
( Brand: Taylor Custom Shop ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: M038001011003993000-B8741 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( UPC: 0887766050483 )
The Taylor M-Series M380 is an exceptional value in the realm of acoustic-electric guitars, bringing the renowned craftsmanship and tone of Taylor Guitars to an accessible price point. This model, specifically, features a sleek and stylish Laurel body, making it an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
The heart of this instrument is a solid Sitka Spruce top, which is known for its dynamic range and projection. This top is paired with a striking Laurel back and sides, which offers a rich, warm tone with excellent clarity and balance. Laurel, also known as West African Mahogany, is a prime tonewood for providing strength and stability to the guitar's body.
The M380's neck is made from Taylor's renowned Sapele wood, which boasts a silky smooth feel and offers excellent stability. The guitar comes equipped with 20-fret compound radius fingerboard, which provides comfortable playability for various playing styles and techniques.
Incorporating modern performance technology, the M380 features Taylor's ES-T electronics, which deliver a natural, reverberant sound when plugged in. The ES-T system includes a built-in digital chromatic tuner, making it an excellent option for gigging musicians and performers.
The guitar's body is adorned with Taylor's distinctive aesthetics, including the mother-of-pearl dot fretboard inlays and the elegant tropical American Walnut binding. The M380 also includes a Taylor deluxe gig bag, protecting the instrument during transport and storage.
Size: This particular M380 version, with the identifier b8741, falls under the 0887766050483 catalog number and is an 8-string model specifically designed for baritone tunings. For those looking to explore lower tunings or play bass lines more comfortably on a guitar, this M-Series M380 Laurel acoustic-electric model is an excellent choice.
In conclusion, the Taylor Manson M-Series M380 Laurel acoustic-electric guitar is an outstanding offering from Taylor Guitars, presenting exceptional tone, craftsmanship, and versatility in a budget-friendly package. Its Sitka Spruce top, Laurel back and sides, and ES-T electronics work harmoniously to deliver a rich, balanced sound and offer excellent flexibility for players of all levels. With its attractive appearance and high-quality construction, the M380 effectively represents Taylor's commitment to producing excellent instruments for musicians.
The Taylor M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Taylor Guitars is a popular choice among musicians who seek both an authentic acoustic sound and the flexibility of a plug-and-play electric setup. This analysis aims to outline the key pros and cons of buying a M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Exceptional Sound Quality: Taylor is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the M380 model is no exception. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, layered sapele back and sides, and proprietary Expression System 2 electronics, this guitar delivers a rich and balanced tonal response with articulate highs and full bass.
2. Versatile Performance: With its plug-and-play system, the M380 enables players to seamlessly transition between electric and acoustic performances. This is particularly attractive for musicians who want to perform live or record in various settings.
3. Local Tonewoods: Using local and sustainably sourced tonewoods is a core part of Taylor's commitment to the environment and fostering local economies. This environmentally-conscious production process yields a distinct tonal character that many players appreciate.
4. 12-Fret Design: The 12-fret design provides several benefits, including improved fretting hand comfort due to reduced reach to the 12th fret, and a slinkier feel with enhanced top sustain due to the shorter scale length behind the bridge.
5. Attractive Visually: The M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar boasts an appealing satin finish with tasteful inlays. Its understated yet sophisticated aesthetic makes it an excellent choice for both professional and beginner musicians.
Cons:1.Price: The M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a mid-priced instrument. While this places it in a competitive range, it may still be a financial stretch for some musicians, especially those starting out or on a tight budget.
2. Weight: With its solid wood construction and electronics, the M380 weighs more than some equivalent electric guitars, making it less portable for some players.
3. Set-up Needs: Some users have reported that the guitar may require a professional setup to reach optimal playability, which can add additional costs.
4. Potential Fret Dressing: A few customers have remarked that they felt the need to have the frets leveled and dressed, which is fairly common among new guitars and often a simple solution.
Conclusion:The Taylor M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar brings a superior sound quality, versatile performance, and attractive design to the table. Its commitment to using local, sustainably sourced tonewoods is a definite bonus. Potential drawbacks include the higher price point and weight, but these factors may be deemed acceptable for those seeking a high-quality instrument that offers both electric and acoustic capabilities.
Recommendation:For musicians who want an accessible and versatile guitar with an excellent tonal response and the convenience of a plug-and-play setup, the Taylor M380 12-Fret Acoustic-Electric Guitar is recommendable. Its well-crafted design and commitment to local, sustainably sourced materials make it a solid choice for players who value both craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.
The mahogany neck is topped with a 21 fret ebony fingerboard inlaid with mother of pearl in a diamond pattern. Natural gloss finish grand auditorium body shape western red cedar top hand selected laurel wood back and sides mahogany neck 12th fret neck joint ebony fret board and bridge scale length lbs. A western red cedar top and hand selected laurel back and sides are finished in a natural gloss.
The guitar sounds as good as it looks, with a lively high end from the laurel back, and warm projection from the cedar top.