Mike Doolin Talia OM
2002 Mike Doolin Talia OM
Guitars from Mike Doolin rarely surface, as owners typically treat them as heirloom instruments. This one is a great example of the builder’s work, with a lot to take in as far as sound, design, and aesthetics.
Specs / Measurements
2002
Engelmann spruce / Madagascar rosewood
Madagascar rosewood Doolin pinless bridge
Spalted rosette
~1.77” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.11” string spacing at saddle
Clear pickguards
Adjustable neck design (accessed at the heel through sound hole)
Double cutaway design (even access up the entire neck)
Schaller tuners
Original arched TKL case
Condition / Setup Notes
Very Good (+); The guitar is overall in nice shape for its age, and retains its luster. In terms of regular surface wear, there is not too much to note. However, there are four repaired cracks in the back, two that extend essentially along the entire back, and two shorter ones. They have been repaired nicely, and are very hard to capture in pictures. They are not too conspicuous in person, but become more apparent in raking light. The last pictures show them. Light fret wear under the B string lower frets. Currently string height is about 5/64'“-4/64” from bass to treble, with a touch of relief.
***
There are many design elements to talk about with a Doolin guitar, but if I had to stick to three, I’d note the adjustable neck, double cutaway, and pinless bridge. The adjustable neck is an evolution of the Stauffer style neck joint, and allows for the adjustment of string height under tension. This is accomplished with a hex wrench through the sound hole. This design also allows the saddle to be left at an ideal distance from the top. The double cutaway is a functional marvel, and makes upper fret access unimpeded and effortless. It removes the physical and psychological barrier to those higher areas, and really opens things up. In general I am a fan of pinless bridges, and I especially like this Doolin / Elliot style both for ease of string change and the way it looks. To me a Doolin guitar is a triumph of design in that all the choices are rooted in functional considerations, but also culminate in an unmistakable, pleasing, and one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
HOLD
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.