New (to me) Avalon A101ce

[bing4sons]

Hi,

I'm new here. I purchased an Avalon A101ce and received it just before Christmas. This model is from the gold series and has a cedar top with mahogany b&s.

What a wonderful guitar! I had been wanting to get a guitar with a cedar top for a while. I really liked the Taylor 514c. I bought the guitar without ever playing an Avalon, after reading glowing reviews and seeing pictures of the guitar. I have to say that I am blown away. I like it better than the 514c. Not only does it sound better, but it even plays better (I own a Taylor 814ce).

This has quickly become my favorite guitar (in addition to my Taylor, I also own a Larrivee J-05), although each will continue to be used and each has it's unique place in my collection.

I figured it was time to join the Avalon forum, as my Avalon is definitely a keeper.

[Cringer]

That sounds pretty much par for the course Glad you're liking it.

[JB]

welcome bing4sons, thankyou for choosing one of our guitars and joining the forums.

[bing4sons]

Thanks for the welcome!

[martin1]

Bing, I'm also new to this forum and have to agree with you on your remarks on this guitar I also own a 814ce and am probably going to sell it just doesn't fit in with this guitar and the martin I own tonally. I'm not bad mouthing my 814ce I just prefer a deeper tone than the 814ce offers.

[bing4sons]

I'm not bad mouthing my 814ce I just prefer a deeper tone than the 814ce offers.

I've had my 814ce since 1997. I've gotten where I also prefer a deeper tone. I did put some Dean Markley Alchemy's on it, which helps bring out the bass response. Elixirs sound real tinny on a Taylor to me. I still like the 814ce and plan to keep it.

My son has a Larrivee J-10. We just did a short term swap, between the Avalon and the J-10. It's a nice change of pace, but the Avalon is definitely coming back in a couple of weeks.

[martin1]

Bing,
I also took the Elixirs off for the same reason as you. I've tried the D'Addario's ej16s and liked them better but still not the tone I am looking for overall. I have had no experience with the strings you mentioned but am interested in your input in the differences if you have tried the D'Addario's.
I currently listed the 814ce for sale and may pursue a dread to replace it. In addition to the Avalon A101ce I also play a Martin custom JC16 re which I really like still not a dread though.
Have a great day!

[bing4sons]

I think the Alchemy GoldPhosphers sound as good or better than D'addario PB when they are new. They are coated strings (including the B & E strings) but don't feel like coated strings. They last a LOT longer than D'addarios.