PICTURE PERFECT
 Last year I participated in a program at the University of Vermont called Alternative Spring Break (ASB) — a
volunteer organization dedicated to providing different areas of the country with much-needed community service.
During our spring break, we sent out about 120 people (split among 10 groups) to such places as Detroit, MI; New York, NY;
and Ivanhoe, WV. I was among the lucky ones who were sent south — ending up in Zellwood, FL — to work in a
homeless shelter. We worked intensively during the days but had our evenings off. One night we decided to take a
drive to a nearby lake to watch the sunset. I brought my guitar, of course, and just as the sun dropped below the
horizon, one of my fellow participants snapped a picture of me silhouetted with my
814ce. I just wanted to send this
picture along and thank you for your wonderful guitar.
Casey Johnson
Burlington, VT
WISHFUL PICKING
 Thought you'd like to see these pictures of me with my new
814ce! It was a surprise
Christmas gift from my wonderful wife and in-laws. I've not been this excited about a
guitar since I received my [other brand] as a gift from my brother back in 1972. Since
then I've made my living with that guitar. Though I've had others in my life, they were
all sold for various reasons. I've kept the [other brand] both for sentimental reasons
and because it is a great guitar. Though I'll always keep it, it will now be relegated
to being my spare. A Taylor has been on my wish list for a long time now, and this one is
just what I was wishin' for. In every way it is far superior to the [other brand]. Its
playability, neck, tone, tuning accuracy, and in my opinion, its Grand Auditorium body
size & appearance are all perfect. Thank you Taylor for making my job so much easier.
Joe Rathburn
Via the Internet
TRAVELING IN STYLE
I just purchased a Baby Taylor - what a piece of workmanship. I tried [several other travel-type guitars], and there
is no comparison. The playability was superb, as was the sound quality. My original intentions were to make this my
"bang-around", portable guitar - you know, throw it in the trunk, take it to the beach etc. I don't think I have the
heart to treat this guitar in that fashion. I may have to use my full sized [other model] (the Baby sounds better).
I do plan on purchasing an 814ce when I can save enough funds. Keep up the good work, I'm sold on Taylors! And please
pass these comments on to your manufacturing people - they deserve a pat on the back.
Tom Reynolds
Via the Internet
BOLT-ON BEAUTIFUL
One of the best things that ever happened to me was about one month ago, when I placed an order for a Taylor
814ce. I've been
playing guitar for pretty much my entire life, but I've never owned a really good, quality guitar. I went into a shop to buy a
[different brand], but the first thing I saw was Taylor (an 810, I think). I picked it up and couldn't believe what I heard!
I had read something about bolt-on necks affecting tonality; that's a bunch of crock. It was so beautiful. [The other guitar brand]
was completely out of the question. Don't get me wrong - [those other guitars] are good, but I played a few more Taylors and decided
to buy the 814ce. It has brought me great joy, and always will. Thanks Taylor, for making such great guitars.
Josiah Pitman
Via the Internet
CATALOG MAGIC
Well, the catalog you just sent has already worked its magic. I brought it to work and let anyone interested look
at it. A guy who doesn't even play guitar (but has a little money) has decided that he wants to learn, and this
weekend he is going to pick up a nice 814ce that is hanging in a local music store. I'm pretty sure I'm getting a
500 Series [model]. Thanks again.
Matt B. Tucker III
Oviedo, Florida
HIGH PRODUCTION AND QUALITY?!
Bought an 814-CE about a month ago. How you build the large number of guitars and maintain this quality is beyond me.
Of course, that's why you're such a huge success. Lovely instrument. My other acoustic is [another brand], which is
considerably more pricey, and really a different sort of guitar (more a bluegrass instrument). The 814-CE compares
quite favorably to it, and in some ways, it is much nicer. (Again, not to cast aspersions on [other brand], because
they also make beautiful guitars.)
[The 814-CE is the] easiest guitar to play that I have every owned, and the Fishman Matrix system is the best I've ever
heard. Nice addition to the collection! I wish all companies were as well run as Taylor (the responsive sales info I got
prior to purchase was friendly and very helpful). Your combination of mass production and craftsmanship is truly
astounding to me. Keep it up, please.
Peter Cotsis
Chester, New York
PICKIN' PIC
 My dad brought a digital camera home from work, so I thought I'd send
you a pic of me and my "baby", an 814-CE! Later!
Tristan Adams, 13
Via the Internet
THE NAME GAME
I like my Taylor 814-CE so much, I am thinking about changing my name.
Bobby Gibson
Via the Internet
THE EDGE OF ADDICTION
I read the [Summer '99] issue of Wood&Steel, featuring the new 25th Anniversary models. First, let me say
that I read those newsletters, front to back, as soon as I can, and am yet to be disappointed in any edition. Kudos. Also, let me interject that
after reading them at work, I go home, pull out one of my four Taylors (410-K, 655,
814-CE, and Baby), and reacquaint myself with my love affair,
hoping the urge to purchase your latest cutting-edge model will fade. So far, it's worked. Until I saw the Anniversary models.
I know their number is terribly limited, and, judging from the craftsmanship that goes into each of them, and the rest of your guitars, I can see
why there is a limit. I had to laugh at the recent letter in Wood&Steel, about Taylor Acquisition Syndrome.
Tone and playability should be controlled by the
government, for they are very, very addictive. Congratulations to all at Taylor for 25 years of
splendid, and much-appreciated work.
Geoff Roubik
Via the Internet
RESEARCH REPORT
Just letting you know that I have purchased a Taylor guitar. After a lot of research on
guitars - how they are made, the different types of wood, finding the perfect sound for me - I chose the 814-CE Grand Auditorium. After
comparing Taylor to other names, it was the best acoustic-electric and gave me the quality I was looking for. Taylor truly makes great
guitars. Please let the guys involved in making the guitars know that they are doing a great job. I truly envy their talent. I plan to
visit California soon to visit family, and would love to tour your factory.
Manuel Ortiz
Via the Internet
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