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…before you buy your guitar (related stuff)

Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar vs. Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Square Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

When the Silvertone Design team finished the SD20CE, they realized that they had built one of the best sounding, best playing acoustics for anywhere near the price. In fact, it was too good to be just one model so they decided to offer the same SD20CE balance of tone and playability, the same select spruce top with pearloid soundhole rosette and fully bound mahogany back and sides, and the same super smooth fully bound mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and precision die-cast machines.

The SD20 is available in in both a dreadnought and this acoustic electric cutaway models, and in either Gloss Natural or spectacular translucent finishes. The SD20CE acoustic electric features a deep-set cutaway body style and 2-band passive EQ with volume and tone controls.

For more than 50 years Silvertone has been an icon in the American guitar industry. Their mission now, as it was when they began, is to make quality instruments from quality materials with contemporary styling while providing exceptional value. Silvertone has confidence in what they are doing, so every Silvertone guitar comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Your new Silvertone guitar or bass may well be the only instrument you will ever need to buy.

Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features…

Full Size Dreadnought Electric Acoustic

Cutaway Body Design

Select Spruce Top

Passive Volume & EQ Tone Control

Nato Mahogany Back & Sides

Pearloid Sound Hole Rosette

Bound Rosewood Fingerboard

Rosewood Bridge

Chrome Precision Die-Cast Tuning Machines

Buy Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Buy at Zzounds.com


Silvertone SD20CE Cutaway Customer Review

it looks great in black

best for the price!

great quality, exept for the bridge pins

i wouldnt know

a customer from gmail.com (9/10/2008)

Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Square Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Square Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

The Songwriter Deluxe offers superior performance with Rosewood back and sides and an active transducer pickup.

In today’s world, many acoustic guitar manufacturers have chosen to build their instruments more quickly, cheaply, and in greater numbers.

Gibson acoustic guitars are made one-at-a-time, by hand. No shortcuts. No substitutions. They’re made in Bozeman, Montana, where the climatic conditions are ideal for guitar building. Most importantly, Gibson acoustic guitars are built by master craftspeople that have dedicated their lives to building the world’s finest acoustic instruments.

These elements combine to create the difference that is the Gibson acoustic guitar. The difference is “MasterBuilt.”

Environment

Even though they might get a little more snow up there, the environs of Bozeman, Montana are a guitar builder’s dream, come true.

Extreme heat and high humidity are natural enemies of wood. Bozeman has neither. The fine Spruces, Maples, Mahoganies, and Rosewoods are carefully cured and environmentally maintained during the building process.

There are other advantages to Montana in addition to its ideal climate. Gibson’s acoustic guitars rely heavily on its builder’s sense of creativity and concentration. Living in “Big Sky Country” appears to nurture both of these needs. It seems that looking out over a range of snow covered mountains every morning makes for inspired guitar building – which, in turn, makes for inspired guitars.

Artistry

Experienced builders and players understand that handmade quality, design, and construction determine an instrument’s ability to produce truly beautiful sound. Gibson’s methods of handmaking guitars have remained unchanged for nearly a century.

The top brace of each guitar is carefully scalloped and arched to focus the sound to the center of the soundhole. The resulting distinctive “Gibson Tone” shares the same vibrance and fidelity as the sound from a fine audio speaker.

Instead of a cheaper bolt-on neck, Gibson’s dovetail joint technique creates a cohesive bond between the vibrating neck and body – as if the guitar were carved from a single piece of wood. This time-honored technique effectively transfers the strings’ vibrations directly into the wood for superior tone and unsurpassed resonance.

Finally, unlike other manufacturers, Gibson still uses its famous “violin-like” lacquer finish. Over the years, the complex makeup of the lacquer merges with the wood, further sweetening the instrument’s tone and poviding an unmistakable “vintage” look and feel that players and collectors have come to cherish.

Each Gibson acoustic guitar is full of expression, character, and exquisite beauty. None is ordinary, and no 2 are alike. When compared to a marketplace full of “lookalikes,” the differences of a MasterBuilt Gibson acoustic are unmatched in quality and performance.

