Ebony’s Wild Side 600 Series Spring LTDs Granadillo 400s

All-Koa Grand Orchestra First Edition K28e

NAMM Highlights Progress in Cameroon BTO Gallery 2 www.taylorguitars.com 3

Letters Volume 75 Spring 2013 Find us on Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube. Follow us on Twitter: @taylorguitars got together and I had no instrument Taylor. That guitar transformed her combination [Ed. Note: blackwood/ and the strings were ancient. It was to play unless I wanted to bring my interest in playing guitar. She played cedar], and scratch-and-dent price is almost like the scene in The Wizard of keyboard and PA so all could hear it! it non-stop for about five years [until] what brought me back. Compared to Oz where the Tin Man whispers, “Oil Features I felt envious of the others who could she needed a larger guitar. A young this guitar’s wide spectrum of rich, full can,” except the 410 was whispering, carry their instrument on their backs, teacher at our church purchased the tone, the [other brand] sounds weak “Water...please, water…” open the case, and begin to play. So, Baby Taylor, then promptly gave it and thin. Other than performing as I brought it to my guitar guy, who 6 Target Practice about 1-1/2 years ago I purchased a away to a young student who couldn’t the solo guitar, I normally play upper humidified it, did a set-up, and removed Shawn Persinger helps you fine-tune your musical goals and streamline GS Mini to learn to play guitar. Within afford an instrument. position chords — mostly 4- or 3-string a buzz. I was thrilled to discover that your progress. three months, two more members I’ve since had the good fortune to melody chords (so as not to duplicate this guitar had not only come back of our guild came to a meeting with acquire a number of beautiful Taylors, the rhythm guitar) combined with 1- or to life, but it had beautiful tone and a new GS Mini! Before long, a third but I do wonder about the young child 2-string leads and solos using a pick intonation — and somehow has even 8 Koa First Edition Grand Orchestra

member showed up with a GS Mini. who received the gift of a Taylor from and finger and/or just pick style — and improved over the past 2-1/2 years You don’t need to surf to catch a big wave on a koa board. The tone of our Like me, one of the members is learn- his teacher. I hope he took that won- this guitar is perfectly suited for my that I’ve owned it. I record with it, and all-koa K28e rolls in smooth and delivers a long, sweet ride. ing to play guitar, and it’s her first derful gift and made guitar playing a style of playing. All open chords and it has this wonderful, clear voice unlike guitar. The others added a Mini to their lifelong passion. Mandy now plays a harmonics are equally impressive, too. any other. I will likely never sell this On the Cover GO-Getter collection. 314ce, and my favorite is a custom And yes, you can play ’60s surf lead guitar; it just gets better with age as it A few weeks ago, I bought another The members in our group who maple GS, but we’ll always remember guitar on this Taylor (even though it approaches 20. I have since bought a Taylor guitar, the simply superb 918e lack a Mini now want us to pass that it started with the guitar we called doesn’t have a whammy bar). GS Mini. Thanks, Taylor! 16 The 2013 Grand Orchestra First Edition, number around the guitars! Although I am still Baby. Jeff Scarborough Edward Monette 53 of 100, from my local music store, a rookie player, I love the size and that Andy Wachtel Manhattan Spring Limiteds Randee’s Music Center, in Rockford, the size does not compromise the Wild-hued ebony and bell-toned Illinois. Yesterday a package arrived sound at all. I played nearly 50 guitars Smooth Service granadillo freshen Taylor’s acoustic from Taylor containing the certificate, when I decided that I wanted my own. My 30th anniversary XXX-MC had Fine Artistry palette for spring. book and special strap, which goes This one sounds so beautiful and fits Choir Director binding problems, which no one in I have been a proud owner of a exclusively with this model. Thank you me just right. As a songwriter, I have I just purchased my first Taylor Alabama wanted to deal with, given 110 since college. I had been want- for making, marketing and following found that I am inspired differently acoustic, and I could not be more Taylor’s special [finish]. Time to call ing to upgrade for a couple of years, through with such a great U.S.-made with a guitar than with a piano; it lends impressed. I thought it was a great the factory. and finally purchased the 814ce. I am guitar. The tone, volume, clarity and another layer to creating music. guitar while I was trying it out, but Ryan answered, and I don’t think blown away by the beauty, playability response from all six strings are amaz- Thanks, Taylor, from me and the after I got home and really sat down I’ve ever been treated so well. He and sound. This is hands-down the ing. I am an older guy in his 70s and rest of the Sandhills/Cape Fear Song- with it I realized I had a gem! I have walked me through the repair process, finest instrument I have ever held and have played a lot of different makes writers Guild! been playing [other brands] for years, seemed happy to help, and was clear is rivaled by none. I will be a Taylor and models since I first started back Kerstin Hanson and this Taylor has given me 100 per- as glass. So I sent the guitar off. I customer until the day I die. I just Cover photo: Sapwood- rich ebony creates 12 Profile: Bob Zink in 1956. I bought a 914ce in 2007, cent more confidence in my playing. I got another call (Chris, I think). Same wanted to pass along my gratitude to He joined Taylor when it was a shop and became a department of one. a dramatic presence which I have been very happy with, but was describing the sound to a friend thing. He told me the guitar was in the everyone at Taylor for the attention to Nearly 30 years later, our longtime purchasing manager leaves behind on a 616ce-LTD this 918e is even better. Factory Friends of mine, and all I could say was that shop and described what they’d do. detail and artistry that is now sitting in a legacy of strong supplier relationships. Dave Copnall Being relatively new owners of Tay- it sounds like there is a choir singing He didn’t have to do that, but he did. my living room. lor guitars, my brother and I took your inside. I have heard Rico Estrada from A week later, another call. The guitar Ethan Renfro factory tour today. This was absolutely [the band] Ease Up absolutely kill his was ready. Once again, extraordinary fantastic to see the workings and Taylor many times, so I had to see service! Then the guitar arrived — fixed, 20 Taylor at NAMM Going the Extra the pride in building your products. what it was all about! You truly make polished, new strings in the right Correction: In last issue’s Guitar The Grand Orchestra had its coming-out party, and some talented friends Mile Kilometer Everybody was friendly, the guide, amazing instruments, and you have a gauge. Wow. You have some wonder- Guide, the Grand Orchestra’s body turned our exhibition space into a music hall. I have been a very happy owner of of course, was quite knowledgeable, new customer for life! Thanks, guys. I ful people working for you. Thanks. depth was listed as 4-13/16 inches. 20 22 a 614ce for many years and recently and even the workers who were being look forward to coming out to the shop John Mayfield While that measurement correctly 22 Custom Tayloring the next time I am in San Diego! relates to the tail end of the body, sent it back to your service centre in interrupted by the tour were friendly Our Build to Order wall at NAMM was decked out in its trade show finest. Amsterdam for an ES upgrade fol- and showed no annoyance from being Rob Edge our official body depth dimension lowing some problems I had with the disturbed. Yes, I’m sure they’re used Aging Gracefully measures to the body’s deepest point, older ES system that was originally to the daily tours, but even so, very In September of 2010, I won a which is 5 inches. 27 Creative Compass installed. I just got it back yesterday friendly. I know of no other factory that Surf Lines 1995 410 in an eBay auction. The gui- Taylor luthier Andy Powers kicks off his new column, The Craft, by relating his and wanted to say thanks for such would open their doors so widely to I am a 66-year-old professional tar appeared to be in good condition, guitar-making yearnings to the essence of musical sounds. an excellent job with this work. Laure the public. Well done and thanks. musician who still gigs weekly, and my so I paid, and it took a while, as the Saint Remy in your Amsterdam service Peter Chiavetta new Taylor 412ce-FLTD is the third woman who sold me the instrument 28 Ebony Flow centre went the extra mile to make Taylor I’ve owned in my life. I am com- said her father had to send it from Steady progress is being made at the Crelicam mill in Cameroon, as we work sure that my guitar came back better pletely wowed by it! I have not had a Kentucky. Two weeks later I got the to improve every step in the supply process. than ever, and the quality of the work Bringing Up Baby Taylor since I gave my 312ce to my guitar, but it was sent without any pro- was amazing. My guitar has never When my youngest daughter was son about five years ago. I’d forgotten tective shipping materials at all! There 26 played so well, or sounded so good. 9 years old, she expressed interest how fast and buttery the neck is for was only some dime-store shipping Thanks again. in playing guitar. That Christmas she such an old-school electric lead guitar- tape wrapped around the buckles of Jamie Allan received a starter guitar (another ist as myself (I still play all my full band the original Taylor case, and a FedEx Departments Aberdeen, UK brand) as a gift. After the initial excite- gigs with my original 1965 Ventures tag hung from the handle. I thought for We’d like to ment, I realized the guitar was almost Mosrite, no pedals, straight into my sure this guitar was going to be a pile hear from you 2 Letters 5 Editor’s Note 30 Calendar impossible to keep in tune. I’d heard Fender Princeton Reverb). Until I got of kindling wood! I pulled the tape off, Mini Migration about Taylors, although at that point this Taylor, I was doing all acoustic/ opened the case, and by some mira- Send your e-mails to: 4 Kurt’s Corner 10 Ask Bob 32 TaylorWare Being a songwriter and piano I didn’t have one of my own. One electric gigs with my [other acoustic cle, the guitar was intact. However, the [email protected] 5 BobSpeak 24 Soundings player, I would get frustrated some- afternoon my daughter and I went brand], but now it will always be this instrument clearly had not been played times when our local songwriting guild shopping and came home with a Baby Taylor. The short scale, amazing wood in years, the action was very high,

