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.
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 its 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 its not a bad place to start as we ponder which type of guitar to play. If theres a simple piece of advice we can give you, its this: Buy the best guitar you can afford. By best we mean a guitar thats easy to play, has proper intonation, and sounds great. Weve got you covered there. Beyond that, look for one thats compatible with the kind of sound youre 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, youll 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. Hell answer all your guitar questions and help you locate a particular model at a dealership if youre on the hunt. Now promise not to slack on that New Years resolution to play more guitar this year.

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 Bobs 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; Bobs longtime design partner Larry Breedlove with a GA5; and the man himself, picking on an 810ce. Get these guys together and it usually doesnt take long to coax a smile and a song out of them. Photo by Bil Zelman

Th e pr e s e ntati on S e r i es
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.

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 with Green 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

His name is Russ Lewark, but his online friends know him as Koaguitarman. Russs first koa love was an all-koa K20c. He found the woods 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. Its my tonewood of choice. Russ currently owns 14 koa Taylors. Photo by Bil Zelman

Th e koa S e r i es
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 youll fall in love. 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 Models: K10ce, K12ce, K14ce, K16ce, K20ce, K22ce, K24ce, K26ce, K54ce, K56ce, K64ce, K65ce, K66ce

Indian rosewood is an enduring classic thats 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. Rosewoods 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 thats 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.

Th e 9 00 S e r i es
Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood Top: Sitka Spruce Fretboard Inlay: Pearl Binding: Ivoroid Rosette: Abalone Sunburst Options: Tobacco (top only) Additional Premium Appointments: Gotoh tuners, bone nut/saddle, peghead and bridge inlays Models: 910ce, 912ce, 914ce, 916ce

Th e 8 00 S e r i es
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

Th e 700 S e r i es
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

TAY LO R I N N O VAT I O N

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 amplified 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 guitars soundboard to create a network of magnetic, surface-sensing microphones. 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 transparent 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.

Th e 6 00 S e r i es
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 wasnt already transfixing enough, maples blonde complexion plays host to a fiesta of vibrant color finishes that create a hypnotic, 3-D effect. We experiment 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, maples 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.

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

Th e 5 00 S e r i es
Our mahogany guitars really let your fingers sing. And it doesnt 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 theyre 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

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 youre 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 youre a beginner and arent 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 youll be playing it while standing up, try it that way. Andaction! Is the action low enough that you can form cleansounding 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 guitars 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 dont rely on your buddys 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 Lestats Coffee House in San Diego, a popular local venue, where shes performed.

th e 4 00 S e r i es
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 We dont 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

th e 3 00 S e r i es
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 youll 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

Just because we make high-end guitars doesnt mean we dont believe in affordable ones. And we dont think you have to sacrifice great tone and playability when youre 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.

th e 200 S e r i es
Back/Sides: Rosewood Laminate Top: Solid Sitka Spruce Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots Binding: White Rosette: 3-Ring Models: 210, 210e, 210ce, 214, 214e, 214ce

For some young adults, getting a drivers 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 youre about to get upstaged. Photo by Bil Zelman

th e 100 S e r i es
Back/Sides: Sapele Laminate Top: Solid Sitka Spruce Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots Binding: Black Rosette: 3-Ring Models: 110, 110e, 110ce, 114, 114e, 114ce

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. Its now stress-free, plug-n-play, every time. Sound engineers love it, as well! Wayne Johnson, three-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist

th e NYLON S e r i es
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-strings 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 youre looking for some fresh inspiration, take one for a spin.

