NGD...

Guitar players have a name for it: "New Guitar Day."

It starts with "GAS."  Guitar players understand that term, too: Guitar Acquisition Syndrome.  Truth be told, I haven't been "GASsing".  Oh, I participate on a couple guitar forums... and I do occasionally check out the pretty images on LA Guitar Sales site:

http://www.laguitarsales.com/

I bought my RainSong from Ted at LA Guitar Sales.  I was kinda checking out Taylor's newest 12 string guitar, and had asked Ted about a price... he shot me a very fair offer... I visited with Joan... she said, "Is that what you really want?  What about that koa model you looked at during the Taylor Road Show?"

"Well, since you brought it up, there is an all mahogany model that is very striking - it is supposed to be a warmer tone than anything else I have."  I showed her photos of a couple different examples that Ted had.  I was leaning towards one with a traditional body shape.

She said, "That one is you," referring to a cutaway option.

An all mahogany Taylor 522ce 12-fret.  It is a sharp looking guitar.  Great size.  The newest Taylor Expression System pickup.

I called Ted.  He made it easy to have it shipped to our boat... well, to our office, 'cause UPS doesn't deliver to a boat.

Today is New Guitar Day!

I picked up the box at our office and brought it back to the boat...

I opened it in the cockpit of the boat, and pulled out the case...

No marks on the box, no marks on the case - that is a good sign.  For 45 years, I wouldn't buy a guitar without playing it first.  Taylor guitars are very consistent... the last 4 guitars I bought have been by phone or internet.  I knew Ted would be very honest with me; I have other Taylors, so I know what to expect with the playability and quality.

I held my breath and opened the case...

Ohhhh... that is really nice looking.  These photos with the little point & shoot don't do it justice; the mahogany is deep and rich.  I pulled the guitar out of the case and tuned it up... it sounds as good as it looks.  I played it light - it was warm and rich.  I played it harder - great sustain and plenty of punch.  It is all I hoped it would be.

A few more views...

The details in the binding and all over are very nice.  Mahogany neck, with an ebony fretboard.  The matchup on the back is very striking.

I was playing when Joan came back (chores day - she was doing laundry)... she said, "Is it as nice as you thought it would be?  Play something for me."

Little Izzy joined me in the cockpit...

The 522 is supposed to be about the same size as the RainSong Shorty I enjoy so much... I guess I do have a "type."  (Grand Concert size)

I went back and forth between the two.  Definitely a difference in the tone, but both are rich sounding, each in their own way.  The 522 is a nice compliment to the RainSong.

My fingertips are a bit sore right now... I haven't been practicing as much as in the past.  We have been enjoying our free time out and about more this season.  Pretty sure the new Taylor is going to get a lot of play-time.