IRON & WINE’S SAM BEAM FALL LIMITED EDITIONS Walnut & Torrefied Spruce Koa 12-Fret Grand Auditorium Cocobolo 914ce 8-String Baritone New Models: 12-String 352ce & 362ce Bob Taylor’s World Forestry Tour 2 www.taylorguitars.com

VOLUME 89 | FALL 2017 social Letters be beneficial with a little humidification. The Toneshifting T5z > CONTENTS < Would this 114ce sound as good as I got [the T5z Custom Pro] a couple Drop us a line. the Taylor 114e from the wall hanger? years ago and only recently did I learn circles Email us: [email protected] Better! Sold! about its amazing capabilities. As an After many comments of how beau- avid Taylor owner of an 812[ce] 12-Fret tiful it looks, it now sits in a respected DLX, 562ce, and a 2014 Fall LTD GS Join the Taylor community place in our living room for all to see. I Mini Koa, this is the one Taylor I had not Features Columns Facebook: can only say thank you, Taylor, for a really explored enough. While acous- @taylorguitars I was skeptical because of that imma- beautiful instrument from builders that tics are pretty straightforward with Instagram: @taylorguitars 6 The Art of Acoustic Interplay 4 Kurt’s Corner ture aversion that I had to the name on gave it TLC. I cannot know who built their voices, this beast has the ability Twitter: @taylorguitars Learning to blend different guitar voices and playing styles in a Taylor Guitars might not exist without the headstock. Nevertheless, I walked the guitar I hold, and yet I wish them to be omnipresent in many contexts. Youtube: taylorguitars complementary way will make your jam sessions more rewarding. the nurturing guidance and support of over and decided to play it. I could not all the credit and appreciation they It took a number of YouTube videos Kurt and Bob’s parents. believe it. It was everything I wanted in deserve. Also, thanks to Bob Taylor and to finally understand how to dial it in. Google+: taylorguitars a guitar — sound, feel and look. I walked Kurt Listug for having kept their dream After getting more acquainted with its Music Aficionado: taylorguitars out with that guitar that day and have alive. I know other owners will feel the capabilities and how to select pickups 8 Model Spotlight: not doubted my decision since purchas- same way. better, I went to my band practice last 5 BobSpeak The New 352ce/362ce Lessons learned from Bob and Kurt’s ing it. In all my years of playing, I have Gary Hart night with this one guitar, versus taking Two new Grand Concert 12-string voices join our 300 Series. dads, and props for Taylor tooling guru not played a guitar as amazing as this Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada my Tele, Strat or Les Paul. With this Choose from sapele and spruce or blackwood and mahogany. Taylor. I am proud to be an owner of a new knowledge, my bandmates, for the Wayne Brinkley. Taylor guitar, and I am especially happy first time EVER, heaped praise on my to inform you that a new “Gold Stan- Doc Approved playing (which is normally average). I dard” has been set for acoustic guitars. I love guitars that project sound think the T5z Custom Pro had a lot to 16 Fall Limited Editions 33 The Craft This year’s fall collection is loaded with appetizing musical Thank you for what you do. because I’m a fingerstyle player, so I do with it — sounding like an acoustic An appreciation for Bill Collings and the Hunter McGuary like the maple 600 Series and the satin- Taylor, a thinner Strat-like tone, or even flavors: walnut paired with torrefied spruce, koa Grand art of fresh interpretation. Good as Gold wood body of my Jewel signature model. a thicker Les Paul sound. A big virtual Auditorium 12-frets, the return of cocobolo, a bold 8-string I recently purchased a new Taylor [The Jewel model] is the best-sounding high-five on this design! baritone, plus a tricolor twist on our T5z Classic Deluxe. guitar. Throughout the many years I Walnut Winner guitar I’ve ever played in 51 years, and JP (Pierre) Moatti have been playing, I have had some I don’t often send a letter of thanks I’ve owned or played many. I bought the unwarranted aversion to Taylor Guitars. to manufacturers, but when credit for first one in 2000 when they were first There was no reason for it — just imma- going above and beyond is warranted, introduced and have owned three. I was El Cajon Connection On the Cover ture speculation. it gives me pleasure to pass on my at a bluegrass event in Maine and met In 1975 I was 19 and had been Departments My grandfather has a dreadnought experience of delight. This is the case Doc Watson, who signed it and played playing guitar for 10 years. I had a 12 The Wood&Steel Interview: Sam Beam that he purchased back in the ’60s for my having become the happy owner it for a half an hour behind the stage cheap acoustic guitar and was ready Envelope-pushing acoustic auteur Sam Beam of Iron & Wine 10 Ask Bob or ’70s, and whenever we would pick of a 2017 Taylor 114ce walnut acoustic that day and said, “That’s a fine box you to make the leap up to a quality instru- reveals how his ever-evolving creative process shaped his Braceless backs, the future of spruce, guitar. have, son.” Thank you for making my ment. While visiting a friend in San together, he would let me play that latest release, Beast Epic. acoustic curves, and factory-made vs. guitar. He still has that guitar, and I In all honesty Taylor was not on my acoustic guitar world what it is today. Diego, I thumbed through the Yellow handmade. have always considered it to be the radar. Just prior to biting the bullet on Bryan Provost Pages and discovered a music store COVER PHOTO (JOSH WOOL): SAM BEAM WITH HIS 714CE “Gold Standard” that all acoustic gui- a less expensive competitor’s guitar, a Skowhegan, ME in a strip mall in El Cajon that sold tars should be. non-cutaway Taylor 114e caught my acoustic guitars. On a chilly December 30 eye. Grabbing it from a hanger on the day I walked in and found a nice Guild Soundings Several months ago, I had my own Remembering folk troubadour Jimmy LaFave, acoustic stolen from me. It wasn’t wall I began to play it. I have problems D-50 in almost new condition. My par- Taylor Pedigree a portrait of Pat Simmons, the Vancouver nearly as nice as my grandfather’s with my fret hand, and my immediate I have owned my Taylor 410 for ents wired me $500, and I bought it International Guitar Festival, notes from dreadnought or my new acoustic guitar, response was that it fit like a glove. The about 18 years now. It is without a the next day. Over the past 41 years I Summer NAMM, and more. but it was sentimental to me because it neck reminded me of my electric. The doubt the best acoustic guitar I have played every kind of music on that gui- was passed down to me from a family second thing I noticed was the sound. I ever owned. It’s beat up and worn, tar, from bluegrass to rock to reggae. member. Until recently, I had never wasn’t on the hunt for what some call it’s been through bars and churches, The wear-and-tear on it was consider- purchased an acoustic guitar; I have Taylor’s tone; however, in no time I was it’s seen me through some great and able, though, so I recently decided to 32 Calendar always received them as family heir- a convert. Was I about to turn my back difficult times, and it has never let me trade it in for something new. At Sam Fall Road Show listings. looms. I am a regularly gigging, profes- on the funky electronics with a tuner down. It’s been there to put to music Ash in New York City I found a great, 16 sional musician, so another acoustic that the competitor offered? Sure! I did the thoughts and feelings I have no reasonably priced, brand-new Taylor was a necessity. I searched for months, not like the build of stick-on pickups and words for. 12-string that captured my heart… 24 34 Seasonal Tips playing countless guitars, but never flimsy thumb wheel preamps or preamps When my wife and I were expecting and ear. I swapped the Guild for the 22 Backstage Pass: Daria Musk A humidification refresher, plus two new found anything that truly spoke to me, that get in the way of a truss rod adjust- our first child back in August of 2000, Taylor and have been quite happy with The social media-savvy singer-songwriter and “artistpreneur” products that help humidify the entire guitar. and it didn’t help that I was comparing ment. Taylor presented me with quality, we were looking at names. “Katherine” it. A few weeks later I decided to buy a is redefining how artists engage with audiences online. each to the “Gold Standard.” It was simplified electronics, and they managed was in the running for quite some time. second Taylor, and picked up a beau- almost unfair to the other guitars. to design the look with class. Both Then one night while playing my Taylor in tiful new 814ce at Rudy’s in New York 35 One day, I went into a store to buy the plugged and unplugged musicality our living room I said, “What about ‘Tay- City, which I am delighted with. [It’s TaylorWare Taylor apparel, guitar accessories and more. another maker’s acoustic guitar, but I are very good indeed. But where was lor’?” On August 20, 2000, Taylor Olivia been] a long, strange trip that started 26 Forestry for the Future still felt like I was settling for a guitar my preferred cutaway version of the Reynolds was welcomed into the world. and ended — at least guitar-wise — in Bob Taylor returned from his recent World Forestry Tour more instead of getting what I truly wanted. 114e? Lucky me — one left in the back She is now also a big fan of Taylor El Cajon. inspired than ever to pursue innovative forest restoration projects. I hated that feeling because music room. New in a box! Guitars. We recently went to a Taylor Andy Karp is my livelihood, and I want to make I took it out of the nice included Road Show, and she fell in love with Croton-on-Hudson, NY sure I have the best tools for the job. soft case, and the walnut back was a the 714. So she has a goal in mind. Of Before purchasing the other guitar, I stunner. While all my former guitars were course, one day I plan on passing down saw a beautiful guitar hanging on the solid wood, this one was worth a try, the 410 to her. It is without a doubt my wall — it was a Taylor 214ce DLX. It considering my extremely dry environ- most prized and cherished acoustic. 2215 22 looked like the guitar of my dreams, but ment, where layered wood might even Randy Reynolds 4 www.taylorguitars.com 5

designs of his. It’s a pleasure, and I’m my dad come through, and some of thankful for it. us as well, even a little Bill Collings if Volume 89 Who knows what you may think the whole truth were told, and some Fall 2017 when you buy a Taylor, or play your Wayne, Jesus, Richard and Andy. Taylor. But I hope that somehow, in Produced by the Taylor Guitars Marketing Department some way, a little bit of Kurt’s dad and ­­ — Bob Taylor, President

Publisher Taylor-Listug, Inc. Vice President Tim O’Brien Editorial Director Jim Kirlin Art Director Cory Sheehan 2017 Taylor Factory Tours & Vacation Dates Photo Manager / Designer Rita Funk-Hoffman A free, guided tour of the factory is given every Monday through Friday Photographer Tim Whitehouse at 1 p.m. (excluding holidays). No advance reservations are necessary. Simply check-in at the reception desk in our Visitor Center, located in the lobby of our main building, before 1 p.m. We ask that large groups (more Contributors than 10) call us in advance at (619) 258-1207. Jonah Bayer / Colin Griffith / Kurt Listug / Shawn Persinger While not physically demanding, the tour does include a fair amount Andy Powers / Bob Taylor / Glen Wolff of walking. Due to the technical nature, the tour may not be suitable for Technical Advisors small children. The tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes Ed Granero / Gerry Kowalski / Crystal Lawrence / Andy Lund and departs from the main building at 1980 Gillespie Way in El Cajon, Rob Magargal / Monte Montefusco / Andy Powers / Bob Taylor California. Chris Wellons / Glen Wolff Please take note of the weekday exceptions below. For more information, Printing / Distribution including directions to the factory, please visit taylorguitars.com/contact. Courier Graphics / CEREUS (Phoenix, AZ) We look forward to seeing you! Translation KURT’S CORNER Lingua Translations (Swansea, Wales, UK) BOBSPEAK Wood&Steel is distributed to registered Taylor guitar Layers of Learning owners and Authorized Taylor Dealers as a complimentary service. Family and Friends We’re all influenced by other people, Curiously, both Kurt and I lost our a better guitar maker than me, but we For two weeks there, we are allergic to but perhaps none more so than our Manage Your Subscription dads this year. We miss them a lot and shared ideas for years, each being able pavement and people, so we find the parents. While we each become unique When I wanted to start a guitar company Subscribe will remember them always. We each to help the other and learn from one most lonely, beautiful places to be and individuals, our parents play an important at age 21, my dad pointed out that I would To receive a subscription, please register your Taylor guitar at had great fathers, and our business another. I’ll never forget Bill Collings, just breathe in fresh air, fish, nap, and role in shaping our character, teaching taylorguitars.com/registration. owes a lot of its success to who we and I am happy to have so many great sometimes talk about a machine we us morals and ethics, and showing us need a partner who was a good guitar each are because of them. My dad, memories of him. want to make. Thank you, Wayne, for how to relate to other people. Ideally maker. Unsubscribe Dick Taylor, did many things for me, but Now on to those of us who are your skill, attention, and dedication to they also recognize our talents and To unsubscribe from Wood&Steel, please email I’d like to mention just a few. He taught alive. I want to give a special mention our dream of Taylor Guitars. [email protected]. Please include your interests, and help us develop them to me, by example, that I can make things this issue to a person at Taylor Guitars Our lives are about the living of name and mailing address as they appear on this issue, become the people we want to be. My if I want. I was used to him being able without whom I really don’t know what it, and helping others to live, and I’m plus the subscription number located directly above father, George Listug, passed away gotten from his dad. Bob is the most at some point when you look back, to tackle building furniture, household I’d do: Wayne Brinkley. Wayne heads reminded this year that it doesn’t last your name. recently, and Bob’s father, Dick Taylor, pragmatic person I’ve ever known, and hopefully you’re amazed by what you’ve things, fixing cars, and just figuring our tooling department. What’s great forever. We’re thankful that we found passed away earlier in the year. We I’ve often wondered if he got that from learned and all the progress you’ve Change of address things out. That was in my bones by the about Wayne is that he’s incredibly guitar building as a way to spend the wouldn’t be the people we are, and his dad. made forging the future. To change your mailing address, please visit time I was old enough to take a wrench smart about how to make things, plus career portions of our lives, here in El Taylor Guitars wouldn’t exist, without Now both George and Dick are After 43 years of learning, Taylor taylorguitars.com/contact to my bicycle. He also taught me delayed he’s dedicated. He doesn’t know a Cajon, and in Tecate, Amsterdam, and their influence and help. gone, and we’re both incredibly grate- has reached an exciting launching gratification and steadfastness — the time of day that isn’t available for him to Cameroon. We’ve loved guitars from When I wanted to start a guitar ful to have had such wonderful, sup- point for new guitar development, new Online ability to work on a project for a long help, worry, or spearhead a solution. He the beginning and love them even more company at age 21, it was my dad portive fathers. production methodology, new business Read this and other back issues of Wood&Steel at time before seeing the reward. And he doesn’t know a place on earth where today, and are happy to see our work taylorguitars.com/wood-and-steel who pointed out that I would need a opportunities, and new growth poten- taught me how to be generous and to he isn’t willing to go to make something affect others positively, from our proud partner who was a good guitar maker. tial. We look forward to sharing some think of others. happen. If there’s a problem in our pro- dads to our colleagues and dealers to He not only did the books for us in our of what we’ve learned in our next issue Kurt’s dad, George Listug, taught duction in Tecate, he goes. If it happens those of you who play. We’re happy early years, he taught me accounting. When Bob and I started, we knew of Wood&Steel. Kurt how to be an accountant, how to in Cameroon, he goes. I don’t have to that we enjoy our work and those we He and my mom helped me financially a little bit about making guitars, and ©2017 Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved. TAYLOR, TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR GUITARS, TAYLOR tell if we’re financially healthy or not. He ask. It’s amazing, really. He’s not tire- work with. QUALITY GUITARS and Design ; BABY TAYLOR; BIG BABY; Peghead Design; Bridge Design; several times, to start the business and not much else. But we had a goal, a — Kurt Listug, CEO Pickguard Design; 100 SERIES; 200 SERIES; 300 SERIES; 400 SERIES; 500 SERIES; 600 SERIES; did it at the kitchen table after dinner less; sometimes he’s dead on his feet, Never forgetting about the guitars then to get through difficult times in the dream, to build a guitar company. So 700 SERIES; 800 SERIES; 900 SERIES; PRESENTATION SERIES; GALLERY; QUALITY TAYLOR in the early years, going over all the but no great company can exist without for a minute, we’ve been working on early years. He was only too happy to we took a step forward, then we took GUITARS, GUITARS AND CASES and Design; WOOD&STEEL; ROBERT TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR accounting of our little business and some people like Wayne. Wayne has some new advancements in guitar EXPRESSION SYSTEM; EXPRESSION SYSTEM; TAYLORWARE; TAYLOR GUITARS K4; K4, TAYLOR Factory Closures help, and was always incredibly proud the next step, and so on. With each K4; TAYLOR ES; DYNAMIC BODY SENSOR; T5; T5 (Stylized); BALANCED BREAKOUT; R. TAYLOR; teaching Kurt how to read the story that come with me to Cameroon on nearly design, as usual, and with Andy Powers of the business that Bob and I built. step, we learned. It’s impossible to R TAYLOR (Stylized); AMERICAN DREAM; TAYLOR SOLIDBODY; T3; GRAND SYMPHONY; WAVE the numbers told. He was always at our every single trip there that I’ve made, heading that up, there’s a lot to talk Friday, October 13 Bob’s dad taught him how to know in advance everything you don’t COMPENSATED; GS; GS MINI; ES-GO; V-CABLE; FIND YOUR FIT; and GA are registered trademarks of events, from NAMM shows to company and some that I haven’t. We wouldn’t about, which will continually unfold. (Taylor Guitars Anniversary) Taylor-Listug, Inc. NYLON SERIES; KOA SERIES; GRAND AUDITORIUM; GRAND CONCERT, TAYLOR make things, and how to be incredibly know…that just doesn’t work. There SWIFT BABY TAYLOR; LEO KOTTKE SIGNATURE MODEL; DYNAMIC STRING SENSOR; GRAND parties to award ceremonies. He was have an ebony mill without Wayne. I’m amazed at how his mind works resourceful. I remember the story of are no shortcuts, and you can’t skip ORCHESTRA; GO; TAYLOR ROAD SHOW; JASON MRAZ SIGNATURE MODEL; NOUVEAU; ISLAND a true fan of Taylor Guitars and super Or, at least not the ebony mill that we and what he’s able to dream up. I’ve November 23-24 how Dick showed Bob how to build a steps. You need courage to take each VINE; CINDY; HERITAGE DIAMONDS; TWISTED OVALS; DECO DIAMONDS; and SPIRES are trade- proud of us all the way until we were currently brag about. Along with our learned so much about guitar design (Thanksgiving Holiday) marks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. patio entirely out of scrap wood others next step, because to a degree you’re in our 60s and he in his 90s. We owe friend and colleague Jesus Jurado, and from Andy in the past five years, and I had discarded. When Bob decided to heading into the unknown, and you’re ELIXIR and NANOWEB are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. D’ADDARIO PRO-ARTE a lot to them both. Now we each have our retired colleague Richard Berry, we feel really lucky to have a ringside seat, Monday, December 25 through Friday, January 5 build his first guitar in high school, it was creating your future. It’s a path of is a registered trademark of J. D’Addario & Co., Inc. NUBONE is a registered trademark of David Dunwoodie. our moms to love. travel to Baja California each year in watching what he does. And I must (Company Vacation) a natural progression for him, building Another passing this year was my October in our Land Cruisers to wear say that I really love helping to build continual learning, and you’re building Prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. upon the skills and encouragement he’d layers upon layers upon layers. And wonderful friend Bill Collings. Bill was out our tires from driving and to camp. the factory and methods to build those 7

