Taylor Guitars Big Baby 306GB

I wanted a competent smaller, less expensive guitar for traveling and other circumstances where a full-size guitar and hardshell case are just too bulky and heavy to cart around, not to mention the risks of theft or accidental damage. It has served that role very well. What I didn't expect was the typically Taylor playability and quality/value level. I like the plain look, and I agree with other reviewers that a flashy looking guitar for less than $500 has to have seriously compromised something else. I installed an active LR Baggs I-Beam pickup and play it through a Baggs ParaDI on stage. I put it on stage every week at our local open mic for others to borrow as the "house guitar". People pick it up and think it must be a toy, so light and plain. Then they play it and smile; big smiles.

I've been playing guitar and writing songs (acoustic-electric country folk-rock is as close as I get to a style label) for 40 years. I have had a 1970s Gurian Jumbo Rosewood since 1975, and the Big Baby can't match its resonance, but the sound is far beyond what you get in most budget guitars. I perceive it as especially punchy, a strong midrange projection that suits my somewhat percussive flatpicking style well. I agree with the others that it won't ring out a resonant bass like a full-size solid-wood instrument, but it's far from inadequate across the range from high to low. With the Baggs ParaDI, it's easy to fatten up the bottom end a bit. I also have a Taylor 355 12-string, a jumbo that will blow the Big Baby out of the room, but they both have that legendary and consistent Taylor feel. You won't find better sound at the price, period. A traveling singer-songwriter came into Open Mic a few weeks ago with a borrowed Martin dreadnaught. She was so small that it looked like she had a cello under her arm. When we invited her up to play again at the end of the evening, I offered her the "house guitar". She looked much more comfortable with the smaller box, and she raved about its playability and sound. She liked it better than the old Martin, which says a ton about tone.

I haven't fooled with the action yet because it plays just fine. The action varies pretty dramatically with string gauge. A friend gave me a couple of sets of extra-light Washburn bronze strings; waaaay too light for my imperfect fingering style. The first and sixth strings would sometimes roll right off the edge of the fingerboard, something that never happens with my Gurian. Back to light D'Addario Phosphor Bronze (my standard for more than 30 years), and it plays real nice; the Elixirs work as advertised also. I mainly play broken chords with a lot of hammering and dropoffs, a rhythmic strum with a lot of picking of individual strings. This thing works for me, but I'm off to buy some Grover 18:1 tuners. The G string tuner seems to have a dead spot in its linearity, and the cheap tuners don't hold very well for me. I do like the plain, unadorned look; it's real easy to overdo fancy purfling and binding. This thing has an almost homemade, organic look of admirable simplicity.

It's been on the stage at Open Mic for several months now without visible damage, even in the hands of some pretty crappy guitarists. Just because it's light doesn't mean it's flimsy. The tuners are inexpensive, rudimentary, and inconsistent; a no-brainer upgrade to Grovers. I have nearly worn a Willie Nelson hole into the top of my Gurian from aggressive pick contact for more than 30 years, but the Big Baby hasn't shown more than very faint superficial scratches. It still looks virtually brand-new. I have played it live many times and would certainly rely on it without a backup if I didn't feel a need to play my very best instruments in a given situation. For a featherweight, this thing plays straight, sounds better than you would guess to look at it, and holds its playability and (albeit plain) appearance over time. I can and do depend on it.

Never had to call Taylor, but their reputation precedes them; impeccable.

Forty years as a solo singer-songwriter. I've had Fender and Martin 12-strings, and an early Takamine "Martin" after starting with some forgettable and forgotten beginner's boxes. I play a 1974 Gurian Jumbo Rosewood and a Taylor 355 12-string, and now the Big Baby. All three have Baggs active I-Beam pickups. I play through a Baggs ParaDI and a Korg acoustic effects processor. The possibility of theft or loss is a big reason why I wanted a replaceable, inexpensive guitar; the Gurian is virtually irreplaceable and worth five or six times the price of a Big Baby. It is an awesome second/third/etc. guitar and an adequate only guitar. Its size and weight make it a superb travel guitar. It is markedly superior to shinier instruments in its price range and easily the equal of low-end Martins. I have no complaints at all about the Taylor Big Baby, and I've been around the block a time or two with good and bad guitars. The best value in the guitar universe!

