Bob Taylor Interview

Heading, Considering Transcript

Time to read: 5 minutes

In this exclusive interview, Cosmo Music CEO Mark Hebert and Neil Shukla sit down with Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars for a virtual chat about the world of guitar craftsmanship. Bob shares stories about a unique gift to Cosmo Music—a topless guitar that gives an inside look at the art behind Taylor Guitars. They also discuss Bob’s favourite guitar they’ve built, the innovative new Legacy Series, and what the future holds for Taylor Guitars. Plus, get a glimpse into how Bob spends his time outside of guitar building.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOfZfI0w2Q8

Taylor Legacy Collection

Own a Piece of History

Guitar enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a journey through time with Taylor Guitars’ stunning Legacy Collection! As part of Taylor’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, this exclusive lineup pays homage to the Taylor’s rich heritage while incorporating modern enhancements that every player will appreciate.

Get ready to experience the Legacy Collection firsthand! Orders begin on October 15, 2024—don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Taylor’s history.

👉Shop the Taylor Legacy Collection

A Tribute to Tradition

The Legacy Collection is more than just a set of guitars; it’s a celebration of Taylor’s journey in the world of music. This collection features three meticulously reimagined models from the classic 800 Series—the Dreadnought 810e, the Jumbo 815e, and the 12-string Jumbo 855e. Alongside these are two beloved Grand Auditorium models: the mahogany/cedar 514ce and the rosewood/cedar 714ce. Each guitar reflects Bob Taylor’s personal history and craftsmanship, offering a unique blend of traditional design and contemporary performance.

Innovative Features for Modern Players

While the Legacy Collection models are rooted in Taylor’s storied past, they also showcase contemporary advancements that enhance playability and sound quality. Here’s a closer look at what makes each model special:

1. Legacy 800 Series:
   • The Dreadnought 810e, Jumbo 815e, and 12-string Jumbo 855e feature Indian rosewood backs and sides paired with Sitka spruce tops. This classic wood combination ensures a rich tonal palette, characterized by warmth and clarity.
   • Updated X-bracing patterns maintain the authenticity of the original designs while enhancing resonance and sustain.
   • Bob Taylor has personally curated these models, integrating aesthetic refinements that respect tradition while offering modern appeal.
2. Legacy 514ce and 714ce:
   • Celebrating the iconic Grand Auditorium body style, these models are designed for players seeking versatility. The mahogany/cedar 514ce and rosewood/cedar 714ce deliver a warm, responsive tone, perfect for fingerstyle players and strummers alike.
   • Both models feature X-bracing, ensuring a dynamic range that suits recording and live performance.
   • Aesthetic touches like faux tortoiseshell binding and green abalone rosettes elevate their visual appeal, making them as stunning to look at as they are to play.

The Taylor Guitars 800 Series Legacy models: the Dreadnought 810e, the 6-string Jumbo 815e, and the 12-string Jumbo 855e.

The Taylor Guitars Grand Auditorium Legacy models feature two cedar-top options that have been popular standards for many years: the mahogany 514ce and the rosewood 714ce.

A Personal Touch

Each guitar in the Legacy Collection features a specially designed “Legacy” label inside, with the first 100 of each model hand-signed by co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. This personal touch adds a layer of exclusivity and connection for players who appreciate the story behind their instrument.

Why Choose the Legacy Collection?

For guitarists, choosing an instrument is about more than just sound; it’s about connection and inspiration. The Legacy Collection stands as a testament to Taylor’s commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that each guitar not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s players. Whether you’re performing on stage, recording in the studio, or simply enjoying a jam session at home, these guitars offer unparalleled playability and sound.

As Taylor Guitars commemorates its 50th anniversary, the Legacy Collection embodies the brand’s spirit of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to the music community. These guitars not only promise stunning aesthetics but also exceptional sound, making them a worthy addition to any musician’s collection.

Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary Limited-Edition Collection

In addition to the newly announced Taylor Legacy Collection, the Taylor Guitars 50th Anniversary Limited-Edition Collection is being released throughout 2024 at Cosmo Music. This series features guitars that are each limited to 1,974 pieces worldwide, commemorating Taylor’s founding year of 1974. With exclusive updates like premium tonewoods and commemorative appointments, these models showcase exceptional craftsmanship and unique design. Experience the artistry of Taylor’s 50 years of innovation and discover your next standout instrument in this remarkable collection.

👉Shop the Taylor 50th Anniversary Collection

Bob Taylor Interview Transcript

Bob Taylor:

I often get answered, “So, what’s your favorite guitar [and what is] your most proud moment in guitars?”

I go with the GS Mini. This is the GS Mini. If you’re an accomplished player, you still want one. And if you’re a beginner, it’s perfect. And if you’re an average player but you’re small, it’s wonderful.

You know, it doesn’t cost too much money, you can travel with it, and you can buy it in the most simple version or all the way up to like a GS Mini Koa Plus. Which, when you see that case, that Arrow case, you open it up and look inside, and it’s like, “Wow, that’s a nice guitar.” It gets the job done, and it’s not so precious that you can’t own it and use it.

Bob Taylor: Gentlemen

Neil Shukla: Hello, hello. How’s it going?

Mark Hebert: How are you?

Bob Taylor: It’s going good. Is this Mark?

Mark Hebert: That’s right.

Neil Shukla: My name is Neil, and yeah, this is Mark. We’re here in the Taylor Room here at Cosmo Music.

Bob Taylor: What an incredible store. Sorry I’m a minute late you know the talent just needs to keep people waiting.

Neil Shukla: That’s all good.

Bob Taylor: I was out there, make ‘em wait.

Neil Shukla: Fashionably late right. You are definitely the talent of today. I was talking to Mark and he was telling me this story about when he was a little boy, and you know what, why don’t I just let you tell it.

Mark Hebert: Sure. Yeah, not to steal Bob’s thunder, we’ll start off with me, how about that.

Neil Shukla: Do it.

Why Buy Your Taylor Guitar at Cosmo Music

Cosmo Music has been a trusted partner of Taylor Guitars since they first arrived in Canada in the late 1970s. As Canada’s first Taylor Dealer and selected as the only Taylor Premier Online Dealer in Canada, Cosmo Music offers an unparalleled selection of Taylor guitars, from beginner models to premium, limited-edition masterpieces. Our Taylor Guitars Acoustic Room is the world’s first dedicated space of its kind, designed to give you a perfect environment to experience the tonal brilliance of these instruments. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you’ll benefit from Cosmo’s Taylor Premier Online Dealer designation, ensuring top-tier selection, expert guidance, and exceptional customer service. At Cosmo Music, we are committed to helping you find the perfect Taylor guitar with the same care and attention to detail that Taylor puts into crafting them.

✋ We are Here to Help

If you have any questions, our Customer Support is available seven days a week:

• Live Chat (orange button at the bottom right of CosmoMusic.ca)
• 1-800-463-3000
• support@cosmo.ca