Herb Taylor is an independent luthier based in Golden, Colorado. As a modern builder, Taylor's instruments explore a "road less traveled" when it comes to design.
We are excited to have this Octave Mandolin of his from 2017. A very nice, solid press-arched spruce top has a nice two tone bar bracing with an "A" cross brace under its bridge. Desgined with a shorter 19.5" scale length, this neck actually is a bolt on design with a dowel rod that extends from the tailpiece - all visible through the instruments side sound hole. This functional design helps the player decide on a proper neck angle, and unifies the neck joint with the bottom of the instrument nicely. The back and sides of this are made of Ziracote, a nice hardwood with "landscape" grain. The instrument is fully bound with stained walnut and maple trim. Its gloss finish is nice and thin.
The neck is made of what appears to be Spanish cedar with an ebony fingerboard. It has 23 EVO frets, for added durability and a nice look, the fingerboard adorned with classic snowflake abalone. It has nice low action with plenty of room for adjustment at the bridge, again with easy adjustments from its bolt on design and truss rod (located under the fingerboard extension).
This instrument comes to us in good shape, albeit with a repaired top & back crack (a few cleats are present).
A unique and high quality instrument! Includes a hardshell case.