decay, reverberation, etc. — than the one giated harmony, the individual voices of Fig.Fig. 1 Allegro w w œ œ œ œ œ facing away from you. It’s stunning, actu- each guitar need to be extremely pro- # œ œ œ œ nœ #œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ I # 4 Œ œ ˙. œ œ ally, that once you listen with intention, nounced. As such, I suggest a specific & 4 3 3 rather than out of habit, you start to hear guitar from the Taylor “Grand” family to 15 14 12 10 5 2 2 5 7 9 10 a complex, previously unnoticed world of showcase the voices the way a cello, a T 15 14 12 10 3 3 A 12 10 11 2 2 music lying beneath the superficiality of viola, and two violins would in a tradi- B cliché licks and predictable patterns. tional string quartet. Now that you’re listening with A Grand Auditorium is well-suited to II # 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ œ œ œ œ & # 4 œ œ œ œ Ó. Œ œ Œ Œ intention, it’s time to diverge from the Part I, which performs the main theme œ œ œ obviousness of soloist and accompa- in the high register of the guitar. (I’ve T 5 5 8 5 8 7 nist and start performing and overlay- specifically made a leap down to the 7 6 7 6 7 7 7 6 A 5 4 5 4 4 acoustic ing complementary melodies. For my lower frets to keep this melody on the B money, you can’t do better than the unwound strings as much as possible.) œ œ œ two- and three-part inventions of J.S. A Grand Symphony nicely fulfills the III # 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ & # 4 œ œ œ œ œ Ó. Œ œ Œ Œ Bach (though originally conceived for dual requirements of melody and accom- solo keyboard, they transpose quite paniment found in Part II — featuring a T 7 7 8 8 8 10 10 10 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 9 9 9 9 6 7 7 7 effectively to guitars), which are not run of eighth-notes followed by a string A 7 7 9 9 7 only melodically rich and tuneful, but of sparse but indispensable chord tones B are also relatively short and rhythmically that fill out the harmony. IV # 4 easy. If Bach isn’t your cup of tea, try A Grand Concert, designed in part & # 4 Ó. ∑ Œ Œ nw w w œ œ œ playing some bluegrass flatpicking for fingerpicking, is a perfect choice for tunes harmonized in thirds (check out Part III as it contains three arpeggiated T A Doc Watson’s version of “June Apple,” chords, D - G - A, followed by a few B 3 2 4 5 4 5 which includes two fiddles harmo- colorful single notes that harmonize with nizing). Or, if you and you friends are Part II. (Note: This part could also be fingerpickers, learn some of the classic played down an octave, which works Fig.Fig. 22 q = 80 duet arrangements by Chet Atkins well if Part IV is played by a bass.) j I: 6 bb 4 œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙. ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ & 4 œ œ œ œ J J

5 3 6 3 5 3 11 8 11 10 10 T 3 11 10 11 A Don’t become two voices talking at once. B

Become two voicings speaking as one. j II: N bb 4 Œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ Œ & 4 œ œ œ J œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Sul ponticello œ œ œ œ 5 3 6 3 5 3 10 T 3 4 3 5 5 5 3 2 and Jerry Reed (“Jerry’s Breakdown”), Lastly, a Grand Orchestra can take A 5 3 Stefan Grossman and John Renbourn on the responsibility of providing the B (“’Round Midnight”), or Jim Croce and bottom end found in Part IV. Though it r III: 12 b j Maury Muehleisen (“Time in a Bottle”). only contains one note per measure, b 4 ˙ œ œ œ œ œ w œ œ œ & 4 ˙ J œ œ t Though this more intricate music might this part is essential to the nuanced P be more challenging to perform and harmonic movement of the quartet. The T i 7 5 3 2 3 5 2 3 2 thus require you focus more of your notes should ring out with power and A 5 5 3 ne B attention on your own technique, do sustain worthy of emulating a cello, not forget the objectives: listening with which the part was originally scored for. Learning to blend different IV: B ? b 4 Ó intention, noticing degrees of distinc- This proposed mix of “Grand” b 4 ˙ ˙ œ œ w œ guitar voices can open the tion, and blending them. Don’t become guitars is only one possibility available ˙ œ œ œ T 5 3 two voices talking at once. Become to players looking to both blend and A 6 5 1 0 door to a rich and expressive B 3 3 1 ytwo voicings speaking as one. highlight guitar tones in an ensemble tapestry of sound situation. With models ranging from a high-strung Baby Taylor to traditional By Shawn Persinger Guitar Quartets Now we’ve come to the apex of this dreadnoughts to the unique Taylor with the articulation sul ponticello, should consider multi-tracking as a Shawn Persinger, a.k.a. Prester John, p grand experiment: The simultaneous 8-string baritone, the combinations are which indicates you should pick close viable, if simulated, ensemble option. owns a Taylor 410, two 310s, a performance of four guitars, playing practically endless! As such, I offer my to the bridge in an attempt to emulate Through, frankly, I did miss having a 214ce-N, an 8-string Baritone, and a individual lines that interact with, stand own humble contribution to the guitar a Japanese koto or Chinese guzheng. team that could have generated ideas GS Mini Bass. His music has been orgive me, readers, if I presume Even if you have just one guitar, it comfortable with. Fall into the everyday apart from, and complement each other. quartet cannon. Fig. 2 is an excerpt Part III spotlights the octave strings and encouragement, both of which described as a myriad of delightful too much, but I suspect that simply takes a gathering with other gui- roles of lead and rhythm, strumming Unfortunately, there is a shortage of from my piece “The Ninth Day of the of the 12-string, keeping its fingerings have benefits far beyond the artistic. musical paradoxes: complex but many of you own more than ltar-playing friendsa to access a diverse or soloing over cowboy chords that quartet music for guitar that is either Ninth Month,” featured in the Halloween entirely in the middle pairs of strings. catchy; virtuosic yet affable; smart and Fone Taylor guitar. If so, I hope each palette of musical colors. An untapped you’ve known for years. Beginning with accessible to the average player (i.e., Baptizm suite, a new guitar quartet that And Part IV performs the traditional New Directions whimsical. His book The 50 Greatest offers you different sonic and perfor- world of possibilities awaits your var- something simple and familiar will allow not a professionally trained classical I recently recorded using an idiosyn- role of the bass, providing low end and I hope that the idea of a guitar duo, Guitar Books has been hailed as a mance possibilities. Have you explored ious instruments. All you need is to you to relax and let your mind take on guitarist) or available in tablature. But cratic alliance of Taylor guitars: 6-string harmonic stability. The GS Mini Bass, trio, quartet or more will inspire you to monumental achievement by readers using these guitars in conjunction with come together and, in the incorrect the additional task of listening, truly there is hope! For starters, in Fig. 1, I steel, 12-string, nylon-string, and the for all its “mini-ness,” sounds huge play together with other guitarists (and and critics. each other to both highlight their dif- grammar of a highly successful comput- listening, to what you’re playing and have transcribed six measures (mea- new GS Mini Bass. when performing this part — I find it to compose) in a new way. Ensemble (www.GreatestGuitarBooks.com) ferences and create an altogether new er campaign, “think different.” how it interacts with and complements sures 32-37) of the first movement of This is a pensive and delicate be a revolutionary new instrument that, playing can lead you and your musical aural environment? Perhaps a forest the playing of others. How the various Beethoven’s String Quartet in D Major piece in which the unique arrangement in addition to being a joy to play on its companions in new directions that soundscape painted with crisp maple Listening With Intention chords provide a canvas of shifting Op. 18 No. 3. (By most accounts, of tones and timbres is dramatically own, implores guitarists to work togeth- foster listening with intention along with melodies, warm rosewood counter- Here’s what I’d suggest for your color for figurative lead lines. How the Beethoven’s string quartets are the accentuated. Parts I and II play very er. That said, for practical reasons, as attention to detail, nuance, dynamics, point, lush koa harmonies, and shapely first experiment mixing and matching characteristic tone of each instrument epitome of the format.) In this example similar melodies, but they split apart, well as out of artistic compulsion, I articulation and timbre — and above all, spruce dynamics. Or maybe you’ve Taylors: Get together with at least one is analogous to spoken accents. How we can see that each instrument has a harmonize, and play in counterpoint recorded all of the parts on Halloween camaraderie. discovered the rich interplay between other player (three would be ideal) the sonic properties of a guitar fac- specific and symbiotic role to play. With in unexpected ways. Additionally, the Baptizm myself. So guitarists who don’t different body styles. and warm up by playing music you’re ing you is different — in volume, tone, more single-note playing, or arpeg- nylon-string distinguishes itself further have fellow musicians to jam with www.taylorguitars.com 9

[Model Spotlight: 352ce / 362ce]

Shimmering Timbers A pair of rousing new Grand Concert 12-strings joins the 300 Series

e know a 12-string won’t stronger, which enables it to be braced The two different wood pairings also be the primary axe for more lightly. This makes it easier to set present two distinctive sonic personali- most players. But its those strings in motion. ties, allowing you to find the right match Wshimmering voice serves up an earful of Sonically, it also yields a whole new for your playing applications. acoustic flavor that can help you enrich 12-string flavor: a clear, well-defined The 362ce’s hardwood mahog- your musical repertoire in exciting ways. shimmer that plays well with others any top lends some natural compres- And in our humble opinion, more instead of over-resonating. If you do any sion to the tonal response, helping to people would add one to their gui- recording and want to add some nice create a clear and balanced output tar quiver if they had a chance to wrap octave texture to a part — maybe dou- across the frequency spectrum, includ- their arms around one of our play- bling a chord progression to add shim- ing the octave courses, with smooth er-friendly Grand Concert models. mer — a Grand Concert 12-string will note decay. That’s why this fall we’re offering become your new secret weapon. “If I were playing one of these gui- players two more compelling reasons “As a player I’ll normally use a tars mostly amplified, I would choose to pick one up. We’re thrilled to intro- 12-string in the studio to layer a part,” the hardwood-top version because duce the new 12-string/12-fret Grand Andy explains. “In the past I’d end up that compressed effect will translate Concert 362ce, featuring blackwood EQ-ing out everything from the low end through the pickup really well,” Andy back and sides with a mahogany top, because all you want is the shimmery says. “The string-to-string balance, the and the 352ce, which pairs sapele with quality. That’s where a Grand Concert response from the smaller body, the a Sitka spruce top. 12-string really excels.” natural compression effect — all these The two models follow last year’s And the playing comfort isn’t just in qualities make it exceptionally good for successful debut of the all-mahogany the lighter, more compact body or our the stage.” 562ce and mahogany/cedar 552ce, signature sleek neck profile — it’s also The spruce-top 352ce, by compar- a pair of game-changing small-body the shorter 12-fret neck-to-body rela- ison, will yield a slightly more immedi- beauties that married the comfort- tionship. Shifting the neck closer to the ate response, with a bit more top-end ably compact Grand Concert form body creates a nicely balanced weight brightness and a crisp, dynamic voice. with our 12-fret neck design. The distribution, and together with the “If you’re playing as a solo artist and release marked another step forward 24-7/8-inch scale length, delivers the want more initial dynamic range, the in our tradition of crafting easy-playing most comfortable handfeel you’ll find on spruce-top version will put that attack 12-strings, earning plaudits from critics any 12-string guitar out there. back in there,” Andy says. “If you’re and players alike. The shifted bridge placement with playing more fingerstyle or doing more Resident design guru Andy Powers the 12-fret design (closer to the center songwriting, or if you’re playing in a had taken note of the lingering barriers of the lower bout) also gives both guitars smaller group, try the spruce.” that had kept traditional 12-string gui- impressive projection for a small-body Visually, if you like a darker vin- tars out of the hands of many players, acoustic, without requiring a strong tage aesthetic, you’ll probably gravitate among them the larger body size typi- attack to set the strings in motion. toward the 362ce’s shaded edgeburst cally used for them and the tendency of Since a 12-string for most players mahogany top and the all-satin body, a 12-string’s big, rich strumming voice would be a secondary instrument, hav- while the 352ce sports a clean, con- to drown out other instruments in a mix. ing access to a pair of models within temporary look with the glossy spruce So he downsized the body style to our our 300 Series now makes the notion top. Whichever way you lean, one thing lap-happy Grand Concert. of owning a small-body Taylor 12-string is certain: Bring this to a jam session It turns out that the smaller chassis a more budget-friendly proposition, and your friends will be fighting over allows for a more efficient 12-string while still preserving all the tonal good- who gets to play it next. design — the compact body is inherently ness of an all-solid-wood acoustic. 10 www.taylorguitars.com 11

