Dented new guitar today

[sitedrifter]

murphy's law at it's finest.

[Crippled Lion]

Lizzy,
azslacker is correct...give it some time. I've had my 414 for 4 years and I haven't really 'bonded' with it...yet.  Sometimes it's there immediately. 
Of course, the concept of bonding with a guitar is food for a whole, separate thread!

[Lizzy]

I guess I don't understand when someone says that they have had a guitar x amount of years and have not bonded with it. Is this a good thing.....are you saying over time it doesn't matter? What I guess I'm disappointed about is my ability to play has digressed on this guitar. The first guitar I bought was a dreadnought and if I'd kept that I would not still be playing. It was just too big and hurt my shoulder. (I have some arthritic problems anyway.) But this is an awesome guitar and I will stop whining and give it some more time....and hopefully in time I will find a clearer answer:)

[shorty]

Hi Lizzy

I have a beautiful 2010 516 fall ltd that suffers from "case bite" It almost broke my heart. While being put back into the case the lid came down and took its toll on the rosewood binding. I have recently contacted Taylor and was told it could probably be repaired...Maybe yours could as well? Theres always hope!! Might want to contact Taylor?

[azslacker]

Hope things work out with the guitar. I'd take to a GOOD repair person, who will listen to you. Have them set it up on the low side. Sounds like you mostly finger pick. Even a very slight change in the string slots at the nut can make a huge difference in the way it plays. If it turns out that it's still a problem for you because of the neck width, l'd try out some GC's. The shorter scale length is a lot easier to play lMO.

[Lizzy]

I appreciate the idea....but my guitar guy said that if he lowered it anymore at the nut I might get fret buzz. That's when we decided to put the custom lights on it. That seemed like it did the trick at first but I think it was just because it was a change. I think I'm old and have some osteoarthritis in my hands and need a smaller neck.

[Strumming Fool]

I appreciate the idea....but my guitar guy said that if he lowered it anymore at the nut I might get fret buzz. That's when we decided to put the custom lights on it. That seemed like it did the trick at first but I think it was just because it was a change. I think I'm old and have some osteoarthritis in my hands and need a smaller neck.

Lizzy-

A Taylor grand concert (possibly within the same series - a 712) may be your answer, especially if you play fingerstyle primarily. The neck shape will be more or less the same, but the shorter scale makes for less string tension and slightly smaller frets...definitely worth a look. In my guitar-playing lifetime, I went through almost 25 guitars before finding what truly works for me, so don't feel bad if you don't "get it right" after a few tries. Your hands and ears will become better at discerning what your "signature" guitar should be.

God bless...

[joshsimpson79]

Had my new GS Mini-E ltd Mahogany not even a week and picked it up and saw a ding in the side edge.  No idea how it happened.  Had a spruce Mini for 3 years and not a thing.  I've dinged other guitars before.  It hurts at first, but hey, I got the first one out of the way, right?  Same with a car, except I can watch over a guitar, while a car can get a shopping cart ding in it when I'm not even around.

[Jersey tuning]

One month after buying a 614ce the case lid dropped awkwardly and dented the top of the guitar. When you get one, you don't get another!

[joshsimpson79]

This is a another good reason to keep that guitar in the case when not in use, rather than keeping it out for show.  This may have not be the case, and this may have been a playing session, but I am just saying....

I once had the case "bite" a guitar.  I opened the case, was removing the guitar, one of my band mates bumped the case, it chopped down on the guitar.  Since hanging my guitars on the wall, I have had no such incidents... oh, but there is a ceiling fan in that room.   

Sorry to hear about that first ding.  I am careful with my guitars, but life still happens. 

Captain Jim

Had the same thing happen to me a few years ago with my first Taylor - a 410ce.  I hated that it happened that way.  Now I'm quite careful with cases and always put the lid down carefully as soon as I put the guitar away.

Also got a GS Mini Hog-E limited two weeks ago and put a small ding in the side, and don't know how, after owning it about a week.  Always a great time.  I just try and keep guitar dings in perspective in the grand scheme of life.  I have a two month son now, so a small guitar ding is at least a little bit less frustrating.   

[mgap]

My most favorite and best-est guitar has the most dings and dents.  That does not effect the tone.  and pristine guitar won't help you play better.  As far as playablity goes Taylor guitars are well known for being the best.  I have the impression you are just starting out with playing guitars.  If that is true I think everybody has trouble getting to know the instrument.  Once you have played regularly for about a year then think about switching or adding to your stable of guitars, because I doubt if a different one will be better for you.  All this from a person who has gone through quit a few guitars and has settled on Taylor.  Ya I am a Taylor fan.

[jeffbelch]

I have an '02 Gibson that's my go-to acoustic.  It has more dents than I care to count.  Further, whereas the pickguard has done its job, the area just above the pick guard adjacent to the sound has no finish whatsoever.  The honest wear and tear on an instrument that's being used daily (or at any frequency, for that matter) is a beautiful thing imho.