Pre-Fender vs. Post-Fender Tacoma

[Ryan03132]

Hello, Today I had the chance to play on a pre-fender prodution tacoma dr20 and also a post-fender production tacoma dr20. On looks alone, both guitars appeared the same, quality sitka tops and nice rosewood back and sides. The post fender one had a different binding around the body. After playing both of them, I decided that I liked the pre-fender tacoma better. It seemed to be better built and seemed to resonate more. Of course, this could have just been two random specimens and the post fender could have been a dud or something.

 

Has anyone else had these same results? I am in the market for a new acoustic and am now really considering that pre-fender dr20.

 

I have also looked at the Taylor GS series (i have since decided i didnt want to spend that much) and a few others. So far, the pre-fender tacoma has been my fav. Just wondering if anyone else had compared the tacoma's. Thanks, Ryan.

[DonK]

Haven't tried any of the post-Fender Tacoma's, but my 1997 Tacoma DR-20 sounds killer! I bought it when they first came out and have never regretted it.

[Ryan03132]

Thats good to hear. I'm really considering snatching this one up because i think it may be one of the few pre-fender ones left. I also loved the way it played and sounded and looked. Anyone want a Taylor 414ce?

 

DonK, I see you have both the 414 and the dr20...how do you think they compare? which ones your favorite to play? I do more strumming than fingerpicking which is why im leaning toward getting the dr20. Wish i could have both

[DonK]

Originally posted by Ryan03132 Thats good to hear. I'm really considering snatching this one up because i think it may be one of the few pre-fender ones left. I also loved the way it played and sounded and looked. Anyone want a Taylor 414ce? DonK, I see you have both the 414 and the dr20...how do you think they compare? which ones your favorite to play? I do more strumming than fingerpicking which is why im leaning toward getting the dr20. Wish i could have both

 

They have a different playing feel: the neck radius on the Tacoma is flatter (I think it's 20"), but I like it. I really like Tacoma necks. The Tacoma is definitely better for strumming and flatpicking - it has more bass and midrange (though not as much bass as my Martin, and I would describe the bass on the Tacoma as crisp, whereas the Martin's is a little boomier). I use the Taylor exclusively for fingerstyle (which also includes strumming with my fingers rather than a pick). The Taylor has that typical Taylor brightness, though since it's a limited, is has rosewood back and sides rather than ovangkol, to it's not quite as bright as a regular 414.

[Ryan03132]

I didnt know that about the necks. Thanks. I would agree that the bass seems to be crisp. Thats a good way to put it. The guitar seems to be well balanced. Thanks for your replies.