we can’t even fulfill the demand for where is good for us all. And I’ll bet that wood is an inconsistent material. as the ones built by a single expe- likes one guitar better, and makes one our guitars. Cajons aren’t made from there are tree planting programs in your Even the same kind and grade of rienced luthier costing two to three comment about one feature, then that the wood we have as scraps, they’re community. If you participate in that, wood will vary in stiffness, density times as much? I obviously have a doesn’t make a new overall truth. In the essentially made of plywood. There’s you’re doing as much as I am. It may and resonance. The hand builders real guitar obsession and love the end, good luthiers make good guitars Ask Bob some wood that can be repurposed for not be a guitar tree, but it helps the say the perfect guitar needs to be Taylor I have; I just wanted to get in their way, and good factories make Braceless backs, the future of spruce, a cajon, but not much. To answer the earth in the same way. worked individually to compensate your take on this. good guitars in their way. I believe in other part of your question, I’m focusing for the individual characteristics of Colby both. They both have merit. To answer and factory-made vs. handmade a lot lately on finding items to make the piece of wood. It got me thinking: the question of whether they all sound from the ebony we cut in Cameroon Does Taylor test each piece of wood exactly the same, no, they don’t. The that cannot be used to make guitars, I have three Taylor guitars — from a for stiffness? Does Taylor do any word you use, “exactly,” is the deal and the goal would be to make those GS Mini to a Dreadnought — and I custom voicing on tops, like finished Colby, I’ve been answering this question killer. But neither do two guitars made I have been buying acoustic guitars items there in Cameroon to allow the admire them each for their distinc- plate thickness or shaving any of the for years. It never gets easier or shorter, from a good luthier. This is the spice of for many years and always love look- employees there to have a better busi- tive voicing. The difference in body braces differently? I’m thinking at the so here are some thoughts. First, the life, and in the end, you’re free to find a ing inside the soundhole at the brac- I love Wood&Steel. It’s a pleasant surprise when it arrives ness model by adding more value. We shapes seems so slight, but their high production numbers you do the best-sounding guitar is usually the one guitar you like. Then, by all means, don’t ing inside the back of the guitar. I in the mail and I can see what you’ve been up to. I’m a long- are developing those now, and a lot sounds are so different. My frivolous you like the best, which is subjective, let that guitar get away. love the new style on my 800 Series, of them won’t be for music. Probably question is: Given their subtle dis- especially when two guitars are similar. with the back bracing on an angle, time Taylor owner, having a ’96 110 as well as an ’09 LKSM- things like very cool pepper grinders, tinctions, what would a rectangular We usually look to change the design which I am sure was something 12 (coolest 12-string ever). Reading the buffing article last wall tiles, chopsticks, buttons, cabinet guitar sound like? As an unabashed to improve the guitar in a repeatable design guru Andy Powers thought issue made me wonder: during training or by request, do knobs and pulls, etc. There’s enough novice, I would not hesitate to ask fashion because design matters the In a recent issue I saw that boiled of to create a better sound. And boy wood there to create jobs in Cameroon Antonio Stradivari the same question. most. linseed oil was recommended for does it! employee builders ever follow a batch of guitars from start and for people like you to enjoy owning Bill Burlingham A luthier can do some individual fretboard [conditioning]. I usually The other day I went into my local to finish? I’m sure it’s impractical, but perhaps it allows something from it. We do have one Skokie, IL alterations to a guitar, but only if the use lemon oil. Is that sufficient? Any music store and tried out some 200 them to learn more about lutherie and see the forest for the cool guitar product coming soon for luthier knows how. Most don’t know known issues using lemon oil? Series guitars. I picked up a dread- guitars, and I think it’ll be great. Well, Bill, a square guitar would break how when they start, and if they’re Art nought that rang true on every fret trees (sorry couldn’t resist!) Andy Powers’ cardinal rule, which says skilled they get better over years, of the guitar. When I looked in the Matthew S. Partrick, M.D. “there shall be no straight lines in a gui- producing very few guitars along the Art, there’s no problem at all using soundhole [I saw that] there was no Key West, FL tar.” He’s including not only the shape of way with a lot of time in between each lemon oil. It eventually evaporates and back bracing on the guitar. When Bob, I’ve been following your quest braces but also the shape of box. There guitar. And if they make different styles, leaves nothing behind. Boiled linseed did this new design feature start to save our tonewoods since I first are lots of acoustic mistakes that hap- they may never become remarkable at oil will polymerize, almost like varnish, and why is it being done? This Matthew, I understand your question. The answer is that very few heard about your acquisition of the pen inside a cube or rectangle. Think one of the styles. So, which luthier do leaving a real sealer behind. For this guitar sounded so great I played people have the opportunity or ability to do this. We do have very ebony mill. Watching your vlog of of going to a good theater and listening you choose? That said, there are some reason I like it, but I also recommend it all week in the acoustic room of your recent world tour has me in- to a concert. The rooms are not square who make incredible guitars. Another that it only needs to be done three or my music store. Finally, I couldn’t small teams that work together to see a guitar from beginning to spired, but I’m just an IT guy from or straight. Acoustic engineers toil to thought: Nearly every vintage guitar four times on a fingerboard, and then stand it anymore — I came back and Phoenix. Other than buying more end, and in effect those teams are often smaller than the teams in get the right curves. An amphitheater 414ce that a person can name that is sought you have something that stays and traded two guitars so I could have a smaller factory of guitars. On the other hand, we don’t subscribe Taylor guitars, what can I do to help? is always round and slanted. A deep after for its amazing tone was made in doesn’t need repeating. If you put lin- this sunburst beauty. Damon Rudisill acoustical answer is probably out of my a factory, proving again that factories seed oil on once a month forever, you’d Steve Kane to the idea of a person doing, say, nothing but sanding a guitar. wheelhouse and would perhaps be too can make great guitars. end up with a real mess. Lemon oil They do much more than that, moving from beginning to end Thanks, Damon! That’s a wonderful in depth for readers even if I were qual- Now, on to the idea that the pieces evaporates, as I said, and doesn’t build Steve, our 200 Series guitars, like all within a department. In fact, when Taylor first started, we had question, and I do appreciate the will- ified to explain the science, but curves of wood from one to another are not up. My preference is linseed oil every the layered models we make, are built ingness to help. Unfortunately I don’t work well for musical instruments exactly the same. This is true in the once in a while, until it’s been done to help deliver a fine guitar at a more three people, and we specialized in the work, so even when I was have an easy way you could participate. including guitars. A square guitar would real sense, but the differences can be three or four times, and then stop. Do it modest price. With the back we do a 19 we didn’t have one person build a guitar from beginning to end. It’s expensive to do, which is why most have weak sides that flap in the breeze; so slight that it would take a very fine again after 10 more years. couple of things to help the cause. One But these days we do have employees who have mastered many of people or companies don’t do it, but bending them cures that. The sound- luthier to know what to do about it, and is to use layered wood, which extends we’ve found ways to make it part of our waves would misbehave inside, the top that rules out most luthiers, I’m sorry Ed. Note: Art, another great option, the amount of wood you can cut from the departments. business. Since I’m relatively new to wouldn’t have a main belly to vibrate, to say. We create a design, and we recommended by Taylor Customer a tree. At the same time, when we glue this myself I don’t have any way to allow etc. If you made one, it would play notes follow that. Each wood species has a Service Manager Glen Wolff, is the it into layers we build an arch into it, others to participate. Seed source, and chords, but the quality of those different weight, stiffness, ability to res- Taylor Fretboard Oil we offer through which inherently becomes very strong site selection, care over the first 30 notes would be poor and not compare onate, coloration, etc., and we design TaylorWare (made by Music Nomad). and self-supporting when the pressing years, local governance, and continued favorably to a shaped guitar. around those differences and then It’s a blend of ultra-refined tree and is complete. By doing this we don’t would I be missing as a result of the I am always interested in your pur- Sitka. We have no way to effectively many others around the world doing funding or profit are all important parts produce that design with accuracy. In seed oils. It isn’t as thick as linseed oil need braces glued to the back. This bridge placement on the 12-fret ver- suits to manage the forests and do that. One day perhaps, but in those reforestry for their own reasons, which of doing what we saw in the vlog you my way of thinking, and coupled with and won’t evaporate quickly. It’s great eliminates many steps and some cost sus the 14-fret? responsibly harvest and plant new areas of the world many people who pleases me to no end. mentioned, and we don’t know how to my experience, that’s a very legitimate for occasional conditioning. and still makes a good guitar. We’ve Romulo Salazar trees. I have heard about the efforts own and operate wood lots that have easily tell another person how to be I bought a Taylor 414ce a few months way to produce a guitar. If one person been doing this on every layered guitar Fort Worth, TX to replant ebony, koa, maple, etc., but Sitka are either replanting or allowing involved. That doesn’t mean I’m not ago. I went into a Guitar Center with answer would be no. If so, has any- since we introduced the Baby Taylor what about Sitka spruce (and Lutz natural regrowth through their own thinking about it, but even if I had more an open mind just wanting to try one at Taylor ever tested a bunch of about 20 years ago, when I was still a Romulo, let me clarify a misunder- and Engelmann spruce)? I would programs or with FSC certification. On What do you do with your leftover funds now, say from a crowdsourced out some different things. I played finished guitars of the same model relatively young man and had more hair standing. By putting a capo on the gui- think that this wood is what you use my world forestry tour, which you can wood — ends and other pieces, or funding program, I still lack the ability all the good guitars they had. I had and wood combinations for consis- on my head, where hair is actually sup- tar you shorten the string length, which the most. Is there an active replant- see on YouTube, we stopped in Ireland boards that don’t quite meet the to easily scale up the work. So for now, originally wanted to try a 416ce and tency? Do they all sound exactly the posed to be! is not a simulation of a 12-fret. A 12-fret ing plan with spruce as well? Thanks to see that they’re planting Sitka spruce quality specs for building guitars? we have to do it ourselves and learn. thought that with the larger body it same? Are the tap tones all exactly guitar just moves the neck and bridge for all your efforts. there in a huge way, and have been How about if Taylor considers mak- Our programs are going well, and we’re would better fit my percussive fin- the same? I feel like the 414ce I closer to the tail block of the guitar. Bob doing this for decades. The impressive ing cajons? You know, beat boxes for sharing inspiration back and forth with gerstyle playing. They didn’t have an bought may have been one where This shortens the reach you need to thing is that 100 years ago Ireland only hand drumming. After all, it seems other forestry operations. My hope is 800 Series model for me to try, but the stiffness of the woods just hap- I just bought a 562ce and really like make with your left hand and changes Bob, first I must clarify that Taylor is not had 1 percent forest coverage in the only right given the name of your that in the same way I scaled up guitar [they had] the Sitka/ovangkol 414ce pened to perfectly fit the design and how it feels in my arthritic hands. I’m the tone to something I’d describe as planting maple; our supplier and close country, and now it has 11 percent and company’s home town! making, perhaps I can scale this up too and 416ce. The 414ce really seemed make it a notch better. But maybe Got a question for Bob Taylor? thinking about adding the 552 or 522 warmer by moving the bridge more into friends at Pacific Rim Tonewoods are. is striving for the next goal of 17 per- Diana Jurss one day and have a way for individuals to have something that every other that’s how all of those models Shoot him an email: [email protected] 12-Fret for the same reason. To sim- the center of the top. Playing a guitar We are doing koa in partnership with cent. Nearly all of that is Sitka spruce. Sylva, NC with a desire to help by donating or guitar lacked: great output, excellent sound. Are all Taylor guitars of the ulate the feel on my 714ce, I have with a capo in effect shortens the string them, and ebony in Cameroon in part- The lesson is that Taylor Guitars can’t investing. Invest being a loose term, response, and great balance. I also same model and woods exactly the If you have a specific repair or service concern, please call been placing a capo on the second length and raises the pitch. Those are nership with Madinter, another wood replant the world. We can do our part Diana, I think about cajons now and because we’ll all be dead by the time loved the clarity. same, at least to the tolerance that is our Customer Service department at (800) 943-6782, fret. If I kept doing this instead of two different things. I hope that makes supplier. Now on to Sitka spruce. The where it makes sense and where we then, and even more lately. But there’s we see the trees, right? But Damon, I’ve heard custom hand luthiers audible to the human ear? And are and we’ll take care of you. buying a 6-string 12-fret model, what sense to you. answer is that we are not replanting are able to, but fortunately there are only so much time in a day, and currently don’t forget that any tree planted any- say that the factory disadvantage is factory-made guitars really as good The Wood&Steel Interview: Sam Beam feeding the BEAST

SAM BEAM OF IRON & WINE REFLECTS ON THE CREATIVE APPROACH THAT SHAPED HIS LATEST OPUS, BEAST EPIC

BY JONAH BAYER

PHOTO: JOSH WOOL

Sam Beam has been busy. Among other things, the lavishly bearded For those who don’t know his work, Beam has carved out a successful

singer-songwriter — better known by his musical stage name Iron & Wine — career as something of a modern folk pioneer, amassing a devoted

and his wife have been raising their five children in South Carolina, where following along the way. He famously began as a solitary do-it-yourselfer

Beam grew up. Between that, releasing covers, and collaborating with who wrote and recorded his music in his home studio, so he’s no

other artists — including last year’s Love Letter for Fire, a collection of stranger to navigating the complexities of the creative process on his

duets recorded with singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop — Beam has also own. In fact, the music of Iron & Wine thrives within that complexity, as

found time to write, record and self-produce Iron & Wine’s sixth album, Beam navigates the tension between the patience of creation and the

Beast Epic, his first collection of new material in four years. urgency of emotion. 14 15

