2009 taylor guitarguide
Post on 29-Oct-2015
72 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Why do we play guitar? We each have our own answer, but it comes down to
some sense of well-being we get from vibrating strings and wood. Maybe it’s to relax
and relieve tension. To connect with others. To find out who we are. To earn a living. The
question may be philosophical, but it’s not a bad place to start as we ponder which type
of guitar to play.
If there’s a simple piece of advice we can give you, it’s this: Buy the best guitar you
can afford. By “best” we mean a guitar that’s easy to play, has proper intonation, and
sounds great. We’ve got you covered there. Beyond that, look for one that’s compatible
with the kind of sound you’re looking for. In our previous features on shapes and woods,
we shared some basic guidelines to help you understand what factors give each Taylor
model a unique personality. (See our newly re-designed shapes and woods features at
taylorguitars.com.) If you remember that shapes have sounds, that woods have unique
tonal flavors, and that you have your own personal way of playing and hearing those
shapes and woods, you’ll be primed to find the right guitar — one that will be your
faithful muse.
As part of our Guitar Guide, we include some “test-driving” tips to help you properly
audition a guitar, plus the complete specifications for all models. And if you ever have
any questions along the way, feel free to call our newly established Inside Sales and
Customer Relations representative, Ben Benavente (1-888-2TAYLOR). Think of him as
your Taylor guitar concierge. He’ll answer all your guitar questions and help you locate
a particular model at a dealership if you’re on the hunt. Now promise not to slack on
that New Year’s resolution to play more guitar this year.
From acoustics to electrics, we have a Taylor
for every type of player. Our 2009 Guitar Guide
leads you on a scenic tour of our product line.
Chefs like to eat; guitar makers like to play. We rounded up Bob Taylor and a few of his
boys from the product development team for a photo shoot at Bob’s house to celebrate
the pleasures of jamming with friends. Everyone was invited to bring one of their favorite
Taylors. From left: VP of Marketing Brian Swerdfeger with a GC8 prototype that currently
lives in his office; VP of Quality Assurance, Customer Service & Repair David Hosler
with a T5C2; Bob’s longtime design partner Larry Breedlove with a GA5; and the man
himself, picking on an 810ce. Get these guys together and it usually doesn’t take long
to coax a smile — and a song — out of them. Photo by Bil Zelman
Back/Sides: Choice of master-grade Madagascar Rosewood, Cocobolo, Walnut, Maple, Macassar Ebony, Hawaiian Koa or Brazilian Rosewood (limited availability)
Top: Choice of premium Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Engelmann Spruce, Sinker Redwood (limited availability), Adirondack Spruce, Walnut, Hawaiian Koa
Fretboard Inlay: Green Heart Abalone “Byzantine” (other options available)
Binding: Ivoroid withGreen Heart Abalone
Rosette: Green Heart Abalone
Additional Premium Appointments: Bone nut/saddle, abalone peghead and bridge inlays
Optional Venetian/Florentine cutaway and ES pickup
Models: PSDN, PSGA, PSGC,PSGS, PSJM, PSGA-12,PSGS-12, PSJM-12
With each tonewood we use, the best of the best represents a slim fraction of
what exists in the world. One set in a thousand might be too much to promise.
But this master-grade wood always finds its way into the Presentation Series.
We hand off these rare natural materials to our very finest guitar makers, who
pour their hearts into each guitar, using their advanced skills sometimes to
infuse a guitar with exquisite appointments, and other times to abide by the
simple idea that less is more. It all depends on how you want yours made.
Either way, the Presentation Series is your guitar dream brought to life.
The presentation SerieS
Back/Sides: Hawaiian Koa
Top: Abalone-trimmed Sitka Spruce or Hawaiian Koa
Fretboard Inlay: Abalone Koa Series
Binding: Curly Maple
Rosette: Abalone
Additional Premium Appointments: Maple-bound rosette
His name is Russ Lewark, but his online friends know him as
Koaguitarman. Russ’s first koa love was an all-koa K20c. He found
the wood’s tone to be the ideal acoustic voice for him. “I play a lot
of ragtime, jug band, folk-rock — a little bit of a lot of different
genres,” he says. “Koa will take the softer folk fingerstyle and
the strong fingerpicking of ragtime and jug band. It also comes
through when softly flatpicked or even with bluegrass-style picking.
It’s my tonewood of choice.” Russ currently owns 14 koa Taylors.
Photo by Bil Zelman
Models: K10ce, K12ce, K14ce,K16ce, K20ce, K22ce,K24ce, K26ce, K54ce,K56ce, K64ce, K65ce,K66ce
Ask any Hawaiian koa lover — the tropical hardwood speaks in a special
way that no other wood can. We treat it with reverence ourselves. Visually,
its harmony of color, grain and figure immediately invites us in. Tonally, it
rewards the player over time, as its initially bright voice opens up to reveal
a mellowing sweetness in the midrange. Despite the cost and limited
availability of this cherished Hawaiian native, we remain deeply committed
to koa. We buy the best logs we can and build guitars that we hope will
inspire a lifetime of playing — because the more you play one, the deeper
you’ll fall in love.
The koa SerieS
indian rosewood is an enduring classic that’s loved
by traditional flatpickers and modern fingerstyle players alike.
For Bob Taylor, the personal connection hearkens back to the
first guitar he ever made. Its appeal is as broad as its sonic
range, which yields deep lows, sparkling highs and controlled
midrange overtones, all of which together give players impressive
articulation. Rosewood’s variety of visual colors — including
mocha browns, rich purples and fiery reds — have inspired us
to give it a distinctive personality in each of three series.
