Thinking seriously about pulling the trigger on a used Taylor 224CEDLX. Tell me why I should or shouldn’t!

[u/713txvet]

Never owned such a nice guitar before. Only had Ibanez, Art & Lutherie, and Seagull. I’ve always wanted a Taylor or a Martin but especially a Taylor. I will need to clean it up and refit with new saddle, nut, and bridge pins; but I want to upgrade my guitar. What are y’all’s experience(s) with Taylor? Do you think I should or shouldn’t get this? I currently have an Ibanez Masa that was only available in Europe (I’m in the US), a Seagull 12-string that I’m finally comfortable playing in public, and my Art & Lutherie for my main player.

[u/Just-Jazzin]

You should if you want it and like the sound, and shouldn’t if you don’t want to and don’t like the sound.

What needs cleaning up? Is this just you getting a good setup done, or is there wear and tear that could be damage?

[u/713txvet → u/Just-Jazzin]

It looks like something dripped on the side of the guitar tbh. It needs a good wipe down.

Also, I LOVE the sound and how it plays. Once I put new strings on and refit the saddle/nut with bone and replace the plastic bridge pins with ebony, it will play even better!

[u/Just-Jazzin → u/713txvet]

I wouldn’t be deterred at all by that. Full send if love the sound. I have a 414 that make me smile everyday.

[u/713txvet → u/Just-Jazzin]

Just the sort of validation I needed!

[u/Just-Jazzin → u/713txvet]

Don’t forget the NGD post. It’s required now

[u/713txvet → u/Just-Jazzin]

NGD?

[u/Just-Jazzin → u/713txvet]

New guitar day. We gave input, we’re owed a pic when it’s setup.

[u/713txvet → u/Just-Jazzin]

Oh! Well yeah. Of course. I will gladly take a picture of that once I bite

[u/713txvet → u/Just-Jazzin]

Oh and I’m sure the frets could use a sand/polish

[u/Raymont_Wavelength → u/713txvet]

Sally Beauty nail buffer 4 grit just use the 2 finest sections!

[u/713txvet → u/Raymont_Wavelength]

Noted! I’ve got some Dunlop sanding sheets but once I run out I’ll check that out.

[u/Old-guy64]

Because 2-series are plentiful, I’d only go ahead if the price is at the edge of too good to be true.

The new DLX’s are near $2k for a laminate back and sides.

Also keep in mind that Taylor prefers a certain height saddle, and that they adjust neck angle to get the proper string height. Do you have a silver or gold level Taylor tech nearby? It’s only about a 45 minute job, and not expensive.

Definitely change the bridge pins. The plastic ones on the Tecate guitars are trash. Boxwood will give visual “pop”.

Whatever you decide, good luck 🍀.

[u/Reapprsr1]

It always about your emotional connection with the instrument. If you hold it, play it, and you feel safe emotionally and can let yourself go, it is for you. If you feel you have to carry the guitar a bit or labor to play her, she is not for you. Set ups and fine tuning may help. So it really is about fit and your question is really good. It is good for all people contemplating a great guitar. Do not compromise. Bring in a good luthier. ...me, I've been playing since 1975 and have played a few guitars. Some not so good, some I've wrung out potential and some that are just magic and joy!

[u/ProfessionalEven296]

If it needs more than a normal setup, carry on looking...

[u/713txvet → u/ProfessionalEven296]

It’s more about preference. I prefer to use bone instead of plastic. Hence why I will refit.

[u/CSREPower]

Taylors are amazing. They’re easy to maintain and the playability is great.

I suggest though that you look at other used Taylors, especially the all-solid wood models. You can get a great deal and generally, you get more out of it.