Hello from Puerto Rico!

[mro87]

Hello Everyone!

I also migrated from the AGF. 

I'm a beginner player.  Before last year my musical experience was an absolute zero.  After many years of abstractly thinking that I wanted to learn to play guitar I finally took the step (and immediately kicked myself for not starting earlier).  Started with a classical that my father in law had but never used, and after a while purchased a Taylor 110.  I had wanted an all wood guitar from the start, and while there was absolutely nothing wrong with the 110, shortly thereafter got a DN3 (with some great suggestions from an AFG/UTGF forum member.  The 110 is a great guitar (and in the hands of experienced players sounds incredible) but the difference in the DN3 is notable.  The arrangement worked very well, having the 110 in my office and using it for lessons or for playing away, and the DN3 at home.

My daughter (who is my partner in crime in many of my hobbies) got interested in the guitar, so Santa brought her a GS Mini.  This led to an unexpected discovery.  In everyday casual situations I was picking up her guitar instead of using the DN3.  Then I played a 314ce at the store and fell in love with its comfort and ease of playing.  I decided that I wanted either a 314 or a GA3 so up for sale went the 110.  Then something unexpected happened.  I saw a beautiful GA8 in the Guitar Rodeo website and had the bad luck to speak to James, and later with Jim, who in exquisite detail explained how the guitar sounded and played, meticulously examined and explained the condition of the guitar while talking to me, and answered all my questions and calmed all my fears.  Now there is a GA8 on the way. 

About two weeks ago I dinged my DN3 (the result of carelessness when I answered a phone call while practicing).  I was so mad with myself that I put the guitar in the case and did not look at it for two weeks.  Regarding this, I'll post some questions in the general section to determine how to proceed. 

I have made two mistakes so far in purchasing guitars: (i) not getting the guitar I originally wanted, and having to pay for two guitars to get there (the 110 and the DN3); (ii) not trying enough guitars before purchasing.  I was sure I wanted a Dreadnought, but had no idea how important comfort and ease of playing with the lighter strings would be for me. 

So there it is, my guitar life in four paragraphs.

I really enjoy the UTGF and really missed having a dedicated Taylor forum.  Thanks to the people who made it possible!

Cheers,

Mario

[jjrpilot-admin]

Hi Mario!  So glad to have you here as a part of our small Taylor fanatic community!     Thanks for sharing your story!  Definitely post pics of your GA8 when you get it in....we love NGD topics!   

[gdeleo]

Welcome Mario,  I hope you enjoy your stay here with us.
Don't feel so bad about the road you took for your guitars, mine was similar.  I started with a Big Baby that was purchased for my wife.  Then I got the DN3 because I thought I also wanted a dread, but ended up with her BB because of comfort.  Then I also talked with Jim at Guitar Rodeo and traded in my DN3 for my BTO Ga.  I then wanted to try a nylon and sold the BB and now I have a 314c-N(no electronics) from Jim.  The only question is what is next.  I surely would like to try a 12 fret later to see what it is all about.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Hi Mario. Welcome to the site.

 I dinged the top of my 314ce against a case latch. That taught me to push the latches down flush with the case.

 I don't consider your 110 and DN3 mistakes. They led you to the GA8. Congrats BTW.

 Enjoy.

 

 

[mro87]

Thanks to everyone for the kind welcome!

[Black Beauty]

Welcome, and don't worry too much about dinging the DN3. I had been beating myself up for letting a luthier mark my guitar when removing the pickguard, but a few nights later I saw a musician who is way better than me with an equivalent Maton and it had pick marks, scratches, bumps, etc. All over it. Made me realise how silly I was when at the end of the day people will respect my value by looking at how good my skills are, not at how well I maintain my guitar.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

Welcome Mario, I hope your ding is not too bad.  I too dinged my 516 against the granite kitchen counter and was beside myself for several days.  I showed it to my husband who was looking close and squinting and saying..."where...?"  I was like RIGHT THERE!!!...CAN"T YOU SEE IT!!!....IT"S RUINED!!! 

He just looked at me and with the knowledge gained over the past 22 years of marriage said "oh honey, that's terrible" and went back to his TV show....LOL.  I finally got past it and in reality you can barely see it.

My Mini has some small gouges where the pickguard was, I suspect the marks may have been on the top and Taylor just covers it with the pickguard BC a few others have mentioned it happened to them as well.

Now, if yours is gouged or bothers you really bad you can take it to your local Taylor guy and I'm sure they can fix it for you, those guys can do some pretty amazing things finish wise.

[mgap]

I have made two mistakes so far in purchasing guitars: (i) not getting the guitar I originally wanted, and having to pay for two guitars to get there (the 110 and the DN3); (ii) not trying enough guitars before purchasing. I was sure I wanted a Dreadnought, but had no idea how important comfort and ease of playing with the lighter strings would be for me.

I felt the same way about DN.  I had a 710ce and a 510ce, both sounded great but after trying a 714ce I realized how much more comfortable they are, with the same great sound.  For me I even like the GS body size better that the DN body, and with the GS the medium strings are ok.