Tacoma DR20 Acoustic

Would you believe I only stumbled across this site last week! Anyway, my review of the DR20:

First let me say that I've owned mine for about 3 years now, so I'm qualified to discuss it's pros/cons. Mine is the non-cutaway (I think they all are) acoustic-electric version (i.e. DR20E2). It has a beautiful solid spruce (sitka, I believe) top and equally majestic solid rosewood sides and back. Unlike many Tacomas, the finish on this one is high-gloss. I believe the pickup system in this guitar is made by EMG. There really aren't too many features - it's an acoustic afterall ;). I guess I'd like to see a tone control and EQ built in.

The sound is what got me. Funny how others have compared it's sound to the higher-end Martins. Personally, I was looking for something that sounded like a Gibson jumbo, but in a non-Gibson dreadnaught. I think this nails it! In fact, I'd put this guitar up against ANY Gibson out there, and I really think it would hold it's own. It's loud, extremely resonant and very deep/full sounding (if that makes sense).

I think quality-wise, it's up there with the higher end Martins. I'd say the build quality is higher than the Gibson acoustics. I've got a couple of friends that own Gibsons (J45 and a Dove) and both are annoyed that my Tacoma seems to be better built and has a sweeter sound. They've both wanted to trade for mine - no way!

It's a shame Fender bought this company. I'd be interested in knowing what the build quality is on the post-Fender Tacomas.

Well, as I said, I've had it for 3 years with absolutely no issues. I've taken it camping, used it in coffee houses, etc. I think this will last longer than me!

I've never dealt with them - I've never needed to.

I've been playing for almost 30 years. I've owned many acoustics and electrics for that matter. I knew I had to have this as soon as I heard some kid trying it out at a Cuitar Genter here in Oregon. I sold my Guild F30, Ovation Legend and believe it or not, my Martin D18 a week after bringing this home. I paid a grand for it (Used) and let me say it was the best grand I've ever spent on a guitar!

6 string non-cutaway dreadnaught with solid Sitka Spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. The machine heads look to be Schallers. Oh, this one came with the EMG pre-amp, so I can plug'er in as well.

I was actually looking at a few mid-priced Martins when I stumbled across this baby. Quite frankly, I had never heard of the company at the time, but when I A/B'd this with the Martins I was looking at (D18, D28), I was very, very impressed. The DR20 seemed to sound bolder and fuller with much more resonance than the 2 Martins. Don't get me wrong - they sounded good, but the Tacoma sounded better!

This guitar is beautifully made. The action was perfect - it's too bad Fender bought Tacoma - I hate it when large corporations swallow the litte guy.

I really can't see anything happening to this guitar - it does seem to be build quite solidly.

Never had to contact them.

I've been playing for over 10 years. This was the first acoustic guitar I have ever owned. I really don't see myself getting another acoustic - this one is just perfect. The tone and overall resonance are beautiful. I still have yet to hear another acoustic touch it. Once, a Martin D35 came close, very close - but it also costed twice as much.

Features well described below. Mine is full dreadnaught with solid rosewood back and sides, very nice spruce top. I will mention the grain on the top is so tight I couldn't count the lines per inch around the sound whole. One of the best tops I have ever seen on a guitar. Tuners really hold their tune. Clear plastic pick guard. Wide 1 and 3/4 inch neck which I like, very easy to play not tight or stiff, easy action. Oversize headstock I think adds to the tone. Beautiful inlays around the sound hole and a fully bound rosewood neck. Additionally, a B-Band pick-up was added.

Everything folk, rock, Jazz Chord solos and I have started plaing Hawaiian, this guitar handles it. Doesn't bottom out when you dig into it. Very loud when strummed hard. Great balance, I think the oversized sound hole really enhances projection. You don't have to use a separate mic for the guitar when you sing, it's that loud. Really rich and full sounding acoustic and I have tried them all. The wide neck makes it very easy to play. Intonation rings true. If you play Hawaiian music the guitar really shines with alternative tunings like a Taro Patch or Wahine Tuning, nive guitar for bluegrass also with a nice loud articulate bass.

The finish is flawless, having bought the guitar used (previous owner had done one string change) the guitar needed a little set-up. I changed the saddle to a Tusq saddle made specifically for the B-Band pick-up and at the same time upgraded the bridge pins to Tusq also. Everything on the guitar lines up perfectly. This is a high quality guitar. Tuners have small buttons on them (my only dislike)but they hold their tune well. The top has herring bone inlay and there is abalone the sound hole.

