Guitarist Ira Siegel recently alerted Taylordom to several upcoming TV appearances by Jewel. Of late, Siegel and his left-handed 812-CE have been backing Jewel on the specials, which promote her Christmas CD, Joy: A Holiday Collection. As the Taylor staff prepared to take its annual break for the Holidays, remaining shows includes the Today show (Tuesday, December 21), and The View (Wednesday, December 22).

Siegel, who has played with a number of major recording artists and on television and radio jingles for a host of name-brand manufacturers, first contacted our sales department some time ago to ask if we could make him a lefty version of one of Jewel's Taylors. "I love the Taylor guitars she uses," he said. "Is there any way for you to rush a left-handed Taylor to me in time for these TV shows?"

We did our best, and Siegel promised to give his new axe plenty of camera time.