Every Great Journey Begins with the Right Guitar
Break it down for me maestro!
So it is written, so shall it be.
Ah, the unutterable joy of picking your first guitar! It's like a future, infinite mind hug with sandwiches and tea. For many budding guitarists, a Taylor guitar is a dream start. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, playability, and tonal quality, Taylor guitars have become a favourite among musicians of all levels. In this short guide, we'll walk you through selecting your first Taylor guitar, focusing on what makes them stand out in the many myriad options.
They are many. They are all beautiful
Why Taylor Guitars? Understanding the Appeal
Taylor guitars are synonymous with quality and innovation. Known for their rich, clear sound and comfortable playability, they are a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned players. Whether it's the precision of their construction or the variety of their models, Taylor offers something for every aspiring guitarist.
- Determine Your Playing Style and Needs
Before diving into the world of Taylor guitars, consider your playing style. Are you leaning towards fingerstyle, or are you more of a strummer? Do you see yourself playing soft acoustic numbers or rocking out? Taylor's range includes models suitable for different styles, so understanding your preference is key.
- Understanding Taylor's Range: Series and Models
Taylor guitars come in various series, each with unique characteristics. The Academy Series ( Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar or Taylor Academy 12-N Nylon String Acoustic Guitar ), for instance, is perfect for beginners due to its playability and affordability.
- The Importance of Wood and Tone
The wood used in a guitar significantly influences its tone. Taylor guitars are known for their high-quality tonewoods. For a brighter, more articulate sound, look for models with spruce tops. If you prefer a warmer tone, consider guitars with mahogany or cedar tops.
- Size and Comfort: Finding the Right Fit
Taylor offers guitars in various sizes. From the compact GS Mini to the larger Grand Symphony model, choosing the right size is crucial for comfort, especially for beginners. Visit a store, like Musicmaker, and try different sizes to see what feels best for you.
What's he doing outside....?
Budget Considerations
Your budget is an important factor. Taylor guitars range from more affordable models in the Academy Series ( Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert or Taylor Academy 12-N Nylon ) to higher-end ones like the 800 Series ( Taylor 814ce or Taylor 818e ). Determine how much you're willing to spend and explore options within that range.
Three Guitars
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Travel Guitar - Mahogany
This mahogany-top edition of the Baby Taylor will yield a slightly darker, earthier tone than its spruce top sibling. The pint-size mini-Dreadnought was originally inspired by a desire to provide a smaller, starter-size guitar for kids and a legitimate musical companion for travellers, but players have since adapted it for their needs in all sorts of creative ways, from high-stringing it to setting it up to play lap slide, to embracing alternate tunings that add unique acoustic flavours to recordings. At the heart of it all is an authentic guitar sound and inviting playing experience. The guitar comes in a gig bag for easy toting convenience.
Taylor Academy 12 Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar
Taylor's signature Grand Auditorium body shape brings our high standards of comfort and playability to the Academy Series, their line of budget-friendly guitars. Built with new players in mind, the Academy 12 incorporates a sleek body shape with our trademark neck design and an ergonomic armrest for a truly player-friendly experience. A slightly shorter, 24-7/8-inch scale length also contributes to the smooth feel of the A12, making it easier to fret strings, hold chords, and bend notes as you learn to navigate the neck of an acoustic guitar.
Taylor 114e Grand Auditorium Semi Acoustic Guitar
The 114e features Taylor's popular Grand Auditorium body style, whose physical dimensions have made it a popular choice for its appealing performance versatility. Layered walnut back and sides are topped with a solid Sitka spruce soundboard, which together produces their signature clear and balanced tone with a pleasing projection and midrange focus. The 1-11/16-inch nut width is slightly narrower than the standard 1-3/4-inch width of other steel-strings in the 300 Series and up, making it easier for developing players to navigate the fretboard. And with Taylor’s onboard Expression System 2 pickup, the guitar is ready to plug in whenever you are. The guitar ships in a durable lightweight gig bag.
Choosing your first guitar is a personal journey, one filled with excitement and possibilities. With a Taylor guitar in your hands, that journey becomes even more special. Remember, it's not just about the instrument; it's about the music you'll create with it. So, take your time, do your research, and when you strum that first chord on your Taylor, know that you're starting a beautiful musical adventure.