Citation:
Manne for all Seasons
I guess what turns me on most about the Taos Special is just how adaptable it is to different styles. It has the warm, ballsy drive needed for classic rock, its tight dynamic response is perfect for metal, and it delivers the fat rear-pickup snap you want for country. The neck and middle pickups offer a wealth of tones that are ideal for blues and jazz, and I suppose the only thing the Taos doesn’t provide is a faux acoustic-electric sound (though it can be ordered with a piezo bridge if you need that option).
By focusing on the design and structural elements that go into making a superlative solidbody guitar (some of which seem borrowed from the bass world) and utilizing clever passive electronics, Manne has created an instrument that plays amazingly well, is exceptionally flexible, and looks as bold and purposeful as a Ferrari. The Taos Special is a sizeable investment, but if you’re seeking an ax that can take your playing to the next level, it would be worth your while to give it an audition.