Our 900 Series showcases our most beautiful grade, featuring
tight, straight grain, a range of colors, and premium appointments
that together embody vintage elegance for the modern world.
Our maple-bound 800 Series has progressed from its no-frills
Dreadnought roots into a more contemporary look that’s stylish
but not too pretty to be played hard. Our 700 Series goes
for an earthier, dressed-down feel, featuring thicker ribbons
of rosewood grain and simple inlay work. Paired with either
an Engelmann spruce or cedar top, it responds with vintage
warmth. The best thing about rosewood might be that it offers
something for everyone.
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl
Binding: Ivoroid
Rosette: Abalone
Sunburst Options: Tobacco (top only)
Additional Premium Appointments: Gotoh tuners, bonenut/saddle, pegheadand bridge inlays
Models: 910ce, 912ce, 914ce, 916ce
The 900 SerieS
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl
Binding: Curly Maple
Rosette: Abalone
Sunburst Options: Tobacco (top only)
Models: 810ce, 812ce, 814ce, 815ce, 816ce, 854ce, 855ce, 856ce
The 800 SerieS
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
Top: Engelmann Spruce(710ce, 712ce),Western Red Cedar (714ce, 716ce)
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl Dots
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Rosette: Abalone
Sunburst Options: Tobacco (top only)
Models: 710ce, 712ce,714ce, 716ce
The 700 SerieS
The Expression System® Pickup
Traditional under-saddle,
piezo-style acoustic pickups that
had been used for years never
really managed to capture the
natural, full tone of an acoustic
guitar, let alone the nuances of
the player. Instead, the ampli-
fied tone was often thin, brittle
and distorted, or “quacky.” The
condenser mics that were often
mounted inside the soundhole
and used to round out the sound
were highly prone to feedback.
Beyond that, the EQ controls of
an onboard preamp essentially
provided little more than artificial
coloring of a fundamentally
flawed pickup tone.
The Taylor Expression System
was developed at Taylor with
input from pro audio icon Mr.
Rupert Neve. It combines three
magnetic sensors — two body
sensors affixed to the underside
of the top and one neck pickup
imbedded beneath the fretboard
extension — with a studio-quality
preamp. The ES uses the guitar’s
soundboard to create a network
of magnetic, surface-sensing mi-
crophones. The preamp cleanly
boosts the signal and eliminates
noise. When the controls are set
flat, the pure tone of the guitar is
not colored in any way. The end
result is that the natural tone of
the guitar and the nuances of the
player are captured in a trans-
parent way, and the pickup is
highly feedback-resistant. Three
soft-touch roller controls on the
upper shoulder offer plenty of
real frequency control without
physically intruding on the visual
beauty of the guitar.
TAYLO R I N N OVATI O N
our wood experts are always on
the hunt for figured maple, and they
never fail to come through. And as if
a set of quilted or tiger-stripe maple
wasn’t already transfixing enough,
maple’s blonde complexion plays host
to a fiesta of vibrant color finishes that
create a hypnotic, 3-D effect. We ex-
periment with colors until we get them
right, and offer a range of options,
including sunburst and edgeburst
treatments, with crisp white binding
to detail each body shape. Looks
aside, maple’s bright, focused tone is
a loyal friend of recording engineers
and front-of-house sound mixers alike.
Whether you want a small or a big
voice, on its own or with a band, our
600 Series guitars ensure that your
Taylor will be seen and heard clearly.
The 600 SerieS
Back/Sides: Big Leaf Maple
Top: Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl “Leaf” Pattern
Binding: White
Rosette: Abalone
Colors/Bursts: Aged Toner, Amber, Black, Blue, Blue Burst, Cherry Black Sunburst, Cherry Sunburst (or optional top only), Green, Honey Sunburst, Natural, Orange, Purple, Ruby Red, Ruby Red Burst, Tobacco Sunburst (or optional top only), Transparent Black
Models: 610ce, 612ce, 614ce, 615ce, 616ce, 654ce, 655ce, 656ce
our mahogany guitars
really let your fingers sing.
And it doesn’t get much
sweeter than a mahogany/
cedar combination. Our
514ce remains one of our
most popular models, and
the newer, bolder-voiced
516ce is a six-string
revelation for its blend
of power and clarity.
Roots-rockers, blues
players, singer-songwriters,
fingerstylists, DADGAD
lovers, simple strummers —
you name it — respond
viscerally to the organic
tonal quality of mahogany.
With their meaty midrange
overtones, our 500 Series
guitars are loaded with
songwriting inspiration.
Tangy licks, melodic, ringing
chords, great dynamic
range — they’re all there.
Back/Sides: Tropical Mahogany
Top: Engelmann Spruce (510ce, 512ce),Western Red Cedar (514ce, 516ce)
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl Dots
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Rosette: Abalone
Models: 510ce, 512ce, 514ce, 516ce
The 500 SerieS
Playing for Keeps:How to Find the Right Guitar
A systematic approach to sampling different guitars will make
your search easier. We recommend that you be consistent in
the way you play each guitar you test-drive — this will allow the
tonal nuances created by different shapes, woods and other
construction variables to come through more clearly. Your
checklist can include as many considerations as you want, but
here are a few essentials to consider: ergonomics, playability,
intonation and tonal compatibility with what you’re trying to do.
know what kind of tone you want. Factor in your playing
technique, which includes how light or aggressive your attack is.
Do you plan to strum, flatpick, fingerpick or some combination
of them all? If you’re a beginner and aren’t sure, consider a guitar
that offers a lot of tonal versatility, like a GA. Will you be playing
solo or with a group? Do you like a guitar with a lot of acoustic
bloom or do you want to keep the overtones under control?
Will this be an all-purpose axe or serve a specialized role?
