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Andy Powers – On Redesigning Taylor Guitars
Andy is Bob Taylor’s successor at Taylor Guitars. In Bob’s interview, Bob tells the amazing story about writing the “dear god” letter and then discovering Andy only to find that he fits the bill perfectly. Interviewing these two back to back is like watching a documentary unfold right in front of your eyes.
I know you’ll be blown away by Andy just like I was. His passion is infectious and his knowledge of tonewoods and guitar building is so far beyond ours that it seems downright mystical.
What are your favorite takeaways from Andy Powers? Leave a comment below!
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Very inspiring attitude towards materials, being “in the moment”, in music as in life and from a fellow surfer. Excellent interview prompted by astutely targeted questions.
Now when I grew up Bob and Andy were what we called Dreamers. As entrepreneurs they can dream the big picture and then back calculate everything it will take to make it happen. Even to the point of building their own managed forests.
Bob knew to make the list of requirements for his successor impossible. He probably thought he would find someone with maybe 80% of the qualities. Instead he got referred to someone who exceeded his expectations.
They both have a love for maple and understand (just like Chris Martin) that renewable resources run out if you over harvest them.
Most businesses plan long term five to ten years. These guys have hundred year plans in place to assure the longevity of their businesses. This baffles my mind!
Frigging awesome interview!
God He Is Such A Cool Person, and so inspiring. His love for the instrument really just shines through!! Very good interview!! Loved it!!
What a lucky guy – to be able to do not one, but two, things he loves to do and make a living at it. He never has to go to work, ’cause work is play for him. I, too, love his statement about not needing to add or subtract anything for something to be perfect. Lots of folks spend their life pursuing perfection when it is right under their nose all the time.
Great thoughts Jo! Insightful.
MADE ME LOOK AT MY GUITAR TO LOOK AT THE BACK BRACING AND MINE DOES GO ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE. I LIKE THE PLAYED IN FEELING. MIGHT HAVE TO GET ME ONE SOMEDAY.
800 Series Rollout
https://www.taylorguitars.com/news/2014/01/21/taylor-guitars-celebrates-40th-anniversary-year-new-800-series-rollout
600 Series Story
https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/series/600/story
Thanks for the links Cory. Great stuff!
Always nice to hear the information provided by these interviews. As a beginner in an old body, I’m blown away learning from Andy, a true craftsman. The biggest take away from this interview, to paraphrase, “when you can’t add anything or take anything away to make it better, you know you have perfection.” It also gave me an interest in learning more about maple guitars. Thanks, so much for these interviews!
I see a guy that grew up surrounded by a lot of good fun opportunities, as in music, woodworking, surfing. I like the fact that he was inspired by these possibilities for creativity, and he ran with it. Ultimately finding an opportunity to do what he has a passion for and creating a good life.
I’m intrigued by the potential for the maple guitars . Did a bit of searching but it appears 600 series is not on the market yet? Perhaps Tony has a review coming up?
Now I have to go on YouTube to hear Andy Powers play the Taylor maple guitar. So disappointing that they held their instruments but did not play one note.
Interesting to hear Andy speak about the different types of wood and tones they produce. Best quote: “a thing is perfect when you couldn’t add one more detail or take anything away and have be as good”……….