I think the first two digits of the serial number are the year, so probably made in 2013.

From this old Reverb listing, looks like the Carolina was the spruce-top model with herringbone inlay. I like the look of these personally. https://reverb.com/item/29598902-tut-taylor-carolina-square-neck-dobro-resophonic-guitar

Value? I would say between $1,200 and $1,500 if you want to sell it. There are people on Facebook and Reverb not selling Tut Taylors for $2K to $3K. I have one that I bought for around $1,200 plus shipping not too many years ago. 

Of the small group of people who are actually looking to buy a dobro, I think most of them are looking for bigger guitars with more open (i.e., not soundwell) construction. I say think because I'm mostly just saying what I read on the internet; I haven't encountered that many dobro players in real life. 

But I think the Crafters guitars are, along with the Beard Vintage R, some of the nicer R-style guitars. I put a Beard Legend cone in mine and really like the sound. Aesthetically I like the older Vintage Rs and the Tut Taylors a heck of lot more than the unorthodox styles I've seen in newer boutique guitars. But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder of course.

I don't have any familiarity with the serial numbers of these guitars, but right off I'm guessing it isn't from 2013. I think Mark Taylor was done by around 2011-2012. Maybe it's more like the final two numerals - 03, for 2003.

Side note: I've seen the resonators with two different names on the peghead, and I was never sure of the significance.  Some read Tut Taylor Resophonic while others have Crafters of Tennessee.

At any rate, it didn't end well for Crafters of Tennessee. Mark Taylor sort of flew the coop and owed people money. There's a long thread on the Banjo Hangout about this. Taylor passed away in January, 2023.

I'm not sure what year this TV story was produced, but it appears to be from happier times at the shop.
 

I think Mark is right about the year--I looked at mine and the last two numbers of the serial number are 06, which checks out.

I purchase my Tennessee in 1988. It has a serial number of 10 only. I spoke to Mark Taylor in the mid 90s for some info before I refinished it. He said it was the 10th one he built back in 1970 and agree to send me a new decal to apply during the refinishing process. It's got that older dobro sound, I still love it and will be keeping it forever.

Hey I appreciate the information. I can't say exactly how long I have had it but I'm guessing around 20 yrs. I purchased it in Clinton Tennessee at cyderville music store. I am looking at trading it for a dobro with sound posts rather than soundwell. I would love to have a scheerhorn but they are out of my range at the time. Something with more punch to it. Any suggestions on any other builders? I am no professional by any means but play in church and lot of porch picking and would like something that grabs attention and stands out without being miked or plugged in.

I have a TTT ( Tut Taylor Tennessean, an APPY, a SlideKing, a 1982 Dobro 10 string, and a 1934 Regal Dobro...all have very different sounds .
Clinesmith, Scheerhorn, Beard and other boutique luthiers out there make very desirable resos.
What is your price range ?
Have you checked out the ResoHangout "for sale" links ?
Best of luck in finding what you are looking for..

Tommy:
It might be much to expect any guitar unplugged to compete with the same plugged in…if I understand your expectations. That being said, in the Reso-related media, I have recently seen a Clinesmith and a very nice Griffis quilted maple for sale. Depending upon your price range and whether either of these instruments is located reasonably close to you so that you could test drive one, it might be worth considering. And since trying to describe the sound you’re looking for is quite different than what your ears hear, I would definitely advise playing before buying. With regard to the age and unknown optimum setup on your current guitar, it’s also possible that a new cone and setup could make a big difference in what it delivers. I wouldn’t personally say that soundwell vs. open guitar always makes all the difference….other construction designs and setup are equally important. I have played non-sound well guitars that were very quiet and sweet, and I have played guitars with sound wells that really kicked butt.

quote:

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Originally posted by Rosemobile

Hey I appreciate the information. I can't say exactly how long I have had it but I'm guessing around 20 yrs. I purchased it in Clinton Tennessee at cyderville music store. I am looking at trading it for a dobro with sound posts rather than soundwell. I would love to have a scheerhorn but they are out of my range at the time. Something with more punch to it. Any suggestions on any other builders? I am no professional by any means but play in church and lot of porch picking and would like something that grabs attention and stands out without being miked or plugged in.

