I bought a 96 model 422 from a coworker in 2002 and have played it almost daily since then. While employed, I traveled the world with it in a gig bag and it has inhaled more campfire smoke than Smoky the Bear. It is the perfect size, at perfect volume, with perfect tone. I've had Taylor in San Diego reFret it twice, so flat have I worn them down. This guitar has been admired, played and coveted by my musical friends for years and is admittedly better sounding than their newer 700 and 500 series Taylors, and has indeed gotten better as the years go by albeit its has gotten a might beat up as the years go by. Cosmetically it is showing it's age, but tonally it's maturing in voice. I do not believe there is a new Taylor that would impress me as much.

I just inherited what may be a rare 422 from 1995 that appears to have maple back and sides (the serial number confirms the date) from my deceased sister. She only played in her apartment and the guitar looks brand new with not even a dent or scratch. It plays beautifully with good tone projection. It was a gift from my father to my sister, so I do not know how much they pad for it.

A very rare 422 with the Quilt maple back and sides. 1995 batch in USA. 1st owner had reglued bridge sometime in early 2000s, but had done a shoddy job. Bridge outline was too large, and when removing, did not slit the edges or steam. Resulted in small wood split on the top and chipped wood. But glue was good and held through 2nd and current third owner (me). Very solid guitar, 22 years have aged it brilliantly. Very balanced and articulate, different from new Taylors. Not as tinny. Would say it would beat a 600 or 700 series, or even a 800 series new. Surprisingly light too, easy to carry or use. Original purple monkey hardcase is thick, plush but heavy. Latest set-up and monitoring 27/7/17 shows bridge is still solid. Buldging not an issue. Recommended Elixirs Nano .12 for maximum tone. Retail price in 1995 : 4-5k ++ Bought (3rd hand) : 1.4k