Anyone own a pre-NT neck Taylor 510?

taylorman22 · #1 09-07-2017, 03:54 PM

Anyone on here own a pre-nt neck Taylor? If so, could you give me your own opinion of it and maybe even get me a sound sample?

Realbluesman · #2 09-07-2017, 04:10 PM

I have one, from Lemon Grove (1979). Bought used. A wonderful guitar.

I had it refretted years ago but it is probably due for a neck reset and overhaul. I believe I would have to send it back to the factory for this work because of the nature of the pre NT I (glued fb). Not too many "gold" Taylor repair places near me.

I would be interested to hear some chatter on this.

taylorman22 · #3 09-07-2017, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Realbluesman

I have one, from Lemon Grove (1986). Bought used. A wonderful guitar.

I had it refretted years ago but it is probably due for a neck reset and overhaul. I believe I would have to send it back to the factory for this work because of the nature of the pre NT I (glued fb). Not too many "gold" Taylor repair places near me.

I would be interested to hear some chatter on this.

Nice! Yeah sounds like you would have to send it in. How do you know when it needs a reset?

I'm considering a 1996 510 from the original owner. It's barely been played. His wife bought it for him and he barely learned a few chords. Never took lessons like he intended. It's online tho, so I can't play it first. I did own a 1999 410ce that sounded great. Curious how an older 510 sounds tho. With the age, I'd think it would have a nice warm sound.

Goat Mick · #4 09-07-2017, 06:43 PM

I have a 1994 710 with the pre-NT neck and it is a beautiful warm sounding guitar. The 510 was mahogany backed so I'd expect it to be warmer than my rosewood 710.

ChrisN · #5 09-07-2017, 07:33 PM

1. I understand the mid-90s Taylors are considered by many to have tone superior to their modern counterparts.

2. Resetting a pre-NT neck is as simple as gets (if you don't count the NT neck) - any competent luthier will be able to do it, though I don't hesitate to recommend sending it to Taylor, assuming you have about 2 months to wait for its return. They do good work, but you don't need for them for a reset - simply point your luthier to: http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luth...ylorreset.html
That site's luthier does perform removal of the fretboard extension (ideally the proper path), but it's not necessary, as you can leave it attached and simply sand the heel - http://fingerlakesguitarrepair.com/t...lt-neck-reset/

It's imperative that anyone who does the work understand that the pre-NT neck is bolted on, only. There is NO glue in the neck joint, so there will be no steaming of the neck, no fret removal to access the joint, etc. I understand some luthiers don't realize their mistake until it's too late, so make sure they understand in advance. Should be a very reasonable cost, compared to a dovetail reset - I'm guessing $100, unless fretwork is needed to compensate for the change.

jrmyrnsm · #6 09-07-2017, 07:45 PM

I've owned a couple, '96 612c, '96 510, 97 512, and two '88 610s. I personally prefer the older Taylors with the pre-NT neck to the newer ones but have also owned a lot of NT neck Taylors and like them just fine as well. In my experience the 90s Taylors feel like a lighter build and feel more responsive like a nice hand built guitar than most of the newer ones. I loved the 96 510 I owned. Similar tone to other mahogany Taylor's I've owned but like I mentioned just felt like it was more responsive and not as heavy. If the price is good I don't think you can go wrong. It wouldn't be hard to sell it again if it wasn't for you. Good luck!

taylorman22 · #7 09-07-2017, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrmyrnsm

I've owned a couple, '96 612c, '96 510, 97 512, and two '88 610s. I personally prefer the older Taylors with the pre-NT neck to the newer ones but have also owned a lot of NT neck Taylors and like them just fine as well. In my experience the 90s Taylors feel like a lighter build and feel more responsive like a nice hand built guitar than most of the newer ones. I loved the 96 510 I owned. Similar tone to other mahogany Taylor's I've owned but like I mentioned just felt like it was more responsive and not as heavy. If the price is good I don't think you can go wrong. It wouldn't be hard to sell it again if it wasn't for you. Good luck!

I'm actually looking at a 1996 510. That's why I ask. It's online, but from the original owner who doesn't know how to play guitar. It's basically unplayed and has no electronics. Can get it for just a few dollars over 1k. Found this today along with a 2004 314 for $300 less than that. All of this too after I had decided to buy a Used Martin MMV. Thinking now of staying with a Taylor. Just want something warm sounding. Warmer than my maple GS.

DupleMeter · #8 09-07-2017, 09:40 PM

I have a 1996 510. Bought it new in '96 and have been loving it ever since.

jrmyrnsm · #9 09-08-2017, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taylorman22

I'm actually looking at a 1996 510. That's why I ask. It's online, but from the original owner who doesn't know how to play guitar. It's basically unplayed and has no electronics. Can get it for just a few dollars over 1k. Found this today along with a 2004 314 for $300 less than that. All of this too after I had decided to buy a Used Martin MMV. Thinking now of staying with a Taylor. Just want something warm sounding. Warmer than my maple GS.

Have you considered holding out for something with a cedar top? I think the top wood would typically have a much bigger influence on a guitar sounding warm than the back/sides as the 96 510 you're looking at is likely still a spruce top. I had a GS5 and it definitely had a more mellow/warm sound than an equivalent mahogany/spruce topped guitar. I think for 1k you would have no problem picking up a nice cedar/mahogany or cedar/rosewood guitar that may have a bigger tonal variation from your GS6 than just changing out the back wood from maple to mahogany. YMMV.

Dont get me wrong, I think of the choices you have of a 314, MMV, or the 96 510 I would be walking away with the 510 and not looking back but I think having a cedar top or even a mahogany top may provide a bigger change of tone from the GS6.

taylorman22 · #10 09-10-2017, 05:15 PM

Any owners of a mid-90's 510 willing to send me a recording, video or audio? If really like to hear what one sounds like. Seriously considering one, but wanna hear one first.