Warranty

In 1894, in a 1-man shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Orville Gibson created a new family of guitars and mandolins that would inspire generations of craftsmen to produce some of the finest instruments the world has ever heard or seen. The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Co., Ltd., was formed on October 10, 1902, to build instruments that carry on not only Orville’s designs but also his conviction to quality.

Gibson celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1994 with the spirit of Orville still going strong. Gibson’s combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology has made Gibson the only company that produces industry standard models in every style of fretted instrument, from electric and acoustic guitars to mandolins, banjos, and resonator guitars.

The Gibson Gold Warranty carries on the tradition of the limited lifetime warranty introduced by the company’s founders. It represents their commitment to producing the world’s finest musical instruments and providing complete customer satisfaction.

Gibson Gold Warranty

Your new Gibson instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original retail purchaser, subject to the limitations contained in this warranty.

If at any time this Gibson instrument malfunctions as a result of faulty materials or workmanship, Gibson will repair the defect(s) or replace the instrument, as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. Gibson reserves the right to use materials regularly utilized at the time of repair in the event that original materials are no longer available, If replacement of your instrument is deemed appropriate by our staff, Gibson will replace the instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument.

This warranty covers the cost of both labor and materials on any repair deemed necessary by our Customer Service Representative for the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the unlikely event that your instrument is destroyed, lost or damaged beyond repair, while in the possession of Gibson for repair, Gibson will replace that instrument with one of the same or most similar style of a value not in excess of the original purchase price of your instrument. Any insurance covering the instrument, including but not limited to collector’s value insurance, must be carried by owner at owner’s expense. For more info please refer to the Gibson website.

Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Square Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case) Features…

Body Style: Square Shoulder

Top wood: Solid Spruce

Back and Sides: Solid Rosewood

FB & Bridge Wood: Rosewood

Neck Wood: Mahogany

Fretboard Inlay: MOP Floret

Other Inlays: Abalone Rosette

Scale: 25-1/2 in.

Tuners: Gold Kidney

Finishes: Antique Natural

Pickup: Active Transducer

Other Features: Sculpted Pickguard

Buy Gibson Songwriter Deluxe Square Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
Buy at Zzounds.comBuy at Musiciansfriend.com


I mainly play this guitar at church. The sound of the guitar is very full. Low strings sounds really booming but clear. And the high strings are bright. it's good for both struming and finger picking. I plug it direct to the mixer. I can control the EQ very easy.

I like it better than most of the taylor and martins, because the fullness of this guitar.

Just got this guitar for 2 week. Now I take it everywhere I go.

it's a Solid Cutaway, with built in electronics, onboard EQ and Tuner made in USA.

Action is every good. Easy to play. No Buzzing or anyting.

it's a beautiful guitar with a beautiful sound.

Tony (11/14/2007)
"Great piece."

For some reason this is a really comfortable quitar. I picked it up and haven't been able to put it down.

I very pretty slightly non-traditional design. A small more ornate guitar that is not in the stratosphere in price.

Bought it used. Would have paid more.

a customer from ahoo.com (8/24/2006)

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Ovation CK047FKOA Celebrity Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar vs. Yamaha APX500 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Ovation CK047FKOA Celebrity Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Ovation CK047FKOA Celebrity Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

 Owner’s Manual

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The Ovation sound. The sound that made the acoustic guitar a viable electric instrument is now within everyone’s reach. Center soundhole. Rosewood fingerboard. Built by Ovation’s Pacific-based subsidiary, it benefits from the same USA-made Lyrachord body as its more upscale American brothers.

Ovation CK047FKOA Celebrity Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features…

Body type: Mid-Depth C/A

Top: figured koa

Bracing: modified A

Scale length: 25 1/4 in.

Fretboard: rosewood

Fret inlay: dots/diamonds

Bridge: walnut

Rosette: Oak Leaf design

Pickup: Ovation Slimline

Nutwidth: 1 11/16 in.

Machines: chrome Ovation

Case (not included): 8210

Buy Ovation CK047FKOA Celebrity Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
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 Owner’s Manual

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"Sweet"

In my opinion this thing is one awesome and sweet guitar.I've had it for about 3 days.I have no complaints,only thing would be at times it'd be hard to reach the lower frets,its pretty sweet though.I has an awesome sound unplugged but plugged woah.

