Posted by Norm on 9/18/2009, 11:07 am, in reply to "Taylor 9-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar--A Winner?"
I wouldn't want to predict, but if I was a betting man I'd think this may be mostly proprietary to Taylor, and perhaps in some distant future, a collectable. I too see some real potential here, but I'm wont to say if I liked the 9-string tone, I'd likely simply keep it simple and go with all 12.
My initial take is that it takes the Martin sig McGuinn 7 string and ups the ante 3 times over. It is a fact that a number of Nashville session players already modify their 12's the same way. I'd be interested to know how this made its way through the concept stage to production, and who shepherded it.
The sonic advantage I suppose is that the low "E" would maintain a strong "fundamental," which the non-doubled upper "E" would attenuate the perceived treble a bit. I suspect it would sound very much like a full 12 when recorded. However, this would be a niche instrument; if you're going to spend about 3k or so for a guitar, you better be serious about acquiring this.
Kudos though to Bob, Larry Breedlove and the El Cajon gang for again thinking out of the box, pushing the envelope, innovating and willing to take some risks. From what I can gather, the Taylor electrics (T-5's and solid bodies) have gained some real traction among electric afficionados, and have NOT "crashed and burned" the way some predicted. Now the highly respected Collings Guitars are turning out some primo electrics, and oddly, a huge ukulele and mando production! The two most anticipated 35th Anniversary Taylors are the Taylor Baritone, and the Taylor Parlor guitars. I'm sure you've noticed the GAS flowing to overfill on the Taylor section (and General) on AGF.
Smaller bodied guitars seem all the rage now. Did you read our "friend" Bat McGrath's ("Blue Wyatt") pure delight and enthusiasm of acquiring his new handbuilt, double-top Woolson 00? Larrivee's limited run of excellent parlors are fetching above retail sale prices in many cases, and more and more people seem to want to have a small-bodied, but tonally rich and full, guitar among their "herd."
I'll likely have to venture to either Stutzmans, or Lynch Music in Erie to try the 9-string. I think it will be quickly sold out; whether it survives as a Taylor stock model is up for grabs. (I STILL don't have a CLUE as to why they ditched their Jumbo 12's, like mine ????). These were/are tone monsters, and anyone with 1/2 a brain who likes 12's should be all over the 355 you're selling like white on rice!
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