Find your comfort zone. Consider how the size and shape of
the guitar physically feel against your body — how the neck fits in
your hands and how your strumming arm feels draped over the
lower bout. If you’ll be playing it while standing up, try it that way.
and…action! Is the action low enough that you can form clean-
sounding chords without having to clamp down hard? Also, try
playing a moveable chord shape up the neck toward the body to
see how the action feels there, and to check the intonation.
Play a progression of simple chords. For each guitar you sample,
play the same series of chords in the same order, with the same
pick, and with the same attack.
Try different dynamic levels. Play harder and softer on each
guitar to assess the scope of the guitar’s dynamic range.
Try at least three different types of picks (medium, heavy,
plastic, tortex etc.). A certain type of guitar might match up better
with a thicker or thinner pick.
Bring a guitar buddy with you. Have him or her play while you
listen to gain a sonic perspective from the other side of the guitar.
But don’t rely on your buddy’s opinion. He or she will sound
different from you. Use your own hands and ears.
Consider bringing a handheld recorder to capture and evaluate
the tonal distinctions.
Sample a variety of shapes and woods. You never know — you
might naturally be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of a certain guitar
shape or wood, but actually sound better playing a different model.
Taylor web developer and accomplished singer-songwriter
Cindy Santini with a 514ce at Lestat’s Coffee House in
San Diego, a popular local venue, where she’s performed.
We don’t think your guitar should compromise your music. That said, we fully understand
that you may be budget-minded. Our ovangkol 400 Series and sapele 300 Series serve up high-end,
performance-ready guitars at our best price for an all-solid-wood guitar. Our 400/300 Series
models are the choice of plenty of gigging performers, worship musicians, beginners and
discerning others who crave the simple pleasures of a killer guitar: playability, balanced tone
Back/Sides: Ovangkol
Top: Sitka Spruce
Finish: Satin with Gloss Top
Fretboard Inlay: Large Pearl Dots
Binding: White
Rosette: 3-Ring
Models: 410ce, 412ce, 414ce, 454ce, 455ce
The 400 SerieS
and a quality pickup that conveys the nuances of your playing. Maybe this is your first foray into a
solid-wood Taylor experience, and you want to bolster your chops before you step up. Or maybe
you just love the way ovangkol or sapele responds to your hands. As woods they might not be
household names, but pick up one of these guitars and you’ll be impressed by how good it makes
you sound.
Back/Sides: Sapele
Top: Sitka Spruce
Finish: Satin with Gloss Top
Fretboard Inlay: Large Pearl Dots
Binding: Black
Rosette: 3-Ring
Models: 310ce, 312ce, 314ce, 315ce, 354ce, 355ce
The 300 SerieS
Just because we make
high-end guitars doesn’t
mean we don’t believe in
affordable ones. And we
don’t think you have to
sacrifice great tone and
playability when you’re
looking for extra value.
Our rosewood laminate
200 Series and sapele
laminate 100 Series guitars
are the real deal, crafted
to deliver the complete
Taylor experience, and,
with laminate back and
sides, are extra resilient.
Both series offer optional
cutaways and stage-ready
electronics in the form of
our great-sounding ES-T®
transducer pickup. You can
feel good in knowing that
when you buy a Taylor at
any level, you get precision
craftsmanship, great tone,
and our same high standard
of customer service.
For some young adults, getting a driver’s license is a rite of
passage. For others, getting their first Taylor is. The 100 and 200
Series are perfect for young players who are ready to take things
to the next level. With the easiest playability and best intonation
in the industry, family porch jams never sounded so good. Here,
14-year Taylor veteran Ben Benavente (left), currently our Inside
Sales & Customer Relations rep, looks on as his son Mason finds
a groove. Watch out, Dad — you’re about to get upstaged.
Photo by Bil Zelman
Back/Sides: Rosewood Laminate
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots
Binding: White
Rosette: 3-Ring
Models: 210, 210e, 210ce,214, 214e, 214ce
Back/Sides: Sapele Laminate
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots
Binding: Black
Rosette: 3-Ring
Models: 110, 110e, 110ce,114, 114e, 114ce
The 100 SerieS
The 200 SerieS
the same hallmarks of quality that define Taylor acoustic/electric
steel-strings were applied to our Nylon Series to give players a smooth
passage to a nylon-string’s tonal flavors without having to adjust to a
wide-neck classical guitar. Comfort and playability, clear, balanced tone, a
cutaway for access to the upper register, and electronics for easy gigging
make for an inviting and unique nylon experience that feels familiar to our
steel-string customers. A choice of two body shapes and three different
wood pairings offers a rich variety of tonal nuances to suit every type of
player. If you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, take one for a spin.
ns32ce/ ns34ce Back & Sides/Top: Sapele/Sitka Spruce
Binding: Black
Peghead Veneer: Indian Rosewood
The nYLon SerieS ns72ce/ns74ceBack & Sides/Top: Indian Rosewood/Cedar
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Peghead Veneer: Indian Rosewood
ns62ce/ns64ceBack & Sides/Top:Big Leaf Maple/Engelmann Spruce
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Peghead Veneer/Bridge: Cocobolo
“After years of concerts with inconsistent and problematic live
acoustic nylon-string sound, my Taylor NS74ce has solved all
my problems. With its onboard electronics dialed in, I rarely
have to touch anything, knowing that it will be consistent from
venue to venue. It’s now stress-free, ‘plug-n-play,’ every time.
Sound engineers love it, as well!”