The features are great sound and good high fret access because of the flat heel. Really skinny neck like an electric. Other than that it is just a neatly finished acoustic guitar. What else does it need?

I played this up against a whole bunch of acoustic guitars in the shop and I just fell in love with the tone and playability. I played it head to head with a very expensive jazz archtop and was amazed how it had a similar clarity of tone, with great separation of tone between the strings. Yes it does have a lower bass response than bigger bodied guitars, but I like that, perhaps that's what adds to the clarity.

The action was excellent - electric guitar low. The nut is still sticky on the G string. (...missus) but it keeps in tune really well - I don't think the tuners are bad. On mine, the scratchplate is lifting.

All those who think this guitar is a delicate flower think again! I have RUN OVER this baby, and thrown it across a room. It has picked up a few scars, but still plays beautifully.
I was storing the guitar, in it's gig bag, under my car in hot weather, to 'protect it. Not thinking, I jumped in the car and drove across the field, stopping when the guitar had become firmly stuck between the bottom of the car and the grass. Several friends held up one side of the car and I pulled the guitar out, a sick feeling in my stomach. But when I unzipped the gig bag the big baby was totally unharmed. Rock on!

On the other hand, I have a habit of banging my plectrum on the wood, to mark time, but this also marks the soft top.

Dunno, got it second hand.

I've been playing for 10 years. My budget for this purchase was #600-1000 UK, but when I found this guitar I kept the rest of the cash in my pocket. The top fret access is really good, the neck it a dream to play. Whenever I give it to another player they remark how easily it plays. It has improved my playing no end!

This is a very basic instrument, but what is there is very nicely done...It came with a gig bag, so that's something...It's pretty in a plain way...The nut and bridge are Tusque...a synthetic material like bone, which is a very nice feature on such a basic guitar...A very basic matte finish which enhances the overall economy of means aesthetic...The sides and back are laminate (very nice laminate), but the top is solid sitka with a nice tight grain...Unbelievable quality...Nice mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard...Very nice fretwork....

I got this guitar because I needed something to play fingerstyle country and blues on...Most of my other guitars are electric solidbodies...This thing sounds great for country stuff...Rich, very full, with a kind of bright twang with a pronounced upper mid emphasis...In a way, the sound belies it's 15/16th size and sounds fuller than many of its full size bretheren...I love the way this guitar sounds!

I bought this used so I don't know about the factory set up...But this thing is so well put together that I would have no hesitation in recommending it...Especially in light of the cost...You are DEFINITELY getting more than you're paying for here...

Very well built, solid and simple....Very light...

No dealings...

I've been playing 40 years or so...I've got like 15 guitars or so...Mostly electric...A bunch of G&Ls...A Heritage les paul...The odd Gibson and Gretsch...One thing I have a definite affinity for is the basic guitar which is what this is...
When I decided to get an accoustic, I went to the local mega emporium and played alot of them...The rock bottom Martins were nice, but they don't play as well as this one does...And did I mention the price? A STEAL!
It's heartening to me that you can buy one of these things for this price...American made...Good quality...No disappointments...
The real beauty of it is that if it was stolen, I could just pony up another 3 or 4 hundred and get another one (I understand that the consistancy level of these things is really high)...My big dog jumped up on the bed this morning right on top of me while I was playing...Right on the guitar...Yeah, I was a bit pissed, but as soon as I realised he didn't put his paw through the top, all was forgiven...Try that with a D 28....

