2007 Baby Taylor Travel/Terz Guitar

I remember when these first came out and people were ga-ga over them as portable strum-boxes. In fact, I understand why -- a little over $300 new, good sound, good design (they fixed some problems from the first run -- namely a dumb neckblock and clumsy bracing -- now they're a lot better), and easy playability. It also helps that they carry the Taylor brand at the headstock.

My opinion is that they're still essentially a terz-scale guitar and for use tuned E-to-E I think they sound OK but somewhat lousy. Just like the upscale version of the idea -- a Martin 5-18 -- you're going to need to get the tuning up to a higher pitch to really get the instrument singing. So, I think they're best-used for folks who want a higher-pitched instrument. Do you stick the capo at 3-5 a lot? This sucker, tuned-up G-to-G (like in the clip) is perfect for you. A uke player can tune it up higher in A-to-A with the right gauge strings, too, and then have a crossover instrument with much of the fretboard the same.

This guy came in via trade/consignment and was in pretty good health as-is, though it did need a little bit of love to get it playing correctly.

Work included: a bridge re-glue (and while I was at it, relocation to the right spot for good intonation), minor cleaning, and a good setup. The frets are only lightly-used and show essentially no wear. Action is 3/32" EA and 1/16" DGBE at the 12th fret, the truss rod works, and I have it strung with 46w-10 gauges and tuned up G-to-G over E-to-E standard. That's GCFBbDG low to high.

Scale length: 22 3/4"
Nut width: 1 11/16"
String spacing at nut: 1 1/2"
String spacing at saddle: 2 3/16"

Body length: 15 1/2"
Lower bout width: 12 1/2"
Upper bout width: 9 1/4"

Side depth at endpin: 3 1/2"

Top wood: solid spruce
Back/sides: ply mahogany
Neck wood: mahogany
Fretboard: ebony

Neck shape: 14" radius board w/slim-to-medium C rear

Bridge: ebony

Nut: Tusq

Saddle: Tusq

Condition notes: there's one small ding on the bass side near the waist and a little line/disturbance around the front of the bridge where it was incorrectly installed in the past.

It comes with: its original fancy gigbag.

I really do like the way Taylor blends the curve of the neck into the sides at the bolted joint. It's elegant.

This guy has plenty of saddle and the bolt-on neck joint allows for shimming-up and down to suit action taste.