The guitar came with one strap button at the bottom of the guitar that doubles as the plug in for the pick-up. I tie off at the tuners so the no need for a neck strap button. With the new saddle no string breakage at all. Frets are starting to show some wear. I had a Larrivee prior to this guitar and after many years the frets still looked brand new. It may be the kind of fret wire Tacoma uses. Like I said earlier it is a very loud guitar. I use Ernie Ball not slinky steel strings 12-54, which are made for electric guitars and either a Pick-Boy Classic 1.20mm or a GoldenGate pick. My Tacoma is very loud without breaking up or sounding mushy. Its a cannon.

No opinion. I use local guitar tech.

I have been playing for 35 years the last five years exclusively acoustic. I have sold off all my electrics. Prior to owning this guitar I had a Larrivee that was a fine guitar but a little dry in tone. I really like the Tacoma, it is loud, has lots of tone and easy to play. The sound really jumps right out of the guitar and I am use to the sound. Now when I play other guitars old or new I compare it to that Tacoma. Also the finish fit and finish of the guitar is outstanding.

2004 Tacoma DR20 made in USA pre Fender
Ebony fingerboard & bridge
Bone nut & saddle
Solid Spruce top
Solid Rosewood B/S - beautifully bookmatched back
1 3/4 neck @ nut (slightly wider than Martin D-28)
Tacoma name on headstock in MOP - again beautifully done
Tacoma hardshell case - actually kind of cheap

I went into the local Guitar center with the express purpose of buying a Martin, I have bought6 guitars from them over the years and usually get a right deal, I knew they had plenty of Martins in stock - I played 3 Martins that day (HD-28, Marquis Dread and A D16GTR) - then I saw this used Tacoma DR20 - The Martins are nice, but this Tacoma had THE sound- rich and full across the entire sound spectrum - Full, thick but not booming bass, clear articulate mids and shimmering highs - all for a lot less $$ than the others - first thing I did was have it set up with low to moderate action (I strum a lot, flat pick and fingerpick) for 11's, also had a "crystal" ribbon, completely passive pick up installed -this guitar has the nicest sound and is absolutely full of complex harmonics and tones - I use a .60mm ultrex pick for strumming and flatpicking - and it resonates exactly as you want a dread acoustic to - I have a Taylor and have had high end Yamahas, nothing compares to this guitar as far as the sound that I was looking for - this DR20 has a slightly larger sound hole than standard dreads - maybe thats why it projects so well -

The fit and finish of this particular Tacoma are fine, it was used but in great condition - in fact there wasn't a scratch on it - everything is as it should be - I know some Tacomas have bubbles in their finish, this one is perfect (for now, and hopefully forever)- had it professionally set up and it plays like a dream - can, and do, play it for hours - don't care for the clear pickguard but don't plan on replacing it - the Tacoma case was a little suspect, so I just tote it around in my calton case (a little snug, but it works)

This guitar seems to be very solid - I've been playing for 34 years and have had many guitars - I believe Tacoma was doing a fine job when this particular guitar was built - hopefully Fender won't screw them up too badly - Also, this guitar has a very very colorful Tacoma insert on the headstock that is beautiful mother of pearl - most of the other DR20's I've seen don't have this feature, they are typically just white or ivory looking - the binding is plain black not the typical tortise shell that they have used on some - this guitar sounds incredible at this point and should only open up more with time and sound even better with age - I never gig without a back up and this was going to be my back up for the Taylor, however this is now my main performer -

Have not dealt with Tacoma on any issues and don't anticipate that I will - take care of your equipment and it will take care of you

I've been playing for over 30 years - professionally and in my church - I absolutely love this Tacoma, although I have heard of issues with other Tacomas - it has a completely passive under saddle pick up in it and I play through a Fishman Platinum EQ pre-amp and Roland AC 60 amp - I currently own a Taylor 314CE (solid mahogany)and Yamaha FGX-04 LTD (laminate rosewood) and this Tacoma DR20 (and some very high end electrics that I really never even use anymore)- if it were lost or destroyed I would be heartbroken and I would certainly search for another, however, you have to look closely at really anything you buy (especially used)

Purchased in 2000. Solid spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides. Dreadnaught guitar with no electronics installed. I installed a Fishman Natural Matrix I but it is a little too strong on the bass and feedback is a problem. Fishman does not recommend this pickup for big guitars and I will be replacing it with the Fishman Natural II. I knew this in the beginning and wanted to check it out for myself. I recommend you listen when the manufacturer tells you what not to do.