The features are very good for a $425 (with gig bag) guitar - note that I paid $290 used. Solid top, ebony fret board, ebony bridge, Tusq nut and saddle (very close to bone in tone and a simple factory manufacturing decision that makes a huge differance in tone), quality laminated back and sides.

All in all, the guitar has a great top, fret board, nut, saddle and bridge. The gig bag is of very high quality for a freebe.

The Tusq nut and saddle really help the chiming tone. I have had bone work done (nut and saddle) on a Martin D-15 and a Martin OM 16 GT (my main guitars). The chiming tone from the Tusq is very nice. The 15/16 scale leaves the bass a bit quiter than a full dread or even an OM (000) but the tone is very full and pleasant. I have a Larrivee parlor as well and this guitar has far more bottom than my parlor. Considering the smaller scale and portability, the tone is very pleasing.

The action is slightly high but I had it set up that way. I can play fingerstyle very cleanly at higher speeds. I'm very happy with the playability. The neck fit is very good. The frets are well dressed. You really have to club it to get the low E and a strings to rattle. Nice comfy guitar.

The laminated back and sides are bulletproof, I would let my son the 7 year old practice on this guitar without worry. I would take this guitar into the cold on a trip without fear. Sturdy little guitar.

Bought used, never contacted Taylor.

I have played for 31 years, own Martin OM 16 GT, Martin D-15, Martin DX-1, Larrivee Parlor, Epi PR 350 12 string. Big Baby Taylor, Gibson Les Paul, Fender Strat, 2 Fender Tele's, Epi Les Paul Jr. Fender P-Bass and Sigma Mandolin.

This is a great travel guitar for an experianced guitar player, the 15/16 scale and the quality fitted bag are very easy to fit in a packed car or airplane, the guitar is very sturdy. This guitar would be great for a teenage student, college dorm guitar, or a guitar for a petite woman like my wife - my wife loves the scale of this guitar.

I was going to buy a Martin LXM for travel, I couldn't do it. They are too small. The Baby Taylor and the LXM just seem like gimmicks to me. I was shopping Art & Lutherie Ami's (a laminated Parlor) and then I found the used Big Baby Taylor. The Big Baby Taylor is a great value and solid players guitar at $400.

Other reviewers have listed the features... It is a very simple guitar. Not much to it. No electronics, just straight acoustic. Taylor lists it as a 15/16 size guitar, so just shy of being a full size dreadnought.

I really like the sound of this guitar. It doesn't have quite the bass response that you can find in full-body dreadnoughts, but it does admirably well for its size - thanks to its satin finish and lack of back bracing. It actually produces better bass than another full-body acoustic I own that has a high gloss finish. I have used it for some recordings (definitely not professional), and it sounds good. I personally think it sounds best with Elixir strings, and it's my only guitar that I have consistently bought Elixirs for (seeing how I can buy other strings for $3/pack instead of $13).

I purchased the guitar used off of Ebay, and it was in good shape. I've found nothing wrong with the craftsmanship of the guitar. The action was awesome. It has the lowest action of any acoustic I have ever played, and it makes it so easy to get my fingers moving. I suppose the previous owner could have lowered the action, but I don't know. The B string does buzz on occasion though, and I'm considering moving the action up a bit to remedy that. But it's hardly noticeable, and my fingers really do love that low action.

It seems fairly durable. It is a very, very lightweight guitar though, and that always seems to give me the impression of fragility. I haven't had the guitar fall apart in my hands yet though.
When I bought my big baby, it had some wear below the sound hole from being rubbed on by a hand or pick, and the worn spot keeps getting bigger the more I use it. The satin finish, whereas it helps out the sound of the guitar, doesn't make for an extremely durable finish.

Never dealt with Taylor, but I've heard good things.