— Wayne Johnson, three-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist
Neck Width: 1 7/8 Inches
Rosette: Mexican Cypress
Strings: D’Addario Pro-Arté® Extra Hard Tension
Electronics: Fishman™ Prefix Pro® (NS32ce/34ce), Fishman™ Prefix Pro® Blend (NS72ce/NS74ce, NS62ce/NS64ce)
Tuners: Ping Classical Gold with Ivoroid Buttons
part of an acoustic guitar’s appeal is its portability. Wherever you might
be headed, the compact Baby Taylor makes the perfect musical companion.
Its debut over a decade ago set a new benchmark for players on the go,
giving them a legitimate musical instrument that’s resilient and can truly
carry a tune, all the way up the neck. It’s also perfectly kid-friendly. If you
want a bigger sound that’s still super-portable and affordable, the Big Baby
is simply a killer guitar. It’s the kind of guitar you can leave around the house
or the office, or have on-hand on those days when you’re supposed to be at
the office. Don’t be surprised if it secretly becomes your go-to guitar.
Wood&Steel editor Jim Kirlin, clearly hard at work with
a Baby Taylor on Coronado Beach in San Diego, as the
iconic Hotel del Coronado reflects another inspiring
sunset. It’s a tough job, but he does it all for you.
The BaBY taYLor
BabySize/Shape: 3/4-scale Dreadnought (22 3/4-inch scale length)
Back/Sides: Sapele Laminate
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce or Mahogany
Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots
Rosette: Laser-etched
Big BabySize/Shape: 15/16-scaleDreadnought
Back/Sides: Sapele Laminate
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots
Rosette: Laser-etched
Because each taylor
body shape yields a
distinctive sound, we
designed a line of pure
acoustic Taylors around
our shapes, allowing us
to use different wood
pairings to distill down to
the pure essence of tone.
Initially inspired by the bold
voice of our newest shape,
the Grand Symphony (GS),
we now offer more than
30 Acoustic models in four
shapes: the GS, the versa-
tile Grand Auditorium (GA),
the traditional Dreadnought
(DN), and our small-body
Grand Concert (GC). All
of our Acoustic models are
unified by the same clean,
understated appointments
that keep the emphasis on
shapes and woods. All are
designed as non-cutaways
and come without pick-
guards (available as an
option). For live perfor-
mance, the optional Taylor
Expression System®
captures that essential
acoustic sound you’ve
been hearing unplugged,
and shares it with the
world. And its stealthy
design aesthetic will never
compromise the true
acoustic look you crave.
The aCoUstiC Line
Standard Appointments
Fretboard Inlay:Abalone Dots (5 Series & up) Pearl Dots (3 & 4 Series)
Binding: Ivoroid (5 Series & up)Cream (3 & 4 Series)
Rosette: Abalone (5 Series & up) 3-ring (3 & 4 Series)
Tone Profile: The body contours help control overtones, yet both the
volume and bass response are impressive. Together, the shorter scale
length and slotted peghead (on gloss models) yield a warm, slightly
woodier sound. Great for fingerstylists and other players who prefer the
comfort of a small-body guitar.
Models: GC-K, GC8, GC7, GC6, GC5, GC4, GC3 (GC8 shown)
Tone Profile: Deeper, thicker and louder across the tonal spectrum,
without sacrificing clarity or responsiveness. The most robust tone of the
Taylor shapes, and ideal for hearty strumming or flatpicking. Full, round
bass, meaty midrange, and strong trebles.
Models: GS-K, GS8, GS8-12, GS7,GS6, GS6-12, GS5, GS5-12(GS6 shown)
grand sYmphonY
grand ConCert
Tone Profile: Our most traditional body style blends a potent, vintage
acoustic sound with Taylor’s trademark tonal consistency. Great for
strummers and flatpickers who like to really drive the top.
Models: DN-K, 910 Legacy,* 810 Legacy,** DN8, DN5, DN4, DN3 (DN5 shown)
*Features “Cindy” fretboard inlay and abalone-edged top**Features 800 Series fretboard inlay and white binding
Tone Profile: Taylor’s original signature body shape defines tonal balance,
clarity, and overall versatility that modern, multifaceted players appreciate.
Perfect for players who enjoy a mix of strumming, picking and fingerstyle.
Offers a great blend of character and articulation that fit into a mix.
Models: GA-K, GA-K-12, GA8, GA8-12, GA7, GA6,GA6-12, GA5, GA4, GA4-12, GA3, GA3-12 (GA4-12 shown)
grand aUditoriUm
dreadnoUght
Body: Sapele Hollowbody
Top: Sitka Spruce, Maple, Koa, Macassar Ebony, Cocobolo, Walnut
Color Options: Natural, Red, Blue, Black (translucent black optional)with Edgeburst
Sunburst Options: Tobacco, Honey, Cherry
Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches
Fretboard Inlay: T5 “Artist” (Custom),Micro Dots (Standard)
Binding: Multi-layer White withBlack Pinstripes
Nut/saddle: Bone
Models: T5-C5, T5C5-12, T5-C4, T5C4-12, T5-C3, T5C3-12,T5-C2, T5C2-12, T5-C1,T5C1-12, T5-C, T5C-12,T5-S, T5S-12, T5-S1, T5S1-12
three years since its breakthrough launch, our award-winning
electric/acoustic T5 has clearly come into its own. A full-range performance
guitar, the hollowbody hybrid boasts proprietary humbuckers and an
Expression System®-inspired body sensor, allowing players to switch
between amplified acoustic and electric tones — or blend them together
with an A/B/Both box — in a way that no other guitar can. Its unmatched
versatility has spawned its own category in the guitar world and inspired
artists of virtually every genre by giving them a multifaceted tool that
enhances what they can do in the studio or on stage.
t5
40
the newest addition to our electric line, the T3 embodies our passion for expanding the range of tones
available to the electric player. Inspired by both the T5 and the SolidBody, we’ve taken the classic semi-hollow-
body sound and applied our signature Taylor design touches, blending our high-fidelity Style 2 pickup with a
unique coil-splitting application to give players killer humbucker and single coil sounds in one guitar. Our push-
pull tone knob brings two modes of tone control that include a fresh voice: a warm, fat, mellow vintage tone.