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It might be difficult to find someone who is willing to trade a large body, post (and perhaps baffle) resonator for your Tut Taylor - chances are they wouldn't want to go for that sound if they're already playing a "high horsepower" large body guitar. But never say never...

Bearing that in mind, you're likely going to have more success by selling the guitar and putting that money toward what you're looking for in a large body post construction guitar. Adding to what Tom wrote above, we can't  really do a great job of recommending guitars unless we have some idea of what you are willing to spend. 

As far as an actual Tim-built Scheerhorn since they haven't been made in years, they're out of most players price range unless they're willing to dig deep into the wallet. But you could always opt for example,  a National Scheerhorn, aka Nati-horn.

I understand what your saying Eric. I have not had the pleasure yet of actually sitting down and playing a custom built, I am really comparing sound I have become accustomed to hearing from mine over the yrs to ones listened to on tags and videos. Yey I know that's not a fair way to compare. I looked at the Appys and to me they make the most beautiful guitars I have seen. Me personally I want the sound over looks but at same time I don't want a ragged out guitar either...lol. I am looking at 2-3000 price range. I have played for yrs in church and jam sessions but never had opportunity to actually try different ones hands on. I appreciate the information from you all. I know there's a lot of builders out there I have never heard of. Keep them coming.

…my best suggestion is to keep a look out for a pre-owned. Depreciation already suffered and more leverage with regard to bargaining power. Nice guitars are frequently available….

I bought my Appy 3 years ago and love it. I would call Tony Langley and tell him your price range and what you are looking for. He's
a supper nice guy. Here is a link to a Youtube comparison of an Appy and a Scheerhorn.

youtu.be/zNM9wJUHqFc

Good luck and happy hunting!

Speaking of Appys. No relationship or insight on this one, but at happens to land right in your budget sweet spot.  I defer to others on whether this is a good price, might be on the higher side.

https://reverb.com/item/95597869-appalachian-tom-warner-cherry-2013-high-gloss

Also, you referenced Tennessee and your profile says KY.  If you're within a few hours of Nashville, you can regularly check inventory at Gruhn Guitars and Carter Vintage and plan a day trip for some test drives.  Both shops cycle through resonators (new and used) with a variety of makers.  You could also have them offer a trade value on your Tut Taylor.

A non-comprehensive list of builders known for big/modern/open sound would include Beard (various models),  Natl Scheerhorn, Appy, Griffis, Meredith, Schoonover, Clinesmith, Byrl, Rayco, Fishhook, and others I'm likely forgetting.  (I'm sure others will add...).

Good luck!

Tommy,
For your information, there is a Meredith quilted maple guitar on Reverb.com that has been there a long time. Originally asking $4500, the seller has dropped his price to $2800. It has some cosmetic issues such as spider webbing in the lacquer and a few small dings. Hard to tell exactly how visible these issues are from the photos but it’s otherwise a very pretty guitar….and you never know if they’ll take an offer with the assumption that it might need a setup…

quote:

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Originally posted by docslyd

there is a Meredith quilted maple guitar on Reverb.com that has been there a long time. Originally asking $4500, the seller has dropped his price to $2800. 

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Wow, appears someone will get a good deal on a Meredith.

Off topic, but did we somehow slip into a buyers' market while I wasn't paying attention? :)

I recently saw 2 Rob Ickes model Wechter-Scheerhorns for sub-$1K.  When I scouted those a couple years ago, I rarely saw one, and if so it was usually north of $1200.

Interesting...

I have a Meredith, #98. It is a fabulous sounding instrument. I still prefer my "Horn but the Meredith is pretty much a killer instrument and would definitely be worth it. Mine is dinged up and scratched but I wouldn't sell it for $2800.00
Eric has been lusting after it for years.