No finish?

[madx2]

I did a quick search and don't think this has been asked. 

Is it possible to custom order a new Taylor (all sanded, filled and whatever else they do to prep one) without the finish applied? 

[timfitz63]

Not sure, but I want to say I've heard Joe at Empire Music in Pittsburgh say they ordered a guitar one time that they turned around and had painted in a non-factory color (pink sparkle, as I recall) for a customer's daughter.  What I don't know is whether they got an unfinished guitar from Taylor, or just applied the paint to a factory-standard finish that the painter roughed up first...

I would consult with your local Taylor dealer or just call Taylor Customer Service (800-943-6782) directly and pose the question.

[Earl]

I suspect that Taylor would be reluctant to do this.  The finish protects from dirt, finger oils, and other schmutz.  Basically the guitar will look terrible after just a short time.  Why do you ask?

[madx2]

Just wondering if you could get a bare one and have a lacquer or "french polish" finish applied.

[Edward]

Their most recent satin fins is pretty dang thin.  Perhaps if call them and ask if you can order their satin even thinner in their "modify a model" program?

Edward

[DennisG]

I realize I'm not in any position to provide a definitive answer, but I'm 99 percent certain that Taylor would never sell a guitar without finish on it.  They'll customize a guitar upon request, but they're highly unlikely to degrade one.

[madx2]

You are probably right.  I am not wanting one. It was a snowy Sunday and my mind was wandering.

[jalbert]

Consider sending this question to Taylor for the Wood & Steel "Ask Bob" column.

[madx2]

Will do.  Thanks for the suggestion.  My other question to them didn't make the "Ask Bob" cut.  Maybe this one will!

[madx2]

I submitted my question to "Ask Bob" and I received their answer by email. It was...(drum roll, please) "That would not be an available option." 

Now we know for certain.  Thanks to all who weighed in on my question.

[SDTaylorman]

Makes sense really. In the past few years the Taylor finishing method has become quite mechanized (if you've been to the factory you know what I mean) and the finish they apply is so thin as to be ALMOST (but not quite) non-existent. I can't remember exactly how thick but IIRC it was measured in microns.