Inside the Expression System 2 How the piezo pickup was reborn

Spring Limiteds JOHNNYSWIM Baritone Dreadnought 320e / Full-Gloss 400s Making beautiful music together

Larry Breedlove The Grand Concert Shaping the Taylor aesthetic Turns 30 The New 150e 800 Series Raves 12-string Dreadnought fun Reviews, awards & more

2 www.taylorguitars.com

| tornado. My wife and I were home with you because I felt it was a tremendous unbuckling of a single pack strap. With Volume 79 spring / summer 2014 our 7-month-old baby when the tornado testament to the quality of your product the case’s straps loosened, I put my Letters passed over us — we were hiding safely and a great reminder of how important three-liter hydration bag in the zippered in the basement. We emerged in shock music and guitar playing is in our lives. pocket, and I had the perfect musical > What’s Inside < Find us on Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube. Follow us on Twitter: @taylorguitars after the tornado had passed, and Karl Fandel day-hike pack. The Mini and I shared me that one of the most valuable tips I found nothing but a large pile of debris “Rocky Mountain High” at 9,600 feet ever got was provided by a wino who where our house used to stand. We left and “Time in a Bottle” atop the Tooth was busking at a local market! He was our property as soon as we could to GS Mini — Honorary Scout of Time peak at 9,400 feet. In its case, playing a 12-string, and even though seek shelter and stayed the night with I have been an adult leader in the the Mini came through the mountain he smelled like a distillery, he sounded nearby relatives. Boy Scouts for 14 years and have climates of heat, cold, rain, hail, humid- pretty good. He had TWO capos on I returned to my property the follow- played my guitars, including my 314ce, ity and dryness with very minimal drift in Features the same fret, and I asked him why. ing morning, hoping to recover as much for many years at campouts and meet- pitch and maintained perfect playability Columns He said he learned the trick years as we could. Most of our belongings ings. Last summer, I took a crew of 12 and intonation throughout! ago — the only reliable way to fret the were either damaged beyond repair or to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimar- Thanks for adding such a great- 6 Backstage Pass: JOHNNYSWIM 4 Kurt’s Corner smaller diameter string in any string could not be found. However, much to ron, New Mexico, for a rugged 12-day, sounding, light, durable and affordable The husband-wife duo’s powerful musical chemistry puts a brilliant Kurt remembers a different Taylor pair is to use two capos on the same my surprise and satisfaction, my father- 65-mile hike in the Sangre de Cristo guitar to your impressive live line of shine on their new album, Diamonds. anniversary — the Grand Concert’s 30th. fret. My Shubb capo had come clos- in-law discovered my Taylor guitar case Mountains. Naturally, I wanted a great- acoustic guitars. Many folks in my crew est to working well for 12-string guitar lying under a pile of debris under what sounding guitar for me and the other and the hundreds we encountered at (as your answer pointed out), but the used to be our garage. The case was pickers in my crew to play on this trek, Philmont thought I was crazy to bring suggestion for two capos immediately dirty, and the leather casing had suf- but I was at a loss on how to make this a full-sound guitar on such a rugged 8 The 2014 Spring Limiteds 5 BobSpeak sounded right. I gave him a significant fered a few scratches, but otherwise it happen between 6,700- and 11,700- adventure, but the Mini and I proved A burly baritone Dreadnought 320e and all-gloss 400s enjoy an Bob reflects on his easygoing relationship Empowered by Song donation, more for the advice than the was in remarkable shape. I opened the foot elevations in all sorts of weather that with Taylor Guitars, there’s a way. upgrade to the ES2 pickup. with Larry Breedlove. I saw your full-page ad in Guitar busking, and immediately tried the idea case to find my 314ce perfectly pre- while wearing a 50-pound backpack! Tom Skinner Player magazine regarding Nancy, at home. Perfect, with any type of capo! served! The guitar looked and sounded That was until I discovered a her stuttering problem, and the salva- This is now the way I always capo my as beautiful as it did the last time I mahogany-topped GS Mini at Tringas 12 Profile: Larry Breedlove 27 The Craft tion offered by the guitar. I am writ- 856ce because it works every time. played it before the tornado! Music in Pensacola, Florida. I was Full Service Our guitars might look different without the refined design artistry of Andy Powers explores the connection ing to you because my experience Bill Brewer Playing guitar music has always amazed by the volume, clarity and full- I would like to compliment your Bob Taylor’s longtime guitar-building partner. between tradition and innovation. was IDENTICAL to hers. I stuttered Vancouver, BC been a sort of therapy for me. I particu- ness of sound that this little guitar pro- Taylor authorized repair contact Pat severely. I attended a private school, larly enjoy practicing fingerstyle guitar, duces, and when I saw the closed-cell DiBurro in Exeter, New Hampshire. I 18 and I’m sure you know how mean kids primarily the music of Leo Kottke. With foam case that is included with it, I saw was referred to him by other luthiers can be to people who are different or Five Will Get You Fifteen — everything my family and I have been the way to my dream. here in North Carolina. My Taylor 810 24 Notes from NAMM have problems. Freshman year I had and a Song through, this form of musical therapy With the case’s shoulder straps (purchased new in 1992) was severely The 800 Series and ES2 celebrated their coming-out party with to take a course in public speaking. It I practiced for five minutes today. has been important now more than tight, I was able mount it securely to damaged by Delta Airlines last Janu- some top Taylor talent. was a nightmare. But one day we had Sort of. I had maybe 15 minutes before ever. I wanted to share this story with my pack and access the Mini with the ary. The soundboard was cracked, and ON THE COVER Departments I had to leave for work, and more dis- to speak about our favorite hobby. I there were multiple splits and cracks ® brought my guitar to class. I had been couraging than the short amount of on the neck and sides. Mr. DiBurro was 18 The Expression System 2 26 New Model Spotlight: 150e 10 Ask Bob playing for about a year at the time. As time for music was my mental state — quick to call me early (after seeing just A behind-the-scenes — and behind-the-saddle — look at our break- A 12-string Dreadnought brings a rich new voice to the 100 Series. Hygrometer accuracy, Bob’s first guitar, soon as I touched the guitar I stopped my mind and mood weren’t up to music Mountain Music photos) [to explain] what the damage through piezo pickup design. pickguard silhouettes and more. stuttering completely. My words flowed because I had to leave so soon. But I Last summer we toured through Europe searching for the right guitar. We found appeared to be. When he received like water through a stream without recalled Shawn Persinger’s article “Five the perfect guitar for us in Amsterdam: the [First Edition] 818e, 1 of 100. We were my guitar he immediately called, gave hesitation or the slightest hint of a Minutes a Day” in the fall 2013 issue of so crazy about that particular guitar that we even flew from Switzerland to Amster- me his assessment, and forwarded a stammer. After the class was over and Wood&Steel, which encourages musi- dam twice just because of it. We make spiritual music, and in our concerts trans- precise, easy-to-understand invoice so 28 Soundings all the other kids had left, my teacher cians to set a goal of five minutes a day formation happens. People experience deep bliss and peace. Our Taylor helps us I could get my claim underway with the The Edge’s new 818e, Folk Alliance in called me back into the classroom. He for practice. So I got out my GS Mini, create that very profound sound and divine ambience. Recently we shot the video airlines. Throughout the repair process, Kansas City, SXSW, Matteo Palmer’s smiled at me and said, “You should and within a couple minutes a new tune for our track “Shambhu Shamkara” in the Swiss mountains, and lots of pictures Pat emailed his photos of the repair Windham Hill inspiration, Above & Beyond have a guitar in your hands at all times.” had fallen out of the strings. I knew if also were taken. in progress to show me what he was go acoustic. Well, I have been playing for 51 I went to work without writing it down Prem Paras doing. It was gratifying to see that his years now. I have performed in public it would be gone forever, so I got out Music producer in Bollywood and spiritual musician personal interest in not only the quality innumerable times and had my first manuscript paper and notated the tune, repair he provides but also customer 30 Taylor Notes and all too quickly I heard the clock guitar students when I was 17 years attention. I received my guitar a week Mr. Taylor goes to Washington, review old. About 12 years ago, I dropped out chime, announcing that five had turned ago, and it looks and plays wonderfully. raves for the 800 Series, and a Q&A with of the business world and made my into 15. I don’t know yet if my new tune I want you to know that Mr. DiBurro’s Crelicam’s new General Director. living teaching guitar for seven years. is a keeper, but it was worth it just to professionalism, skill and customer rela- I must admit that I have never owned keep me involved before leaving for tions are of the highest caliber. 6 a Taylor guitar, but know that you folks work. Thanks, Shawn. Mike McCartney make a nice instrument. If you interact John Whitacre Cape Carteret, NC 32 Events/Calendar with Nancy, give her my regards. Canton, OH Winning a M.I.P.A. at Musikmesse, plus Fred Castellano summer Road Show dates.

Ed. Note: You can read Nancy’s Picking Through the Rubble story and others from our current ad I was a resident of Washington, 33 campaign, “Step forward. Music is Illinois, on November 17 of last year TaylorWare Now available: Elixir ® HD Light strings. waiting.” at taylorguitars.com/com- when our town was struck by an F-4 munity/step-forward tornado. The tornado destroyed or damaged nearly 1,000 homes in our small community in Central Illinois. You Double Duty may have heard about the storm on the Your reply to the question about national news that weekend. Our home Cover photo: capos for the 8-string baritone guitar was in the direct path of the storm, 26 12 Interior of (winter 2014 Wood&Steel) reminded and was completely demolished by the an 812ce 4 www.taylorguitars.com 5

Volume 79 Editor’s Note Spring/Summer 2014 Good Chemistry Having good chemistry with others is often cited as a key to collabor- ative success. Sports fans point to an elite team’s chemistry as a crucial Publisher Taylor-Listug, Inc. bond that fuels their winning ways, or bemoan the lack of chemistry on an abundantly talented roster that inexplicably underachieves. Chemistry Produced by the Taylor Guitars Marketing Department can transform cast-offs into contenders, strangers into soul mates, and Vice President Tim O’Brien random encounters into lifelong friendships. It can decide whether on- Editor Jim Kirlin screen co-stars sizzle or fizzle together. It sparks the creative magic at the heart of a great band. And it supplies the inspiration when we pick up our Art Director Cory Sheehan favorite guitar. Graphic Designer Rita Funk-Hoffman The theme of chemistry resonates strongly in this issue. As Bob Taylor Graphic Designer Angie Stamos-Guerra reflects in his column and in our profile of longtime Taylor luthier Larry Breedlove, the way his guitar-making approach meshed with Larry’s aes- Photographer Tim Whitehouse thetic sensibility formed the basis for an incredibly fruitful design dynamic here at Taylor for three decades. In our conversation with Abner Ramirez Contributors from the breakout Americana act JOHNNYSWIM, Ramirez talks about his chemistry in meeting Amanda Sudano, the woman who would become David Hosler / Wayne Johnson / David Kaye both his wife and musical collaborator, and the happiness they feel in Kurt Listug / Shawn Persinger / Shane Roeschlein sharing their journey together. Even our cover story on the development Bob Taylor / Glen Wolff / Chalise Zolezzi of the Expression System 2 can be distilled down to the “chemistry” of good design: the importance of functional compatibility between pickup technology and an acoustic guitar. Technical Advisors At times chemistry can seem random or defy conventions, but that’s Kurt’s Corner Ed Granero / David Hosler / Gerry Kowalski BOBSPEAK part of what makes it special. In the right environment it can be cultivated, but there are no guarantees. If we’re lucky, it becomes a staple of our Crystal Lawrence / Andy Lund / Rob Magargal / Mike Mosley lives through the relationships and activities we pursue. Fortunately for Andy Powers / Bob Taylor / Chris Wellons / Glen Wolff those of us who love our Taylors, Bob found it with Kurt, with Larry, and The Grand Concert Turns 30 A Fond Farewell most recently, with Andy Powers. It’s become an important part of our creative culture, and promises to continually inspire us forward. In addition to being Taylor Guitars’ to the top of the fingerboard, and a The American Dream shapes and the Even though this issue features an such as design. If I say, “You know, My office at Taylor Guitars is in Contributing Photographers Happy retirement, Larry, and thanks for sharing your talents with Taylor 40th anniversary year, 2014 also marks dependable, repairable instrument that precursor to what would be the styling article about our own Larry Breedlove Larry, I think it needs just a bit more the building where we design and Rita Funk-Hoffman / David Kaye / Katrina Horstman and the guitar world. Your positive impact will be felt by many for years the 30th anniversary of our Grand could survive the rigors of the road. I of the Grand Auditorium some 10 years as he prepares to retire, I still feel oomph right there,” he’ll say, “Yeah, me build prototype guitars and tools. It’s to come. Concert body shape, and the 20th decided to find a guitar partner who later. Of course, I didn’t know that then. compelled to write about Larry here. too, I know what you mean.” a 10-by-10-foot office and sits next to — Jim Kirlin anniversary of our Grand Auditorium. could create this instrument for me.” It was just supposed to be small, clear Circulation Printing / Distribution Taylor Guitars has been a pretty home- But that example is just the design Larry’s. He gets the window. When It’s hard to imagine Taylor Guitars today The guitar market was quite a bit and precise. That’s what I went for, and Katrina Horstman Courier Graphics / CEREUS - Phoenix grown business from the start. Our part. In the actual building part of the our colleague Jenelle is away from her without these two body shapes. Both smaller in the early 1980s. This was Chris really seemed to like it as it devel- guitars are original in the sense that process, Larry’s work was to a very reception desk in the lobby, we both shapes are closely identified with the probably the low point for the guitar oped. So did others.” I never studied other guitars before high standard. He naturally understood often have to greet visitors when they Taylor brand and have provided the industry in terms of production and We introduced the Grand Concert Translation Translation Coordination making mine. Our people are original, how things should look when they’re arrive. We have no shield from the 2014 Taylor Factory Tours & Vacation Dates foundation for many popular Taylor gui- sales. We had just come off the disco at the 1984 Winter NAMM Show. As Veritas Language Solutions Angie Stamos-Guerra mostly made up of neighborhood folks built properly. However, I’ll confess that outside world. I talk to him by saying A free, guided tour of the Taylor Guitars factory is given every Monday tar models. It’s also hard to imagine the craze of the late ’70s, which featured we offered new models across our line who’ve come here and learned on the I sat in one of his beautifully carved in a loud voice, “Hey Larry, you there?” through Friday at 1 p.m. (excluding holidays). No advance reservations guitar world or popular music without prerecorded music, not live bands. This based on the Grand Concert shape, job. We learned all we know about this rocking chairs once and broke it! Boy, I and he’ll say back, “Yeah, I’m here,” and are necessary. Simply check-in at the reception desk in our Visitor Center, these iconic Taylor guitars, as they’ve was closely followed by the technologi- sales grew, and it became a very popu- ©2014 Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved. TAYLOR, TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR GUITARS, TAYLOR business together, right here. felt bad. Then we discussed that maybe then we talk, in my office or his. You located in the lobby of our main building, before 1 p.m. We ask that large had such a huge impact. cal advent of the synthesizer, pushing lar guitar for us. Fingerstyle guitar was QUALITY GUITARS and Design ; BABY TAYLOR; BIG BABY; Peghead Design; Bridge Design; As you’ll read in the article, Larry it leaned a little more toward form than can imagine that I’m going to miss that Pickguard Design; 100 SERIES; 200 SERIES; 300 SERIES; 400 SERIES; 500 SERIES; 600 SERIES; groups (more than 10) call us in advance at (619) 258-1207. The Grand Concert body shape guitar music further into the back- growing in popularity, and the Grand 700 SERIES; 800 SERIES; 900 SERIES; PRESENTATION SERIES; GALLERY; QUALITY TAYLOR grew up here and found his way into function, and he made his chairs a little a lot. While not physically demanding, the tour does include a fair amount came about during the early ’80s. Prior ground. Guitar music was not popular, Concert was the perfect guitar for this GUITARS, GUITARS AND CASES and Design; WOOD&STEEL; ROBERT TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR our little shop because he could shape sturdier afterward. I’m not sure which Be careful what you wish for, of walking. Due to the technical nature, the tour may not be suitable for to designing it, we had just the two and guitar sales suffered. There was a style of playing. The vast majority of EXPRESSION SYSTEM; EXPRESSION SYSTEM; TAYLORWARE ; TAYLOR GUITARS K4; K4, TAYLOR wood with a file, not because he was one of us was more embarrassed, so I because early on I wished that we small children. The tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes K4; TAYLOR ES; DYNAMIC BODY SENSOR; T5; T5 (Stylized); BALANCED BREAKOUT; R. TAYLOR; shapes that we inherited when Bob very narrow range of guitar builders for Grand Concert guitars we made were R TAYLOR (Stylized); AMERICAN DREAM; TAYLOR SOLIDBODY; T3; GRAND SYMPHONY; WAVE a luthier. But he became a luthier, and think we just didn’t talk about it! could build a successful company and departs from the main building at 1980 Gillespie Way in El Cajon, and I bought the American Dream: the Chris to approach back then, and Tay- ordered with a cutaway and an onboard COMPENSATED; GS; GS MINI; ES-GO; V-CABLE; FIND YOUR FIT; and GA are registered trademarks a good one at that. Working with Larry I’ll give you a peek into Larry’s where a person could find a legitimate California. Dreadnought and the Jumbo. I had lor was an upstart. pickup. This became the go-to guitar of Taylor-Listug, Inc. NYLON SERIES; KOA SERIES; GRAND AUDITORIUM; GRAND CONCERT, for the past 30 years or so has been personnel file. Yes, I do his review each career building guitars. Well, we did, Please take note of the weekday exceptions below. For more information, TAYLOR SWIFT BABY TAYLOR; LEO KOTTKE SIGNATURE MODEL; DYNAMIC STRING SENSOR; heard from the folks at McCabe’s Gui- But Chris represented a new gen- for many players, and this style helped GRAND ORCHESTRA; GO; TAYLOR ROAD SHOW; JASON MRAZ SIGNATURE MODEL; NOUVEAU; a pleasure for me. We’ve enjoyed a year. It goes something like this: Larry and people are starting to retire now, including directions to the factory, please visit taylorguitars.com/contact. tar Shop in Santa Monica that they felt eration and breed of guitar players, and define the modern acoustic guitar. ISLAND VINE ; CINDY; HERITAGE DIAMONDS; TWISTED OVALS; DECO DIAMONDS; and SPIRES friendly, easily defined relationship and writes, “I supervise people who are and Larry is not the first. Consequently, We look forward to seeing you! there was demand for a smaller body had just won the Walnut Valley National For many players, their first expo- are trademarks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. have collaborated on nearly every Taylor mostly smarter than me, but I try to do a I’ve worked with many people for 30 shape, a guitar with a more balanced Finger Style Guitar Championship in sure to our guitars was through the guitar model you’ve ever seen. good job.” Then I write, “They’re smarter years or more, and now they’re starting ELIXIR and NANOWEB are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. D’ADDARIO PRO-ARTE sound that would be more responsive 1982. We wanted to work with him. Grand Concert, and many artists is a registered trademark of J. D’Addario & Co., Inc. NUBONE is a registered trademark of David Dunwoodie. Larry understood the difference than me, too, and we’re lucky that way.” to leave. You do get attached to each to a lighter attack than a larger guitar. When Chris came to San Diego to per- began playing Taylors as a result. It between good work and great work Thus it is with Larry. He’s quiet and other when you build a company from Factory Closures At the NAMM Show in early 1983 we form, several of us met at a restaurant opened many doors for us in sales, as Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. from the very beginning. That made sufficiently confident. He’s respected nothing, and I’m attached to Larry. Monday, May 26 October 13 met fingerstyle guitarist Chris Proctor, and sketched out designs on a napkin we were making a guitar for the next Wood&Steel is distributed to registered Taylor guitar owners and Authorized Taylor Dealers as a complimentary it easy for me. I’ll try to share with in all corners of our business. He lets I congratulate Larry for a job well who expressed his interest in finding a with the new shape based roughly on generation of players. Ten years later service. To receive a subscription, please register your Taylor guitar at www.taylorguitars.com/registration. you what I mean. If I look at a curve others do the talking, and he’s good at done. He played a good round here at (Memorial Day) (Taylor Guitars Anniversary) guitar builder who could build a guitar Tim Luranc’s old Martin 000, but with a it led to the development of the Grand To contact us about changing your mailing address or ending your subscription, please visit or down a guitar neck and say to listening. If you work here and you see Taylor Guitars and helped us become www.taylorguitars.com/contact. ideally suited for his fingerstyle needs. wider neck and cutaway. Auditorium, Taylor’s bestselling guitar someone, “Do you see where it Larry walking up, you usually smile at who we are today, and I appreciate Monday, June 30 - Friday, July 4 November 27-28 As Chris put it, “I began to design, As Bob recalls, “We designed it shape, which I’ll detail in the next issue deviates just a little bit right about a the thought that he’s coming to talk to that a lot. Larry, we’ll all miss you, but (Independence Day/Company Vacation) (Thanksgiving Holiday) in my mind, the ideal fingerstyle instru- with Chris as a very interested player of Wood&Steel. third of the way?” and they answer, you and that you might learn something nobody more than me. ment’s characteristics — balanced, clear in the whole process. He loved small Online “No,” then what am I supposed to do? by the time the conversation is done. Monday, September 1 Monday, December 22 tone with lots of sustain and a singing guitars with clarity and ease of play, — Kurt Listug, CEO But if they always say yes and we see it Don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t have all ­­ — Bob Taylor, President (Labor Day) through Friday, January 2 treble voice, a smaller body, a cutaway, along with precise notes and action. Read this and other back issues of Wood&Steel at taylorguitars.com together, then we have the makings of the answers, but he never accuses you (Company Vacation) a wider neck, good action all the way The design was my first departure from being able to talk about elusive things of doing poorly, either. BACKSTAGE PASS 7

