor air across warm and cool ity also can lead to problems. During guitar body. You could see mold or extended periods, the guitar seems to beads are fully saturated with moisture, tars and Ukuleles, a Taylor dealer in to release an additional version of the coils that contain refrigerant. As the air the summer months or wet seasons, water stains inside the guitar or case. start grabbing as much moisture as it they turn from blue to pink, which is vis- Hawaii, learned about Eva-Dry from product that is specifically engineered passes through, the water vapor is con- regions that experience extended peri- You could see cloudy finish, or the fin- can. I did an experiment where I over- ible through an indicator window on the Magargal, and he has found the for humid environments. densed and collected in a container. ods of high humidity can put guitars at ish beginning to delaminate because humidified a guitar to 72 percent and product to be extremely effective. He “It will be able to absorb much Make sure you choose a dehumidifier risk. This is especially true in areas of it only has so much elasticity. A com- then dehumidified it. It took about 6-8 immediately ordered a supply of mini- more vapor and then level off in the that is large enough for the room you Southeast Asia, such as Taiwan, the mon example of that would be circular weeks to get it back to normal.” dehumidifiers to sell in his store. 50 percent range,” he explains. (Humi- are trying to dehumidify. Depending on Philippines and Singapore, along with bubbles of lifting finish on the peghead Below are a few dehumidification “I swear by them,” he says. “We’re dipak.com) the size of the container, the unit may Central America, Florida and Hawaii around the tuners. You could have options that Magargal and our factory considered to be the rainiest city in require frequent maintenance, as the in the U.S., and other tropical zones binding separation. The nut might look service technicians have found to be the U.S. Since Rob gave me one to Bamboo Charcoal collection tanks sometimes need to be around the world. The good news is smaller or the frets look shorter on the effective. test, we’ve probably sold at least 60 Bamboo charcoal’s porous proper- emptied daily. Models tend to vary by that there are several ways to protect ends because the neck has actually of them. I personally own five Taylors, ties enable it to absorb moisture, odors the amount of moisture they can col- your guitar from the effects of over- expanded. Also, the tone of the guitar Silica Gel Packs and I’ve got one in each case with the and polluted air particles. It’s made lect in a 24-hour period. An important humidification. changes. It becomes less responsive, Silica gel beads can typically guitar. I pretty much won’t let a Taylor from fast-growing moso bamboo, and consideration when shopping for mod- kind of sluggish, because the guitar is absorb 40 percent of their weight in guitar out of the store without one.” we first learned of it from our Japanese els is how easy the water container is How Much is Too Much? holding on to so much moisture.” water vapor. Several packs can be Eva-Dry E-333 Taylor has had discussions with distributor, Yamano Music. to empty. A premium feature on some The ideal relative humidity range for placed in a guitar case with the gui- Eva-Dry’s product team about the pos- “It was initially sold with athletes units is a drain hose that sends the a guitar is 45-55 percent. (At the Taylor Solutions tar. Depending on the humidity level, unit. It can then be plugged into a sibility of designing a smaller model for in mind,” says Magargal. “Any activ- water to a floor drain or the plumbing factory, we maintain a climate-con- There are several dehumidification they may last a month or two before wall outlet to warm and dry the beads, guitar cases, which could be placed on ity where you sweat a lot and end up system in the house. trolled production environment of about products on the market that will help they need to be removed and either and after about 10-12 hours (for the either side of the compartment within changing and throwing your sweaty If you don’t have a room dehumidi- 45 percent.) Humidity levels above combat high humidity. The level of replaced or dried and then re-used. small model) it can be used again. The the case. We’ll be sure to share any clothes or shoes into your bag. It fier, air conditioning will also remove 55 percent are considered high, while effectiveness for each may depend on “You need packs that are bigger higher the level of humidity, the more development news as it unfolds. deodorizes and absorbs the moisture water vapor. You can put a guitar on anything above 65 percent (especially how much moisture is in the environ- than the small versions that come with frequently the unit will need to be dried. so you don’t get mold and things like a stand in the room and also keep the for extended periods) is considered ment where the guitar is kept. a camera case,” Magargal says. “Use With normal use, the product will work Planet Waves Humidipak that. They’ve recently started marketing case open to allow the air conditioning very high. Regardless of whether you’re packs that are 6-10 ounces to absorb for up to 10 years, according to the The patented two-way humidity it for guitars.” to dry the inside of it. humidifying or dehumidifying a gui- enough moisture to bring the humidity company. control packets incorporate a semi- The charcoal comes in different For more information about dehu- Signs of a Wet Guitar tar, you’ll want to start with a digital to manageable levels.” The smallest model, the E-333 permeable, leak-proof membrane that sizes, shapes and packaging. One midifying a guitar, contact our Factory There are a number of possible hygrometer so you can gauge and (designed for areas of up to 333 cubic is formulated to either add or remove company, Ever Bamboo (everbamboo. Service Center in El Cajon, California symptoms of an over-humidified guitar, continue to monitor the relative humidity Mini-Dehumidifiers feet) will fit inside the storage compart- moisture to maintain a predetermined com), offers it in soft nylon bags that (1-800-943-6782) or our European says Taylor’s Rob Magargal, a long- of the area where the guitar is stored These are small, portable units ment of a guitar case. Our Service humidity level. The version designed for can be kept in a guitar case. The prod- Factory Service Center in Amsterdam, time service and repair technician who (ideally in its case). One difference designed to remove moisture from department recommends leaving the musical instruments is calibrated for 49 uct can be dried in direct sunlight (2-3 Netherlands (please visit taylorguitars. handles a lot of our service training and between adding and removing mois- small spaces. One company whose compartment lid fully open inside the percent. Easy to use and maintenance- hours per side) and reused for a year com/support for phone numbers). has extensive experience nursing both ture, Magargal has found, is that dehu- product Magargal has used with suc- closed case to allow the unit to absorb free, the packets generally last from 3-5 or more. Double Orchestra

The Grand Orchestra rollout continues with rosewood { 700 and 800 Series models }

One of the reasons rosewood (Heritage Diamond), while the 818e has amassed an iconic heritage in is inlay-free. Andy says he and fellow the acoustic guitar universe is that its Taylor luthier Larry Breedlove were broad frequency range and sparkling originally planning to include one, but overtones yield a wonderfully complex after stepping back and considering the voice. Coaxed into the shape of our guitar’s overall aesthetic, they felt that full-figured Grand Orchestra body the clean, modern identity of the 800 style and refined with proprietary GO Series was better served by a slightly bracing, that rich musical character more understated treatment. now extends even further in every Like Taylor’s other First Edition direction: The voice becomes richer, models, the 718e and 818e versions deeper, more powerful, more balanced, each feature a custom label and case more responsive, more dynamic. Each plate. Once the guitar is registered, individual note sounds fully formed, and the owner will receive a custom GO because of the clear articulation, one First Edition guitar strap, a numbered can better appreciate the fine details certificate of authenticity, and a special that contribute to the complexity. It’s commemorative photo book. And the sonic equivalent of watching high- because the limited run will disappear definition television. quickly, both models will immediately “Luxurious” was a word that the join the Taylor line as standard models, guitar’s designer, Andy Powers, used as the 918e has. to describe our first rosewood/spruce Because of a recent change in 700 Grand Orchestra, the 918e, upon its Series specifications, all 700 Series release earlier this year. models now feature Sitka spruce tops “You simply play that low E string rather than Engelmann, so the only and it yields all this color and bloom,” difference between the 718e and he marveled, as both a builder and a 818e models will be the respective player. appointment packages. Fans of a more This summer, we’re excited to bring vintage personality will likely gravitate the rosewood/Sitka spruce Grand toward the sunburst treatment on the Orchestra playing experience to the 718e (although a tobacco or honey 700 and 800 Series. We begin, as we sunburst top is available as a standard have with each new GO offering this model option on the 818e), while the year, with a limited release of 100 First 818e’s blend of curly maple binding, Edition models. The premium features abalone rosette, and refined pearl are largely the same for the 718e and fretboard inlay tastefully define Taylor’s 818e: AA-grade rosewood, Adirondack flagship rosewood/spruce series as a spruce bracing, and a bone nut and contemporary classic. saddle. One difference is that the Look for these rosewood Grand First Edition 718e, like the other First Orchestra models at your local Taylor Editions, incorporates a headstock inlay dealer.

