
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: BTO7973 ), ( Part Type: Guitar ), ( Body Type: Grand Orchestra ), ( Series: Bto ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Taylor BTO797ce-14 2014 Edition Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar is a striking and versatile instrument, featuring a unique blend of aesthetics and tone that make it an exceptional addition to any guitar collection. This model is part of the Builder's Edition Taylor line, which showcases the company's commitment to crafting high-quality instruments using premium tonewoods and innovative design.
At the heart of the BTO797ce-14 is a beautiful solid spruce top, inlayed with intricate geometric designs. The inlay work is a standout feature of the guitar, adding an element of artistry and elegance to its appearance. The top's tone is robust and bright, with excellent projection and clarity. Taylor's proprietary V-Class bracing system ensures optimal structural integrity, allowing the top to vibrate more efficiently and producing rich, resonant sound.
The back and sides of the BTO797ce-14 are crafted from sapele, a tropical hardwood with a rich, warm, and balanced tonal character. The sapele provides a strong and stable platform for the top, enhancing the guitar's sonic complexity and depth. The guitar's body also features Taylor's renowned solid body bindings, adding to its visual appeal and protecting the edges of the instrument.
This Grand Auditorium model comes with a Venetian cutaway and Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics. The cutaway provides easy access to the upper frets, perfect for those more intricate solos and easier soloing range. The ES2 pickup system features a more natural amplified sound, faithfully reproducing the guitar's tonal character and allowing for exceptional volume and clarity when playing live or recording.
Additional features of the Taylor BTO797ce-14 include a Venetian cutaway, a sleek satin finish, classic Taylor chrome tuning machines, and a solid ebony bridge with a synthetic bone saddle and micromillned ebony fretboard. The guitar ships with a hardshell case to protect it during transportation and storage.
Overall, the Taylor BTO797ce-14 2014 Edition Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar is a stunning and versatile instrument, boasting exquisite craftsmanship, rich tonal character, and a number of innovative features. Whether you're a professional musician, a hobbyist, or a collector, this guitar is sure to impress.
1. High-quality Solid Sitka Spruce Top: The solid Sitka spruce top is known for producing bright, clear, and responsive sound.
2. Solid Mahogany Back and Sides: Mahogany back and sides produce rich, warm, and balanced tones.
3. Neck and Fingerboard: The Venetian cutaway design, with a sculpted external curve, makes for easy access to the upper frets. A solid ebony fingerboard provides enhanced playability and aesthetics.
4. Taylor Expression System 2 electronics: This state-of-the-art electronic system offers a precise and balanced tone from the guitar which is excellent for stage performance.
5. Exotic Sapele Neck: A strong and stable neck made of sapele adds to the overall durability of the guitar. It also provides nice tone and feel.
Cons:1. Possible high price point: Depending on where the guitar is purchased or if it's a custom build, the BTO IS can come with a higher price tag than similar offerings.
2. Not ideal for certain playing styles: A spruce top may not be suited for players who prefer a darker and richer tonality.
II. BTO7973 Guitar Rosewood (BTO RW) Pros:1. Solid Indian Rosewood Back and Sides: Indian rosewood is known for producing deep, warm, and rich tones that can enhance the overtones and lower end frequencies.
2. Solid Sitka Spruce Top: Mainly responsible for the guitar's brightness and projection, a solid Sitka spruce top is well suited for players who enjoy a balanced tone.
3. Neck and Fingerboard: The Venetian cutaway design is present in the BTO RW as well, ensuring easy access to the upper frets. A solid ebony fingerboard provides enhanced playability and aesthetics.
4. Flexible Playability: Players who enjoy a certain degree of tonal versatility can benefit from having both a rosewood and spruce guitar in their collection.
Cons:1. Cost: The BTO RW can also be an investment, especially when considering the quality of materials and level of customization.
2. Heavier tone vs. lighter tone preference: Some players might find the darker, richer tone of rosewood not to their liking.
Conclusion:Both the BTO7973 Guitar Inlay Spruce Oracle (BTO IS) and Rosewood (BTO RW) offer qualities that cater to a diverse range of playing styles and preferences. The BTO IS is ideal for players who seek a bright, clear, and responsive tone, while the BTO RW is best suited for those who prefer a rich, warm, and balanced tone.
Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference, and it's worth considering if you'd like to have both a lighter and darker guitar in your collection. If you're new to buying high-end guitars, I would suggest trying both options out at a local dealership to determine which one better suits your playing style and personal preferences. Aim for a balanced budget between the two to ensure you have a solid foundation in your guitar collection.
Recommendation:If you're just starting out, you may want to consider playing a few Taylor guitars in different wood combinations to better understand your preferred tonal preferences before making a purchasing decision. Consider visiting a guitar shop that offers a wide selection of Taylor BTO series guitars, so you can try out both the spruce and rosewood versions to help guide your decision-making process.
Es2 pickup system. The case is also in very good shape.
I can't see any play wear. Back and sides are rosewood with a spruce top. I would have to call the condition of this guitar almost new.