Submitted: 7/11/2006 (Style of Music: Metal,trash,ect.)
"A Dream That Came True."

What attracted me to this specific guitar is the Koa wood body design, which I feel will appreciate in value.

Prices that is advertised very resonable in prices over all. During my search I thought I would be paying about 2 or 3 hundred dollars more than the asking price.

When I received this item it was in prestine condition with no flaws that I could see. It also came with batteries for the tuner.

NA

a customer from aol.com (9/26/2007)

Yamaha APX500 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Yamaha APX500 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar

New thinline acoustic electric with 1-way pickup system (incl. Built-in tuner & 3-band eq). The APX series places emphasis on playability with a stylish thin profile that fits the musicians body.

As for cosmetics, the APX500 features a beautiful mother-of-pearl sound hole ring inlay, white fingerboard binding, white/black body binding, mother-of-pearl APX & Yamaha headstock logos and position markers. This model comes in five amazing color variations.

The APX500 also features a revamped version of the tried and true System55T. This is a 1-way piezo pickup system that comes with a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner.

Yamaha APX500 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features…

Top: Spruce

Back & Sides: Nato

Neck: Nato

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Bridge: Rosewood

Electronics: System55T – 1-Way piezo pickup system with on board tuner, 3-band EQ and slick black control panel

Tuners: Die-cast Chrome

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Buy Yamaha APX500 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Buy at Zzounds.comBuy at Musiciansfriend.com


This guitar is great for its price. I…

This guitar is great for its price. I have played this guitar and am looking to buy one for my son. It is a beautiful, crisp sounding guitar and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great guitar at a low price.

guitarfreak224 from NY (Aug 16, 2008)

It's a small bodied guitar, so it's never going to sound as deep or as loud as a full-size jumbo or dreadnought, and you'd have to say it was on the bright side. But, having said that, I find the tone very pleasing and well-balanced with a silvery top end that doesn't stray into harshness. I bought it for my teenage daughter who finds my big Takamine FP350SM too cumbersome. Actually I have a feeling that it might record better than the Tak, which I always have to roll some bass off for it to sit in a band track. I play pop/ rock, she's starting up in a folky duo. The pickup output deserves a special mention: I think it's excellent, better than the Takamine's, which is already one of the better ones. The Yamaha, through a Fishman Aura, into an amp is as good as any electro-acoustic sound I've ever heard.

I'm reviewing an APX500FM, made in Indonesia, presumably this year (2008) It's a thinline, small-bodied steel string acoustic, twenty-two frets, cutaway. It has a piezo pickup in the bridge, the preamp has volume, three band eq (mid band has variable frequency, usefully calibrated 80Hz to 10kHz) and an onboard chromatic tuner. The top is a nice flamed maple, I don't know what the back is, probably ply. The finish is called Old Violin Sunburst and is a high gloss. The sound hole is somewhat odd-looking, being slightly oval and having a raised ring with abalone (real or fake?) inlay, which you'll either like or not – I think it adds a bit of character.

Again, all very good. The Old Violin Sunburst comes with the flamed maple top – the other finishes have a plainer wood, which while still well-made, have less character to my eyes. The one I bought had been hanging up in the shop, but I got the assistant to get an Oriental Blue one out of stock so I could compare the look. What was interesting was that that one came straight out of its shipping carton from the factory, and the set-up was immaculate straight out of the box, so I'd be confident about recommending this as an internet box-shifter purchase if you want to save a few quid. It has a good acoustic action: it's not as low was an electric but if ypu want to strum rhythm then it's spot-on. Everything is smooth and well-finished, no rough edges here, except the treble end of the nut is cut slightly short – it's maybe a quarter of a millimetre in from the neck. This affects neither the alignment nor the playability.

I've dealt with Yamaha for keyboard repairs – I'm primarily a keyboard player – and they've always been excellent. I'd take this to a local guitar tech if it needed looking at rather than Yamaha though.