L-R: First Edition 718e, 818e 21

Editor’s Note: We begin a series that explores the connection between music and wellness with Erika Luckett’s account of her difficult journey through cancer. Some readers may remember Luckett, a longtime Taylor player, from our past coverage of her music, or from her appearance in our catalog several years ago. We had already been planning this series when, in an Music’s unexpected coincidence, she reached out to us, offering to share her story. We’re glad she did. Some of my earliest memories revolve around music: as a four-year-old, lying under my knew that, more than anyone, she was would continue to be a weekly fixture grandmother’s baby grand piano and aware of my steady health decline. I for the next year. We made a swift Healing feeling “Moonlight Sonata” envelop couldn’t pretend anymore. The next entry into this new reality. me, eyes closed, awash in the vibra- day we saw a physician, and within We had heard that Dr. Stern’s tions pouring from the keys; as a six- three days I was diagnosed with two surgical skills far outmatched his bed- year-old, cuddled next to my mother massive ovarian tumors and a stag- side manner and were prepared for a while she strummed the nylon-string gering CA-125 count that pointed to brusque encounter. What we found guitar and sang Mexican rancheras. ovarian cancer. was just the opposite. A tall, gentle It wasn’t long before I took her guitar Over the next few days I began man, Dr. Stern welcomed us into his (though still too big for me to hold making a handful of important calls to office and looked over his professorial across my lap) and laid it on the floor. my family and closest friends. The story glasses as we discussed my case. We There I plucked my first songs on six still seemed foreign, as if I was deliver- had a barrage of questions, with Lisa open strings. Little did I know that my ing someone else’s news. My mother, leading the way. My talking was ham- love affair with music would become a forever the optimist, said, “It’s just a pered by an inability to breathe easily, lifelong relationship. Not only would it cyst, right?” “No, Mama,” I replied. and we asked about that. A flood of be my passport to a rewarding career, “There are two very large tumors, one new vocabulary entered the conversa- but ultimately it would also prove to be the size of a melon, the other the size tion. Words and concepts that flowed P o w e r an essential part of my very survival. of a mango.” effortlessly from Dr. Stern’s lips lodged The sun sparkled off San Francisco While it was important to lean awkwardly on my own: tumor mark- Performing artist Erika Luckett reflects Bay as I headed over the Golden towards the good and see myself ers, CT scans, surgery, chemotherapy, on the vital role music played in her Gate Bridge for a recording session emerging from this unexpected fire- ascites. With uncanny timing, a short in Sausalito. My partner Lisa and I had storm in complete health, it also was man with a closely shaved head and recovery from a life-threatening illness. just returned from a couple of tours, critical to look unflinchingly at my con- piercing green eyes entered the room. and I was happy to be home. As a dition and understand the specifics of “Ahhh, this is Dr. Cecchi,” said Dr. performing artist, I was used to being what was occurring. The changes in Stern. “He’ll be your oncologist.” My away for long stretches, but the last six my body were accelerating at a buck- oncologist? I thought. I couldn’t believe months had felt different. I was more ling speed, and by Sunday, just two I was hearing these words. Cancer. By Erika Luckett tired than usual. It was hard to point to days after the discovery of the tumors, Chemotherapy. Oncologist. Where a single symptom, but something felt I could barely move. My abdomen did this come from? There was talking off. Maybe it was time for me to slow was increasingly swollen and pushing around me, but I couldn’t process the down. We were preparing to record a against my diaphragm, making it hard conversation while a turbulent emotion- new album and already had over a year to speak. I had to sit up in bed in order al undertow was pulling me into myste- of concert dates booked. It was hard to sleep because I couldn’t breathe rious dark waters. I tried to plug every to think about slowing down with so lying down. It was shocking how quick- new piece of information into a familiar much ahead. ly my condition had deteriorated. frame. How long would it take for me I arrived at the studio and had to Within days we discovered that in to get back to “normal”? How long muster the energy to get out of the car addition to the tumors, I had innumer- before I was able to perform again? It and walk up the stairs to the entryway. able blood clots and pulmonary embo- was as if my small dinghy had lost its It was so strange to feel this level of lisms. Cancer can cause the blood mooring, and the further I slipped out depletion. I had been a lifelong athlete to be sticky, and due to the extended to sea, the more I looked towards the — a long-distance swimmer, marathon hours spent on airplanes and cars ever-shrinking shore. My world — the runner, triathlete, mountain biker, yogi- while touring, I had amassed a collec- external structures, rhythms, appoint- ni. What was this about? As I made my tion for the record books. The chief ments and deadlines — was fading way up the short flight of stairs I felt radiologist who reviewed my scans behind the urgency of saving my life. progressively dizzier until everything said he had “never seen such diseased went dark. It was the sound of the lungs on a young person.” It was such engineer calling my name that brought a bizarre revelation, but by this time I me back to consciousness. could barely move or breathe, so I sim- The paramedics arrived in a flurry of ply took in his words. efficiency. In seconds I had EEG moni- Lisa and I made our way to see Dr. Before I could move, I listened. tors on my chest and back, and a bat- Stern, the surgeon. Driving up Dwight While still in the womb, the cochlea in tery of basic tests were underway. My Way in Berkeley, we arrived at the our ears forms by the fifth month, mak- blood pressure, temperature and heart Women’s Cancer Center, a building I ing sound the first sense to connect to rate were normal. Did I want to go to had passed hundreds of times before the outer world. It is primal. Fundamen- an emergency room for further tests? but never really noticed. It was a non- tal. Music, an organized and coherent No, I was fine. I would go into the stu- descript, beige structure that had no expression of sound, becomes one of dio to complete the session, then call reason to attract attention except for the first forms of nourishment for the Lisa to let her know what happened. those who needed its services. It now Photo by L. Seed I didn’t want to alarm her, and I also had become a part of my world and continued on next page 22 www.taylorguitars.com 15 body. Besides the stream of nutrients sible brilliance that instructs and to balance these intrusive and toxic energy level which led to the manifes- ogy and integrative medicine at New flowing through the umbilical cord, coordinates the symphonic interplay approaches by nourishing my body/ tation of illness in the first place.” York Hospital’s cancer prevention cen- each of us carries the initial imprint of of trillions of cells. And second, by mind/spirit in other ways. As I had first The resistance to accepting ener- ter, and author of the book Sounds of our mother’s heartbeat, the first drum. remembering that although my body done in the womb, I leaned towards gy-based healing is akin to the resis- Healing, writes that music “also trims In order to heal from my life- had fallen dangerously out of balance, music. tance people had towards believing complications after heart attack, calms threatening situation, I had to start at a vast majority of functions and organs In my hospital bed, I could barely the presence of invisible waves that anxiety, slows breathing and increases the beginning. First, by tapping into was still working well. Surgery and move yet was still keenly aware of the transport radio signals, the possibility production of endorphins, the body’s the innate intelligence that courses chemotherapy would be powerful tools sound around me. Most of it was jar- of transmitting visual images wirelessly, natural painkillers. Consider: 80 per- through the body, the incomprehen- to eliminate the cancer, but I also had ring noise: monitors beeping, paging or the unimaginable folly of having a cent of stimuli that reach our brains on the overhead speakers outside the global communication web that serves come in through our ears.” When we room, the unsettling groans from the as a real-time exchange of audio and think of the brain as the central com- woman recovering from surgery and visual data. Thankfully, our understand- mand station coordinating the myriad now sharing my room. It was nearly ing of the world and its mind-boggling functions of the body, sending the impossible to rest. Considering that intricacy and cancer is a chaotic proliferation of interconnected- cells, it seemed that bringing a calm ness continues to