Taylor SHSM

gellkeller · Post by **gellkeller** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:33 pm

I'm looking at snapping one of these up. Does anyone have any advice they could give me about them? Good, bad or indifferent.

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-9127.htm

brianeharmonjr · Post by **brianeharmonjr** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:53 pm

I've played several koa Taylors before and I thought they sounded incredible. Obviously they are gorgeous. My preference are the walnut models. I don't think they make an all walnut model currently, but the walnut auditorium I played was the best sounding Taylor I've had my hands on yet. I haven't played this model though.

sharkboy · Post by **sharkboy** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:19 pm

Aside from the beauty, I'm not a big fan of a hardwood top on an acoustic guitar. It is probably less of an issue when playing plugged in, but it does make a startling difference versus something like spruce or cedar.

I have several Taylors and have had even more. The build quality and sound are outstanding. The newer pickup and control are waaaay more natural than the old setup.

I think you would find koa to sound a bit like a combo of maple and mahogany. My only koa Taylor is a 412K and it sounds great (it has a spruce top.) Hope that helps.

gellkeller · Post by **gellkeller** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:05 pm

Much appreciated guys. I guess I'll need to get my hands on one to see how it feels and sounds.

sharkboy · Post by **sharkboy** » Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:49 am

That's the best idea. I think that despite the consistency of the better makers, I'd recommend trying a bunch of different acoustics before buying one- especially now that there are so many shapes and wood choices.