Basically, I pick one up and try to adjust posing with the nylon-string guitar; what I haven’t discovered rather than W&S: I know it’s been a while, but do Beam is a talented multi-instrumen- what I’m doing based on the sound that one of my earliest guitars was a nylon- refining something to a perfect place. people still discover you through the talist, but his heart often gravitates I’m getting. Over the years I’ve definite- string. It just seems so essential to the Garden State soundtrack? toward acoustic guitars. His best work “I like ly found ones that tend to fit the type sound that I make and hear when I’m W&S: That’s cool — a lot of musicians SB: Oh yeah. I mean, there’s a lot of leans heavily on them, and it’s clear from of music that I play more than others. making music at home, but for some get to your level of success and decide people out there and there’s a lot of even a cursory listen that he knows his playing At the same time, I’ve never written it reason I never used it onstage. I’ve they’re where they need to be talent- music out there. It’s just impossible to way around the instrument. Flavored down, so I’m always remembering as never found one that I liked the sound wise. keep track of it all. Most people are just with carefully plucked guitar lines, rich with people I go. I’ve collected a bunch of guitars of onstage, so I’m hoping one of these SB: Well, it’s scary to mess with the sort of busy living their lives. It’s not like acoustic textures, and intimate vocals, over the years that I use as different days Taylor is gonna help me out. [Ed. formula. It’s like if you create the Big they’re busy scouring the Internet for Iron & Wine’s music has drawn compari- colors on a palette in order to make Note: We’ve since sent him a pair of Mac and then change the recipe, you’re new music — they’re worried about their sons to the acoustic work of Neil Young, who know new things, but I end up using a lot 714ce-N guitars featuring Western screwed [laughs]. I think people get bills and that stuff. So people approach Nick Drake, and Simon & Garfunkel, yet of the same colors just because I like Sunburst tops.] scared because it’s hard enough to me all the time, even if it’s just about Beam pushes forward into more ethe- how to them. I love the Taylors, the Expression make a living doing creative things, one song they heard somewhere. I think real, experimental territory. His music is System and the way it works with the W&S: Do you ever practice in the and music is really fickle. When you it’s really wonderful; I love that kind of often described as having a cinematic improvise quality — no doubt impacted by his art PA — I haven’t had anything else that sense that you work on fingerpicking actually get recognized, it’s really hard stuff. I love finding old things, whether school/filmmaking background — as his and bring works like that and sounds as good in or scales, or do you mainly just write to convince people that they need to it’s from the ’60s or the ’40s. When songs paint sonic pictures that blend a live setting. these days? change it up. But for me, I feel like my you just discover something that’s been melodic textures with evocative lyri- SB: You know, it depends on the day. whole career is kind of a fluke. I never laying dormant for decades, that’s won- cism. A Taylor player for years now, his something W&S: Taylor is also making you a Some days if I’m working on a song really planned on making a career out of derful. That’s a wonderful feeling. acoustic arsenal features several Grand 714ce. Are you planning to customize I’ll just focus on lyrics, but usually I’m music; I just kept making things and it Auditorium models, including a 714ce to the table it at all? playing just because I like the sound of kind of took off. My background is more You can find Beast Epic in stores and he’s owned since 2003. SB: I love the sexy looking ones it. I never took lessons, so it’s always art school and filmmaking and stuff like on streaming platforms now. In many ways Beast Epic is a full- that I can’t [laughs]. I’ve got a couple different been a process of discovery for me, that, where you’re always pushing toward circle moment for Beam — it finds him ones from Taylor. I’ve been doing a and that’s the most interesting thing something new. Music doesn’t seem that Jonah Bayer is a freelance journalist reuniting with Sub Pop Records, where by myself.” lot of detuning and alternate tuning; I about it. I always feel like I’m in unchart- different to me along those lines. I never based in Brooklyn, New York. You can he made his first three records, includ- have a little army of guitars onstage so ed territory because I just play by ear. anticipated being successful. Still to this read his work in Playboy, VICE, The ing his 2002 debut The Creek Drank I don’t have to keep retuning between I definitely do a lot of strange tunings, day I don’t understand what people like, AV Club, Inked, Revolver and Guitar the Cradle — and eschewing the more songs. I have a couple that are steel- and lately I’ve been trying to learn how so I just keep making what I’m making. World. He is also the host of the elaborate production approach of his stringed, and I had a couple of the to play left-handed just to switch things But at the same time, since I’m the one Going Off Track podcast and co-cre- later releases in favor of a process nylon-string ones made. Like we were up and hear things differently because making it, there’s an aesthetic through- ator of the Web series “Sound Advice.” that resembles the way many of his talking about before, I’m always com- that’s how you stay engaged. It’s about line and organizing principle to it all. early recordings were conceptualized. Similarly, Beast Epic was also self-pro- duced and finds him embracing the inherent imperfections of the process. I caught up with Beam prior to the August release of his record. He talked “Earlier on, about his evolving creative approach at Photo: Wylde Photography The Guitars and Tunings of Iron & Wine this stage of his life, the importance of I feel like I preserving the “human qualities” in his Sam Beam loves his Taylors and plays a range of them on stage and music, his love of nylon-string guitars, in the studio. Here’s his arsenal: and how the sense that his career is a W&S: A lot of Beast Epic was record- quickly. It was definitely a conscious sentiment that seems to resonate with although the touring group might be a was trying fluke has liberated him artistically. ed live without overdubbing. Was that a thing. I just love the spontaneity of it. a lot of people right now. little different. [Ed. Note: The album’s 714ce (2003, 2009, 2011) conscious decision? Also, earlier on, I feel like I was trying SB: It depends on what you are talking session musicians include longtime 314ce (2004) to polish Wood&Steel: Do you mainly write on SB: Yeah, it’s a way of working that to polish some of the humanity out. I about. If you’re talking about social or Iron & Wine collaborators Rob Burger 714ce-N (2012) acoustic guitar? I’ve been pursuing for a little while. The mean, I wouldn’t have called it “human- political problems, then yeah, in the (keys), Joe Adamik (percussion, 614ce (2015) some of the Sam Beam: Yeah, it’s usually an acous- first couple of records were just me, sense that people are in transition and drums), and Jim Becker (guitar, banjo, 714ce-N WSB (2017) tic guitar or piano, and I have a nylon- and I did a lot of overdubbing, but it they don’t know what to expect. I think violin, mandolin), along with bassist humanity string I sometimes bang around on. It’s wasn’t to a click or anything like that. that makes you look inward. I do think Sebastian Steinberg (Soul Coughing Beam plays in a number of different tunings, which he says helps inspire always sitting out close to my hands. Then as I got into it and kept making that this record — although not really and Fiona Apple), and Teddy Rankin fresh musical discoveries. Here are a few: out.” records, some of them were created in about those issues — resonates with Parker (cello).] I like the idea of know- W&S: What’s your creative process like ProTools. It was all overdubs, but that people who are on that kind of an ing the record as a snapshot of what DADGBE (Drop D, on “Naked As We Came”) when it comes to writing? was the type of music I was interested inward journey. It’s an introspective we were doing at the moment and DGDGBD (Open G, on “Communion Cups” and “Someone’s Coat”) SB: I used to be a lot more disciplined in making at the time, in the sense of record. That said, I also feel a lot of using it as an arrow that points you to DADGAD (on “Half Moon” and “Big Burned Hand”) about it and made it feel like a job. I using the studio as an instrument on friends my age are in a strange transi- what it can be, but not a blueprint that CGCFGC (various songs) would take the kids to school and then the record. It was really interesting and tion, and it’s a different one than when has to be followed. That approach has come home and work until three or four I learned a lot, but it wasn’t as satisfy- we were 20 or 30, but at the same been helpful for me because when I in the afternoon. Now I’ve become a ing as just playing with other people. It time it’s just as powerful and disturbing was really young I got tired of trying lot less disciplined [laughs]. I think it’s was more about the process of mak- and rewarding. to regurgitate the sound of the very because when my kids were younger ing the record than it was performing early records onstage. It became sort they needed a lot more hand-holding, and making something together. That W&S: What’s the dynamic with the of impossible because it’s the product but now I have a bit more free time and has a lot of benefits, but at the same other players on this record? of the recording process. So it’s been I guess I’m a little more relaxed. I feel time, I missed the sound that you get ity” then, but I wanted it to sound right. SB: I’ve always written all the material really helpful and inspiring to keep the like I’m writing just as much [now as I [from playing live]. Some of my favorite Now, I’m not sure if “right” means and then brought it to different folks — record as something that’s more of a was then]; it’s just not as structured. It’ll records have strange microphone bleed “perfect.” I like the more human quali- and it’s always been different groups of document than a list of rules. go in waves — some times will be more and sonic spaces that are unique to the ties and letting all of the imperfections people — to help me realize it sonically, productive than others. I used to just recording sessions. So the last couple remain. just because I like to be surprised. I like W&S: I know you have a bunch of sort of trudge through the unproductive of collaborative records that I’ve been playing with people who know how to Taylor guitars. How do you decide times and try to make something work, doing, I’ve been making them that way: W&S: You’ve said that Beast Epic is a improvise and bring something to the which one to use? Photo: Kim Black whereas now I’ll wait and use that time using ProTools, but not to hide your “transitional record” for you. That feels table that I can’t by myself. This was no SB: It just kind of depends. I’m not for something else. mistakes; just to make it easier to work very relatable in the sense that it’s a different. It was a great group of people, really terribly precious about guitars. FLAVORSto SAVOR This year’s fall limited editions boast an array of colorful guitar personalities designed to expand your musical palate.

By Jim Kirlin

usical inspiration is all about fresh discoveries, and as guitar makers, we love to do our part. Our limited edition program provides the ideal vehicle for us to stretch beyond the framework of Taylor’s standard Mguitar line and craft something special — a new voice, a new look, a new feel, or maybe all of the above. Our latest fall collection delivers another compelling mix of unique instruments: a bold 8-string baritone, our first-ever pairing of walnut with torrefied spruce, koa Grand Auditorium 12-frets, the return of cocobolo, and a T5z Classic Deluxe that sports a trio of new colors inspired by vintage custom cars. We’ve staggered our rollout throughout the fall, so you’ll want to check with your authorized dealer on availability. Read on for more details, and for complete specs, head over to taylorguitars.com.

L-R: Shaded edgeburst cocobolo/spruce 914ce LTD, K24ce 12-Fret LTD, Sonic Blue T5z Classic Deluxe LTD 19

914ce LTD weight, density and sonic flavor than hues, creates a visual harmony between East Indian rosewood,” he explains. “If the darker sides and the spruce top, Body: Cutaway Grand Auditorium we used Advanced Performance brac- and amplifies the vivid sparkle of the Back/Sides: Cocobolo ing, there would be a little too much paua top edge trim. Top: Sitka Spruce movement going on, and the guitar’s Bracing: Performance w/ Relief Rout voice would be on the verge of out Binding: West African Ebony of control. The Performance bracing (Including Armrest) is a better complement — it’s a fairly 714ce 12-Fret LTD Fretboard Inlay: Abalone/Pearl warm-sounding design, so when com- 712ce 12-Fret LTD Ascension bined with cocobolo’s bright attack, the Finish: Gloss Body (6 Mil), Shaded two harmonize well.” Body: Cutaway Grand Auditorium or Edgeburst (Entire Guitar) Rosewoods such as East Indian, Grand Concert Rosette: Single Ring Paua w/ Koa/ Andy says, respond with a bell-like initial Back/Sides: Koa (Koa Series Grade) Ebony Purfling attack. Cocobolo’s initial ring can almost Top: Cedar Tuners: Gotoh Gold sound like a ceramic or glass bell. Bracing: 12-Fret with Relief Rout Additional Details: Koa Purfling “The Performance bracing smoothes Binding: Black (Top, Back, Sides, Fretboard, off a bit of that brightness, capturing Fretboard Inlay: Green Abalone Peghead), Paua/Koa Edge Trim some of cocobolo’s natural fidelity and GA-LTD (Top, Fretboard Extension), Ebony vibrancy in an appealing voice.” Finish: Gloss Body, Shaded Backstrap, ES2 Electronics, Taylor It also helps that our 900 Series Edgeburst (Entire Guitar) Deluxe Hardshell Case Sitka spruce soundboards are of our Rosette: 3-Ring Green Abalone finest grade, exhibiting uniform char- Tuners: Taylor Slot Head (GC) or It’s been a few years since we’ve acteristics with very little runout and Taylor Nickel (GA) crafted a cocobolo limited edition, so a high velocity of sound — meaning Additional Details: 24-7/8” Scale it seems fitting to celebrate its return sound travels through it quickly without Length, Green Abalone Dot Bridge in style. This run features a selection of much damping — which translates into Pins, ES2 Electronics, Taylor Deluxe vibrantly hued sets sourced from Costa optimized tonal output. Players can Hardshell Case Rica and boasts our luxurious 900 expect a fast and articulate response, Series treatment, with a few nuanced and with the Grand Auditorium body, a We haven’t made many 12-fret differences in voicing and aesthetic nice balance of mids, lows and top-end Grand Auditorium guitars. Normally the details. chime. The beveled ebony armrest also Grand Concert is our preferred body Instead of using the Advanced helps players strum and pick in a more pairing with the 12-fret neck design — Performance bracing scheme normally relaxed way. beyond the compatibility of the com- used with the 900 Series, Andy opted Aesthetically, one embellishment to pact body with the shorter neck, the for our Performance pattern, which he the detail-rich 900 Series appointment shifted bridge location (closer to the felt was a better match for cocobolo’s package is a smooth shaded edgeburst center of the lower bout) articulates the physical makeup and sound profile. treatment around the body and neck. top in a way that produces a surprising “Although it’s a Dalbergia, a true The rich amber-brown gradation adds amount of warmth and midrange power rosewood, cocobolo has a different subtle depth to the cocobolo’s glowing for the smaller body size.

“It gives the guitar some low-mid- these guitars will deliver. Between range swagger,” Andy says. “It’s always cedar’s strong, immediately responsive got more attitude when you drive the overtone component and the 12-fret top from right in the middle.” neck and bridge location, you’ll feel The Grand Auditorium’s bigger like you’ve got more power out of your body dimensions, by comparison, give articulation hand. The Grand Auditorium the guitar ample warmth and midrange takes it one step further. You can dig in punch on its own without the need to with the bigger body and it’ll respond shift the bridge location, and players with a lot of low-midrange power.” tend to favor the extra real estate of the Though both models feature a longer 14-fret neck. 12-fret neck and 24-7/8-inch scale But the time seemed right for a pair length, the Grand Concert sports a of 12-fret siblings featuring both our slotted peghead while the Grand Grand Auditorium and Grand Concert Auditorium comes with a solid peghead. Last fall Andy Powers crafted a 12-fret edition, with its shifted bridge prefer the feel and response of a shapes. For the wood pairing, Andy To best utilize our supply of koa, this K24ce 12-Fret LTD stunning all-koa Grand Concert 12-fret position, helps pump out a more 14-fret neck (25.5-inch scale length), chose koa back and sides with a cedar run will incorporate a mix of two-piece K24ce LTD featuring our floating kelp-inspired muscular midrange sound, and on we’ve got you covered. top. Cedar’s natural warmth, touch sen- and three-piece back configurations. Ocean Vine inlay scheme, figured maple the Grand Auditorium body elevates With their focused voices, both sitivity, and midrange overtones nicely Other aesthetic details include a shad- Body: Cutaway Grand Auditorium binding and rosette, and an artfully the lower mids and broadens the guitars make an excellent choice for complement koa’s midrange focus and ed edgeburst around the entire body Back/Sides: Koa (three-piece) hand-sprayed edgeburst. It was so well dynamic range. recording or performance. And with this top-end fidelity, giving the guitars more and along the neck, and our classic Top: Koa received that we wanted to reprise the As Andy noted with last year’s all- gorgeous aesthetic, you can count on of a played-in sound and making them a GA-LTD fretboard inlay in green aba- Bracing: Performance w/ Relief Rout (14-fret) or 12-Fret aesthetic this year, only this time with a koa limited, the way the 12-fret design enhancing your stage presence. great choice for fingerstyle players. The lone, complemented by green abalone Binding: Figured Maple (Body, Fretboard, Heel Cap & Peghead) pair of Grand Auditorium models — one articulates the top adds a splash of 12-fret neck’s bridge placement punch- dot bridge pins. Fretboard Inlay: Koa/Boxwood Ocean Vine a 12-fret, the other a 14-fret. extra warmth to the sound. The 12-fret es up that tonal output even more. Finish: Gloss Body, Shaded Edgeburst (Entire Guitar) In each case, the hardwood koa top neck and 24-7/8-inch scale length also “These elements add up to a big Rosette: Figured Maple Fishbone-Style Pattern creates a natural compression effect serve up a comfortable handfeel, and mouthful of sound,” Andy says. “For a Tuners: Taylor Nickel that helps level out the tonal response — despite the shorter neck, the cutaway fingerstyle player, especially someone Additional Details: Peghead/Bridge Inlay, ES2 Electronics, especially with a lively attack — for a affords greater access to the upper who’s looking for a big response out Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case clear, smooth and balanced voice. The register. If you love the aesthetic but of a relatively delicate touch, both of 20 www.taylorguitars.com

