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Post by Lefty Rev on Jul 30, 2020 12:13:10 GMT -5
...a Taylor I might finally get sucked into, the new American Dream Series.
I particularly like the Sitka/Ovankol AD17 with it's classic, understated look (pretty much mirroring the Grand Pacific Series guitars at about twice the price).
And...you can get one without Taylor's pesky pickup for $1,399 USD (maybe less from the right dealer).
Anyone seen one of these in the wild, or played one?
I've played (and heard played) a few of the new Taylors with the V-class bracing. Some just sounded okay, but others have sounded very good in the right hands. This guitar adds the V-class bracing and other nice features of the Grand Pacific models (body shape, rounded body edges) for a very good price - and Made in U.S.A.
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Post by Lefty Rev on Jul 30, 2020 12:15:10 GMT -5
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Post by LTB on Jul 31, 2020 0:35:27 GMT -5
Interesting! I love the all “mahogany look” model. I have to say after owning two instruments, one guitar and one bass I am not particularly fond of the flat finishes. I buffed both to a satin luster. .002 in thick on those Taylor’s seems really thin and might not fair well to buffing so I would probably leave it alone and just deal with it .
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Post by Lefty Rev on Aug 10, 2020 16:41:25 GMT -5
I got a chance to play one of the American Dream guitars over the weekend while on vacation. The one they had in stock (just received a couple days before I played it) was the AD27 ( Pics and specs here ). This is the "Mahogany" model, w/o pickup for $1,399 street (the pup model would be the AD27e for $1,599 street - see link above). It is actually Sapele b/s with "Mahogany" top - but whether that is Mahogany, Sipo, Khaya Mahogany or something else, I don't know. The guitar was constructed flawlessly, and the woods and finish were top drawer. Set up was also very good (however, I'm a lefty trying out this righty guitar, but it still felt very good compared to other righty guitars I tried in the store that day). The sound was very balanced with nice bass, but certainly not Martin "boomy". I compared it to two Grand Pacific models - same body shape and V-bracing; a 317 ($1,999) and a 517 ($2,999). Those two guitars, especially the 517, had a little "more" of everything in their tone - BUT - they were also both Sitka tops, so not an even comparison. In light of that, the AD27 (at $1,399 for US made all solid woods) held it's own very well. This includes up the neck. I know it's partly just Andy Powers/Taylor marketing to say that the V-bracing plays in tune up the neck, and that notes don't muffle out or die - but it's actually true; very observable sustain and clarity on notes up the neck, including on the lower wound strings...making it a pleasure to play these guitars. As a confirmed Larrivee and Martin lover, I have to say there was a lot to like about the American Dream model. Wish I could have tried an AD17 (Sitka top, Ovankol b/s); I'm tempted to order one of those blind if I can get a good price on it. Also, I'll order it without Taylor's pickup system; I'd much rather have a K&K or other under bridge transducer for amplification (and NO HOLES in the side of the body!). Again - this model was very comparable to the Grand Pacific models - kinda like the Martin 15 Series guitars are no slouch just because they're not Standard Series guitars. |
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Post by Lefty Rev on Aug 21, 2020 11:17:25 GMT -5
I'm not planning on getting one of these at this point - I'm pretty happy with my Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster, and I have a couple other custom guitars on order (Larrivee & Martin), so...
...but here's another good clip that demonstrates the tone a bit; I usually enjoy these guys' video's, although sometimes I wish they'd do a little more research before they start rattling off specs:
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