4 www.taylorguitars.com 5

Volume 75 Spring 2013 Editor’s Note

Publisher Taylor-Listug, Inc. Creative Drive As our own Andy Powers observes in his inaugural column for Produced by the Taylor Guitars Marketing Department Wood&Steel this issue, the creative journey is rarely a straight and clear Editor Jim Kirlin path. For every inspired idea, an obstacle (or many) stands in the way Art Director Cory Sheehan of its execution. Without the ability to navigate unexpected twists and Graphic Designer Rita Funk-Hoffman surmount inevitable obstructions, success can be elusive. Graphic Designer Angie Stamos-Guerra That tandem theme of passion and perseverance is a cultural Photographer Tim Whitehouse cornerstone here at Taylor. It enabled Bob and Kurt to sustain their business during Taylor’s difficult early years. Over time their company Contributors has been built on the solid foundation of that philosophy, attracting other David Hosler / Wayne Johnson / David Kaye / Kurt Listug like-minded people who support their vision and strive to make the world Shawn Persinger / Shane Roeschlein / Bob Taylor / Glen Wolff / Chalise Zolezzi a better place with the help of our instruments. Evidence of that mindset bubbles to the surface in several places Technical Advisors within this issue. Andy unfurls his new column, The Craft, by reflecting Ed Granero / David Hosler / Gerry Kowalski / Andy Lund on the underpinnings of the creative process that has guided his Rob Magargal / Mike Mosley / Bob Taylor / Chris Wellons / Glen Wolff development as a guitar maker. In our fond farewell to longtime employee Bob Zink, we salute a craftsman whose level of commitment was Contributing Photographers instrumental in Taylor’s evolution beyond a small shop. And as we share Rita Funk-Hoffman / David Kaye / Katrina Horstman in our report on ebony processing in Cameroon, we continue to make Circulation Printing / Distribution measurable progress thanks to the creative thinking and resolute efforts Kurt’s Corner Katrina Horstman Courier Graphics / CEREUS - Phoenix BobSpeak of our management team and employees, despite an array of constant challenges. Translation Translation Coordination One thing we know: There will always be obstacles in our path. But Shared Paths Veritas Language Solutions Angie Stamos-Guerra With a Little Help when the destination is a world filled with inspired guitar players, we’ll always find a way to get there. For years we’ve been telling the I especially love how we’ve brought try experience, is devoted to the guitar ©2013 Taylor-Listug, Inc. All Rights reserved. TAYLOR, TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR GUITARS, TAYLOR From My Friends We hope to see you out at a Road Show this year. story about how I was 21 and Bob such a diverse group of people togeth- business, and is a seasoned business- QUALITY GUITARS and Design ; BABY TAYLOR; BIG BABY; Peghead Design; Bridge Design; Pickguard Design; 100 SERIES; 200 SERIES; 300 SERIES; 400 SERIES; 500 SERIES; 600 SERIES; — Jim Kirlin was 19 when we bought the American er to share and work on our common I have a lot of friends in this industry. Then, while in the area, I visited improvement in Cameroon, and these man. 700 SERIES; 800 SERIES; 900 SERIES; PRESENTATION SERIES; GALLERY; QUALITY TAYLOR Dream from Sam Radding and started purpose of making incredible guitars Tim was most recently with LG GUITARS, GUITARS AND CASES and Design; WOOD&STEEL; ROBERT TAYLOR (Stylized); TAYLOR I decided a long time ago that some Michael Gurian. We’ve been friends are the things that are on my mind, Taylor Guitars. Well, Bob just had his and happy customers. Mobile Communications, where he was EXPRESSION SYSTEM; EXPRESSION SYSTEM; TAYLORWARE ; TAYLOR GUITARS K4; K4, TAYLOR of my best potential for lifelong friend- for 35 years. Michael is a great guitar besides the woodcutting. I’m happy for K4; TAYLOR ES; DYNAMIC BODY SENSOR; T5; T5 (Stylized); BALANCED BREAKOUT; R. TAYLOR; ships would be among my competitors builder and had one of the early inde- these relationships. Michael answered 58th birthday, and next year will mark As long as I’m saying goodbye to VP of Marketing for North America. R TAYLOR (Stylized); AMERICAN DREAM; TAYLOR SOLIDBODY; T3; GRAND SYMPHONY; WAVE 40 years for the company. We’ve gone Bob Zink and wishing him well, I’d like I heard about Tim from John Vitro of COMPENSATED; GS; GS MINI; ES-GO; V-CABLE; FIND YOUR FIT; and GA are registered trademarks and suppliers, and so I’ve shared time, pendent companies back in the day. questions I had about what makes from the age when you start a career to welcome two recent additions to the VITRO, our ad agency for the past 20 of Taylor-Listug, Inc. NYLON SERIES; KOA SERIES; GRAND AUDITORIUM; GRAND CONCERT, knowledge and fun with them. We’ve A fire that burned his factory down band saw blades work better or worse, TAYLOR SWIFT BABY TAYLOR; LEO KOTTKE SIGNATURE MODEL; DYNAMIC STRING SENSOR; and a perfect storm of other things and then gave us books that outline to the age when you consider winding company, both of whom I work closely years. Prior to his work with LG, Tim was GRAND ORCHESTRA; GO; TAYLOR ROAD SHOW; JASON MRAZ SIGNATURE MODEL; NOUVEAU; had lots of fun, and even lived through down your career. Not us. Neither Bob with on the sales and marketing side of a brand manager with Mars Pet Food ISLAND VINE ; CINDY; HERITAGE DIAMONDS; TWISTED OVALS; DECO DIAMONDS; and SPIRES some sad times together. The last few caused him to leave that behind and feeds, speeds and tooth configurations nor I are thinking about retiring, but the business. Keith Brawley has joined Division, a brand manager with Proctor are trademarks of Taylor-Listug, Inc. days have reminded me of this. use his brilliance to make guitar parts. for different materials. It’s time to learn we’ve started to have a few employees us as Vice President of Sales, and Tim and Gamble, and served a stint with ELIXIR and NANOWEB are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. D’ADDARIO PRO-ARTE I have our ebony sawmill in Cam- Look at the wooden bridge pins or that. Wayne Brinkley, a tooling engineer 0% Financing on Taylor Purchases retire who’ve been with us for many O’Brien as Vice President of Marketing. Microsoft. Tim also plays guitar. Both is a registered trademark of J. D’Addario & Co., Inc. NUBONE is a registered trademark of David Dunwoodie. eroon on my mind full-time these days. binding on your guitar and you’ll see from our product development group, is years, like machinist Pete Davies and I’m really happy to have each of them Keith and Tim are smart, savvy guys, and If I’d known what was in store for us Michael’s work. Inlays, parts, pieces… next to me reading all that, and I’m glad Through June 30, 2013 tool designer Matt Guzzetta. Now it’s on board. I’m excited to be working with them. before we started this ebony business, there are so many things he makes, he likes that reading more than I do. Bob Zink, who is profiled in this issue. 2013 Taylor Factory Tours & Vacation Dates it would have scared me half to death. and his knowledge is venerable. I want I’ll read it anyway, from the middle to Interestingly, these three gents have A free, guided tour of the Taylor Guitars factory is given every Monday It’s not easy. But with each month we to know how to make violin pegs and both ends, not front to back, because We’re pleased to re-introduce our GE Money Consumer Financing waited until they’re closer to the age of through Friday at 1 p.m. (excluding holidays). No advance reservations are nec- learn more, risk more, invest more, and ebony dowels. Who do I call? Michael, I’m just trying to find the answer to my program. From now through June 30, you can get 0% interest on select 70 than 60 to make the change. essary. Simply check-in at the reception desk in our Visitor Center, located in the solve more. We are aligning with clients of course. question. Thanks to the help of great Taylor purchases if they’re paid in full within 12 months. Monthly payments Bob Zink joined us in 1984. Incred- lobby of our main building, before 1 p.m. We ask that large groups (more than who have similar goals for the stressed He lives and works on a barge on friends, I know I will. are required, and purchases must be made in the U.S. This year we’ve ibly, we did $288,000 worth of busi- 10) call us in advance at (619) 258-1207. forests and their timbers of the world. the docks of Seattle. Yep, you heard expanded the range of the program to cover 300 and 400 Series models. ness that entire year! It was a struggle While not physically demanding, the tour does include a fair amount of walk- And I have friends who are willing to me right. A beautiful 10,000-square- Eligible Taylor models include: to do even that. Those were tough ing. Due to the technical nature, the tour may not be suitable for small children. help. foot floating factory, office and home. ­­ — Bob Taylor, President times, and we had to have faith to The tour lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and departs from the main The last couple of days I’ve been in He doesn’t fear earthquakes or city • 300 Series and up, including Limited Editions keep going. It’s amazing to look back building at 1980 Gillespie Way in El Cajon, California. the Seattle, Washington, area absorb- codes. He’s on the water. I told you, on those times. I’m grateful to Bob Please take note of the weekday exceptions below. For more information, ing help. First, with Steve McMinn, our he’s brilliant! Last night we sat around • T5 Standard and T5 Custom and others who have stayed with us including directions to the factory, please visit taylorguitars.com/contact. incredible supplier of spruce. What an the kitchen table chatting, and I learned • All SolidBody models through the good times and the growth, We look forward to seeing you! operation he’s built: so clean, precise, things from him. I learned a lot about and the bumps in the road along the thoughtful and ever-improving. Because things I didn’t need to know about way. Like they say, it’s all about the Keith Brawley Tim O’Brien Factory Closures we’re cutting wood in Africa now, he’s before now. We lifted a glass to our journey rather than the destination. helping me test methods, even giving long friendship, because after all is said Thanks for all your years of service, I’ve known and worked with Keith Wherever you are, whatever you Monday, May 27 Monday, September 2 his time to go there with me and lend and done, we appreciate that the most. Bob, and for helping me and Bob Tay- since he was a VP at Guitar Center, do, and wherever your path takes you, (Memorial Day) (Labor Day) his thoughtful eye. We are thinking, Michael turned 70 years old last month, lor pursue our dream. and we stayed in touch through his I wish you a journey filled with good planning and pursuing methods to set and still has a lot to give. But he, in It’s been really rewarding to spend time with Musician’s Friend and then friends, guitars and music. Monday-Friday, July 1-5 new levels of recovery and good stew- particular, is narrowing his focus down Online so much of my life working together Gibson. Prior to this, Keith spent many (Independence Day/ ardship of the trees. We know we can to the friends he calls family. I’m happy with friends, growing the business, years with Fender, and even had his ­­ — Kurt Listug, CEO Company Vacation) make more from fewer trees. Thanks, he includes me. Read this and other back issues of Wood&Steel sharing the triumphs and the failures. I own guitar company, Brawley Guitars. Steve, for the years of collaboration. I’m flying home from this trip with really love that about this business. Keith loves guitars, has extensive indus- Thank you. ideas of how to take the next steps of at taylorguitars.com 7

recognizable pattern. Dylan might play 12 measures before repeating a pat- Hit Your Mark tern; you don’t want a song like this. By Shawn Persinger If you insist on Dylan, try “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Additional tunes that are easy to memorize are: “Love Me Do,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and “Stand By Me.” HIT One last comment regarding chord shapes: As you can see in Example 1, I have used a very simple two-finger G chord. It is likely that many readers are more familiar with a three- or four-finger G chord, and you should be. Whenever I give the two-finger G, I always inform students that this is not the G chord they will eventually make the most use of, and then I show them the additional YOUR options. Create a Specific Goal While I was able to guide Don through the subtler points of guitar playing, fine-tune his vocals, and share supplemental techniques, I still believe it was his specific goal that made him a guitar player in a matter of weeks. The problem so many people struggle with isn’t the desire to do something great, MARK it’s the lack of thought we put into figur- Honing your guitar-playing ing out what that particular thing is. Now it’s your turn. Set a goal and goals into precise objectives make it detailed. I suggest a three-point will help you reach them plan: 1) a specific song or musical con- cept; 2) a specific arrangement (yours faster By Shawn Persinger or someone else’s); 3) a specific dead- line. Aim to learn a bluegrass standard (Ex. 3, “Cripple Creek”) and play it at a couple of bluegrass jams this summer. n some ways Don was like many (and a good way to get better), but would have the patience to play the can give you some pointers to get you string), then the key of A (fifth string) Plan on writing your first song (vocal of my students. He was fifty-some- needing to play a song, a specific same song over and over again, two singing on pitch and in key. might work for you. You have to experi- or instrumental) in the style of Gordon I thing years old and had never song, for a specific occasion, with a hours a day, for seven days. Have you ever tried to sing some- ment with this. And don’t give up after Lightfoot, Green Day or Leo Kottke, and played guitar before. But one charac- specific deadline, that is a specific So, those are the pluses Don had thing simple like “Happy Birthday,” five minutes. A little bit of effort can play it at your local open mic in eight teristic set him apart: He had a radi- goal. going for him — in addition to the fact only to have it sound awful? Well, for change your musical life forever. (Note: weeks. Or how about playing and sing- cally specific goal, and he had to reach And what happened with Don? that he had a specific goal. Includ- starters, “Happy Birthday” is not easy If you put a capo on the first fret, you ing one Beatles song in the key best- it in six weeks. Something I had never seen from an ing those advantages, there were a to sing! It has a one-octave leap in it, now have 10 options for keys!) suited to your voice (experiment with Now, you, too, might have a musi- adult student before. In one week, few other techniques we used to get which means if you begin on a note capo and transposition) every day for cal goal: to get better at playing guitar, at his second lesson, he was able to Don to his objective so quickly. These that is already relatively high, then that Memorize the Chords the next year? Having a specific goal or to write original songs, or to make finger the chords and switch between are actions that all players, specific last “happy birth…” will be so high it Memorizing the chord shapes and will help you achieve much more than music with others, but none of those them quickly enough to have performed goals or not, can start implementing to would make anyone sound bad. So, chord progression of a song makes it lackadaisically wishing you were better goals is specific. How “good” is good the song that day! improve their playing right now. make sure you actually start with some- much easier to play. This might sound at the guitar. enough? To write songs you could OK, here are the disclaimers: thing simple. obvious, but I’ve seen many beginners Oh, and how was Don’s debut per- simply write lyrics and sing them, since • Don could sing the melody. The ben- Learn to Sing While there are many pop, rock and struggle to read a piece of sheet music, formance received by his wife? With songwriting isn’t bound to playing efit of this is almost incalculable. The I know what many of you are think- country songs that are easy to sing, I finger a chord shape they are discern- shock and delight, hugs and kisses, and guitar. And what kind of music do you melody and words are what actualize ing: I can’t sing. I’ve heard this a thou- recommend trying a children’s song ing on another piece of paper, look tears of joy. Mission accomplished. want to make with others: jazz, rock, the song — the guitar playing is almost sand times. It’s not true. Everyone who first. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is par- back to their fingers, and glance at the folk, funk, experimental? Again, you secondary. can talk can sing. What is much more ticularly good because it has only four lyrics…all the while nervous that the don’t really need a guitar for any of • Because he could sing the melody, likely is one of the following: different notes and, for the most part, pick will fly out of their hand when they Shawn Persinger, a.k.a. Prester John, those. So, while I genuinely empathize all he had to do was strum each chord • You don’t know how to use your uses “stepwise” movement, meaning strum. If you can memorize any one of owns a Taylor 410, two 310s and with those personal desires, the details one time and let it ring for four beats singing voice. most notes are right next to each other these three things (chord shapes, pro- a 214ce-N. His music has been are vague at best. before switching (Example 1). But he • You don’t like the sound of your in the scale. Example 2a shows how gression or lyrics) it will make your job described as a myriad of delight- So, what was Don’s precise goal? soon progressed to four strums per voice. to play the song using only the high exponentially easier. ful musical paradoxes: complex but He wanted to play and sing the Everly measure. • Someone told you that you can’t E string; Example 2b shows it on the When it comes to memorizing a catchy; virtuosic yet affable; smart and Brothers’ version of “Let It Be Me” to • Don is self-employed, and he kept sing, and now you are self-con- A string. The reason I’m showing you chord progression, I once again recom- whimsical. His book The 50 Great- his wife on her birthday. Once again, his guitar near his desk at work so he scious when you even think about it. this is because you now have various mend starting with something easy, but est Guitar Books is being hailed as a many of you might be saying to your- could pick it up for a few minutes every • You try singing every now and then key options in which to sing. Using this make sure it’s truly easy. Many Bob monumental achievement by readers selves, “I’ve always wanted to play hour or so. As a result he was able to but give up after a meager five-minute process of playing on one string at a Dylan songs are considered to be easy and critics. (www.GreatestGuitar- (insert favorite song here),” but let me squeeze in almost two hours of prac- attempt. time, you can choose from five different because they use only three or four Books.com) reiterate, that is not detailed enough. tice a day! This is very rare for most While I can’t promise to turn you keys: E, B, G, D and A. Chances are chords, but his progressions tend to Wanting to play a song is a fine plan adults. Personally, I don’t know that I into Pavarotti, Sting or Hank Williams, I if you can’t sing the melody in E (first be quite lengthy and without a readily 8 9 Big Island

WOur Hawaiiana koa Firstv Edition Grande Orchestras is sneaky-strong and promises a sweet ride

One of the unique strengths of Powers. “And with the koa top, you the attack. Like any other guitar, it’ll the new Grand Orchestra has been also get a unique sweetness in the get consistently riper, sweeter and its ability to coax greater complexity attack that’s fun with the Grand quicker to respond as it ages.” from the tonewoods that take its Orchestra because of its powerful Among the premium touches on shape. Between its ample real volume and dynamic capability.” these First Edition GO models are estate, deeper body and innovative As a top wood, koa produces a AA-grade koa, a shaded edgeburst bracing, the guitar form seems unique compression, so it typically on the top, back, sides and neck, and to unlock hidden tonal colors in doesn’t pack as potent an attack as Adirondack spruce bracing, which woods — a surprisingly warm low- a spruce top. Instead, the tone tends boosts the headroom, giving players end response from maple, or richer to ring out at the same volume for extra dynamic range. lows and highs from mahogany, for an extended stretch, maintaining an A total of 100 K28e First Edition example. Credit the efficiency of even balance and sustain. models will be made. Like Taylor’s the overall design, which tames the “It’s not so much a strong initial other First Edition models, these sonic chaos and enables more tonal attack followed by decay before the feature a custom label and case detail to emerge in a clear, uniform note releases,” Andy elaborates. “It’s plate. Once the guitar is registered, way. more like the note sneaks up on the owner will receive a custom GO That same design sensibility your ears and then stays there — it First Edition guitar strap, a numbered helps extend the voice of our newest lets itself in the front door, hangs certificate of authenticity, and a First Edition koa offering, the all-koa around for a while, and then leaves.” special commemorative booklet. K28e, to greater heights and depths. Because the koa soundboard is The K28e will eventually become “You get that traditional sound of stronger and heavier than spruce, it a standard model within the Koa koa back and sides, which is similar will benefit from having some time to Series. to mahogany in that it has a pretty break in. strong fundamental, but with a little “It has less stiffness but more more of the sparkle of rosewood,” weight,” Andy says. “That’s what says Taylor master luthier Andy contributes to the roll-in effect on 10 www.taylorguitars.com 11