order and beauty to my soundscape evolve. “Reuniting would be a great place to start. A dear Over a hundred friend brought me noise-canceling years ago, Einstein headphones, and Karen Drucker and introduced the with my John Hoy gave me one of their healing notion that matter music CDs. I put on the headphones is energy. Quantum and listened to the CD again and physicists such as guitar again. The lyrics affirmed my wellbeing, Max Planck, David but after a while, I stopped “hearing” Bohm and Erwin felt like the lyrics and simply felt the pulse Schrödinger fur- and vibration move through me. In ther demonstrated the unfamiliar terrain of the hospital the vibrational reigniting world, I closed my eyes and felt at capacity of every home. It was a first step towards heal- atom. Everything ing, reconnecting with the drum of a vibrates. The dens- my mother’s heartbeat. est of granite slabs vibrates. We live in a vibrational mainframe’s universe. I have spent my life in the creation and study power Science is beginning to explain of music, a coher- what healers have known and prac- ent expression system.” ticed for millennia: Music is a powerful of sonic vibration force for healing. Whether it comes and beauty. From through a shaman’s rattle or a Latin composition and film scoring studies at signals that trigger cellular response American curandera’s song, cultures Berklee College of Music to a career and organ function, it only makes around the world have incorporated as an award-winning songwriter and sense that we monitor what we ingest music into their healing traditions. guitarist, now I had the opportunity to through our ears. Though many of these energetic apply everything I had ever learned to Although there are various esoteric properties have yet to be empirically my own healing. This was no longer an systems that establish specific tonal proven, there is ample evidence of abstract pursuit, but rather an essential relationships to different organs, we music’s beneficial effects. While allo- part of my return to wellness. I stepped can also use our own awareness to pathic physicians have made great onto the healing path with my mind, monitor how music makes us feel. strides in understanding the “matter” heart and ears resonating to the high- Certain genres induce feelings of calm side of medicine, they have historically est possibilities. and relaxation, while others energize rejected modalities that work through Subtleties aside, there are numer- and infuse our bodies with joy. When Photo by E. Pedersen an “energetic” approach. This is ous measureable effects that music I underwent my first surgery, I created beginning to change. In 2007, cardiac has on healing. First, listening to music a playlist that included the album of surgeon, author and television per- releases endorphins, the body’s own songs inspired by Rumi’s poetry that a new expression, bringing my atten- off its stand and reconnect with my the privilege of being alive. Because tional love, and, of course, music. With Lisa Ferraro, she presents retreats sonality Dr. Mehmet Oz proclaimed painkilling wonderdrug. Released by Lisa and I had recorded a few years tion to something beyond my cancer dearest musical friend, the one that of the variety of complications with guitar in hand, I return to the deep joy and workshops across North America to Oprah Winfrey’s audience that the the pituitary gland and the hypothala- earlier. I wanted to infuse my mind and treatment, something that would feel had been with me since my childhood, my case, doctors had given me about of wellness, grateful for this love affair that guide participants in the transfor- next big frontier in medicine is “energy mus, endorphins not only relieve pain, body with a sonic stream of memories rewarding and nourishing. I began to the six strings that had heard my laugh- a 3 percent chance of survival. In the that has lasted a lifetime. mational and healing power of music medicine.” His perspective adds to a they also enhance the immune system, and songs that reminded me of joy, play the cello. Grace (and in this case, ter and felt my tears. Songs began to same way that we can never know and creativity. She is a proud owner of growing chorus of esteemed scientists, reduce stress levels, postpone the my connection to my loved ones, and Google) guided me towards a beauti- pour out, a stream of memories and the singular cause for cancer and Erika Luckett is an internationally three Taylor guitars: an 812ce, 714ce- researchers and physicians. Norm aging process, modulate appetite, to the loving presence imbued in the ful couple in Berkeley who were open release. Reuniting with my guitar felt find ourselves teasing through the mix acclaimed composer, performing musi- LTD, and a koa T5. Erikaluckett.com Shealy, M.D., founding president of the lower blood pressure, and influence universe. While receiving my eight-hour to teaching a neophyte undergoing like reigniting my mainframe’s power of genetic, environmental, stress or cian and educator. Her work for film American Holistic Medical Associa- calm or euphoric states of mind. All chemotherapy infusions, I listened to chemo treatments. They were angels system. My mom said that once she lifestyle-related factors, I know that my and television earned an Academy tion, wrote that “energy medicine is of these benefits come without side an extended playlist that included Bel- who ushered me into a luscious world saw me with my guitar in hand she healing was also due to an integrative Award nomination and two Emmy the future of all medicine.” In his book effects, and best of all, they’re free! leruth Naparstek’s compositions, which of sound. I sat for hours feeling the low knew I was going to be all right. and holistic approach that included the awards. She has collaborated with Vibrational Medicine, Richard Gerber, Endorphin release is just part of were specifically tailored to wellness. tones emanate from this instrument It’s been nearly two years since I traditional treatments of surgery and international organizations to deepen M.D., goes further by stating: “The the constellation of benefits offered by There were two more important and expand throughout my entire body. was diagnosed. I’m cancer-free and chemotherapy along with “alternative” the understanding of human con- ultimate approach to healing will be to listening to healing music. Dr. Mitchell aspects to my healing music journey. I felt stronger every day. back to full and vibrant health. I’m approaches of diet, meditation, visu- sciousness, healing and the body/ Photo by L. Seed remove the abnormalities at the subtle- L. Gaynor, director of medical oncol- Part of my healing was stepping into Finally, I was able to take my guitar practicing yoga daily and delighting in alization, acupuncture, yoga, uncondi- mind/spirit connection. Together with 24 www.taylorguitars.com

unveiled at PS 34/Franklin Delano “They are the go-to guitars that don’t a sunburst-top Grand Orchestra First Roosevelt Academy in New York City. get packed with the gear,” Andy passed Edition 718e. Soundings These 40 are being distributed to along. “They are riding on the bus.” Taylorswift.com schools across the city, while the rest Zacbrownband.com will be donated to schools across the country. The students at PS 34 were ecstatic at the opportunity for guitar Live at 35 instruction. Goners We recently partnered with South- “Little Kids Rock and Taylor Guitars American Idol Season 11 winner west Airlines, in conjunction with their Iommi’s Acoustic Side Iommi had an assortment of Taylors share a mutual affinity for fostering cre- Phillip Phillips (GS7) has been devot- Live at 35™ concert series (35,000 In early April, Taylor Director of Artist in the studio during the recording of ativity through music education,” shared ing some of his time and creativity to feet, that is), to organize the Travelin’ Relations Tim Godwin spent time with 13, including an 816ce and 914ce, and Taylor co-founder and CEO Kurt Listug. support music education, enlisting fans Taylor Tour, a series of six in-flight the godfather of heavy metal guitar, Godwin brought a couple of guitars to “We’re honored to enrich the lives of to bring some creativity of their own to shows featuring a half-dozen Taylor- Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi, the rehearsal studio, including a 714ce. today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.” the effort. Together with DoSomething. playing acts spanning multiple musical at a rehearsal studio in Los Angeles, (Iommi also has a T5, T3 and GS Mini Taylor has a rich history of partner- org and the VH1 Save The Music genres. We provided the talent, and the as the legendary band geared up for a at home in Birmingham, England.) ing with leading organizations to ben- Foundation, Phillips recently tapped lineup included country up-and-comers string of tour dates leading up to the “I used the acoustic quite a bit on efit music education, including the San fans to contribute video submissions to Parmalee, The Farm and Easton release of a new album, 13, in June. this album,” he says. “There’s one track Diego Music Foundation, which led to be considered for a compilation video Corbin, along with the folk-rock trio Iommi