her being the most beautiful girl in the “It opened up the floodgates,” he there’ll be a line [where we think] that world, I said, ‘Yeah, we should definitely says. “I’ll be giving back to that school could be a song,” he says. “The beauty get together and write. I’ll bring the as long as I live, because it solidified in of music is that you get to encapsulate champagne,’” he laughs. me that I wanted to spend my life pour- in a tone, in a scientific sound, an emo- Abner’s Taylors Cutting Diamonds And the rest is chemistry. ing into the arts and having the arts tion or a moment. I remember the first Abner has played Taylor acoustics most of his career. He Music is in Amanda’s blood — she’s pour into me.” time I heard Tommy Emmanuel play, I shared his thoughts on them, including the newest addition the daughter of legendary singer Abner and Amanda released their wanted to write 20 songs just because to the family, his 812e 12-Fret. Donna Summer and musician/pro- first EP in 2008, married in 2009, and of the way the guitar sounded. I remem- JOHNNYSWIM’s Abner Ramirez talks ducer/arranger Bruce Sudano. Abner have found their profound connection ber we watched the movie La Vie en On his 314ce: about transforming loss into a gem also grew up surrounded by music. His to be an abundant wellspring for their Rose [about the life of Edith Piaf] and As part of my first record deal, my signing bonus was a Taylor father was a pastor who loved to sing, musical creativity. Because their rela- we had to write songs.” 314ce. I was ready. I’d never had my own guitar. I signed my of a record with his wife Amanda and his mother was a choir director tionship and musical collaboration have Much of the material that would end life away because I’d had this old guitar that someone had and piano player. His parents emigrat- been so intertwined since the begin- up on Diamonds, Abner says, came let me borrow. I got the 314ce when I was 18, and it was my ed to the U.S. from their native Cuba ning, Abner says a sense of honesty in the wake of tragic circumstances. only guitar for 11 years. I never had a backup guitar. By Jim Kirlin in 1980 with nothing but the clothes informs their approach to songwriting. Within an 11-month period, Amanda on their backs, during Cuba’s turbulent “Honesty is kind of a big word in lost her mother and grandmother, and On his 324e: Mariel boatlift, which brought a mass songwriting,” he explains. “It can mean Abner lost his father. I love a guitar that’s not flashy or shiny. I like less polish. I exodus of Cubans to Florida during a a million different things, but there’s “The writing of these songs was feel like it affects the tone — like you get 10 years of tone six-month period. a sense of being genuine to yourself, marked mostly by the need to write in five years time when you have less polish on it. And I “It was a bit of a hot mess because of pursuing the love of music and the them, whether [the mood] was tragic, typically love dark colors. I love mids and good warm tones. I Castro emptied insane asylums and love of creativity more than the pursuit heartbroken, joyful, triumphant,” he like high tones that can cut through when I want to, but I love prisons and dumped them onto the of career. That’s always the check and says. “It was going to affect more than living in those warm tones. And my 324e was exactly that. I boats of Americans coming to get their balance for us. If we’re ever pursuing our songwriting if they didn’t get out. remember Tim [Godwin in Artist Relations] asking me what Cuban families, so there was madness career more than the craft, then we’ve This record was definitely marked by I wanted, and I said something that I could really dig into in the streets of Miami when they got personally begun to fail ourselves.” music being our remedy.” and that could still keep its tone together. On a lot of guitars, here,” Abner says. As a husband-and-wife songwriting If loss is a touchstone theme for when I dig in, the brights take over; the EQ almost changes. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, duo, they often get asked about the the record, the emotional range of the It enhances different things at different volumes. When I Abner was allowed to take karate les- nature of their writing process. He says songs is broad and richly life-affirming. would dig in on my 314 it got tinny — thin and bright. But my sons if he also took music lessons, the inspiration for a song can come The radiant glow of “Live While We’re 324, with the mahogany top, I can eat the guitar alive and it and his mother encouraged him to from a variety of places, but that it Young,” written with Josiah Bell, is an stays warm. play violin. He went to high school at always starts with a feeling. appreciation for living life to the full- Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in “Either we’ll watch a movie and be est. The infectious “A Million Years” On his new 812e 12-Fret: Jacksonville, where he majored in violin, super inspired, or hear a song and be builds to a propulsive rhythm and hooky Whatever you guys did on this new 800 Series is bananas. started playing guitar, and fell in love inspired by the melody and lyrical con- refrain. “Home” is a stripped-down, The 324 is my workhorse because I can rip into it. But this with songwriting. tent, or we’ll have a conversation and foot-stomping blast of acoustic boom- 812 is artwork. I love the small body, and the 12-fret is so chuck reverie. “You and I” rides a four- sweet. I love the no-cutaway because it’s more traditional, on-the-floor dance beat and buoyant and I don’t solo. I like playing a good riff every now and then, groove as Amanda and Abner testify to but I won’t be ripping up on the 16th fret on my Taylor. I love love’s powerful pull. that it has the old school, classical headstock. I love the Photo by Jeremy Cowart Abner says that with Diamonds as hardware. The rosewood pickguard was off the top for me. their first full-length release together, I can dig in and it still carries the bottom end. I like doing it gave them an opportunity to present stuff in what I call a fake drop D, with two capos. We have a their former home and a place where cana faves Old Crow Medicine Show. sultry couple. We’re goofy, we kind of the songs as an album-length journey. lot of songs in F because we found that it works really well “We were made to do this they still spend a lot of time, at the home Their appearance with Daryl Hall and his wear our mistakes on our sleeves as “We wanted to give the most hon- for both of our voices, so I use a full capo across the first together,” professes Abner studio of multiple Grammy-winning engi- band on a recent episode of Live From much as our triumphs.” est representation of ourselves, and fret, and then I’ve got a cut capo upside down at the third neer Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Dolly Daryl’s House left Hall rabidly singing They met in Nashville in 2005, that for us was writing for the sake of [fret]…where I can play a C shape but up in the key of D and Ramirez, one-half of the Parton), with Abner as producer. The their praises. although both knew of each other the album,” he explains. “The sequence get that drop-D sound, but I’m playing in F. I guess it’s a D2 record reveals a well-groomed collection The release of Diamonds may well through mutual friends. Amanda had is really important to us. The heart or something. One thing that shocked me with that guitar is scintillating husband-and- of Americana-rooted songs, spanning a give JOHNNYSWIM the broader expo- gone to high school and college in behind the songs is really everything that on the songs I play that way — “Adelina,” “Paris in June,” range of moods but linked by exquisite sure they deserve. The album’s song Nashville, and then moved to New to us.” “Live While We’re Young” — I can lay into that E string and wife duo JOHNNYSWIM. melodies and uplifting emotional energy. cycle is packed with a gripping blend of York, where she did some modeling Abner’s favorite song on the record have it really carry some tone while I have a moving melody These are songs that are felt as much as rich vocal interplay, catchy choruses and work and pursued music for a couple is the closing track, “Over.” Ostensibly up top. He is referring to his partner in life and Amanda ready the release of their new they are heard. Abner and Amanda per- emotive depth, from the anthemic rush of years before moving back. When a breakup song, it transforms from music, Amanda Sudano-Ramirez, and album, Diamonds, their full-length debut formed several of the new tunes on the of the title track to the folky exuberance she met Abner, he was languishing in a Amanda’s beautifully aching opening it’s unlikely that anyone exposed to their on Big Picnic Records, at the end of Taylor stage at the Winter NAMM Show of “Home” to the wailing cinematic swell bad record deal he’d signed at 18 that vocal over a stark piano figure to a songs would disagree. Their music reso- April. They’ve been dialing up the promo back in January, and they connected of the closer, “Over.” Hearing Abner was rapidly souring his drive to make a wailing, atmospheric close, encapsulat- nates with transcendent chemistry, most push leading up to the release and mix- well with the crowd. reflect on their approach to their craft career out of music. ing the different waves of emotion that you to lose them. There are times when what the whole record is about: the palpably in the effortless dance of their ing in shows along the way, including Their career has been rising on a and their career, one can’t help but feel “I was still playing shows because I accompanied their period of loss. Abner people grow apart. The almost magical pressure that it takes to make some- soaring, soulful voices together. Even so, a few at South by Southwest earlier in steady arc over the last 18 months. that all the pieces are falling into place. loved it and was going to sing until the talks about using the theme of loss as a part of being a songwriter is that you thing beautiful, and the tragedy that it Abner makes a point of emphasizing that March, an appearance on Letterman a Last year their music enjoyed a nice run They seem to possess the right mix of day I died,” he says, “but I wasn’t going broader songwriting canvas. can take loss in one sense and use it to takes to really experience true triumph. music will always play second fiddle to few days after we speak, followed by on AAA radio on the strength of their talent, passion, determination and indus- to bother to try to make a career out of “A buddy of ours, Britten Newbill, write about loss in another sense. So, The passion and the emotion of loss are their relationship. a month and a half on the road. A day EP Heart Beats, and the folks at VH1 try smarts, with a grounded perspective it anymore because I’d had such a bad who we wrote probably nine of the 12 ‘Over’ is written as a breakup song, but best heard in this song. The way we’ve “I still don’t care about the music as earlier they shot a music video for the liked them so much that they launched that keeps them from taking themselves experience. I really didn’t know that there songs with, had gone through this kind in it we pour our emotions as writers experienced loss, it can feel small at much as I care about her,” he says. “It’s album’s first single, the spunky acous- their You Oughta Know + campaign to too seriously. Abner points out that they could be any other kind of experience.” of epic breakup, and we used that as a of loss in a bunch of other elements in times, it can feel so personal, so one- all been a ploy to make out,” he adds tic folk-rocker “Home,” in which Abner feature their music. They’ve performed made a point of leaving a few imperfec- Amanda came to one of Abner’s solo lot of the fodder for firing these songs,” life. So, if the whole album takes you on-one, and then there are times where with a laugh. used his “favorite” new guitar, an 812e on A Prairie Home Companion and tions on the record that make it feel real. shows, and they struck up a conversa- he shares. “The interesting thing about through the journey of our loss of those it feels like the whole world can explode Abner’s gregarious personality is in 12-Fret. the late night talk shows, entertained “One of the things I wanted people tion afterward. He shared his thoughts being a songwriter is that loss is loss, 11 months, even Amanda’s mom said like a Jerry Bruckheimer film, y’know? full bloom as we talk by phone on an “I was bragging about it to every- crowds at festivals like Bonneroo, and to experience on the album was to get about bailing on a music career. period, whether it’s somebody passing it before she passed, that we can be That’s where it kind of goes production- Performing on the Taylor stage at Winter NAMM afternoon in late March. He’s at home in body,” he beams. bolstered their international following on a bit of our personalities,” he elaborates. “She said, ‘That’s stupid, we should away, a breakup in a relationship, even better through the difficult times. No wise.” Los Angeles for a few days as he and Diamonds was recorded in Nashville, the strength of a UK tour with Ameri- “And we’re not cool. We’re not this slick write together,’” he recalls. “And with with family — they don’t have to die for pressure, no diamonds, and that’s really www.johnnyswim.com The 2014 Spring Limited Editions 139

he recent debut of our new Expression System® 2 pickup was undeniably on the minds of our product development team as they designed this T year’s spring limited edition collection. Since the ES2 is a standard feature starting with the 500 Series this year, the team turned their focus to a run of special 300 and 400 Series models that come equipped with the pickup. Our 400s are a frequent choice among working musicians looking for a reliable performance tool, and the easy plug-and-play nature of the pickup will no doubt be music to their (and their audience’s) ears. For the 300 Series, the team took a more singular approach, honing in on a bold and compelling new voice, a rumbling mahogany-top baritone Dreadnought. Read on for more details, and look for them Stage at your local Taylor dealer. 400 Series 300 Series Presence Models: 410ce-SLTD, 412ce-SLTD, Model: 320e-Baritone SLTD 414ce-SLTD, 416ce-SLTD, 456ce- Back/Sides: Sapele S LTD Top: Mahogany A brawny baritone Dreadnought and Back/Sides: Ovangkol all-gloss 400s come alive with the help Top: Sitka spruce Since Taylor’s baritone guitars now live within the more flexible parameters of our new Expression System 2 pickup From time to time we like to upgrade of our Custom program, our develop- an existing Taylor guitar series with ment team felt inspired to craft a small- Above: A gloss-finish highlights ovangkol’s variegation; Below: A mahogany top and all-satin finish give the premium features not normally available. batch baritone with a fresh tone profile 320e-Baritone SLTD an earthy, vintage vibe; Left: The 400s feature abalone dot bridge pins and the ES2 pickup; Such was the case with our popular for players to explore. They began Opposite page (L-R): 456ce-SLTD, 416ce-SLTD ovangkol/spruce 400 Series, which we by choosing a Dreadnought body outfitted with our new Expression Sys- rather than the Grand Symphony nor- tem 2 pickup. mally associated with the baritone, and “A lot of the 400s we sell are used selected a 300 Series wood pairing of for gigging,” Andy Powers says. “One sapele back and sides with a mahog- of the great things about the ES2 is any top. The result, the 320e-Baritone that it works well in just about every SLTD, boasts a deep, husky voice amplified environment. If you’re playing (tuned to B) with loads of warmth, mid- clubs or bar gigs, you might only get a range growl, and low-end richness. The quick line check instead of a full sound wide waist of the Dreadnought helps check. With the ES2, you can simply deliver a strong low end, which dove- plug it in and have a really strong tails nicely with the baritone’s lower chance of sounding good.” frequencies. The hardwood mahogany top produces a natural compression effect, which helps maintain a uniformity of character across the tonal spectrum. “The guitar has a certain looseness that’s really great when you hit that low B,” says Taylor luthier Andy Pow- ers. “With the leveling effect of the mahogany top, all that dark, woody, warm character on the low end ends up spreading out more evenly.” Although a baritone isn’t likely to be a primary guitar for most players, the 320e’s blend of low-end rumble and punchy articulation makes it a distinc- tive voice on its own and adds comple- mentary texture together with another Another value-added upgrade is a guitar. It’s a great option for weaving beautiful gloss finish for the ovangkol bass lines together with another acous- back and sides, which showcases tic guitar in a duo gig or on a recording ovangkol’s rich variegation. Other project. subtle aesthetic enhancements include With the addition of Taylor’s Expres- abalone dot fretboard inlays and bridge sion System 2 pickup, that deep, rich pins, along with gold Taylor tuners to baritone character translates into a complement ovangkol’s honeyed hues. clear amplified sound. An all-satin finish Choose from four body styles — and black pickguard evoke a fittingly Dreadnought, Grand Concert, Grand dark and earthy aesthetic to match its Auditorium and Grand Symphony — tonal personality. The 320e-Baritone plus a 12-string GS. All feature a Vene- SLTD comes with a 2014 Spring Lim- tian cutaway, come with a 2014 Spring ited label inside the guitar and includes Limited label, and include a Taylor a Taylor deluxe hardshell case. deluxe hardshell case. 10 www.taylorguitars.com 11