poke fun at him. He reads Tesla at bed- Great question, Brian. And here the of that. By the way, the other guitar haven’t tried to figure that out. Did you an absolute cannon. On the other time. (So do I, though.) plot thickens. Here’s the scoop. For remains in our possession, and we loan notice in the question about Spanish hand, my Taylor GA8e, which is a I’ll try to answer without writing 30 years, Taylor has used primarily the it to Richie on occasion when his guitar cedar that I mentioned weighing the nice guitar, is very quiet compara- Ask Bob an entire article. Everything you say is streaked, striped wood that I talk about. needs some work. mahogany to pick the lightweight wood tively. I bought the GA8e one year right. But you can’t just go for sound. And the ironic thing is that when we for classical guitar necks? Depending ago. I play with a very small group You also have to make the guitar hold sand and oil the wood, it all goes basi- on the age of your SolidBody Custom, and often play solo, and the GA8e together. Make sense? It’s all a com- cally black. I promise you this is true. it might be made from sapele, which just doesn’t seem to get the job Spanish cedar, 12-string tension, promise. The “X” is a way of bracing So, much of my commentary is for the I am the proud owner of a 110e, is like mahogany but heavier. It does done — the more I dig in, the less around a soundhole. And, yes, sound benefit of other manufacturers in both and I get endless compliments on affect tone, but like I say in another sound/power I get in return. I am and X-bracing evolution waves are symmetrical, and some the guitar and the bowed instrument the beautifully subtle quilting of the question, each guitar sounds like it an aggressive strummer and think I people use symmetrical bracing, like business (who are now ebony-buying spruce top. As I cannot make a prop- sounds, and that’s one of the great should have gotten a Dreadnought. my friend Jean Larrivée. But in the end, clients of ours) to encourage them to er comparison myself, what is the things about guitars. I know this is sort Can you give me some help/advice? I keep reading about the use of it and tune it down two steps, which is the strings. In your experience, would symmetrical braces are a small part stop fearing the variegated wood. Not tonal variation between your varnish of a non-answer, but it is the answer. I love the old school Gibsons and Spanish cedar in making guitars — a whole new experience in tone. Many [one] benefit the tone, or would it of the design and can’t be heard that only are Taylor customers now looking and your gloss [finish] coats? Heavy electric guitars have come and Martins with the mahogany back and specifically for guitar necks. What is players feel that a 12-string should be just be a cosmetic change? much. Most of us look at the top as for brown beauty in their ebony, but so Nick Kravatz gone and then come and gone in sides, but I really love Taylors. I am it exactly, and has Taylor Guitars ever tuned low for purposes of sound. They Andrew Hodgson having a treble and a bass side. We are customers of other brands. And this popularity over the years. Now, we’re considering selling [the GA8e] and considered using this wood? really do sound cool down there, but Birmingham, England may be wrong, and Jean thinks we are, emboldens other manufacturers to not Nick, to be frank, less finish sounds in a time when people seem to like getting something else. Any thoughts Bob Slezak if you do that, be sure to put a slightly but, gosh, the guitars work. Now, open- reject the wood we send them. I have better. A 110 has less finish, and that’s lighter-weight guitars. But that’s likely on what you think I should do? heavier set of strings on it. Otherwise, Andrew, the ebony pins won’t change ing and closing spaces between braces personally visited dozens of factories good for sound. That said, we are to change. Josh Corbett Well, Bob, the funny thing is it’s actually bring it up to standard pitch. the tone, but the brass might…a little. and changing their shape make a huge and showed them my experience in always trying to help the guitar player Rosemount, MN neither cedar nor Spanish. Imagine that. But basically they both would be a difference. So, it might look strange, using the wood with color. They find have both a good musical experience It’s from the mahogany family and grows cosmetic change, and there’s nothing almost thoughtless, but it’s something it hard to believe because, as you’ve and a guitar that lasts. So, the gloss Josh, it definitely sounds like you’re a in Central and South America. Some wrong with that. that has evolved. Many a luthier has observed, our guitars have dark finger- finish on the tops of the better guitars, I decided to store my guitars in Dreadnought guy. You want a cannon? has been naturalized in Africa as well. I’ve purchased four Taylors: a 314ce, [Ed. Note: Keep in mind, Andrew, that tried to improve on it, but so many find boards, and even if they’re not black, even though it’s a smidge thicker, helps the finished half of my basement, Try out our new Grand Orchestra (GO), Martin uses it for their kerfing (the lining a Baritone, and one of the Builder’s our ebony bridge pins have a slightly their way right back to a pattern that is they are very dark. My answer is that the guitar last a lifetime, and you must where I have a Honeywell humidi- which Andy Powers just designed. I’d on the inside of the guitar body), as do Reserve IV koa GS/tenor uke pairs. larger diameter than the plastic pins we basically like this for steel-string guitars. other companies have made their deci- admit that they sound good, right? fier and an energy-efficient electric say go to any other higher-end Dread- many other makers. We use mahogany. Each new guitar had more and more use with the GS Mini. Consequently, A side note: Many classical guitars have sions about the wood way too early I am asked every day how some- oil-filled radiator. Consequently, I’m nought as well. The Grand Auditorium, Classical guitar builders, especially detail, leading up to Andy Powers’ the bridge pin holes for the ebony symmetrical bracing. Go figure, right? in the process, and in the end all that thing affects the sound. That’s because able to maintain a constant humid- like your GA8e, is definitely a subtler in Spain, like it for necks because it’s amazing fretboard design on the pins need to be slightly larger, so our wood will look great. So, now that I’ve many players are really interested in the ity level of 46 to 50 percent and a guitar. very lightweight. It’s used to make cigar Builder’s Reserve set. An article in ebony pins won’t fit properly on your opened my big mouth, we have to seri- technology of guitar making. I under- temperature of 70-74 degrees. I keep boxes, as it is highly fragrant, like a Woods&Steel referred to it as the Mini unless you sand them down. Feel ously look for really heavily variegated stand, because I am, too. But they are a bunch of guitars in their cases lot of cedars are. Maybe that’s where “wood-lover’s” pair, and I agree. free to contact our Customer Service I’m looking for a Taylor acoustic/ wood to show up in a photo like those also concerned about making a good and was wondering if that’s OK with the “Cedrela” genus name came from. But I’m not just a wood lover. I was department for more information.] Being a novice guitarist and an avid woodworker, electric cutaway guitar that plays you cite. Sounds almost like hype, but I decision. The underlying answer, when the relative humidity always within I am enjoying my 2012 cocobolo/ There are a couple dozen sub-species recently introduced to lapis lazuli, a couldn’t make this up! there are a lot of guitars to choose I find myself interested in the wood selection and feels more like an electric guitar. acceptable limits. My brother tells Sinker redwood BTO with Adiron- of Cedrela. Spanish cedar is a common beautiful stone of royal blue hue. I Mainly to be used for strumming and People are slow to change — not from, is that the proof of the pudding me that, despite my humidity and dack spruce braces. Do Adirondack name, not a scientific name. haven’t done much research, but I’m on all of your guitars as much as learning a new lead work, with little to no fingerpick- only consumers and manufacturers, is in the tasting. A guitar sounds like it temperature control, I’d better put braces make a guitar heavier than We have used it for necks, but curious if guitar makers ever incorpo- Is there any reason Brazilian rose- chord. Do you do any woodworking (besides luthier ing. I prefer a fatter, warmer tone with but even the cutters of the trees. Even sounds. And if it sounds good, plays a humidifier in each guitar case or Sitka braces? there’s not an advantage of using it over rate stone into their guitars. The next wood could not be grown on U.S. though they want to bring in more wood well, and makes good music, then it work)? I couldn’t help but notice the nifty storage mids that will cut through the mix in else! I have several guitars, including Tina mahogany. Both tree species have been Taylor in my sights is a BTO nylon- soil? I know the timber industry in a live setting. Which model do you of color, it goes against their years of doesn’t matter, really, if it “could” sound a few Taylors (and I’m about to get Wisconsin heavily harvested for a couple hundred string guitar. Would it be possible to the U.S. has learned to replant areas bins in the back of your Land Cruiser! [Ed. Note: suggest? training. So, it’s all a work in progress, different. I hope that makes sense. more), so I can’t spend all my time years, and both are stressed. We focus add an inlay design, say on the peg- for the future. The harvesting of See Bob’s BobSpeak photo on page 5.] Jerry and you’ll see more color as time filling guitar case humidifiers! Is my Yes, Tina, by a few grams. And they on good husbandry of mahogany, and head or bridge of the guitar, made these trees would be beyond our life- unfolds. We are also training cutters to current basement/humidifier/gui- Dave sound really good. we prefer it to Spanish cedar for necks from stone, such as the lapis lazuli? times, but these trees could surely be A 616ce. That’s the answer, Jerry. use augers to test trees before cutting. tars-in-cases setup OK for the health on steel-strings. It’s actually been more John Phillips planted somewhere in this country. That way they don’t cut one down just I love my Grand Symphony and of my instruments? I don’t want to difficult to find good Spanish cedar Are there any laws that prevent this Yes, Dave, I’m a woodworker, and I make lots of fur- to see it, as some trees are full of rot SolidBody Custom. I was wonder- worry myself sick about this! than good mahogany in my experience. John, I have a watch that has the phas- from happening? niture. I’m making a cool table right now. My house and aren’t good anyway. Others have ing if mahogany varies greatly in its Denis Moreau When we make classical guitars in es of the moon on the face, and the so little heartwood that they shouldn’t Dave Henry is full of furniture I’ve made. Maybe we should do Your latest endeavors on sustain- weight, and if so, why? I have seen Ottawa, Ontario the future, we just might use it. But I starry background is lapis lazuli. You’re Las Vegas, NV ability and conservation are admi- be cut. The auger takes a safe sample, examples of identical model solid- might prefer to weigh our mahogany right, it’s gorgeous material. I guess I’ll an article someday that shows some of the stuff I’ve rable and dare I say noble. One of the small wound can be patched, and body guitars, where one weighs 8.5 Um, your brother is wrong about that, and choose the lighter pieces for those answer your question two ways. One is Good question, Dave, and the answer made. My mom might be proud. By the way, I don’t the decisions you’ve made that I the tree lives out its lifetime happy. pounds and the other closer to 10.5 Denis. Sorry, brother. If your room is guitars. that yes, it’s possible to put stone on a is complex, so here goes. I’m sure the want to brag, but you should see my personal wood- appreciated perhaps the most was pounds. Someone in a discussion controlled like you said, then you’re guitar, but no, we don’t do it. The rea- tree will grow here, when you consider around your discovery of how much group thought it was due to silicates done! Keep the guitars in that room Got a son is also twofold. One, we don’t have Hawaii and Puerto Rico, or even Florida, shop! It’s embarrassingly good. harvested but discarded ebony there absorbed during the trees’ growth and you’re good to go. That’s how the expertise, and two, the cost for work as a growing site. That said, even if the is and the subsequent decision to Since when did you make a double- that caused equal size chunks of our factory works. We climate-control question for I just bought a Taylor 12-string like this is so expensive, and allows tree grew, it would be a challenge to change demand by using all of it, neck acoustic? I saw it being played mahogany to vary greatly in their the space and work in it. Your guitars Bob Taylor? 856ce. Love the guitar! In the guitar for so few customers, that we couldn’t grow legitimate guitar wood, because not just the one in 10 trees deemed by Richie Sambora on the 12/12/12 density and weight. It seems like that can lie around naked in that room, like shop where I bought it, the guitar maintain the talent (for lack of sales) differences in the growing conditions I recently shared your YouTube fac- parts of it that want to vibrate more acceptable before. There were Concert for Sandy. Obviously a spe- ultimately would have some effect they’re in a spa. Do me a favor, though. Shoot him an e-mail: was tuned a half step down from even if we did do this type of work. In will affect the tree’s wood, and we tory tour with my guitar class. They aggressively, and if so, wouldn’t it prominent, beautiful glamour shots cial order! on the resonance and resulting tone Put two humidity gauges in the room. [email protected] standard pitch, and the salesman told the end it’s a practical matter. already know that not every Brazilian loved it, and I was amazed at the make sense to develop a bracing of some early builds using the “new Michael Miller of a guitar. Since you now have a That way, if there is a gross discrep- me that I may want to consider keep- rosewood tree is of guitar quality. Still, forethought that you put into innova- pattern that reflects this? standard” ebony in an earlier edition few years of making solidbodies out ancy, it will cause you to look into ing it tuned a half step down, I think I’m putting a lot of thought into that tion. My question is about bracing. Joe Ferguson of Wood&Steel, yet when I look at Since the day Richie asked us, and he of mahogany under your belt and are which one is right. Does that sound like If you have a specific for ease of play. Is it risky to tune this for future generations. It’s not illegal to It seems to me that, although each the 2013 Guitar Guide (Winter 2013) happened to ask on the right day. I seri- the tonewood guru, thought I would a plan? repair or service guitar to standard pitch because of I’ve owned my first Taylor for a few plant a tree, but we need to put them guitar manufacturer has a twist on Good question, Joe. This would be a issue, there is not one single guitar ously doubt that day will happen again. ask the expert. concern, please call too much pull on the neck with 12 months now — a beautiful GS Mini somewhere where they’ll still be around the X-bracing pattern, most haven’t great question for Andy Powers, whose pictured that has anything but the But it’s a cool guitar, and we actually Jim Hintz our Customer Service strings? maple LTD. I was thinking about a hundred years from now. And we changed much about it recently. As first column appears in this issue. darkest ebony. Was this an editorial made two at once, thinking we’d halve Buffalo Grove, IL department at Dave changing the strings for the first time won’t be alive to find out, so anything I was watching your factory tour, I But Jim Kirlin, our editor, and Maaren, oversight, or are you still looking at the pain, but I think maybe we doubled I love Taylors! I own three — a Baby (800) 943-6782, and it got me looking at the bridge that we did wrong may take another thought it strange that even though Andy’s wife, both told him he’s too 2014 and beyond for this wood to it! I’m kidding, of course, about the trib- I’m the tonewood guru? Wow! Is there Taylor for my son, a 210e and a and we’ll take You can tune your 12-string up to pitch, pins. I know I could pick up some century to correct, by a group of people sound wave forms are symmetrical, geeky for us normal people, so I’ll take “hit production”? ulation of making such a guitar, because a certificate for that? You know, Jim, GA8e. I am a worship leader/youth care of you. Dave. It’s quite versatile, really, as you ebony or brass pins for a reasonable dedicated to spend money and leave it the X-bracing pattern isn’t. As the a stab at it. Really, Andy knows more Brian F. it was fun. But in our shop, we really wood just varies in weight from tree to minister, and my guitars get a lot of can also put a set of medium strings on cost and fit them when I change out behind. top of a guitar resonates, are there about it than me, but I’m older and can Cary, NC can’t make a good business model tree. Some are denser than others. I use. It seems as though my 210 is 13

