Sponsored By
 

Taylor Guitars’ Urban Tonewoods, Part 1

 

Taylor’s Andy Powers discusses the company’s latest effort in using sustainably harvested woods.

 
December 21, 2022
 

It’s no secret that many of the woods that are traditionally used in guitar construction have become problematic to use. In the most obvious cases, such as Brazilian rosewood, the wood is endangered and can’t legally be imported to the US and many other countries. In other cases, the limitations are less drastic, but between the lower quality of many traditional guitar tonewoods and a greater awareness of the need to harvest responsibly, most guitar makers have begun to look for alternatives. Taylor’s commitment to building environmentally-friendly guitars includes working with companies such as Pacific Rim Tonewoods to increase the use of sustainably harvested woods, reducing the waste of cosmetically imperfect ebony through its operation in Cameroon, and developing designs such as the multi-piece NT neck (which uses wood more efficiently than a one-piece neck).

In an effort to source wood that grows close to its Southern California home, Taylor started the Urban Woods Initiative, and in 2000, the company released the Builder’s Edition 324ce and GTe, which are built with urban ash back and sides. Earlier this year, Taylor began using urban ironbark for the back and sides of its 500 series (check out our demos of the 512ce and 514ce). Sourced from urban trees that are removed by park services or city maintenance crews, these woods have tonal qualities comparable to more traditional tonewoods. 

I took a trip to Taylor’s headquarters in El Cajon, California, this past November to learn more about the company’s use of urban woods. While there, I had a chance to interview Taylor’s Andy Powers, whose responsibilities as chief designer and luthier were recently augmented by also taking on the roles of CEO and President. This video is the first part of our conversation in which we talk about how the urban wood process works, what the materials sound like, how they affect the design of a guitar, and much more. 

Taylorguitars.com

Related Instrument Demos Posts

Taylor's Andy Powers and Teja Gerken discussing Taylor's urban woods initiative  

Taylor Guitars’ Urban Tonewoods, Part 2

Peghead Nation’s Teja Gerken and Taylor’s Andy Powers continue a discussion on the use of sustainably harvested woods.

Read More

Taylor Builder's Edition 814ce  

Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce

A top-of-the-line grand auditorium guitar built with Honduran rosewood and sinker redwood.

Read More

Taylor Gold Label 814e  

Taylor Gold Label 814e

Andy Powers’ latest design brings a classic American flattop tonality to the Taylor line.

Read More

Taylor Legacy Collection 514ce and 714ce review and video demonstration  

Taylor Legacy Collection 514ce and 714ce

A new pair of guitars bring X-bracing back to Taylor’s grand auditorium design.

Read More

Taylor Legacy Collection 815e and 855e  

Taylor Legacy Collection 815e and 855e

Brand-new versions of Taylor’s legendary rosewood jumbo six- and 12-strings.

Read More

Taylor Legacy Collection 810e review and video demonstration  

Taylor Legacy Collection 810e

A wonderful tribute to one of Taylor’s most iconic models.

Read More

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood LTD 50th Anniversary review and video demonstration  

Taylor GS Mini-e Rosewood LTD 50th Anniversary

A special edition of Taylor’s popular small guitar.

Read More

Taylor 312ce LTD 50th Anniversary review and video demonstration  

Taylor 312ce LTD 50th Anniversary

A special edition of one of Taylor’s most popular grand concert guitars.

Read More

Taylor Builder’s Edition 812ce LTD review and video demonstration  

Taylor Builder’s Edition 812ce LTD

Part of Taylor’s 50th Anniversary Collection, this redwood-topped grand concert is a special variation of a classic model.

Read More

Taylor 614ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection  

Taylor 614ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection

A maple and spruce grand auditorium in a transparent white finish.

Read More

 
Sponsored By
 
 
 

Peghead Partners

 
Peghead Partners feature image
Huss & Dalton Trey Hensley Signature Model
Huss & Dalton's Brian Dickel shows the company's new signature model at the 2025 NAMM show.
 
subscribe sample lessons
 
 
 
 
  Follow Us: facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon  
 
spotify icon facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon
  About Us       Shop         Support         Contact Us         Email Sign up         Advertise         Sitemap         FAQ         Privacy         Terms         Subscribe   Sign In  
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
Peghead Nation logo
 
© Copyright 2025 PegheadNation.com
 
 
spotify icon facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
Peghead Nation logo
 
© Copyright 2025 PegheadNation.com