Is this a good worship-leading guitar?

worship_boy · #1 07-05-2003, 12:25 AM

Hey, I'm looking to buy my first Taylor soon. I lead worship for many occasions, most often unplugged but also through systems. I most often play solo, but also play with an array of instruments in groups as well. I tend to be a strummer, but do more slow and fingerstyle as well.
I'm thining 6xx series because Maple seems to cut through a crowd yet has a lot of clarity. (4xx is strong, but seems to lack clarity?)
I'm thinking x10 because of the volume for unplugged settings. (x14 sounds good, but will it carry the volume I need it to?)
So I guess that leaves me with a 610ce.

What do all you other worship leaders thing?
Oh, and I saw this one on e-bay, how does it look to you?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ory=33031&rd=1
Thanks!

bradley dr20 · #2 07-05-2003, 12:29 AM

a 615ce would also work well for you

gjatkins · #3 07-05-2003, 06:27 AM

I saw Doyle Dykes at a clinic and asked him the same question. He said quite a few of the worship leaders he knows play 514's. He said they're an all-around great guitar and versitile for your kind of situation.

If volume is what you need, then the 615 is a great idea.

Let us know how it turns out.

p.s. go to Taylor's website and check out thier Summer Limiteds. You may want to check out geting a 315ce made with koa.

But you're just gonna have to go into the store and play as many as possible . .. too bad

ricks · #4 07-05-2003, 06:41 AM

I think a 400 series with Imbuia would be another great choice at a great price. New ones this year (?) or look for a 2002 LTD still on the wall. You might find a great deal.

Rick

freestyle · #5 07-05-2003, 06:48 AM

You might also check the TGF's own for sale chat room, some very nice guitars there for a good price to Forumites.

dogman · #6 07-05-2003, 08:05 AM

I agree with the previous posts. A 615 would be a great guitar if it is volume that you want. I found that with my 815ce there was a little to much volume for unplugged situations (25-50 people), but my voice isn't really loud. That's why I went with a 614ce this time.

vertical51 · #7 07-05-2003, 08:41 AM

I play praise and worship as well.
I play both a 614ces and an 814ces. They are both great guitars.
They play and sound great plugged in or unplugged.
I feel both are strong enough unplugged volume wise.

In my opinion the 814 has a warmer, fuller sound unplugged with the sitka/rosewood combo. Also a little more sustain.
With the sitka/maple combo the 614 shines when it is plugged in.
Brighter than the 814

Again i feel the x14's are plenty sufficient any way you play. The 814 and 614 because of the tonewoods are very different.

Play as many as you can. In the end it is what sounds and feels right for you.

leeasam · #8 07-05-2003, 03:38 PM

I use a 03 810CE w/es for leading worship. Since most of the time i`m strumming to hold down the main rythm I like the x10s better. I had a 01 410CE and it cut through just fine. Now with the revoiced dreads they cut through nice. We don`t have a bass player just me a piano and drumms so the added bass punch of the dread works great and still has planty of high end clarity to cut through.

Most of the time leading worsjip one is strumming anyway unless one is playing mostly ballad type hymns then finger picking works, but for most praise and worship while leading which includes singing the strumming works best as you are the one dictating the direction with the rythm.

I have played a 600 series and while nice lacked the bottom of my 810 and would come across to middy and high. But if you have alot of other instruments that could work well. Remeber that one can do alot with tweaking the electronics and adjusting the EQ on the PA
Lee

P.S. OH YA ! I just remebered . I was suing a stiffer .60mm pick and tried a thinner .50mm one instead and WOW the guitar rang out alot better and was actually louder. You can go too thin though but I have found the the Dunlop Torex .50mm pick ( red ) is just right and lets the strings SNAP better and gives more dynamics andvolume. I would have thought different but when I A/B ed the .60mm and the .50mm the .50mm was actually louder and more resonant.Took a little time to adjust but it sounds WAY better. Thicker does NOT mean luder or better sounding allways

jimklein · #9 07-05-2003, 06:59 PM

My 810 is my favorite for leading Worship!

jumbo lover · #10 07-05-2003, 07:48 PM

Man I'm telling you, try the 615ce. I lead worship every week and it sounds great. Plenty of volume and crystal clear sound. What more could you ask for?

elixirs4me · #11 07-05-2003, 09:57 PM

Why can't you lead worship with any guitar? Any x14 or x10 guitar should be just fine and I have sometimes used my 712.

People who are worshipping actually aren't thinking a whole lot about your guitar sound. They are more into the music and the message. Just get what you feel comfortable with and you'll be fine.

Ian · #12 07-06-2003, 08:09 AM

if it's a taylor.. it's a great worship leading guitar!!
a good di will help you too..
i just ordered a lr baggs accoustic di of the net.. can't wait for thedelivery!

jimklein · #13 07-06-2003, 04:54 PM

IAN,
I use a LR Baggs ParAcoustic DI every week... Couldn't live without it now... Enjoy!

Hondo · #14 07-06-2003, 10:16 PM

I use a K20CE. I'm more comfortable with the dread size than any other in that situation.

I love the X14 for many situations, but to supply the rhythm needed for P&W, I think an X10 or X15 is best.

jim_n_virginia · #15 07-06-2003, 10:19 PM

I have an 810 and it is all I need and want in a guitar for leading worship. To MY ears anyway the 810 has the highs AND lows that you would need if you play solo. I have had SO many people tell me how loud and clear my 810 sounds and a few swear it sounds like a 12 string. I am extremely happy with my baby!

--jim--