I've been playing guitar for I guess 6 years now. I don't own any particularly impressive guitars, but I have had my hands on quite a few. I would rate this guitar below other Taylors I have played, but not far below - and for the price, this is a great guitar. It's a perfect guitar to keep in your bedroom so you can just pick it up anytime and jam. It's also a great travel guitar. Just sling it over your shoulder, and you could carry it for miles it's so light. And it fits into the overhead compartment of every plane I have flown with it in.
I personally like the ability to plug in, so I plan to install an under-the-bridge pickup very soon. That will be fun.
If this guitar were stolen, I would definitely get another one just like it. It's so much fun to play, and it fits my mobile lifestyle well.

This is a minimalist guitar. Solid top which has the usual bracing, but the laminated saple sides and curved back have none. It has the general shape of a dreadnought but almost the same dimensions as the taylor grand concert 12 series. The ebony fret board is 1 11/16 at the nut rather than the 1 3/4 as in the standard taylor lineup.

I like elixer strings and the sound is very balanced and amazingly full for such a small guitar. This must be due to the bowl shaped back and the lack of bracing. I play solely for my own pleasure, mostly fingerstyle country blues, some pop, and even a little classical. It is perfect for what I do.

I had to tweak the action some to get it right but it was easy to do. A lot of people compare the action to an electric. All I can say is that I can do things on this guitar I could never do on any other acoustic I've played. It is the easiest guitar to play I have ever tried.

This is a lightweight but the saple laminate seems resiliant and with the curved back the combination seems very strong. The finish is matte, the hardware durable but inexpensive. I leave it out and my two boys and their friends play it all the time. They have torn every thing else up but not this guitar. It must be durable. I know I don't worry about it.

never needed to contact them

I started playing guitar at 50 and have been at it for about 6 years. I could afford a more expensive guitar but I have not found any acoustic that is as easy to play. I've tried martins, taylors, tacomas, guilds and larrivees. I don't have to worry about it. I can leave it out and pick it up any time, for 10 minutes or 2 hours. It really is hard to put down.

I am sure you are aware of it's features by now... One thing I must say about it, though. this guitar is SPARTAN looking, very little ornamentation, NO gloss, NO frills, Nothing extra. But in my opinion that is the coolest thing about it! It looks so pure. No fluff, only what is nessecary to bring out the sweetest tone you will find for under $700.00.
While some may complain about the satin finish, exposed screws in the neck, and lack of rosette, I say this guitar is 100% HONEST. Doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, and makes beautiful sound it's top priority. They don't sacrifice sound quality for looks, so it is the perfect guitar for your typical anti-establishment, Sell-out hating, Musician types.
On a technical note, I do appreciate the way Taylor redesigned the Heel of the neck so that you have plenty of room to get your fingers on the highest frets. Again, they saved money by not attempting the cutaway, but found a way to give you great access anyway. PURE GENIOUS. But as much as I get why certain features had to be sacrificed to give you this sound at this price, I honestly cant give it a high rating for "features"... Because there just arent many features! I think I will replace the rather generic, (allthough so far trouble free) tuning knobs with something a little nicer, but that's about all I can thing of to add. These elixer strings are so bright and clear, too... But time will tell how the sound is effected with age.

The sound and tone on the Big Baby is unbelievable... on my particular example, there is no buzzing or other typical problems associated with cheap guitars. Seems to have been set up expertly. Another reason to applaud Taylor is for their amazing consistency in manufactoring. Whereas with many makers, it is basically a Crap shoot, every one I have talked to says they felt the same way when they played the BB. Not just mine, but many at different stores all over town. This is a guitar I would feel safe ordering On-line, because they all seem to be very similar. I have seen some makes, for instance, where you pick one off the wall at the store and strum it, and it sounds like a chorus of angels... then you grab the next one and it has a world of problems. Not so with Taylors... All of the BB's I have played sound pretty much the same with no major variations. The bass is a little weak, but we knew it would have to be when we bought a downsized, thin bodied guitar, didn't we? To get the bass this mellow and yet clear, with reasonable volume in a smaller guitar is really amazing, so I won't fault them for it. The mids and highs are positively singing. The sound is the one thing that makes all my guitarist friends so envious when they try it. So I have to give it high marks here.