Nocastus (12/11/2008)

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Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar vs. Taylor 314CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar


Epiphone Masterbilt promo video (.wmv)

Epiphone Masterbilt guitars are built to such great specifications that they rival overly expensive “higher-end” guitars. The EF500RCCE is crafted with a solid rosewood body and topped with solid cedar wood providing both warmth and character that only gets better with age. A rosewood fingerboard on a mahogany neck provide smooth playability. Masterbilt guitars provide quality to last for years whenever, wherever, or however you use them.

Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features…

Hardware: Gold

Scale: 25.5 in.

Nut width: 1.75 in.

Neck: Dove Tail

Neck material: Mahogany

Fretboard/Inlay: Rosewood/Diamond Inlays

Binding: B

Body material: Solid Rosewood

Top: Solid Cedar

Pickup System: eSonic2

Buy Epiphone Masterbilt EF500RCCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Buy at Zzounds.comBuy at Musiciansfriend.com


Oh, this is best for finger style guitar playing. With ceder top, that sound is mellow. Not too much bass. Not so much bright. But very expressiveness.

I think that the sound dynamic range is not so wide than ordinal dreadnought gig. But the sound balance is good. So I can express my feeling all the time to my this epiphone.

I, am true fingerpicker, can enjoy the melody, bass, accompaniment from my guitar.

pickups: lr baggs

hardware:gold

scale: 25.50''

nut width: 1.75''

neck: dove tale

neck mat: mahogany

fb/inlay: rw/diamond

binding:b

body mat: solid rosewood

top: solid ceder

finishes: ns

pickguard

modern v-shape neck

satin finish

cutaway

w/ gigcase

Made in China

The body is not so big and not so heavy. I can hug this very easily.

The slightly wider fretboard is the best for my fingerstyle play.

First, I like this body design totally.

Satin finish top is good for me.

Tunig peg is too small.

Gig case is too luxually :-)

jgkmm554 (04/05/2007)

I really dig it. I really like the slightly wider fretboard – a tad wider than my Martin DM. Makes it easier to chord cleanly and get out those individual notes when cross picking or finger picking. Using it mainly through a Yamaha DG Stomp into a Marshall acoustic amp. Sounds great just into the amp as well. Sounds fantastic acoustically. Very evenly balanced output across the strings. The bass is very tight, only slightly less than a dred. This guitar is going to record very well.

2004. Made in China, setup in US. 14 frets to the body. Cutaway. Solid cedar top. Rosewood back and sides. Neck mahogany. LR Baggs Element Pickup with soundhole thumbwheel volume control. Satin finish. Grover gold open-gear tuners. Fairly deep V-shaped neck. 1.75" nut spacing. I believe you'd call it a "grand auditorium" body style. Epiphone doesn't give much description of their own on their website. In fact, as of this review – 11-6-04 – this model was not even mentioned or pictured on the Epiphone website. I bought it on a lark after reading the description on Musician's Friend web site. They had no pics as well. Comes with hard foam gig bag/case.

Set up well. I may lower the action a smidge. The new strings that it came with were deceiving at first – the guitar was overly bright. But after playing with it awhile, the sound has evened out and the bass and mids are projecting nicely. Great woods, inlay & binding… has a rather small, basic looking bridge. I'll swap the plastic bridge pins with wooden ones. I accessed the LR Baggs end pin jack – pulled it out the soundhole a bit – to see about attaching a lead to the ring connector for adding a second pickup according to LR Baggs directions. I've got an LR Baggs M1 soundhole magnetic pickup and tried it in this axe and really like it. Adds a great jazz-box tone when put through a tube amp. I plan on splitting the output from the end pin jack – M1 into a Reverend Goblin and the Element into my acoustic amp or PA. Only thing I wasn't happy about was the way the internal wiring was clamped down, using those little wire clamps with two sided tape, to the underside of the cedar top. Not to the bracing mind you, but to the cedar itself. I've installed several pickup systems and I always leave the top intact, tying down any loose wiring to the bottom bracing. It was no problem to correct this.