Neck Width: 1 7/8 Inches Rosette: Mexican Cypress Strings: DAddario Pro-Art Extra Hard Tension Electronics: Fishman Prefix Pro (NS32ce/34ce), Fishman Prefix Pro Blend (NS72ce/NS74ce, NS62ce/NS64ce) Tuners: Ping Classical Gold with Ivoroid Buttons

NS72ce/NS74ce Back & Sides/Top: Indian Rosewood/Cedar Binding: Indian Rosewood Peghead Veneer: Indian Rosewood NS62ce/NS64ce Back & Sides/Top: Big Leaf Maple/Engelmann Spruce Binding: Indian Rosewood Peghead Veneer/Bridge: Cocobolo

NS32ce/ NS34ce Back & Sides/Top: Sapele/Sitka Spruce Binding: Black Peghead Veneer: Indian Rosewood

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. Its a tough job, but he does it all for you.

Th e BABy Taylor
Part of an acoustic guitars 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 thats resilient and can truly carry a tune, all the way up the neck. Its also perfectly kid-friendly. If you want a bigger sound thats still super-portable and affordable, the Big Baby is simply a killer guitar. Its the kind of guitar you can leave around the house or the office, or have on-hand on those days when youre supposed to be at the office. Dont be surprised if it secretly becomes your go-to guitar. Baby Size/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 Baby Size/Shape: 15/16-scale Dreadnought Back/Sides: Sapele Laminate Top: Solid Sitka Spruce Fretboard Inlay: Pearloid Dots Rosette: Laser-etched

Th e ACOU STI C LINE

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 versatile 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 pickguards (available as an option). For live performance, the optional Taylor Expression System captures that essential acoustic sound youve been hearing unplugged, and shares it with the world. And its stealthy design aesthetic will never compromise the true acoustic look you crave. 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)

g ran d sym ph ony

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)

g ran d AU DITORI U M
Tone Profile: Taylors 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)

g ran d con ce rt
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)

d r ead n ou g ht
Tone Profile: Our most traditional body style blends a potent, vintage acoustic sound with Taylors 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

40

t5
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. 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 Models: T5-C5, T5C5-12, T5-C4, Fretboard Inlay: T5 Artist (Custom), T5C4-12, T5-C3, T5C3-12, Micro Dots (Standard) T5-C2, T5C2-12, T5-C1, T5C1-12, T5-C, T5C-12, Binding: Multi-layer White with T5-S, T5S-12, T5-S1, T5S1-12 Black Pinstripes Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches Nut/saddle: Bone

t3
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, weve taken the classic semi-hollowbody 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 pushpull tone knob brings two modes of tone control that include a fresh voice: a warm, fat, mellow vintage tone. Weve 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 arent your thing, go with the stop tailpiece. Either way, we love the look and sound of this guitar, and think you will, too. Body: Sapele Semi-hollowbody Top: Quilted Maple Scale Length: 24 7/8 Inches Fretboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dots Binding: Multi-layer White with Black Pinstripes Tailpiece: Bigsby Vibrato or Stoptail with Roller Bridge Models: T3, T3/B

th e s oli d b ody
We celebrate the Taylor SolidBodys 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 problem. 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 incredible ease. Were in the electric world for the long haul and hope you join us.

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 White Above (L-R): Standard in Natural, Standard in Aged Cherry, Custom Walnut, Custom Koa

TAY LO R FAQ s

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 doesnt move much anyway. In fact, the relief rout that we cut on the underside of our guitar tops to enhance movement doesnt 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.

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

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.

th e s i g natu r e s e r i es
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 worlds 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.

ddsm
Doyle Dykes Signature Model 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

TAY LO R I N N O VAT I O N

The NT Neck
Straight, stable necks are DDSM Brown Sugar DDSM Black the goal of every guitar builder, but maintaining stability when a guitar is exposed to changes in LKSM humidity has long been a challenge. With traditional neck assembly 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 together with the body. Intonation problems would often follow. With Taylors 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.

DDSM Orange

DDSM Natural

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, independent of the soundboard. To

lk s m
Leo Kottke Signature Model 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 Leos 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 Id 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 thats what we aimed for. LKSM, LKSM-6 Back/Sides: Tropical Mahogany Top: Sitka Spruce Binding: Indian Rosewood Rosette: 3-Ring Tuning Pitch: C-sharp

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 angles accuracy to .001 inch. Such consistent accuracy delivers exceptional playability and spoton intonation all the way up the neck. No other guitar neck is as stable as a Taylor.

