Days after unearthing this enchantingly perfect line of guitars, I made the investment in a beautiful Taylor 615, a "jumbo" model. I now celebrate 20 years with this superb specimen (pictured to the right). Like a family member, this guitar has remained a central part of my life ever since. I've dragged it to countless gigs and taken it on beach trips and carried it on airplanes. A few beers have even spilled onto its delightful contours.
In fact, my 615 has taken more than its share of beatings. I remember strumming quite assertively at one show, hitting the instrument pretty hard, and seeing tiny flecks of its wood taking flight from beside the pick guard.
Just this week I learned of yet another important Taylor anniversary. I saw in the guitar maker's newsletter, Wood & Steel, that the California-based company is celebrating its 35th year. What a coincidental trio of milestones!
Over the years my Taylors have enriched my life enormously, being at the receiving end of my musical inspiration as well as frequently serving as the inspiration themselves. Just picking up a Taylor makes you feel tuneful, artful, peaceful. Meanwhile, Taylor Guitars keeps innovating, introducing new acoustic and electric models every year and establishing better ways to build instruments and improve playability and tone. What started as a small exclusive guitar maker in 1974 is now renowned the world over for its consistently exceptional instruments.
It is true that memories fade with age. But I recall nearly every detail of my experience 20 years ago playing a Taylor for the first time. Those types of transformational moments leave deep and lasting impressions.