Taylor Big Baby or Norman guitar

[Duffo]

Hi,

would like some advice/opinions to decide which is a better choice, the big baby or the norman b 18 (http://www.normanguitars.com/b18tobacco.html). I like the look of the Norman, also find it easy to play. Didn't get to try the newer big baby yet but had one a couple of years back and rmb that I found it a little hard to play on but I was young then... and I read the the big baby is a good guitar to learn on, suited for beginners. So now I'm kinda stuck on which to choose, any advice? Thanks!

 

[lemonade93]

I use the Norman B18 Cedar with Mahogany Sides. I think it's a BRILLIANT guitar . It's a solid top and all, not too sure about the Taylor Big Baby but i didn't hear very great reviews from my friend who owns one

Norman guitars have my vote! AND! They're handmade in Canada, not factory made in Mexico (Taylor Big Baby)

 

[Duffo]

Awesome, do you find that it gets better (soundwise) over the years? I hope it holds up well to the humidity in SG... Did you get yours from Luthier guitar's ? If you don't mind, how much did you get yours for ? Thanks!!

 

[lemonade93]

i got mine in Malaysia. After a few months it sounded much better. Seasoning . Just put a pack of silica gel into the guitar and the humidity problem will be gone.

 

[Jumpin'Jellybean]

Hmm, i personally have high regard for Taylors, but, just an opinion... The Big Baby can put to shame some full size dreadnoughts.

 

[Duffo]

By putting in the guitar do you mean literally putting it into the hole or just placing it within the bag ? Lol thanks. Yea I read some reviews that Taylor BB is pretty good but I had one before and remember that I didn't enjoy it so much but then again it could be diff now... I guess I should try it out. But which would sound better for mainly strumming ?

 

[lemonade93]

Put the Silica Gel INTO the guitar hole. No doubts Taylors are great guitars but if you're paying the same price, i'd choose the Noman B18 over the Taylor Big Baby, cause thats what I chose. I played my friends Big Baby about a few years old. The sound... its very subjective, so i prefer my B18, and like I said, Hand Made(Canada) v.s Factory Made(Mexico).

For me, where the guitar and how the guitar is made IS important for ACOUSTIC GUITARS. And the condition of the place of the manufacturer as all that goes into how your guitar would sound ultimately at the end. Because no 2 guitars of the same wood will sound the same, i suggest you try both at 1 time and the one you prefer, BUY IT. Cause the woods will definately be different from the other guitars of the same model

 

[Duffo]

Thanks for the advice. Think I will go ahead with your suggestion and get the Norman. Really like the look of it and read that it sounds even better as it ages. So I guess it would be a great guitar that is not too costly and yet can serve for many years... Glad to know that the silica gel can shed off my worry regarding humidity, now I can get the b18 with peace in mind, lol.

 

[loldude333]

Most guitars would sound better as they age, due to the wood opening up and thus leading to the mellowing of the sound.......the Taylor is good for strumming btw, i haven't tried the Norman tho.