5 Best Taylor Guitars in 2023 – Get Value for Your Money

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Teemu Suomala

We can proudly say that Darren Shepherd has played every guitar featured in this article. These Taylor acoustic guitars are here based on extensive research and decades of combined guitar experience of Darren and Teemu.

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How Taylor 814ce sounds:

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The Next Best:

Best Live Performer – Taylor 324ce Builder’s Edition

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Incredible volume for a Grand Auditorium body
• Beautiful finish with plenty of stage presence
• Rich, balanced mid-range tone for excellent articulation on stage
• Extremely comfortable to play

Cons:

• Real bone nut and saddle would add more volume and clarity
• Lack of an onboard tuner is a bit of a bummer for a guitar of this caliber

You need this on stage. Trust me when I say that not all sound guys are created equal. 

Best Dreadnought – Taylor American Dream AD17

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Well-balanced tone with tons of clarity for versatile playing situations
• Extremely solid construction makes it road-worthy
• Comfortable to play for guitarist of all skill levels

Cons:

• This guitar really needs a real bone nut and saddle to maximize tonal potential
• I would have personally preferred a gloss finish over the matte finish for better visual appeal

Those who are looking for a high-quality dreadnought with exceptional tone and playability should look no further than the Taylor American Dream AD17.

Best Budget Taylor – Taylor Academy 10e

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Sweetwater

Amazon

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Quality tonewoods provide a full, rich tone
• Dreadnought size provides impressive volume without playing hard
• Shortened scale length is great for smaller hands
• Onboard electronics make it an incredibly versatile full-bodied acoustic

Cons:

• Some more experienced players may not like the shorter scale length
• A real bone nut and saddle would add a bit more tonal balance
• Taylor needs to add an onboard tuner to the ES2 system

If you aren’t quite ready to fork out big bucks on a higher-end Taylor, I enthusiastically recommend that you give the Taylor Academy 10e your consideration. 

Best Travel – Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor

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Sweetwater

Amazon

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Choice woods produce impressive volume and tone
• Small size is great for travel or smaller players
• Comes with a travel case! 

Cons:

• A simple onboard electronics system would improve versatility
• Players with larger hands may find the ¾ scale a bit too small for them

It has plenty of usable volume, and they are right at home in the studio. I would venture to say that many players would appreciate what this little guitar has to offer when it comes to sound and playability.

Compare Key Specs:

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Compare The Tonewoods:

For more cool info about tonewoods, check this acoustic guitar tonewoods article.

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If you’re looking to move up to a legendary American guitar, then you’re in the right place. You’re obviously viewing this article to find out more about what Taylor Guitars can offer, and you’re preparing yourself to make a decision.

It’s a good thing that I was hired to write for guitaristnextdoor.com because I have played a lot of Taylor Guitars.

Seriously, I have an addiction to Taylor guitars. There are several reasons for this.

• First, they play amazingly.
• Secondly, they have a completely unique sound.
• They also have some very innovative acoustic guitar designs, and they take their time engineering the best possible guitar. 

What am I saying… There’s a ton of reasons why I love Taylor acoustic guitars. They seem to get better and better in terms of sound, playability, and versatility. 

And now…

I have painstakingly managed to narrow down a list of the 5 Best Taylor Acoustic Guitars. I will emphasize the word “painstakingly” because it was not an easy task. However, I based the criteria on guitars that I have actually played. 

Here at guitaristnextdoor.com, we don’t cut corners: we actually work to provide you with the best information possible so that you can make an informed decision. 

So, after several days of contemplation and heavy consideration, here are our Taylor acoustic guitar reviews!

For great budget friendly Taylors, check this article.

If you are not sure if Taylor guitars are the right choice for you, check this article: “Are Taylor Guitars Any Good?“

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5 Best Taylor Guitars

Best Overall Taylor – Taylor 814ce

Specs

Body Style	Grand Auditorium with Cutaway (True Taylor guitar body shape)
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Indian Rosewood
Neck	Tropical Mahogany
Fretboard	20 frets, West African Ebony
Nut Material	Black Graphite
Nut Width	1.75″
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	25.5″

We wrote a full acoustic guitar pickup guide, check it out too!