514ce LTD

Body: Cutaway Grand Auditorium Back/Sides: Walnut Top: Torrefied Sitka Spruce Bracing: Performance with Relief Rout Binding: Faux Tortoise Fretboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Century Finish: Gloss Body Rosette: Single-Ring Ivoroid/Faux Tortoise Tuners: Taylor Nickel Additional Details: ES2 Electronics, Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case

Although we introduced torrefied spruce tops as a standard feature of our revoiced maple 600 Series in 2015, we’ve been extremely selective about our use of the specially roasted tops with other guitar models since then. “With a baritone’s lower fundamental We’ve only occasionally brought it to a notes, more of the high-pitch overtone limited edition model. series are in your audible range, which “We don’t want to be careless can interfere with other notes you’re about the way we use it,” Andy says. playing. That’s why many drier-sounding “While it can be very good, it’s an ingre- woods with strong fundamental dient that doesn’t go well with every response — mahogany, sapele, koa, guitar recipe.” blackwood, ovangkol — make really cool The torrefaction process is meant baritone guitars.” to approximate the way the wood’s The 8-string offers a unique blend of makeup naturally changes over time, a lower-register voicing (it’s tuned from which causes a guitar top to vibrate B to B) and octave sparkle on the mid- more easily and respond more readily to dle strings. Beyond putting songs into a a player’s touch. While the torrefaction more comfortable vocal range, it gives techniques conventionally used by other players and singers a different musical guitar makers typically incorporate an palette to explore. oxygen-free environment, our approach “I think of songwriters playing a is slightly different. duo gig, where you have one person “We’re trying to closely mimic what on a guitar capo’d up, somebody else happens to a piece of wood naturally,” playing a baritone 8, and two voices,” Andy says, “which is more of an oxida- Andy says. “It sounds glorious. Or if tion reaction than solely high tempera- you like to play some old blues songs ture. We designed our roasting method — it’s great for that Leadbelly or Lydia to allow the wood to start oxidizing.” Mendoza Tex-Mex 12-string sort of After our release of a limited edition sound. Traditionally those 12-strings walnut/cedar Grand Symphony last fall, were downtuned almost into baritone Andy wanted to make another run of range. These 8-string baritone guitars walnut guitars, this time paired with a give you that sort of flavor without the torrefied spruce top. work. They really shine for a sing- “I love the sound of walnut guitars er-songwriter where you want a differ- This tricolor twist on our popular started with a Lincoln Premier or Capri, etary pickup configuration and five-way All guitars in our fall collection feature that have had a little time to age,” Andy ent voice.” T5z Classic T5z Classic Deluxe was inspired in part or a Mercury. A designer like George switching, which together open the a limited edition guitar label. If you says. “A 20-year-old walnut guitar And if you want to get back to a Deluxe LTD by the shared vintage heritage of hot Barris would shave the door handles off, door to a sweeping array of electric need help locating a particular model, sounds glorious. In this case, pairing 326e Baritone-8 LTD more familiar tonal register, a capo at rod cars and electric guitars. While the weld over the holes and smooth them sounds, some familiar, and some new. feel free to call our Customer Service walnut with a roasted spruce top is an the fifth fret will get you there. One Body: Sapele T5z already asserts a unique musical out, and just leave the windows down Andy notes that one of the fun aspects team and they’ll be happy to help you. interesting twist.” Body: Grand Symphony Releasing baritone guitars as limited of sapele topped with mahogany, and tip if you do: because of the octave Top: Neo-Tropical Mahogany personality — make that personalities, and open the door from the inside. of exploring the T5z’s sonic palette is Walnut’s tonal personality tends to Back/Sides: Sapele editions has proved to be a fruitful embellish the baritone’s husky acoustic strings, a 12-string capo will work best. Bracing: Standard T5z considering its expansive tonal range — They’d take off the hood ornament and that players inevitably seem to discover combine some of maple’s transparency Top: Mahogany approach for us. It provides a recurring register with a splash of octave shimmer in You’ll also want to retune after adding Binding: None these gumdrop-hued editions showcase other bits of chrome and flash to make new tonal colors. with the dry properties of mahogany. Bracing: Baritone opportunity to tout the merits of a the form of our rich-voiced 8-string edition. the capo because of the differences in Fretboard Inlay: Italian Acrylic a fun visual pop in the form of Fiesta it even smoother, sleeker and futuristic. “While you can make a lot of differ- Together with the torrefied top and our Binding: Black uniquely voiced instrument, along with Our design flexibility is tempered string thickness between the baritone Small Diamonds Red, Arctic White, and Sonic Blue color Then you’d paint over the whole thing ent sounds with it, often electric guitar Grand Auditorium body style, players Fretboard Inlay: Italian Acrylic the flexibility to design a slightly different by certain guiding parameters. Warm and octave strings. Finish: Gloss Body and Neck options. The all-gloss finish and unbound with an attractive, eye-grabbing color, players will find one or two flavors they can expect a touch-sensitive response Small Diamonds model each time. but dry-sounding woods are especially This vintage-look edition features Color Options: Fiesta Red, body and F-holes accentuate the sleek and it looked really great. To me, the can’t get with any other electric guitar,” that reflects the way they articulate the Finish: All-Satin Body, Shaded Earlier this year, we unveiled our compatible with the baritone design — our standard 300 Series appointments, Arctic White, Sonic Blue aesthetic, which Andy says pays hom- electric guitar is tied so closely to the he says. “Those often become their strings, making for a dynamic voice that Edgeburst Top first-ever spruce-top Dreadnought they don’t produce the overtones that including a satin finish and a shaded Tuners: Taylor Nickel age to some of the cool custom cars of custom and hot rod world; I like to see go-to sounds with this guitar. The cool captures the nuances of the player. Rosette: 3-Ring baritone (featuring Engelmann spruce can get in the way, especially with the edgeburst around that dark mahogany Additional Details: T5z Electronics the late ’50s and ’60s. the shared inspiration.” part is those sounds vary from person The guitar borrows our 500 Series Tuners: Taylor Nickel paired with ovangkol). This time around, baritone’s deep register and, in this top, along with ES2 electronics that with 3 Pickups and 5-Way Switching, “One of the big trends in the custom While the colors harken back to to person, with each player finding new appointment package, with the minor Additional Details: Elixir Baritone we return to the Grand Symphony body case, the two extra octave strings. give the guitar a bold and inspiring Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case and hotrod world starting back in the both vintage cars and guitars, musically, flavors that work really well for their material swap of mother-of-pearl fret- Strings (Tuned to B), Taylor Deluxe we’ve used for most baritone offerings. “The use of dry-voiced woods is a sonic presence when plugged in. 1950s was to shave stuff off to smooth the T5z is flush with Taylor’s innovative musical style.” board inlays rather than grained ivoroid. Hardshell Case We also revisit the winning wood pairing practical choice,” says Andy Powers. out the car’s lines,” he says. “Say you design strokes, including our propri- [Backstage Pass] HYPER CONNECTED In an age of social media, Daria Musk is using the latest tech tools to broaden the range of live performance and empower others to pursue their musical dreams

By Colin Griffith

hough she’s frequently viewed by audiences moment, answering questions between songs, the Internet, as well as her thoughts on obstacles through an electronic screen, Daria Musk sending shout-outs to loyal fans, and chatting in the industry and, of course, her collection of has shaped a career out of making very with Ram, her ever-present mentor, bassist and Taylors. Many of them clutter her studio space, and real connections. From her studio in the producer. The same warmth that lifts her music she clearly loves her instruments as much as she woods of Connecticut, the singer- resonates through the digital pipeline. Even through loves making music with them. For Daria, a good Tsongwriter creates buoyant, heartfelt music that a laptop screen, her personality is as effervescent guitar serves as a conduit for the things that feel reflects the youthful energy of her generation. as her voice. true inside. Maybe that’s why she talks about each But she’s no recluse. Quite the opposite: She’s Beyond her own musical ambitions, Daria is of her guitars as if they’re lifelong friends that have an artist eager to engage with new listeners using striving to inspire a new generation of musicians enabled her to pursue her passion. every channel available. In fact, she’s collaborated and artists to translate their passions into a fulfilling We caught up with Daria again a few weeks with tech giants like Google and Facebook to professional life. A self-proclaimed “artistpreneur,” later, when she and Ram visited the Taylor factory pioneer new pathways like livestreaming video, she wears the “futurist” tag with pride, and she’s to spend time with Taylor staff and discuss some leading the way for other artists to do the same. not shy about sharing her broader musical vision — content creation projects being developed. While Daria in livestream mode from a hotel Most days, you’ll find Daria in her studio, she’s given TED talks and lent her insights to an they were here, they also livestreamed one of with two important tools of her trade. working on new songs or playing one of her many array of major music conference panel discussions. Daria’s weekly “Taylor Tuesday” performance Photos by Tim Whitehouse and Rita Taylors. But quintessential Daria, whose voice and It’s fitting, then, that her aspirations toward creative segments, which she and Ram have been doing for Funk-Hoffman personality have drawn hundreds of thousands success are matched by a keen interest in paving the past year via Facebook Live. Her special guest to her online platforms, comes through in her new roads in the music industry, especially for was Bob Taylor, who shared his admiration for her performances. Her shows, which mostly happen via women. “artistprenuerial” approach to her career and even Facebook Live, are remarkable for their interactivity. In early August we talked to Daria about her let her play the second guitar he made when he Daria communicates with her audience in the career and the thriving connectivity of music on was 17. 24 www.taylorguitars.com 25