Action is a little high, in my humble, not overly experienced opinion. Seeing that others have also said that in their reviews verifies what I thought I had noticed myself... Apparently that can be rather simply adjusted though, so I won't complain about that. That neck, By the way, is very easy to adjust which is a testament to Taylor's new technology in this area, also. The build quality is impeccable, another thing every single person I have showed it off to says... and again, while the finish isn't flashy... What they do give you is done absolutely perfectly! IT's A TAYLOR!!! DUH!!

Haven't had it long enough to give a believable opinion of durability. Can say, though that it is well made, and feels solid, allthough very light. Would I use it in a gig without backup? Absolutely... (but I would bring one anyway, because nothing is perfect...) But I would be just as confident in this guitar as any other I can think of.

I haven't had to deal with them for repairs, but that alone says good things about them, right? Lifetime warranty pretty much speaks for itself... what can I add? LIFETIME!! on a sub 400 dollar guitar!!!

I have played takamine 12 strings quite a bit, Yamahas my whole life, and a few washburns... Of course I've picked up my share of martins and gibsons, but not enough to compare them head to head with the big baby... Suffice it to say this guitar feels and sounds as good as anything I have ever played, and costs a fraction... What more can I say.

Here we go: Sitka Spruce solid top with laminated Sapele back and sides (Calabo sandwiched between a ply of Sapele on either side, a normal budget trick, although not altogether bad). Neck is mahogany with a decent Ebony fretboard. The choice of woods was superb, no blemishes in the wood, obviously Taylor takes pride in even the low end of things. Finish is a nice satin, however cleaning it is another story. I intend to call Taylor on how to clean this finish, becuase normal gloss polish would just shine a matte finish (not a good thing). Body style is a 15/16 size non-cutaway dreadnaught. Tuners are a cheap chrome things, hold okay but I will definatly be replacing it with gold Grovers or Schallers. Gig Bag is heavy duty and is excellent quality, even came with a truss rod adjustment tool. This is great craftmanship for a budget guitar. However, my main complaint is the the butt-end strap button does not come with the pre-drilled strapjack hole. Now I have to bore one, which is disapointing since Taylor bores these standard on every guitar they make (save the 3/4 size Babys).

Ah yes, sound. Tough factor, now I'm going to judge according to my experience. The Sitka top resonates like a dream, excellent wood. However, the Calabo/Sapele back and sides choke the sound quite a bit. Now thats not to say the sound is bad, actually I was quite impressed. After trying out Takamines and Ovations, this was astounding. It has that Taylor Tone, thats to say that its bright, but not edgy. Its slighty warmer on the bottom end than other guitars (due to the calabo) but lacks deepness often found on rosewood guitars. The one major complaint I have is that the A string doesn't blend with the rest, it often ends up droning. It does have a b string compensated saddle which helps intonation, but it still is a little dead. Elixer Nanos light gauge sound very nice.

This is where Taylor shines. One look at this guitar compared to others and you see how Taylor puts pride into their instruments. Neck (with its bolt-on appearence) was nice and tight, nicely polished, and the set up was nice. However, the action was a little high but with a little adjustment it was fine. The copyright symbol by the Taylor logo never ceases to piss me off, but I guess its necessary. The grain on the wood was superb, and the bride pins were decent but not great. Black plastic can never take the place of ebony to me.

VERY light guitar, due to laminate and lack of bracing on the back. Seems sturdy, but you need to be careful not to swing it around. Strap buttons were nice and tight, large too. Again, the lack of a strapjack is quite annoying. I would gig with a backup becuase I always do, nothing to do with the guitar quality.

THis is by far my favorite company. Extremely friendly staff takes much pride in their job, and this company is probably the most caring and compassionate of any. They care as much for Baby buyers as they do for 914ce buyers. I get Wood&Steel every 3 months and I got a registration e-mail thanking me for my purchase. Their resourse web page is very useful, and this company never ceases to impress me. Kudos to Taylor, they will always get my first choice in acoustics (which they will be reciving my payment for a 514ce any day now, be on the look for a happy review).