Sound hole is a little larger such as Clarence White's original guitar that Tony Rice has. Sound hole feedback eliminators do not fit or are loose. Body has a beautiful gloss finish. Quality of this guitar is a class act and I have to wonder why I don't see more of them up here in Canada. I particularly like the Herringbone type of binding on the guitar and the abalone inlaid rosette. Guitar came with a gigbag, I never used. I bought a hard case for it. Chrome tuners.

This guitar is great for Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel Music. It has warm and pronounced sound with the extra bottom end you like to have for bluegrass. I took it to a bluegrass festival in the U.S. and it felt strange that I seemed to be the only one without a Martin, however the sound of the Tacoma sure lifted some eyebrows and it stood right up there with the best of them. I have played many festivals where people have come up later and asked what make my guitar was. (Mostly Martin owners, I never experienced that when I had my D-35) The guitar sounds great into a mic. I will know better how it will sound plugged in when I install the Natural II.

Guitar played well right off the shelf. I like low action just to the point where it doesn't buzz. I use D'Addario EXP Medium Guage strings since new. Because of the extreme temperature changes here in north Ontario from winter to summer I have to adjust the guitar usually twice a year. I have made 2 bridges, 1 for spring and 1 for fall. A little truss rod adjustment and this guitar plays like a dream and stays in tune all year. you just need to keep it from extreme quick temperature changes and let it climatize so it doesn't crack. Overall I can't say enough about the quality of this guitar.

I have gigged inside and outside with this guitar since 2000. I have played in hot dry summer weather and moist damp humid weather outside and even occasionally around the campfire which I strongly do not recommend anyone doing with a quality guitar. This guitar is well built and I never take a back-up to a performance. I strongly believe this guitar will last as long as I need it.

I repair string instruments and look after my own repairs. I have never had to call customer support.

I have been playing semi- pro for 10 years and messin' with the guitar since I was a kid. I am left-handed but play right and maybe that has stymied my playing and held me back somewhat. However I work at it every day and it it continues to get better. I have my own studio, as well an early original Norman B-20 plywood guitar (My campfire guitar), a Larrivee D-05, Martin DX-16GTE, a custom electric bass that I built, a limited edition Hohner Banjo and a couple of keyboards and synths.

If the guitar were stolen and I caught the guy, it would be last thing he would ever steal. If I lost the guitar then I probably deserved to. Would I buy it again? I don't know, from the prices that I have seen others paying it looks like I paid a lot.

This is a 1997 (You can tell the dates by the numbers inside the cavity. They started letter dating after 1997.) Tacoma DR-20. Laminate Rosewood sides and back, solid spruce top, and rosewood fingerboard. No electronics. Chrome GoToh tuners.

This was, hands down, one of the best sounding acoustic guitars ever made by a large company. The only ones that I've liked better were $8,000 custom Taylors and mid 50's / 40's Martins, and there were only a handful of them that I've played that sounded better (MAYBE 3 or 4.). Beautiful bass tones along with great mids and ringing highs. Very nice amount of volume, too. Who would have thought that an instrument with laminate sides and a laminate back could sound so good?

Bought it brand new 6 years ago. I wish the neck was just a little wider as I am currently a semi-professional bass player that teaches guitar on the side. I would like something of a hybrid between a classical neck and standard dread neck. However, considering that it doesn't have that kind of neck I would say that it plays pretty damn good.

Let's see. There is one slight crack in the face, but it hasn't grown in about 3 years. I belive that was my own fault, though. Do have some mild bubbling by the tunes, too. Other than that this instrument has proven to be VERY reliable. I gig with a bass usually, but I wouldn't hesitate to bring this thing out if I needed it.

I have no clue. Never had to call them.

I've been playing guitar for 11 years. This is my baby, and possibly will be one of the best investments I've ever made as a musician, aside from MAYBE my Fender Jazz (and that's a BIG maybe). If it were stolen I'd hunt that bastard down that took it and torture him until he gave it back. I love this guitar THAT much. Favorite feature is the sound. It has the sound of my soul in it, and I don't think I could ever sell or get rid of it.

