(click here to view pdf document)

Hayley Taylor is a singer songwriter currently residing in sunny Southern California. She plays a brand of alternative-folk rock that calls to mind the soundtrack of a good, indie, coming-of-age flick. If they ever make Garden State II, The Spawning, they should call Taylor. She'd work nicely next to The Shins.

She talked to Gearwire about her guitar, a 1976 Martin 000-18. Taylor says she likes the tone of the body style and the deepness the style can make.

"Also, Conor Oberst plays one...." she adds.

But falling in line with the gear choices of Bright Eyes' diminutive front man was not first and foremost in her mind when choosing the 000-18. She did a good deal of research.

"I also was thinking about getting a Martin D-28 or a Gibson Songwriter, but after many hours at Guitar Center testing out the guitars, I decided to go with the 000-18 because it had a robust midrange and great action and the body was the perfect size for me as well -- though I do really love the Gibson Dove and hope to get one of those some day soon."

The 1976 000-18 has a dovetail neck joint, 14 frets, a Sitka spruce top (solid of course) and solid mahogany back and sides. They are simple, elegant guitars and the do not seem to be sought after highly by collectors. What does this mean to a player? You can still afford one (unless your day job is in fast food). They are not the sort of guitar you see for sale everywhere but you should be able to find one for between $1,000 and $2,000. Yes, that is quite a range.

She describes the sound of the guitar as "delicate but meaty" with an open, clear tone.

Since Taylor plays both solo and with a band it was natural to ask how her Martin holds up in both situations. Some guitars sound great solo and vanish in a band. Others can sound great with a band but too bright solo.

"I think it sounds amazing unplugged, but the sound when amplified isn't as great as it sounds when it's just acoustic. It gets a bit muddled at times when amplified, though overall I am very pleased with the guitar." she says. "It definitely sounds great solo and in the band, but at times could cut through more with the band."

Taylor is writing new songs, will be recording in the fall and plans to release a new record in early 2009.

"Next year, I'll definitely be playing lots of shows on the west coast and next summer hopefully doing some more extensive tours in the US and Europe." says Taylor.

With her Martin 000-18 in tow. No doubt.