We’ve also paired a Bigsby tailpiece with a metal roller bridge, giving players a high-performance vibrato bar
without the pitch issues. And if vibrato bars aren’t your thing, go with the stop tailpiece. Either way, we love the
look and sound of this guitar, and think you will, too.
t3
Body: Sapele Semi-hollowbody
Top: Quilted Maple
Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches
Fretboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots
Binding: Multi-layer White withBlack Pinstripes
Tailpiece: Bigsby Vibrato or Stoptail with Roller Bridge
Models: T3, T3/B
We celebrate the taylor
SolidBody’s first birthday proudly,
having made a potent impact on
the electric guitar world in 2008.
Loaded with all-original design
ideas, the SolidBody re-imagined
what a great electric guitar could
be, in a completely fresh way.
Proprietary humbuckers fused
power with a vintage, high-fidelity
sound. An innovative aluminum
bridge design marked an advance
in lock-down intonation. Sleek
ergonomic touches added a new
level of comfort to the electric
playing experience. A noiseless
single coil solved an age-old prob-
lem. And our new modular pickups
gave players not only the flexibility
to choose between High-Gain and
High-Definition electric flavors, but
to switch out the pickups with in-
credible ease. We’re in the electric
world for the long haul and hope
you join us.
The soLidBodY
Pickups
Style 1 Humbuckers (Classic, Custom)Style 2 Humbuckers (Standard)Style 3 Noiseless Single Coil(Classic SC)
Also available as after-market HD (High Definition) and HG (High Gain) pickups through TaylorWare
Classic
Body: Swamp Ash
Neck: Maple
Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl Dots
Colors: Translucent White, Translucent Red, Black, Natural
Standard
Body: Sapele
Top: Tamo Ash
Neck: Sapele
Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches
Fretboard Inlay: Pearl Dots
Colors: Aged Cherry Sunburst or Natural with Shaded Edge
Custom
Body: Sapele or Mahogany
Top: Walnut or Hawaiian Koa
Neck: Sapele or Mahogany
Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches
Fretboard Inlay: Progressive Diamonds(Walnut top) or Koa Series
Colors: Shaded Edge
Models: Classic, Classic SC, Standard, Custom Koa, Custom Walnut
Opposite page: Classic Single Coil in Trans WhiteAbove (L-R): Standard in Natural, Standard in AgedCherry, Custom Walnut, Custom Koa
What defines true signature artists is that they do the defining.
Our Signature Series evolved out of the personal relationships
that Bob Taylor developed with two of the world’s most expressive
guitarists — Doyle Dykes and Leo Kottke — both of whom discovered
renewed musical inspiration in Taylor guitars. As stylistic trailblazers
with a clear musical vision, each had his own ideas about the type
of Taylor that would help them articulate their signature tone. If only
it were that easy for the rest of us.
The signatUre Ser ieS ddsmDoyle Dykes Signature Model
“The DDSM is the perfect guitar for me as a performing fingerstyle guitarist. The distance between the strings at the bridge is slightly wider; each string has its own voice because of the hexaphonic pickups; the shallower 16-inch body is comfortable to hold and really adds to feedback control. The short-scale neck makes playing much easier and even adds sweetness to the tone. But the number one reason I love the DDSM is that I can walk out on stage with an orchestra or a band or even just by myself and not have to think about anything else but playing the guitar.” — Doyle Dykes
Back/Sides: Big Leaf Maple
Top: Sitka Spruce
Colors: Black, Translucent Black, Natural, Orange, Brown Sugar
Fretboard Inlay: Offset Pearl “Chet”-style Markers
Peghead Inlay: Pearl / Abalone Rose
Binding: Ivoroid with Abalone-edged Top
Rosette: Abalone
Electronics: Expression System or L.R. Baggs DDSM Hex
Scale length: 24 7/8 Inches
Does a cutaway diminish the tonal output of a guitar?
Conventional wisdom
would suggest that it
would, since a cutaway
does remove real estate
from the soundboard and
slightly diminish the overall
air volume in the cavity of
the guitar. But in reality,
the tonal difference is
negligible, because the
soundboard area in the
upper bout where a cutaway
would be located doesn’t
move much anyway. In
fact, the relief rout that we
cut on the underside of
our guitar tops to enhance
movement doesn’t extend
into that region. Tonal
output is affected more by
the degree of tapering in
the “waist” of a guitar body
than by the cutaway.
Does a slotted headstock affect tone?
Yes, the reduced mass
does slightly affect the
tone, but the biggest
difference is the increased
string angle over the nut.
The tighter tension on the
nut makes the notes more
staccato — they pop out a
bit brighter and decay a
bit more quickly, making
the individual notes sound
more distinct.
TAYLO R FAQs
in the late ’80s, a taylor mahogany 555 would lure Leo Kottke back to the 12-string after years of hand problems.
Of course, in classic Leo fashion, he christened it by using a pocket knife to whittle down the braces. When Bob Taylor
later got wind of Leo’s tinkering, he gave him a call, and the two hit it off.
“One of the things that sold me on the idea of working with Bob and trying this 12-string was that Bob is the first
person I’d run into who can talk as long as I can about guitars,” Leo would later say. “I wanted less wood than is common
for a 12-string. I also wanted it built to be tuned down, instead of up to pitch… I think the real virtue of the 12-string is that
it can just explode out of the bottom. So that’s what we aimed for.”