woods that we rarely see narrow wood to the 200 or 100 Series? I ask service department can direct you to for three-piece backs anymore. When because I can’t imagine buying where. But keep in mind that there will we do, it’s usually more often with another brand of acoustic, and I be a silhouette once it’s removed. The Ask Bob maple and koa than rosewood. can’t justify spending the money on wood under it will be brand-new-white, a 300, 400 or 500 Series guitar that while the wood around it is darkened I would only use for a couple songs. from exposure to light. Eventually it will Hygrometer accuracy, saddle compensation, Eric J. Guenther, M. Ed all turn the same color, but not for a I live in the country, where sitting year or two…or three. If that sounds and pickguard silhouettes in the backyard can be some ways What do you mean, “Well, no”?! Of bad to you, then I’d suggest leaving from the house. So this old Yogi course you do! And as luck would it on. was sitting in the backyard play- have it, we now make a 150e, which ing his Taylor 12-string when, out is a 12-string in the 100 Series and of nowhere, a sudden cloudburst very affordable and very good, too. I’ve found that different hygrometers Dennis, the whole guitar is different. it not follow that satin-finish, solid- arrived. After more than 50 years [Ed. note: See page 26.] We made I’m a proud owner of a 714ce, will give different readings for the The arches in the body, the neck itself wood guitars would benefit from the of meditation I might have gained a it because a lot of people are like 814ce, K14, and most recently, a same room. How can I baseline any and how it attaches, the angle of the same process? little enlightenment but not speed. you; they want one but only for a few beautifully flamed 614ce. How do given device to provide an accurate neck, the shape of the neck, and the Lee Strakbein I ran to the house as fast as my songs, and they can’t justify a huge I keep all that pretty gold on those reading? nut, like you say. We spend a lot of 75-year-old legs would take me. expense. I think you’ll like this one. tuners looking shiny and new? I Anson Haugsjaa time getting all those parts right, and Yes, Lee, all solid wood guitars would The guitar got wet but not drenched, use a premium guitar polish on the the end result is that they’re easy to benefit. But remember that your Big with little water inside the guitar. I wood, but what do I do for the tun- That’s a good question, Anson, and play. It’s just part of what we do. Baby is an economy guitar, and one dried it off and put it on the stand. ers? the answer is simple. Use two or more thing we do to help keep the price Everything seems fine now. What I like the looks of an acoustic guitar John Stratz hygrometers. I realize that this isn’t low is apply a very, very simple finish. should you do if your guitar gets without a pickguard, but my GS5 exactly an answer to your question, There’s really hardly any material there! really wet inside and out? had a pickguard when I bought it I’d get one of those microfiber polishing but baselining your hygrometers is I have a 414ce and an NS24ce-LTD. Ironically, it sounds better, but you also Yogibob used. Can I remove the pickguard cloths (we sell them) and wipe all your difficult, expensive, and in some cases, I was recently changing the nylon pay a price by not achieving that “high- without damage? If not, I can live hand oils and fluids off the tuners each non-adjustable. So, this is what I rec- strings on the NS24ce and noticed end” look that buyers want on more Put it on the stand and dry it out. You with it. It’s just that I like the aes- time you use them, if you really want ommend. Buy only digital hygrometers. that the saddle is compensated on expensive guitars. Achieving this on did the right thing. I hope you don’t flip thetics of guitars with no pickguard. to put in the effort. Some people have Those that cost $15-$25 work very the A (fifth) string, as compared to the 800s was a real accomplishment over in a canoe with your guitar. That I love my GS5. very corrosive body oils and sometimes well. Buy three and put them all in the the B (second) string on the steel- because it is not only thin but also as will be hard to dry out. But the guitar Charles Nix can’t own gold tuners of any make, but Sinker redwood top same room. Yes, they will all read dif- string guitar. Why the difference? nicely crafted and perfectly done as can survive what you described quite if you wipe them down like this, you ferently, but probably within a percent David the normal version found on nearly all easily. Yes, you can, Charles. But I’d have a stand the best chance. Most people or if you have ever published pic- Chris, I’m not a complete expert on or two of each other. That’s about high-quality guitars. Eventually we will certified Taylor repair person do it. Our don’t have to do much of anything, and tures of the first guitar? this topic, but I think I know enough as accurate as you can get with any Well, one is nylon and the other steel, work our way into other models with the tuners stay nice. Still, chrome is the Kevin Bybee to sound like one, so here goes. A live hygrometer, and certainly accurate and the strings are totally different the techniques, but right now it would When will the 2014 856ce be available, and will it most durable, although I’ve seen gold tree is full of water, and I don’t think enough. So if they read 46-44-49 and stretch in different ways. It’s the be too much for us to try to accom- share the same makeover as the other 800 Series I want a 12-string acoustic. Do I last for decades for many people. Kevin, I do have a guitar that I made it gets more full of water by being percent, you can assume you’re about strings that need the compensation to plish, to be honest. need one? Well, no, but it would in high school. It was a proud accom- sunken in a river. The anaerobic envi- guitars? I’m looking to replace my 1965 D12-20 in the middle of those readings, and allow for the stretch that occurs while be awesome to have one for a few plishment at 17 years old. But as I ronment down there prevents decom- that’s close enough. But if they read pushing them from their resting posi- with something a little more user-friendly. songs here and there in my sets. started gaining experience and selling position, which is the magic of the 29-44-48 percent, you’d know the tion to their fretted position, and each Bob Minke Are there plans to bring a 12-string I was just reading the letter on the guitars I was a little embarrassed by it trees surviving a century or more. So, really low one is just wrong and prob- string stretches differently. On a steel- I am an owner of six Taylor guitars, inner flap of your 40th anniversary and two others I built. Being young and I’m going to venture a proclamation ably a bad hygrometer. But what if you string acoustic guitar, the B string issue of Wood&Steel. I got to won- impetuous I destroyed two of them. and say that it doesn’t make a more and I love all of them. Does a clear It’s available now, Bob, with the full makeover. only had one — the one that read 29 is really the largest, strongest string. gloss coat have any effect on the dering if you still had the original The third one wasn’t around on that broken-in-sounding guitar in the end. It percent? Bad news. Although the wound strings appear resistance to humidity levels? I now On this guitar the bracing remains the same guitar that you built in high school, day so it escaped the same fate, and just doesn’t make sense to me that it Anyway, this approach is far larger, the solid core wire running live in Reno, and we see lots of dif- as before. We were not looking to change the I’m glad it did. It’s nice to have it now; would. But the color variegations sure cheaper and more effective than buy- through them is actually smaller than I’ve regained my pride in it. are beautiful. ferent extreme weather conditions nature of its tone, but it does get everything else ing expensive hygrometers and expen- the plain B string. The string’s strength — high humidity at times, but usu- sive equipment to baseline them. Also, and intonation point is mostly deter- ally very low humidity levels. I have like the whole cosmetic package, thinner finish, I’m serious about getting the digital mined by its core wire. Nylon strings noticed that some of my guitars that and protein glues, so in effect its tone has been versions. Don’t buy the pretty, nautical- have a sort of cord in under the wrap- Occasionally I see Taylor produce have clear gloss finishes seem to enhanced a lot from just those changes. Check it themed hygrometers with a needle ping and stretch altogether differently. do better with the changing humid- guitars from “sinker” wood that has that look like a barometer. They don’t ity levels. Also, do certain types of out; I think you’ll like it. been recovered from the bottom of Got a work. Seriously. woods have a greater resistance to a river. Visually, the mineral deposits humidity? make for the most beautiful guitars question for In the most recent issue of Gary I’ve ever seen in my life. The high Bob Taylor? Wood&Steel, Vol. 78/Winter 2014, Reno, NV contrast stripes are simply stunning. I recently purchased a 12-string, I read with interest the article on different woods react, spruce shrinks my hands on one. I like the look, I wonder how being submerged Shoot him an e-mail: and during my search I must have finish thickness and “the thick- Gary, bottom line: No, the finish does and expands the most, in fact, a lot, and if the sound is right, I want one. underwater for so long affects tone. I [email protected] played every brand I could find in ness reduction making the guitars not protect the guitar from humidity which is why you’ll see more cracked Why did the 810 go away from the would guess the water might help

Sydney, Australia. In the end I con- louder and more responsive.” As an changes. Let me explain. First, the tops than cracked backs or sides. We three-piece back? break down/decompose some of If you have a specific cluded that the only guitar my six- owner of a Big Baby that continues finish is only on one side. The inside do season our spruce using a very Terry Scholze the cellular structures, making for a string-familiar hand could manage to amaze me with its volume and isn’t finished. Second, a coat of finish special method that we’ve developed, Riverside, IL more broken-in final product. Sus- repair or service was the Taylor. Is there something sustain, I can strongly support your does not stop vapor, which is what which reduces the shrink rate, and that pending reality for a second, if you concern, please call that Taylor does to 12-string nuts findings in my own experience. humidity is. It can stop water, but not helps a lot. We’ve always used them interchange- had two similar pieces of wood that our Customer Service that makes them so much more However, in my search for a new vapor. Think about your painted door. ably, Terry. We never made a model lived their lives on land and under- department at user-friendly? Are they cut in a way guitar, possibly a 322e, I noticed Even with thick paint the door swells expressly with a three-piece back. water, what kind of characteristics (800) 943-6782, that is different from others? that the satin thickness would be 5 in the rain and sticks, and then shrinks When the wood is wide we make two- Bob Taylor with the first would we find different in the sinker and we’ll take Dennis Gearside mils compared to the 2 mils on my in the dryness and moves freely. That’s I have seen some Taylor 810s that piece, and when it’s narrow we make guitar he ever built. He later wood? care of you. Leumeah, NSW Australia current instrument. If you are able some seriously thick paint on that door have a three-piece back. How long three-piece. There are so many wood destroyed it by running over Chris Frederick to get gloss down to 3.5 mils, would compared to your guitar. As far as how were these made? I hope I can get cutters now who specialize in guitar it with his motorcycle. Powell, OH 13