of music groups, including an old-time Final Assembly department. Those were nan (through a broker), he was one man string band called the Sawyers. Along lean times, not only because the shop cutting wood by himself, and his sole the way, he met a young banjo and gui- was trying to figure out how to build client was Taylor. tar maker named Bob Taylor, who was and sell instruments, but because the In the pre-Internet days of the late taking banjo lessons there. ’80s had ushered in an era of new wave 1980s, the phone was an essential busi- “Everyone knew everyone in the synthesizers and electric-guitar-centric ness tool for making purchases, which building world,” Zink says. “Greg Deer- glam metal. The whole acoustic guitar was one reason why Bob Taylor was ing [co-founder of Deering Banjos] and industry was hurting. As a small shop, happy to pass on his purchasing duties I had become friends in the early 1970s. Taylor managed to weather the storm, to Bob Zink. Greg’s shop was right next to Bob’s adapting in part by developing the small- “I’ve never been a guy who likes call- in Lemon Grove, and I had the keys to body Grand Concert in 1984 to appeal ing people on the phone,” Taylor says. Greg’s shop because Greg had a lathe to a new breed of experimental finger- “Bob had no problem doing that. And in that I used to make banjos because I style players, and by embracing features the process he developed relationships couldn’t afford one.” that appealed to modern-era players, with our tiny suppliers. As our industry Kurt Listug was a frequent visitor like cutaways, onboard electronics, and and our company grew, so did those to The New Expression during Taylor’s stage-friendly colors that added rock ‘n’ relationships.” early period, and eventually the local roll flair to the MTV era. Supply store started carrying Taylors. By 1987, Taylor had begun to grow; Hollywood Beginnings Both Bobs had lunch one day, and the shop was making five guitars a day. As many Taylor employees can as Bob Taylor talked about his shop, That year the company moved into a attest, one of the pleasures of getting to Zink casually mentioned that if Taylor bigger plant in nearby Santee, California, know Bob Zink is soaking up his colorful ever needed anyone he’d think about it. and by 1989, with production steadily stories of growing up in Southern Cali- An offer soon followed. increasing (nine guitars a day; 35-40 fornia. One staple is his account of the “I said, ‘OK, but I can’t walk out on employees), Bob Taylor decided to take time he “shunned” Elvis. Zink’s father, my partners,’” Zink recalls. “So I gave his first extended vacation after 15 years Russ, was a Hollywood character actor them 6-months’ notice. I came to work in business. While he was gone, Kurt (his stage name was Russ Conway; look Guy at Taylor at 4 a.m. and worked until gave the employees a questionnaire up his complete filmography on IMDb. 11, then I went over to the store and asking them, among other things, what com), and in 1955 he had secured a The cordoned-off vacuum cleaner on display worked from 11:30 to 7. I did that for six they saw themselves doing at Taylor in part as Sheriff Ed Galt in Elvis Presley’s After nearly three in the Taylor room was equal parts inside grimy shop of scruffy instrument makers months.” five years. film debut, Love Me Tender. They were joke and heartfelt tribute. It was the final struggling to hone their craft and keep Although Southern California is “I was already buying some sandpa- shooting not far from the Zink home, and decades at Taylor, day of the Winter NAMM Show, and the their business afloat, Bob Zink signed renowned for its sunny skies and warm, per for Bob,” says Zink, “so I wrote that I during a break one day, Russ invited the feverish flow of trade show traffic was on, bringing Taylor’s employee count to temperate weather, Taylor’s Lemon could see myself buying stuff. That was 20-year-old Presley to the house for a beginning to taper off. Bob Zink, Taylor six. It was 1984. He’d been working at a Grove shop, located in San Diego’s on a Friday, and on Monday I became home-cooked meal. Bob was 10 years Bob Zink leaves a elder statesman and the company’s first hybrid music instruction and instrument more desert-like microclimate of East the purchasing manager. Even though I old, and his religious grandmother, an and longtime purchasing manager, had shop called The New Expression, which County, sometimes made for less pleas- had no formal experience in purchasing, influential presence in his life at that long since left the building. It would be he’d established in San Diego with his ant working conditions. Kurt said he’d rather have someone who time, was also at the house. She didn’t legacy of passion, his final NAMM Show before retiring in friend, folk and bluegrass music instruc- “There was a south-facing wall that knows all the parts than bring someone approve at all of Elvis’s provocative rock March. But at 6 a.m., before leaving, he tor Walt Richards. wasn’t insulated,” Zink recalls. “In the in who didn’t.” ‘n’ roll ways, insisting that he played “the commitment and had cleaned the room like he’s done “Walt kind of changed my life,” Zink winter it was so cold we had space At the time, Taylor’s purchasing pro- devil’s music” and making it clear she every day of the show for years. shares. “He was the head of a folk heaters and worked in jackets and cess was pretty straightforward. wasn’t happy that he was coming. As a Despite being a nearly 30-year vet- group at a church that my wife was gloves with just the fingertips cut off. “We bought stuff from the same result, Bob kept his distance from Pres- strong supplier eran of the company — at one time he going to, and I had been playing guitar In the summer, if you had to wet-sand suppliers where you could for your home ley during the entire meal. was the one-man Body and Shipping since I discovered the Kingston Trio. something, you didn’t need water; you shop,” says Bob Taylor. “We worked with “I loved my grandmother more than departments — it was just one of those I joined Walt’s group, and he and I could just lean over and drip sweat onto people like Stewart-MacDonald or Allied Elvis,” he says with a wry smile. “And relationships things Zink did. Back in Taylor’s early formed an immediate bond.” the wood.” Lutherie. We would buy lumber from Elvis wasn’t ‘The King’ yet. So I shunned days he and Bob Taylor would build Zink had been working for a civil Bob Taylor remembers it all too well. lumber companies.” him.” By Jim Kirlin and install the display cabinets for the engineer for a few years after graduating “That shop was hot and nasty,” he There were also other small suppliers While growing up in the aura of Hol- company’s NAMM booth. Even now, from college, while Richards was teach- says. “You learned how to work at a who, like Taylor, were looking to estab- lywood’s film industry sounds fascinat- at age 69, with a full trade show team ing banjo and guitar at a music store pace where it was just enough to keep lish a foothold in the industry. Pacific ing for a kid, Zink says it was largely a dedicated to transforming the room, called Grayson Music. Zink decided his the sweat from running off you, because Rim Tonewoods, now an industry- pretty normal experience. His dad and Zink took pride in helping to set up and passions lay in the music world, and at that point you’d never cool off.” leading supplier of spruce to companies fellow actor Lloyd Bridges were good maintain the space. He could have gone he’d become enthralled with banjos, so Zink came aboard a year after build- including Taylor, Martin, Gibson and friends — the two had both gotten their home Saturday night, since he didn’t he quit his job and started making and ers Larry Breedlove and Tim Luranc, Fender, started as a one-man operation master’s degrees in theater arts from have meetings with suppliers on Sunday. selling them at Grayson. both of whom still work at Taylor. Zink by former state park service employee UCLA together — so young Bob’s play- But like most activities he pursued, he “I put one hand on a rock and one was able to get in on the “surf clause” Steve McMinn. mates included Bridges brothers Beau was fully committed. hand to the sky and said, ‘I am a banjo that the two had negotiated into their “We bought wood from Steve the and Jeff. He was also friends with Nancy After finishing, he attached a note maker!’” he intones as he strikes an epic work schedules, affording them the flex- very first time in Santee when he drove and Frank Sinatra, Jr., (“I still have a scar to the vacuum: “Goodbye all. Fantastic pose. “And at that time Walt was pulling ibility to surf in the mornings as long as down with some spruce in the trunk of from where Nancy kicked me in the leg,” ride!” When Taylor’s staff arrived later, away from Grayson Music and wanted they got their work done. his car and said, ‘If I cut some spruce he boasts, “although it was before she they elected to keep the vacuum there to start a store on his own. He asked me “If there was surf, we would be dawn like this, would you buy some?’ Bob had her famous ‘boots.’ in the room all day in his honor. They to come in with him.” patrol,” Zink says, “so we’d be at the Taylor remembers. “He had a little band “My friends lived in mansions in surrounded it with protective stanchions They established The New Expres- beach before the sun was up and pad- saw. He was cutting some forest fall- Westwood; our family lived in a three- and displayed it like a rare, precious sion in 1972. Zink made reproductions dling into the break just as the sun was down with a chain saw and cutting a room house in Beverly Glen Canyon,” guitar. People had their photos taken of early 20th century Vega banjos, rising.” hundred tops out of it.” Zink recalled in a 1998 Wood&Steel with it. It was a fitting if tongue-in-cheek repaired guitars, and handled an assort- In those days, Breedlove was the Taylor’s current rosewood supplier, profile. “I would have dinner and hob- nod to Bob’s dedication to the company. ment of other duties, while Richards and Neck department, Zink was the Body Gemwood, is now a second-generation nob at my friends’ fancy homes, with others gave lessons for an array of folk Department, another employee, Steve family-owned company with 80 employ- all these movie stars around. But my Long before Taylor had any kind of instruments. Zink spent about 10 years Baldwin (also still at Taylor), was the ees, but when Taylor first started buying brand identity, when the company was a there, and on the side played in a couple Finish department, and Luranc was the wood from the founder, M. Gopalakrish- continued on next page 14 www.taylorguitars.com friends preferred to come to our place brain across the room and against the development of contingency plans when ferently — how we’re treated as a cus- Zink says he feels like he won the lottery because we lived in a ‘mountainous’ wall.” a shipment was suddenly delayed due to tomer, how others in our industry treat the first day he walked through the door area where my dad could take us hiking.” The procedure left him paralyzed on events like a strike from trucker or dock their suppliers. Now that we’re working in Lemon Grove. In hindsight it seems He says he never thought seriously one side of his body and unable to talk. worker unions. Inventory control evolved directly with the forests in Cameroon, clear that he was the right type of per- about becoming an actor, although as “I couldn’t do anything for six months,” from manual systems when Taylor was a it’s even more evident that relationships son to join the Taylor team at that time: a kid he read for a role in Alfred Hitch- he says. “I had to learn to walk, talk, read small shop to creating custom spread- in this business matter most.” someone whose shared passion and grit cock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much. and write all over again at age 18. Then I sheets and maintaining databases asso- Although the supplier relationships and resolve in the face of constant chal- “I remember rehearsing and rehears- had complications, so I had 13 cranioto- ciated with the hundreds of parts Taylor that Zink has cultivated have in many lenges helped strengthen the nucleus ing at home, but all I wanted to do was mies over a two-year period. Today if you uses. But Zink’s fundamental knowledge cases also developed into personal of a young company. Nonetheless, he’s go out and play Cowboys and Indians,” had a blood clot they could do a routine as an instrument maker also remained friendships, they start with an underly- quick to cite the leadership of Bob and he says. “I almost got the role, but then procedure and you’d be done.” important, as Bob Taylor explains. ing desire to do good, healthy business Kurt. the character was going to be in it too With part of his brain literally gone, “A lot of what we buy are natural together. Steve McMinn from Pacific “All that vision on the production side much, so they got twins so they could Bob had to learn to transfer certain pat- materials, and you have to be a crafts- Rim Tonewoods understands. can be attributed to Bob,” he says, “and work them each half-time. But that’s the terns to the other side of his brain. He man and a judge to be able to discern,” “It’s always been a win-win relation- on the financial/marketing side, Kurt has closest I got. After that, I wasn’t inter- never regained the feeling in his face, to Bob says. “A guy like BZ understands ship with Taylor,” Steve says. “Bob Zink been the genius behind our growth.” ested. I went with my dad to a couple of this day his fingertips are usually numb, that. What’s interesting is that Bob has been really good about listening Zink admits that when he joined the sets, and learned that you just sit and sit and he still suffers from aphasia. navigated that transition from the small to our needs and about clearly stating company he never imagined that Taylor and sit, then do your two minutes and “Sometimes I’ll have a word in workshop to a full-blown manufacturer, yours, so that makes it easy. We take would go on to enjoy the success it has. then sit and sit…Other than meeting the my brain but I can’t get it out in time,” and he had to learn that. He’s not neces- care of your special needs and try to do “I just thought I would be trad- stars it was no big thing, and the stars he says. “I’m lucky I have all my hair sarily the guy who could come in and put it promptly, and at times you’ve taken ing banjo building for guitar building, were just regular people.” because my head would look like a 3D in a system at a corporation, but he did care of our special needs. When you because Taylor had no name,” he says. The Zink family later moved to Malibu road map with mountains and valleys have a hands-on, relational history. He care about each other’s ability to pros- “What a meteoric rise we had, and to as Bob’s dad began to land more acting and dales, with big old scars.” was really kind of a perfect guy for that per, it creates a different type of relation- know that we produced these guitars roles in films (including Our Man Flint, Two years after the accident he was time because he’s a purchasing guy who ship — we’re more likely to get a new rather than widgets or something like The War of the Worlds, and Twelve able to go back to school, albeit at a didn’t come with a purchasing degree. type of machine or try something new that. It’s something to hang your hat on.” O’Clock High,) and numerous TV shows decelerated pace. Eventually he gradu- He learned it from the shop floor in a because it’s mutually beneficial.” At a company luncheon in late Feb- (including The Lone Ranger, Sea Hunt ated, nine years after first enrolling. blossoming business.” That solid foundation of business ruary, colleagues, friends and Zink’s and Disney’s The Hardy Boys, in which “A big part of Bob’s story is his One of the core tenets of Taylor’s has allowed for personal bonding family gathered to celebrate his career he played the boys’ father, Fenton tenacity,” says Bob Taylor. “His ability to business philosophy has been to build between the employees of PRT and at Taylor. Bob, Kurt, Larry Breedlove and Hardy). Living in Malibu, Bob fell in love come back from all that.” strong relationships with suppliers. It Taylor. In fact, what started as a visit David Hosler were among the many who with the ocean. He and his friends often “It’s just a total testament to his will started with Bob and Kurt and flourished to PRT’s headquarters in Concrete, recounted both funny and poignant sto- surfed at Malibu Pier and Point Dume, what he’s become and what he’s done,” through Bob Zink. Washington, 14 years ago grew into an ries, sharing their appreciation for Bob’s and he worked as a lifeguard at Zuma says Larry Breedlove, who’s been a “Especially in our industry, I think it’s annual tradition that became known as work ethic and contributions to Taylor’s Beach for nine years. He remembers close friend for years. “He gets up at one of the most important things we Bob Zink Day. success. Others spoke personally of his witnessing firsthand the way the music 4:30 every morning. Years ago he and can do,” Zink emphasizes. “You can’t “That started because we feel it’s commitment as a friend. of the Beach Boys sparked a surfing I kind of had this unspoken competition operate strictly with a widget mentality. important to pay mutual visits to see “Once you become Bob’s friend he’s revolution, as more and more boards in terms of who would get to work first. It’s not all about price. You can’t nickel- ways we can help each other,” McMinn like a Labrador Retriever in your life,” started appearing in the water. And then it became, OK, who’ll be the and-dime suppliers to death because says. “So I said to Bob, ‘What would says Larry Breedlove. “It’s his desire to In terms of musical interests, it was last one to leave. BZ just carries that there may only be two or three of them it take to get you up here? Should we be a good friend and be there for you no folk rather than rock ‘n’ roll that grabbed level of commitment.” for something. You need to understand, have a special day, where maybe we matter what.” Zink’s ear as a teenager. Hearing an Zink applied that same resolve to for example, that loggers can only get dropped everything and went for a Rob Magargal, a Taylor employee album by the Kingston Trio ignited his physical fitness, rekindling his love of the mahogany out of the forest maybe four hike?’ And he did that. After that, in suc- since 1991 and a close friend of Zink’s, musical passions, and in high school he ocean as a swimmer and surfer, becom- months of the year because it’s too rainy cessive years we started doing different was in Australia and unable to attend, Top row (L-R): Bob with one of his banjos at the New Expression started playing folk guitar, learning their ing an expert windsurfer and knee board- to get in there the rest of the year.” things where it escalated a bit; Bob but he sent his own heartfelt remarks, shop in the early ’80s; L-R: Rob Magargal, David Hosler and Bob in songs along with those of artists like er, and taking up running and triathlons, Charlie Redden, Taylor’s supply Taylor and more people started coming.” noting that he, Zink and David Hosler their lunch spot on the Taylor campus; Bob’s dad, actor Russ Conway; Peter, Paul and Mary and the Limeliters. all with a level of discipline a world-class chain manager for our Materials Man- Over the years, BZD outings have have eaten lunch outside on the back Middle row (L-R): A sign commemorating Bob Zink Day at Pacific In 1961 Zink enrolled at San Diego athlete would respect. Even as he agement department, and currently on included whitewater rafting in Canada, lawn together under the same tree for Rim Tonewoods; A newspaper clipping showing Bob and his New State College (now University), where approaches the age of 70, if there’s a special assignment in Cameroon, joined salmon fishing, and kayaking around the more than 15 years. Expression co-owners and bandmates; all smiles on his windsurfing he was happy to discover that the breeze on the weekends, chances are the company seven years ago to help San Juan Islands. “When we started eating there the board; Bottom row: Bob (in window) with his old-time string band the school hosted some of the best folk you’ll find him on his windsurfing board manage the growing intricacies of pur- “These have been great opportuni- tree wasn’t much more than a wimpy Sawyers; his goodbye note from NAMM; working in Taylor’s Lemon festivals in the country. in San Diego’s Mission Bay. chasing. While he brought experience ties to get together, hang out, look at little twig,” he laughs. “We’ve watched Grove shop in 1984 “You got to see all the real grass- from other large companies, including where we’ve been, and think about it grow, and now it brings us shade on roots folkies, and got to know them and Growing with the Job Amazon, he also realized the importance where we were going and how to do it those blazing days of summer. We laugh their songs,” he says. Though Taylor eventually grew to a of absorbing the lessons of the industry together,” McMinn adds. about all the conversations it has heard. Unfortunately, during his freshman point where the surf clause had to be from Zink. In recent years, as Taylor’s purchas- I can’t say enough about him as a friend year, a serious head injury would not retired, Zink would still arrive at work by “Bob explained that this industry is ing department has grown into a robust and a person.” only interrupt college but threaten his 5:30 a.m. every morning. One practical different,” he says. “That we need to and sophisticated materials manage- Greg Deering from Deering Banjos life. He suffered a concussion while reason was to handle business with sup- cultivate relationships for the long-term ment team, both Zink and the team have recounted giving Zink a key to his shop playing beach volleyball, then two weeks pliers located in different time zones in because many of these suppliers are the benefitted from each other’s expertise. to use his tools when Zink was making later suffered another one in the same Europe or Asia. only people out there who do it. Most Zink has embraced new inventory banjos in the ’70s, and ceremoniously spot on his head. As Taylor continued to increase don’t even make much money — they management software and spent a lot presented him with a new key to the “I kept getting headaches, and they its production, Zink had to learn to do it for love of the industry — so if you of time imparting his knowledge of the Deering plant and an open invitation to didn’t have MRIs back then, so I spent evolve and manage greater purchas- want to keep the business running, worry industry, our suppliers and the company make a banjo. Zink says he’ll make use 2-3 weeks with people telling me it was ing complexities. And there were many: about your relationship more than the culture to the next generation of pur- of it. just nerves since I was a freshman,” he an increasing array of tonewoods and price.” chasers. “In my 10 years of making banjos, says. “Finally they did an angiogram, and sourcing issues; a multitude of different That guidance, Redden says, pre- “It’s important for them to know what I never kept one for myself,” he admits. it showed that I had this massive blood guitar parts; a mix of suppliers in different vented him from making grave mistakes we old-timers know,” Zink says. “That “Now I’ll have the time to build myself clot in my brain. They had to saw part parts of the world; the ongoing oversight with some of Taylor’s longstanding context ensures that the company is run one.” of my skull bone out, and the pressure of quality standards that matched Tay- suppliers. with the same philosophy.” actually blew the speech center of my lor’s; forecasting and scheduling; and the “I started looking at everything dif- Reflecting on his career at Taylor, www.taylorguitars.com 17 The 2013 Spring Limited Editions