LksmLeo Kottke Signature Model LKSM, LKSM-6
Back/Sides: Tropical Mahogany
Top: Sitka Spruce
Binding: Indian Rosewood
Rosette: 3-Ring
Tuning Pitch: C-sharp
The NT Neck
Straight, stable necks are
the goal of every guitar builder,
but maintaining stability when a
guitar is exposed to changes in
humidity has long been a chal-
lenge. With traditional neck as-
sembly methods, a substantial
change in humidity could cause
a guitar top to swell or shrink,
leading to a hump at the 14th
fret, where the neck comes to-
gether with the body. Intonation
problems would often follow.
With Taylor’s patented NT
neck design, the neck is milled
so that it extends past the 14th
fret (where the heel butts up
against the body), supporting
the fretboard to the last fret.
A computer mill is used to
rout precision pockets in the
guitar body to house the neck
extension. As a result, the neck
fits cleanly into the body, inde-
pendent of the soundboard. To
ensure dead-on accuracy with
the setting of the neck angle,
precisely milled spacers are
placed into the body pockets to
micro-adjust the neck angle’s
accuracy to .001 inch. Such
consistent accuracy delivers
exceptional playability and spot-
on intonation all the way up the
neck. No other guitar neck is as
stable as a Taylor.
TAYLO R I N N OVATI O N
DDSMBlack
LKSM
DDSMBrown Sugar
DDSMOrange
DDSMNatural
46
Models and specifications are subject to change without notice.
20
09
sp
eci
fica
tio
ns ga gs gC dn Jm BaBY Big BaBY t3 t5 sB
ga gs gC dn Jm BaBY Big BaBY t3 t5 sB
41” 41” 40 1/2” 41” 42” 33 3/4” 40 1/4” 41 3/16” 40 3/4” 38”
41” 41” • • 43” • • • 403/4” •
20” 20” 19 1/2” 20” 21” 15 3/4” 19 1/2” 20” 20” 17 2/5”
16” 16 1/4” 15” 16” 17” 12 1/2” 15” 16” 16” 13 13/20”
4 5/8”* 4 5/8” 4 3/8” 4 5/8” 4 5/8” 3 3/8” 4” 2 1/3” 2 2/5” 1 3/4”
251/2” 251/2” 251/2” 251/2” 251/2” 223/4” 251/2” • • •
247/8” 247/8” 247/8” 247/8”” 247/8” • • 247/8” 247/8” 247/8”
20 20 20 20 20 19 20 21 21 22
1 3/4” 1 3/4” 1 3/4” 1 3/4” 1 3/4” 1 11/16” 1 11/16” 1 11/16” 1 11/16” 1 11/16”
17/8” 17/8” • • 17/8” • • • 111/16” •
acoustic
GC, GA, Baby, Big Baby, & All 12-string Models: elixir® NANOWeB® Light Gauge (.012-.053) GS, DN & JM: elixir® NANOWeB® Medium Gauge (.013-.056) Nylon Series: D’Addario Pro-Arté® extra hard Tension
overall Length
6-string
12-string
Body Length
Body Width
Body depth
scale Length
standard
short
Frets
neck Width
6-string
12-string
strings / gauge electric
T3, SolidBody: elixir® NANOWeB® electric Light Gauge (.010-.046)T5: elixir® NANOWeB® electric Medium Gauge (.011-.049)T5 12-string: elixir® NANOWeB® electric Light Gauge
*DDSM body
depth is 4 1/8”
PSGA
PSGA-12
K14ce
K24ce
K54ce
K64ce
914ce
814ce
854ce
714ce
614ce
654ce
514ce
414ce
454ce
314ce
354ce
214
214e
214ce
114
114e
114ce
GA-K
GA-K-12
GA8
GA8-12
GA7
GA6
GA6-12
GA5
GA4
GA4-12
GA3
GA3-12
NS74ce
NS64ce
NS34ce
DDSM
PSJM
PSJM-12
K65ce
LKSM
LKSM-6
815ce
855ce
615ce
655ce
455ce
315ce
355ce
BT1
BT2
BBT T3
T3/B
T5-S
T5S-12
T5-S1
T5S1-12
T5-C
T5C-12
T5-C1
T5C1-12
T5-C2
T5C2-12
T5-C3
T5C3-12
T5-C4
T5C4-12
T5-C5
T5C5-12
SB Classic
SB Classic SC
SB Standard
SB Custom Koa
SB Custom Walnut
PSGC
K12ce
K22ce
912ce
812ce
712ce
612ce
512ce
412ce
312ce
GC-K
GC8
GC7
GC6
GC5
GC4
GC3
NS72ce
NS62ce
NS32ce
PSDN
K10ce
K20ce
910ce
810ce
710ce
610ce
510ce
410ce
310ce
210
210e
210ce
110
110e
110ce
DN-K
910 Legacy
DN8
810 Legacy
DN5
DN4
DN3
PSGS
PSGS-12
K16ce
K26ce
K56ce
K66ce
916ce
816ce
856ce
716ce
616ce
656ce
516ce
GS-K
GS8
GS8-12
GS7
GS6
GS5
GS5-12
Models and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Dimensions by Shape
Models by Shape
47
Back / sides
top
neck
soundhole rosette
Fretboard
Fretboard inlay
top inlay
headstock overlay
Binding
Bridge
Bridge pins
nut / saddle
tuning machines / Buttons
truss rod Cover
Back / side Finish
top Finish
neck Finish
electronics
pickguard
Case
models
presentation
Choice of: Brazilian rosewood, Madagascar rosewood,hawaiian Koa, Cocobolo and other master-grade woods
Choose from a varietyof premium woods
Tropical Mahogany
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Green heart AbaloneByzantine/other options
Green heart Abalonew/neck extension
ebony
ivoroid w/Green heart Abalone
ebonyw/Abalone inlay
ebony w/Green heart Abalone Dots
Bone
Gotoh
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
Optional expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
PSDN, PSGA, PSGC, PSGS, PSJM, PSGA-12, PSGS-12, PSJM-12
koa series
hawaiian Koa
Sitka Spruce orhawaiian Koa
Tropical Mahogany
Single ringAbalone
ebony
AbaloneKoa Series
Abalone
ebony
Curly Maple
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
K10ce, K12ce, K14ce, K16ce, K20ce, K22ce, K24ce, K26ce, K54ce, K64ce, K65ce, K56ce, K66ce
acoustic koa
hawaiian Koa
Sitka Spruce orhawaiian Koa
Tropical Mahogany
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Abalone Dots