“This has never been my goal, to be Kim took art classes from the “I loved working with clay,” he says. sudden I’m cutting all this walnut and doing what I do,” Larry reveals with a parents of another future luthier, Jim “I got pretty good on the potter’s wheel maple and other woods, and there are hint of his photogenic smile, his voice Goodall. and really enjoyed hand-building. The pieces lying around. I thought I could so mellow that at times it comes across “Jim’s parents were fabulous paint- whole experience of firing clay just fit make stuff out of that, and that’s when I as a murmur. He’s being candid, but ers,” Larry says. “We all knew each my mold perfectly. I’m into all those started making furniture.” there’s no trace of bitterness or regret other. He and I played on the same little kinds of elements.” While working for Deering, Larry “Wpeople look at ahen Taylor guitar, they’re in his words. “When I went to work for league team coached by my dad. Jim is That eventually led to an instruc- completed his B.A. in art with an seeing as much Larry as they are Bob Bob, I thought, this won’t last long. And an amazing painter himself.” tional position at his former high school, emphasis on sculpture at San Diego Taylor,” declares Bob himself, pay- Bob knew that he was hiring me for as Larry remembers the family con- where he helped turn its basic ceram- State University, and started to incor- ing tribute to the symbiotic creative long as he got me, and that was fine.” stantly making things around the house, ics class into a high-fire program. porate wood and clay together into relationship he and Larry Breedlove His first love was art, sculpture in thanks to his dad. Around the same time, his surfing his sculptures. In the late ’70s he felt have enjoyed since Larry’s arrival in particular, and he thought he’d end up “He was always constructing buddy Tim was working at a nearby the need for a change of scenery to 1983. From the early years of helping teaching, which he did for a while. But things — the picnic table, a barbecue guitar-making co-op called the Ameri- do some soul-searching — he’d been to design tools to drawing and refining like a lot of restless artistic explorers, his surround, he even built a swimming can Dream. Occasionally Larry would through a relationship breakup and was the elegant lines that have come to life and career path have taken sponta- pool. We’d get in the car and go collect come by. He remembers when Bob still coming to terms with the death of define the Taylor aesthetic, Larry has neous twists and turns. He grew up in rocks, and then back at home he dug a Taylor started working there. his oldest brother Kirk in a car accident been the guitar-making yang to Bob’s Spring Valley, California, located in San big hole and lined it with the rocks. He “He stuck out because he was several years earlier. He left San Diego yin, the Lennon to his McCartney, the for the Pacific Northwest, where he artistic complement to Bob’s engineer- lived for about a year and a half. ing mind. “I had a ’66 VW bus that I parked “We have a good chemistry for on the property of a friend who lived in doing this,” Bob says. “It’s been a calm, the San Juan Islands [off the coast of collected, easygoing relationship.” Washington state] and lived out of for Larry might be the gold standard three or four months,” he says. “I helped for easygoing. In conversation, he’s as him work on one of the homes he was laid-back as they come, projecting the building, and then worked at Sunriver mellow aura of a world-wise Southern Resort right on the Deschutes River California surfer/zen master. With his near Bend [Oregon] running canoe even-keeled manner, an ever-ready float trips and renting out small fishing smile, and quiet self-assurance, his boats.” presence seems to bring an overall When he returned to San Diego, calming effect to a room. Larry worked for Geoff Stelling (now “Larry is one of the most naturally operating separately from Greg Deer- creative and gifted people I’ve been ing), but decided he wanted to teach With his eye for refined around, but he’s really humble about it,” art at the college level and enrolled at says veteran product designer David San Diego State on a part-time basis simplicity, Bob Taylor’s Hosler, who has worked closely with to get his master’s degree. Because him and become a good friend over he wanted to continue working with longtime design partner, the years. “He has the sort of gracious wood, he entered the school’s furniture personality that makes people want to design program, where he flourished. Larry Breedlove, has made an be around him.” Meanwhile, a slow period in the banjo DDESIGNESIGN While Larry has contributed many business led Stelling to lay off some indelible impact on Taylor’s tangible guitar designs to the company employees, including Larry. over the years — the distinctive bridge Above: Larry kicks back at his work bench in Taylor’s original Lemon Grove shop in the mid-1980s; Opposite In 1983 Tim started working for profile, countless inlays, color-stained page: In Taylor’s design studio with Bob in April Bob Taylor, and Larry came aboard modern guitar aesthetic guitars, the Grand Symphony body soon afterward and carved necks. shape, our contoured armrest, just “When I first started working there By Jim Kirlin HARMONYHARMONY to scratch the surface — his creative I think we were making 11 guitars a influence at Taylor, says Bob, has Diego’s East County area, not far from took a barrel and turned it into a filter pretty much the only guy who had his week, and that went down to maybe been even more pervasive than any list the original Lemon Grove location of system. The next thing you know we nose down and was actually doing seven a week at one point where it would show. Taylor Guitars. Larry was the youngest had ourselves a pool.” something,” Larry chuckles. was just six of us,” Larry recalls. “It was “Larry helped define my sense of three boys, all of whom were artisti- Along the way, Larry took up surfing When another of Luranc’s col- great, though, because Bob let me go of aesthetic, and at the same time cally gifted. and made friends in a junior high school leagues at the American Dream, instru- to classes, and I’d come back and fin- adapted to my sense of aesthetic,” “We were always the kids who church youth group with a kid named ment repairman and banjo maker Greg ish my work at night.” Bob explains. “I think we come from a could draw,” he remembers. His father Tim Luranc, who would influence his Deering, left to start a banjo partnership Larry says his affinity for organic similar genetic seed stock in terms of was an electrical engineer. Larry muses career path more than once. They’d with banjo player and entrepreneur design, which was rooted in his love of how we want something to look, and that it was his dad’s life’s ambition to often surf and occasionally shape Geoff Stelling, Tim went to work with sculpting, informed both his approach we have both been able to somehow create an engineer out of one of his boards together. him. Although the Deering-Stelling part- to furniture design as a grad student internalize it in a similar way, which sons. Some of Larry’s early artistic inspi- nership later dissolved, the two contin- and his design aesthetic for guitars. helps, because, how do you describe a “The joke has always been that my ration took form as a result of a col- ued an arrangement, with Deering mak- He notes the parallels between Bob’s shape? We’ve worked together all this mom gave him three sons, but she gave lege internship his oldest brother had ing parts for Stelling. When Greg was quest to create greater efficiency in time with a similar ability to talk at a him three artists,” he laughs. “For Christ- with notable San Diego architect Sim looking for someone to shape necks, the guitar-making process and his own meaningful or logical level about guitar mas I’d get these science kits — how to Bruce Richards, whose homes often Tim recruited Larry. design evolution, which was show- design.” build a radio and all that. He gave up incorporated the work of artist/archi- “I told him I didn’t know how to cased in a series of pieces he created After a long and productive tenure after a while. But all three of us were tect Jim Hubbell and ceramist Rhoda shape a neck, and he said, ‘Well, as part of his graduate school thesis at Taylor, Larry will be retiring in June. good at painting and drawing. My old- Lopez. Larry was drawn to the organic, you can shape everything else,’ and and exhibition. As he was winding down his involve- est brother Kirk went into architecture, architectural style of their art. When he I thought, it can’t be too hard,” Larry “Everything I had been doing ment with the product development Kim was the real painter and the best of enrolled at a local college he became says. “That’s when I first started work- was really labor-intensive and time- team, he took some time to reflect on us, and I was more of a sculpture and immersed in ceramics. He later worked ing on instruments. I started getting his life, career and creative philosophy. ceramics person.” part-time at Lopez’s studio. interested in wood, because all of a continued on next page 14 www.taylorguitars.com consuming,” he recalls. “I was really into “I had attended a workshop by a chairs, and instead of using traditional guy who paints furniture, and he used furniture construction, it was a block this technique where he would hand- too far. You might think, that looks good, and then he’ll lamination process, where you build up cut lines and do bleaching and use Ed Granero on Larry as a Mentor come by and add some other line, and you go, whoa, a chair and then come back and carve water colors and paint up to the lines “There’s something about Larry,” reflects Ed Gra- that’s so much better. That’s because he’s free enough the whole shape out of it. I loved it; I to create these fascinating designs nero, Taylor’s Vice President of Product Development. and not so protective of the work. He’s able to just let was carving all these cool lines, but my in the wood,” he remembers. “It just “People gravitate to him, and he’s able to quietly affect go — just keep going. whole thesis was based on going from turned out that McCabe’s [a music them in great ways.” spending countless hours on projects store and Taylor dealer in Santa Moni- Ed should know because it happened to him. Not Another one of Larry’s gifts is a knack for sim- to how fast I could get the concept ca, California] called and asked if there long after he started at Taylor back in 1997, he found plicity — stripping away all the unnecessary crap. He down and get it done. It could have was anything unique that we wanted to himself spending afternoons gluing up tops and backs did it with fixturing and tooling. People might think come a little bit from being around Bob try on a guitar, and I told Bob I wanted in a shared space with Larry. The two struck up a of Larry with the design and inlays or the shapes of and trying to figure out how fast you to try that technique. I think I actually friendship, bonding over the fact that both had studied things, but he’s also had a big impact on making fix- can do something and not jeopardize stained the guitar with watercolor and furniture design in college. It wasn’t long before Ed tures and tooling up our production line by helping us the idea.” discovered that the spruce top doesn’t had progressed to building bodies and then oversee- to look at things more simply, not overcomplicating it, take stain very well by itself, so I had to ing their production, and as Larry recalls, he was a because that’s really easy to do, especially with young prime it with Gesso — it’s like a white- sponge for learning with natural initiative and a lot of engineers who come here. I did it when I first came The Birth of the Artist Series wash that artists use on canvasses. I leadership potential. Larry proved to be a strong men- here. Over time you learn that, ultimately, that won’t The mid-1980s were lean years for would rub it into the spruce so it would tor, as Ed attests. work in a production setting. The simpler you can make the acoustic guitar industry as a whole. accept the stain, and we got the color something, the more rock solid it is. Larry’s really good A growing proliferation of synth-pop of the tops to be as good as they were. at looking at something and saying, “We don’t need to and electric guitar-fueled arena rock So we did one and McCabe’s liked it.” add all that other stuff; let’s just do this.” and hair metal, bolstered by the colorful That led to another painted guitar — Clockwise from top left: Larry (front row, second from left) with his visual theatrics of the music video era, a purple maple/spruce Jumbo 12-string If you look at some of the coolest things that little league baseball team, coached by his dad. Future guitar maker had largely relegated the acoustic gui- with a Florentine cutaway made for Larry’s made, they’re actually little tools, jigs, fixtures or templates that he’s built for the custom shop. Not Jim Goodall is in the second row, second from right; (L-R): A well- tar to the margins of mainstream music. Prince, which featured multicolored coiffed Terry Myers with Larry and one of the electric guitars they built for production, just for his own personal workbench. I From his furniture design pursuits, Larry flames around the soundhole. together in early 1989; Larry (seated left) with Kurt, Bob and the Taylor remember going, “Man, he’s got some cool stuff that had gotten interested in some color- “I was just messing around and crew circa 1991; posing during his triathlon days with a black custom he’s made to help him do whatever process on the treatment techniques that were being might have used some oil paints on that Jumbo made for Steve Stevens featuring atomic symbol inlays; double- guitar.” used on wood and decided to experi- one,” Larry says. “Using an X-Acto and neck version of Richie Sambora’s all-koa signature guitar; one of Larry’s ment on guitars. the French Curves I would just draw custom chairs, featuring a seat, back and armrests of myrtlewood and it out and get it cut and paint right up People have ordered custom guitars from us and painted with Fender’s standard cream color; mom and the Breedlove to it.” requested custom inlay work, like a rhinoceros or a boys (L-R: Kirk, Larry, Kim) enjoy their home-made pool in 1955 The guitar first appeared in Prince sunset. They usually have some idea of what they want, and the Revolution’s 1985 music video but then Larry refines the idea, and they end up with for “Raspberry Beret,” getting plenty a Larry Breedlove work of art on their wall, and maybe of airtime in the hands of guitar player they don’t even realize it. He spent so much time with Wendy Melvoin. Prince also played the those little things, stripping away the complication of guitar in a video for the song “4 The it and really presenting the important elements. I’ve Tears in Your Eyes,” which aired during always admired that, especially with inlay work. And the worldwide concert broadcast of inlay is so difficult because it’s not just a painting; it Live Aid in 1985. Even though Prince has to work with the negative space. had insisted that the guitar be made without the Taylor name on the head- Larry is the voice of reason, he’s the voice of stock, Taylor’s PR person at the time encouragement…he’s the voice that people will go made sure the guitar magazines knew to and listen to, and he knows how to get the best out it was a Taylor. That led to a blue guitar of someone, like technical people who come in know- Purple that attracted considerable attention “Along with Bob, I consider him to be one of the ing engineering. He knows how to soften them up. He 12-string within the industry. Soon, calls were greatest influences of my career,” he says. “He does knows how to take that raw engineering talent and Jumbo made coming in from other artists interested great things, but he doesn’t really announce it — and I apply common sense, some art to it, because there’s for Prince in stage-friendly colored acoustics and respect that a lot.” the technical side, and then there’s the softer art side, custom inlay work, including Kenny Ed and Larry would work more closely together and then there’s the reality of everyday production. He Loggins, who ordered a blue Jumbo during the transition in production to Taylor’s NT neck, also knows how important it is to listen to folks who 12-string, Jeff Cook from Alabama, who since Larry was a neck and body expert who was on actually do the job every day and apply what they’re ordered a green Dreadnought for a the design team, and Ed was enlisted to analyze the saying to your designs here. That’s where he and I Christmas album, and Billy Idol guitarist process and oversee quality assurance. Larry recom- have been really in line. So, he does a good job of Steve Stevens, who ordered a black mended him to become part of the product develop- mentoring folks in that sense, because he’s a doer. He Jumbo with an atomic energy inlay ment team, and the two have worked together on the hasn’t just been a designer sitting behind a drafting scheme. The colors and inlays would team ever since. They even carpooled to work for a table. He’s actually done the whole thing. soon become standardized as part of while, giving them extra time to talk about life and Taylor’s Artist Series, and become a work. We asked Ed to share some thoughts about the A couple of years ago we were at the NAMM catalyst for boosting Taylor’s profile impact that Larry has had on him personally and others Show, and someone came up to Larry and said some- in the guitar world. at Taylor over the years. thing about him being a titan of the industry. I remem- For his part, Larry looks back on ber being with him and feeling like a little puppy dog some of those early hand-painted There was a while when I was drawing inlays for because he was just walking around, and everybody guitars with a bemused mix of pride some commemorative models with Larry, and what he knew him, and I’m thinking, wow, I get to know Larry and embarrassment at the novelty taught me and others is to go too far with it, because every day. appeal of the guitars. you won’t know if you’ve gotten there until you’ve gone

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“It definitely opened doors for us,” Working with Bob Bob feels that as a designer, Larry basis for the Breedlove CM guitar.) He he says. “I remember when we did the As Larry reflects on his creative has a knack for refined simplicity. also sketched an unusual two-piece very first one thinking, this is kind of relationship with Bob over the years, “We learned how to make simple bridge design. cool — wouldn’t it be neat if we could he emphasizes that he has always silhouettes of shapes be pretty “It was really just a doodle concept,” do another one — and the next thing considered Bob the guitar maker. because of the architecture of the he says. “It was all based on the con- David Hosler on you know people did want another one, “He’s really the passionate guitar curve,” he says. “I think a problem that cept of one part holding the strings, Larry Breedlove and we were like, oh crap, now what person,” Larry insists. “I’m just a guy some designers run into is when they and the other part holding the saddle.” We’ve tossed around do we do?” who likes to make cool things, and stop before it’s done, or keep going Bob even helped Larry build the term “applied cre- The Artist Series did give birth to guitar making happened to fit into that after it’s done and mess it up.” some of the tooling for his new guitar ativity” here for a while. a decidedly more iconic design from really well for me. Everything about designs. Larry says his original idea Larry has been a won- Larry: Taylor’s modern bridge. the craft of designing and putting was to make a guitar a week. But the derful example of that. “I came in one day and that bridge small pieces together into a cumula- Taking a Break plan grew into something bigger when He can take his creativity was designed,” recalls Bob Taylor. “And tive result is incredibly compelling, and In 1990, Larry decided that he he agreed to go into business with and put it into the form every time we made a guitar with that doing it well, that’s what’s important needed to leave Taylor. Steve Henderson, a Taylor employee that’s necessary for the bridge it sounded better, so we decid- to me. I think for the most part Bob “It had less to do with what I was with whom Larry had built some furni- moment. Around here, ed to put it on all our guitars.” trusted my common sense and [knew] doing than what I wasn’t doing,” he ture on the side. great things don’t neces- Larry took on more custom inlay that my decisions were based not just explains. “And what I wasn’t doing was “Immediately it went from me out sarily come from pure design work during this period. In addi- on emotion but on sound reasoning.” what I thought was my art. I’d gotten on my own making a few guitars here engineers or from pure tion to color finishes on guitars, he Bob agrees. my graduate degree, and I was sitting and there to now I’m a company,” Larry artists. When those skill began to work with modern inlay mate- “What I appreciate most about my on this portfolio of work that meant recalls. “And Steve was married and sets are combined either rials like ColorCore to expand his pal- work with Larry over the years is that something to me. I wanted to find out had a family. I hadn’t even decided yet within a team or within ette of color options. An early example it’s never been hard,” he says. “Even what I could do with this stuff.” where I was going to move, but it had individuals, you end up of that was a custom fretboard inlay when it’s hard work, it’s never hard He decided to return to the Pacific to be somewhere they would be happy.” with Taylor Guitars, and he designed for Edie Brickell, based because we’re happy to chase the Northwest, where he showed his furni- They decided to set up shop as Larry brought both skill on drawings in the liner notes of one design, and most of that is Larry.” ture work to architects. Breedlove Guitars in Bend, Oregon. sets in a very unique of her albums. He would often redraw Bob says that when it comes to “The typical response was, ‘You Bob Taylor would lend his support in way. Larry’s may be the artwork provided by an artist. One collaborative design, the best results make nice stuff, but it’s not complete,’” another substantial way: He outsourced more in the artistic vein, of his favorite custom designs was a come from a safe creative environ- he recalls. “It’s kind of like a guy who Taylor’s repair and service work to but he also understands peghead inlay for a guitar for Laurence ment, where neither person feels comes in showing a guitar he made them, a temporary solution for both. tools and applies these Juber, which was based on a tattoo of defensive. and says, ‘I’m ready to start a guitar It lightened the burden of in-house ideas well. There’s not a peacock on his wife’s ankle. “I’ve always felt like I’ve been in a company.’ No, you’re not. You may be service for Bob, and helped Larry and really a course that’s “I saw Laurence a couple of years safe place with Larry,” he adds. “We able to make a nice guitar, but you Steve pay the bills and establish them- taught on how to be this ago and he told me that’s still his favor- both want it to be good, and we know don’t have your act together yet.” selves. person. You either are ite guitar,” Larry says. “The cool thing is we’re going to make tooling for it. That As Larry pondered how to proceed, “The first couple of years were that way or you’re not. If seeing how delicate you can get. Along means the design has to be right, and Bob reminded him that he could always pretty hard,” Larry remembers. “Luckily you are, and if someone with it being great design to begin with, we’re both willing to accept that. We make guitars on the side to stay afloat we had the repair service. That got our like Bob Taylor gives what made that one work was how fine can’t just get tired of it and start this financially. Larry sketched out some foot in the door with dealers, too. So you the opportunity, you some of the parts were.” massive amount of work, and then design ideas that were radically differ- it was easy to get a small dealership flourish, like Larry has. Taylor’s acquisition of computer- have it not be right. I think we both ent from the Taylor aesthetic, including network going.” Bob to take the repair service back, Taylor during that time, his aesthetic all this stuff at my request, and we’d talk “I’d like to think of myself as some- for 17 cents a can every day, thinking, I controlled mills and lasers would even- understand that down deep, and I also an acoustic body based on an electric Between repairing Taylors and build- focused on their production, and hired sensibility had made an impact on Bob, about it. To find out if it was big enough one who understands everything that it need to figure out how you can make a tually make Larry’s artwork much easier think we both kind of speak to each guitar design he’d created with Taylor ing Breedloves, Larry was consumed a few employees. Terry Myers joined and it crystallized with the GA design. we’d have to make it bigger and bigger takes to come up with a good design, living doing this. I wanted to make gui- to produce. other on the same level.” employee Terry Myers. (It would be the with the business. He and Steve asked them, and eventually, Larry’s brother “The GA was the first guitar that I until we knew it was too big.” then make it production-friendly, get it tar building a profession that provided Kim began the process of relocating designed where I consciously remem- Asked what he’s proudest of at Tay- out the door, and make an impact on income to people, because it doesn’t his family from Virginia to also join the ber that I’d hit my design sense,” Bob lor, Larry says he thinks less of specific the market,” he says. “A couple of peo- automatically do that. I’m thrilled about company. Although the guitars were says. “It took me 20 years to come up designs or accomplishments, and more ple have mentioned my name in having that, and I’m thrilled for Larry. He’s such Right: Taylor’s colored well received within the industry, Larry with what I felt a beautiful guitar looks in terms of the resilient mentality that that type of vision, and it all comes from a huge part of the history of Taylor up maple/spruce Artist Series; wasn’t happy with the way things had like.” enabled the company to overcome its working with Bob.” to this point. As far as the guitars go, Far right: Contoured progressed. One of the projects Larry under- many hurdles and growing pains and For his part, Bob feels a deep kin- right up there at the hugest. It’s a very armrest designed by Larry “I loved Bend,” he says, “but things took upon his return was to refine the achieve success. ship with Larry as a fellow builder who short list of the super contributors. I feel for Taylor’s Presentation had become everything I didn’t want. lines of the other Taylor body shapes, “Bob and Kurt had been struggling had the right temperament to help the he was my guitar-building partner.” Series and custom models We had five employees, and I hadn’t especially the inherited shapes like the to find their place for nine years when I company establish itself. Larry and his wife Karen will both made a single piece of art during my Dreadnought and Jumbo, to create a came aboard, and it seems like starting “We were content to be guitar be retiring at the same time. They Opposite page: time up there. My relationship with family resemblance among them all. By in 1984 and ’85 there was this sud- builders, and it was hard to be a guitar recently purchased a house in the San From sketch to inlay Steve had deteriorated. I don’t begrudge that time, the laser had become a useful den burst that projected us to the point builder then,” he says. “We cut wood, Juan Islands and are looking forward (clockwise from far left): doing any of it, but the bummer was tool for prototyping. where we immediately outgrew our we went home covered in sawdust to living there full-time with their three Custom design for a “We’d make these kind of ‘paper shop in Lemon Grove,” he says. “Then every day for years on end. But what dogs and seven parrots. Karen plans to customer who asked for that by the time Kim had sold his house a vine incorporating a and moved out, I was about ready to doll’ models,” Bob remembers. “Larry the demands on us were huge, and we was nice was that the first core group pursue her painting and photography, white lily for his daughter leave.” would glue a neck onto a piece of ply- found ways to meet them. To be part of had somehow figured out this was our and looks forward to raising chickens and a Cancer crab (zodiac Larry had also reconnected with a wood that had the purflings etched into that process, going from something that lot in life.” for eggs; Larry says he’s excited about sign) for himself; parrot former interest — and eventual wife — it, the bridge, the soundhole cut out, a small to where we are now, is just phe- Bob says he knows he’ll feel sad getting his art studio set up once he design; forklift motif for Karen, in San Diego, which gave him a rosette in, a pickguard on. It would be nomenal. We aren’t just another guitar when Larry leaves, but he’s happy that settles in. Taylor’s pallet guitar, compelling reason to return. He moved the size and the shape of a guitar so company. And whatever my contribu- Larry has been able to develop a suc- “I’ve gotten back on the potter’s crafted with wood from a back and rejoined Taylor in 1994, it was a real thing, not just a drawing. tion in there, design-wise or not, or just cessful career building guitars at Taylor. wheel, and I love it,” he says. “Between shipping pallet; figures for along with Terry Myers (who’d returned He’d put them in my office, and I would the mentality of the company, is really “It’s pretty cool that Larry can enjoy that and building some furniture, I’ve a custom guitar made for earlier), and says he’s glad that he did. train myself to notice what I thought fulfilling.” a legitimate retirement from guitar build- got stuff to do.” Edie Brickell, based on her While Larry had been gone, Bob had about it when I wasn’t thinking about it. Larry says he’s been flattered by the ing,” he says. “That’s actually one of the Just don’t expect him to build any album artwork designed a new body shape, the Grand That impression right there is probably respect he’s been given throughout the things that I wanted to happen when I guitars on the side this time around. Auditorium, to celebrate Taylor’s 20th what drove Larry to make 40 versions of industry for his accomplishments over was twenty-something years old, poorer anniversary. Although Larry wasn’t at every shape we did. So Larry would do the years. than church mice, eating tomato soup Freedom of Expression

Taylor’s breakthrough Expression System 2 pickup liberates the piezo and unlocks a dynamic new dimension of amplified acoustic tone

By Jim Kirlin

Last issue we introduced Taylor’s new Expression System® 2 (ES2) acoustic pickup as one of many new

tone-enhancing components of our redesigned 800 Series. The ES2’s breakthrough design — now officially

patented — literally turned the piezo pickup on its side, relocating it from its traditional position beneath a

guitar’s saddle to behind it in order to better capture the energy of a guitar’s strings and wood components.