Here it is, folks! The best Taylor guitar out there. I’ve played more expensive models and I have played less expensive models. However, this guitar checked off all of the boxes on my list of things that make up my idea of the perfect Taylor guitar.

Here’s why…

Construction/Appearance

I love a good Indian Rosewood guitar. They just sound like a guitar is supposed to sound in my head. The Taylor 814ce has an Indian Rosewood back and sides, solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard. 

Taylor’s impeccable attention to detail really shines through with the 814ce. By that I mean I really wanted to see if they would take my Jeep in on trade for this guitar. I’d rather be seen walking up the street with this guitar than driving my Jeep. It’s that impressive.

It has more visual appointments than other Taylor guitars. The Grand Auditorium body sports a rock maple binding and has a single-ring abalone rosette. I’m a sucker for abalone.

A rosewood pickguard, ebony peghead overlay, and “Element” fingerboard inlays all provide an impressive, professional look. 

It was truly love at first sight for me. 

Playability/Sound

Coincidentally, it was also love at first strum for me as well. If you want a clear acoustic tone, this is your guitar. 

The Indian rosewood sings in harmony with the Sitka spruce top and provides an incredible mid-range tone with plenty of presence and warmth. The 814ce is a single-cutaway acoustic, but you would never be able to tell it. It is powerful, projecting, and extremely well-balanced. It’s got the true Taylor acoustic guitars sound.

Hear how this guitar sounds plugged in:

It sports a gloss finish over the entire body, making the beautiful grain of the tonewoods jump out at you. 

I may sound like a broken record, but the playability is second to none. A smooth-playing action allows you to venture up into the higher frets courtesy of the cutaway. 

I’m a fan of the smaller Grand Auditorium body style, and I could not stop playing fingerstyle blues licks on this thing. I could see the sales associate’s face as I played it. He figured I would take it to the counter. 

I almost did…and I will one day. 

The ES2 system is present on this guitar, allowing for increased versatility whether in the studio or on stage. Additionally, the armrest adds so much comfort that you may catch yourself calling into work just so you can sit around and play it all day. 

I would, but then again, Teemu doesn’t give me sick days. 

This guitar is an investment that players from any level can appreciate. Play one and you’ll be hooked. 

Yeah, it’s that awesome.

Pros:

• Amazing looks add major stage appeal
• High-quality tonewoods produce sweet, singing tones
• Very comfortable and extremely easy to play
• Versatile and great for every experience level
• True Taylor guitars sound

Cons:

• This guitar deserves a real bone nut and saddle! I’m just not a fan of Micarta or Tusq for these very important parts. 

What others are saying:

I wanted an acoustic to last a lifetime, with ease of play (ailing hands) and beautiful sound as key criteria. My 814ce arrived in a beautiful case within a box within a box in perfect condition. I let it acclimate to the house for a couple hours and took it out, all ready to tune… but its tuning was perfect even after shipping! The rounded body edge is very comfortable for my strumming arm, and the neck / fretting is exactly as hoped – easy to fret; zero buzzing; crystal clear with every strum / pick. And it looks absolutely gorgeous too. – Ed from VA

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Best Live Performer – Taylor 324ce Builder’s Edition

Specs

Body Style	Grand Auditorium with Cutaway
Top	Solid Mahogany
Back & Sides	Solid Urban Ash
Neck	Tropical Mahogany
Fretboard	20 frets, Ebony
Nut	Tusq
Nut Width	1.75″
Electronics	Expression System 2
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	25.5″

All Taylor guitars are stage-ready. It doesn’t matter what model you choose. 

However, the Taylor 324ce Builder’s Edition stands out among Taylor guitar’s extensive lineup when it comes to live performances. Let’s see why…

Construction/Appearance

The Taylor 324ce is constructed from a tonewood that defies industry “standards”: Urban Ash. This wood is sourced from Ash trees that are removed from urban areas due to factors such as disease, risk of infrastructure or property damage, or simply because they have reached the end of their life cycle. 