Abalone
ebony
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
GA-K, GA-K-12GC-K, GS-KDN-K
900 series
indian rosewood
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl 900 Series
Abalone
ebony w/ Pearl inlay
ivoroid
ebony w/ Pearl inlay
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Bone
Gotoh
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expexpression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
910ce, 910 Legacy912ce, 914ce, 916ce
800 series
indian rosewood
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl800 Series
None
indianrosewood
Curly Maple
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
indianrosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
Tortoise
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
810ce, 812ce, 814ce, 815ce, 816ce, 854ce, 855ce, 856ce
700 series
indian rosewood
engelmann Spruce / Western red Cedar
Tropical Mahogany
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
indian rosewood
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
indianrosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
Tortoise
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
710ce, 712ce, 714ce, 716ce
600 series
Big Leaf Maple
Sitka Spruce
hard rock Maple
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl 600 Series “Leaf”
None
ebony
White
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Gloss
expression System®
Tortoise (Amber)None (colors/bursts)
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
610ce, 612ce, 614ce, 615ce, 616ce, 654ce, 655ce, 656ce
acoustic 8
indian rosewood
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Abalone Dots
None
indianrosewood
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot head (GC)
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
Optional expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
GA8, GC8, GS8, DN8, 810 LegacyGA8-12, GS8-12
acoustic 7
indian rosewood
Western red Cedar
Tropical Mahogany
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Abalone Dots
None
indianrosewood
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot head (GC)
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
Optional expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
GA7, GC7, GS7
acoustic 6
Big Leaf Maple
Sitka Spruce
hard rock Maple
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Abalone Dots
None
indianrosewood
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot head (GC)
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Gloss
Optional expression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
GA6, GC6, GS6, GA6-12
ga gs gC dn Jm BaBY Big BaBY t3 t5 sB
Standard Features
48
Back / sides
top
neck
soundhole rosette
Fretboard
Fretboard inlay
top inlay
headstock overlay
Binding
Bridge
Bridge pins
nut / saddle
tuning machines / Buttons
truss rod Cover
Back / side Finish
top Finish
neck Finish
electronics
pickguard
Case
models
ddsm
Big Leaf Maple
Sitka Spruce
hard rock Maple
Single ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl DDSM
Abalone
ebony w/ Pearl /Abalone rose inlay
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold
ebony
Gloss
Gloss
Gloss
expression System®
or Baggs / DDSM®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
DDSM colors: NaturalBlack (opaque)Black (translucent)OrangeBrown Sugar
Lksm
Tropical Mahogany
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ring
ebony
None
None
indianrosewood
indian rosewood
ebony
ebony
Tusq
Taylor Gold
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
None
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
LKSMLKSM-6
nylon series
indian rosewood(NS72ce, NS74ce)Big Leaf Maple(NS62ce, NS64ce)Sapele (NS32ce, NS34ce)
Western red Cedar (70s) engelmann Spruce (60s) Sitka Spruce (30s)
Tropical Mahogany
Mexican Cyprus & MyrtleGeometric Pattern
ebony
None
None
indian rosewood (30s, 70s)Cocobolo (60s)
indian rosewood (60s, 70s)Black (30s)
ebony (30s, 70s)Cocobolo (60s)
None
Tusq
Ping Classical Gold w/ivoroid Buttons
None (32, 62, 72)indian rosewood (34, 74)Cocobolo (64)
Gloss (60s, 70s)Satin (30s)
Gloss
Satin
Fishman™ Prefix Pro® (30s) Prefix Pro®Blend (60s, 70s)
None
Taylor hardshell Black (30s)Deluxe Brown (60s, 70s)
NS32ce, NS34ce NS62ce, NS64ceNS72ce, NS74ce
acoustic 5
Tropical Mahogany
Sitka Spruce (DN) / Western red Cedar
Tropical Mahogany
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Abalone Dots
None
indianrosewood
ivoroid
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot head (GC)
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
Optionalexpression System®
None
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
GA5, GC5, GS5, DN5, GS5-12
acoustic 4
Ovangkol
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ring
ebony
Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