Models and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Dimensions by Shape

2009 Specifications

GA GS GC DN
Overall Length 6-String 12-String 41 41 20 16 4 5/8* 25 1/2 24 7/8 20 41 41 20 16 1/4 4 5/8 40 1/2 19 1/2 15 4 3/8 41 20 16 4 5/8

JM

BABY

BIG BABY T3 T5 SB

42 43 21 17 4 5/8

33 3/4 15 3/4 12 1/2 3 3/8

40 1/4 19 1/2 15 4

41 3/16 20 16 2 1/3

40 3/4 40 3/4 20 16 2 2/5

38 17 2/5 13 13/20 1 3/4

Body Length Body Width Body Depth Standard Short Frets

*DDSM body
depth is 4 1/8

Scale Length 25 1/2 24 7/8 20 25 1/2 24 7/8 20 25 1/2 24 7/8 20 25 1/2 24 7/8 20 22 3/4 19 25 1/2 20 24 7/8 21 24 7/8 21 24 7/8 22

Neck Width 6-String 12-string 1 3/4 1 7/8 1 3/4 1 7/8 1 3/4 1 3/4 1 3/4 1 7/8 1 11/16 1 11/16 1 11/16 Electric

1 11/16 1 11/16

1 11/16

/ Gauge Strings 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: DAddario Pro-Art Extra Hard Tension

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

Models by Shape
GA GS GC DN
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 PSGS PSGS-12 K16ce K26ce K56ce K66ce 916ce 816ce 856ce 716ce 616ce 656ce 516ce GS-K GS8 GS8-12 GS7 GS6 GS5 GS5-12 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

JM
PSJM PSJM-12 K65ce LKSM LKSM-6 815ce 855ce 615ce 655ce 455ce 315ce 355ce

BABY
BT1 BT2

BIG BABY T3 T5 SB
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

Models and specifications are subject to change without notice.

46

Standard Features
Presentation Back / Sides
Choice of: Brazilian Rosewood, Madagascar Rosewood, Hawaiian Koa, Cocobolo and other master-grade woods

Koa Series
Hawaiian Koa

Acoustic Koa
Hawaiian Koa

900 Series
Indian Rosewood

800 Series
Indian Rosewood

Acoustic 8
Indian Rosewood

700 Series
Indian Rosewood

Acoustic 7
Indian Rosewood

600 Series
Big Leaf Maple

Acoustic 6
Big Leaf Maple

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

Choose from a variety of premium woods Tropical Mahogany Single Ring Abalone Ebony Green Heart Abalone Byzantine/other options Green Heart Abalone w/neck extension Ebony

Sitka Spruce or Hawaiian Koa Tropical Mahogany Single Ring Abalone Ebony Abalone Koa Series Abalone

Sitka Spruce or Hawaiian Koa Tropical Mahogany Single Ring Abalone

Sitka Spruce Tropical Mahogany Single Ring Abalone

Sitka Spruce Tropical Mahogany Single Ring Abalone

Sitka Spruce Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring Abalone

Engelmann Spruce / Western Red Cedar Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring Abalone

Western Red Cedar Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring Abalone

Sitka Spruce Hard Rock Maple Single Ring Abalone

Sitka Spruce Hard Rock Maple 3-Ring Abalone

Ebony Abalone Dots Abalone

Ebony Pearl 900 Series Abalone

Ebony Pearl 800 Series None

Ebony Abalone Dots None

Ebony Pearl Dots None

Ebony Abalone Dots None

Ebony Pearl 600 Series Leaf None

Ebony Abalone Dots

None

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony w/ Pearl Inlay

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Ebony

Indian Rosewood

Ivoroid w/Green Heart Abalone Ebony w/Abalone inlay Ebony w/Green Heart Abalone Dots Bone