That’s a pretty smart move on behalf of Taylor guitars. I mean, they are literally repurposing what most would consider useless debris and turning it into stunning works of art. Major kudos, Taylor. 

The top and neck are made from tropical mahogany, and the bracing system is what is known as V-bracing. This gives extra support for the top while allowing it to resonate freely for a completely unrestricted response.

When you pick this guitar up, you know right away that you have a solid, well-built performer. 

The truss rod cover, headstock overlay, fingerboard, and bridge pins are all made from West African Crelicam Ebony which adds a substantial contrast to the gorgeous Tobacco Kona Burst finish.

Throw in the included Elixer strings, a satin finish, a beveled armrest, and Taylor guitar’s impressive Expression System 2 electronics, and you have a guitar that absolutely shines on stage. 

Playability/Sound

Hear how this sounds:

I do not have to go into a lot of detail here, because there aren’t enough words in any language to describe how incredibly smooth the Taylor 324ce plays. 

The body is a Grand Auditorium style, so it sits easily in the lap and feels well-balanced when strapped on. This makes it great for players who want to get away from the typical, often bulky dreadnought style.

The satin finish allows for a buttery smooth feel when traveling up and down the neck, and the action is among the most comfortable that I have ever felt. This makes it a great transitional guitar for electric players who are looking for a higher-end acoustic to add to their guitar locker. 

The armrest adds even more comfort and a bit of visual flair. It makes the guitar exceptionally comfortable on the strumming arm and reduces fatigue due primarily to the slight angle it provides. 

Little things make a huge difference. 

As far as the sound and tone are concerned, players can expect the guitar to have a very rich, powerful tone.

Low notes flow well within the low-middle spectrum, and the highs are much warmer. This is due to the combination of tonewoods, and it really reminds you of an all-mahogany guitar.

It is not dark at all though and has an impressive amount of mid-range punch for a Grand Auditorium. Whether you are using the onboard electronics, a microphone, or simply playing without amplification, the Taylor 324ce gives an exceptional, well-balanced tone across the spectrum. 

You need this on stage. Trust me when I say that not all sound guys are created equal. 

Pros:

• Incredible volume for a Grand Auditorium body
• Beautiful finish with plenty of stage presence
• Rich, balanced mid-range tone for excellent articulation on stage
• Extremely comfortable to play

Cons:

• Real bone nut and saddle would add more volume and clarity
• Lack of an onboard tuner is a bit of a bummer for a guitar of this caliber

What others are saying:

Really nice guitar. The guitar has a wonderful tone. I find it visually pleasing. Maybe best of all, I discovered all the talk about the builder’s edition features isn’t just sales hype.. It is extremely comfortable to hold and play. I don’t want to put it down. It is not a particularly loud guitar when played acoustically but with a mahogany top I wasn’t expecting it to be. I have absolutely no regrets about buying this guitar. – Michael from VA

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Best Dreadnought – Taylor American Dream AD17

Specs

Body Style	Round Shoulder Dreadnought
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Ovangkol
Neck	Mahogany
Fretboard	20 frets, Eucalyptus
Nut	Black Tusq
Nut Width	1.75″
Electronics	No
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	25.5″

Regardless of whether you appreciate Paul McCartney or not, he was definitely onto something when he opted for an Epiphone Texan. It really is a “Masterbilt” instrument in every way.

For those looking for a straightforward acoustic with a more familiar dreadnought body style, the Taylor American Dream AD17 is a perfect choice.

It sports a lot of features found on Taylor’s higher-end guitars and is especially appealing to those who want a guitar without electronics. 

This guitar nails the K.I.S.S. principle perfectly (Keep It Simple Stupid). 

Construction/Appearance

Taylor refers to the AD17’s body style as “Grand Pacific”. Basically, this is just a round-shouldered dreadnought (as opposed to the typical square-shoulder design). 

It is constructed with high-quality tonewoods: an ovangkol back and sides, solid Sitka spruce top, tropical mahogany neck, and a eucalyptus fingerboard. It’s the first guitar that I have ever played with a fingerboard made from eucalyptus. Visually speaking, it works very well by providing a nice, dark red/brown contrast to the Sitka top. 

