Taylor Guitars 415

made in 1995 in the USA, 21 frets, spruce top and ovankol back and sides. It didn't come with a pickup but i have added the Takemine Tri-ax soundhole pickup which sounds absolutely amazing. much better than the taylor expression and i haven't used a fishman rare earth to compare it to. Its a bit of a plain jane but its still beautiful and i only care about the sound anyway!

before this guitar i had Fender super jumbo which was cheap but great for learning and strumming etc.. the taylor is my baby now! it taught me to fingerpick! and will never be sold mainly because it sounds gorgeous, is easy to play and is 10 years old so it has been played in and has opened up. I play folk/folk rock/guitar pop and and alt country and its great for all of them.

i don't know how it was set up from the factory because i bought it second had from ebay but the action is very low and comfortable. i can't find any flaws.

SUPER RELIABLE! stays in tune for ages and has a nice hard case.

N/A

i love it, and i'm super fussy about guitars,not snobby! i just have to have perfect intonation, action and sound etc.. this is a great guitar!

I am not clear on the year this was made. I just placed one on layaway. When rating features for an acoustic, it seems to me to be a matter of preference. I enjoy a wild looking guitar as much as the next lunatic (you should see my electrics), but acoustics should have TONE! This model was the one with the spruce top and the ovankol(spelling?) back and sides. It has the Expression system as well, consisting of three knobs, volume, bass, and treble (rhymes with rebel). This is and active system, and the knobs have a detent, so you can actively cut or boost these parameters. The battery for the preamp is easily accessible from the end pin; all ya need is a 'quata(quarter). The pickup number three, no more, no less, and are wired out of phase with one another. This prevents FEEDBACK at high volumes, and anyone who has tried that live with Mr. Piezo has danced with the feedback whore of Babelon.
Finish= simple and elegant. No frills, but sweet.

I have been looking for a new acoustic for 2 years. I research the poo out of things before I buy them. I have played about every guitar made by man (and a few by women, I'm sure), and this suprised me. To me, the Taylors are mixed lot.As every one who has relatives can attest, a name means very little, and the black hole known as coorporations have bastardized/adopted many names to sell crap to a zombie-like public. I was shocked (as was my wife) at the (unplugged) volume of this baby. Store= what do you think? Me= Its not a great sound. Store= well you should hear it plugged up! WRONG ANSWER! Acoustics should be at their best unplugged (i.e. acoustically). This guitar was tender when stroked and assaultive when beat. Huge, well rounded sound.
Now the kicker: remember my previous comments about the feedback whore of Babelon? I cranked this leviathon up on a Genz-Benz acoustic amp, and (sitting 20" away) played loud enough to begin the resonation of the other acoustics in the store! Even the owner was shocked that no feedback was occuring at that volume. The controls gave a great amount of boost for their respective assignments. This was a major big deal, as live performance separates the men from the hippies.
I read the pickups are magnets encased in fluid surrounded by an electromagnetic coil. I can only assume what the fluid is....

I saw no cosmetic flaws in this guitar, but I can't say a fine-toothed it (I was too busy playing it).
As mentioned, I have not been pleased with other Taylors I have played. As far as set up, I suspect the factory bridge hight to have been modified by in-store wankers with weak little squirrly hands (I didnt say girly so put down the lighter fluid and bra). Even with good bridge setups, some were less than impressive. I give the Taylors a less than perfect for this, but mine is excellent.

Everything seems solid but time will tell....

Again, no experience. They better not suck or I'll have to open up a can of irrationality on them.

I have been playing 20 years (off and on) and play a wide variety of music (hard rock, metal, reggae, funk, blues,). I play in a rock band and write constantly. I also play in our church, so versatility is important. I have an Alvarez somethingorother acoustic, but have several nice electrics. I write alot on acoustic guitar, and enjoy playing as it it portable, simple, and helps focus on playing vs tweaking.
As I said, I have played multiple acoustics and found this to be at the top of the heap. The star is the electronics; I am nuts about good tone and hate piezo systems that I have heard. This systems craps on all others.