The 800s were a fitting place to debut the pickup, says lead developer David Hosler.

“I don’t think any other pickup would be able to show off those tonal refinements in an amplified setting,”

Hosler says.

Beyond the 800s, the ES2 represents an exciting new electronics platform for the amplification of other

Taylor acoustic models moving forward. The pickup is currently being installed as the standard acoustic

electronics package on Taylor 500 Series models and up, along with our 2014 Spring Limited Editions (see

page 8). It’s also an option through our custom program. Eventually it will be added to other acoustic/electric

models in the Taylor line.

As promised, this issue we bring you a closer look into its development. We’ll highlight its standout char-

acteristics, reveal the R&D that went into its design and in-house production, and share feedback from art-

ists, sound engineers and others who have had a chance to experience the ES2 in a real-world setting.

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et’s start with a simple truth: “I asked him to rout a slot right all pickup manufacturers are seasoned the pickup, which are visible between he says. “There’s nothing in the wood Amplifying an acoustic guitar behind the saddle and take a pickup, guitar builders. So they’re trying to fig- the saddle and the bridge pins, enable that is directly going into that pickup. If L isn’t easy. For one thing, an turn it sideways, and shove it down in ure out some way to make something the calibration of the pressure. Loos- you could see the world the way that acoustic guitar body by design already there and see what happens,” Hosler that works and that a guitar manu- ening the screws tilts the sensors pickup does, everything would be invis- The “Cutting Edge” of Amplified Tone is an amplifier, so any pickup is essen- says. “All of a sudden we had twice the facturer will put on a guitar. We don’t away from the saddle, decreasing the ible unless it were made out of metal. One of the qualities of amplified acoustic guitar tone that tially trying to amplify an amplifier. And output, and it balanced perfectly. Actu- think like that. I’ve been studying and pressure and diminishing the ampli- Well, the way it works is that the sound makes it easier to hear in a live, ensemble setting is its ability to as Taylor Master Luthier Andy Powers ally, the first prototype went in one of building guitars a lot longer than I’ve fied output. The pickup pressures are of the resonating wood goes back into cut through a mix with other instruments. David Hosler elaborates explained in last issue’s story on the Jason Mraz’s guitars, and it stayed in been studying and building pickups. factory set when the unit is installed. the strings. So the vibrating strings go on what that “cutting” quality means in the context of the ES2’s 800 Series, a guitar is a complex net- there for almost a year and a half.” Our honest advantage in a lot of these Hosler says no additional adjustment to the body, the body resonates and design. work of vibrating parts. When Hosler returned to the States, things is exactly that: We think, how should be necessary unless the saddle sends that energy back through the “Because of where we’re capturing the sound, there’s a front For several decades now, the lead- he did more testing. He went back and does this guitar actually work? How do is being moved or replaced. bridge into the strings…and back to the edge to the sound,” he says. “It doesn’t occur as radically to ing pickup technologies used to amplify looked at laser images of soundboard the strings work? How do these things pickup. That’s how you can hear the dif- your naked ear on an acoustic instrument even though it’s there. acoustic guitars for live performance, movement from some of the original happen?” A Dynamic Approach ferent types of wood in electric guitars. Because we’re capturing that front edge in a plugged-in situa- aside from playing into a microphone, ES research and conducted additional Hosler shared his research with Although the ES2’s piezo sensors It’s the same with an acoustic guitar. tion, it pushes the guitar sound forward in the mix. It’s not mushy have been piezo and magnetic sys- research on string vibration, which con- Bob Taylor, who greenlighted the next aren’t magnetic like the original Expres- The energy from the vibrating strings either, like a typical under-saddle transducer often can be. An tems, which might include an internal firmed that the saddle not only wasn’t phase of development: the design of sion System and use the saddle as a goes to the saddle and into the top, under-saddle transducer also can get so distorted on that front microphone or a surface-mounted piezo bouncing up and down, but it was over- a behind-the-saddle pickup assem- source point instead of the soundboard and the energy from the top goes back edge that after a while you don’t want to listen to it anymore contact sensor. A piezo pickup incorpo- compressing the piezo, effectively lock- bly. Hosler enlisted Taylor’s longtime and neck, Hosler says the way they via the saddle to the strings.” because it fatigues you.” rates piezoelectric crystals that gener- ing it down under 60 pounds of string industrial design guru, Matt Guzzetta work is similar. The key, Hosler says, is accurately Hosler says the lack of cut is one of the things that can make ate voltage in response to changes in tension. (profiled in our fall 2012 issue), whose “Like the original ES, this system harnessing the direction of travel of the playing into a microphone in a live setting problematic. pressure. (The word piezo derives from More laser imaging followed, this involvement would be his last major is completely dynamic,” he explains. “If waves at the point of interaction and in “It isn’t just the feedback issue; it’s because you’re not getting the Greek word piezein, meaning to time focusing specifically on the sad- design project before retiring. Together, anything, this pickup is probably better the proper orientation of the flow. that edge of that sound,” he explains. “You’re getting the sound press or squeeze.) The usual location dle’s movement. It was able to measure they worked to design a mechanism to from a pure function and theory point of “Think of it like this,” he suggests: of the guitar, but it’ll easily get buried in a mix if that cutting edge for piezos has been under the saddle its back-and-forth rocking motion. hold the piezo crystals in place directly view because it really is capturing what “If you’re out surfing and you want to isn’t there. Sound systems and mixing engineers like that front in order to capture the saddle’s move- “That was important, Hosler says. behind the saddle, enabling them to the whole top is doing, and how the catch a wave, it doesn’t do much good edge. It is something more common to our plugged-in experience ment in response to the strings. While “Rupert [Neve] used to say to me all the lightly contact it, with the top of the top is working together with the strings. to paddle parallel to the shore. So if for sure. I think people are used to hearing that when they plug piezo pickups were widely adopted time, ‘David, you may have a theory, but unit flush with the top of the bridge. The saddle is in essence the focal point we can capture things the way they in.” in the 1970s and onward, the knock to measure is to know.’ Now we know Because the saddle moves as a whole, of the entire guitar.” are actually flowing, we have a truly During the beta testing phase of the ES2, Hosler went to see on them has been their tendency to what the saddle actually does.” Hosler says, it wasn’t necessary to He uses the way an electric guitar’s dynamic pickup.” Taylor Customer Service Manager Glen Wolff’s country band have a bright, thin and harsh character, In his office, Hosler pulls up one of have an individual piezo sensor for magnetic pickup works to illustrate how That’s why the new pickup design play at a local venue. One of the acoustic guitars used during the which often requires the use of preamp the imaging videos on his computer to each string. A three-pronged assembly the saddle can capture so much of doesn’t need a body sensor: It’s show was equipped with the new pickup. EQ conditioning to warm up the tone. illustrate his point. The video shows the holds three sensors, each of which is what the guitar is doing. already sensing the body movement “I just stood in the back,” Hosler says, “and the guitar was Piezos can also be difficult to balance results of an A string being plucked. positioned between a different pair of “Electric players will say, ‘When through the saddle in the direction of cutting through the mix and had a sound I didn’t expect to hear. It to get a linear response, as almost “Notice how the A string is moving strings (E/A - D/G - B/E). One of the I’m playing I can really hear the sound the motion of the traveling waves. was really cool.” any guitar technician will attest. As a the saddle over here,” he says. “What’s patented design elements is a mecha- of that alder’ — or whatever wood — “That was the revelation that turned former repair technician himself, David interesting is the fact that the saddle nism that allows for adjustment of the and the question is, how do you hear our thinking — and ultimately the pick- Hosler remembers supervising Taylor’s isn’t moving just in one place.” He pressure of each sensor against the it, because those magnetic pickups Final Assembly department back in the opens another video file that shows the saddle. Three Allen screws located on don’t know that the wood is there,” continued on next page late 1990s and the daily challenges of effect of an open G string’s vibration. installing under-saddle piezo pickups. “The entire saddle is moving.” Another “Balancing those pickups was driv- video confirms that there is very little ing us nuts,” he recalls. “It made it really vertical movement from the saddle, hard to get guitars out the door.” aside from the whole top moving. It Magnetic pickups capture vibra- begged the question of why an under- Small-Scale Robotic Assembly tion — usually incorporating a guitar’s saddle piezo ever worked in the first One of Taylor’s strengths as a production-scale manufacturer is the ability to steel strings — through a magnetic field. place. produce a guitar with great precision, efficiency and consistency. Our investment When Taylor first began researching “We figured out that the sound of a in high-tech tooling — computer-controlled mills and lasers, robotic applications pickup technology to explore the pos- typical under-saddle pickup was actu- for spraying and buffing finish, digitally-programmed, automated sidebenders, sibility of developing its own pickup ally coming from it shearing back and to name a few — led our product development team in a fresh direction in order system back around 2000, Hosler forth with the saddle movement,” Hosler to produce the ES2 in house: small-scale robotics. It was a logical solution for chose a magnetic platform — largely says. “We realized that if you can keep executing the intricate assembly process required to produce Matt Guzzetta’s to escape the shortcomings of piezo the crystals relaxed they’ll respond more pickup design, which required copper to be folded around the part of the pickup pickups — and pursued an onboard naturally, in a more linear way.” assembly that holds the piezo crystals. Taylor’s David Hosler with a new 816e, which features the ES2. “It should never be about the pickup,” he says. system that could capture a guitar’s I ask Hosler why he thinks this “The copper acts like both a conductor and a shield,” Hosler explains. “Part “It’s really meant to be invisible so the guitar is the star.” richness and detail in a way similar to discovery hadn’t previously been made of the challenge of folding the copper around the assembly is that the copper is a studio-grade microphone. Hosler and given how long piezo pickups have rigid, plus it has conductive adhesive glue on it, and the minute I pull the back- Taylor’s development team reached out been around. He offers two thoughts. ing paper off of it, I can’t touch it. We started thinking, how do they fold paper to outside experts to better understand “The ES gave us a lot of advan- He was looking at the saddle on a gui- pened to be looking at the saddle on a “As Bob Taylor has said around the around a stick of gum?” how a guitar’s soundboard moves, tages,” Hosler says, “mostly because tar, and for some reason it triggered a guitar and thought, if that’s true, and if factory, people ground corn on a wheel The development team eventually purchased a pair of Epson 3-axis robots, measuring that movement using sophis- it’s a dynamic system, which means it memory of working for the circus when there’s a wave travelling up and down flat on the ground for a thousand years which feature an articulated arm that can maneuver in small areas and effectively ticated laser imaging. He ended up actually works with the guitar itself.” he was a young man. the string, then the saddle isn’t bounc- until one day someone said, ‘Why don’t assemble the pickup “sandwich.” working closely with pro audio design Since its debut in 2003, the ES, “We used to put the tent up all the ing; it’s rocking. If that’s the case, we we stand it up?’ and it rolled,” Hosler “The robots were the key to locating everything accurately,” Hosler says. legend Rupert Neve, and the eventual like our guitars, has continued to evolve time,” he explains. “The tent would be should be able to move the pickup from says. “As to why that thought occurs… Taylor’s David Judd went to Epson to learn the programming language for the result was the groundbreaking Expres- in order to better serve the needs of flat on the ground, and after driving the under the saddle to behind it, and we in my case I was thinking about circus robot and then came back and wrote the programs. As of our press deadline, sion System, an integrated pickup that players in different playing scenarios. tent stakes in we would pull it up by should have more output energy.” stuff,” he laughs. the team was working on programming the robot to load the crystals into place, incorporated magnetic body and string Hosler says the initial germ of the idea applying tension to the support poles. I Since he didn’t have all the tools he His second thought underscores which would essentially automate the entire assembly process. sensors and a studio-grade preamp to for the ES2 came a few years ago, started thinking about what really hap- needed to test his theory in Amsterdam, Taylor’s integrated approach to pickup “We’re shooting to be able to manufacture 1,000 pickups a day,” Hosler says. produce as natural and transparent an when he was in Amsterdam working pens when I put tension on the pole. Hosler called David Judd, a veteran of design. amplified tone as possible, in a warm, to get Taylor’s repair center fully estab- The pole doesn’t go down because it’s Taylor’s product development team, “We think of these things because high-fidelity package. lished at our European headquarters. anchored. It rocks back and forth. I hap- back at the Taylor factory in El Cajon. we’re guitar makers first,” he says. “Not 22 www.taylorguitars.com 2123