All the usually sought-after dread features; bound fretbd, solid woods, in the nice rosewood on all but the top.
Satin neck, gloss poly body
Bone nut/bridge
Tacoma tuners
Old style particle board case, though.
Pins have MOP, fret marks and soundhole trim.

That's what sold me - comaring basic dreads from Martin, Taylor, Fender... for the range within $500-800 higher, I could not get the dynamic range and fullness from the others. Bass is full and shy of boomy.
Musical style is new country, acoustic rock, and scale work as I train. I feel this is an excellent choice for fingerpicking and flatpicking where arpeggios need to ring out with even tonality a the major intervals.
Stands up to some of the top brands with strumming.

Highest marks in this category.
Got this one second hand, but obviously played very little.
Great setup with orig strings.
Adjusted action up! a notch with a quater turn of the truss rod. Aggressive strumming and my left hand fretwork allowed some slap/buzz on string 6, initially.
Finish - clean, tight tolerances. Intersting finger joint attachemnt of head. Probably ensures less warpage, or allowed them to add a head with mapling.

Solid strap button on end, but none on neck/body weld. I strap-tie at the neck, however.
I cannot find the weakest point in this guitar. Of the 4 I own, it's the most solidly built (lesser Wash. D-13, Taylor 310CE, Ibanez)

I believe Fender bought the company. How's their support?

This is month 10, but I've put in numerous hours at 30 min to 2 hours each day. I've memorized the fretboard and scale blocks of maj/Hmin/pentMajmin and nearly completed Guitar Magic III with this guitar. Can no longer play the Washburn, but do like the Taylor at showtime!
If you can get it used, you've got a go-anywhere, handle most any style, best of the dread-breed under $1500. Tacoma differs in that it's USA made, has warmth and dynamic range that's hard to beat.

Tacoma DR-20
solid rosewood sides and back, solid sitka spruce top
Gotoh tuners
Hardshell case (not originally supplied with guitar)
wide(ish) thin neck

The Dr-20 I own has a very rich/full sound, I had never even heard of Tacoma guitars about five years ago when I bought mine. I was in a little local guitar shop and heard the owner playing it. (he had just taken it in on trade for something so it is used) After I played it for a while, I decided that I loved it.

My Dr-20 was used (less than 1 yr old), so Im not exactly sure of the factory set-up. But I will say that I have never owned ANY guitar that came from the factory that perfectly suited my particular likes. I did adjust the truss rod slightly (for a hair lower action. The tuners are still solid and tight. THere are no flaws in the finish or the guitar itself that I can find.

This guitar doesn't have a pickup, but I have mic'd it several times with a shure sm-57 with great results. The finish seems thick and dent resistant (I have an eight month old son that's proof of the dent resistance). Everything is solid on the guitar (including strap buttons). The DR-20 is very dependable and I would be very confident doing a gig with only it. (and maybe an extra set of strings)

No dealings with customer support

I have been playing guitar for 15 yrs. I also play a USA Fender HM Strat that I have customized, A fender JD tele. I use a Crate DX-212 amp, a Boss GT-5 effects processor and a Morley, Bad Horsie Wah.

If my DR-20 were lost/Stolen I would go and try my best to find another one. It's sound and playability are comparable or better than many other higher priced guitars, and that was the deciding factor after I played it to buy it.

The person who put medium strings on his Tacoma; no wonder he has vertical cracks on the top, and has neck/fret problems. Tacoma's come with "light" strings from the factory, and they don't recommend medium or heavy strings; due to the extra weight that has to be used to bring medium/heavy strings up to pitch. This will cause the neck to bend, and put the bracing under unnecessary force, which could cause cracking of the Spruce top.

I already submitted this review, but I've had some dealings with Tacoma, and I came away with a bitter taste in my mouth. Their hardshell cases, as you may know, are the most worthless pieces of crap I have ever seen. The handle broke off mine after two months. I contacted Tacoma, and they said to take it to my dealer. That didn't help at all. Then they said they'd send a replacement handle. They didn't. My first call was in November. I finally got a replacement HANDLE in APRIL. 5 months to send me a $5 handle. As much as I love the sound of my DR20, I would NEVER purchase another Tacoma because they don't stand behind their products. I'd rather spend a little more, get a Taylor that doesn't sound as good and be assured that if anything happened they'd take care of me.