Silver and Gold

[BillS]

I understand from looking around the forum, that the Silver models are made in Korea.

I assume; however, that the quality is no different~aside from the quality that Avalon places on it's tonewoods?

I've noticed with Taylors, that one of the biggest differences between the variety of models is the "looks" or the trim on each guitar.

Would it be...pride that would keep one away from the Silver models? Or are they indeed a "cheaper" guitar?

If a cut-a-way cedar topped Silver Model is built to impeccable standards, includes a Fishman Prefix pickup system, I would go for it

Thanks!

Oh, is there a Concert model with the Silver?
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[JB]

Hi BillS

The Silver models made in Korea are very good guitars for the price but they are not made with solid woods throughout so you will definitely notice a difference in sound compared to a Gold model.

The Silvers have laminated back and sides and the woods will be selected by the Koreans.
The Tops are solid tonewoods, something we insisted upon to ensure a good sound.
There is no Concert model in the Silver range at this time.

The pick-ups are Fishman.

All Legacy and Gold models are made with solid timbers which is evident given the rich full tones enjoyed from playing them

[BillS]

Ah, thank you. I appreciate your time JB.

I think my minds already made up on an Avalon Guitar. I'm playing a Takamine right now. It's a much cheaper model, I think in the 3-4 hundred range (t was a gift). The top is solid spruce, and the sides are laminate...rosewood I beleive. It sounds fin when I'm unplugged, well, it sounds like an acoustic. And it sounds okay when I've mic'd it up. But when I plug in....woooosh there it goes right down the drain.

I met up with Charlie Hall some time back, who plays one of your guitars, and I've messed around with a couple here and there. I was thinking about a Taylor before, but the Taylor sounds more like a better quality Takamine, and I don't want to reproduce the same tone I'm getting.

Heres the hard part~to describe what I'm looking for:

A guitar that when plugged in, sounds like an acoustic. A tone that is NOT so bright you don't want to strum, but that is tight, crystal, and responsive. Suited for worship in a folk-driving rock-alternative kind of sound.

The majority of Taylors I've messed with had laminate sides, I believe they were all 3, 4, and 5 hundred series. When I found a cedar top, I loved it, the tone. So, I'm not so sure that the Silver having laminate sides is a HUGE issue with me, considering what I'm looking for.

The solid sides and back are going to enhance the sound unplugged, I'm sure, but what effect will it have as it's played through a system?

With proper care and handling, what kind of life-span do you think one could expect from a Silver: before needing minor fret board work; before other serious work might need be done?

Again JB, thank you so much, I really appreciate your time and energy into all this.

[bing4sons]

The Taylor 3xx, 4xx, and 5xx series are all solid wood guitars. In fact I believe that the 1xx series and baby Taylor are the only laminates they make.

I have a A101ce, which is the gold series with cedar top & mahogany b&s. I haven't seen Charlie's guitar, but my son says it is the same model mine is. To me it sounds much better and even plays better than the Taylor 514c. The key to a good amplified tone is going to be getting a good pickup in the guitar, so it sounds as natural as possible amplified. I really like the B-Band A2.2 and the LR Baggs iMix. Both systems use both UST & AST transducers. You can dial in the right mix between the two to get the best sound.

[BillS]

my bad on the Taylors.

Agree with the thoughts on amplification. Looks like I may hold out, and go for the Gold.....

Thanks, I'll look into the B-Band A2.2 and the LR Baggs iMix set up, but will most likely NOT invest that much into my current guitar.

Putting a Fishman pickup for $100, may prove to be usefull, especially if I keep it, for a back up guitar....

Still, I wonder what the actual tone difference is, when amplified between the laminate and solid variations..Maybe a trip to Atlanta and cruise through the shops

Thanks

BTW, does the life-span change between the laminate and solid types?