seemed in good spirits, after that’s just acoustic and bass and vocal. the development of the Taylor Guitars for his hit tune “Gone Gone Gone.” Good Old War, retro-rockers Vintage having spent much of 2012 undergo- It’s a really nice sound. It’s more like for Schools program. Since 2001, the The crowdsourcing campaign, dubbed Trouble, and former American Idol ing treatment for early stage lymphoma. one of our old ones, ‘Planet Caravan’ program has placed over 2,000 guitars “Band Together,” ran for six weeks, winner Taylor Hicks. Based on his thoughts from a recent [from the 1970 album Paranoid]. It’s in San Diego schools and benefitted from April 30 through June 14, during The in-flight shows took place over addendum to his 2011 autobiography, that sort of mood.” tens of thousands of school-aged which Phillips issued a different musi- a two-week period in the second half Iron Man, which addresses his illness, Iommi says it wasn’t hard to get a children. cal/video challenge to fans each week, of May. Each music act boarded a Clockwise from top left: Tony Iommi; Taylor Iommi emerged from the ordeal with a good acoustic sound in the studio, and Littlekidsrock.org such as copying the a beat, riff, melody, Southwest flight on a separate day, Swift (photo by Christie Goodwin); members of renewed sense of purpose. that he and Rubin tried recording the etc. from the song. At press time the performing at least two songs with a The Farm (in the aisle) with Southwest Airlines passengers; Students enjoy a Taylor SolidBody “Making music has always been my acoustic both direct and with a studio mic. campaign was still underway, after custom Southwest-branded GS Mini donated to Little Kids Rock; The Dunwells; passion,” he writes, “but now it’s even “Rick is very much into the old way which Phillips planned to review and guitar. The artwork for the six guitars Phillip Phillips; Custom Southwest Airlines- more meaningful to me. I’m definitely not of recording, so I think it was the mic select the video snippets that would was designed by a Southwest Airlines Doing Well branded GS Mini thinking about retiring.” He says his ill- [version] that was used,” he shares. Joe Dunwell from the UK roots-rock star along with him in the music video employee, and the graphic treatment ness even inspired new songs — and in “The sound was lovely. I was really act The Dunwells (714ce, 414ce, for the song. The video is scheduled to was later adapted for the guitars. Each a fittingly Black Sabbath way. “I think the pleased with it.” 214ce, GS Mini, T5-S1, SB1-SP) be released sometime this summer. You act signed their GS Mini after their per- songs actually got better,” he reflects. Iommi says he typically tunes down checked in with us this spring to share can learn more about Band Together by formance, and all six were slated to be “More, for lack of a better word, ‘doom’.” a semitone on the acoustic guitar, and that the band been recording tracks for visiting dosomething.org/band. given away through a sweepstakes pro- The new album marks the return his preferred string gauges for his their next album with their “beloved” DoSomething.org is the country’s motion that eligible contestants entered of original Sabbath vocalist Ozzy acoustics are: .010, .012, .021w, .026, Taylors at Dave Grohl’s studio in largest not-for-profit organization for through the Southwest website. Each Osbourne, who hadn’t worked in the .030, .035. California. Ever since making their young people and social change. Cam- performance also was documented by studio with the band since 1978. The Blacksabbath.com breakthrough splash in America at the paigns include causes such as bullying, video, the results of which have been studio lineup also featured original bass- International Folk Alliance Conference animal cruelty, homelessness, cancer, posted for viewing both at taylorguitars. ist Geezer Butler, with drummer Brad in 2011, the group has been touring and of course, music education. The com and blogsouthwest.com/blogsw. Wilk (Rage Against The Machine) sub- up a storm in support of their debut national campaigns provide an outlet To chronicle the making of the spe- bing for co-founding member Bill Ward. Kid Rock release, Blind Sighted Faith, building for 13- to 25-year-olds to make a posi- cial guitars, Southwest sent a videogra- The band teamed up with Grammy- Taylor recently made a donation momentum in the States and adding tive impact. pher to the Taylor complex, and footage winning producer Rick Rubin, whose pledge of 300 guitars to Little Kids to their following across the Atlantic Phillipphillips.com was shot on location at our factory in burning mission with the band was to Rock, the leading provider of music on the strength of their impassioned nearby Tecate, Mexico, where the GS recapture the essence of the raw, jammy education and free instruments to shows and tight familial harmonies Mini is produced. Taylor luthier Andy Sabbath vibe of their debut record, public school children in under-served (courtesy of brothers Joe and Dave, Powers added some nice commentary which was recorded in one day back in communities across the United States. plus two cousins). They’ll be busy Red-Handed about Taylor’s philosophy of craftsman- 1969. Based on the extended length of The organization currently serves nearly throughout the summer’s event-packed Country-pop powerhouse Taylor ship to the video, and in a nod to both some of the tunes, Rubin and the band 110,000 children with weekly rock and festival season, playing at gatherings Swift has been sporting a new Taylor the playful spirit of the GS Mini and the clearly succeeded. pop-oriented music lessons on donated that include Lollapalooza, Bunbury and guitar on her latest tour: a ruby-hued Southwest culture, he noted that “the Though Iommi’s calling card is his instruments. Summerfest in the U.S.; Winnipeg, 614ce to color-coordinate with her best musician is, in a lot of ways, the heavy, detuned electric guitar sound “Little Kids Rock is so grateful Ontario and Calgary in Canada; and RED album. Since its release in Octo- one having the most fun.” (developed out of necessity after an to Taylor Guitars for investing in our The Great Escape, Cropready and Live ber of last year, nearly 6 million copies accident in a sheet metal factory when children’s creativity,” says founder and at Leeds in the UK. of the album have been sold, and as he was 17 claimed the tips of his two executive director David Wish, a former Thedunwells.com we readied this issue for publication, middle fingers on his fretting hand and elementary school teacher who estab- Swift had just hauled in eight trophies Porch Rocking subsequently made bending strings lished the organization in San Francisco at the Billboard Music Awards, where While the cabins of their airplanes difficult), he also prides himself on the in 2002 after growing frustrated with she claimed Artist of the Year, Top may make for a unique music venue, way he has embraced the acoustic gui- the lack of music education funding Brown Goes Big Billboard 200 Artist, Top Female Artist, Southwest Airlines has also been host- tar to weave lighter interludes between at his school. “Music changes chil- You can add Zac Brown and Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Billboard ing concerts in more terrestrial settings. the band’s menacingly sludgy riffs for dren, and children change the world. his bandmates Clay Cook and Coy 200 Album (RED), Top Country Art- Among them is the Southwest Porch, dynamic impact. Iommi told Godwin Because of Taylor Guitars, many more Bowles to the growing list of Grand ist, Top Country Album (RED), and which brings a loungy outdoor vibe, he picked up his first Taylor acoustic children will get the chance to leave Orchestra fans. Taylor’s Andy Pow- Top Country Song (for “We Are Never food and drink, and good music to resi- (he can’t remember the model) around their mark on the world!” ers says the Southern boys have had Ever Getting Back Together”). Her dents of four of their destination cities: 1998. The guitars will be distributed to three GO models, a 918e, 518e and six-month North American tour, which Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and New York. “It was really good,” Iommi recalls. schools across the nation and are mahogany-top 528e, with them on their extends through September, will cover In the wake of our creative collaboration “As soon as I tried it I liked the feel, the expected to benefit thousands of K-12 current tour. (Zac plays the 918e in the 66 shows, including 13 stadium dates, sound. It was really a nice, comfortable school children. On April 5, the first official video for the band’s tune “Jump before she heads to Australia and New guitar to play.” 40 of the 300 donated guitars were Right In.”) Zealand. Swift also recently picked up continued on page 26 26 27 for the aforementioned Travelin’ Taylor Southwest Porch gig in New York. he mused in a video interview on the my wife Maaren what she could Recently, Bob Taylor and I were Tour, the airline knew just who to call to He immediately picked up on its “big website. The “Sixty For Sixty” site also name that improves after its creation. talking with a friend about the real book a blues artist for a recent show