How did you get started as a sing when I was 13. I got that stuff out we ended up working with their engi- Where does that interest in global shows, and not so good for the artists boonies of the Internet for fresh ideas. working with other people. And being I think that’s why I’m passionate I also have a Taylor T5 with a koa musician and recording artist? of the way from 14 to 16. I’m glad I neering teams to make the audio sound music come from? who get put through the mill. I think I think we can use our fresh approach an awkward teen, learning how to play about this artistpreneur tag that I’ve top. The T5 was a big confidence Why did you decide to take such built up that muscle, because you need good over live video. After that, I ended That’s the music I grew up listening to. there needs to be a more modern and to our advantage. The old way is pretty and sing was my first way of really come up with. I think for women in breakthrough for me. I always wanted an unconventional path? to forget the chords on stage and learn up moonlighting as a technologist. It’s It was Dave Matthews and those odd authentic way of breaking as an artist. boring. That story has been told. I think being able to connect with people in a music, the most empowering thing you to play more complex lines and rock It’s always funny when people ask me how to flow and be comfortable in front a unique perspective on the music meters and polyrhythms, this beauti- Obviously we have YouTube, Facebook it’s up to us to be optimistic and loud. way that made sense to me. can do is understand the 360-degree out in a more electric style, but I was a that. I didn’t decide! I’ve just been sing- of a crowd. Because of all that, live has business. ful weaving of different sounds. Paul Live, everything on the Internet, but I’m really into this idea of building com- view, all aspects of what you’re getting little intimidated trying to decide on an ing as loud as possible to anyone who always been my favorite mode of expres- Simon’s Graceland is near to my heart, that’s such a weedy, complicated, over- munity and raising all ships with our Were there ways that you found to into. I understand how to read my con- electric guitar. Having that confidence would pay attention. sion. I really love being a recording artist What was it like when you with that Ladysmith Black Mambazo grown place. I think we need a lot more wave. I think it’s already happening and break past that barrier that helped tracts, and I’ve had to be my own man- of knowing my way around an acoustic were first attracting attention choral sound and the way Paul cre- curation and a lot more love. it will keep happening more. you find your confidence as a ager, my own agent. So when I did take but still being able to get that Andy on the Internet? Do you think ated those compositions with artists female? What would you tell other on an agent, I knew if he was doing a Summers shimmer and delay like the that there’s something in that in Africa. Bjork, too, and plenty more. You’ve written about being a Let’s pivot a little bit and talk about women about moving past those good job or not, and I knew what to ask Edge, this guitar broke the electric digital connection that fans might I was attracted to those sounds, the millennial. Is that a challenging your experience being a woman in obstacles? for. You get to hold this vision of what world wide open for me. It became a not get with a recording artist in different kinds of chords and scales, label to deal with? the music industry. The recording I think women today are getting really you want to create and make sure that huge part of the way I write. I also have the more traditional sense? different styles of singing. Maybe the hardest part about that is industry is very male-dominated. good at not being intimidated. I’m not things are up to your standards. I think a 416ce Spring Limited with grafted I’ve never been inside the starmaker how overwhelming it feels to see all It’s a sausage fest. It can be a little worried about all the other girls out women are brilliantly suited to merge walnut and a couple of Taylor solid- machinery, so I don’t know the rules That’s something I’ve been curious these avenues opening up for artists. In alienating. It’s funny, because this whole there. I think they’re really brave and these worlds of creativity and entrepre- body electrics. I wish they didn’t stop of how you’re supposed to be with about, looking through your making these! an audience. I don’t get the mys- different platforms and seeing tery-makes-history thing; I’ve never had how you’ve built this following. How did you get a manager or an agent teach me that Where do you see this going? involved with Taylor? stuff. To me, it’s the same as if I was I’ve always had big visions. Last year, I A while back, Google invited me out playing for people at a coffee shop. spent a lot of time teaching myself how to do a big show out in Seattle where We’re just people connecting through to be a filmmaker. So that’s my new their team was working on Hangouts. I what I think is the most universal lan- mode of expression. I’ve been giving out didn’t have road cases for my guitars, guage on the planet, music. It connects tiny snippets of the vibe on YouTube, and I was really worried about flying people in a way that is so instantaneous, and that’s coming very soon. I’ve actu- with them. So I called the Taylor factory, so heartfelt; it cuts through any language ally developed three different long-form because I’m ridiculous, and left a mes- barrier, any cultural barrier. I just feel video series. They’re sort of digital jewel I get really excited when I see women sage. I basically just said, “Hi, you don’t really close to people when I play. cases for the music. playing instruments onstage. When know me, but I have all these people “ online that watch me play and I have There was this magical little moment There’s Unlabeled, which is going when I was still playing shows on to be a spotlight on my music and my you can play, you own your space, and to go to Seattle and I don’t know how Google Hangouts because it was face- ideas. Artistpreneur is going to turn the you have a better way of expressing to bring my guitars, what do I do? OK, to-face. I’d see the sun rising through spotlight back on people I admire. I’m bye.” It was the worst message I’d ever peoples’ windows in Norway while I excited to learn from all of those people. your ideas. left, and I knew I wasn’t going to hear I really believe in was playing. I got to tour the world for I’ve been developing a whole series back. But about two weeks later, I got a owning your art, the first time through everybody else’s for Taylor called Unmastered. I’m really call, and it was Tim Godwin from Taylor. “ laptop screens. It’s inspired my music, excited about that one. It’s going to be He had Taylor send a couple guitars understanding and certainly changed who I am as a about demystifying the music industry, to the hotel out in Seattle that I could person and as an artist. breaking the fourth wall and discovering play for the show. It saved my bacon. your world, and Daria with special guest Bob Taylor during a “Taylor Tuesday” livestream at how it works along with the audience. the Taylor factory We reconnected recently and started ” doing the Facebook thing. It’s just been being the captain How has that digital intimacy A lot of music maker content online is affected how you actually create intimidating. I’m never going to know a really great experience to be able to of your own ship. new music? what this guy with awards on his walls play so many different guitars and tell A while back, we actually had fans from knows. I admire that, but I don’t feel like the past, it wasn’t so expected of the relationship with Taylor has been really outspoken about what they want right neurialism. There are girls out there who people about them. They all have their all around the world send us their voic- working after I watch. So I’m excited artist to have already figured out how to fun, even though I was really surprised now. Everybody knows how healthy it is can shred better than any guy on the own voice and their own style, and they es saying the words “You move me” about making the opposite of that. We’ll be their own agent, their own marketing that they would want to work with for women to break down those walls planet, and they should do that. You just all inspire something different. It’s a real- in their own languages. This was for a go through the process of writing songs, director, which is a big part of the chal- someone like me. I’m not Andy McKee, and get involved with everything. It’s have to find your thing. But it’s important ly special thing, the kind of confidence song I was working on right before the finding inspiration, doing your own lenge for new musicians now. As mil- I’m not Andy Summers, I’m not any of funny to think of music as an intimidat- to not judge yourself against everyone that Taylor guitars instill in you. Because big break happened. It had this line, “All arrangements, figuring out cool chords, lennials, I think we have the chance to those dudes. I’m just doing my own ing industry to break into as a woman, else in the beginning and focus on figur- they’re so easy to play and they sound ” around the world, you move me.” It felt and really just finding your own voice, take the power back. The old systems thing. I took it upon myself when I was considering that women rule the charts, ing out what makes you sparkle. so gorgeous, you build a belief in your- like I was dreaming up what was about both on guitar and with music in general. can’t hang on forever. learning to create my own style, and for the most part. self from the beginning. It sounds silly, It’s been a combination of old as well, but playing live where people to happen, willing it into existence. That I love to think about unconventional This reminds me of an episode I put a lot of work into that, so it was This is another reason why I’m pas- Were you playing Taylor guitars but it goes such a long way. school and very new school. It helped connect in that way has always felt like was the first song that people really ways of discovering talented musicians. of Unlabeled about how I consider really cool to be seen and acknowl- sionate about merging the artistic and before you started actually Recently, Bob Taylor texted me after that I was just a little teenager when I home to me. So it makes a lot of sense, connected to, so we asked them to do It’s kind of become my rallying cry. Beethoven to be the first independent edged. It was really great to hear that entrepreneurial aspects of music. I start- working with Taylor? one of the Facebook shows. He just started to play coffee shops and wher- looking back, that I broke out doing live that. It’s such an emotional sentiment, Because it happened that way for me, artist. He was the first person to figure Taylor wants to make this world friend- ed out playing coffee shops, little clubs Oh yeah. told me that he’d been watching the ever else would let me onstage. I’m stuff online. being moved by something. I didn’t and it’s what I know. It’s a saturated out how to make copies of his own lier for women, and I’m really excited to and festivals, stuff like that, and that is episodes and enjoying them. All I could glad I did the traditional version of pay- So we started doing these little think it was something that Google part of the Internet, and more people scores. He was the first person to be a part of that, if I can. where I experienced not being taken Okay, so what did you start with? say was that I was really grateful that ing your dues before my Internet break- shows online, and it was kind of revolu- Translate would be able to handle. We are listening to music than ever before. work with a patron instead of a royal Music is such a powerful and seriously. There was one experience that I can take you on a tour. This is Jasmine, he went after his dream, because he’s out. Once you get into that Internet tionary. It’s something that people don’t got submissions in something like 30 At the same time, I think the indus- court to distribute the music. He could empowering way of expressing yourself, I think really shaped me early on. I played she’s my baby. She’s a 714ce, and made it possible for me and so many world, you start going to big events even do anymore. Back then, we only languages, and we chopped those try is still missing the mark on a few then write what he wanted to write your ideas, your emotions. I always tell an open-mic night at the C-Note in New she’s really old now, but she’s the most other people to go after theirs. to celebrate people who have been had 10 people at a time on the screen, up and did this intro to the single that things I’ve experienced firsthand. For because he wasn’t beholden to some other young women how empowering York, I was probably 15 years old and I beautiful thing on the planet. Cedar top, acknowledged on the Internet, and it’s face to face, and we could interact starts with their voices. So that was example, I’m not a big fan of American prince. What’s happening now with the it is to play an instrument. Whether it’s was just belting my heart out. It was real- rosewood back and sides. I started on a interesting to see how these kids who with them. It was really heartwarming. really special. Idol, America’s Got Talent, that kind of Internet feels really similar. your laptop or guitar or piano or any- ly exciting to watch people pass around crappy, cheap guitar because that was have only been discovered on YouTube Past that, there were thousands of I’ve always wanted to make a thing. I really believe in owning your art, Really, any judgement about the thing, don’t rely on the dudes to make the tip jar. The jar was full of cash after all I could afford, and I spent a long time deal with the stage fright when they people watching online, waiting for their global album. I want to do a multipur- understanding your world, and being validity of art or expression is always all the music so that you can just be a the show, and the owner came up to me playing as many gigs as possible and actually have to get onstage in front of chance to click in. It created a really fun pose tour playing shows and sam- the captain of your own ship. That’s the going to end up falling on the wrong singer. I get really excited when I see with the jar after the show and said I did saving up to get her. She was my one people. I really feel for them, because culture. pling sounds from different places. artistpreneur side of things. But I also side of history. Art is art, and of course women playing instruments onstage. great. I thought he was going to hand and only for a long time. She’s got these they haven’t had the chance to work At that point, we got a call from Collaborating with artists from around really believe that music is collaborative, it’s subjective, but the truth is the major When you can play, you own your me the jar. He just said, “You don’t think great love marks, she’s all bruised and those bugs out. I had drunk dudes spill Google. They wanted us to come out the world has always been something not competitive. Those shows are really label artists are constantly dipping into space, and you have a better way of this is for you, do you?” I was pretty fired beautiful. She’s still my main writing gui- beer on my shoe while I was trying to and help them with their live video, and that I want to do. good for the people who make the the pool of amazing creators out in the expressing your ideas, even if you’re up when I walked out of there. tar. We have the longest bond. [Sustainability]

Right: Juan Bronson, co-founder of IAF; Below (top down): Scott Paul with a new generation of trees at IAF; Bob Taylor among a trial of mahogany trees at IAF; In Ireland, Bob talks with Traolach Layton about the successful cultivation of spruce

Guatemala The group visited with Juan Bronson, a third-­generation farmer and the co-founder and COO of Izabal Agro-Forest Tree Hows (IAF), an award-winning agroforestry operation located in the Rio Dulce area of eastern Guatemala. An agro-forestry approach Bob Taylor’s World Forestry Tour proved to restoration focuses on plants for food and medicine as much as it does on trees for wood. IAF has done a lot of pioneering to be an enlightening journey down the work in managing and growing native and threatened species, path of innovative forestry including Honduran rosewood, mahogany, tropical cedar, cocobolo, and zebrawood. In 2014 IAF was recognized by the International By Jim Kirlin, with technical support from Scott Paul and Nick Koch Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) as one of the best plantations in Guatemala. It’s also regarded as Central America’s premiere grower of genuine mahogany. Ireland In a vlog post from the forest, Bob Taylor talks with Bronson From the heat of Guatemala to the wet and chilly April about IAF’s work to restore former cattle grazing pasture land climes of southern Ireland’s County Cork. On this leg of the (which had previously been a forest until the 1960s), and visits trip, the group learned more about the cultivation of Sitka The Dates: April 20 - May 14 new forest areas where rosewood and mahogany trees were planted spruce in Ireland. 30 years ago. Reforestation, Bob notes, is the only guaranteed path “In the early 1900s Ireland only had 1 percent of their to sustainability to ensure the future supply of many tropical hard- land covered in forest, but thanks to replanting, today they woods. Too many other initiatives, he says, are simply managing the have 11 percent,” Bob says. “And they’re working to achieve

The Group: Bob Taylor, Scott Paul, Steve McMinn, slow decline. 17 percent.” Vidal de Teresa, Nick Koch, Kevin Burke, Paul Akers Much of the forest cover of Guatemala and Central America has Sitka, which is not native to Ireland, has become the been lost, and Bronson laments the loss of the most viable genetic number-one commercial forestry species there. (The original Bob with members of his group and staff sources. IAF is working to find the best seed sources and germi- seed source was Washington State.) Over the last several The Stops: Guatemala, Ireland, Spain, Cameroon, from the Izabal Agro-Forest (IAF) in nate and plant them. decades, hundreds of thousands of acres of Sitka have Guatemala tour the IAF forest reserve “You can call it a plantation, you can call it a forest that we’re been planted, and upwards of 15,000 private forest owners Vietnam, Malaysia, Fiji, Hawaii, Washington State building,” Bob says in his report, “but the fact is that this is a real, have emerged in the past 20 years. Much of this reforesta- viable forest with incredible wildlife.” Taylor’s Scott Paul can appre- tion has taken place on marginal lands once deemed of little ciate the transformation from personal experience. In the late 1980s economic value. In one of their vlog segments, Bob talks fter more than a year of planning, his group are engaged in their own res- Washington State; Nick Koch, general is also a renowned expert on applying “Bob Taylor’s World Forestry Tour — he worked at the Case Guatemala Orphanage just a few miles with forestry expert Traolach Layton from the timber process- on April 20 Bob Taylor and a toration work: Cameroon (ebony), Hawaii manager at the Hawaii forest manage- Lean principles to manufacturing and 2017 Video Blog.” (Side note: Two stops down the river, and at that time the biologically diverse land that is ing company GP Wood about cultivating spruce for com- group of six others embarked (koa), and the Pacific Northwest (maple). ment company Forest Solutions and other areas of life. that aren’t represented in the vlog series now the IAF reserve was all open cow fields. mercial use, and the co-ops that have been formed among Aon what was dubbed their World Forestry Bob’s travel partners included an expert in tropical forestry; Vidal de The trip featured nine destination include a visit to Madinter’s headquar- Bronson talks about other benefits of preserving forests as well, smaller private landowners. Tour, a 25-day trip that spanned eight Scott Paul, Taylor’s Director of Natural Teresa, managing director of inter- points: Guatemala, Ireland, Spain, ters in Madrid, Spain, and Pacific Rim such as the way they create natural buffer systems that can protect The group also visited one of GP’s state-of-the-art countries and four continents. Their Resource Sustainability (profiled last national tonewood supplier Madinter Cameroon, Vietnam, Malaysia, Fiji, Tonewoods in Concrete, Washington.) against fires, human intrusion, disease, etc. IAF’s operation covers sawmills. One vlog segment features a cool drone tour of agenda: to visit areas where innovative issue); Steve McMinn, founder and and Taylor’s ownership partner in the Hawaii, and Washington State. Along The vlog series offers a fascinating roughly 1,200 acres and uses a polyculture system of diverse the mill with other aerial views of Cork’s ruggedly beautiful forest restoration projects are being co-owner of tonewood supplier Pacific Crelicam ebony mill in Cameroon; and the way, Akers documented the group’s glimpse into the future-minded work approaches that in some instances also incorporates clusters of landscape and coast. While the Sitka trees currently aren’t implemented, meet with practitioners, Rim Tonewoods (which supplies spruce, Paul Akers, a longtime friend of Bob’s travels with video that incorporated being done all around the world, and the same species planted in rows, such as with the commercially mature enough for instrument wood, in the decades ahead foresters, scientists, wood suppliers maple and cedar, and cuts our koa), and founder and president of FastCap, aerial drone footage, which was woven underscores the importance of agro- valuable mahogany, because it stimulates vertical growth and helps they may prove to be another viable source. and other stakeholders, learn as much who has led the innovative research a product development company spe- into a series of video blog (vlog) reports forestry as a vital component of sus- control threats to the health of the trees, including shoot-boring as possible, and gain inspiration by being done on propagating maple; cializing in woodworking tools and hard- that shed light on the innovative forestry tainability. We invite you to check out moth species. It’s an ongoing real-world experiment. seeing diverse examples of successful Kevin Burke, who has also been ware for professional builders. Akers programs being implemented at each the series when you get a chance. In Applying the right cultivation techniques for a given species initiatives. The trip also included visits instrumental in the propagation of koa (who worked at Taylor decades ago location. You’ll find all the vlog episodes the meantime, here are some highlights also helps accelerate the rate of growth. Currently IAF is growing to areas in which Bob and members of plants in Hawaii and maple in Western as a teenager fresh out of high school) on Taylor’s YouTube page, in the playlist from their trip. 12,000 Honduran rosewood trees. Vietnam Fiji A visit to Ho Chi Minh City offered the group a different perspective on Bob often cites Fiji as an example of the longer-term dividends that come from forestry, namely the relationship between the forestry and furniture-making sustainable forestry and forward-minded thinking. Starting some 70 years ago, industries, and the global economy that is created in the process. Vietnam is the the British planted mahogany trees on Fiji with the future in mind. Now Fijians are world’s largest furniture manufacturer, and the group visited several factories, able to reap the economic benefits, and Taylor is currently purchasing some Fijian including one that transforms scrap wood into furniture that is then sold to the mahogany for use on some of our guitar necks. In Bob’s vlog post from Fiji, he U.S. market. Bob shares in his vlog report that the furniture industry in Vietnam talks with Bau Tabete, co-founder and owner of Tabs Investments, the company exports some $7 billion worth of products per year, half of it to the U.S. Half of that supplies the mahogany. Bau explains that due to the lack of high volume and that furniture is made from U.S. pine and oak, which we grow on plantations in mahogany’s relatively slow growth rate, clients that attach high value to the mahog- the U.S. and export to Vietnam. any, such as Taylor Guitars, make ideal supply partners. They also support local businesses in other important ways. “It’s companies like Taylor Guitars who nurture companies like [ours] in develop- ing countries where it’s extremely difficult to start your own business,” he says. Bau says 80 percent of Fiji’s timber industry is derived from plantations, and that the plantation approach yields a better concentration of trees per hectare. The land ownership remains in the hands of the Fijian communities, who lease it to the govern- ment or private investors, who in turn do the forestry work — which creates jobs. Fiji’s remaining intact forests must be protected. If well managed, the Fijian mahogany plantations can relieve the demand pressure both there and on the mahogany in Central and South America. Hawaii On the Big Island of Hawaii, the home base of Paniolo Tonewoods — a joint venture between Pacific Rim Tonewoods and Taylor Guitars — forester Nick Koch offered a detailed overview of koa reforestation efforts currently taking place. Koa forests have greatly diminished areas across Hawaii due to a variety of factors, among them overharvesting and the clearing of forestland for cattle pastures during the 17th and Top Down: Furniture 18th centuries. (Koa, once abundant, had a value far lower being made at a factory in than that of beef, which precipitated Hawaii’s deforestation.) Vietnam; A view of the The lack of adequate fencing has also allowed the intru- nursery at Forest Solutions sion of cattle, sheep and pigs into areas set aside for native in Malaysia; Seeds being forests, where they either trample or graze on young koa planted at the nursery trees and other fragile native plants. (“It’s a salad bar every Top Down: In Cameroon, Vidal de Teresa talks with a day,” Bob says in the vlog report from the island.) resident of one of the first villages involved in planting ebony trees; Nick has worked with Forest Solutions in Hawaii for the Bob with forester and educator Dr. Zac Tchoundjeu, founder of past 16 years to reverse this decline by converting pasture- Cameroon’s Higher Institute of Environmental Science land back to native koa tree plantations, with approximately 900 acres, or 400,000 trees, planted to date. One part of the restoration approach is to remove dead or dying koa trees and use the revenue from the sale of the wood to fund Cameroon replanting efforts. One harvested tree, Koch says in a vlog The group spent several days in Cameroon, giving Bob and Vidal a chance to show the prog- post, can fund two to three acres’ worth of planting. Other ress that has been made on several fronts relating to improvements at the Crelicam mill, along investments include the installation of fencing in areas where with recent successes in the propagation of ebony trees under the Congo Basin Institute’s ebony restoration is happening to keep cattle and sheep out. restoration project — a project funded entirely by a private gift from Bob and Cindy Taylor. In one Bob makes the point that some people think koa, which is vlog post, Bob talks about the ways that Crelicam has created better work opportunities for the endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, is endangered, but it’s actu- local community, recounting a sentiment that has become a central theme of our work there: “We ally not. It’s simply that many of the larger koa trees are located came for the ebony; we stayed for the people.” on protected public land. Koa trees have actually become more Crelicam general manager Andre Bena, a native Cameroonian who was educated in Germany abundant as the value of grazing declines relative to that of native but returned to Cameroon to work at Crelicam because he believes in the social, environmental, and forest management. economic value of the forestry work being done, testifies to the transformation that is taking place. The group also stopped in Maui to get an update on current projects and “People are knocking at the door all the time trying to get a job,” he says. “Whenever [govern- a glimpse of the future. Beyond working with Nick and others at Forest Top Down: Vidal and ment] ministers come out to see us, they cannot believe this has happened in Cameroon.” Solutions, Paniolo is collaborating with Maui’s Haleakala Ranch, the Hawaiian Steve McMinn in front of In another vlog segment we learn about Cameroon’s Higher Institute of Environmental Malaysia Agricultural Research Center, and the Maui-based Native Nursery. Early rapid an overmature Hawaiian Sciences, established by Dr. Zac Tchoundjeu to teach agroforestry science to a new genera- In Malaysia, the group visited Forest Solutions Malaysia, a forestry management growth of koa, Steve McMinn says, combined with superb wood quality, make koa tree destined to be tion of students. Dr. Zac realizes that protecting and managing the tropical ecosystems in the and consulting company, to learn more about the ways that plantation forestry koa ideal for reforesting temperate lands throughout the islands. Recently, removed. Revenue from the Congo Basin for the future will depend on educating young Cameroonians. By providing edu- can reduce pressure on natural forest resources. On one forest stand, they visited Forest Solutions successfully reforested 150 acres of former sugar cane sale of its wood will fund cational opportunities within Cameroon, the goal is to reverse the “brain drain” effect, in which areas that had been planted with a 10-year harvest cycle in mind, generating both plantation. Nick is optimistic about koa’s future. 2-3 acres of replanting; Cameroonians traditionally have had to go abroad to pursue such studies, and even if they’ve economic and social value for local communities. According to Forest Solutions “We will be able to provide the next generation with a lot more options Young koa trees planted for wanted to return after earning their degree, typically haven’t had career opportunities related to Malaysia, the plantation model yields a substantial economic improvement — 10 than our generation had,” he says. forest restoration; Vidal their field. times greater — over clearing a natural forest. Forest Solutions’ method of planting measures the trunk of a koa tree as Nick Koch looks on The group also visited the Congo Basin Institute to see the research trials being conducted as is on the cutting edge of forest practices, and includes a program to restore intact You can watch all the vlog posts from the World Forestry Tour in our playlist part of the ebony project to better understand how ebony trees can be propagated and planted rainforest in key areas. The group also learned about the role that forest plantations Top Down: Bob Taylor in Fiji with employees of Tabs Investments, on Taylor’s YouTube page. across the landscape. This project aims to plant 15,000 ebony trees over three years. Bob and serve in providing a supply of fast-growing wood for Asian furniture and paper pro- in front of processed plantation mahogany; A Fijian kava ceremony the crew also visited one of the villages participating in this project and saw the newly built plant ducers, reducing the impact on the remaining intact rainforests of Southeast Asia. with the locals; Bob points out a section of Fijian plantation mahogany propagation facilities. They also toured the forest where the ebony trees will be planted. 30 www.taylorguitars.com 31