US (California) made all-solid wood guitar, 2003 model, Purchased new in 2004.
Jumbo shape (gigantic lower bout!)
Ovangkol back/sides, Sitka spruce top, Mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard and bridge, Rosewood headstock overlay, Chrome-plated "Taylor" (they're Grover's) tuners, Tusq nut and saddle, Pearl dots. 20 frets, no electronics, satin finish with gloss top.
Came with a Taylor (nice!) hardshell case and Elixer (crap!) "nanoweb" med. guage strings.
The only reason I give this a "9", is the strings that came with it. I HATE Elixer strings!!!! I don't know what in the hell Bob Taylor sees in them, but they are overpriced garbage. Sure they last, but who the hell cares when the sound "dead" when brand new?
In other words, a lot of guitar for the money

Great sound, this baby sings! I've read where a lot of people consider the "jumbo" shape to be the most versatile shape out there, and I tend to agree. I do a lot of rhythm strumming, and this baby holds up to that just fine, even to the fast, hard strumming on Irish tunes. I have a friend who is primarily a fingerpicker, and she loves to play this guitar.
The sound is typical Taylor... very balanced. Nice bass, without being overbearing, very nice highs, without being irritating, and a superb midrange. The pairing of African ovangkol and Sitka spruce is brilliant- similar to a rosewood body, but with a bit more sparkle.
The 1st thing I did was replace the crappy Elixer strings that came with the guitar with a set of "John Pearse" phosphor bronze, and it made all the difference in the world, really made the tone come alive.

Ahh... this is where Taylors tend to really shine... Finish is perfect, fittings, bookmatching of woods, all the cosmetics are flawless. The ovangkol back is truly stunning, under certain lights it has almost this kind of holgraphic appearance, absolutely beautiful. The Sitka spruce top is very pretty, and is actually a little darker in color than many spruce tops I've seen (although maybe it's just a layer of nicotine over it!). The rosewood headstock overlay looks just slightly odd on this guitar, but in in no way detracts from it's appearance (it'a an exceptional overlay).
The gloss finish on the top is hard and durable, and I love the satin finish on the body and especially the neck... My 1st acoustic had a gloss neck, and since then I've purchased a Seagull and Art & Lutherie (both made by Godin of Canada), along with an Alvarez 12 string. All have satin necks, and I far prefer them to gloss finished ones. They stay smooth and slick, even after hard playing, while I find gloss necks to get a little "sticky" after they get a bit of sweat on them.
Action... It's a Taylor, what can I say? The action was perfect from the factory. Has that sweet, low Taylor action that I love. Martin's are great guitars (and I played several before buying this), but their action just doesn't compare with a Taylor.

Since one helluva lot of artists use Taylors live, I have no doubt it would withstand extensive gigging. The hardware is great (I love the big, fat tuners!!), and the finish doesn't seem like it would be a problem. Sure it's bit delicate, but so are all solid wood guitars. I think Bob Taylor overdoes things just a tad with his fixation on humidity, but with reasonable care, I expect this axe to last me a lifetime.

Wonderful. I've contacted them several times both before and after my purchase, and they couldn't have been better. If you email them, they get right back to you. If you call them, they are willing to spend as much time as necessary and hook you up with the right people to answer your questions. They are proud of their guitars, and it shows. Were I to have any problems, I'm sure that they would go "above and beyond the call" to make things right. However, regarding the shop I purchased the guitar from...
I got this at "Woodwind and Brasswind" in South Bend, IN. Unfortunately, this is a "megamusic" store... kind of like "Guitar Center", except that the employees actually know what they are talking about (when you can actually get one to help you-like GC, they are hopelessly understaffed). They don't set up any of their guitars before sale, and it's impossible to get the guitar teacher their to call you back to schedule your "free" lesson. Pretty bad. I'd recommend buying this or any guitar from a smaller shop, or a place like Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI (great mail order service, and worth the drive to visit them, no matter where you live!).

