Taylor Guitars 415-R

This is a 2003 415R - rosewood jumbo. It is similar in appointments to the current 415 model: all solid wood, spruce top, ebony fingerboard, mahogany neck, silver ping tuners, perloid dots. The two upgrades on this model are rosewood back and sides, and full gloss finish. In other words, it has the woods of the 8oo series, but the simple, stripped down appointemtns of the 400 series. I recieved this with no electronics, but have since installed a K&K Pure Western transducer (highly recommended). The guitar also came with a luggage style case. A nice case, but I wish they continued to make the brown cases with the pink plush.

After auditioning hundreds of guitars over the span of two years, I came to the conclusion that I consistantly prefered rosewood and spruce guitars over all other wood combinations.

As a worship leader and singer/song writter wanna-be, the guitar fits my style perfectly. Being a jumbo, it has plenty of volume. The strings are very well balanced. Tonally, it is good though it does seem to lack some shimmer. Maybe that's because I've primarily played 12 string for the last 6 years. It could also be the discount strings I bought in bulk. I'm not disappointed with the sound, and nobody else is. It is a very good sounding guitar, at the same time, I'm not enamoured with it. At least not yet.

I should note that it is both a great guitar for full strumming and finger picking. It's very responsive. Lots of sustain.

The construction of teh guitar is flawless. The action from the factory is just a wee bit high, but not so high that I've dome something about it. Also, I broke about 4 D strings, until I applied some light sanding to the saddle.

But "playability" is probably the reason I bought another Taylor. I love the neck. This guitar is very easy to play. Unlike some other guitars, I can play for hours without fatigue.

I have no doubt that it will last. Taylors are delicate guitars needing humidification in dry seasons - but then, so are most of the guitars from newer North American companies (Larrivee, Breedlove, Tacoma, etc.) I have already taken this guitar abroad and plan to do so many more times. Though I deducted above for the new style black taylor case, it is still a great case protecting the guitar from baggage handlers and humidity.

So far my dealings with Taylor have been awesome. Actually, I delt with them directly in buying this guitar. When I had heard of this limited edition run of 415Rs, I called them to locate one for me, which they did. I recieved calls from 3 different sales reps. In the end they located one in Grand Rapids, MI that had never been on the floor. The store told me they were wanting to send the product back, since it didn't have the ES system. At the request of the Taylor rep, they made me a deal - $200 cheaper than other stores had quoted me.

The warranty is life for the original owner. I have no doubt they would stand behind it.

I have been playing for 25 years. My current arsenal includes a Taylor 855, Washburn HB35, and an archtop Silvertone. I have also owned two Guilds. Though I've not owned a lot of guitars (I hate the buying and selling process, so I'm careful - something I learned from my father.), I have researched and played most of what's out there. There are other great guitars besides Taylors. In fact, I was really wanting to buy something different. But considering what I was looking for: Jumbo, Rosewood, Spruce, under $1000, I'm grateful just to have this guitar. Either I was dissatisfied with the sound or playability, or I wasn't able to afford the guitar.

So, what I'm saying is that my 415R is perfect for me. I hope to be using it for many years to come. I don't anticipate trading up on it. If It were lost or stolen, I would start the search again.