at sound, big range,” and noted that its features heartfelt video tributes to Strait “Maybe your favorite cast iron skillet, cost of a good instrument and how their “Porch” location in midtown Man- sweetness and versatility would suit a from dozens of country’s leading artists, or something made of leather, like a it compares to other items. At first hattan’s Bryant Park. The occasion was variety of roots music applications. each of whom share fond memories of baseball mitt,” she offered. “And some glance, a quality guitar seems expen- a celebration of Southwest’s Chicago- “This is probably one of the cool- knowing and touring with Strait, and wines, although once they are enjoyed sive, but I can draw a comparison to to-New York service and the airline’s est guitars I’ve ever picked up,” he reveal their favorite songs of his. they are gone.” another purchase I made. My wife and partnership with the Chicago Blues said after some extended playing time. After more than 30 years as a per- Because of this special character- I bought a new computer about six Festival, the largest free blues festival in “This guitar really brings you back to forming artist, Strait recently decided istic of instruments, as a guitar maker years ago. Many of you are probably the world. the basics…it had a look and feel like to wind down from the grind of touring, I enjoy the unique privilege of carefully already laughing at the age of such We recommended blazing blues- a Robert Johnson body style…Suffice so he began making the rounds earlier designing and crafting an instrument a dinosaur. It wasn’t a top-of-the-line rock guitarist and soulful singer- it to say I won’t be putting it down any- this year on the first leg of his “Cowboy and handing it off to a player, knowing model, but it was similar in price to the songwriter Michael Williams (812ce), time soon.” Rides Away” farewell tour. Along the it will improve with time and use, and 320e model guitar we’ve begun mak- a surging talent who has toured with Michaelwilliamsband.com way he’s been playing his newest Tay- remain as useful and pleasing a cen- ing. The computer worked well, for a musical greats Buddy Guy, Eric John- lor, a custom all-black maple/spruce tury from now as it will tomorrow. while. Then it needed updates and a son, Robert Cray and Jonny Lang. His Dreadnought. Unique inlay touches On a tangible, physical level, the security program, which cost a certain most recent record with the Michael on the fretboard and bridge include a wood of a good instrument ages and amount every year. Then, a disk drive Williams Band, Fire Red, was produced Cowboy Farewell stylized “longhorn” motif in pearl and vibrates. It humidifies and dries, and failed, followed by another. Fortunately by Grammy-winning legend Eddie In mid-May, golden-voiced coun- paua (the bridge inlay features an addi- becomes a more efficient sound pro- they were repairable, but at a signifi- Kramer (Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, try crooner George Strait released tional leaf element in English boxwood), ducer. Its elasticity changes. It’s a lot cant cost. Then the letter “T” broke off Buddy Guy). Though Williams’ tasty his 40th album, Love is Everything, with the longhorn/leaf designs beauti- like a new dollar bill that starts out the keyboard and was not repairable. fretwork with his band is more steeped whose cover image shows him posing fully integrated for the rosette. Discern- crisp and stiff, resistant to bending I’ll tell you, great creativity is needed in the electric blues world, as a song- with his sunburst-top custom Taylor ing Taylor enthusiasts may recognize and movement. As it is folded, rumpled to type without the letter “T”. We were writer he also draws inspiration from rosewood Dreadnought. As the new the design elements as a spin-off from and creased, and gets wet and dries, fortunate it wasn’t the letter “E” or we the acoustic guitar and his Taylor. We record’s first single, “Give It All We Got our 900 and Koa Series 30th anniver- it gradually takes on the texture of a would have been in real trouble! asked him how he knows which guitar Tonight,” reached the top of the country sary commemorative models offered swatch of limp cloth. Wood undergoes Recently, the machine entered is right for him in a recent interview for charts, Strait achieved the remarkable in 2004. a similar process in that it becomes far its final phase of life, delivering stern our Taylor Sessions online feature at career milestone of being the first Strait plans to embark on a second The Craft less resistant to movement over time. messages of impending doom on its taylorguitars.com. artist to notch 60 No. 1 singles. (By leg of his farewell tour in 2014. Fans It is true that an instrument’s finish screen. Evidently, the technological “It takes a few weeks of getting to comparison, the Beatles had 20, while needn’t worry about Strait’s string of hit will lose its carefully polished gleam, world surrounding this computer has know the instrument,” he says. “After Elvis Presley had 18.) As a testament singles coming to an end, though. He The Art of Aging Gracefully and that the inevitable dents and moved on, making this machine no I have it in my hands for a while and I to Strait’s enduring popularity among says he still loves working in the studio scratches will accumulate. But rather longer functional. Meanwhile, at the start to really connect with the instru- fans, fellow artists, and country radio, and has no plans to stop recording. Unlike many other products, a quality guitar than ruining the guitar, to me, these same age, the 320e would still be hap- ment, it’s hard for me to put it down. a campaign and website (sixtyforsixty. Georgestrait.com will improve with the passage of time reveal a life well lived. Each will con- pily settling into its real personality, the And with the particular guitar I’m play- com) had been launched upon the sin- tribute to the heritage and life story of top and back becoming more efficient ing now, I feel that way. That’s how I gle’s release to quickly push it to No.1 that unique instrument, even the frus- sound transmitters with regular play- know that it’s the one for me. When while Strait was still 60. It came down ne of the great personality crossing a century ago. Technological over the last hundred years. It reminds trating accidents. Of course, a guitar ing time, the guitar sounding better you’re falling asleep with it, waking up to the wire, as Strait turned 61 on May traits of well-made guitars advancement has brought us modern me of a stirring observation from Ralph next to it.” 18. Strait says he’s deeply apprecia- Top down: George Strait per- O is that they get better with luxuries such as this. Waldo Emerson: “Perpetual modern- As a blues player, Williams seemed tive of the support he’s received from forms with his latest custom age. Lots of guitar owners know and And yet, when I observe the incred- ness is the measure of merit in every On a physical level, the wood of a like a great fit for our new all-mahogany the country music community over the Dreadnought; Inlay details appreciate this. When I stop and con- ible innovations and constant changes work of art.” 500 Series, so Tim Godwin from Art- years, and downplayed the importance on the guitar; Bottom left: sider this scenario, it seems extraor- these modern developments bring forth, My appreciation for styling with good instrument ages and vibrates. ist Relations set him up with a Grand of getting the song to No.1 before his Michael Williams with a 528e dinary. Typically, physical objects I can’t help but also harbor a deep a past that remains contemporary is Its elasticity changes. It becomes far Orchestra 528e for his solo acoustic birthday. “I’m only gonna want 61,” wear out. A thing is made, and upon appreciation for simple, quality older what led to our redesign of the new completion, a process of deteriora- objects that assist with time-honored mahogany-topped 500 Series guitars, less resistant to movement over time. tion soon begins. As if that weren’t tasks. Not solely for the article itself, with a new inlay scheme dubbed the enough, continuing refinements often but for how long it has performed a “Century.” This line of thinking conjures push a thing into obsolescence, ren- task well. images of the great instruments from needs to be well cared for to stay in and better with every day and string dering it less suitable than its replace- Many of the hand tools I use in the past. These vintage instruments top trim. Strings need changing; frets change. It would probably be about ment for a certain task. the shop were given to me by my were deemed great not because they need occasional leveling or replace- time to have the frets dressed, and As a fairly young guy, I feel like I granddad, who received them from were a certain brand or model built ment. But these are repairable and possibly a saddle replaced, depending grew up in what could be described their original owner, my great-great- in a certain year or era. What made accounted for. In fact, anticipating the on how much it had worn. After a minor as a disposable society. My impression granddad, the late inventor Arthur them great was their musical function. potential