Curly Maple

Ivoroid

Ivoroid

Curly Maple

Ivoroid

Indian Rosewood

Ivoroid

White

Ivoroid

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony w/ Pearl Inlay Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Bone

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot Head (GC) Indian Rosewood

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot Head (GC) Indian Rosewood

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot Head (GC) Indian Rosewood

Gotoh

Taylor Gold

Taylor Gold

Gotoh

Taylor Gold

Taylor Gold

Taylor Gold

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Ebony

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Satin Optional Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) PSDN, PSGA, PSGC, PSGS, PSJM, PSGA-12, PSGS-12, PSJM-12

Satin Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) K10ce, K12ce, K14ce, K16ce, K20ce, K22ce, K24ce, K26ce, K54ce, K64ce, K65ce, K56ce, K66ce

Satin Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) GA-K, GA-K-12 GC-K, GS-K DN-K

Satin ExpExpression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) 910ce, 910 Legacy 912ce, 914ce, 916ce

Satin Expression System Tortoise Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) 810ce, 812ce, 814ce, 815ce, 816ce, 854ce, 855ce, 856ce

Satin Optional Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) GA8, GC8, GS8, DN8, 810 Legacy GA8-12, GS8-12

Satin Expression System Tortoise Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) 710ce, 712ce, 714ce, 716ce

Satin Optional Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) GA7, GC7, GS7

Gloss Expression System Tortoise (Amber) None (colors/bursts) Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) 610ce, 612ce, 614ce, 615ce, 616ce, 654ce, 655ce, 656ce

Gloss Optional Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) GA6, GC6, GS6, GA6-12

47

Standard Features
500 Series Back / Sides
Tropical Mahogany

Acoustic 5
Tropical Mahogany

400 Series
Ovangkol

Acoustic 4
Ovangkol

300 Series
Sapele

Acoustic 3
Sapele

DDSM
Big Leaf Maple

LKSM
Tropical Mahogany

Nylon Series
Indian Rosewood (NS72ce, NS74ce) Big Leaf Maple (NS62ce, NS64ce) Sapele (NS32ce, NS34ce)

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

Engelmann Spruce / Western Red Cedar Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring Abalone Ebony Pearl Dots

Sitka Spruce (DN) / Western Red Cedar Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring Abalone Ebony Abalone Dots

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce

Western Red Cedar (70s) Engelmann Spruce (60s) Sitka Spruce (30s) Tropical Mahogany Mexican Cyprus & Myrtle Geometric Pattern Ebony None

Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring

Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring

Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring

Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring

Hard Rock Maple

Tropical Mahogany 3-Ring

Single Ring Abalone Ebony Pearl DDSM

Ebony Large Pearl Dots

Ebony Pearl Dots

Ebony Large Pearl Dots

Ebony Pearl Dots

Ebony None

None

None

None

None

None

None

Abalone

None

None

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Ebony w/ Pearl / Abalone Rose Inlay

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood (30s, 70s) Cocobolo (60s) Indian Rosewood (60s, 70s) Black (30s) Ebony (30s, 70s) Cocobolo (60s)

Indian Rosewood

Ivoroid

White

Cream

Black

Cream

Ivoroid

Indian Rosewood

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq Taylor Chrome Taylor Gold (514ce, 516ce) Indian Rosewood

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq Taylor Gold or Taylor Slot Head (GC)

Ebony Tusq

Ebony Tusq

Ebony Tusq

Ebony Tusq

Ebony w/ Abalone Dots Tusq

Ebony Tusq

None Tusq Ping Classical Gold w/ Ivoroid Buttons

Taylor Chrome

Taylor Chrome

Taylor Chrome

Taylor Chrome

Taylor Gold

Taylor Gold

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood

Ebony

Indian Rosewood

None (32, 62, 72) Indian Rosewood (34, 74) Cocobolo (64) Gloss (60s, 70s) Satin (30s)