see what you’re adding to it.’ Nothing. the end, if the pickup sticks out sound- Everything was being run flat.” wise, we really haven’t accomplished Hedden’s colleague, Nolan Rossi, the greatest good that we can hope who manned the console next to the for. Andy’s current design of the 800s stage, was also impressed. Refining the Preamp and all of our future guitar designs Using the ES2 “It was that familiar piezo sound, Another aspect of the ES2’s development was the design have an even better chance of success The Expression System 2 was designed with plug-and-play but improved,” he shared afterward. “It of the preamp. if the pickup can show off the guitar simplicity in mind. Below are some basic tips on how to use it. sounded more dynamic and detailed. I “We spent as much time on that as the pickup itself,” says when it’s plugged in. That’s the goal.” For more details, consult the Tech Sheet that comes in the case also appreciated the consistency David Hosler. “The sound architecture of the preamp is just as with the guitar or download it at taylorguitars.com/support. between guitars. That made it easier important.” Danny Rader for us to have artists switch between As Hosler and his electronics team, led by expert preamp Nashville-based guitarist/multi- Guitar Cable multiple guitars while using the same designer Trenton Blizzard, worked to calibrate its nuances, instrumentalist Danny Rader is an Because of its different design circuitry, an ES2-equipped channel on the consoles.” Hosler enlisted his friend, guitarist and producer Jim “Kimo” in-demand session and stage musi- guitar should be plugged in using a standard quarter-inch The response among deal- West, a longtime Taylor player (514ce) who has recorded and cian. He’s currently on tour with Keith cable, not the balanced TRS to XLR cable used for the ers has also been favorable. Some toured with Weird Al Yankovic since the mid-’80s. West is also Urban and has also played alongside magnetic ES. You’ll want to plug into a DI (Direct Input) box to had a chance to preview it at our a prolific Hawaiian slack key player who has released several or on recordings for Jason Aldean, convert to a balanced signal for long runs to a mixer or snake. dealer events held at the Taylor fac- solo albums and performs regularly. His versatile skills as a Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and tory throughout 2013, while others player, his ear for recording and live sound, and his attention to Lady Antebellum, among many others. Tone Controls had their first taste at NAMM. Brian detail made him a useful sounding board for Hosler. A longtime Taylor player and a fan of Like the magnetic ES, three soft-touch tone control knobs Meader, sales manager at the Guitar “Jim was really helpful,” Hosler says. “He’s a fabulous play- the original Expression System, he located on the bass side of the upper bout give you easy, Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, and er, and I think from the very beginning he understood what we had a chance to sample some of Andy accurate control of your amplified tone. The knob closest to formerly of Washington Music Center were trying to accomplish and what we needed him to do.” Powers’ 800 Series prototypes with the soundboard is the volume control, the middle knob is the in Wheaton, Maryland, has been selling West had also performed with the magnetic ES on stage the ES2 and felt the amplified tone treble control, and the knob closest to the back is the bass Taylors since 1992. He shared his early for years, so he was able to offer a comparative perspective compared favorably with the acoustic control. All three have a center detent, which you’ll be able to assessment of the new pickup after the with the ES2. His first exposure to the new pickup at the Taylor tone he’s able to get in recording ses- feel as you rotate the knobs. For the bass and treble knobs, Winter NAMM Show based on hearing factory made a strong first impression. sions. He ended up getting the ES2 the center position indicates the “off” or “flat” mode. For the it with the new 800 Series. He offered “I thought the concept was really good,” he says, “and I installed in some of his existing mod- volume knob, center is the midway point. his thoughts compared to the magnetic thought it was a really focused sound.” Hosler sent him home els, including two rosewood/spruce system. with a 514ce equipped with the new pickup, the latest version Dreadnoughts and a pair of rosewood/ Shaping Your Tone Three Allen screws enable proper calibration of each sensor’s pressure “The [magnetic] ES has more of of the preamp, and a tool to swap it out for subsequent proto- spruce 12-strings (a Jumbo and a Turning the bass or treble knobs clockwise past the center against the saddle in Taylor’s Final Assembly department. Once the an open, miked tone, and it really does types that Hosler would send him. One of the first things West Grand Auditorium). detent will add bass or treble; turning them counterclock- pressures are factory set, no further adjustment should be required what it was set out to do,” Meader says. did was record it with a studio microphone and then direct “The ES2 is definitely the most wise past the center detent will reduce the bass or treble. unless the saddle is being moved or replaced. “It takes away the issues of compres- with the pickup to create an A/B comparison. He suggested natural-sounding pickup I’ve played To adjust the midrange, simply turn both the bass and treble sion and distortion that you typically a few minor refinements relating to the overall tonal balance. through,” Rader says. “Most of my knobs accordingly — boosting the bass and treble together get with an under-the-saddle pickup. Another tweak was an adjustment to boost the output level acoustic work is done in sessions in will effectively reduce the midrange in relation to the frequency up — on its side,” Hosler says. “This is magnetic and piezo sensors, and that But it does lack that kind of cut that I compared to the magnetic version of the ES. West also stage- studios with world-class mikes/pre- boost; cutting the bass and treble together and increasing the as dynamic as the body sensor on the both produce great amplified acoustic think most people are listening for. The tested the guitar and each new iteration of the preamp in his amps, so going to a pickup through volume control will boost the midrange. magnetic Expression System. And it’s tone. But they agree that the plug-and- reality is that the larger guitar-buying live shows. in-ear monitors on stage can be a Danny Rader on stage with his ES2-equipped GA8e-12 simpler overall — fewer parts, a little play simplicity of the ES2 will be easier public has never miked their acoustic “As we got closer and closer I was getting happier and huge drag. But, honestly, the new ES2 Setting Proper Volume/Tone Levels less weight.” He adds that it’s also for live sound technicians to work with guitar and chances are will never mike happier with it on stage,” he says. “Even though the original feels so much like a mike that it really highly resistant to feedback. and more broadly compatible with a their acoustic guitar. They’ve only ever Expression System sounds fabulous, I felt for my playing that isn’t much of a transition anymore. He rattles off a flurry of different pickup Zane sampled a few different 800 1. Turn all three control knobs on the guitar to the Andy Powers points out that loca- wide range of live music scenarios. plugged it in through an under-the- the notes through the ES2 seemed to ring a little truer; there’s I run mine through a Fishman Aura types and brands he’s tried over the Series models and loved the voicing center detent position. tion of the ES2 pickup is more consis- “In the right environment the mag- saddle pickup and into an amplifier, and a little more purity in the sound.” Spectrum DI, and it sounds like a mil- years — magnetic over-the-soundhole nuances of each shape. He found 2. Turn the volume knob on your amplifier or mixer all the tent from one body shape to the next, netic ES works wonderfully well,” Andy they’re used to a certain tone and a West says that for a solo acoustic scenario, the magnetic lion bucks. I love it.” pickups, piezos, piezo/internal mike that the 810e responded best to his way down, and then plug in the guitar. compared to the more variable nature says. “But in a larger context it’s a little certain level of cut.” ES has a “smooth, buttery” quality that he likes a lot, but that combos — but says he hadn’t found dynamic playing style, especially when 3. Set the tone controls on your amp/mixer to flat or a of the magnetic ES’s body sensor different from what a sound engineer Meader feels the ES2 is likely to the ES2 seems to fit better with other instruments. Zane Carney anything that he felt properly conveyed he was digging in with a pick. He’s had neutral position. placement. has been used to dealing with when have a broader appeal in a variety of “I think the original ES has a little more of a complex tone, Guitarist, singer and songwriter his different acoustic textures. one for a few months now and loves 4. Slowly raise the amp or mixer volume to a comfortable “The body sensor of magnetic it comes to acoustic guitars. In some live scenarios. whereas the ES2 seems to have more focus, and more cut, Zane Carney is a talented and versatile “The sound is important to me plugging in. level, and then use the tone controls on your guitar to ES is meant to capture movement of cases people were using it in a way that “I think it’s going to sound much and I think it has something to do with the purity of the tone,” player whose recent credits include the because the songs I write involve pretty “This is the best pickup system I’ve shape the tone to your taste. a very specific vibrating spot on the emphasized its magnetic, almost electric more in the wheelhouse of what those he elaborates. “I found the high notes to be just a little more Broadway musical Spider Man: Turn intricate guitar parts,” he explains. “It’s ever used by about a hundred times,” guitar, and that spot can move around guitar-like quality. At times it can be people are going to want,” he says. clear and bell-like. In that respect this system seems to be Off the Dark as a member of the pit like what John Mayer does on a song he says. “With this pickup, I can go Battery Usage a tiny bit from guitar to guitar,” he hard for a sound person to know how to “And it’ll be really simple: plug in and simpler. And sometimes, like when you’re mixing music, simpler orchestra. (His brother Reeve starred like ‘Stop This Train,’ where the [acous- from angling my pick on the side to Like the magnetic version of the Expression System, the ES2 explains. “What you end up hearing properly fit it into their mix.” listen to it. It conquers those classic is better.” as Peter Parker for the first 2-1/2 years tic] guitar is an important part of the going straight to a flatpick to chopping incorporates a 9-volt battery, which should provide 40-50 with the ES2 is more of a summation under-the-saddle pickup issues, and it’s West thinks that players and sound engineers will also of the production.) He and Reeve also song. My songs have fingerpicking — I it with my wrist to pulling off, and it hours of plugged-in use. The pickup is in an “off” state until of the whole guitar package. It’s a very Early Reactions really accurate to the guitar, but it has a appreciate the functional simplicity of the system. have their own critically acclaimed band, mix between my thumb and fingers — picks up all those nuances as opposed the guitar is plugged-in, which activates the preamp. An LED cohesive sonic picture of what the Taylor’s performance stage at the little bit more cut. A lot of Taylor players “The plug-and-play aspect is really valuable,” he says. “You Carney, and Zane was handpicked by and all those nuances are lost when I to being one uniform piezo sound. battery life indicator is located inside the soundhole on the guitar is doing.” Winter NAMM Show proved to be a are playing their guitars in a live music can just plug it into a DI box and it’s great.” John Mayer to play on his most recent play a piezo pickup.” That’s so important to me because the preamp circuit board. Unplug the guitar when you’re not Like the original ES, the ES2 fea- strong showcase for the ES2. Many setting, in a worship music setting, in West even started to use the direct signal of the pickup as album and current world tour. Zane had an epiphany at the Winter nuances are where I like to live.” playing or between sets to prolong the battery life. tures the same volume and tone control acts played our new 800 Series guitars a band setting, and so having it cut a source for his studio recordings after his initial A/B testing. While Zane owns a 314ce and NAMM Show when he stopped by the He found that it even sounds good knobs. The preamp is different, with a (see our NAMM Show report on page through the mix is going to be a real “I typically never use a direct signal when I record, but played an NS74ce for Spider Man, he Taylor room while another act, JOHN- when a venue’s sound system isn’t Phase Switch gain structure that’s about 25 percent 24), enabling the ES2 to be heard in dif- crucial thing for them.” because of this system, I started using it mixed with the mike,” also owns a couple of vintage acoustics NYSWIM, was performing, with guitarist great. A phase switch is located on the side of the circuit board hotter, which produces an output level ferent performance configurations, from For all the design work that Hosler he explains. “It all came from when I was first testing it. I usu- that he often favored for his own music, Abner Ramirez playing an 812e 12-Fret. “I played it straight into this really inside the guitar (accessible through the soundhole). This will that’s more in line with other pickups. solo acoustic to full band with a mix of and Taylor’s development team have ally use a stereo mike setup, so on my Christmas CD, I record- although he admits that the sound of “I was blown away by the tone I was junky PA system at an art show, and it help reduce low-frequency feedback should it occur in a live In comparing the amplified tonal acoustic guitar and other instruments. invested in the ES2 project, he says the ed with two mikes and used the third channel for the direct the pickups he used with them had hearing,” he says. Zane immediately cor- sounded amazing,” he says. situation. If so, changing the phase on either the guitar or your qualities of the original ES to the ES2, David Hosler paid close attention. driving goal is for the player to forget and mixed some of that in there, and it definitely improved the caused him to all but give up on playing nered Andy Powers to learn the secret. Zane was looking forward to play- amplifier should reduce the problem. both Hosler and Andy tend to deflect “To me the proof of the pickup’s about the pickup and simply be able to sound.” acoustic guitar live. “I said, ‘What preamp are you going ing the 810e with Mayer on the spring the argument of which pickup sounds capabilities was what we heard in the plug in and play. “I’ve never enjoyed the [amplified] through? Are you using the modeling leg of his world tour. better. They think of the two systems room,” he says. “I was standing next to “It should never be about the pick- sound,” he says. “I’m someone who, if thing? Is there a mike inside there?’ He “I can’t imagine playing another as each having their own unique sonic [sound engineer] Aaron Hedden when up,” he emphasizes. “It’s really meant to the tone isn’t inspiring, I sound like I’m told me it was just the guitar into the DI, acoustic guitar live at this point.” character traits due to their respective he was mixing, and I said, ‘OK, let’s be invisible so the guitar is the star. In not even a professional guitar player.” and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’” 16 www.taylorguitars.com 2125

Anaheim, California including Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, organic acoustic performance, featuring captivated the room with her poise, honeyed three-part harmonies, with gui- January 23-26 beautiful voice and well-crafted tunes. tarist Dan Schwartz driving the rhythm Winter NAMM 2014 Next up was Vicci Martinez, a runner- on an 818e. Prompted for an encore up in the first season of NBC’s The by the crowd as they finished their set, Voice, who had brought her 510ce to the band obliged with an intimate cover play, but after sampling the new 800s, of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Cecilia” in opted for an 814ce. Her powerhouse the middle of the room surrounded and vocals made for a soul-stirring set of accompanied by the audience. originals, plus a cover of the Dolly On Saturday, singer-songwriter Parton classic “Jolene.” Closing out the Ben Rector opened with a humor- day was Johnnyswim, featuring laced solo set in which he played a the husband-and-wife duo of Abner new 812ce (“This guitar sounds great, Ramirez (on an 812e 12-Fret) and and they didn’t pay me to say that,” he Amanda Sudano-Ramirez, who treated shared with the room). On his song the crowd to an uplifting set of soulful “Loving You Is Easy,” Rector had fun Americana (see our profile on page 6). improvising an extra verse based on a Friday’s performances began with random theme — jellybeans — suggest- a set from legendary tunesmith Jack ed by a member of the audience. The Tempchin, who prefaced several of his day’s middle performance slot featured hit songs (The Eagles’ “Already Gone” 15-year-old aspiring SoCal singer-song- and “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Glenn writer Cody Lovaas, who charmed the Frey’s “Party Town” and “Smuggler’s room with his chill surf-pop grooves. Blues,” plus the ballad “Slow Dancing,”) An appreciative Bob Taylor intro- with wry asides about how they came duced the day’s headliner, Jason to be. Tempchin was joined by Andy Mraz, by personally thanking him for Powers on a mix of lead guitar, mando- indirectly introducing him to Andy Pow- lin and resonator guitar, with a guest ers, explaining how it set in motion appearance from former New York Yan- a chain of events that eventually led kees star Bernie Williams. him to Taylor. Mraz actually took the The next act, singer-songwriter and stage twice — earlier as part of another rising star Tori Kelly, has built a huge live interview segment with Jefferson online fanbase via YouTube (more than Graham, and later to close out the day 55 million views and nearly 700,000 with a set joined by frequent musi- subscribers) and other social media. cal collaborators Raining Jane, with Her set began with a live interview whom he recently recorded his latest on stage conducted by USA Today record. The band reimagined Mraz hits technology columnist Jefferson Graham like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” with fresh for his web series “Talking Tech.” Kelly instrumental and vocal arrangements, shared her insights on using social and previewed material from Mraz’s media to cultivate her audience and new album. then wowed the crowd with an evoca- The Taylor NAMM Show perfor- tive pop/R&B set infused with acrobatic mances are all archived on the Taylor vocals, joined by Jefferson on lead website. You can watch them at tay- guitar. Philly-based indie-folk trio Good lorguitars.com/namm Old War closed out the day with an The 800 Series bigger, more pronounced bass pres- each on a different 800 Series model along with superb playability. While I Livestreaming Shines in the ence that will silence the critics.” to showcase the different tonal per- am a traditionalist known for my prefer- Taylor kicked off the NAMM festivi- sonalities of the guitars. Some of the ence for vintage instruments, I must Performances Spotlight ties on the eve of the show by hosting guests had already received an 814ce admit that the new 800 Series Taylors Among the attractions in our NAMM Without a doubt, the runaway star a special invitation-only media dinner to review for the upcoming editions are a joy to play.” room are the artist performances on This page: Top row of the Taylor room at this year’s Winter event at a local restaurant to celebrate of their publications and/or websites. Gruhn spent time with Andy Pow- three of the four days. This year marked (L-R): Vicci Martinez, NAMM Show was our newly rede- Taylor’s 40th anniversary and intro- (You’ll find a round-up of their assess- ers at the show and came away with a our first video livestream, enabling Tay- Alana Springsteen, duce the new 800s. Both Bob and ments — unanimously favorable — in deeper respect for Andy’s breadth of lor fans everywhere to watch the music signed 800 Series. Amid the heap of Tori Kelly; sets in real time via the Taylor website. new product hype generated by music Kurt spoke. Taylor Notes on page 30.) guitar knowledge. Middle row (L-R): product exhibitors throughout the “Welcome to the 40th anniversary Among the chorus of dealers who “He is extremely familiar with the Many of the acts played new 800 Ben Rector, Jason Anaheim Convention Center, the 800s of Listug Guitars,” Kurt joked, before praised the 800s was George Gruhn, design and history of traditional fret- Series models, which made for a great Mraz; Bottom row more than delivered on their billing reflecting on his partnership with Bob owner of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville ted and bowed instruments, but he is live showcase of their tonal enhance- (L-R): Andy Powers and caught the eyes and ears of art- and sharing his excitement for the and one of the industry’s leading by no means limited to tradition in his ments through the new Expression with Jack Tempchin, ists, members of the media, and Taylor road ahead. Bob shared similar senti- experts on vintage guitars. thinking,” Gruhn said. “He has com- System® 2 pickup. It made life easier Good Old War (upper dealers at the show. ments and talked about the talents “In my opinion, these are by far the bined the finest of vintage instrument for the sound engineers who worked photo), Cody Lovaas “I’ve been selling Taylors since of Andy Powers and the design of finest Taylor instruments ever made concepts and materials with creativ- the room. (For their reaction, see our 1992, and the new 814ce is the best- the 800 Series. Andy emphasized and are among the finest production ity and innovation. I have always had story on the ES2 on page 18.) Opposite page: sounding 814ce I’ve ever heard,” said Taylor’s tradition of innovation and the model guitars on the market today,” respect for Taylor as a manufacturer, Thursday’s lineup led with JOHNNYSWIM plays Brian Meader, sales manager at the privilege of being able to contribute Gruhn shared via email after the show. but I now feel a genuine enthusiasm 13-year-old singer-songwriter Alana to a full Taylor room Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, to Taylor’s continuing trajectory of “They have great tone, volume, dynam- for the new product line as well as a Springsteen from Virginia Beach, and formerly of Washington Music forward-thinking guitar design with the ic range, and projection, which are the far deeper appreciation of Bob Tay- the youngest songwriter ever to play Center in Wheaton, Maryland. “It really 800 Series. He then played an original features of a truly fine musical instru- lor’s commitment to quality, as well as Nashville’s Tin Pan South Songwriter captures all that’s great about the composition with Taylor sales staff- ment. They offer sound which rivals conservation of our precious natural Festival. Springsteen, who has writ- traditional Taylor voice, but it’s got that ers Andy Lund and Michael Lille, with that of instruments costing far more, resources.” ten with notable Nashville songwriters 26 Guitar Spotlight: www.taylorguitars.com 27