need for service is one of the tune-up, the guitar would be ready for is that generations past would have Taylor. (Believe it or not, I come from There were some good designs, care- primary reasons Taylor’s NT neck was another decade of music, every day likely repaired an implement when it a line of inventive people with the last fully constructed with quality materials. developed. As the geometry of a guitar continuing to sound better, and far bet- broke or wore down, while my gen- name Taylor. Go figure.) These tools Musicians enjoyed and praised these slowly changes throughout the aging ter than the day it was completed. eration would replace it, due largely were expensive in their time, but have instruments because they yielded clear process, the relationship between the I recognize that these two objects to the rapid pace of advancements. I done their duty for a century with- notes with good volume, sustain and neck and the body may need to be perform radically different functions and can assure you, I’ve got no personal out flaw or complaint. They function balance, along with a host of other minutely adjusted to maintain perfect have very different expectations placed vendetta or smug stance against tech- as well now as they did when new. musical attributes that enhanced the function. In the past, this might have upon them. I only make this compari- nological progress. I welcome it. I’m They were built with quality materials musical experience. An instrument like meant a difficult and possibly damag- son to point out that a quality guitar is writing these words on an iPad that is and carefully considered design that that remains as useful and viable now ing repair operation. No longer. We a lasting gift, uniquely built to offer a smaller and slimmer than my sketching allowed for wear, maintenance and as when it was first built. Arguably are slowly moving toward the time lifetime of enjoyment, and likely several. notebook, while riding in a winged sil- repair should damage occur. More even more so, as use and time have when the very first Taylor guitars with That is something very, very valuable ver bullet as it speeds through the sky often than not, the designers and improved the very function of these NT necks will reach adolescence and and dear to us, and something we are above a cold northern Atlantic Ocean. builders even bestowed them with a instruments. may need an adjustment to keep the proud to offer. I’m certainly grateful for a warm and style and functional grace that has Where does all this leave me? playing action ideal. Instead of a dif- comfortable seat, rather than the cold, endured, even though aesthetic tastes With the notion that a quality instru- ficult operation, this adjustment has wet and dangerous voyage I would and the concept of what denotes ment is one of the few things made been reduced to a simple 10-minute have endured to make this same modern design have changed so much today that improves with age. I asked tune-up. Sustainability Enrichment Improvements continue within the Crelicam mill and out in the forest, in and employees celebrate Cameroon’s holiday traditions together By Anne Middleton Cameroon Ed. Note: Taylor assumed an owner- ing straight-edged wood enables our Timber Regulation (EUTR) stipulate that sealer to prevent billets from splitting status in the local villages.) It was par- ship stake in Crelicam, an African sawyers to make thoughtful decisions wood products traded in the U.S. and at the ends. When the wood arrives ticularly difficult to decide which team ebony mill in Cameroon, in late 2011. on how to further cut it, with an eye EU are legally sourced. What does this at the factory without cracks, the to root for, especially since they are Since then, we have been working toward getting the most yield from each mean, exactly? It means that Taylor Gui- yield increases even more. And again, equally matched. In the end, the fam- with our partner, Madinter Trade, to specific piece. Rather than simply cut- tars is responsible for knowing where increased yield means more trees in ily and friends who gathered enjoyed improve the processes of harvesting ting to order, the sawyers now can cut wood was cut and by whom, and that the forest. cheering for both teams. and processing ebony to reduce waste the wood depending on what they see, no plant protection laws were broken On the actual holiday, everyone and build a more ethical, sustain- assessing whether it would be better during the harvest and transport of International Women’s Day has the day off, and companies march able sourcing operation. Our periodic suited for fingerboard or bridge blanks, the wood. This is precisely why Taylor March 8 is International Women’s down the main streets in matching reports will share our latest develop- for example. As a result, our yield con- Guitars purchased Crelicam — to better Day. Here in Yaoundé, this is celebrat- outfits as a huge party unfolds. This ments there. In this update, Crelicam tinues to increase, which means more manage the ebony harvesting process ed with a big parade, and every woman year, Crelicam employees wore blue Community Relations Manager Anne trees in the forest for conservation or in Cameroon. It’s not easy. When in the country dons a dress made of shirts, which bore — for the first time Middleton reports on progress so far future guitar building. one examines the details of legality in the International Women’s Day fabric — our new logo. People arrived in the in 2013. Taylor’s continual investment of Cameroon, things get complicated in of the year. Currently we only have local jurisdiction of Mfou by the carload technical expertise at the mill provides a hurry. Unlike bigger stakeholders in four women working at Crelicam, so and ambled proudly down the streets, Crelicam has been busier than ever Crelicam employees with valuable Cameroon, Crelicam has no land con- we chose not to march in the parade. saluting the local authorities as they this year as we’ve worked to improve knowledge, training and tools that they cession, or Forest Management Unit However, we still wore our dresses, passed by. After the parade, everyone the cutting process, implement new didn’t previously have. Looking ahead, (UFA in French). And due to the special and everyone enjoyed refreshments at returned to the mill, which the Crelicam harvesting procedures, and build rela- Bob and the team in Cameroon have permitting process for ebony, Crelicam the factory after work. Our management house band had transformed into a tionships with forest communities. But it drawn up plans to completely overhaul is limited to very few areas of the coun- made speeches on the importance of stage with seating, while the Crelicam hasn’t been all work and no play. We’ve the existing factory; the plans include try. Therefore, employees and suppliers empowering and employing women. kitchen served a feast of Cameroonian also taken the time to celebrate Camer- the installation of new machines to must work diligently to find ebony in Maybe next year we’ll have more work- fare 36 hours in the making. The local oon’s holidays together as a company. better process wood. This, in turn, will other areas of Cameroon, such as com- ing here! primary school performed a few musical Here are some highlights from the past allow Crelicam to increase its profits so munity forests. Harvesting wood from numbers for employees, and then the several months. that more revenue from the ebony stays these forests enables Crelicam to play La Fête du Travail band got started. Mid-set they played Clockwise from top left: Taylor design engineer in Cameroon to continue improving the a role in community development as May 1 is La Fête du Travail (Labor a special “American” tune for Charlie Wayne Brinkley (second from left) with the machine Better Cutting Tools local economy. well, and each trip to the forest now Day) and is arguably the biggest party Redden — their version of rock/heavy and tooling team that fabricated the blockworks unit in El Cajon; (L-R) Crelicam managers David and Techniques includes meetings with local officials, of the year in Cameroon. This year metal. Employees and their spouses Nkeng and Guy Sah proudly carry the company’s Bob Taylor arrived in March with Traceability and community leaders and forest experts. Crelicam had a celebration for the ate, drank and danced into the night. plaque during the Fête du Travail parade; a close his team of technical experts from Community Development Slowly but surely, Taylor’s investment in books. The day before the big parades, Miraculously, when the next workday soccer match between Yaoundé and Bertuoa; a Taylor’s factory complex in El Cajon, Now that Charlie Redden, Taylor’s Cameroon is reaching the far corners of the employees from our Bertuoa mill rolled around, only a few lingering soda hearty feast for the Fête du Travail after-party; the jungle. bottles hinted that a celebration had California. The team, led by tooling Supply Chain Manager, is based in arrived in Yaoundé to challenge the Daniel Djeungoue plays a T5 during the festivi- engineer Wayne Brinkley and mechani- Cameroon to manage the Crelicam fac- Crelicam suppliers now know how Yaoundé sawyers to a game of soccer, taken place. ties