I've been playing for a year or so. I also own a Seagull S6+ Spruce, an Art & Lutherie "wild cherry" all-laminated guitar, an Alvarez 12 string and a Morgan Monroe "The Natural" 6-string (as well as a fiddle, a mandolin, a hammer dulcimer, tinwhistles, harmonicas and jew's harps!).
This is actually one of Taylor's "lower end" guitars. I played others before buying, including Martin's, Larrivee's and Tacoma's, but with the sound and sale price on this one, it was an easy decision. If it were lost or stolen, I'd buy a new one, unless I could afford a higher-end model (but no matter what, it would still be a Taylor!).
The only thing I didn't like about this guitar was the junk Elixer strings that came with it. Do yourself a favor if you purchase any Taylor guitar... as soon as you get it home, remove the Elixers and put some GOOD strings (John Pearse, D'Addario's or Markley's) on it. You'll be amazed that it actually sounds even better than it did in the store!

For those who haven't already looked up the specs elsewhere, the Jumbo 415 is constructed using all solid woods and features a Spruce top and Ovangkol back and sides. The neck is made of Tropical American Mahogany with an ebony fretboard, 20 frets, and a scale length of 25 1/2 inches. The 2004 model I have is equipped with the Taylor Expression System with volume, treble, and bass controls. For the money, this is basically a feature rich guitar sans the frills found at the higher end of the taylor line.

This is one sweet sounding guitar. Though I generally prefer Spruce with Rosewood, the Ovangkol sounds absolutely wonderful and to my tastes may even be the better choice on a Jumbo Body for fingerstyle playing. The bass is strong but not overpowering and the mids and highs are well balanced. That being said, this guitar sounds absolutely stunning when strummed.

All in all this guitar was well set up at the factory. The action is a tad higer than ideal for my fingerstyle of playing though being a Jumbo it was presumably set up for strumming and flat picking. It requires significantly more effort to fret than my Martin DR or Ovation '03 Collectors Edition which causes my fingers to get tired a lot sooner. I can play both of my other guitars significantly longer without my fingers feeling fatigued but can only sustain playing for about 2-3 hours with the 415. This has been my biggest dissappointment with this otherwise fabulous instrument.

The finish is generally excellent though I did notice what is either the beginnings of a small linear crack or an excessive build up of finish approximately 7 mm in length parallel to the edge of the lower bout.

My sense is that this guitar will be around for a long time. The harward and components are top notch.

Haven't had to use them yet but I may contact them about the finish issue.

I've been playing for around 32 years now. In addition to the Taylor 415, I currently own a Martin DR (great instrument), Ovation '03 Collectors Edition, and an Almansa 457 (sweet)for classical playing which is where I started all those years ago.

If the Taylor were lost to me I would consider replacing it though I'd take a hard look and Avalon L32C because of the difficulty in fretting I mentioned previously.

No need to re-explain the details of this guitar's features. It's the same as listed in all of the other reviews. Mine is a 2000 model year.I bought it brand new. It came with a form fitted molded hard case with plush interior. I rate it a 9 only because I've seen the extravagant abalone inlay on the more expensive models.

I expected it to be loud with extreme bottom end. I am pleased to say that it is loud and extremely well balanced. It sustains incredibly well.

Superb craftmanship. My guitar tech (who worked for Taylor at one time) stated that this was one well put together piece. Being primarily an electric player, the Taylor neck and action seem custom 'taylored' for me.

It seems solid enough. Stays in tune, etc. I have not had an opportunity to test it live. I would not hesitate to use it on a gig. (I'd kind of hate to get a scratch or ding on her though)

The beauty of this category is that the guitar is so well made, I haven't needed to contact customer support. I felt like I was invited into the Taylor owner's "family".

I had tried many other acoustics in the same price range i.e. Martin, Guild and Laravee. The Taylor stood above the rest in most catagories. I recently contemplated selling it and getting a cheaper Carvin 'Cobalt', since I rarely play acoustics. I could not believe the difference in sound and quality a couple hundred bucks makes. No way I'll sell her. If lost or stolen, I'd replace it or save up for a 510.

