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The Tao T-Bucket “Taliesin” is another remarkable example of the work of luthiers John Joveniaux and Serge Michiels in Brussels, Belgium. Their instruments have an unmistakable identity, combining striking design, exceptional craftsmanship and a level of functionality that makes them feel immediately at home in the player’s hands.
As with any Tao, the details are what first draw you in. This Taliesin features a two piece Swamp Ash body finished in Blonde, paired with a highly figured European quartersawn Flame Maple neck finished in black. The dark Macassar Ebony fingerboard and matching trapezoid pickguard continue the theme beautifully, giving the guitar a cohesive and distinctive appearance from every angle.
The black finish on the Flame Maple neck allows the figure of the wood to remain an important visual element while giving the instrument a unique character. The neck is carved to a comfortable Medium C profile measuring approximately .86” at the first fret and .96” higher up the neck. Combined with the 1 11/16” dyed bone nut and 25.5” scale length, the Taliesin has a familiar feel with the quick response and immediate attack associated with a great bolt on guitar.
At the heart of this T-Bucket is a pair of Tao’s hand wound “T-Bone Rag” humbuckers, complete with mismatched handmade and engraved covers. These are beautiful mid output pickups with the fullness and depth of a great PAF, but with additional sparkle, clarity and chime. Notes remain articulate and dynamic, with enough body to push an amplifier while retaining definition. The 25.5” scale length, bolt on construction and Swamp Ash body contribute additional snap and immediacy, giving the guitar an almost Tele like attack despite its humbucking configuration.
The ABM 5200C tremolo bridge adds another dimension to the instrument while the Play/Pause Trem Stop provides additional control over the vibrato system. As with the rest of the build, the hardware feels thoughtfully integrated rather than simply added to the guitar.
The T-Bucket silhouette carries a subtle nod to the Telecaster while Tao’s sculpting, contours and unmistakable design language make it entirely their own. Everything about the Taliesin feels intentional, from the choice of woods and contrasting finishes to the handmade pickup covers and Macassar Ebony appointments.
This is a beautifully executed instrument that manages to feel familiar and completely individual at the same time. The combination of Swamp Ash, a 25.5” scale, bolt on Flame Maple neck and Tao’s T-Bone Rag humbuckers gives the Taliesin a lively acoustic response that translates beautifully when plugged in.
Specifications
Model: T-Bucket “Taliesin”
Body: Two Piece Swamp Ash
Body Finish: Blonde
Neck: European Quartersawn Flame Maple
Neck Finish: Black
Neck Carve: Medium C, .86” to .96”
Fingerboard: Macassar Ebony
Pickguard: Macassar Ebony Trapezoid
Nut: Dyed Bone, 1 11/16”
Scale Length: 25.5”
Pickups: Tao Hand Wound “T-Bone Rag” Humbuckers
Pickup Covers: Mismatched Handmade and Engraved Covers
Bridge: ABM 5200C Tremolo
Tremolo System: Play/Pause Trem Stop (stops Tremelo from pulling back)
7lbs 6.4oz
COA & Truss Rod tool included
MONO Gig-Bag