at the mill; Crelicam’s female employees (L-R) cal wizard Jesus Jurado, designed and tory, the wood buyers really have time to use GPS units to specifically geo- which is not only popular in Cameroon Overall, spirits continue to soar, Emma Nkeng, Anne Middleton, Berthe Nenadji, built two custom sets of parts for the to dig deep into how the ebony goes reference the location of each ebony as a recreational activity but has spe- yield continues to increase, and Taylor and Florence Obossok in their Women’s Day saws here called “blockworks.” Once from being a standing tree to a piece of tree. Suppliers are experimenting cial significance: It’s the country’s only remains more committed than ever to dresses; Wayne Brinkley and Jesus Jurado with the mounted onto Crelicam’s table saws, sawn timber in the mill, and to improve with different ways to cut and store sport with a professional national team. improving the lives of the employees blockworks unit, framed photo of the design team, the blockworks enable the operators that end of the supply chain. the wood, including wrapping the (The team has qualified six times for the and the sustainability of ebony. and employees at the Yaoundé mill; Opposite to cut the raw timber perfectly straight International laws such as the U.S. wood in plastic and keeping it out of FIFA World Cup, and the Indomitable Page: The blockworks unit in action using pneumatics and magnets. Hav- Lacey Act and the European Union direct sunlight, as well as using wood Lions, as they’re known, have deified 30 www.taylorguitars.com 31

four days. The diverse musical lineup 8-String, and a gorgeous Hawaiian koa This was essentially the first main- accepted the award on the company’s featured more than 80 top music and K24ce. The latter two were among the stream rock festival that Taylor has behalf. More than 160 publications For all the latest Taylor event listings, visit taylorguitars.com/events Events comedy acts, including Taylor players stars of the show, as almost everybody attended as an exhibitor, and the posi- from around the world cast their votes Calendar Allen Stone, Iron & Wine, Zac Brown who dropped by had to try out both, tive reception all around validated our for the top products in over 40 musical Band, Train, Tristan Prettyman and while the Mini, predictably, also ended desire to do more of these types of instrument categories to determine the BottleRock Napa Valley Grouplove. The sun was out the entire up in plenty of hands. Many people events. It’s always a pleasure to con- M.I.P.A. winners. The prestigious award After a great season of Road Napa, California weekend, creating an ideal setting for were happily surprised to see a guitar nect with new audiences, especially has been called the “Grammy” of the Shows across North America and Myrtle Beach, FL Jamestown, NY Waterloo, ON, Canada Mississauga, ON, Canada May 9-12 a spring outdoor music gathering. The manufacturer exhibiting at the festival, when we treat people to their first Musical Instrument/Pro Audio industry. Europe through June, we’re taking a Wednesday, August 28, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. September 8-9 BottleRock organizers projected that and were even happier when we told Taylor experience, hopefully with many Beyond the GO, other new mod- brief hiatus before rolling out with a Andy Owings Music Center Trinity Guitars Folkway Music MIAC (Music Industries Association In early May, a Taylor contingent about 35-40,000 people would pass them they could play any of the guitars more to follow. els made their debut at our trade fair fresh stock of guitars this fall. In the (843) 448-1508 (716) 665-4490 (519) 772-0424 of Canada) from our marketing and sales team ven- through the festival grounds during the on display. The fun ensued in a variety exhibition booth, including our koa 200 meantime, we have more than 40 (416) 490-1871 tured upstate to the picturesque Napa weekend, and our crew was ready. of ways, from impromptu jam sessions Series guitars, our Spring Limited Edi- Find Your Fit sales events scheduled Houma, LA Webster, NY Newmarket, ON, Canada www.miac.net Valley in Northern California to take part Our exhibition space was set up with onlookers dancing to singer-song- Musikmesse tions, and a couple of offerings that in North America, and we’ll be attending Monday, August 19, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, August 9, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, July 26, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. in BottleRock, a first-time festival that near the entrance, which meant that writers belting out original tunes. The Frankfurt, Germany hadn’t yet been developed at Winter a variety of festivals and other events. C&M Music - Houma The Music Store The Arts Music Store Winfield, KS delivered a sensory feast of world-class arriving guests were treated to an entic- crowd was a mix of young and old, and April 10-13 NAMM: our all-mahogany 500 Series If we don’t see you, we hope you enjoy (985) 876-9711 (585) 265-1210 (905) 898-7164 September 18-22 music, wine, food, craft beer and com- ing display of guitars. Our exhibition many visitors commented that they were models and mahogany-top 300 Series a relaxing, music-filled summer! Walnut Valley Festival edy. The event was set in the middle team answered questions and talked originally there to just listen to music, Musikmesse, Europe’s answer guitars (both of which are featured this Lafayette, LA Ithaca, NY Richmond Hill, ON, Canada (620) 221-3250 of downtown Napa, as dozens of local with players about their guitar prefer- but enjoyed having a chance to make to the U.S. NAMM Show, serves as issue). Tuesday, August 20, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.wvfest.com wineries, restaurants and food trucks ences. Nearly 30 guitars were show- some off their own. Several guitars even Taylor’s premier trade event for interact- Our sales manager for Europe, North America Find Your Fit C&M Music - Lafayette Ithaca Guitar Works Cosmo Music tantalized people’s taste buds over cased, including GS Minis, the Baritone found new homes that weekend. ing with international MI retailers and Frank Stevens, said the new offerings Sales Events (337) 989-2838 (607) 272-2602 (905) 770-5222 São Paulo, Brazil European consumers. This year’s event were well received all around. September 18-22 was an unqualified success, as our “Everybody — dealers, distributors, Hollywood, CA Gonzales, LA New York, NY Ottawa, ON, Canada Expomusic European sales and marketing staff met industry friends and the press — agreed Monday, July 22, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, August 12, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, July 29, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 11 2226-3100 with over 100 dealers, distributors and that the new models add value to an Sam Ash Music - Hollywood Music Inc. of Louisiana Rudy’s Music Stop Lauzon Music www.expomusic.com.br prospective dealers over the course of already crowded marketplace,” he (323) 850-1050 (225) 647-8681 (212) 391-1699 (613) 725-1116 the show. Now that Taylor has estab- noted. Stevens acknowledged that Shanghai, China lished a dedicated presence in Europe, Taylor has strengthened its relation- San Diego, CA Mandeville, LA Roslyn, NY Ontario, ON, Canada October 10-13 there was a discernable sense that we ships with its network of more than 220 Monday, July 29, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Music China are beginning to reap the rewards of independent dealers by being good Music Power C&M Music - Mandeville The Music Zoo Walters Music +852 2802 7728 the infrastructure we have built in terms business partners during a time of eco- (858) 565-8814 (985) 626-3920 (516) 626-9292 (519) 660-1460 www.messefrankfurt.com.hk of supporting the retail and service nomic challenges in Europe. experiences and strengthening Taylor’s “Taylor is able to create solutions for Santa Monica, CA Kenner, LA Tarrytown, NY Festivals/Events Arlington, TX brand awareness. guitar retailers during these times,” he Tuesday, July 30, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, August 23, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. October 19-20 We began the show with a special says. “I’m convinced retailers will invest McCabe’s Guitar Shop C&M Music - Kenner Rock Island Sound Nashville, TN Arlington Guitar Show event to formally introduce the Grand the limited budgets they have with reli- (310) 828-4497 (504) 468-8688 (914) 631-9100 July 11-13 (GuitArlington) Orchestra (GO) to members of the able, supportive partners such as our Summer NAMM 1-888-473-6059 international media. About 60 music company.” Palo Alto, CA Waldorf, MD Middletown, NY (615) 259-4730 www.texasguitarshows.com industry journalists enjoyed drinks, din- Stevens relayed that one dealer Thursday, August 1, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, August 26, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. www.namm.org/summer/2013 ner and a presentation by Andy Powers who was impressed by the Taylor booth Gryphon Stringed Instruments Hot Licks Guitar Shop Alto Music - Middletown Ewa Beach, HI and Bob Taylor on the guitar’s devel- referred to the atmosphere