Very impressed with this guitar, its quality-made and fits its price quite well. I am always happy to play a Taylor, and this is no different. The corners cut to bring price down is understandable, and I am very happy that Taylor didn't sacrifice wood quality. The sitka top is very nice and I'm sure the quality inspections are rigerous. Two thumbs up.

My Big Baby 306gb was made in 2000. With all the standard features-mine has a pick guard. She's not an exotic beauty that calls you from afar with her looks. She's plain and simple. The longer I play the more I really like the idea of a simple, solid,nice sounding, inexpensive instrument. The tuners are just fine-she keeps in-tune well.

How do I like the sound? Well let me put it this way-I've be playing fingerstyle guitar since 1975. I have been taught by some pretty impressive teachers including Will Schmid (Author), and have taken seminars from John Fahey and Leo Kottke. I know tone when I hear it--This guitar has it-It's well defined, crisp, mellow-everything that you could ask for. If you can't make this guitar sing-it's you-not the guitar. For many years I thought if I only had this expensive guitar or that beautiful one I'd sound better-not true. It's a trap you can easily fall in. I read Van Halen's main guitar for a number of tours was one he made himself for a couple hundred bucks and that he loves cheap effects. Think about it.

The guitar came perfect-the action was a tad high and I thought of bringing it down a bit but I've been too lazy and now it seems like I've adapted to it.

I am not going to be rough with my instruments especially this one-it's not a tank. I think if you take care of it -it'll be your companion for life.

I contacted Taylor 2x for questions-I rec'd answers in 1 day. Taylor is a classy outfit and am VERY proud it says TAYLOR on the peghead.

I would buy another Big baby if this something happen to this one. I do wish I had another Taylor-the 355 12 string-I played that in the store too-wow! I need to save my pennies for a while. I wish Taylor made a 12 string Big Baby.

You know the features. Very very plain Jane looks. Almost boring, however that Taylor ebony/mahog fretboard and neck are the absolute best. The tuners are cheap and need to be replaced immediately. Did I say I love the neck? Thin and perfect. Hey, they had to do something to keep the cost down. The quality is Number 1. This guitar is built very well for it's price range. Gold Grover tuners will dress it up a little. BB reminds me of a Volvo, plain but great car. Having Taylor on the headstalk is HUGE! Great Gig Bag! Also there is a great internet site of Taylor players. www.taylorforum.com

I was planning to buy a 300-400 series Taylor but the sound of the Big Baby stopped me. For $300 I just could not justify purchasing a more expensive Taylor. So sharp and precise. Well balanced tone. I love the sound this guitar produces. It does rival many $1,000 guitars. Played it next to a new Martin DX1 R and everyone was amazed. Martin sounded like it had a blanket over it. The martin was better looking though.

The action on all the BB's I saw was nice and low. I have no buzzing. I drop tune 1/2 step and use a capo. Just perfect. There are no visible flaws on mine Bookmarking is perfect. Taylor is very high quality with all guitars. This thin nexk is just wonderful for fingerpicking or strumming. No other neck comes close for me. Like it was made for you. Can't stop playing it.

This guitar is very light and the satin finish will ding easily. Guitar seems fragile like I could compress it without much pressure. Probably why it sounds so good! You must humidify!!!!! I let the humidity drop to around 33% for a month in my guitar room and the frets became exposed! Bought a room humidifier and it is much better.
I think the guitar is reliable but not durable. Change those cheep tuners, they wont hold a tune!

They are the best, this is where Taylor shines. They actually care!

Great guitar for the price. Best sounding guitar for this and up to $1,000.00 for some brands. First class customer service. Quality name to be proud of. The best neck ever built. Change the tuners and just play away.