While six string guitars have been the standard in both electric and acoustic guitar for decades, we have seen some interesting options made available over the years. A few notables include the Rich Bich ten string designed by Neal Moser, and the seven string electrics that became very popular several years ago. While none of these options have made inroads at throwing the king six string off the top of the hill, they have gained notoriety in niche musical markets. I would be remiss not to mention the experiments by many companies over the years in making one off models with extremely innovative and even bizarre string combinations.
I recently witnessed one of the most interesting string combinations for acoustic guitars that I have seen to date. This guitar is one of several 35th Anniversary models offered by Taylor Guitars, and boasts a nine string combination. This Limited Edition guitar is simply called the "XXXV 9-String". A "Grand Symphony" body with a Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, and Indian Rosewood binding make this guitar a visual treat while balancing the tone and clarity to perfection which can be heard through the Taylor exclusive Expression System® pickup. The 35th Anniversary fretboard inlay adds a touch of class and lets everyone know you are playing a very special guitar.
Where this guitar really stands out from all others can be seen on the headstock where you will notice a slightly larger size to accommodate nine tuning keys. The string setup is as follows. Both the high and low "E" strings as well as the "A" string are single. The "D' and "G" strings are doubled an octave apart, and the "B" string is simply doubled. This setup adds a rich full sound to the mid range while maintaining the tonal stability without getting to deep in the lows, or too trebly on the high end. It is a well thought out setup where Taylor's quest for great sound remains at the forefront.
I have seen a nine string setup used before, mostly in the Nashville country scene, but the setup I have seen the most is a twelve string guitar strung with only nine strings. At times I have heard the nine string setup where the high "E" is doubled, and the "D" string is single, but in this configuration, I have always felt the sound was somewhat lopsided on the treble side. Even with the amount of instruments I have seen in my job at GuitarGearHeads.com, this is the first guitar that I have seen that is built specifically for nine string use, although I am sure they have been on the market before. I would love to hear from anyone who has the opportunity to play one of these special Limited Edition Taylors. I am willing to bet it sounds as good as it looks.
Like the twelve string, a guitar like this will end up for most players as a staple to add texture and dimension to a few songs in their repertoire. It will most likely not be an everyday, every song guitar, although there always seems to be a few players who can successfully define their sound based solely on a guitar like the XXXV 9-String.
See the XXXV 9-String at http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/ … /35thAnniversary/9String/
By: Gary Allen