If you recall from our interview from the summer 2016 issue, Simmons is a big motorcycle enthusiast, and he thought we’d get a kick out of seeing Soundings a recent painting that features him with two of his material passions. Since 2005, artist David Uhl (uhlstudios.com), a friend of Simmons and the first ever licensed oil painter for Harley-Davidson, has created a signature painting for the famed annual motorcycle rally in R.I.P. Jimmy LaFave Sturgis, South Dakota. This year’s As our last issue was heading to the lineup included Jaimee Harris, piece, “Black Hills Ballad,” depicts press in May, we learned of the passing Ray Bonneville, Christine Albert, Sam Simmons resting against his Harley and of acclaimed Austin singer-songwriter Baker, Ellis Paul, Tish Hinojosa, Kevin picking his Taylor by a campfire, against Jimmy LaFave after a battle with “Shinyribs” Russell, Kevin Welch, a gorgeous sunset backdrop and with a cancer. LaFave was a beloved and Sara Lee and Cathy Guthrie, Joe Ely, wolf by his side. enduring figure in Americana circles, Slaid Cleaves, Butch Hancock, Ruthie whose emotive voice was among the Foster, Abra Moore, Michael Fracasso, most moving in the folk world — soulful, Eliza Gilkyson, Gretchen Peters, John Canadian Makin’ plaintive, pure, at times stirringly gritty Fullbright, and Marcia Ball. In late June, master luthiers, top- and frayed in a way that allowed him For the evening’s finale, LaFave flight players, and guitar enthusiasts to channel the universal longing, loneli- managed to join his friends on-stage, convened for the inaugural Vancouver ness, heartache, and vulnerability of the and, despite being in a wheelchair and International Guitar Festival, a cel- human spirit through his lyrics. hooked up to an oxygen tank, lent his ebration of the art and craft of contem- LaFave’s Texas roots stretched to noticeably softer voice to a rendition porary guitar building. The event, held Oklahoma, where he lived for a time of “Goodnight Irene.” Afterward, as June 23-25, brought together exhibi- while growing up, and where as an the crowd showered him with love in a tions, master classes, live performances aspiring musician he was captivated teary standing ovation, LaFave implored and demonstrations by renowned and by the music and artistic sensibility of them to help look after his teenage son emerging guitar makers. More than 80 folk legend and famed Okie Woody Jackson. “Take him into the community master luthiers displayed their collec- Guthrie. Throughout his career, LaFave and nurture him,” he told them. tions of instruments. was a proud torchbearer of Guthrie’s He passed away three days later. The first day of the event featured legacy, participating in numerous If you haven’t had a chance to experi- VIGF’s Luthier Conference, featuring presented by luthiers Bruce Sexauer and the Grand Concert Academy 12e acoustic guitars that were donated as with the members of Cheap Trick, who Guthrie tribute projects at the invitation ence the rich humanity of LaFave’s music, a pair of keynote speakers and “Meet Grit Laskin, and on guitar-playing tech- and sunburst-top 800, 800 Deluxe, prizes and chose an 814ce DLX. We were in town for a show. Terry and Glen of Guthrie’s daughter Nora, including his catalog is well worth exploring. Learn the Maker” roundtable discussions. The niques with guitarists Jim Campilongo, and 900 Series guitars, and we intro- checked in with Lenée a week later to get brought a couple of GS Mini Basses an appearance at the Rock and Roll more at musicroadrecords.com. program gave attendees a chance to Don Alder, jazz player Paul Pigat, and duced our new 12-fret/12-string Grand her initial impression of her new guitar. for the guys to check out, and both Hall of Fame to celebrate Guthrie’s “meet the pioneers of modern luthiery eclectic fingerstylist Itamar Erez. Concert models, the 352ce and 362ce “I’ve played it every day since the bassist Tom Petersson and frontman work, and the following year to speak and the next generation of forward-think- (featured this issue). competition,” she shared. “The most Robin Zander dug them. Zander said and perform at Guthrie’s induction into Takin’ It to the Stage ers who are shaping the future of the beautiful thing about this instrument is they’re perfect for the tour bus, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He also In mid-August we caught up with industry.” Our own Andy Powers deliv- Notes from NAMM the glorious shimmer on the top end. that he’d be able to plug the bass into served on the advisory board for the Pat Simmons from the Doobie ered the opening keynote address. In Members of our sales and market- Winning in Winfield She really does sing — especially the his laptop to record demos…Singer- annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and Brothers when the band rolled into his talk, titled “Last Man Sanding: My ing teams ventured to Nashville for the Congratulations to guitarist-com- harmonics; it’s like the angels are com- songwriter and multi-instrumentalist loved to perform at what he considered San Diego for a sold-out show. Before Journey from Indie Luthier to Taylor Summer NAMM Show, held July poser Christie Lenée, who won the ing out!” Darrell Scott recently picked up a his favorite musical event. He was even the concert, Tim Godwin from Artist Guitars,” Andy shared his background 13-15. Although the show and our exhi- International Fingerstyle Guitar Lenée also loved the comfortable 522e 12-Fret. Scott has been out with invited to view unseen lyrics from the Relations spent time with Simmons, and offered his take on why guitar bition area are scaled-down compared Championship at the Walnut Valley feel of the neck and the radius armrest. Zac Brown on the band’s “Welcome Woody Guthrie Archives by Nora, who who was friendly and gracious as making matters in the contemporary the winter event in Anaheim, we always Festival in Winfield, Kansas, in Sep- “It truly plays like butter…it gives me Home” tour. Brown called Scott his helped him select a batch, to which he always. Godwin brought a 712ce world, and why innovation is important look forward to spending a few days the opportunity to fly across the neck favorite musician in the entire world… co-wrote music. 12-Fret for Simmons to check out, for music. He later joined a roundtable in Music City, where so many great without much effort…and the armrest In August, Tim Godwin from Artist LaFave’s home base for much and after some extended playing discussion with Dave Dunwoodie from songwriters, players, sound engineers, makes my right arm feel relaxed and Relations met up with the members of of his career was Austin, where he time said he liked the unique feel and Graph Tech Guitar Labs, Doug Kauer and other industry folks are based. Andy comfortable.” The Struts, who’ve been working on swiftly established himself in the music response of the 12-fret compared to from Kauer Guitars, and Canadian Powers was on hand to talk about our Lenée’s guitar and composition their next record. Last issue we noted community, earning a pair of awards his 14-fret 712ce. guitar-making icon Jean Larrivée of latest designs, spend time with some of chops have earned her accolades that bassist Jed Elliott was loving his for Best Singer-Songwriter. He also On stage the band thrilled the Larrivée Guitars. our artist friends, and in one closed-door in other acoustic circles, and she’s GS Mini Bass; this time around, guitar- earned a reputation as one of the crowd with a set loaded with their Larrivée would later be honored with session, offer an exclusive first look at jammed on stage with the likes of ist Adam Slack took delivery of a new foremost interpreters of Bob Dylan’s classic hits. Their triple guitar attack, the VIGF’s first Luthier Industry Builder prototype designs we plan to officially Tommy Emmanuel, Andy McKee, and K28e. Beyond recording, the band was music, performing and recording doz- featuring Simmons, John McFee, Award. The award was presented on unveil at the upcoming winter show. All frequent Dave Matthews collaborator gearing up to open some shows for the ens of Dylan songs. Though he never and Tom Johnston, was melodic and the 50th Anniversary of Larrivée Guitars we’ll say for now is that the discerning Tim Reynolds. Her versatile playing Rolling Stones and the Foo Fighters… achieved broader mainstream notori- rocking (you can imagine the sea of in honor of Larrivée’s “significant and group invited to sample the prototypes style incorporates percussive tapping Actor Rob Morrow, who has owned ety, his work was lauded by critics, his air guitar from the crowd on faves like lasting contribution to the evolution of was impressed. Stay tuned for more that has allowed her to infuse her a few Taylors over the years, recently peers, and the loyal following he loved “China Grove”), and the vocal har- the guitar building industry.” The award details in our next issue. solo instrumental pieces with melodic picked up a new 912ce. Morrow recent- performing for. Photo: Pete Lacker monies, especially with bassist John presentation featured special tributes Otherwise, we were able to get tember. A native of Tampa/St. Peters- and rhythmic textures that make her a ly joined the cast of ABC-TV’s drama He was also a fixture at the annual Cowan pitching in, were impeccable. from Larrivee’s protégés, including Linda new models such as the GS Mini Bass burg, Florida, and currently based in dynamic live performer. She looks for- Designated Survivor, starring Keifer Folk Alliance Conference that Taylor the incredible intimacy he was able to breaks with soul-baring expressiveness lasted nearly four hours as more than Simmons alternated between ripping Manzer, David Iannone, Grit Laskin, into the hands of some first-call stage Nashville, Lenée topped a field of 40 ward to using her 814ce DLX in some Sutherland. attends each year, and for those of create, as he strummed his roadworn and wrenching beauty. 20 artists took the stage to pay tribute on his electrics on the band’s rockers and Sergie De Yonge. The following and session pros who hadn’t yet had top players from around the world, of her upcoming performance videos. us on the Taylor staff who saw him black Jumbo 615 and sang, his eyes On May 18, the Austin community to LaFave. LaFave himself curated and plucking his koa/spruce GS-Ke day, Larrivée gave a master class talk a chance to play them, including bass taking first place with her original perform at one of the many late-night closed to be fully invested in the emo- celebrated LaFave’s life and music with the evening’s setlist, a mix of his own on acoustic-flavored numbers like in which he reflected on his passion for maestro Michael Rhodes, who enjoyed compositions “Ivory Coast,” “Chasing showcase events artists would play, tional content of a ballad. He had mas- a sold-out “Songwriter Rendezvous” songs and others he loved. Anchored “Spirit” and his sunburst-top 712ce guitar making and what he’s learned in the unique feel and tonal flavor of our Infinity,” and “Song for Michael Pukac” Taylor Licks sometimes in hotel suites, it was almost tered the instrument of his voice, and farewell concert at the Paramount by a backing band that featured Chris on “South City Midnight Lady” and his half-century journey. Other master little four-string wonder. We also show- (Movement 1 and 2). As the winner, In late August, longtime Taylor staff- the perfect setting: it served to amplify knew how to manipulate its occasional Theatre. The emotionally charged event Gage and members of LaFave’s band, “Black Water.” classes on guitar craftsmanship were cased other mid-year releases, including Lenée enjoyed the first pick of three ers Terry Myers and Glen Wolff met up 32 www.taylorguitars.com 33