The innovative V-bracing keeps the top ringing loud and true and provides excellent structural integrity. 

It is indeed a workhorse guitar in every sense. 

Taylor’s signature minimalistic visual appointments include Italian acrylic dot inlays and a very attractive rosette made of Hawaiian Koa. A tortoise-style pickguard adds a vintage look along with the matte finish. 

Once again, you know you have a solidly built tone machine as soon as you pick it up. 

Playability/Sound

Hear how this Taylor sounds:

The Taylor AD17 plays very much like its more expensive brethren. The action is similar and the neck radius seems to be the same as the Taylor 324ce. 

It lacks a lower cutaway so the higher frets are not as accessible, but the neck joint still allows for some picking past the 14th fret.

The plus side to this is that the dreadnought body style remains true by providing copious amounts of volume and a much fuller tone than cutaway models. 

The Taylor AD17 provides players with plenty of sparkly acoustic tone that is incredibly defined.

That’s the sweet spot.

 As previously mentioned, there is more than enough volume available with this finely crafted instrument. When single notes are picked with some force, you get clear, cutting articulation that breaks through a mix of other acoustic instruments. It’s rich, bold, and well-rounded – just like a good woman. 

Those who are looking for a high-quality dreadnought with exceptional tone and playability should look no further than the Taylor American Dream AD17.

Pros:

• Well-balanced tone with tons of clarity for versatile playing situations
• Extremely solid construction makes it road-worthy
• Comfortable to play for guitarist of all skill levels

Cons:

• This guitar really needs a real bone nut and saddle to maximize tonal potential
• I would have personally preferred a gloss finish over the matte finish for better visual appeal

What others are saying:

I normally avoid full sized guitars, because my stubby arms and overgrown belly make it difficult for me to hold and play them. But when I saw this guitar, I couldn’t resist. I’m so happy I made that choice! This guitar fits like a glove. It’s light, comfortable, and both easy and fun to play. The tone is really amazing, and I just can’t put it down. An American made guitar of this quality should cost an awful lot more, so thank you Taylor, I’m now a customer for life! – Steve from VA

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Best Budget Taylor – Taylor Academy 10e

Specs

Body Style	Academy
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Layered Sapele
Neck	Hard Rock Maple
Neck Shape	Slim
Fretboard	20 frets, Ebony
Nut	NuBone
Nut Width	1.6875″
Electronics	ES-B
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	24.8″

From my personal perspective, the Taylor Academy 10e is easily in my “personal top 5 favorites of all time” list. I can’t say enough good things about this acoustic-electric guitar.

Well, actually, I can say a ton of good things about this guitar. For the sake of saving you time, I’ll just hit the high points.

Construction/Appearance

When you have a well-built acoustic in your hands, you know it. Taylor’s solid construction quality shines through on the Academy 10e from top to bottom. 

The dreadnought body is constructed of a solid Sitka spruce top and layered Sapele back and sides. It’s a perfect recipe for durability and peace of mind when traveling. A maple neck and ebony fretboard add to the already solid build.

One of the great things about this guitar is its lack of visual appointment. The tonewoods really pop out and create a guitar that needs no fancy inlays or intricate decorative rosettes.

This also means that you save money by paying for what matters: a solid, well-built acoustic that sounds and plays fantastic. 

One feature that is present on the Academy 10e that is typically found only on Taylor’s higher-end guitars is the armrest. This adds a custom-built appearance as well as provides extraordinary playing comfort. 

Playability/Sound

As far as playability is concerned, I can’t think of anything that could make it better. It has the action and overall feel of more expensive Taylor models without the big price tag. 

The scale length is shortened a bit to 24-⅞ inches. At first, I was intimidated by this because I’m not a fan of change when it comes to classic designs. If it’s not broken, why fix it?

However, the shorter scale length does improve the ability to bend notes and switch barre chords more quickly without feeling cramped. I know from years of teaching guitar lessons that barre chords can be challenging for many players. 