2000 Model made in El Cajon. Finish is nice, ovangkol back and sides looks more like rosewood than most ovangkol on newer Taylors. Gloss top satin back and sides. Really pretty marbled ebony fretboard and apparently has the aging toner on the top. I was looking for a Dreadnought but bought this as it was on sale. Jumbo shape takes a little getting used to after playing dreads. Huge lower bout, my daughter thinks it looks pregnant. Comfortable though for long-term playing. Simple design really, no extra features.

I like the way it sounds. Even across the spectrum with tremendous dynamic range, not at all boomy. I enjoy the crisp, happy Taylor sound and find it more to my liking than the mellower Martin sound. This guitar has medium sustain and is set up for flatpicking with medium action and medium guage strings. Can be loud or very soft and lately in addition to flatpicking I have experimented with fingerstyle which to my suprise sounds really sweet on this guitar.

2000 model that I just bought new in late 02. A slow seller in a high end shop it had a big dip where the neck joined the body and dull elixer strings. Pros at the shop flattened the neck and put phosphor-bronze mediums on the guitar which brought out the dynamic range of the guitar. I think it would have sold sooner if they had done that before. Finish is top notch.

Not a pro or a live gigger except for being a song-leader for a girl scout troop so really not needing a road guitar. Seems like a well-built instruement though.

Sure they are great. First Taylor but I understand Customer Support is top-notch

Been playing four years. Sold two Seagulls to buy this guitar. Would replace it with similar Taylor if stolen or lost. Love its sound and also love the way it feels in my hands. No complaints and hope more flatpickers buy jumbos.

Made in El Cajon CA 2001. Bought new at Steve's Music - Toronto, Canada. Paid 1900 $CDN (after tax). It is a very simple but extremely functional guitar. Solid spruce top, ovangkol back and sides and a mahogony neck. The neck and back / side finishes are a beautiful smooth satin with a glossy but thin finish on the top. The tuning machines are sealed and have a very nice feel with little or no backlash. The binding is a white plastic, inexpensive, but tastefull. If cosmetics are your thing then I would suggest a 500 or 600 series, but the feel and sound of the 415 is what mattered for me. Having not owned many acoustic guitars prior to this purchase I thought after extensive research that this was the best value for my dollar in a jumbo. Another thing that I really love is the strap attatch for the neck is right where it joins the body so you can play the guitar lower than most acoustics where you have to tie a knot around the nut to attatch a strap. This makes a big difference if you are tall and like to stand up. The case is tastefull and solid although there is no provision to lock it.

Here's what matters most, and the 415 has it down. A beautiful balance, and a lot of volume. It sounded much better than many guitars twice its price, often exceeding my expectations. The sustain should also be noted, the notes ring out clear as bells and hang in the air for ever. Miked it sounds just as sweet. Strum or pick each note comes out perfectly. This instrument sounds as beautiful on stage through a PA as it does in the studio. I would be harsh to score anything less than a 10.

Flawless. Action, finish and intonation are all perfect. The nut and bridge both look like alot of care was put into their position and finish. The top, back and sides of the guitar were also flawless. The neck is set correctly and the binding is perfectly matched to all the surfaces. There are no errant buzzes and no funny bumps anywhere, in ny position. The neck is just the perfect size to be fast without my fingers feeling crowded. Everything is wired tight and true.

I have been playing happily for 6 months. The only thing I have done is change strings. Solid tops are suseptable to humidity, and care should be taken to try and minimize the exposure to overly wet and overly dry condidtions. I have not yet had any problems. Whenever I pick it up it seems to be perfectly tuned. The hardware is solid. My only concern about need for a backup would be in the event of a broken string. I play about average of 2-3 hours a day and with regular string changes I have yet to break a string. (besides the fact that I do not own another 6 string acoustic) I do not use a backup. Although solid tops are susceptable to humidity change my taylor seems very sound and solid. In my limited experience with higher end acoustic guitars, I would have to rate it highly, because everything seems fine so far.