a serious presence, a peculiar grav- is Larry Breedlove. Larry’s unique 150e ity, from the instruments that drifted in qualities as a builder are reflected in and out of my shop. They taught me guitars of his own namesake and in the things, and I began to understand them distinct aesthetic marks he has made and the qualities that made them so on our guitars. As a visual artist with a appealing to players. In a way, being background in sculpture, Larry has a Double Course Delight acquainted with those instruments felt great deal of what I think of as intuitive like putting on my dad’s work boots intelligence, particularly when it comes The budget-friendly as a little boy and plodding around the to a curve. While it might seem that house thinking, wow, these are what a drawing a pleasing curve should be 150e joins the line, real man’s boots feel like. There was a simple act, in reality it isn’t always easy. making a great- sense of some instruments being larger Curves are more than simple geometry, than life, like meeting a musical hero in more than segments of an arc you playing 12-string person. might draw with a compass. A graceful experience more I haven’t grown out of that. To this curve has invisible guides and controls day, I still love guitars that carry a that influence its path forward using its accessible than ever traditional sensibility. Makers like Bill own past. Collings, Dana Bourgeois and Rich- Growing up as a young instrument An acoustic 12-string lingers on the ard Hoover build great instruments builder, particularly in Southern Cali- wish list of many a guitar lover, but its steeped in tradition. I also greatly fornia, I’d been influenced by Larry’s tendency to play more of a secondary admire builders like Bob Benedetto, sense of a curve, occasionally in very role might make it hard to justify the Martin Seeliger, James Goodall and direct ways, but more often in quiet investment in a high-end solid wood model. Jim Olson, all of whose work may and subtle ways. There is a refined If you’ve ever compromised and bought an embody less-than-direct impressions of modernity to his work as he harmonizes inexpensive 12-string, you’ve probably paid instruments from previous generations, the crisp and distinct with the organic the price in other ways, namely a sub-par but who have sought to express the lines of the natural world, which is playing experience. That’s where our new musical values reflected in good instru- unmistakably his signature. Many of 12-string Dreadnought 150e comes in. We ments from every era. you have known his work, consciously think it’s the best 12-string you’ll find for One interesting common denomi- or not, in the form of guitar shapes or the money in terms of playability and tone. nator among these and other great inlay designs he has created for years. Signature Taylor touches include our luthiers whose work I admire is in the Whether depicting a direct reference ultra-playable neck design and clear, subtle, yet evident manner in which to a subject matter with an inlay, or balanced voicing. The Dreadnought body’s they execute refinements and impart in something more esoteric like an strong low-end response, paired with their personalities into the instruments impressionistic shape, his pencil draws layered sapele back and sides and a solid they make. When a builder wants to lines that reflect his personality. spruce top, produce a tone that’s lush and make a change, it takes a great deal Soon, Larry will retire from his well-defined, with crisp octave shimmer. of restraint and experience to carefully workbench here in the Taylor guitar Your hand will feel completely at ease shape an idea or refinement into a form workshop, where he has been a quiet gliding up the sleek 1 7/8-inch neck, and that is respectful of the instrument- but driving influence on our guitars, the you won’t have to fight to keep the guitar making tradition, while still advancing musicians who play them, and builders in tune. the builder’s ideals. like me who have admired the lines he The 150e features our magnetic As an adolescent, I read this com- draws. I consider myself indebted to ® Expression System pickup and comes ment in a fantastic archtop guitar- him for sharing his artistic sensibility with a gig bag. Check one out at your local building book written by Bob Bene- with me as well as many others. Taylor dealer starting in June. Whether you detto: “Change for the sake of change This season we introduce the find yourself dusting off all those 12-string is without substance and should be 12-string Dreadnought 150e along classics or giving birth to a few of your avoided.” He went on to explain that with the limited edition baritone own, make yourself comfortable — you genuine improvements always had Dreadnought 320e and 400 Series might be there for a while. the player’s best interests in mind and models. These guitars, like many other how the best makers, while not afraid Taylor models, owe a great deal to The Craft to develop their instruments and make Larry. I particularly like the refined changes, made improvements that Dreadnought shape Larry designed. were respectful in continuing the tradi- It has been several years since this Under the Influence tion of the guitar’s lineage. Even now, shape was reborn here in the Taylor Andy reflects on the great traits of the luthiers he admires and I’m reminded how clearly true and what shop. While it preserves a great deal explores the graceful harmony between tradition and evolution great advice that is. of respect for the heritage of the Bob Taylor is another builder in Dreadnought flattop guitar, Larry’s whom I admire this great trait. One of unique blending of crisp modernity and ’ve often thought about the ingre- musician or guitar maker I’ve ever by some other folks for a moment. I his great contributions to the instru- organic influence makes it a distinctive dients that inform an artist’s encountered is completely free from like traditionally-minded guitars. When ment is a consistently repeatable and shape that I admire. I identity. You’ve probably heard the influence and knowledge of those I was a guitar-obsessed kid, I’d study adjustable neck angle that is utterly I’m fortunate to have been able to the old saying, “No man is an island.” whose work has come before them. photos of old Gibson, Martin and exact in its precision. Rather than mak- share a workbench next to Larry’s and Often this expression is understood to Far from a bad thing, this is the nature D’Angelico guitars. D’Aquisto and ing this system we know as the NT will miss his daily presence here in the mean that a person cannot truly isolate of artistic culture. This artistic frame- Stromberg were other makers whose neck a visual distinction, he worked shop a great deal. Don’t be a stranger himself from the influence of society work enables a budding artist to refine guitars I would dream about seeing hard to make it align with the aesthetic here at the workshop, Larry. There is and is spoken as an admonishment to their understanding, their tastes, and and playing. I would pretend my Squire conventions of the acoustic guitar to always a place at the drawing board the person who wishes to withdraw. In their ability. electric guitar was a Stratocaster from uphold the unique gracefulness time for you. the context of art, what I infer from this As both a musician and a guitar the mid-1950s. Later on, when I had has honed in the form of the guitar. adage is that no artist is a complete maker, I’m no exception to this idea. opportunities to restore and repair Another builder I’ve been privileged original. Speaking broadly, no artist, I’d like to talk about the guitars made instruments I had dreamed about, I felt to work with over the last few years 28 www.taylorguitars.com

ment the trials, missteps, successes Rush of Blood to the Head helped me connect to. I want my music to inspire and eventually, the magic that lives in a establish my musical style.” other people to pursue their own cre- Soundings great song. Dubway Studios producer While organizing a benefit for the ativity.” — Dan Forte and engineers Mike Crehore and Al local opera house, which was in bad Houghton were on hand to give the need of repairs, Palmer discovered that track polish, and Acoustic Café Radio’s Ackerman also lived in Vermont, not far Rob Reinhart interviewed each artist. away. “I emailed him, and he agreed Not So Ordinary To help facilitate creativity and sonic to headline the show and was very Above and Beyond A star-studded parade of special he said. His talk was followed by an inspiration, Taylor provided a selection gracious during the whole experience,” the Dance Floor guests helped celebrate Jimmy Fallon’s interview conducted by folk artist and of our acoustic-electric guitars, includ- Palmer says. “We even played a duet One of the UK’s biggest electronic debut as the host of The Tonight Show longtime friend Joel Rafael (812e, ing a 714ce, 416ce and 528e. Check on his piece ‘Hawk Circle.’ After the music acts, Above & Beyond, recently on Monday, February 17, including U2, Mahogany GC-LTD, 814ce, 514ce, the Taylor Guitars YouTube channel to concert, he invited me to his studio.” released an acoustic album, the aptly who appeared as Fallon’s first musical 312ce, 310, 355ce). Nash talked about see the videos as they debut. If you’re thinking that the Grammy- titled Above & Beyond Acoustic. For a guest. The band played two songs: musical influences like the Everly Broth- winning Ackerman, who founded group whose identity has been securely “Invisible,” on the rooftop of the 30 ers and Buddy Holly and looked beyond Windham Hill and produced its seminal rooted in the dance music world, going Rockefeller Plaza building at sunset, the parameters of folk music, calling albums, gets inundated with demo “unplugged” marked a dramatic turn, and later on the show’s set, an acous- attention to music’s universal power. Palmer Method tapes of steel-stringers aping Hedges but the trio’s principals, Tony McGuin- tic version of their Academy Award- “It doesn’t matter if it’s a rock song It’s no accident that 18-year-old or himself, you’re right. So what made ness, Paavo Siljamäki and Jono Grant, nominated tune “Ordinary Love,” from or a rap song or a folk song,” he told the Matteo Palmer’s self-released debut, him want to produce Palmer? wanted to find a way to reinterpret the soundtrack to the film Mandela: audience. “Who cares? Does the song Out of Nothing, resembles the type “I remember Robbie Basho say- some of their dance hits in a way that Long Walk to Freedom. The stripped- change your life? Does it make you bet- of composing and playing that made ing to me, ‘If you can’t sing it, it’s not satisfied their yearnings as musicians down rendition had an especially ter? That’s what we’re in the business the Windham Hill music label new-age a melody,’ and that’s always stayed and provided a somewhat quieter intimate feel, with the band performing of, right?” central — the soft, soothing stuff but with me,” Ackerman stresses. “It’s got- setting for the different vocalists with from the guest seating next to Fallon Nash also recounted a story about also Michael Hedges’ “new-edge” and ten to the point where performance whom they work. after a chat. The Edge fingerpicked the night he sang together with David Will Ackerman’s earlier nods to John gymnastics seem to be accepted as While the album contains studio and strummed an 818e throughout the Crosby and Stephen Stills for the first Fahey. And Palmer’s is the odd case composition, whether there is any recordings, the project was conceived song, with Fallon’s house band, The time, in Joni Mitchell’s living room. where being in the right place at the substance there or not, even when with live acoustic performances in mind. Roots, joining in at the end. The band “Whatever sound Crosby, Stills and right time means as far from the “music no melody beyond chordal changes The trio worked with three singers, also performed the song acoustically Nash has vocally was born in less than industry” as possible, in a small Ver- exists. I obviously appreciate skill — de a string quartet, a harpist, drummer Clockwise from top left: at the Academy Awards broadcast on 30 seconds,” he shared. “I had to follow mont town. Grassi, Hedges, Mark Knopfler, B.B. and bassist, with each band member U2 with Jimmy Fallon March 2. that sound.” King — but they all have something to contributing multi-instrumental parts on The Tonight Show Nash played a few songs at the say artistically. — McGuinness on guitar, mandolin, (photo: Getty Images); end of the interview, and we were told “Matteo hasn’t fallen into that trap,” ukulele and vocals, Siljamäki on grand Graham Nash performs that he had specifically asked to play a he continues. “He has developed piano and cello, and Grant on Rhodes at the Folk Alliance Folk Jamboree in KC Taylor. He borrowed a rosewood/cedar a sizable arsenal of skills and is an piano, guitar and vibraphone. As they Conference (photo by Taylor was among the exhibitors at Grand Auditorium owned by Folk Alli- impressive player, but he never seems considered the guitar arrangements Neale Eckstein); Matteo the 26th annual Folk Alliance Con- ance Executive Director Louis Meyers to be overtaken with the need to show- and rhythmic textures they wanted for Palmer; (L-R) Ben Arthur ference, held February 19-23. This to play a new song, “Back Home,” (co- boat; the composition and expression the songs, they searched for the right with Tim Easton during year brought a change of location to written with Shane Fontayne) in honor always come first. His work gracefully type of acoustic guitars and discovered a SongCraft Presents Kansas City after an eight-year stay of The Band’s Levon Helm, who passed merges a number of styles and broad Taylors, in particular a 414e. session at SXSW; Turin in Memphis (with a year in Toronto as away last year. Joel Rafael sang lead influences. Matteo is an artist, not just “We became huge fans of Taylor Brakes work on a song at part of its Canadian rotation). By most on a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “Plane a guitarist.” guitars,” McGuinness told Laura Whit- SXSW; Above & Beyond accounts the fresh setting seemed to Wreck at Los Gatos,” and Nash closed “I was definitely introduced to Though Ackerman has typically more from Guitar World’s Acoustic perform at West London’s invigorate the show. Or maybe it was out with a rendition of “Teach Your Chil- fingerstyle guitar through older record- played custom-made or boutique mod- Nation in an interview for their online Porchester Hall the spirit of Pete Seeger, who had dren” on Rafael’s all-mahogany Grand ings, such as the music of Alex de els, he steered Palmer towards Taylor feature (guitarworld.com/acoustic- passed away less than a month earlier, Concert limited edition from 2011. Grassi,” Palmer details. “I was about when he learned that he was looking nation). “I went into about 15 acoustic yet seemed more present than ever 14 when my father took me to see for a new guitar. “I worked hard to guitar shops in this very famous road among the folk community that honored him in concert, and I fell in love with buy my 314ce,” Palmer says, “but it in London, Tin Pan Alley, around there his legacy throughout the event. his guitar style. The following year, I was totally worth it. In order to save in central London. We were trying to In addition to the conference’s deep South By Songcraft began to discover other artists from enough money to buy it, I had three decide and figure out how to buy the mix of panel discussions, workshops, Amidst the madness of the annual the Windham Hill catalog, like Will Ack- jobs one summer. I went to my local right guitar because once you played and musical showcases, this year’s South by Southwest conference, indie erman, Michael Hedges and George music store, sat for hours, and played five or six, it becomes quite challenging. special events included a presenta- artists Butter the Children, Turin Winston. The sound that came from each and every Taylor on the wall. The “Then I picked up this Taylor 414, tion on climate change from former Brakes, A.J. Croce, Tim Easton, Eliz- them was so pure and beautiful. I 314ce spoke to me. It was comfort- just strummed eight chords on it, and Vice President Al Gore, during which abeth and the Catapult, Matt the used to listen to Will’s ‘Sound of Wind able, it sounded beautiful, and I knew suddenly I thought, ‘This is the thing.’ he spurred artists to use music as Electrician and others turned out for a Driven Rain’ [from the 1998 album of it would be a guitar that I’d be able to It throws out a hint of the acoustic gui- a platform for spreading awareness series of intimate, one-on-one songwrit- the same name] over and over while afford before my recording date. Every tar palette perfect to fit in our record. of global warming’s impact on the ing sessions with SongCraft Presents doing homework, and I finally found composition on my album was record- As part of a four-piece band or part world. Elsewhere, pioneering singer- and Acoustic Café Radio. Held in a myself wanting to create my own music ed on my 314ce, and it is my main of a dance arrangement or part of a songwriter Tom Rush performed and bungalow-style private residence in the in that style. Will Ackerman and Alex instrument. As of right now, it is the 15-piece band, the nature of the Taylor also was on-hand to answer questions trendy “SoCo” neighborhood of Austin, de Grassi started my musical jour- only Taylor I own, but I have my eyes guitars and the presentation that we at the screening of a documentary on Texas, over the week of March 10, art- ney. The first two fingerstyle pieces I on other models and hope to someday needed was perfect. I think when we his life, No Regrets. The show’s key- ists streamed in with one shared goal: learned to play were Alex’s ‘Turning’ add to my Taylor collection.” played at the Greek Theatre [in Los note address was delivered by folk-rock to write and compose a new song all and Will’s ‘Passage’ [from 1978 and So what does Palmer call his type Angeles], we had about 15 guitars and icon Graham Nash, who reflected on in an afternoon. There to capture the ’81, respectively]. They both have an of music? “My response is never the I think 14 of them were Taylors.” growing up in post-war Manchester, his magic was SongCraft Presents, a web amazing sense of melody, and their same, but I say something along the A concert film of one of the perfor- political activism, and his passionate series which pairs an indie artist with compositions are full of emotion. I’m lines of ‘contemporary instrumental mances, at West London’s Porchester belief in the power of music to shape host and Taylor player Ben Arthur to also in love with the music of guitarists guitar.’ And I always end my answer Hall, is accessible on YouTube.com. history. “Woody Guthrie knew that, craft a song in an afternoon. Andy McKee, Don Ross and Trevor with, ‘I don’t sing.’ I’m trying to paint a and Pete Seeger certainly knew that,” A video team was on hand to docu- Gordon Hall, and Coldplay’s album picture of emotions that listeners can 30 www.taylorguitars.com 31

