Taylor Guitars Big Baby 306GB

Big Baby Taylor made in USA, 2000 model. 15/16 size dreadnought. Sapele Veneer back and sides, sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and bridge. Enclosed, die-cast, chrome plated tuners. Scalloped x-bracing, satin finish. Came with deluxe gig bag and special tool for adjustement of Taylor's patented neck design. Beautiful guitar.

Very "clean and crisp" sound which is perfect for playing all types of music, as long as you play with a pick. If you like to finger-pick, the sound is very soft, and you can hardly hear if there's any back ground noise.

After having the guitar for a little over a month, the bridge began to pull away from the body of the guitar. When I called by dealer to report the problem, I did not have any problem getting the guitar sent off for repair. Being promised the guitar would be back in 3 weeks, sadly it took 5. When I got the guitar back, I was very shocked that Taylor sent me a brand new Baby instead of just fixing the brige. Not sure what was up with that, so I called Taylor, but I did not receive a straight answer as to why I got a whole new guitar out of the deal. My first Big Baby had a much prettier design in the wood and for some reason seemed to be lighter than my second. "Go figure!" Taylor did however change the warranty from a one year to a life time for their entire line of Baby's. (Even if you purchased your Baby prior to the conversion.) I've not had any problems as of yet with my second Big Baby, however a local guitar shop told me that they have had several complaints about the bridges pulling up from a Taylor guitar and said that this could be because Taylor doesn't "season their wood". Taylor definitely is not your traditional guitar manufacturer such as Gibson or Martin, and I recommend anyone buying a Taylor to check out their history on their web site.

I don't play on stage myself, but this guitar would be great for any gig. Even though my Big Baby had a flaw from the start, it seems though that it is a very durable guitar. I've even banged it lightly a couple times and it didn't even get a dint! The strap buttons seem solid, but I would recommend a locking strap with for any guitar. Overall seems to be very dependable.

Taylor's customer support didn't tell me exactly what happend to my guitar when it was sent off for repair, but they were very persistant to return my phone calls and email. Taylor even changed the warranty from a one year to a life time, so I can't complain.

I've only been playing about 6 months, but in comparison to my Santa Rosa and Hondo parlor guitar the quality is FAR better. If the guitar was stolen or lost, I would have to say that I would go for a cheap Martin, or Sigma. I also find my finger tips swollen and blistered from playing, even though my fingers are very well broken in. I love the guitars finish and look. If you are into "finger pickin'", I wouldn't recommend this guitar because the sound doesn't carry and is too soft. Throw in a pick and the sound is incredibly loud. I prefer my cheap 'ole Hondo parlor guitar when playing without a pick. My friend has a Fender acoustic and the Big Baby's look and sound puts his to shame. Anyone who sees the guitar and plays it says it is the best guitar they've played. You definitely get your money out of this one!