Taylor 150e 12-String Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Overview
Amongst the main features of the Taylor 150e 12-String Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar are layered Walnut back and sides, a solid Sitka Spruce top, Hard Rock Maple neck and heel, Ebony bridge and fretboard, matte-finish body, black binding and pickguard, Micarta saddle, Tusq nut; and "natural-sounding" Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2). Click HERE for the full description of features, specifications; and available options for the Taylor 150e.

The Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2)
The foundation of the ES2 is Taylor’s "patented behind-the-saddle pickup," which features three "uniquely positioned" and "individually calibrated pickup sensors" feeding a "custom-designed professional audio-grade" pre-amplifier. Three "soft-touch" center-detented knobs allow the player to adjust the overall volume, as well as boost/cut the bass and treble. The ES2 is powered by one 9V battery, conveniently located in an integrated end pin jack/battery compartment housing at the "tail end" of the guitar. Another feature worth mentioning is the Phase Switch which can help reduce "low-frequency feedback should it occur in a live situation." This switch is located on the side of the circuit board, and can be accessed through the soundhole. Click HERE to learn more about this "revolutionary pickup design."

Ibanez York 628/12 Restoration | Part Three

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

After nearly a year, I've finally completed restoration work on this Ibanez York 628/12. Now, since you're already here, I highly recommend that you check out previous posts on this restoration; namely Part One and Part Two.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Ibanez York 628/12 Restoration | Part Two

Part One  | Part Two |  Part Three

Oh, happy day! The good news is that I've finished clear sanding the topcoat and am starting the polishing process. The bad news is that folds of my sarong have left creases in the finish. This is a clear sign that the lacquer has not hardened completely. So I'm hanging this baby for a few more weeks before going any further. By the way, a new nut has been installed and the two loose inlays (1st and 3rd frets) have been reglued. Here are some pics.

See Also: Part One | Part Three

New nut

Part One  | Part Two |  Part Three

Ibanez York 628/12 Restoration | Part One

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Just found out today that all the pics from my July 31 post on this Ibanez York 628/12 are missing. Serves me right for hotlinking. That post has already been deleted. And so, here is a repost with all the details and pics; for those of you (like me) who are into this sort of thing. The guitar has been partially stripped and refinished. It is currently undergoing the last leg of clear-coating (see last 3 pics), after which it will be hung to dry for as long as possible before final wet-sanding and polishing.

Details
Name / Model No: Ibanez York 628/12
Category: Dreadnought / 12-String Acoustic
Serial No: 75 328
Production Notes: Crafted in Japan circa 1975

Specs
Full Length: 43"
Body Dimensions: 19.75" x 16"
Body Depth: 4.5"
Neck Width: 1.75"
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Mahogany
Soundhole Rosette: Wood Marquetry
Body Binding: White
Fingerboard: Rosewood / Bound / Abalone-like Block Inlays
Bridge: Rosewood
Tuners: Chrome / Unsealed

Front view.

Back view.

Front of headstock.

Back of headstock. Tuners still working okay.

Nut is falling apart. Owner wants it rebuilt.

Serial Number.

Seems like a previous owner had this refinished.

Shrunken pickguard. Needs to be replaced.

Extensive damage to the back.

Neck heel/neck seam has come apart.

Damaged mahogany back.

Binding has not been scraped clean.

Finish damage near the end pin.

Nice bridge.

Fixing the split in the neck heel / neck seam.

Inlays at 1st and 3rd frets actually came loose.

Regluing the back to the sides.

Baking soda/CA glue nut rebuild attempt.

Spruce top stripped, sanded and restained. 

One pesky bottom brace reglued.

Clear coating in progress.

Hung to dry in between clear coats.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three