Exotic ebony and granadillo bring good Putting the chimes to this year’s spring collection

Around the Taylor factory complex, one the tonal spectrum — no particular frequencies sure sign of spring is our design group’s are accentuated over others.” Ring in delivery of our Spring Limited Editions. Each To match the ebony’s sonic characteristics, year we take pride in treating guitar lovers to Taylor’s design team chose European spruce Spring something special, blending inspiring woods tops with Adirondack spruce bracing. with inspired Taylor craftsmanship. This year’s “We wanted to make these guitars sound collection spotlights a pair of evocative tone- really luxurious and rich,” Andy says. “Instead woods: sapwood-infused African ebony and of trying to balance or neutralize the character Central American granadillo. Each found its of the ebony, we decided to play it up, which way to us through different circumstances, but is why we chose a top wood that shares many both share an affinity for bell-like overtones. of the same characteristics. European spruce If you like to savor your tone, these models has a strong attack with big headroom, but promise to bring your music into full bloom. also with rich overtones. It produces thick, You’ll find them at them at authorized Taylor wide notes. Paired with the ebony, which also dealers starting in mid-April. For complete generates essentially the same effect, you’ll specifications, visit taylorguitars.com. hear really rich, saturated notes.” The response might actually be too rich for the guitarist who plays fast or hard, Andy says. 600 Series LTDs But someone who plays more slowly or softly Back/Sides: Ebony will likely appreciate the way the response Top: European Spruce wraps the fundamental in a whole layer of overtones. Models These sonic attributes helped guide the 614ce-LTD, 616ce-LTD choice of two guitar shapes for this series: Grand Auditorium and Grand Symphony. Taylor’s ownership stake in an ebony mill in “We enjoy the warm low-end response Cameroon has made the African wood a hot from the middle class shapes,” Andy explains. topic this past year. While most of the conver- “And we definitely felt like this wood pairing sation has centered on sourcing and process- would be a favorite with fingerstyle players ing ebony for fretboards, bridges and other because of that note-wrapping effect. It might instrument parts, our mill co-owner, Madinter, better complement someone who likes to play recently managed to procure a sapwood-rich full fingerstyle arrangements or even some ebony tree that was big enough to be cut classical music, rather than a machine gun into back and side sets. The moment we saw country picker. It can be great for that, too, but them, we knew they would make a striking it won’t have the snappiness of a bright wood. limited edition series. Visually, wide swaths of This is a sipping wood. You play the notes, sapwood conjure a yin-yang effect of darkness and you savor how they fade away.” and light, while fluid edge lines bend the book- Given the dramatic caramel/chocolate matched symmetry into captivating abstract color contrast of the ebony, Andy wanted to art. Of the 300 sets that were available, each keep the other visual elements cleaner rather is beautifully unique. than competing with it. The tree came from Congo, a country that “That ebony has a lot of movement visually, shares a border with Cameroon. While the so we wanted to support it with something country typically isn’t a viable source point that essentially acted like a picture frame to let for sustainable ebony, this particular tree was it live in a sharp, modern-looking environment,” legally harvested from a managed forest and he explains. certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship For similar reasons, the design team opted Council) and SGS, an international inspection, against using mottled ebony for the fretboard. verification, testing and certification company. Instead, Andy designed a new Spiked Ovals Compared to the Macassar ebony we’ve fretboard inlay, featuring koa ovals engraved used in recent years for guitar backs and with an inner ring floating over pointed ivoroid sides, this species — the same African ebony wings. The koa/ivoroid pairing continues on we use for fretboards and bridges — has a the body with ivoroid binding and curly koa higher density, which translates into subtle top edge trim, along with an ivoroid/curly koa tonal differences. rosette. Gold Gotoh 510 tuners add a pre- “Tonally, it shares a little of Macassar’s mium touch to match the elevated aesthetic. low-end damping factor,” says Taylor master Both models feature full-body gloss finish, a luthier Andy Powers. “Macassar has a pretty Venetian cutaway, and Expression System® clear sound, while also being fairly overtone- electronics. L-R: 616ce-LTD featuring a European spruce top and koa/ivoroid Spiked Ovals fretboard inlay; heavy. This African ebony has a really rich, a sapwood-infused ebony back on a 614ce-LTD ringing character with a linear quality across continued on next page The 2013 Spring Limited Editions

continued 400 Series LTDs Back/Sides: Granadillo Top: Sitka Spruce

Models 410ce-LTD, 412ce-LTD 414ce-LTD, 416ce-LTD

The star ingredient of this series is granadillo, a Central American tonewood that boasts a rich musical heritage. Historically sourced from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula region, it’s considered a type of rosewood, although the species we procured technically doesn’t bear rosewood’s Dalbergia family name. The wood has been the object of our desire for some time, but it hadn’t been available in any quantity with proper legal documentation until fate dropped a batch into the lap of our wood buyer, Chris Cosgrove. Not only was it fully documented back to the source, but the quantity enabled us to make a run of about 1,000 guitars from it, while a reasonable price allowed us to offer it in our 400 Series price range. There’s no telling when we’ll have this opportunity again. Sonically, granadillo is comparable to Indian rosewood, but it’s harder and denser, yielding an additional bell-like ring. The wood traditionally has been used for marimba bars because of its clear, chimey tone. Classical guitar makers later borrowed it and have been using it for at least 50 years. In fact, Andy Powers has been experimenting with it in conjunction with Taylor’s ongoing classical guitar development project. Visually, this granadillo displays hues that vary from set to set, ranging from pomegranate reds to copper browns, in some cases with more variegation and wilder grain than Indian rosewood. For this series, Andy also chose to incorporate the granadillo on the front of the guitar, using it for the bridge (with rosewood bridge pins) and headstock overlay. Beyond the aesthetic cohesion, the bridge takes a page from classical builders. “Traditionally on a classical guitar, an ebony bridge weighs a little too much,” he explains. “You’d typically see some sort of rosewood bridge because it doesn’t absorb as much sound, and the sound can move through it more quickly.” Pairing granadillo with a Sitka spruce top, Andy says, will yield clear, ringing, long-sustaining notes. The appointment package also borrows from the wood-centric design aesthetic of the classical world, featuring rock maple for the binding, rosette and Progressive Dot fretboard inlays. Four body styles are available, and all models feature satin-finish back and sides with a gloss finish top, a L-R: 414ce-LTD featuring a Sitka spruce top, granadillo bridge and peghead overlay, Venetian cutaway, and Expression System and rock maple Progressive Dot fretboard inlays; granadillo back on a 412ce-LTD electronics. 21

Above (clockwise from top left): Phil Brown, The Farm, Raining Jane, Anaheim, California Miyavi, Allen Stone, David Mayfield, Yuna; Opposite page (top): Pat Simmons plays to a packed Taylor room; Bottom (L-R): Bob Taylor and Andy Winter NAMM 2013 January 24-27 Powers introduce the new Grand Orchestra; Pat Simmons on stage