Gloss

Gloss

Satin

Satin

Satin

Satin

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Gloss

Satin

Satin

Satin

Satin

Satin

Satin

Gloss

Satin

Satin

Expression System

Optional Expression System None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) GA5, GC5, GS5, DN5, GS5-12

Expression System

Optional Expression System None Taylor Hardshell (Black) GA4, GC4, DN4, GA4-12

Expression System

Optional Expression System None Taylor Hardshell (Black) GA3, GC3, DN3, GA3-12

Expression System or Baggs / DDSM None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) DDSM colors: Natural Black (opaque) Black (translucent) Orange Brown Sugar

None

Fishman Prefix Pro (30s) Prefix ProBlend (60s, 70s) None Taylor Hardshell Black (30s) Deluxe Brown (60s, 70s) NS32ce, NS34ce NS62ce, NS64ce NS72ce, NS74ce

Tortoise Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) 510ce, 512ce, 514ce, 516ce

Tortoise Taylor Hardshell (Black) 410ce, 412ce, 414ce, 454ce, 455ce

Tortoise Taylor Hardshell (Black) 310ce, 312ce, 314ce, 315ce, 354ce, 355ce

None Taylor Deluxe Hardshell (Brown) LKSM LKSM-6

48

Standard Features
200 / 100 Series Back / Sides
200 Series: Rosewood Laminate 100 Series: Sapele Laminate

The Electric Line / Standard Features

Baby Taylor
Sapele Laminate

SolidBody Body
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)

T5
Sapele

T3
Sapele

Top
BT1, BBT: Sitka Spruce BT2: Tropical Mahogany Sapele

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

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)

Quilted Maple

Solid Sitka Spruce

Neck

Tropical Mahogany

Sapele

Sapele

Fretboard
3-Ring Laser Etched

Ebony

Ebony

Fretboard Inlay
Ebony Pearloid Dots Ebony Pearloid Dots

Pearl Dots (T5-S, T5-S1) Pearl T5 Artist (T5-C, T5-C1, T5-C2, T5-C3, T5-C4, T5-C5)

Pearl Dots

Headstock Overlay
None None

Ebony

Ebony

Ebony

Indian Rosewood

Lexan

Fretboard Binding Bridge

None (Classic) Black (Standard, Custom)

White

White

White (200s) Black (100s) Ebony Black

Taylor Hardtail Aluminum, fully adjustable Bone

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)

None

Chrome Roller-style w/Stop Tail (T3) or Bigsby Vibrato (T3/B) Tusq with Teflon

Nut
Ebony Black

Tuning Machines / Buttons Back / Side Finish Top Finish Neck Finish Electronics

Taylor Chrome

Taylor Chrome

Tusq

Tusq

Satin (Classic Natural, Standard Natural) Gloss (All other models)

Gloss

Gloss

Chrome

Chrome

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)

Gloss

Gloss

Rosewood

None

Gloss

Gloss

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, 110ce 114, 114e, 114ce 210, 210e, 210ce, 214, 214e, 214ce

Varnish

T5 Electronics w/ Five-Way Switch

T3 Electronics w/Coil-splitting Capability

Varnish

Pickguard

Varnish

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

None

None

None

Case Color / Burst Options

Taylor T5 Hardshell (Black) Natural, Red, Blue, Black (Translucent Black Optional) w/ Edgeburst; Sunburst Options: Tobacco, Honey, Cherry

Taylor T3 Hardshell Natural or Red w/ Edgeburst; Sunburst Options: Tobacco, Honey

Tortoise (BBT)

Gig Bag

BT1 (Sitka) BT2 (Tropical Mahogany) BBT (Big Baby)

Models

Classic, Standard, Custom Walnut, Custom Koa

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

T3, T3/B

49