2021

If you recall back in the fall of 2020 Maverick Country covered the release of the first Grand Theater (GT) acoustic guitar a new category by Taylor. For 2021 the California based company added two new premium models to this award winning popular acoustic line.  Maverick was fortunate to receive both of them to play and review.  The original GT Urban Ash guitar from last year was a designated working man’s (or woman’s) instrument that you needn’t be as tender with compared to your upscale guitars.  These two offerings take the GT design to a higher level.  The new GT 811e is part of the 800 series and the GT K21e is part of Taylor’s Koa line.  After playing both of them extensively each guitar has its own strengths.  The GT-811e has more string definition and is a bit louder thanks impart to its Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides.  Cosmetics that take this guitar to the higher echelon are an abalone rosette, smoked nickel tuners, rosewood pickguard and purfling, ebony fretboard and element inlays made of mother of pearl.  The GT K21e looks luxurious with its Koa wood top, back and sides.  Although not as loud as its 811 sister the K21e provides a different harmonic richness and overtones thanks to the Koa wood construction. Mid-range frequencies are much more prominent in this guitar and the more Koa is played the more the wood opens up and matures.  Other varying features of the GT K21e include the intricate spring vine inlay in the fretboard, maple purfling and binding and Gotoh mini 510 tuners.  Thanks to the shorter scale length of both of these instruments, chording and soloing is much more hand strength friendly.  They feel like a guitar that you have tuned down a half or whole step, so you don’t need to apply as much direct finger pressure to fret each string.  Under the hood, or top of the guitar as it were, all of the GT (Grand Theater) guitars feature the new C-Class bracing by Taylor which is a variation of Any Power’s trend setting V-Class.  Each of these guitars also has the Taylor’s own ES2 electronics built in with simple battery access at the end of the guitar where the strap button is secured.  They also come with a Taylor AeroCase that is much sturdier than your average gig bag, but still light enough to not weigh you down. My favorite features of the AeroCase are the padded handle and the ribbed shoulder straps so the guitar doesn’t shift while I’m carrying it.  Taylor’s GT models split the difference between a GS Mini and a Grand Concert.  For some people the GS Mini was too small, and the Grand Concert was too big.  I think we can all agree much like porridge the GT’s are just right.  When you start playing one of the GT acoustic guitars you just don’t want to put it down. The GT 811e and GT K21e are now available along with the originator the GT Urban Ash.  My take is you can’t go wrong with any of these offerings. For clarity I recommend the GT 811e, for harmonics and depth the GT K21e and for an every day workhorse acoustic the GT Urban Ash! www.taylorguitars.com To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Eric Dahl, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

As a trailblazer in the electric guitar industry it’s hard to fathom that Fender is celebrating 75 years in 2021.  Leo Fender launched the company in 1946 and it is doubtful he had any idea how timeless his instruments and amplifiers would become!  To celebrate this occasion Fender is rolling out the red carpet. The certain to be collectible American made 75th Anniversary Commemorative instruments, imported 75th Anniversary collection, new Artist signature guitars, new amplifiers and the expansion of the Squier Contemporary series.  The 75th American line contains what you would expect from Fender with a Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass and Precision Bass.  They each include a silver molded anniversary hard-shell case, certificate of authenticity, Custom shop pickups, 75th anniversary inlay on the back of the headstock and an engraved neck plate.  Maverick Country was fortunate to receive one of the Ensenada created 75th Anniversary collection guitars in a classic Stratocaster shape with diamond anniversary silver finish.  The guitar has a modern C neck with satin finish that plays fast and has a matching painted headstock.  It reminded me of the Fender 25th Anniversary models from back in the day, but this modernized version plays easier, is lighter, stays in tune better and sounds incredible.  The neck plate has the 75th Anniversary logo and the finish will shine under stage lights.  This series also offers a Telecaster, Precision bass and Jazz bass.  Fender is also spotlighting some of their incredible artists with the new inclusions to the Artist Signature models.  This year Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) has a Telecaster edition, Mike McCready has a Custom Shop Strat, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie) Mustang, Joe Strummer (Clash) Campfire acoustic and Dhani Harrison Ukulele.  The Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster arrived for review and it is a stunner with the chocolate sunburst finish and Roadworn aging.  The checking and finish dings in the body and the binding look incredibly realistic like the guitar has seen many road and tour miles.  The c shape neck is smaller, like most 60’s Fender instruments were, and it fits deep in the pocket of your hand.  The rosewood fretboard helps take a bit of the twang and pop out of a usually treble heavy guitar like the Telecaster.  What is most appealing about the Jason Isbell Tele is that it is understated compared to other signature models.  There is no signature or symbol to designate it as Jason’s model on the front.  The only way a person would know is to look at the back of the body where the neck plate features his anchor logo.  The pickups in this guitar were custom wound to Isbell’s specifications as he worked with guru Tim Shaw.  The custom modified bridge with brass barrels is a nice touch too and certainly adds to the great tonality of the instrument.  If I had to sum up the Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster in one word I would say “tasteful.”  Unfortunately, we don’t have enough space to cover all of the new Fender releases on this page.  And many of the instruments and amplifiers will be released gradually throughout the year, so we are certain to have more coverage in the future. Check out the 75th Anniversary Commemorative series and Collection everybody loves to celebrate! www.fender.com To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Eric Dahl, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com