The flagship model of Taylor’s most popular shape pushes further with the deluxe treatment, with three custom-style additions to this edition.
When Taylor’s master luthier Andy Powers took a leading role in redesigning the company’s 800 series back in 2014, it was a landmark in the company’s story of innovation, refining and enhancing a popular series with a combination of technological advancements. And the Grand Auditorium 814ce (reviewed in issue 380) was the jewel in the cutaway crown. The original model that helped make Taylor’s reputation was always likely to be the first on the wishlist for Powers to work on and it was eventually chosen to debut the second iteration of Taylor’s Expression System.
The mission statement centred on maximising the potential for tonal improvement in a number of ways that could combine to revoice the 814, from greater response with a notably thinner top finish on the spruce (reduced from 6 to 3.5 ‘mils’/ thousands of an inch), to tone-aiding protein glue and the fundamental switch from straight to Advanced Performance Bracing, slanted towards the back to further accentuate the rosewood’s low-end characteristics. The redesigned model was a winner with players, an all-rounder with its own distinct flavour that still exuded Taylor’s values. So what does this Deluxe edition bring to the success story? First, let’s take a look at what’s changed.
There are three new custom-style features here that all have their own distinct impact on the player’s experience with this version of the 814. The brushed-satin chrome Gotoh 510 tuners are a change to Taylor’s own-logo’d brand. These tuners are a top-of-the-range option with a higher 21:1 gear ratio that delivers on the reputation – they’re very smooth to the touch and in action. They also have a fresh aesthetic that falls somewhere in the region of a retro-futurist butter bean. Whatever it is, we like it.
この記事は Guitarist の March 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Guitarist の March 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
QUICK CHANGE
As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar
Return Of The Rack
A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.
Pure Filth
This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.
Reptile Royalty
From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion
Tradition Revisited
Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more
Ramble On
Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?
Redrawing The 'Bird
A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.
Boss Cube Street II
Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.
STILL CRAZY
One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more