Grand Entrance: The GO Makes a Big Impression Showtime

t was a dream scene for any Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award. “I’m really about the guitar and confirmed that it surprised. “Taylor managed to take all Bankhead, Vice President of Springfield The artist performances we host in ist. Brown also covered tunes from GO like an old-time huckster: “They’re of crowd-pleasing hits to end the set: his vintage Stevie Wonder-inspired lover: a showcase room richly honored to have it, and I accept it on brings a fresh, inspiring voice to the Tay- the things I dislike about big guitars and Music in Springfield, Missouri, and a the afternoons at NAMM have become Mose Allison and Burt Bacharach made out of 100% more guitar than the “Black Water” and “Long Train Run- vocals, blending raw power with a sky- I stocked with wall-to-wall Taylor behalf of myself and my partner, Kurt, lor line. Taylor communications manager make them disappear, turning the GO member of NAMM’s retail panel. “Most another signature component of the and alternated between playing a T3, average brands,” he deadpanned to a ning,” the latter featuring some zesty high falsetto during a stripped-down guitars, an open invitation to play them, of 38 years,” Bob said. “We built this Chalise Zolezzi and the GO’s designer, into a big guitar so versatile that even a Jumbos are a one-trick pony, but the Taylor NAMM experience. Artists like 618e and rosewood baritone 8-string. video crew. jamming from both. Closing out the day set of R&B originals, plus a deliciously and a clutch of knowledgeable fac- company together.” The company was Andy Powers, introduced the new body finesse-style player like me can love it,” new Taylor Grand Orchestra proved playing our room for many reasons, Next up was rising Nashville act The Next on the bill was Pat Simmons was Malaysian chanteuse Yuna, whose deconstructed cover of Bob Marley’s tory staff on hand to talk shop. Anyone also in the running for several other of design during a special media event he said after the show. “This is the type to have more dynamic versatility and among them the fact that they feel Farm, whose dynamic country-pop from the Doobie Brothers, who sprin- ethereal vocals infused her electro-pop “Is This Love?” The day’s final act, who’s been to our exhibition room at the publication’s annual Music & Sound the day before the show opened, giv- of guitar that will inspire players and superb ergonomics, while still retaining like members of the Taylor family, they showcased tightly wound harmonies kled wry humor into a rare solo acous- set with a melodic glow. She alternated envelope-pushing Japanese guitarist/ NAMM knows that we transform a Awards: the 714ce, which enjoyed an ing Andy an opportunity to explain and bring out things that one could never do the power and volume of a traditional have an amazing selection of models and foot-tapping melodies. Their set tic set played on an 812e. “They told between a red T3 and a Taylor uke on singer Miyavi, uncorked an electrify- generic convention center space into aesthetic makeover in 2012, for Best demonstrate the guitar. Numerous inter- on a small guitar.” Jumbo.” from which to choose, and because featured their hit singles “Be Grateful” me nobody’d be here,” he quipped as groove-rich tunes, including “Island,” ing torrent of techno-funk-rock, fueled a living, breathing Taylor Guitars venue New Acoustic Guitar; the SolidBody views with Andy and our product spe- On Thursday and Friday mornings, Another development for 2013 that our sound crew — led once again this and “Home Sweet Home.” he took the stage in front of a packed “Decorate,” “I Wanna Go,” and “Live by his percussive bass-slapping attack where everyone is welcome to hang Standard Double Cutaway for Best cialists followed throughout the show, before the show officially opened for was showcased abundantly through- year by Nashville sound engineer Gary On Friday, Americana showman room. Simmons, who has lived in Maui Your Life.” and blistering riffs on the T5, his main out and play guitars. Our friendly vibe New Electric Guitar; and Taylor’s pub- helping to give the GO a nice blast of the day, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers out our room was the integration of Hedden — does a wonderful job. This David Mayfield, whose musical antics for the past 16 years, channeled the On Saturday, the all-female indie- performing guitar. Using his on-stage means a lot to people, whether they lic outreach efforts, which earned a initial exposure. The GO also made a presented a dealers-only preview of non-cutaway acoustic models into the year’s eclectic lineup featured acts from were a highlight of last year’s NAMM sounds of the Hawaiian Islands on his rock-folk quartet Raining Jane, from looper, he amassed a wall of sound may be a dealer, artist, vendor, guitar nomination for Outstanding Community favorable splash among the Taylor deal- the 2013 line, sharing the development standard line. Of the orders placed by across the U.S. and around the world. performances, stopped by the Taylor slack-key-flavored tune “Five Corners.” Los Angeles, brought strong harmonies with the help of his drummer, Bobo, owner, fellow manufacturer, member of Service Award. The nomination recog- ers who attended the show. story behind the Grand Orchestra. Bob independent dealers at the show, more Thursday’s first set featured Nash- room, and after chatting with Andy He also laid down some ragtime pick- and upbeat energy to their set, inviting leaving the crowd pleasantly stunned. the media, or random drop-in. Especially nized our guitar contributions to organi- “They commented about how it was emphasized Taylor’s ongoing commit- than half were non-cutaway models. ville-based guitarist/singer-songwriter Powers about the Grand Orchestra, ing and unearthed an old Doobies tune, Andy Powers to sit in on a couple of Miyavi graciously thanked Taylor for at a huge trade show like NAMM, where zations including the Wounded Warrior truly a stand-out guitar and ‘was differ- ment to designing great guitars and Elsewhere in the room, our spectacular Phil Brown, who was joined by steel was coaxed into taking the stage and “Slippery St. Paul.” Other highlights songs. Night Ranger guitarists Joel making inspiring instruments and pro- the sheer volume of manufacturers and Project, the Red Cross, and the March ent yet familiar,’” shared Taylor’s Director noted that Taylor’s product development Build to Order wall was never lonely, guitar icon Al Perkins for a pair of playing a few songs on a 918e. After included a sweet rendition of the Doo- Hoekstra and Brad Gillis dropped fessed that he loved his guitars, even the clashing din of instruments on the of Dimes, along with ongoing guitar of Sales, Monte Montefusco. Bryan team was in great hands with Andy attracting waves of admirers who were songs, including the Peter Green covering the folk chestnut “Old Joe bies’ ballad “South City Midnight Lady” by for a visit that afternoon, and though though he wasn’t sure if Bob Taylor main exhibition floor below can quickly donations to music education programs Rankins, the sales manager at Fazio’s driving guitar designs such as the GO. eager to indulge our latest batch of instrumental “Albatross.” Brown’s warm, Clark,” Mayfield invited Andy to join him, and a couple of cuts from the band’s they weren’t slated to perform, were would like his music. swell into a thick haze of sensory over- through our Taylor Guitars for Schools Frets and Friends, a Taylor dealer By the end of the show, an independent tantalizing custom acoustic configura- weathered vocals added vintage char- introducing him as “Andy the janitor…I 2010 release, World Gone Crazy: “Far happy to play a song between sched- You can watch an array of Taylor’s load. initiative. located in Ellisville, Missouri, wasn’t panel of retailers at NAMM had chosen tions. (For a closer look at a few, turn acter that suited the relaxed tempo of think he mops the floors at Taylor.” Andy From Home” (co-written with producer uled sets, treating the unsuspecting NAMM performance videos at taylorgui- This year’s show opened on a sweet From a new product perspective expecting to be impressed by the the GO as one of its “Best in Show” the page.) At another nearby wall, his tunes, including a laid-back Jimi obliged on a 618e, and the two kicked Ted Templeman) and “I Know We Won,” crowd to a blazing acoustic instrumen- tars.com/media. note for Taylor, as Vinny Testa, pub- at NAMM, our big story was the debut Grand Orchestra because big guitars products. headphones-clad players noodled bliss- Hendrix medley that sampled his record up some dust with some freewheeling penned with Willie Nelson. Simmons tal (“L.A. No Name”) that the two co- lisher of The Music & Sound Retailer of the Grand Orchestra (GO). Early typically don’t respond well to his light “The Grand Orchestra blew me fully on our electrics with the help of The Jimi Project, a reinterpretation bluegrass jamming. Backstage Mayfield enlisted David Mayfield and Andy wrote. Next, up-and-coming soul revival- magazine, presented Bob Taylor with a impressions matched our excitement touch as a player. But he was pleasantly away with its versatility,” said Donovan several listening stations. of the songs of the legendary guitar- hammed up his endorsement of the Powers as his wingmen on a couple ist Allen Stone slayed the crowd with Super 23 MOdels One of the pleasures of planning our guitar showcase at Winter NAMM is cooking up an assortment of seductive custom guitars for our Build to Order wall. Here’s a closer look at a few from this year’s exhibition. For more information about designing your Build to Order guitar, contact your local Taylor dealer and they’ll be happy to help.

Front and back of a 12-string Grand Auditorium with a Sitka spruce top, cocobolo back and sides, figured koa back mini wedge, heel cap, binding and armrest, Cindy inlays, abalone rosette and top trim, and cocobolo headstock overlay with gold Gotoh tuners (shown below left)

Abalone parrot Cocobolo backstrap, fretboard inlay silver Gotoh tuners

Above: Grand Auditorium with a premium Engelmann spruce top, AA flamed maple back and sides, ebony rosette, binding and armrest, abalone tree fretboard inlay, and a short-scale, slim-carve neck 24 www.taylorguitars.com

“Travelin’ Man,” and “Garden Party,” in one three-hour session. The col- Jason Lee took the stage with actor/ sweetly infused with their pristine sib- laborative challenge was based on the director Jon Favreau to discuss their Soundings ling harmonies. The show was a lean popular web series SongCraft Pres- ongoing support of the foundation. but polished production, featuring just ents, produced by Dubway Studios Among the attendees were snowboard Matthew and Gunnar on stage, backed in New York City, and was presented and skateboard icon Shaun White, by a video screen used to present in partnership with Acoustic Café, an former UFC champion Chuck Liddell, photos and video segments to help independent syndicated radio network musicians Lenny Kravitz and Metallica chronicle their father’s life. The Nelsons program. bassist Robert Trujillo, actors David shared fond childhood memories of From developing the song’s con- Spade and Michael Rapaport, and 50 Shades of Play lessons aren’t meant as a substitute growing up surrounded by their dad’s cept and lyrics to its actual composi- former NBA greats Bill Walton and If you’re craving a good guitar for those within the books, but rather well-known musician friends — having tion, arrangement and performance, the A.C. Green. instruction book but find yourself to give readers a better taste of the Mama Cass Elliott as their babysit- pressure was on to produce something Four of the Taylor auction guitars “McSqueeb” “Full Skull” daunted by the glut of available options content. In addition to using his 410 to ter, knowing Bob Dylan as “the man great. Luckily, with talented performers were 214ce models, each featuring a (not to mention online videos and record some of the samples, Persinger with the crazy hair,” and their one-time including folk hero and multiple Taylor different deck graphic that was rede- DVDs), frequent Wood&Steel contribu- also bought a 214ce-N specifically next-door-neighbor, George Harrison, owner Steve Poltz, singer-songwriter signed for the guitar top and custom- tor Shawn Persinger offers an excel- for the project, which he says he was coming over to hang out and steal gui- Erin McKeown, gravelly-voiced acous- printed using a flatbed digital imaging lent guide with his new tome, The 50 “delighted with.” tar licks from James Burton, Nelson’s tic rocker Sean Rowe, cello maestro process. A fifth custom guitar for the Greatest Guitar Books. Exhaustively Among the styles covered are blues, longtime lead guitarist. Ben Sollee, and prog rock band Bend series was a GS Mini with rosewood researched and curated, the thought- country, jazz, gypsy rhythm, flamenco, Both Matthew and Gunnar have Sinister, great things were bound to laminate back and sides, which blended ful compendium offers something for funk, Brazilian, metal, African, slide, been incorporating their matching happen. well with the caramel, black and gold everyone in terms of genre diversity, classical and more. Technical themes maple-top T5s into the show, and love A video team was there to capture color of the “Crowned” Hawk top skill level, and instructional style. A include foundational books on flatpick- the versatility that allows them to keep each step of the process. Dubway design. Another featured Taylor design musical omnivore, Persinger leveraged ing, solo fingerstyle, blues soloing for the production streamlined. Matthew Studios producer and engineer Mike in the auction was a pair of uniquely his multifaceted background as player, jazz, chord melody and counterpoint says the acoustic tone he gets from the Crehore and artist Ben Arthur customized and signed Katy Perry composer and instructor for the project. for guitar. Iconic players whose work is neck pickup setting serves him well, helped foster the song development, guitars originally made for Perry’s He half-joked with us that he’d been covered in the artist portfolio section and that the tone control is great. while Acoustic Café’s Rob Reinhart documentary concert film Part of Me. doing research for the past 23 years, include Doc Watson, Leo Kottke and “It’s nice not to need an external interviewed the artists as the process The Hawk-ified Taylors and Katy Perry ever since buying his first guitar book Jimi Hendrix. preamp for tone shaping,” he says. unfolded. We provided several Taylor guitars together netted almost $25,000 (the jazz guitar technique primer Super Persinger is the first to acknowl- “The onboard bass and treble boost/ models for the songwriters, including for the foundation. Altogether the event Chops) at age 18. His personal music edge that limiting his book to 50 selec- cut knobs work nicely. Plugging straight a 618e and 918e. The sessions were raised nearly $1 million, with $27,000 “Emblem” “Hawk Skull” instruction library boasts more than tions excludes plenty of other great into a direct box does the trick, which still in progress as we wrote this, but of that earmarked for the construction 1,000 books, he researched another guitar books, which he addresses in an eliminates the potential hassle of some- videos of the performances should be of a skatepark for the Los Angeles Clockwise from top left: Sean Rowe at SXSW (photo by thousand for the project, and then he appendix that offers another 50 recom- thing going wrong onstage.” accessible via the Taylor website soon. community of San Pedro. Ben Arthur); Shawn Persinger’s new book; a quartet of consulted a healthy mix of notable play- mendations with an explanation for Both brothers are longtime Taylor Another interesting custom design custom 214ce models inspired by Tony Hawk skateboard each. Another appendix is a collection ers, teachers, writers, publishers and acoustic players, and currently play, was spawned through a partnership deck graphics; GS Mini and matching deck; winners others to compile a diversified base of of top-10 lists from an array of notable write and record with a 612, a Leo with our friends at Copper Mountain of the U.S. Grand Prix Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle informed tastes from which to distill his players and authors. Kottke 12-string, and a custom Hawking Taylors Resort in Summit County, Colorado, event with their Taylor trophies (L-R): Isabel Derungs choices. For anyone interested in expand- Brazilian rosewood 914 with Cindy We’ve been having fun experiment- who enlisted us to provide guitars as (SUI), Jamie Anderson (USA), Kjersti Buaas (NOR) The book is divided into five sec- ing their abilities as a player, or even inlays. Matthew says he constantly ing with graphic application techniques trophies for the winners of the Sprint (photo by Tripp Fay); Matthew Nelson with his tobacco tions: must-have books for all levels; just their understanding of other guitar meets Taylor players after shows. on guitar tops the last couple of years. U.S. Grand Prix ski and snowboard sunburst T5-S1 (photo by Joëlle Doye) beginner, intermediate and advanced styles, Persinger’s book is an essential “They love checking out my Taylor It’s given us a creative platform in which competition. The event took place at categories; and artist portfolios, which reference book. It will no doubt help and talking about their guitars,” he the soundboard becomes an artistic Copper Mountain January 9-10, attract- cover the work of some of the most you build or enrich your own personal shares. “Taylor owners and fans are a canvas, enabling us to provide vividly ing some of the top freeskiers and influential guitarists in 10 different library of guitar instruction books and, brotherhood.” customized guitars for events and snowboarders from around the globe. genres. Each book he profiles features hopefully, help you accomplish what promotions. It might be a guitar that Given the high caliber of competi- its own chapter, structured into “The Persinger and the books he covers set incorporates the artwork of a prominent tion, we wanted to create something What,” which offers an overview of the out to do: “To have fun, to develop into Taylor artist’s latest music release as unique to celebrate the winners and author and book; “The How,” which the best guitarist you can be, and to Taylor at SXSW part of a giveaway package, or an auc- the event, so we designed a custom considers the instructional style/for- become a more thoughtful musician.” The South By Southwest confer- tion item to help raise money for a good graphic treatment that was printed on mat; and “The Why,” which provides ence in Austin, Texas, is a world- cause. sets of three GS Mini guitars. The first, an insightful personal commentary on renowned hotbed of interactive, film Case in point: We recently part- second and third place guitars were the book’s merits and benefits for the and music creativity. In mid-March, after nered with the Tony Hawk Founda- distinguished by a gold numeral “1,” reader. Clear, informative and refresh- Remembering Ricky a couple of staffers from our Marketing tion to create a special series of silver “2,” and bronze “3,” with other ingly conversational, Persinger’s writing Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, department soaked up the interactive eye-catching custom axes inspired by customized graphic elements and logos sparkles with a clear point-of-view that’s sons of the late actor and Rock ‘n’ Roll festival, another subset of the depart- several iconic graphics used on Hawk to co-brand the event. The guitars pro- both technically informed and person- Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson, have ment rolled in for the music portion of skateboard decks throughout the skat- vided this year’s champs with both an ally empathetic. He understands the been celebrating the life and music the conference to showcase our lat- ing legend’s long and storied career. eye-catching trophy and a trusty travel obstacles players face on their guitar- of their father with their touring show, est guitar designs, including the new They were showcased as auction items guitar that they can take wherever they playing journeys, and the way a sound “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” a mix of Grand Orchestra, and to connect with at the 9th annual Tony Hawk Pro Skater go this season. instructional approach can unlock doors live music, stories, photos and video bands from all over the world. In a cool HD Presents Stand Up for Skateparks After the awards ceremony, many of to greater progress and enjoyment. clips. The twins developed the show a twist, artists were given “check-out” fundraiser, held last October in Bev- the athletes shared on Instagram and Each chapter also features notated couple of years back on the occasion privileges, enabling them to sign out erly Hills, California. The foundation Twitter how blown away they were by music examples that are inspired by of the 25th anniversary of their father’s any guitar, gig with it, and then return it supports youth recreational programs the guitars, including Mike Riddle, the the book depicted, which Persinger death in a plane crash (a flight they to our booth when they were done. and provides funding to build public winner of the freeskiing event, who said recorded himself as audio samples for were originally scheduled to be on). A few blocks from the convention skate parks in low-income communities it was “maybe the coolest trophy I’ve readers to hear. They can be down- At a show in Escondido, California, center in an area called SoCo (South throughout the United States. ever gotten.” loaded as a bundle of more than 100 in February, the Nelsons treated the Congress), a different kind of artist The event began with a VIP recep- mp3s for free from the book’s website, audience to renditions of their dad’s interaction was transpiring with Taylors: tion featuring a display of paraphernalia www.GreatestGuitarBooks.com. As he pop hits, including “Lonesome Town,” Pairs of artists, unknown to each other, signed by athletes and celebrities. points out, these “In the Style of” mini “Hello Mary Lou,” “She Belongs to Me,” were getting together to create a song Actor and former professional skater continued on page 26 “Crowned” 26 www.taylorguitars.com 27

