Dazed and Confused on my x15 Decision

coloGuitar · #1 07-10-2003, 09:48 AM

I've made a few other posts regarding my recent quandry of deciding on a new x15. I can't seem to find a local shop that has a jumbo in stock. I'll be using it mostly for live performance at church. Lot's of strumming and some flat picking. Here's a few questions ...

- In your opinion, will the maple on the 615 make the guitar too bright? Or, will the jumbo body size help to bring out the lows?

- Is the rosewood on the 815 just a flat out better wood than the maple?

- Is it worth springing a few extra dollars to get a new guitar with the ES system, or should I search out a broken in oldie?

Thanks for your advice.

pollajak · #2 07-10-2003, 09:58 AM

Hi,

A jumbo guitar is louder because it is bigger. But the tone is still determined by woods. Both 615 and 815 have Sitka Spruce top, I think a Rosewood back/side would be more suitable for church songs because it produces a very sweet sound. Since your local stores do not have a jumbo guitar in stock, you can only try other 600 or 800 guitars to compare the tones.

Look at the thread, "Great article on TONE WOODS. Very interesting". It explains Maple and Rosewood very well.

meridian · #3 07-10-2003, 09:59 AM

Gibson J-200s are maple, mostly.

terusafan7 · #4 07-10-2003, 10:10 AM

a guy at my church uses a 614 and it works great cause it cuts real well. it is very clear and resists feedback very well as well. YES!!! he ES is worth the money!!! dont worry about finding an old already broke in guitar cause breaking in the guitar is half the fun!

Boogie · #5 07-10-2003, 10:13 AM

Try a 515 if you can. Mahogany is sweet in a Jumbo. I use a 514ce for worship and it works great.

~j~ · #6 07-10-2003, 10:13 AM

maple, baby maple. do it up with the ES, too...

rosewood jumbo seems a little too much, I think you'll be surprised at warmth of the taylor maples and that extra sweetness will sell you.... don't take it from me just go out and play em you'll be able to tell. As far as availability you may have to take a drive.

I think mandolin bros. has a return policy you could order both and return the one you don't like after a bit

orsino · #7 07-10-2003, 10:14 AM

I have a/b'd both the 815 and 615 and they are both great in their own unique sound. But, I believe that maple is the best wood for a jumbo as it tends to brighten the natural tendency a jumbo sized guitar has for bass. Maple is more immediate on attack though and does not have the complexity and sustain that rosewood has. I love my Gibby J-100 (spruce/maple), but love my mahogany and rosewood as well. Again, it's a matter of preference. Try one of each!!

cpmusic · #8 07-10-2003, 10:23 AM

I'd go for the 615 (no big surprise, if you check my signature!). When new, it will sound brighter than the 815, but down the road it will gain warmth and depth without getting boomy or losing the crisp tone that maple is known for. It's also easier in a stage environment because maple doesn't add much color to the mix.

As for the ES, I don't know, because I haven't had much practical experience with it. What I've heard has been very impressive, but I'm still a little concerned about bugs in the system, and it requires some care to keep body noises from coming through. I'm doing very well with a Rare Earth Blend, but it's not as stealthy, and its mic would probably make it more prone to feedback when it's dialed in. I'd say try a couple of ES-equipped guitars through a PA or a good acoustic amp (Ultrasound, for example), and see how they sound to you.

FNG · #9 07-10-2003, 10:56 AM

Hey,
Don't forget the 415 rosewood summer ltd. Maybe a less expensive option to the 815, if you decide that rosewood is what you want.

Happy Huntin' David!

TheStugots · #10 07-10-2003, 11:10 AM

I played a 315 and it blew me away. That is a great sounding guitar without having to spend the big money on the 7 or 8 series. you also might want to look at the summer LTD's the 315 LTD has koa back and sides for the regular price.

gjatkins · #11 07-10-2003, 12:34 PM

Taylor is offering a 315ce-ltd in Koa as a part of the Summer Limiteds. That would be the way to go. You get Koa, ES, gloss finish, and a Jumbo all in one for the price of a regular 315ce.

Run now! Don't wait!

BTW, I have never seen a 515. It must be a custom order, unless you mean the LKSM-6, which has no es.

Otherswise, get the 615 in maple.

green614 · #12 07-10-2003, 03:12 PM

Don't forget, the Summer strummer koas are the price of the 400 series. Just a little more but a fantastic bargain none the less!

jumbo lover · #13 07-10-2003, 04:47 PM

One note on the 315ce and 415ce summer strummers....they are not revoiced. This may not matter to you, but I have played three revoiced jumbos and it does make a big difference in volume, tone and bass.

Plexiprs · #14 07-10-2003, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by coloGuitar
I can't seem to find a local shop that has a jumbo in stock. I'll be using it mostly for live performance at church.

Have you called Steve at Wildwood Guitars in Louisville? Last time I was in they had lots of x15's, at least two (i played) had ES.

Phone: 303.665.7733

martin82 · #15 07-10-2003, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpmusic
I'd go for the 615 (no big surprise, if you check my signature!). When new, it will sound brighter than the 815, but down the road it will gain warmth and depth without getting boomy or losing the crisp tone that maple is known for. It's also easier in a stage environment because maple doesn't add much color to the mix.

As for the ES, I don't know, because I haven't had much practical experience with it. What I've heard has been very impressive, but I'm still a little concerned about bugs in the system, and it requires some care to keep body noises from coming through. I'm doing very well with a Rare Earth Blend, but it's not as stealthy, and its mic would probably make it more prone to feedback when it's dialed in. I'd say try a couple of ES-equipped guitars through a PA or a good acoustic amp (Ultrasound, for example), and see how they sound to you.

I agree 100% with cpmusic. My 615 is 3 years old and it has really warmed up and mellowed out. It's a great guitar.