Here we have an excellent condition 1996 Taylor LKSM Leo Kottke Signature Model, the ‘king daddy’ of 12 strings. The LKSM is a jumbo model based off of the 555 Leo was playing in the early 90’s. Features a Sitka Spruce top, Tropical American Mahogany back and sides, a Maccaferri-style cutaway, Rosewood binding and a pickup. The Signature label is signed by the man himself. Taylor designed the braces to respond to a lower tuning and and the LKSM can be tuned down 1 1/2 steps to C#. Get that big rumbling piano sound Leo is known for. It can be played in standard tuning with no problem as well. There is a pickup for stage use and it includes the original Taylor case.
About the LKSM
From The Fretboard Journal: Leo Kottke’s 1969 LP ‘6 & 12 String Guitar’ introduced a new virtuosity to the steel string guitar world. Over the few years, Kottke took his prodigious technique to ever greater heights. In the early 1980s, over-exertion led to tendonitis and his hands began to fail him. He stopped performing and set about relearning to play guitar in a way that wouldn’t hurt his hands. At the same time, he basically gave up playing 12-string guitar altogether. Then, in the late 1980s, he found a new Taylor 555 with a slim neck that he was able to play without strain. He got in touch with Bob Taylor to compliment him on his 12-string, and Bob suggested they work together to design a guitar for Kottke’s particular style.
They started with a mahogany jumbo that was similar to the 555 that Kottke had been playing. They added a Maccaferri-style cutaway and stripped away almost all of the ornamentation, leaving only a simple but elegant wood binding. Taylor designed the braces to respond to a lower C# tuning Leo liked to use.