as one of (650) 493-2131 (301) 843-2799 (845) 692-6922 Copper Mountain, CO October 20 opment, followed by an opportunity “relaxed professionalism.” August 9-11 Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival to sample different Grand Orchestra “I’m proud of what our team San Rafael, CA Bozeman, MT Spartanburg, SC Guitar Town at Copper Mountain “Westside Style” models and talk further with Andy and achieved at Frankfurt,” he added. “It Top Down: Festival attendees enjoy the weather at BottleRock; Taylor’s exhibition booth; Friday, August 2, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, August 26, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (866) 264-1837 (808) 226-2697 Bob. The GO was later honored at the takes quality guitars, quality people, and Bottom right: Taylor’s acoustic showcase at Musikmesse Bananas at Large Music Villa Roper Music www.villageatcopper.com/guitarTown www.slackkeyfestival.com show with a Musikmesse International a big sense of pride in order to be suc- (415) 457-7600 (406) 587-4761 (864) 542-2263 Press Award (M.I.P.A.) for Best Acous- cessful. All of those ingredients were Lyons, CO Philadelphia, PA tic Guitar, and Taylor’s Andy Powers combined perfectly at Musikmesse.” Lewes, DE Billings, MT Houston, TX August 16-18 November 9-10 Monday, July 15, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, July 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, September 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Rocky Mountain Folksfest Great American Guitar Show B&B Music and Sound Hansen Music Fuller’s Guitar 1-800-624-2422 (828) 298-2197 (302) 645-0601 (406) 245-4544 (713) 880-2188 www.bluegrass.com/folks www.bee3vintage.com

Spring Hill, FL Helena, MT Virginia Beach, VA Honolulu, HI Lihue, HI Tuesday, July 30, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. August 18 November 17 Quality Guitars Piccolo’s Music Alpha Music Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival (352) 200-4851 (406) 443-4709 (757) 486-2001 “Oahu Style” “Kauai Style” (808) 226-2697 (808) 226-2697 Daytona Beach, FL Missoula, MT Richmond, VA www.slackkeyfestival.com www.slackkeyfestival.com Wednesday, July 31, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Total Entertainment Outlaw Music Richmond Music Center Charlotte, NC (386) 254-8727 (406) 541-7533 (804) 330-7875 August 22-25 Carolina Guitar Show Merritt Island, FL Monroe, NC Spokane, WA (828) 298-2197 Thursday, August 1, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. www.bee3vintage.com Island Music Holloway’s Music Center Hoffman Music (321) 459-5000 (704) 283-2814 (509) 444-4140 Kailua-Kona, HI September 1 Lakeland, FL Wilmington, NC Richland, WA Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival Friday, August 2, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. “Kona Style” Carlton Music Center Music Loft of Wilmington Ted Brown Music (808) 226-2697 (863) 686-3179 (910) 799-9310 (509) 783-3481 www.slackkeyfestival.com

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Nate from our Sales team and Grace, a web designer in our Marketing department, sport the men’s and ladies’ Men’s California T versions of our California T-shirt. 100% combed cotton. Taylor logo on left chest, with large type treatment on back. Crew neck. Fashion fit. (Black #1441; S-XL, ® $25.00; XXL-XXXL, $27.00) Ladies’ V-Neck California T TaylorWare 100% cotton with satin wash for a luxuriously CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS soft feel. Mitered V-neck. Features Taylor logo on left chest, with large type treatment on back. Slim fit. (Black #4441; S-XL, $25.00)

(opposite page) NEW Icon T 100% combed cotton. Fashion fit. Medium weight. (Navy #1423; M-XL, $22.00; XXL, $24.00)

Gustavo from our Milling department helps grade and process mahogany, transforming it from raw form into Antique Logo T Logo T Ladies’ Burnout Tank Baseball T what will eventually become a sleek Taylor neck. He Fashion fit - a slimmer silhouette Standard fit - traditional fit, heavy- Garment-dyed, pre-shrunk 50/50 Cotton/poly blend for an ultra soft, can wear our Icon T with pride, knowing that he has than the standard fit T. Medium weight T. Short sleeve. 100% pre- cotton/poly blend. “Burnout” fabric worn-in feel. 3/4 raglan sleeve, with a hand in shaping the playing experience of thousands weight, short sleeve. 100% cotton. shrunk cotton. (Tan #1750; S-XL, treatment is weathered, light-weight Taylor Guitars headstock banner (White #1456; S-XL, $22.00; XXL, $20.00; XXL-XXXL, $22.00) and sheer for a soft, vintage look print. (White/Sand #2295; M-XL, of Taylor owners. $24.00) and feel. Slim fit. (Kelly Green $28.00; XXL, $30.00) #4060; M-XL, $25.00) 35 Michelle, a supply chain analyst on our Materials Management team, kicks back in our Two-Tone Guitar T. Ladies’ Two-Tone Guitar T 100% combed cotton, featuring gradient guitar design on front. Slim fit. (Warm gray #4560; S-XXL, $25.00)

Black Composite Travel Guitar Stand Taylor Guitar Polish Made from durable recycled Spray-on cleaning polish softens, lifts ABS composite material to and encapsulates moisture, salt and dust securely hold your Taylor in a protective lubricant that is easily and guitar. Travel-friendly design. safely wiped away. The light carnauba Folds up to store in gig wax haze is then buffed away, leaving a bags and most guitar cases. beautiful stage-ready shine. 4 fl. oz. Accommodates all Taylor (#80901; $12.00) models. (#70180, $39.00) Taylor Polish Cloths Microfiber with serrated edge. Features embossed Taylor logo. 11-1/2” x 9-1/2”. Single or assorted 3-pack. Single (Chestnut #80907; $7.00) 3-pack (Chestnut, Tan, Brown #80908; $18.00) 3-pack (Black, Taupe, Charcoal #80909; $18.00) Travel Guitar Stand Sapele, lightweight (less than 16 Taylor Etched Mug (above left) ounces) and ultra-portable. Small 15 oz. mug with Taylor hand-etched into enough to fit in the pocket of a Baby one side. (Black #70007; $15.00) Taylor gig bag. Accommodates all Taylor Mug (above right) Taylor models. (#70198; $59.00) Glossy ceramic bistro mug featuring the Taylor Guitar Straps round Taylor logo. Holds 15 oz. (Brown (L-R): Byzantine (Brown #64030, with cream interior, #70006; $10.00) Burgundy #64000, Black #64010, $80.00); Suede/Web (Chocolate #65010, Black #65000, $32.00); GS Mini (Brown/Brown Suede #66500, $32.00); Taylor Swift (#66000, $32.00); Suede Logo Tattered Patch Cap (above left) Flex (Black #62001, Honey #62000, fit, two sizes. (Brown, S/M #00150, L/ Chocolate #62003, $48.00) XL #00151, $25.00). Driver Cap (above middle) Wool blend, sweat band for added comfort. Label on back. One size fits most. (Black #00125, $25.00). Men’s Cap (above right) Pro style cap. Structured Chino twill with Taylor round logo in burgundy and ® white on front. Adjustable fabric strap with custom embossed peghead clip TaylorWare Taylor Work Shirt Authentic Taylor T buckle closure on back. One size fits CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS Lightweight Hoodie Permanent press, stain-resistant poly/cotton blend. Two front pockets. Distressed screen 100% preshrunk ringspun cotton. Pigment- most. (Charcoal #00375; $25.00) Cotton/poly blend featuring zip front and print over left pocket and on back. Short sleeve. (Charcoal #3070; M-XL, $34.00; dyed for a soft, comfortably weathered look kangaroo pocket, with Taylor treatment XXL-XXXL, $36.00) and feel. Distressed graphic treatment on Men’s Two Color Embroidery T Taylor Plush Towel 1-800-494-9600 on left chest and right sleeve. Slim fit. front with Taylor logo on back. Generously Burgundy and gold embroidered logo on left chest. Standard fit. Short sleeve. Oversized 40 x 70” heavyweight towel. 100% cotton. Men’s sizing. (Heather Navy #2810; cut, short sleeve. (Khaki Green #1430; 100% preshrunk cotton. (Natural #1205; M-XL, $24.00; XXL, $26.00) White body with Taylor hibiscus design in red, orange Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware S-XL, $42.00; XXL, $44.00) Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware to see the full line. S-XL, $25.00; XXL $27.00) and gold. (#74000, $39.00) to see the full line. Presorted A Publication of Taylor Guitars Standard U.S. Postage Volume 76 / Summer 2013 PAID Phoenix, AZ | | | Taylor Guitars 1980 Gillespie Way El Cajon, CA 92020-1096 taylorguitars.com Permit No. 5937

The paper we used is certified to Forest Stewardship Council® standards. The FSC is a non-profit organization that supports environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

Amber Waves of Grain This Build to Order short-scale Grand Concert features sumptuous quilted sapele reminiscent of one of last year’s Fall Limited Edition offerings. The wood has been flatsawn to produce its beautiful rippling effect. A flatsawn set tends to be slightly more flexible than if it were quartersawn, which can add warmth to its sonic profile. In this case, the sapele will sound clear, focused and woody, with an extra touch of bass, while the cedar chosen for the top will contribute a warm and complex tonal flavor. Together with the short-scale neck and Grand Concert body, this guitar promises to be a fingerstyle gem. We have a few sets of this sapele left in our BTO reserves. Your local Taylor dealer can help you bring it to life.