Taylor Signature Models - Past, Present and Future?

Guitar players often long to play like our guitar heroes and so we often look to the gear they are using to replicate that sound. Because of this Signature Model guitars have long been popular models. The Gibson "Les Paul", is effectively the most popular and long running Signature model ever. Taylor Guitars has had many signature models in the past as well as having some today. Chris McKee shares two of his own guitars - a Doyle Dykes Signature Model (DDSM) and a Leo Kottke Signature Twelve String (LKSM-12). He also ponders what the future may hold.
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[@rmzzz76]

That Doyle Dikes model is beautiful and is one of the best sounding Taylor guitars I've heard. I still prefer the tone of Taylor's X-braced over V-Class bracing. Doyle Dikes - Moved on to Guild Leo Kottke - Still uses his signature Taylor 12 string. His main guitar for the past few years is a boutique built model

[@tbeau6663]

Doyle Dykes played an Irish Avalon acoustic too. Avalon's are outstanding guitars!! Players include Van Morrison, James Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, The Corrs, Def Leppard, Bruce Springsteen, Glenn Tilbrook, Nik Kershaw, Bob Geldof, Katie Melua, Albert Lee, David Gray, Andy McKee. Ed Sheeran says he writes on one! As you can tell.....I'm a fan of these fabulous guitars. Check 'em out!

[@geoffreywillis7793]

Chris, Pam enjoyed hearing you play it!

[@makukumydude7393]

I just purchased a Taylor 818 in tobacco sunburst, the one with the Alamo inlays. The dealer said they won it in a raffle from an event held at the Taylor factory this year. It’s not a signature model but you’re right when you guys say Taylor does a good job of making you feel like your guitar is one of a kind, because it’s so beautiful. The rosewood is even a little curly and the fretboard has some streaks. I’ve seen a few 618’s in a burst but this was the first 818 I’ve seen like it. it really is the guitar of my dreams.

[@mikeferris408]

Both are very very beautiful... and they both sound like that classic taylor full n round sound their know for n hope you get when you buy 1. Congratulations, your playing is heavenly 👍

[@ColdPie]

The bass on that 12 string is excellent.

[@minorchord]

Great video! You forgot the Kenny Loggins signature one, which you have made a video of already :P

[@tmoore4075]

The artwork on the Dave Matthews 914 was really the only difference but it was very cool and unique as Dave drew it.

[@RonnKilby]

I had the LKSM-12 (bought from a certain well-known metal player who moved to Brazilian jazz and used it on 2 songs on his first Brazilian jazz album), loved it but didn't play it enough, sold it and got a 456ce which I play more. Also have a 1996 LKSM-6 which has turned out to be a surprisingly balanced (tonally) everyday player. Bought from an LA session player who played it on 3 albums. Never selling this one.

[@MelodyMaker]

Awesome unfamiliar demo melodies. 😉

[@texhaines9957]

Yes the unsigned Chris McKee Signature model sounds great.

[@ronmoore1219]

I really liked the DDSM. Beautiful. Maybe the Power(s) thar be will watch this. Thanks, Chris. I

[@mimeeks3]

They only made 2 and never been available to the public, but don’t forget Sambora’s double neck Koa model

[@AlamoMusic]

I've played it at the factory, well one of the two. Of course I had to play, "Wanted Dead or Alive". I have an old photo somewhere. - Chris

[@mimeeks3]

@@AlamoMusic that’s awesome. And playing that song is probably required when you play that guitar. Saw a Video of Baxter from Casino Guitars when he played it in the vault and he did the exact same thing

[@paulsawatsky2649]

I used to have the LKSM12 enjoyed it but had a hard time getting Elixir Heavy gauge 12 string sets. Ending up switching to regular gauge and standard tuning as I wanted to play with other musicians. I also put a sound pickup in it. Traded it in several years ago. There also was a Susannah Hoffs signature model, all Koha GC with no cutaway. She still plays it on Instagram Videos.

[@EB-td2lr]

Hey Chris, great point about a technique change for a fingerstyle player on a 12 string. I’ve always wanted to buy a 12 but play fingerstyle too and never have known how to approach it. Would you guys consider making a video on the technique you’re talking about?

[@gam1471]

I enjoyed your presentation, good picking too! I have a Dan Crary Signature Model (DCSM) which I bought secondhand eleven years ago, and it's a fabulous guitar with a beautiful tone all of its own, perfect for my bluegrass flatpicking. It was Taylor's very first signature model I believe - I have a catalogue which I think predates yours. It's a fold-out, and inside are shown the 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and Koa series respectively. The final page has a half-page picture of Dan playing the guitar, with a description underneath. The catalogue isn't dated, but the address is at Santee, CA 92071. I know that some of the DCSMs were made at the earlier Lemon Grove factory. Do you know how many of these were made? I've seen estimates of about two to five hundred - it would be interesting to know.

[@artr2]

Get the K & K pure pick up for that LKSM 12 guitar to avoid major wood inference with the body. Just a suggestion. :)

[@clydeortego8332]

What do you think of the Epiphone DR 212 12 string, I own one and Love it?

[@howardhdavidson]

I have the Black DDSM How do you adjust the individual hight of the individual mikes in the bridge .You mentioned you being able to do so.I guess it’s complicated.I’d love to know ..

[@AlamoMusic]

It is complicated through an internal mechanism on each saddle. - Chris

[@josephhayes3359]

Don’t forget the Kenny Loggins. X15 jumbo size in AAA koa. Also the Taylor Swift….

[@aaroncarbajal]

All my guitars are my wife's guitars. She allows me to play them for her. She can't play.

[@stevezelik9535]

Don't buy a guitar from these people. I tried to order a 3k custom Taylor guitar and all I received was crickets. Take your money to a business that appreciates and respects you.

[@AlamoMusic]

Hi Steve, sorry to hear about your experience. We’re definitely not perfect but we try and do right by everyone - do you mind sharing who you were dealing with so we can use the feedback to get better?

[@stevezelik9535]

@@AlamoMusic John

[@Jasper_Yay636]

Another Taylor video?👎🏻

[@batmitestar1560]

Another Taylor brasher?👎

[@johnlord1399]

And it’s about time!

[@jed1166]

I always thought that in America, we celebrated success? I will never understand why people hate the success that Messers Taylor, Listug and Powers have had. They have now turned the company over to it’s employees… even though these three remain in leadership roles, Taylor is 100% employee owned. Add in their sustainability focus, and I can’t fathom why anyone would disrespect this successful, environmentally responsible American company. Do I own a Taylor? No… Living in the Sonoran desert, I have a carbon fiber RainSong Jumbo as my #1, but would be proud to play a Taylor, if I move to where there is normal humidity.

[@Jasper_Yay636]

I love Taylor own a 714ce. One of the best. Are you aware of the amount of Taylor stock a dealer is required to carry, and the costs? Are you aware of how many models Taylor has? Do you not enjoy smaller guitar stores?

[@jed1166]

@Fog, wow! Your original post certainly didn’t indicate that you like Taylor…? Glad you love your 714ce! Just guessing, but in 2020 - 2021, when guitars were ultra rare, and backordered for 6+ months, maybe many dealers were glad they had Taylor’s. Yes, I love small guitar stores! I have patronized them since 1972. In 2017, I bought a Japanese Takamine from a single location, brick and mortar store in San Fernando Valley. I recently bought a RainSong from a single location brick and mortar store that also sells Taylor. I lived in China for 13 years, and bought guitars from a single store in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, even though it was a 2 hour drive from my home in Shanghai. Seems we both like the same things!