I have never had the need to call them. However I was invited to a guitar workshop around the corner of my house recently which is nice. They are at least reying to build a relationship beyond take the money and run. I own 2 gibsons, both bought new and I never got anything from them. So sure, I am very happy that they are trying to encourage and promote a good relationship. However I will offer no rated opinion because I have never directly dealt with them in a need of service situation. You have to think though, that if they are willing to send you letters regarding specific events in your specific town that mey be of interest to you that they have a very good customer service department.

I have been playing for 12 years although mostly electric. I do own an older Seagull 12 string accoustic, but the balance is not there between high and low. Sounds bad recorded too. I have a Gibson SG and a Les Paul Studio. As well as a Ken Liscombe Custom. If my Taylor went "missing" .... I would go "hunting".... I feel a real attatchment to this guitar. Before buying it I tried all kinds. Gibson, Larrivee, Martin... To me the Taylor felt the best. What else can I say. I am very happy with it. The value that Taylor offers in the lower price range of the high end area is second to none because the sound and feel is amazing.

amazingly loud!!

it's a budget model. no abalone, no tortoise, only plastic...but it's ok!

I also have a taylor 420 maple that I've used for many gigs and nothing happened...

essential look , balanced tone, great tone

Made in 1999; El Cajon, California. It is a jumbo guitar with a sitka spruce top and ovangkol sides with white binding around the body and neck. The neck is mahogany. The top has a gloss finish, but the rest is satin. The look of the ovangkol took some getting used to--it's certainly not the best looking wood Taylor uses. I also think the white binding looks a little funny, especially where the mahogany neck, ovangkol body, and spruce top converge. Came with an SKB hardshell case--which is nice, but not nearly as nice as the luggage-style case that came with my 510. I had the dealer install a Fishman Natural I transducer.

The sound is the reason I bought this guitar. I love jumbos, and Taylor's distinct tonal balance is a winner here: the bass is deep without being "boomy" or "muddy," and the high strings are clear without being overly bright. The guitar sounds great strummed (and it doesn't mind being driven hard), and sounds surprisingly well when I play fingerstyle pieces. In fact, for fingerpicking, it's the best sounding jumbo I've heard--with the exception of Taylor's higher-end jumbos. It sounds great with the Fishman, too--although it is more prone to feedback because of its size. Since I play mostly solo or with an acoustic duo, it hasn't been a problem; but if you're looking to play with a full band, the maple-bodied jumbo (615ce) might be a better choice--if you can spend the extra money.

Taylor guitars are known for their instant playability; I haven't had to adjust a thing on either Taylor I've purchased. The finish is exceptional.

I use the guitar for live gigs frequently; so far, it has held up extremely well. Since my 510 withstood heavy gigging for years, I am confident that my 415 will also last. I usually bring both Taylors along on gigs, but only because I use alternate tunings. This guitar is very reliable.

Taylor really shines here--as good as their guitars are (and I think they're the best in their price range), their customer service might even be better. They really care! I've never been more pleased with a company's (and I mean *any* company--not just guitar companies)customer support than I am with Taylor's. They offer a lifetime warranty, but you probably won't need it.

I've been playing about 15 years--10 years semi-professionally. I also own a Taylor 510 and a pair of Martins (J-15 and 000-15). I'm planning to add a Taylor 355 and a Taylor 512 to my arsenal soon. I love the Taylor sound, and I love their guitars and service. If something happened to this guitar, I would buy it again as soon as I had the money--although I'd also consider "upgrading" to the 615ce. I played every jumbo I could get my hands on before buying--Guilds, Gibsons, Tacomas, Martins, etc.--and none of them match Taylor's tone and balance. You *can* find jumbos with more bass, but you'll end up with flat-sounding highs. I thought all of the jumbos sounded fairly good strummed, but *only* the Taylor sounded just as good when fingerpicking.