since the top is unfinished, does this mean it will be less durable? Since it is a travel guitar I think it will take more abuse than normal.
1382540
The Big Baby isn't unfinished ... it is flat or satin finished ... the Taylor website lists it as "varnish" ... I wouldn't say it would "take more abuse than normal" ... it is a wood guitar a little smaller than standard size ... you will have to take care of it as you would any wooden acoustic ... if you are looking for something more durable than a wood guitar you might investigate composite instruments ... I can say that the Big Baby is a very satisfying guitar in playability and sound ...
1313009
Hi, My grandsons received one last Christmas because they wanted to take lessons. But, they lost interest and the guitars probably haven't been used much. I don't have any way of knowing how they would have held up. I bought this guitar because of all the reviews of parents who had purchased it.I believe it was a 3/4 size for smaller hands.
2146472
It's made of something that Martin calls HPL, which stands for "high pressure laminate". What this means is Martin takes the leftover wood scraps from it's factory and turns it into wood pulp then uses very high pressure to press the wood pulp into a laminate. So it's not plastic, although it may seem like it.Despite the HPL back and sides, it's a very nice sounding guitar, and it's probably the best value in this price range. Don't let the non solo wood back scare you off. The top is the most important part for tone, and on this guitar it's solid spruce.
1083947
Probably... It seems to be a very well built instrument. Mine hasn't shown any damage from transport or from use, so I did not need to take it to a repair shop...
1091443
It does stay in tune well but it's hard to say if it will need an adjustment out of the box or not. Most guitars do need to be fine-tuned after having been transported, that is pretty much standard. But you might be able to get away with not having to do it. All depends on how it was handled during transit which is pretty much impossible to know.
243789
I have not had any problems with my Taylor. However, I'm a beginner so may not be putting as much stress on the guitar as a more experience player might.
1232339
It comes with steel strings. I suggest buying some better strings when you purchase it, but that's just my opinion. If you have high performance expectations like you'll get from a Martin or Takamine, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a decent travel size guitar that holds a tune, then you'll be fine.
2146471
The top is spruce with a composite body...do not let that discourage you. This guitar sounds like a Martin. The quality is awesome and it is more durable and less expensive.I use mine for studio recording using a mic. The pickups are o.k. but the guitar sounds much better using a good mic.
1994576
I don't know. I took the strings off and used it for a decorative piece of art. I glued jewelry all over the guitar, and it turned out beautiful. But it seems like it would be an OK guiitar for a beginner.
2194584
I played with it regularly for a few months and I didn't see any problem or any sign of damage. I didn't play much after that. I think it should be fine for a few years.
1549235
You have a nice guitar...buy a nice case. This isn't one. Flimsy. Unless it is to carry from the house to the car to another place and back...it isn't good.
15052
I feel as if the real question you might be asking is whether or not it "falls" apart. I've had mine for months and I use it often. I've had no issues with durability as of now.
2070868
personally I think it would be too large. Our daughter is 17 and began guitar this year and bought this model and it is large and heavier than other models. I would recommend a lighter, smaller one.
744806
The folks are nice there but mine came unplayable with the 5th fret down manufactured poorly. Terrible buzz. They asked me to fix it and I attempted to but was unsuccessful. It has turned into something my 2 yo plays with from time to time. I have never had a chance to really play it. If not for that issue it seems like a good functional casual fireside guitar. To be clear the folks who produced it were on the spot about wanting to fix it and did offer to replace it. I chose not to due to my own work schedule.
1331311
Bret: it is a very well made guitar, despite its cost. It sounds very low without an amp, as many other solid bodies, however, while travelling, I used my iPad for a large variety of tones at room level, and it worked very well. A small battery power amp works well, too. If you use a large amp, it sounds fine, however it is relatively clean/dry, as expected from any piezo pickup. There are several videos on YouTube that show show you how to restring it very easily.The neck is similar to my Tele ´63 reissue or Les Paul 60s neck. It is confortable and the fretwork is excellent. I don´t think you can make a better electric guitar of this size and weight. Bret: it is a very well made guitar, despite its cost. It sounds very low without an amp, as many other solid bodies, however, while travelling, I used my iPad for a large variety of tones at room level, and it worked very well. A small battery power amp works well, too. If you use a large amp, it sounds fine, however it is relatively clean/dry, as expected from any piezo pickup. There are several videos on YouTube that show show you how to restring it very easily.The neck is similar to my Tele ´63 reissue or Les Paul 60s neck. It is confortable and the fretwork is... » Read More Bret: it is a very well made guitar, despite its cost. It sounds very low without an amp, as many other solid bodies, however, while travelling, I used my iPad for a large variety of tones at room level, and it worked very well. A small battery power amp works well, too. If you use a large amp, it sounds fine, however it is relatively clean/dry, as expected from any piezo pickup. There are several videos on YouTube that show show you how to restring it very easily.The neck is similar to my Tele ´63 reissue or Les Paul 60s neck. It is confortable and the fretwork is excellent. I don´t think you can make a better electric guitar of this size and weight. « Show Less
2234666
I'm very happy with the guitar. It has a very full sound and with it being a 12 string, the sound diminishes slower than a regular 6 string as the strings start to wear down, which makes for less times re-stringing the instrument. It is fairly light weight. I can play it standing up for long periods of time with no problem.
996302
Personally I have only been taking lessons for 8 months now. I heard about this guitar from a friend of mine who has been playing for years and was in a band. He raved about this guitar which made me try it. I have had mine since May and I love it. I am really surprised how good it sounds and looks. It is a full size guitar however for an acoustic it is on the thin side. I did take this guitar to my local guitar shop and had them lower the action which made it so much better for my taste. It sounds good through an amp but I am guessing that is more of an opinion. There are no obvious problems with it. Hope this helps. Personally I have only been taking lessons for 8 months now. I heard about this guitar from a friend of mine who has been playing for years and was in a band. He raved about this guitar which made me try it. I have had mine since May and I love it. I am really surprised how good it sounds and looks. It is a full size guitar however for an acoustic it is on the thin side. I did take this guitar to my local guitar shop and had them lower the action which made it so much better for my taste. It sounds good through an amp but I am guessing that is more of an opinion. There are no obvious... » Read More Personally I have only been taking lessons for 8 months now. I heard about this guitar from a friend of mine who has been playing for years and was in a band. He raved about this guitar which made me try it. I have had mine since May and I love it. I am really surprised how good it sounds and looks. It is a full size guitar however for an acoustic it is on the thin side. I did take this guitar to my local guitar shop and had them lower the action which made it so much better for my taste. It sounds good through an amp but I am guessing that is more of an opinion. There are no obvious problems with it. Hope this helps. « Show Less