• Zurf
  • Zurf
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Topic: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

It was $500, which sounded reasonable for the guitar, but I had never heard of Tacoma.  When I got home and saw what they generally sell for, I was disappointed in myself for not picking it up.  The projection was incredible!  Also, beautiful well-rounded and full tones.  I really enjoyed playing it. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

I've never heard of them either.  they appear to be nice guitars.  And it sounds like everything you want in a guitar.  What's holding you up, besides the money?

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2007-02-08
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Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

Tacomas are reall great guitars IMO... Was it a new model or a pre-fender buy out model.  The pre-fender ones are getting very collectable and their value is steadily rising. The newer models are great as well. Got a model # for us so we can take a peek smile

[b][color=#FF0000]If your brain is part of the process, you're missing it. You should play like a drowning man, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling, then you have something.
[/color][/b]         [b]Peace of mind. That's my piece of mind...[/b]

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

I didn't jot down a model number or year.  The particular shop sells both used and new guitars.  It looked new, but then again it could have been owned by someone who was real particular or who never played it. 

There was an Alvarez 12 string AE too.   

What's the hold-up?  I want an AE.  However, I'm thinking that's not as important as I once did.  Mic'ing a guitar worked fine for James Taylor and Neil Young and any number of 70's acoustic artists.  Why not me?  Besides lack of talent on my part, I mean. 

And, the money.  $500 is a wad of cash no matter how you look at it, even if it is a good value for the guitar in particular.  Also, the action was just a little high (but I'm sure that can be corrected). 

They had a Seagull S6 for sale as well.  The strings were so nasty I washed my hands after playing it.  I was surprised it made it to the floor in that condition because the guy runs a good, clean shop.  Must have been there on concession rather than as a trade.  If it had been traded in, I'm sure it would have been cleaned up, new strings, etc.  before hitting the floor.  It looked to me like the neck was warped, but I didn't have a laser or other means of making a reasonable check.  The action above the seventh fret was ridiculous.  If someone was trying to play it with those nasty strings and horrible action, I can see why they'd have wanted to sell the thing.  Too bad, because those are good guitars in good shape. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

Yes, $500 is a bunch, isn't it.  I have always wanted to try a Seagull, but haven't seen any to try.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

I have an Alvarez AD60S 12 string which I absolutely love. Got it new for around 250.00. Made in China but a fantastic player. Don't hesitate to buy Alvarez. Great bang for the buck

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
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  • Zurf
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Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

This one was a bit more expensive, but it sure sounded nice.  I've seen a few 12 strings for around $200.  Mitchell has one that I think is a good value.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

I played the Mitchell (I think it's Guitar Center's private label) and I thought the Alvarez was head and shoulders above it. Sometimes GC's stuff can be set up poorly or whatever. I also played several others in the under 300.00 price range (but not Tacoma). The Alvarez's action is low and the tone is full. I've played better (like Guild for example) but nothing in this price range.
I know sometimes it's hit or miss with low end acoustics but this one is a hit.

Good luck in your search. I'll stop raving about Alvarez now.

I find myself playing the 12 string more than any other guitar I own.

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • Zurf
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Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

Some songs just sound better on a twelve string.  Peace Train and Wild Rover for instance.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

Zurf wrote:

Some songs just sound better on a twelve string.  Peace Train and Wild Rover for instance.

Pretty much anything from Cat Stevens. I wasn't sure I even wanted a 12 string and had purchased several guitars before it. But I love it. Anyone on the fence out there...do it.

Zurf, that advice is not for you....seems like you already have the fever smile

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • From: Tonganoxie, Kansas
  • Registered: 2009-11-24
  • Posts: 2

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

I am 55 years old and been playing since I was 7.  I have owned a lot of guitars over the years and most of them were cheap.  My only advice to you is don't go cheap.  Having an instrument that is is easy to play and sounds like you want it to makes you pick it up more often.  That's when you get better.  Remeber, there are a lot of people playing golf with top of line clubs that are never going to join the PGA.  It just makes the experience more enjoyable.  As far as the seagulls go, they are a really nice guitar.  My cousin bought a 12 string (I don't know the model) and it meets the first requirement.  Get one that you can tune to concert pitch and leave it that way.  Best bets are high-end guitars.  You get one that you can't leave at concert pitch, you'll regret it every time you want to play with others.  I've rambled too much.

  • From: Georgia
  • Registered: 2007-07-09
  • Posts: 381

Re: I fell in love with a Tacoma cedar guitar at a shop over the weekend

Zurf if you've found a Tacoma in any model for $500 it would be the deal of your life. I just tried one a couple weeks ago and i thought it was nice but it's not for me. Anyways it was on sale for $950 in the shop that I frequent which is usually a good deal spot. As for the 12 strings I would stay away from the lower end brands because they don't hold up very well and you will spend more time keeping it tune than playing it.