Cream
ebony
ebony
Tusq
Taylor Chrome
indian rosewood
Satin
Gloss
Satin
Optionalexpression System®
None
Taylor hardshell (Black)
GA4, GC4, DN4, GA4-12
acoustic 3
Sapele
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ring
ebony
Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
Cream
ebony
ebony
Tusq
Taylor Chrome
indian rosewood
Satin
Gloss
Satin
Optionalexpression System®
None
Taylor hardshell (Black)
GA3, GC3, DN3, GA3-12
500 series
Tropical Mahogany
engelmann Spruce /Western red Cedar
Tropical Mahogany
3-ringAbalone
ebony
Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
indian rosewood
ebony
ebony w/Abalone Dots
Tusq
Taylor Chrome Taylor Gold (514ce, 516ce)
indian rosewood
Gloss
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
Tortoise
Taylor Deluxe hardshell (Brown)
510ce, 512ce, 514ce, 516ce
400 series
Ovangkol
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ring
ebony
Large Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
White
ebony
ebony
Tusq
Taylor Chrome
indian rosewood
Satin
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
Tortoise
Taylor hardshell (Black)
410ce, 412ce, 414ce, 454ce, 455ce
300 series
Sapele
Sitka Spruce
Tropical Mahogany
3-ring
ebony
Large Pearl Dots
None
indianrosewood
Black
ebony
ebony
Tusq
Taylor Chrome
indian rosewood
Satin
Gloss
Satin
expression System®
Tortoise
Taylor hardshell (Black)
310ce, 312ce, 314ce, 315ce, 354ce, 355ce
Standard Features
49
200 / 100 series
200 Series: rosewood Laminate
100 Series: Sapele Laminate
Solid Sitka Spruce
Sapele
3-ring
ebony
Pearloid Dots
None
indian rosewood
White (200s)Black (100s)
ebony
Black
Tusq
Chrome
rosewood
Varnish (100s)Satin (200s)
Varnish (100s)Satin (200s)
Varnish (100s)Satin (200s)
Taylor eS-T®
(e and Ce models)
Tortoise
Gig Bag (100 Series)Black (200 Series)
110, 110e, 110ce114, 114e, 114ce210, 210e, 210ce, 214, 214e, 214ce
Baby taylor
Sapele Laminate
BT1, BBT: Sitka SpruceBT2: Tropical Mahogany
Sapele
Laser etched
ebony
Pearloid Dots
None
Lexan
None
ebony
Black
Tusq
Chrome
None
Varnish
Varnish
Varnish
None
Tortoise (BBT)
Gig Bag
BT1 (Sitka)BT2 (Tropical Mahogany)BBT (Big Baby)
Body
top
neck
Fretboard
Fretboard inlay
headstock overlay
Fretboard Binding
Bridge
nut
tuning machines / Buttons
Back / side Finish
top Finish
neck Finish
electronics
pickguard
Case
Color / Burst options
models
solidBody
Swamp Ash (Classic)Sapele (Standard, Custom Walnut)Tropical Mahogany (Custom Koa)
Tamo Ash (Standard)Walnut (Custom Walnut)Koa (Custom Koa)
Sapele (Standard, Custom Walnut)Tropical Mahogany (Custom Koa)Maple (Classic)
ebony (Standard, Custom)indian rosewood (Classic)
Pearl Dots(Classic, Standard)Pearl Progressive Diamonds(Custom Walnut)Koa Series (Custom Koa)
ebony
None (Classic)Black (Standard, Custom)
Taylor hardtail Aluminum, fully adjustable
Bone
Taylor Chrome
Satin (Classic Natural, Standard Natural) Gloss (All other models)
Satin (Classic Natural, Standard Natural) Gloss (All other models)
Satin (All Classics, Standard Natural) Gloss (All other models)
Taylor Style 1 (3/4 size) humbuckers (Classic, Custom); Taylor Style 2 (full) humbuckers (Standard); Taylor Style 3 Single Coils (Classic SC)
White Pearloid (Classic Trans White/red)Black Pearloid (Classic Black)Tortoise Shell (Classic Natural)None (Standard / Custom)
Deluxe hardshell
Classic: Translucent White, Translucent red, Black, Natural; Standard: Aged Cherry Sunburst, Natural w/ Shaded edge; Custom: Shaded edge
Classic, Standard, Custom Walnut, Custom Koa
t5
Sapele
Sitka Spruce (T5-S, T5-C); Figured Maple (T5-S1, T5-C1); Koa (T5-C2); Cocobolo (T5-C3); Walnut (T5-C4); Macassar ebony (T5-C5)
Tropical Mahogany
ebony
Pearl Dots (T5-S, T5-S1)Pearl T5 “Artist” (T5-C, T5-C1, T5-C2, T5-C3, T5-C4, T5-C5)
ebony
White
ebony
Bone
Taylor Chrome (T5-S, T5-S1 and blue bursts)Taylor Gold (T5-C, T5-C1, T5-C2, T5-C3, T5-C4, T5-C5)
Gloss
Gloss
Gloss
T5 electronics w/ Five-Way Switch
None
Taylor T5 hardshell (Black)
Natural, red, Blue, Black (Translucent Black Optional) w/ edgeburst; Sunburst Options: Tobacco, honey, Cherry
T5-S, T5S-12, T5-S1, T5S1-12, T5-C, T5C-12, T5-C1, T5C1-12, T5-C2, T5C2-12T5-C3, T5C3-12, T5-C4, T5C4-12, T5-C5, T5C5-12
t3
Sapele
Quilted Maple
Sapele
ebony
Pearl Dots
ebony
White
Chrome roller-style w/Stop Tail(T3) or Bigsby Vibrato (T3/B)
Tusq with Teflon®
Taylor Chrome
Gloss
Gloss
Gloss
T3 electronics w/Coil-splittingCapability
None
Taylor T3 hardshell
Natural or red w/ edgeburst; Sunburst Options: Tobacco, honey
T3, T3/B
Back / sides
top
neck
soundhole rosette
Fretboard
Fretboard inlay
top inlay
headstock overlay
Binding
Bridge
Bridge pins
nut / saddle
tuning machines / Buttons
truss rod Cover
Back / side Finish
top Finish
neck Finish
electronics
pickguard
Case
models
Standard Features The Electric Line / Standard Features
top related