Good Spirits vocal support on the compilation are Music City Meet-ups When I got my hands on a piece of maker is to create an instrument that Fans of contemporary folk singer- the dulcet-voiced Alison Krauss, Mary In early March, Taylor’s Director wood big enough to make a guitar, the offers orderly and consistent sound in songwriter Carrie Newcomer (914ce, Chapin Carpenter, and Krista Detor. of Artist and Entertainment Relations, fuse was lit. Mixing the two loves was order to make music. 814ce, 512, Baby Taylor) recognize Two additional tracks are the product Tim Godwin, enjoyed a productive such an enrapturing experience it didn’t This is a principal that guided her as a truth seeker of the highest of a musical collaboration between week in Nashville, making the rounds even matter that my first guitar was an the development of our new Grand order. At the heart of Newcomer’s criti- Newcomer and Indian classical sarod with a couple of new Grand Orchestra utter failure. The enjoyment from the Orchestra guitar. Lots of large-body cally acclaimed work is a sophisticated masters Amjad Ali Khan and Ayaan models and spending time with art- process was enough of a reward. (The guitars have extra, uncontrolled sounds artistic voice that thoughtfully explores and Amaan Ali Khan. The music was ists and other friends from the music fact that the guitar imploded in dramatic being formed when they vibrate in the idea of finding spiritual meaning in inspired by Newcomer’s experiences industry there. Among his stops were fashion, sending splinters flying, when I addition to the notes played. That everyday life. Her recent album retro- in India in 2009 and 2011 as a cultural the Soundcheck and SIR (Studio tried to tune it was also pretty exciting is a recipe for a rough and stormy spective, Kindred Spirits: A Collection, ambassador for the American Embassy. Instrument Rentals) facilities, both of as a boy.) In my case, building guitars sonic seascape. It creates a setting presents a compelling cross section The songs, “I Believe” and “Breathe In which provide backline gear rentals, began as a curiosity and became a in which some notes will roll through of those musical explorations, culling Breathe Out,” marry elements of West- production stages, and rehearsal stu- habit that I couldn’t quit. the turbulent waters, while others from her 12-record catalog on Rounder ern folk and Indian classical idioms and dios for many of music’s top acts. The After building enough guitars to clash with conflicting vibration and Records, and sweetens the compilation celebrate the universal human experi- production staff at SIR loved how big become familiar with the process and are swallowed up. The results of the with a pair of new songs, a couple of ences that transcend cultural differ- and clear the GO sounded. keep them from collapsing, I slowly Grand Orchestra’s design are notes previously unreleased tracks, and two ences. (An entire album of material from Godwin also visited with guitar- began to expand my efforts in pursuit that consistently speak out with clear live recordings. their collaboration, Everything is Every- ist Keifer Thompson, half of the of a foundation stronger than the purpose. where, was released as a benefit album husband-wife duo Thompson Square. pleasure of making shavings pile up on From my philosophical perch atop a for the Interfaith Hunger Initiative.) The two have been talking about my workbench. The heaps of sawdust desire for great music, the complexities In the end, the simple act of sitting acoustic pickups throughout the past Top down: Vicci Martinez jams on a koa-top T5-C2; Wounded Warriors and I’d been busy creating were beginning encountered during a guitar’s creation down and opening up to the songs on year, and Godwin dropped off a 918e staff from Resounding Joy in the Taylor Visitor Center; Carrie Newcomer with to choke my forward path. Climbing are less intimidating. Decisions of Kindred Spirits eloquently reminds us fitted with a new pickup prototype that her 914ce (photo by Jim McGuire) up my mental hill and looking back design, material choices, and even that, rather than being swept along in our product development group has as far as I could, I saw a conceptual working methods can be answered in the forceful current of an ever-accel- been experimenting with. Thompson mountain towering in the distance. My a way that enhances and benefits the erating world, choosing to slow down called later to say that he loved it and introspection led me to the conclusion core value of the guitar. Considerations and be more present — to Newcomer’s planned to use the guitar on the band’s that I liked music, and to make musical such as the shape of an instrument music, and to the moments that make summer tour dates opening for Blake sounds one needs instruments. This or whether it has a cutaway can be up our day-to-day lives — can help us Shelton. wasn’t a revelatory flash like a light answered by weighing what will result make more meaningful connections to Another stop was the shop of influ- switch flipping on; it felt more like a in the best music. the world around us. ential guitar repair guru Joe Glaser, slow expansion into being, like the sun I’ve found that this guiding desire One of the new tunes and the www.carrienewcomer.com who has had a 518e and 618e there rising on a new personal dawn. for great music shines its influencing album’s opening track, “The Speed of for players to check out. Glaser noted An instrument that makes a musical light past obvious structural decisions. Soul,” establishes a thematic through-line that the GO could be a game changer sound is the start and the end goal. When a guitar is powerfully evocative for the collection, as Newcomer ponders in Nashville. The guitar scored another I slowly formed opinions of what aesthetically, the emotions and whether one’s soul gets displaced in the Friends at the Factory thumbs-up from well-known producer a “musical” sound is from my own associations a player senses from an wake of communication technology’s In late January, singer-songwriter and mixer David Huff, who often works observations, but I was floored much instrument can have a noticeable effect time-compressed, distraction-laced pull Vicci Martinez, the runner-up on with his prolific musician/producer later by the precise clarity of a definition on the music they perform. Seemingly on our attention. The song, like much of the first season of NBC’s The Voice, brother Dann Huff. David loved the offered by the scientist Hermann von minor considerations, such as an inlay Newcomer’s work, is deliberately paced, stopped by the Taylor factory. Fresh sound of the 518e, especially the lows Helmholtz. He noted over a hundred or a trim detail, can convey musicality. smoothly distilled, and infused with her from a series of shows in the South- and mids, and said the guitar would be years ago that on a foundational level, A regal-looking guitar may very well mellow, velvety-rich voice. west, Martinez (510ce, 114ce) was great in the studio. a musical sound is one of order. The make for a more regal-sounding Newcomer’s spiritually centered folk thrilled to finally make it to the complex Godwin also hung out with Taylor The Craft natural world will offer two varieties of performance because it coaxes from songs honor the genre’s storytelling and shared that it was a trip she’d been Swift’s guitar tech, Andrew Jones, sound wave: chaotic ones and orderly the player qualities they may not have heritage, tapping into universal themes of planning since she first appeared on the and her two side guitarists, Paul ones. Our ears are uniquely equipped discovered in another instrument. struggle, hope, regret and love through program, as she has a natural affinity for Sidoti and Mike Meadows, as they to interpret orderly, repetitive sound At a fundamental level, what I the experiences of her characters. Her building things. After a tour she enjoyed prepared for Swift’s Red tour. It turns Back to the Beginning waves as musical. Sounds without personally strive for, and what we all finely calibrated songs resonate with a some playtime with a few different mod- out that Swift and the band have an Andy Powers reflects on the source of his guitar-making regular form or consistency are heard seek here at Taylor Guitars, is great writer’s narrative sensibility, so it comes els and had a chance to sample the T5. assortment of Taylors equipped with passion and the essence of musical sounds as noise. music. We arrive at that finish line by as no surprise that she teaches both Martinez was planning to resume her several different types of pickup sys- Some musicians will quickly defend starting with this intent and guiding our songwriting and creative writing work- tour with multiple dates scheduled tems, so Godwin talked about spend- the complicated sounds they make and efforts until we deliver an instrument shops about writing mindfully — “explor- through the spring. ing time with the band at a future Editor’s Note: We’re pleased to introduce a new column by Taylor luthier Andy Powers. Each issue he’ll be sharing ideas claim the line is blurred. But in reality, that gives an expressive voice to a ing the big ideas through the power of In early March, U.S. Marine Corps sound check to study how the pickups that have inspired Taylor’s latest guitar designs. even those musicians who experiment player’s music. As a guitar builder and the small details and personal story,” as Lieutenant Colonel Mike Corrado sound through their in-ear monitors and with sounds first appearing as noise player, I’m fortunate to partake in this her workshop overview explains. visited with VIP guests comprised of to explore ways to optimize the sound. eginnings are complicated for forward motion like tree branches arrived at is so I can play and hear are bringing order to complex forms creative process every day and savor On her website, Newcomer reveals a group of Wounded Warriors from Additional time was spent with ses- me. The concept of a starting obstructing a trail through a woodlot. others make great music. and discovering consistency and the endeavor. I still love to sharpen my more about her songwriting process in a Camp Pendleton, located in Oceanside, sion bass player Dave Pomeroy, who B point encompasses more than When that happens, mentally I climb to My life as a guitar maker didn’t regularity. Musicians can train their ears tools and watch shavings and sawdust note about her track “Geodes,” another California, and staffers from Resounding is also president of the Nashville Musi- a physical location, the inception of a the top of the nearest hill to look for the begin with this revelation. There were and minds to hear order in complicated pile up on my workbench. I still adore cut from Kindred Spirits. “Often my Joy, a California-based music therapy cians Association; Nick Hoffman, gui- thought, the first chord of a song. In fixed landmark at the starting point. This other motivations. When I was younger, forms. Lots of casual listeners will hear the shape of a beautiful guitar and the songs originate in an essay or poem program. Corrado, a rock musician and tarist and fiddle player from band The a way, it marks the birth of a lifecycle. helps me gain perspective on the best the pleasure of making something from an abstract jazz tune and scoff it away feel of new strings under my fingers. I’ve written about a topic,” she says. “It’s multiple Taylor owner, currently serves Farm; and Danny Rowe, the prop The first word, musical note, paintbrush direction to go. wood was enough. As a small boy, I as a bunch of noise because they But now, these are the icing on the like the essay or poem circles around as the Executive Officer of the Marine master for the ABC television show stroke or saw cut implies a certain As an instrument maker, the loved cutting, shaping and gluing wood. haven’t learned the architecture of the cake. We get to help create great an idea, then the song condenses and Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment Nashville, which is produced there. commitment. It sets a foundation for beginning of a guitar seems simple I took enormous satisfaction from even piece. The first time I heard classical music. That’s why we do what we do. hones in on the thought.” in Quantico, VA. The group toured the (Godwin left a 518e with him.) Godwin what follows. It establishes a landmark enough to identify: the first cut of peripheral chores like sharpening tools. Indian music, it seemed completely That same distillation process informs factory and shared with the Taylor team hopes to return to Nashville soon with of sorts. wood, or possibly the first pencil line I still like sharpening tools, and usually arrhythmic to me, because I didn’t know her musical arrangements, giving them a their first-hand experiences of how Taylor’s Andy Powers to spend more The ensuing creative journey is of a drawing. But for me, the landmark sport a bald spot on my left arm where how or when to count the beats. Even clarity and spaciousness that invite the music instruction, especially playing gui- time with players. rarely a perfectly straight path. Typically, actually stands farther back as a I’ve recently tested a keen edge. As with these complex musical forms, at listener in. From there, her melodies and tar, aides in their recovery by providing a it meanders through uncharted response to a fundamental question: a kid, I also loved to hold and play the core level, a musical sound is one lyrics reveal a greater depth of meaning. sense of peace and community. territory, shifting course as it navigates “Why do I want to build an instrument guitars. I adored their shapes and the with order. With this identity of musical Among the musical friends who lend unexpected obstacles that block in the first place?” The conclusion I’ve feel of the strings under my fingertips. sound in mind, the goal of a guitar Progress in Cameroon

Increasing yield, reducing waste, better tools and employee training are beginning to make a difference

By Chalise Zolezzi

Ed. Note: Taylor assumed an ownership stake in Crelicam, an African ebony mill in Cameroon, in late 2011. Since then, we have been working with our partner, Madinter Trade, to improve the processes of harvesting and processing ebony to reduce waste and build a more ethical, sustainable sourcing operation. Our periodic reports will share our latest developments there.