up in one acoustic that sounds phe- GreenWood Wins Yale A Wave of Raves nomenal.” Grand Orchestra Wins Best Acoustic Guitar Andre Bena Joins Crelicam Taylor Notes Innovation Award for the New 800s Guitar Player Senior Editor Art At the Winter NAMM Show in January, the Grand Orchestra took home the as General Director The same week that Taylor received The first magazine reviews for the Thompson loved the setup of the 814ce award for “Best Acoustic Guitar” of 2013 from The Music & Sound Retailer maga- We are pleased to welcome a new the ACE, our friends at GreenWood, new 800 Series have hit the street, and he sampled and noted that the intona- zine. Now in its 28th year, the Music & Sound Retailer awards are given based addition to the management staff at our a non-profit organization that helps the reception has been consistently tion “helps to make everything sound on votes by dealers in the United States and signify the best of the best in each ebony mill in Cameroon. Andre Bena Taylor Receives Award for Corporate Excellence forest-based communities support stellar. We sent an 814ce out as our focused and coherent.” The end result: product class. The award is considered one of the industry’s most prestigious, and joined Crelicam as the mill’s General On January 29, Taylor Guitars was honored by the U.S. State Department with themselves through sustainable forestry review model, and it earned a Premier “a fantastic acoustic sound with deep stands out as the only award based on a poll of every American dealer and manu- Director in early 2014. A native of the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE). At a formal presentation ceremony held practices, and its Honduran counterpart, Gear Award from Premier Guitar, a lows, nice midrange bloom, and a top facturer rather than being selected by an editorial board or influenced by advertis- Douala, Cameroon, Bena spent nearly in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Sec- Fundación MaderaVerde, received the Platinum Award from Guitar World, end that exhibits an uncanny blend of ing revenue. 30 years in Europe, during which he retary of State John Kerry presented the award to Bob Taylor in recognition of the first-ever Innovation Prize from the Yale and an Editors’ Pick Award from Guitar clarity and warmth…. Picked lightly it earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical company’s transformative work in the ebony trade and in the lives of its employees School of Forestry and Environmental Player. sounds radiant and dimensional, yet it engineering, a master’s in engineering, at its ebony mill, Crelicam, in Cameroon. The annual award recognizes U.S.-owned Studies (FES). In the March edition of Premier doesn’t compress when you strum or and a doctorate with an emphasis on businesses that play vital roles around the world as good corporate citizens in sup- The Yale prize recognizes Green- Guitar, reviewer Scott Nygaard called flatpick it aggressively.” Making Friends at account of the design philosophy high speed information routing and porting sustainable development, respect for human and labor rights, environmental Wood’s development of a “Green Bro- the 814ce “a stunning-sounding guitar” Thompson also embraced the Musikmesse behind the 800s, and both obliged with data compression algorithms design. protection, open markets, transparency and other democratic values. ker Network” — a unique, entrepreneurial after his test-drive. “Its bass frequencies Expression System 2’s breakthrough The Taylor booth at Musikmesse a steady stream of interviews. The 800s He subsequently worked for some approach to forest conservation that cul- are loud and fat, but not overwhelming,” design, calling it “a significant advance- was bustling during all four days of would go on to win a Musikmesse of Germany’s largest technology and tivates enterprising relationships across he writes. “The midrange is rich and ment in amplified sound by essen- this year’s show, held March 12-15 in International Press Award (M.I.P.A.) for financial companies. the value chain, from forest producers smooth no matter where you are on the tially giving the pickup more room to Frankfurt, Germany. We’ve enjoyed the Best Acoustic Guitar at the show. The In a career twist, Bena returned to to consumers. The network combines neck. The low-end response…is felt by breathe.” After playing it through several same prime location over the past few M.I.P.A. winners were announced at Cameroon in 2010 to contribute to forest management, woodworking train- the player’s body as much as it’s heard different acoustic amps, he praised the years, which enables us to welcome a special awards ceremony on March the protection of his native country’s ing, product development and market by the listener.” He also loved the gui- balance from top to bottom, observing visitors as they enter the acoustic 13, and a healthy Taylor contingent natural resources. He joined Helveta, access for artisan producers of furniture, tar’s versatility. “Considering how well that it exhibited “no honkiness, harsh hall because they pass our exhibition was in attendance. More than 160 a U.K.-based vendor that specializes in guitar parts and other high-quality forest suited this Taylor is for so many musi- transient spikes, or plastic-y piezo arti- area. Saturday’s “Consumer Day” was publications from around the world cast timber tracking systems. Working with products. cal settings, you’ll rarely wish you had facts.” He was also able to get plenty of especially busy and brought guitar their votes for the top products in over the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife GreenWood and MaderaVerde laid another guitar instead.” volume without feedback issues. “This enthusiasts of all ages to the booth to 40 musical instrument categories to in Cameroon, the company sought to much of the groundwork for the mahog- Teja Gerken from Acoustic Guitar guitar succeeds on so many levels,” he sample guitars. determine the M.I.P.A. winners. take inventory of the nation’s forests any sourcing partnership that Taylor has also lauded the guitar’s ability to accom- concludes, “and taken in total it would and implement a national traceability developed with three community forestry modate different playing styles. “The be hard to imagine a situation where it system. While the project has since cooperatives in the Mosquito Coast instrument is just as suitable to strum- wouldn’t excel.” ended, Bena’s passion for protecting region of Honduras, including our origi- ming chords as it is to playing jazz voic- The ES2 also impressed Pre- Cameroon’s natural resources hasn’t. nal pilot program in Copén, which has ings in standard tuning or fingerpicking mier Guitar’s Scott Nygaard. “I was His vision is a great fit with Crelicam’s been in place for 13 years. GreenWood in alternate tunings,” he writes. “This astonished by how well the system mission. We interviewed Bena via email founder and president Scott Landis was latest version just raises the bar.” duplicated the guitar’s acoustic char- to offer the Taylor community a glimpse humbled and honored by the recogni- In a video review of the 814ce, acteristics, including the string-to-string of his perspective looking ahead. tion, and noted the need for persever- Guitar World Tech Editor Paul Riario and bottom-to-top balance,” he shares. ance in order to achieve progress. called the design “nothing short of Guitar World scribe Chris Gill echoed What are the opportunities at “Having an innovative idea is cool, extraordinary,” describing the guitar as the sentiment in his review in the March Crelicam? and the company will have optimized individual and governmental to local but it’s only the first step,” he said. “a perfect marriage of many different print edition of the magazine. “The latest For me the greatest opportunity at the efficiency of its production, nonprofit organizations and corporate; “Keeping at it day after day and year acoustic sounds. It has all the projection Expression System sets a new standard Crelicam is to be part of a team that logistic, administrative and accounting and by using a non-confrontational, after year — forging partnerships along of a Jumbo but the warmth and clarity of of excellence for piezo pickups,” he does business by maintaining their processes. collaborative approach and staying the way — that’s what makes innovation a smaller-bodied acoustic all wrapped writes. vision to leave a sustainable world true to our core values. Since 2011, real.” for future generations. I believe that Given your knowledge of Crelicam has done more than anyone it is time to move forest preservation Cameroon’s forest inventory, what else to advance preservation of the from the sidelines of global priority is the state of Cameroon’s forest? forests in which they operate. to the center of the world stage, The Cameroon rainforest is still in Secretary Kerry noted that through Crelicam, “Bob and Taylor Guitars have fun- simply because human well-being and a relatively healthy state according Do you play guitar or another damentally changed the entire ebony trade.” He also acknowledged the company’s survival depend on a healthy, diverse to World Resources Institute, but musical instrument? commitment to the environment and employees, along with its efforts to implement environment. the longer the national forestry I have been playing guitar since I was responsible forestry management practices. “Taylor Guitars has become an effec- sustainability program takes to be 13. I started with the acoustic guitar, tive advocate for legal and policy reforms to improve the permitting process around Where do you see Crelicam in five implemented, the more the forest gets followed by the electric guitar. I have the ebony trade to better protect both the environment and the rights and needs years? Ten years? damaged. It is the responsibility of any been an active bass player for the last of other forest users,” he observed. “Taylor ensures that its works are protected, L-R: U.S. Ambassador to Germany John B. Emerson with Bob Taylor In five years, Crelicam should be local operator to minimize the forest 15 years. My favorite music has been and they ensure that their workers likewise benefit as a result of this.” To close, the model factory for any existing or devastation while doing business in bossa nova and funk-pop. Secretary Kerry noted that “this is absolutely the example of how people ought to new company in the forestry sector, that sector. I am happy to have joined do business. We’re so proud to be able to tell this story, and each of these stories, With our emphasis on the Another well-received product not only for special (ebony) product Crelicam, a company that has been How do you hope ebony is because they’re a wonderful example of the best of corporate citizenship globally.” redesigned 800 Series models, we debut at the show was our Spring manufacturers but also for any other a pioneer in forestry preservation. As perceived by musical instrument In his acceptance remarks, Bob acknowledged the company’s commitment dedicated a significant amount of wall Limiteds, especially the 320e Baritone. species. To get there we hope that the new General Director, I promise to players? to transforming the ebony trade and the lives of its employees by applying busi- space to them at the show. This area People came to our information desk the Cameroon law for special permits continue to pursue that same direction. Whether dark or light in color, ebony ness solutions to an environmental problem. He also underscored the company’s quickly became the most popular spot specifically seeking out the guitar, will have been upgraded to the has special characteristics that commitment to act in the spirit of compassionate capitalism, with an emphasis on in the booth. Many of the attendees had and once they started playing, it was new proposal currently awaiting the How is Crelicam working to make it sound fabulous when strings enriching the lives of employees through training and social events, and to retain heard about the voicing and aesthetic hard for them to put it down. We also approval of the national assembly. This preserve the forest? vibrate over it. I am convinced that the value of ebony wood in Cameroon. refinements but hadn’t yet had the unveiled the new 12-string 150e, which will include three impacted areas: A We are achieving this mission in music players understand the need “Our vision was to transform the way that ebony is harvested, processed and chance to play any in their respective enjoyed lots of hands-on attention. traceability system will be in place to three ways: through the dedicated to preserve the global ecosystem by sold into a new model of responsible social forestry, while enriching the lives of guitar shops. Each body shape was Among the highlights at the booth help tracking wood product changes effort of our diverse field staff, accepting both colored and uncolored our 75 employees through meaningful work,” Bob said. “To accomplish this, we represented, allowing players to was a visit from the U.S. Ambassador along the supply chain from their origin including the local population, who ebony on their guitars or any other assumed the role of guardian of the forest, and we operate with the philosophy to compare all the new models. to Germany, John B. Emerson, who in the forest through the transformation are contributing to a sustainable music instruments. use what the forest gives us. To us, this means using ebony of all colors and all var- Bob Taylor and Andy Powers were spent time chatting with Bob Taylor. unit down to the country exit points; the manner of exploiting the forest as iegations, including wood that features spotted or streaked coloring, wood which in high demand among international company will improve its compliance described in our operation guidelines; prior to our involvement would have been left to deteriorate on the forest floor.” media outlets eager get a first-hand to the national legality constraints; with the help of our partners, from 32 www.taylorguitars.com SPRING/SUMMER 2014 Calendar For all the latest Taylor event listings, visit taylorguitars.com/events

Our Road Show crew has been having a blast showing off our revoiced 800 Series, the Expression System 2 Sarasota, FL Littleton, NH pickup, and the new T5z at local music Tuesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. Sam Ash Northern Lights Music TaylorWare stores. You’ll find our latest Road Show CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS listings below, with more on the way (941) 351-7793 (603) 444-7776 Up to 18-Month, throughout the rest of the year. We hope to see you at an event near you! Clearwater, FL Memphis, TN Thursday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 6 p.m. No-Interest Sam Ash Martin Music U.S. ROAD SHOWS (727) 725-8062 (901) 729-2466 Financing

Birmingham, AL Orlando, FL Nashville, TN Thursday, June 12, 6 p.m. Friday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 6 p.m. on 300 Series Bailey Brothers Music Company Sam Ash Gruhn Guitars (205) 271-7827 (407) 599-1222 (615) 256-2033 Models and Up

Huntsville, AL Alpharetta, GA Sevierville, TN We’re pleased to once again offer Friday, June 13, 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 7 p.m. The Fret Shop Ken Stanton Music Outlet Taylor customers 0% financing on (256) 430-4729 (770) 670-4424 (865) 453-1031 purchases of models in our 300

Thousand Oaks, CA Marietta, GA Katy, TX Series and up, including the T5, Monday, June 16, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Monday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. T5z, and T3, if they’re paid in full Instrumental Music Ken Stanton Guitar Center (805) 496-3774 (770) 427-2491 (281) 394-5390 within 18 months. The program runs through December 31, Santa Barbara, CA Collinsville, IL League City, TX 2014, and is available through Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Santa Barbara Guitar Bar AAA Swing City Music Danny D’s Guitar Hacienda participating Taylor dealers in (805) 770-7242 (618) 345-6700 (281) 338-1830 the U.S. only. Monica from our Human Resources team, Palo Alto, CA Champaign, IL Plano, TX shown in our Ladies’ Island Vine T, helps make Taylor a great working environment Wednesday, June 18, 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. Contact your local Gryphon Stringed Instruments The Upper Bout Guitar Center for employees. Ryan, who gives shape to (650) 493-2131 (217) 607-8132 (972) 422-7171 authorized Taylor dealer our guitar bodies in Sidebending, sports to find out if they’ve our new Baseball T. Auburn, CA Lexington, KY Tyler, TX signed on as a Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 6:30 p.m. Encore Music Willcutt Guitar Shoppe Mundt Music program partner. (530) 889-0514 (859) 276-4070 (903) 561-882

Steamboat Springs, CO Bangor, ME Monday, June 9, 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 p.m. First String Music Northern Kingdom Music (970) 871-4661 (207) 947-6450 FIND YOUR FIT NEW NEW Ladies’ Island Vine T Men’s Embroidered Polo Shirt Boulder, CO Portland, ME Coquitlam, BC Vintage short-sleeve track shirt featuring 100% Peruvian Pima cotton short sleeve Tuesday, June 10, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Island Vine inlay graphic elements. Soft polo. Dura-Pearl buttons. Rib knit cuffs. H.B. Woodsongs Guitar Center Tom Lee Music and form-fitting poly/cotton/rayon tri- Embroidered Taylor logo on left chest. (303) 449-0516 (207) 822-9822 (604) 941-8447 blend. Slim fit. Sizing up recommended. Standard fit. (Navy #2706; M-XL, (Indigo #4580; S-XL, $25.00) $42.00; XXL, $44.00) Colorado Springs, CO Lees Summit, MO Vancouver, BC Wednesday, June 11, 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. NEW NEW Tejon Street Music Legacy Music Tom Lee Music Baseball T Logo T (719) 634-2228 (816) 554-7350 (604) 685-8471 Vintage heather fine jersey. 60/40 100% preshrunk cotton. Red Taylor combed cotton/poly blend. Gray body logo. Short sleeve. Standard fit. Denver, CO Lebanon, MO Lexington, MA with navy 3/4 sleeve. Fashion fit. (White #1640, S-XX, $20.00; Thursday, June 12, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Denver Folklore Center Morgan Music The Music Emporium (Gray/Navy #2296; S-XL, $34.00; XXL-XXXL, $22.00) (303) 777-4786 (417) 588-1970 (781) 860-0049 XXL, $36.00) NEW Margate, FL Manchester, NH Houston, TX Aged Logo T Monday, June 23, 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 60/40 preshrunk poly/cotton. Short Sam Ash Manchester Music Mill Fuller’s Guitar sleeve. Fashion fit. (Heather Dark Gray (954) 975-3390 (603) 623-8022 (713) 880-2188 #1590; S-XL, $24.00; XXL, $26.00) 34 35 Oscar from our Materials Management crew knows our warehouse inside and out. His SoCal T celebrates Taylor’s West Coast roots and contributions to California’s culture of innovative guitar design.

NEW Shield T Glassware Shield/crossed guitar design available in youth and toddler sizes. Joe, a nine-year Taylor veteran, Youth 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Short sleeve. (Black #1420; S (6/8), M (10/12), ensures that the finish quality on Etched Glass L (12/14), $19.00) our guitars meets our exacting 20 oz., featuring hand-etched round Taylor logo. (#70010, $10.00) Toddler 100% cotton jersey. Short sleeve. (Black #1391; Size: 2, 4 or 5/6, $19.00) standards. Taylor Etched Peghead Mug NEW Ceramic, holds 15 oz. (Black #70005, $15.00) Infant Shield Onesie Ultra-soft infant lap shoulder bodysuit with snap closure. 100% ringspun cotton. Taylor Mug Short sleeve. (Black #1340; Size: 6, 12 or 18 months, $18.00) Glossy ceramic bistro mug featuring the round Taylor logo. Holds 15 oz. (Brown with cream interior, #70006, $10.00)

Accessories

NEW SoCal T 50/50 poly/cotton blend. NEW 7 Ultra soft, worn-in feel. Rosette T 4 Military Embroidery Cap California/peghead design. 100% preshrunk cotton. Rosette design. Adjustable with Velcro closure — one size fits most. (Black #00402, $22.00) Short sleeve. Slim fit. Short sleeve. Standard fit. (Cardinal Red (Olive #1471; S-XL, #1730; S-XL, $25.00; XXL-XXXL, Men’s Cap $30.00; XXL, $32.00) $27.00) Adjustable fabric strap — one size fits most. (Charcoal #00375, $25.00)

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10 1) Digital Headstock Tuner 4) Guitar Stand 6) Travel Guitar Stand 8) Big Digit Hygro-Thermometer Clip-on chromatic tuner, back-lit LCD Features laser-etched Taylor logo, rich Sapele, lightweight (less than 16 Easy-to-read display shows temperature display. (#80920, $29.00) satin finish, and rubber pads to protect ounces) and ultra-portable. (#70198, and humidity simultaneously. (#80358, your guitar’s finish. (Sapele/Mahogany $59.00) $44.99) 2) Taylor Polish Cloth 3-Pack #70100, $70.00; assembly required) Men’s 40th Anniversary T Headstock T Color Block Zip Hoodie Microfiber with serrated edge. Features NEW 9) Mini Hygro-Thermometer Front Pocket Preshrunk 100% combed cotton. Short 100% cotton. Short sleeve. Fashion fit. Slim fit. (Gray/Red #2815; S-XL, embossed Taylor logo. 11-1/2” x 9-1/2”. 5) Black Composite Travel 7) Elixir® HD Light Strings Compact digital unit works in a guitar Taylor Shield TaylorWare sleeve. Fashion fit. (Black #1570; S-XL, (Black #1481; S-XL, $24.00; XXL- $44.00; XXL, $46.00) 3-pack (Chestnut, Tan, Brown #80908, Guitar Stand The new custom-gauge set (.013, .017, case or in-room settings. Dimensions: 2” CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS $25.00; 2XL-3XL, $27.00) XXXL, $26.00) $18.00); 3-pack (Black, Taupe, Charcoal Made from durable recycled ABS .025, .032, .042, .053) was specially x 1.5” x .63” (51 x 38 x 16mm). #80909 [shown], $18.00) composite material to securely hold your designed to bring bolder highs, fuller (#80359, $24.99) Men’s 40th Anniversary Work Shirt Ladies’ 40th Anniversary T Taylor guitar. Travel-friendly design. Folds lows, and a balanced overall voice to our Wrinkle-resistant, permanent press polyester/cotton blend, featuring Taylor (not shown) 3) Taylor Guitar Polish up to store in gig bags and most guitar Grand Concert and Grand Auditorium 10) Guitar Straps 1-800-494-9600 shield on front, 40th anniversary design on back. Short sleeve with two button Preshrunk 60/40 combed cotton/poly Spray-on cleaning polish that is easily cases. Accommodates all Taylor models. models. Phosphor Bronze with Visit taylorguitars.com for a complete Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware pockets. (Black #3080; S-XL, $44.00; 2XL-3XL, $46.00) blend. Short sleeve. Slim fit. (Black and safely wiped away. 4 fl. oz. (#70180, $39.00) NANOWEB® coating. (#89902, $15.00) selection of Taylor guitar straps. to see the full line. #4570; S-XXL, $25.00) (#80901, $12.00) Presorted A Publication of Taylor Guitars Standard Volume 79 / Spring/Summer 2014 U.S. Postage 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.

A River Runs Through It The centerpiece of this custom Grand Symphony is its sinker redwood top, whose unique variegation comes from mineral-rich river water in Northern California, where the log was submerged for many decades. Straight-grained cocobolo back and side sets were chosen to complement the grain orientation of the top. A shaded edgeburst supplies a dusky backdrop for the figured koa binding and heightens the kaleidoscopic beauty of the abalone-edged top. Tonally, cocobolo’s rosewood-like properties also yield extra punch and clarity on the fundamental, while redwood blends the mellow warmth of cedar with more sonic horsepower. The wood pairing matches exceptionally well with a GS body, especially for moderate-to-heavy strummers who crave volume and clarity with round overall warmth.