interpreted through an original maker’s learning songs written and performed perspective. While it’s relatively easy to by others. The natural evolution for simply measure and duplicate a thing, most players, including me, begins with For all the latest Taylor event listings, visit taylorguitars.com/events it takes a far larger bank of experience, simply trying to learn a melody or some Calendar ability and unchecked creativity to chords to a song we’ve heard. We’ll absorb the elements of a design and graduate to duplicating a particular imagine it from a fresh perspective, recording as closely as we possibly while also retaining the inspiration of can, trying to absorb every nuance the original. We musicians and builders and inflection. Ultimately, if able, we were fortunate to get to share what Bill move on from there, reimagining the New Road Shows This Fall New York, NY Pennsylvania Canada offered us. song through our own experience and Our popular Taylor Road Show tour has been going strong for more than a Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Mt. Lebanon, PA Calgary, AB, CAN This is a far cry from some other aesthetic, giving it a fresh dimension decade now, as our guitar experts circle the globe to share the latest designs Rudy’s Music - Soho Thursday, October 12, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2017, 7 p.m. interpretations I’ve seen recently. I’m in the process. As a good example of from the Taylor factory. The award-winning in-store events resume this fall. Come (212) 625-2557 Empire Music Guitarworks referring to an ever-increasing number this progression, one of the earliest hang with the friendly Taylor crew as they demonstrate how different body styles, (412) 343-5299 (403) 216-8525 of instruments I can only describe as guitar songs I learned was “Walk Don’t wood pairings, and other design nuances influence tone, offer tips to help you Roslyn, NY counterfeits. While a fake version of Run,” as played by the Ventures. This choose the right guitar for your playing style, and answer all your guitar questions. Thursday, November 9, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Virginia Whitby, ON, CAN currency or some other thing of value version, rendered with twangy guitars, Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll come away with a better The Music Zoo Sterling, VA Monday, October 23, 2017, 7 p.m. like jewels may be wrong, it’s easy was a fresh take on a recording made understanding of what goes into a Taylor guitar. (516) 626-9292 Monday, October 16, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Tundra Music enough to imagine. But a counterfeit a few years prior by the great Chet You’ll also get a chance to play and compare the latest models from the Taylor Melodee Music (905) 493-5000 guitar, well, that seems weird to me. Atkins, who himself had rearranged acoustic line, including our 12-fret guitars, small-body 12-strings, and our new GS North Carolina (703) 450-4667 I think of it this way: A guitar is for the song written and recorded by jazz Mini Bass, and you won’t want to miss our electric T5z demo. We’ll also have an Southern Pines, NC Toronto, ON, CAN playing music. If a guitar is made that guitarist Johnny Smith. Listening to assortment of custom guitars on hand for you to test-drive. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 7 p.m. Washington Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 7 p.m. performs this function, how can it be each recorded version is a revelation Our Find Your Fit events take things a step further with a one-on-one Casino Guitars Seattle, WA KAOS Music a fake? Yet some are. I’m not so naive of each artist’s perspective and style. consultation to help you choose the right guitar. A Taylor expert will talk to you (844) 521-7768 Monday, October 16, 2017, 7 p.m. (416) 233-2232 as to be shocked that people would All are so good, and such individual about your playing style, musical goals, and other preferences, and recommend Dusty Strings make an inexpensive thing that tries to pieces. A more recent example is models that will help you sound your best. Asheville, NC (206) 634-1662 Toronto, ON, CAN look like an instrument we’ve built in our Ryan Adams’ retelling of Taylor Swift’s Below you’ll find a list of upcoming Taylor events. For the most up-to-date Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 7 p.m. shop and pass it off as our work. We’ve record 1989. Examples like these listings, visit our Events page at taylorguitars.com. We hope to see you! Musician’s Workshop Tacoma, WA The 12th Fret always tried to build great instruments, remind me a great musician is like a (828) 252-1249 Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 6 p.m. (416) 423-2132 Ted Brown Music - Tacoma Arkansas Orlando, FL Oregon (253) 272-3211 Richmond Hill, ON, CAN Conway, AR Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Portland, OR Thursday, October 26, 2017, 7 p.m. What I appreciate most about Bill’s Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Sam Ash Music Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 7 p.m. West Virgina Cosmo Music Palmer Music Company (407) 599-1222 Portland Music Company Parkersburg, WV (905) 770-5222 instruments is the way they reflected (501) 327-8129 (503) 228-8437 Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6:30 p.m. his personality and perspective. Margate, FL C.A. House Music - Parkersburg Arizona Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Keizer, OR (304) 422-4676 Tempe, AZ Sam Ash Music Thursday, October 19, 2017, 7 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2017, 7 p.m. (954) 975-3390 Uptown Music Acoustic Vibes Music (503) 393-4437 so in one respect I’m proud that our great author: they tell even a familiar (480) 656-7749 Georgia name has a strong enough association story with their own words. Alpharetta, GA with good work that someone would You’ve probably heard it said that Tucson, AZ Thursday, October 19, 2017, 7 p.m. try to trade on that heritage. Still, I’d good musicians borrow, but great Tuesday, November 7, 2017, 7 p.m. Ken Stanton - Alpharetta be lying if I didn’t admit curiosity that musicians steal (an adaptation of a Rainbow Guitars (770) 670-4424 a person or factory would go through comment about visual artists often (520) 325-3376 all the trouble of building even a poor attributed to Pablo Picasso). I interpret Kentucky instrument and not take credit for their the meaning of this not as stealing the California Paducah, KY effort. In a way, it reminds me of a work of another to call one’s own, or of Thousand Oaks, CA Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6:30 p.m. sentiment offered by Nikola Tesla, who doing poor work and passing it off like Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 7 p.m. Allen Music wrote, “I don’t care that they stole my a forger. There should be no theft in a Instrumental Music (270) 442-8900 idea. I care that they don’t have any of nefarious sense; rather, the method of a (805) 496-3774 THE CRAFT their own.” great artist is to take in a piece of work Mississippi In a way, both of these examples are they recognize as full of merit, and to Auburn, CA Flowood, MS connected by a thin thread in that the analyze, absorb and digest the work, Thursday, November 9, 2017, 7 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017, 6:30 p.m. True Original initial idea was informed by the work of be inspired by it, and then reinterpret Encore Music Lakeland Music Bill Collings had a knack for refining the best elements another. Yet the intention and execution it as a fresh effort of one’s own. That’s (530) 889-0514 (601) 992-0089 of these two examples could not be the method of great musicians and of guitar design into his own signature musical forms. further apart, much as the results could artists, and the method embodied in Bill Connecticut Missouri not be further apart. One seeks to exert Collings’ work. The guitar world was New London, CT Rolla, MO the least effort possible with the hope fortunate to enjoy his efforts and inspi- Wednesday, November 8, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2017, 6:30 p.m. ike others in the guitar community, I love the instruments he made. largely copying what he had seen in of delivering less in exchange for a ration. We’ll all miss him. Spindrift Guitars Merle’s Music I recently lost a friend in Bill Sure, there are great technical details, other instruments. Looking at a collec- musician’s money. The other dedicates (860) 444-2112 (573) 341-3020 Collings. While Bill’s vibrant crisp workmanship, and clean lines. tion of the various instruments he and a lifetime of effort, study and inspira- Land occasionally crazy personality is But what I appreciate most is the way his merry band of makers offered to tion to offer the most to a musician by ­­ — Andy Powers Florida New York widely known by those who knew him, the things he made reflected his per- musicians, it’s easy to see that many taking the best example they could find Master Guitar Designer Clearwater, FL Horseheads, NY one overlooked point in most of the sonality and perspective. He tried hard were inspired by some of the great and relentlessly laboring to refine an Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 6, 2017, 6:30 p.m. stories told about him was the way his and often succeeded in doing what he instruments from a past era. Yet none already great instrument. Sam Ash Music Robert M Sides - Horseheads unbridled encouragement could put modestly described as “a good job.” seem to be mere copies; they are ren- I appreciate when a musician takes (727) 725-8062 (607) 739-1559 wind in the sail of another person. Like most guitar makers, he learned by derings of iconic musical offerings as this same approach. We all start by

[Seasonal Tips]

NEW TaylorWare Original Trucker Hat One size fits all. CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS (Black/Khaki #00390, $20.00) MusicNomad’s Humitar Don’t Hang Your Instrument Case Humidifier

Guitar Out to Dry Protect Your Taylor with the Men’s Cap TaylorSense Smart Battery Box One size fits all. (Black #00378, $25.00) Staying hydrated isn’t just vital to our soundhole humidifiers with the added and Mobile App NEW own health; it’s essential for our guitars benefit of keeping moisture away from Our breakthrough health monitoring system Men’s Quarter Zip Sweatshirt too. No matter how impeccably crafted the inside of the guitar, just in case the puts the vital signs of your guitar into the Soft-washed, garment-dyed 80/20 your Taylor may be, wood is wood, which humidifier were to ever drip or leak. If palm of your hand ring-spun cotton/poly. Fabric-lined collar. means that even with a protective finish you do use a soundhole humidifier, make Taylor logo on chest. Standard fit. on the outside, your guitar will react to sure it doesn’t seal off the soundhole. (Blue Jean #39524; S-XXXL, $59.00) the ups and downs of relative humidity The guitar’s neck also needs that mois- An easy-to-use, no-mess unit, the We love helping customers maintain their guitars, (RH), since the finish doesn’t provide a ture and could be damaged if all the Humitar comes with a holster that so we’re excited to offer a new guitar care tool called Ultex® Picks barrier to water vapor. water vapor were to be trapped inside mounts inside the guitar case using a TaylorSense, which makes it easier than ever to track Six picks per pack by gauge The arrival of fall is a reminder to the body. strong adhesive backing. (If you have the condition of a Taylor guitar. TaylorSense features (#80794, .73 mm, #80795, 1.0 mm take proper steps to humidify our gui- a cutaway model, it fits nicely in that an easy-to-install smart battery box that replaces the or #80796 1.14 mm; $5.00). tars. In many areas across the Northern Below are three humidifiers worth con- space.) The Humid-i-Bar sponge holds battery box on Taylor guitars equipped with a

Hemisphere, fall brings cooler tempera- sidering, all of which are offered through 10 times its weight in water. To check pickup powered by a 9V battery. The smart tures, which means firing up the heater TaylorWare: Primetone PicksTM on the status of the sponge, just pop battery box houses sensors that monitor at home, which in turn will dry out the air. the top and touch the sponge. If it’s Three picks per pack by gauge. your guitar’s: And with winter right behind it, there are wet, leave it; if it’s dry, it’s time to rehy- (#80797, .88 mm, #80798, 1.0 mm several months during which the humidity D’Addario Two-Way drate. Simply remove the sponge, soak or #80799 1.3 mm, $8.50). level in your home can drop significantly. Humidification System® it in distilled water, and you’re back in • Humidity Remember, acoustic guitar bodies are business. • Battery Life Variety Pack (shown) made from fairly thin panels of wood, so (TaylorWare #80922, $15.99) Six assorted picks per pack, dry conditions leave the wood vulnerable • Temperature featuring one of each gauge. to shrinking and cracking. Your target Ultex (.73 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.14 mm) range should be 45-55 percent RH. ® • Physical Oasis OH-6 and Primetone (.88 mm, 1.0 mm, Here are a few humidification remind- Impact Case Humidifier 1.3 mm). (#80790, $10.00) ers, plus a couple of new tips and tools to help you keep your guitar playing and NEW sounding its best. Aged Logo Thermal Your guitar’s health data is pushed from the Long Sleeve 60/40 cotton/poly waffle Use a digital hygrometer TaylorSense battery box to our free Taylor thermal with grey Taylor logo on front with to measure the humidity Guitars iOS App via low-energy Bluetooth NEW contrast stitching. Slimmer fit (sizing up where you store your One of this product’s best attributes anytime you’re within range. Shaped by our Men’s Urban Zip Hoody recommended). guitar. is its automated “two-way” humidity extensive service expertise, TaylorSense is also Eco-Jersey triblend. Low- (Black #20224; S-XXL, $35.00) To measure is to know. A digital unit is control, which means it can either dis- calibrated to send you timely alerts when your impact yarn-dyed/fabric- better than an analog (needle) version — pense or absorb moisture to maintain guitar needs care, along with simple “how-to- washed. Standard fit. it will provide the most accurate humidity a constant RH level of 45-50 percent. fix” videos from our service team. The free (Urban Grey #22994; readings. Another cool feature is that the com- Taylor Guitars App also includes a mobile suite S-XXL, $59.00) plete kit includes three packets and This unit from Oasis also attaches to of useful tools including FourTrack, a multitrack Use a guitar humidifier. two pouches, which makes it easier to the inside of the guitar case with the recorder, a guitar tuner, and more. Cameron, a supervisor Unless you keep your guitars in a humid- humidify both the body and neck. The help two neodymium magnets that are in our Final Assembly ity-controlled room, it’s easier to maintain dual-packet soundhole pouch houses inserted in the seam of the humidifier. TaylorSense is currently sold through department, models your target humidity levels if the guitar two packets that were designed to The magnets attach to either a steel clip our online TaylorWare store. To learn our new Urban Zip is humidified within an enclosed case. hang inside the soundhole to maintain or a stainless steel strip with adhesive more, visit www.taylorsense.com Hoody. Taylor Bar Stool Essentially you end up humidifying both the RH of the guitar body. But you backing (both are provided with the 30” high. the guitar and the case (Taylor hardshell can also set the pouch to the side of humidifier). The steel clip fits over the (Black #70200, $99.00) cases are made of a multi-ply wood the guitar within the case. The other side of the guitar case, providing a flat shell), which provides another layer of pouch, which holds the third packet, vertical surface to which the magnets 24” high. humidity protection. There are different is intended to be placed beneath the can adhere. The OH-6 will fit in the cut- Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware to browse (Brown #70202, $99.00) options, including two new products headstock to help maintain the neck away space or in the void between the our complete line of Taylor apparel, guitar mentioned below. and fretboard. Depending on climate pick box and heel of the neck. A 10 cc conditions, the packets should last from syringe is included for water-filling con- care products, parts and accessories, Taylor Guitar Polish It’s not essential to two to six months. Once the contents trol. For optimal long-term performance, gift cards, and more. place the humidifier become solid, the packets can simply distilled water is recommended because SMART BATTERY BOX + MOBILE APP Men’s Classic T Spray-on cleaning polish that is easily inside the soundhole. be replaced with a fresh set. tap and bottled water contains dissolved Fashion Fit. Pre-shrunk 100% cotton. and safely wiped away. 4 fl. oz. We’re big fans of guitar case humid- (TaylorWare #80356, $30.00) minerals that can clog the liner. 1-800-494-9600 (Red #1653; S-XXXL, $24.00) (#80901, $12.00) ifiers — they work just as well as (TaylorWare # 80921, $19.95) Presorted A Publication of Taylor Guitars Standard Volume 89 / Fall 2017 U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, AZ | | | Taylor Guitars 1980 Gillespie Way El Cajon, CA 92020-1096 taylorguitars.com Permit No. 5937

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AfriCali Fusion This limited edition Presentation Series stunner marries exotic striped ebony back and sides, supplied by our ebony mill in Cameroon, with a richly variegated sinker redwood top. The tight-grained top, sliced from old-growth redwood reclaimed from a California river, is infused with an array of colors imparted from the mineral-rich river bed. Sonically, redwood blends the warm overtone complexity of cedar with the attacking power of spruce, while ebony yields some of rosewood’s bell-like fidelity but with the more linear output of maple. The magic here is in the fusion of these tonal nuances with a 12-fret Grand Auditorium body. Players can expect a warm, balanced response that packs an extra punch with the help of the redwood top and the 12-fret’s shifted bridge location.