Taylor Prototype...what exactly does that mean?

[MexicoMike]

In my "pre-shopping" for a 12 string, a friend has told me he saw a nice Taylor 12 that says "proto" on the paper, indicating that it's a prototype.  I understand what the term "prototype" means but I an not familiar with the use of that word in this context.  I would expect a prototype not to have been issued for sale, being a factory "test' so to speak, of a planned instrument.

So what is a "Prototype" Taylor?  The way I normally understand the use of the word, I would never want to purchase a "proto" model.  Am I wrong about this?  Any enlightenment would be very welcome.

[ctkarslake]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't buy a prototype, unless you are concerned about resale.  I can't imagine these guitars are made with any less quality than a production model.  They would have to be up to snuff, otherwise how could any conclusions Taylor makes regarding the prototype be valid?  I have never seen one and would love to get my hands on one!  Just thinking about all the prototypes Taylor must have made by now just boggles the mind.

[MexicoMike]

"I'm not sure why you wouldn't buy a prototype, unless you are concerned about resale."

Because "prototype" implies it's a test version - at least to me - not the version Taylor decided was eventually suitable for production.  How many changes were made from the time the "proto" was made until they sorted out whatever problems may have exisisted with that design? I don't have any interest in Taylor per se or the history/having some sort of "collector" thing.  I have no "brand loyalty" at all re buying a guitar. I just want to find the best 12 string guitar that I can afford.  If that's a Taylor, fine.  If not, that's fine too.  So I want to understand what, exactly, IS a Taylor prototype.

[TaylorGirl]

a nice Taylor 12 that says "proto" on the paper

I can't answer your question (sorry), but was curious what paper you were referring to? What does it say on the label inside the guitar?

[Nomad]

A "prototype" can quite often have different specs from a production model.

[Edward]

What is it?  Simply a pre-production model. 

Over the years, I recall having had two "Protoypes" and one "Factory Demonstrator" in my hands ...all three sounded great and played exactly how you would expect a Taylor should to my memory.  Zero drawbacks or deficiencies in terms of tone, quality, or action that I, myself, could perceive.  Moreover, guitars labeled such are priced lower than its regular-production counterpart for obvious reasons.  So if one likes the guitar, and can get beyond what stigma the label may carry, one will get a great guitar for considerably less dough.  These are no balsa-model test beds.  On the contrary, the three I played were obviously carefully  built guitars: after all, they would be scrutinized to the hilt if it were to make it to production, right?

Edward

[Nomad]

During a visit to my FLGS, their Guild Rep brought in a "prototype" Ren Ferguson Orpheum. It sounded and played great but, visually, it just wasn't blowing my skirt up. The "production" ones have had some cosmetic refinements which make it more aestethically palatable.

[MexicoMike]

"On the contrary, the three I played were obviously carefully  built guitars: after all, they would be scrutinized to the hilt if it were to make it to production, right?"

Well, I guess that may be true but I'd be concerned that since it's a prototype, maybe that specific version DIDN"T make it into production.  IOW, maybe the production version corrected issues the factory found in the prototype after constructing/playing it. 

OTOH, I would think that if they then labeled/badged it and sent it out for sale, it should be, as you noted, perfectly OK.  But obviously there is some difference between that prototype and the standard prod model; otherwise it wouldn't be labeled a prototype. 

Could it be the wood type?  IOW, if the body or top is made of a different wood than the prod model, could that make it a proto?

It's not that big a deal - I will be looking at plenty of guitars in a couple of weeks but I found it interesting/confusing when my friend told me about the "prototype."