Thanks for the reply. I’ll definitely put that one on the short list. Looks like a nearby dealer has a Golden Era. :mrgreen:
Guitar experts
Long ago, I owned Taylor 410 and at 1-3/4", the nut was already pretty wide. From what I’ve seen, wider nuts on dreads are kind of unusual.
Wow. That sounds like a seriously nice guitar. Did they make you wear an apron to play it? Did you get to play a Collins CJ? Tuesday or Thursday I’m heading to a store that has Collings, McPherson and Martin. Exciting stuff. I’m sure when I get to the store something will sound right.
ldpayton: I might have to give up on that last 1/4 inch or buy another classical guitar.
Ben, you guys are so lucky with all the great guitar stores in Nashville. I was about to drive over there just to visit Artisan and Gruhn before I found my guitar.
The new standard D-18 (they just modified it this year) also has 1 3/4" nut. They are getting rave reviews, but I have yet to find one to play personally. Ditto the positive thoughts on the D-18GE. Mine is the loudest guitar I have owned. It’s has a surprisingly balanced sound as well.
There is a lot of praise for the D-18GE on this thread and on other threads and I have to concur. My friend has one and it’s wonderful to play and hear. It’s like a comfortable, broken in pair of shoes.
I would also recommend the D-18GE if you want the 1 3/4" nut but if you really like the thin neck on the Taylor you’ll probably find the GE neck more than a handful.
That’s true, the GE has the modified V-neck and people tend to love 'em or hate 'em. I have that profile on two guitars (they are similar anyway), and I tend to like them. If you want 1 3/4" nut with a less tapered and thinner neck, the new standard D-18 has the PA profile which is very similar to the Taylor. I think that profile was probably developed to try to grab some market share from Taylor. I wouldn’t be surprised to see all the standard Martins go to that over the next few years.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to buy an instrument for $30,000! I’m sure it would be different if I was playing
professionally, then I could justify it. But, it is just a hobby, so I’ll just dream about it.
jim
I know what you are saying Jim… that’s goofy money. I don’t want something so expensive that I am afraid to play it. On the other hand it was about 10 years ago when people were saying $100k for a Loar F5 is ridiculous. The “idiots” that bought them, now have something worth closer to a quarter of a million bucks. I don’t buy guitars because I think they will appreciate, but at the same time, it’s eases my mind to know that my guitars have done better in appreciating than most places I could have put the money. It’ makes purchases less troubling when I can buy a guitar, enjoy it for years, and most likely, I’ll be able to get my money out of it and then some. If I could just figure out a way to put investment grade instruments into a 401k, I’d be dangerous.
Find a Taylor 210-CE you will be amazed at the volume this one puts out it sells for around 900 and is a nice looking guitar with built in electronics . As soon as I sell my 1989 strat I will buy one . I was impressed and played Martin and Gibson while there and not even half the volume, and tone of this one .I don’t know how they would stand up to a lot of playing but it sounds great. I will own it soon.
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I don’t know how they would stand up to a lot of playing but it sounds great.
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I’m glad you found a guitar that you are excited about. Taylor makes great guitars and they will stand up to as much playing as you want to give them. As with all guitars, strings get dead and frets get worn, but other than that, the more you play them, the better they get.
Really getting close to buying a Mcpherson. Haven’t picked one yet but ready to make a trip to Mandolin Bros and leave with one. Probably within a week or two. Comments or suggestions ???
I think I have played about 4 or 5 McPhersons. Every one of them was as well finished and setup as could be done. All of them had nice tone, but one really stood out. A couple were stunning looking. They have so much variety in tonewoods, I wouldn’t get in too big of a rush unless you already know what you want. They can also make it to your spec (which would be pretty cool). You might want to shoot Ben a note and get his thoughts. It seems he really enjoys his.
Good information and advice. I didn’t realize how many wood options existed until I got serious about buying. That’s me
I have only played a few also and remember liking the less expensive model the best out four of them when I was at MB a year or two back. (I avoided the word cheaper 
) My wife has okayed this purchase but I am still a little nervous about the cash.
One thing for sure is I will play it, gigs and all. No Glass Case guitars for me.
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Really getting close to buying a Mcpherson. Haven’t picked one yet but ready to make a trip to Mandolin Bros and leave with one. Probably within a week or two. Comments or suggestions ???
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Well, since you asked: Try to be as open minded as possible. Play other high end guitars other than the McPhersons you are seeking. Give them all a fair shot (one may surprise you). Then if a Mcpherson is still the one calling you the most, you’ll feel more sure about your purchase. Take your time like Mike said. It wouldn’t hurt to take a break for an hour or so (lunch maybe) and then return and re-try the ones that impressed you the most.
I tried two or three McPhersons at Wilcutt Guitars in Kentucky about three years ago and they impressed me a lot, but so did a particular Collings Rosewood Winfield model and a Martin D-28 Marquis (and I’m not much of a Martin guy). I didn’t buy anything that day, but any one of them would have been a pleasure to own. The McPhersons are incredible guitars but seem overpriced to me. But so are Blue Chip and Red Bear Picks and I buy them. So it’s what you can afford (or what you want to spend) on something that will bring a lifetime of joy that counts.
Good Luck and let us all know what you get.
J.W.
Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am suffering from extreme indecisiveness. My latest desire is a Collings CJ but I still need to go play n price. (what a drag haha) It could be a little more time than I initially thought but I will let you know where I land. BTW, the mcpherson is not completely out of the picture but unlikely at this point.
Since it sounds like you’ll be shopping… if you find a deal on a Santa Cruz RS let me know 
I’m on it!!!
These are the types of decisions I wish to have and wish I could afford. If time is not an issue, take as much as you like to find “the one”. There are so many wonderful instruments out there, some that nearly play themselves and others who sound like angels singing. If you find one that sounds like angels singing all by themselves, buy it.
About 17 years ago, I went to purchase my first “expensive” acoustic guitar. I had saved up $2000 and thought it time to spend more than $300 on an instrument. I was particularly looking for a Martin (a life long dream). I went to this wonderful acoustic guitar store (no longer in business) and played all manner of Martin, Gibson, Collings, Santa Cruz and much more all kept in a perfect 47% humidity environment. There was this one small bodied Collings that fit my description above. Had I had two and a half times as much cash as I was holding that day, it surely would have come home with me. As it was, I came home with a particularly nice Martin M38. If you can find the one, find it, buy it and play it, you won’t be sorry… and take your time. Enjoy the ride!