he complexities of doing busi- assignment as Crelicam’s acting in the milling operation. Chris has the mill has enabled better organization media and diplomatic figures, who ness in Cameroon are many, Directeur Générale (general manager) been training Crelicam’s sawyers to for processes such as receiving, sort- listened to a briefing from Bob Taylor T especially when it involves and relocated to Cameroon. He has adjust their cutting specifications and ing and weighing wood. It also creates and Crelicam co-owner Vidal de Teresa introducing change. But the big-picture been working closely with Anne Middle- techniques in order to maximize yield the space to build additional structures Paredes. The two reported on recent benefits of responsible forestry, namely ton, our Environment and Community and reduce waste. In addition, Taylor for wood processing and storage. And improvements at the mill and reaffirmed a sustainable future for the natural Relations Manager there, and with machine fabricator Jesus Jurado has because of the improved cutting tech- the company’s continued commitment Clockwise from top left: A felled ebony tree in the to reducing unnecessary logging waste resources and people of Cameroon, far Chris Cosgrove, Taylor’s globetrotting made several trips to Cameroon to niques, moving forward, the mill will forest; Crelicam employees with new safety gear; U.S. outweigh the daily challenges. wood and milling expert, who has made upgrade the mill’s machinery, introduce generate less waste in the first place. by using each viable tree. While there, Ambassador to Cameroon Robert Jackson addresses One of Taylor’s key initiatives for periodic trips to Cameroon to serve as better tooling, and provide training for Investing in our employees and several specially branded 314ce gui- the crowd flanked by his wife and Bob Taylor; Minister Crelicam’s ebony operation has been to an advisor in the forest and at the mill. employees. At press time, a deploy- key partners remains another essential tars were presented and accepted on of Arts and Culture Ama Tutu Muna accepts a Crelicam increase the yield from each harvested During the first quarter of 2013, ment of machinery, parts and other vital focus for the company. Earlier this behalf of the people of Cameroon. The guitar from partners Vidal de Teresa Paredes (left) and ebony tree. Typically, when an ebony the three spent time with local com- equipment was scheduled for shipment year, Crelicam celebrated the 10-year 314ce carried special significance, as Bob Taylor; Bob with members of the Crelicam staff; tree is felled in the forest, it must be cut munities, exploring ways to develop to Cameroon. This will enable the mill anniversary of eight employees. As is the sapele used for the back and sides Ndedi “Prince” Eyango performs at the reception; Bob into smaller billets in order to be carried a network of depots in the forest and to refine its processes and help build the custom with local labor laws, the is native to Cameroon, while the ebony grades mottled ebony blanks; Opposite page (L-R): out by hand. The billets are then deliv- in select villages, which ideally will be an inventory of replacement machine gathering featured a presentation bridge and fretboard come from Creli- Taylor’s Charlie Redden and Anne Middleton examine ered to surrounding villages, where they equipped with basic but vital equip- parts, electrical parts and other tools, by the Minister of Labor, Grégoire cam. A dedication message to the the stump of an ebony tree in the forest are covered in palm leaves as they ment to preserve the integrity of each which will reduce down-time when Owona, followed by a party at the mill people of Cameroon was laser-etched await transport to the mill, sometimes billet. Chris has also spent time in the something breaks. for employees and their families. Other on each guitar. Attendees were treated for months. The extended exposure to forest with local ebony cutters to pro- A project to clear out many accumu- recent provisions for employees includ- to a song from Ndedi “Prince” Eyango, the elements often damages the wood, vide training that will help them better lated bags of scrap ebony at the mill is ed updated safety wear and new Tay- who performed using one of the 314ce leaving only a small portion accept- cut and protect wood. The longterm also underway, and already has yielded lorWare for all. guitars. Minister of Arts and Culture able for milling. Inferior machinery and vision for improvement includes intro- positive dividends. The ebony was On the national level, Crelicam Ama Tutu Muna announced that she flawed cutting techniques at the mill ducing basic tools such as chain saws offered for free to local artisans and recently celebrated its one-year anni- would place her ministry’s guitar on have also contributed to a reduction in for more efficient harvesting, tarps to nearby communities, and the response versary under new ownership with a display at the National Museum, which the potential yield. shelter the wood, wood sealer to pre- was high. The artisans in turn will special guitar dedication and presen- is expected to reopen this year. To help develop working solutions vent billets from splitting at the ends, rework the wood pieces into products tation to key representatives. Held at for these and other issues, Taylor’s and trucks to improve the timetable that can be sold, expanding the sphere the home of the U.S. Ambassador to Supply Chain Manager, Charlie Red- for transporting wood to the mill. of reinvestment in the local economy. Cameroon, Robert Jackson, the gather- den, recently accepted an interim Improvements have also been made Meanwhile, the reduced clutter around ing featured a group of notable artists, 30 www.taylorguitars.com 31

Macon, GA Lansing, MI Tulsa, OK Houston, TX For all the latest Taylor event listings, visit taylorguitars.com/events West Palm Beach, FL Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 10, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. Calendar George’s Music Guitar Center - Macon Marshall Music Guitar Center - Tulsa Great Southern Music (561) 242-0345 1-866-498-7882 (517) 337-9700 (918) 307-0943 (281) 550-4545

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Orlando, FL Shreveport, LA Raleigh, NC Columbia, SC Friday, June 7, 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 6:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. Sam Ash Shreveport Music Harry’s Guitar Shop Sims Music (407) 896-5508 (318) 798-6000 (919) 828-4888 (803) 772-1185 FIND Melbourne, FL Lafayette, LA Lincoln, NE Bartlett, TN YOUR Monday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. SALES Florida Discount Music C&M Music Center Dietze Music - Briarhurst Guitar Center - Memphis EVENT (321) 254-5645 (337) 989-2838 (402) 434-7454 (901) 387-0600 FIT 2013

Taylor product specialist Marc Seal (left) and district sales Stuart, FL Houma, LA Omaha, NE Madison, TN Wichita, KS manager Billy Gill on stage during a Road Show at Jim’s Music Tuesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Tustin, California Schumacher Music C&M Music Center Dietze Music - Omaha Sam Ash Senseney Music (772) 286-7474 (985) 876-9711 (402) 333-1535 (615) 860-7475 (316) 262-1487

Taylor’s Road Show teams are in as an opportunity to get to know the Red Deer, AB Canada Montgomery, AL Dublin, CA Dania Beach, FL Mandeville, LA Dover, NH Nashville, TN Lexington, MA high gear this spring, as we roll out to staff at your local music store, and to Monday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 3, 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. communities across North America and talk with other Taylor players from your 53rd Street Music Elite Music Sales JAMS Music A1A Guitars & Art C&M Music Center Ear Craft Music World Music Nashville Music Emporium Europe. Nearly 200 events are booked community. Who knows, it may spawn (403) 346-4000 (334) 215-0215 (925) 828-5267 (954) 925-7190 (985) 626-3920 (603) 749-3138 (615) 425-0256 (781) 860-0049 for spring alone, with 350-400 planned the formation of a Taylor supergroup! worldwide in 2013, including Find Your The Road Shows listed below are Edmonton, AB Canada Little Rock, AR Carlsbad, CA South Miami, FL Kingston, MA Flemington, NJ Knoxville, TN Lincoln, NE Fit events. This year our demonstration arranged alphabetically by state to Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. of body shapes includes the new make it easier to find one near you. Avenue Guitars Guitar Center - Little Rock Buffalo Brothers Music Depot Music Unlimited Dave Phillips Music & Sound Pick N Grin Dietze Music - Briarhurst Grand Orchestra, so if you haven’t We’ve also scheduled more of our Find (780) 448-4827 (501) 225-3700 (760) 434-4567 (305) 663-9894 (781) 585-2242 (908) 782-2824 (865) 588-5361 (402) 434-7454 yet sampled it at your local dealer, we Your Fit sales events, which offer you hope you’ll come check it out. Our a personal consultation with one of Edmonton, AB Canada Chico, CA Pasadena, CA Atlanta, GA Littleton, MA Asbury Park, NJ Murfreesboro, TN Omaha, NE guitar experts will also be armed with a our guitar experts to help you find the Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. fresh mix of custom Taylors, so if you’re Taylor model that’s right for you. For Long and McQuade Herreid Music Red Zone Guitar Works Sam Ash The Minor Chord Russo Music Center Music World Dietze Music - Omaha looking for something extra special, you the most up-to-date listings, visit us (780) 432-0102 (530) 894-7777 (626) 325-8210 (770) 818-0042 (978) 486-0112 (732) 455-8397 (615) 893-4242 (402) 333-1535 won’t be disappointed. online at taylorguitars.com/events. From One of the most rewarding aspects the Road Show page you can also Calgary, AB Canada Elk Grove, CA Arroyo Grande, CA Cumming, GA Bangor, ME New York, NY Chattanooga, TN Portland, OR of presenting Road Shows for us is enter our sweepstakes for a chance Thursday, May 16, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 8, 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the opportunity to spend time with to win a custom Taylor guitar. And we Guitarworks Skip’s Music Lightning Joe’s Guitar Heaven Music Authority Northern Kingdom Music Rudy’s Music Soho Guitar Center - Chattanooga Portland Music Co. - on Broadway fellow guitar lovers. As much as we invite you to join the Taylor Road Show (403) 216-8525 (916) 686-5666 (805) 481-2226 (770) 886-9066 (207) 947-6450 (212) 625-2557 (423) 893-0745 (503) 228-8437 enjoy sharing the latest ideas and conversation through our social media developments from the Taylor factory, outlets on Instagram (#roadshow), Canmore, AB Canada Santa Rosa, CA Hamden, CT Marietta, GA Cornish, ME N. Bellmore, NY Huntsville, TX Houston, TX we also love answering your questions Twitter (@taylorguitars) and Facebook. Friday, May 17, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and hearing your Taylor stories. We We hope to see you! Harvest Moon Acoustics Bananas At Large Brian’s Guitars Ken Stanton Music Friendly River Music Music Emporium One Music Square Fuller’s Vintage Guitar encourage you to use the Road Show (403) 678-0023 (707) 542-5588 1-877-726-0756 (770) 427-2491 (207) 625-8639 (516) 221-4888 (936) 295-3819 (713) 880-2188 2013 33

NEW Men’s

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

(opposite page) NEW Ladies’ Two-Tone Guitar T 100% combed cotton, featuring gradient guitar design on front. Slim fit. (Warm gray #4560; S-XXL, $25.00)

Michelle, a supply chain analyst on our Materials Management team, kicks back in our new Two-Tone Guitar T. Antique Logo T Logo T Ladies’ Burnout Tank Baseball T 100% cotton. Fashion fit. 100% preshrunk cotton. Standard fit. Garment-dyed, pre-shrunk 50/50 Cotton/poly blend for an ultra soft, (White #1456; S-XL, $22.00; (Tan #1750; S-XL, $20.00; cotton/poly blend. “Burnout” fabric worn-in feel. 3/4 raglan sleeve, with XXL, $24.00) XXL-XXXL, $22.00) treatment is weathered, light-weight Taylor Guitars headstock banner and sheer for a soft, vintage look print. (White/Sand #2295; M-XL, and feel. Slim fit. (Kelly Green $28.00; XXL, $30.00) #4060; S-XL, $25.00) NEW Authentic Taylor T 35 Daniel, a nine-year Taylor veteran, works in our Body department and knows our guitars inside and out. 100% preshrunk ringspun cotton. Pigment-dyed for a soft, No matter what he’s working on, he’ll always be comfortable in our new Authentic Taylor T. comfortably weathered look and feel. Distressed graphic treatment on front with Taylor logo on back. Generously cut. (Khaki Green #1430; S-XL, $25.00; XXL $27.00)

NEW Taylor Guitar Polish Ultem Picks Spray-on cleaning polish softens, lifts Ten picks per bag; one and encapsulates moisture, salt and dust gauge per bag. Thin (.50 in a protective lubricant that is easily and mm), Medium (.80 mm) or safely wiped away. The light carnauba Heavy (1 mm). (Translucent wax haze is then buffed away, leaving a gold with brown Taylor beautiful stage-ready shine. 4 fl. oz. round logo, #8077; $6.00) (#80901; $12.00) NEW Taylor Polish Cloths Microfiber with serrated edge. Features embossed Taylor logo. 11-1/2” x 9-1/2”. Single or assorted 3-pack. Single (Chestnut #80907; $7.00) 3-pack (Chestnut, Tan, Brown #80908; $18.00) 3-pack (Black, Taupe, Charcoal #80909; $18.00) Travel Guitar Stand Sapele, lightweight (less than 16 Taylor Etched Mug (above left) ounces) and ultra-portable. Small 15 oz. mug with Taylor hand-etched into enough to fit in the pocket of a Baby one side. (Black #70007; $15.00) Taylor gig bag. Accommodates all Taylor Mug (above right) Taylor models. (#70198; $59.00) Glossy ceramic bistro mug featuring the Taylor Guitar Straps round Taylor logo. Holds 15 oz. (Brown (L-R): Byzantine (Brown #64030, with cream interior, #70006; $10.00) Burgundy #64000, Black #64010, $80.00); Suede/Web (Chocolate #65010, Black #65000, $32.00); GS Mini (Brown/Brown Suede #66500, $32.00); Taylor Swift (#66000, $32.00); Suede Logo Tattered Patch Cap (above left) (Black #62001, Honey #62000, Flex fit, two sizes. Chocolate #62003, $48.00) (Brown, S/M #00150, L/XL #00151, $25.00) Driver Cap (above middle) Wool blend, sweat band for added comfort. Label on back. One size fits most. (Black #00125, $25.00) Men’s Cap (above right) Pro style cap. Structured Chino twill with Taylor ® round logo in burgundy and white on front. Adjustable fabric strap with custom embossed Guitar Lessons by Bob Taylor. peghead clip buckle closure on back. One size fits (Wiley Publishing, 2011, 230 TaylorWare NEW Men’s Taylor Work Shirt Guitar Hoody Sweatshirt most. (Charcoal #00375; $25.00) pages; #75060, $20.00) CLOTHING / GEAR / PARTS / GIFTS Lightweight Hoodie Permanent press, stain-resistant poly/cotton blend. Two front pockets. Distressed screen 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, Cotton/poly blend featuring zip front and print over left pocket and on back. (Charcoal #3070; M-XL, $34.00; XXL-XXXL, $36.00) drawstring hood, front pouch pocket. kangaroo pocket, with Taylor treatment (#2898, S-XL, $39.00, XXL, $42.00) 1-800-494-9600 on left chest and right sleeve. Slim fit. NEW Men’s Two Color Embroidery T (Heather Navy #2810; S-XL, $42.00; 100% preshrunk cotton. Burgundy and gold embroidered logo on left chest. Standard fit. Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware XXL, $44.00) Visit taylorguitars.com/taylorware to see the full line. (Natural #1205; M-XL, $24.00; XXL, $26.00) to see the full line. Presorted A Publication of Taylor Guitars Standard U.S. Postage Volume 75 / Spring 2013 PAID Phoenix, AZ | | | Taylor Guitars 1980 Gillespie Way El Cajon, CA 92020-1096 taylorguitars.com Permit No. 5937

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

Blood Lines This custom nylon-string Grand Concert was one of many enticing Build to Order models on display in the Taylor room at the Winter NAMM Show. The back and sides are flamed AA-grade Hawaiian koa, lightly toasted with a shaded edgeburst to heighten the visual drama of the figure. A bloodwood mini wedge and binding, trimmed with black, white and blue purfling, add a striking visual counterpoint and highlight the Florentine cutaway. Topped with a Western Red cedar soundboard, this guitar will yield warm, sweet tone with dry, woody articulation. For a glimpse of other beautiful custom models from NAMM, see our BTO photo gallery in this issue.