Never had to deal with them…though I am still amazed that this model is not presented on their website – not even a pic – but yet is on sale at on-line music stores. Go figure.

Gary Phillips (11/06/2004)

Taylor 314CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Taylor 314CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

 Taylor Tech Sheet Symptoms of a Dry Guitar

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on String Guage Info

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on New Strings

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Neck and Humidity Information

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on The Expression System

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Installing a New Saddle

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Jack Installation

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Truss Rod Adjustments

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Installing an End Pin Jack

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Intonation Info

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Symptoms of a Wet Guitar

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Guitar Humidifier

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on New Strings Part 2

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The Taylor 314ce features a Grand Auditorium body, Venetian cutaway, and the Taylor Expression System, adding up to a versatile guitar that’s perfect for stage and home.

Strong Rhythm

The warm tone and open midrange of African mahogany balances the bright and snappy characteristics of a Sitka spruce top. The resulting combination provides the perfect guitar for strong, rhythmic playing styles.

Grand Size

The Grand Auditorium combines the width and depth of a Dreadnought with a narrower waist. Its sleek design yields a strong treble zing across the tonal spectrum and sharpens the definition of individual notes. The Grand Auditorium is a strong fingerpicking guitar that also adapts well to medium strumming.

Taylor Expression System

Designed to faithfully reproduce your guitar’s native tone, the Expression System utilizes patented Dynamic Sensorsto capture top and string vibration like never before. Created in partnership with renowned audio pioneer, Mr. Rupert Neve, the Taylor ES is seamlessly integrated into the design of the guitar from the ground up. Onboard tone controls provide added flavor, or set flat for an uncolored, exceptionally clean amplified sound.

Fit & Finish

The finish used to create this guitar’s textured satin back and sides and lustrous gloss top was developed at Taylor for maximum durability and resistance to cold-checking. This ultra violet-cured finish is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lacquer finishes. Available in natural finish.

Taylor 314CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case) Features…

Type/Shape: 6-String Grand Auditorium

Back & Sides: African Mahogany

Top: Sitka Spruce

Soundhole Rosette: Wood Fiber

Neck: Tropical American Mahogany

Fretboard: Ebony

Fretboard Inlay: Large Pearl Dots

Headstock Overlay: Indian Rosewood

Binding: Black Fiber

Bridge: Ebony

Nut & Saddle: Tusq

Tuning Machines: Chrome-plated Taylor Tuners

Strings: Elixir Light Gauge Strings with Nanoweb Coating

Scale Length: 25-1/2 in.

Truss Rod: Adjustable

Neck Width at Nut: 1-3/4 in.

Number of Frets: 20

Bracing: Scalloped, X-Brace

Finish: Satin with Gloss Top

Cutaway: Venetian

Electronics: Taylor Expression System

Body Width: 16 in.

Body Depth: 4-5/8 in.

Body Length: 20 in.

Overall Length: 41 in.

Case: Taylor Hardshell

Buy Taylor 314CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
Buy at Zzounds.comBuy at Musiciansfriend.com

 Taylor Tech Sheet Symptoms of a Dry Guitar

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on String Guage Info

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on New Strings

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Neck and Humidity Information

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on The Expression System

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Installing a New Saddle

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Jack Installation

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Truss Rod Adjustments

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Installing an End Pin Jack

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Intonation Info

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Symptoms of a Wet Guitar

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 Taylor Tech Sheet Guitar Humidifier

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 Taylor Tech Sheet on New Strings Part 2

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"It's a Taylor."

This guitar sounds awesome. The lows and highs are definately there, but neither one is overpowering. The mids are great.

It's a Taylor.

It's a Taylor.

I've owned about 30 acoustic guitars. This is by far the best I've ever owned.

a customer from gmail.com (11/10/2006)
Love my Taylor!

I finally decided to buy a premium acoustic guitar last year and put together a laundry list of features my new axe had to have. One piece spruce top, Ebony fretboard, cutaway, good electronics, great action, responsive to finger picking AND strumming. The 314CE has it all, and for less than a comparable Martin (with no cutaway).

PS – My Rainsong-playing friend really digs it too.

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