Most guitar makers strive to develop a signature sound, and among contemporary makers, nobody has been as successful as Taylor in creating a consistent tonality throughout its wide range of models. Often described as bright, with exceptional clarity and definition, Taylor’s modern flattop voice has become a welcome alternative to the traditional, more bass-heavy tone of many vintage guitars. Taylor’s popularity among players of diverse styles proves that the signature Taylor sound resonates with many guitarists, but Taylor designer Andy Powers has continued to expand the company’s tonal choices, and the result is a completely new model: the Grand Pacific.

With a new body style that is reminiscent of a round-shoulder dreadnought but doesn’t copy any vintage design, the Grand Pacific is the first model designed from the ground up with the V-Class bracing Taylor introduced in 2018. Conceived for flatpickers, Americana players, and anyone wishing for a dose of vintage character in a Taylor package, the initial Grand Pacific line consists of two Builder’s Editions, the mahogany 517 ($2,799) and the rosewood 717 ($2,999), and the more-affordable 317e ($1,699).

Besides a new body shape, the Builder’s Edition Grand Pacifics also introduce a new compound-carve neck profile that has a slightly more vintage feel in the first position but morphs into a modern profile further up the neck. The guitars also include a new bridge design that modifies the familiar Taylor bridge shape with more rounded curves. In addition, the guitars include the chamfered body edges and silent satin finish that was introduced on earlier Builder’s Editions. The guitars have torrefied Sitka spruce tops that are available with natural or honey-burst finishes. Taylor’s ES2 electronics are available as an option.

In this video, shot on location at Nashville, Tennessee’s Southern Ground recording studio, Andy Powers and Peghead Nation co-founder Teja Gerken play and discuss the two Builder’s Edition models.  

Look for full individual demos of all three Grand Pacific models on Peghead Nation in the coming weeks! Taylorguitars.com

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