I strongly believe that the Taylor Academy 10e would make it much easier for beginning/intermediate players to master many of the various chord structures even if they have smaller hands. Find more solid acoustic guitars for intermediate players here.

Now for the sound…

In my best attempt to describe the sound: it is how I imagine the voices of angels. 

For real, it sounds that good. It’s one of the most openly resonate guitars that I have had the pleasure of playing.

You don’t have to coax volume from this guitar by playing it hard. It is just naturally loud and vibrant. When it comes to cutting through a mix, you will take center stage. If you need to go electric, the Taylor Academy 10e has the ES2 system for a balanced, true acoustic tone that does not sound artificial in the slightest.

If you aren’t quite ready to fork out big bucks on a higher-end Taylor acoustic guitar, I enthusiastically recommend that you give the Taylor Academy 10e your consideration. It’s overall one of the best budget acoustic guitars.

Pros:

• Quality tonewoods provide a full, rich tone
• Dreadnought size provides impressive volume without playing hard
• Shortened scale length is great for smaller hands
• Onboard electronics make it an incredibly versatile full-bodied acoustic

Cons:

• Some more experienced players may not like the shorter scale length
• A real bone nut and saddle would add a bit more tonal balance
• Taylor needs to add an onboard tuner to the ES2 system

What others are saying:

After so many years of playing and owning electric guitars from Les Pauls to Strats I decided I wanted an acoustic guitar. I didn’t want to drop a ton of money so I started shopping and I found this Taylor Academy 10e! It was love at first strum. It chords fantastic at any position on the neck. Beautiful to hear, and awesome to play. – Ken from AZ

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Best Travel – Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor

Specs

Body Style	3/4 Dreadnought
Top	Solid Tropical Mahogany
Back & Sides	Layered Sapele
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	19 frets, West African Crelicam Ebony
Nut	Tusq Nut
Nut Width	1.6875″
Electronics	No
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	22.75″

When I first played a Baby Taylor, I couldn’t help but say, “Sweet Baby James!” 

Bonus points for those who just got my lame joke containing a James Taylor reference.

Even more bonus points for those who recognized the irony (James Taylor…get it?).

These little ¾ scale guitars are not a toy! They’re a 100% real instrument for players of all skill levels. The fact that they are small is a bonus for younger players or for players who want a good travel companion that doesn’t require much room. 

Construction/Appearance

We got the specs from Taylor’s site.

Obviously, it’s small. I won’t say that again. However, the construction is more than adequate. The woods include a solid tropical mahogany top, layered Sapele back and sides, a maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard.

It is finished off with varnish, allowing the wood grain and laminate to pop out. Depending on the type of varnished used, it may also patina over time for a real old-school look. 

It feels extremely solid for a small guitar, and I would not hesitate to take it on a camping trip or a bonfire jam session. Taylor guitars build the BT2 with the same commitment to quality as they do their higher-end, full-size models. 

It has a minimalistic look with a single-ring rosette and typical white dot fingerboard inlays. However, the appealing part to me is the vintage vibe that it puts off. It reminds me of the old parlor guitars from the ’20s and ’30s. 

Playability/Sound

Taylor originally designed these guitars with smaller, younger players in mind. The Baby Taylors started popping up on stages in the hands of professional musicians like Bono and Taylor Swift, therefore allowing more guitarists to take it more seriously. 

With that being said, the BT2 is a great guitar for a beginner. It has that smooth action and playability that Taylor guitars is known for, and the scale length is perfect when you just want to “pick up and play”. 

Hear how this Baby sounds:

The sound of the BT2 differs from its brother, the BT1, because of the wood choices. The Sapele laminate and mahogany combination gives a smooth, rich, dark tone with a little more dryness overall. The highs stay warm, which is a huge deal for a guitar with reduced body size. 

Read our laminate vs solid wood acoustic guide here.

It has plenty of usable volume, and they are right at home in the studio. I would venture to say that many players would appreciate what this little guitar has to offer when it comes to sound and playability.

Pros:

• Choice woods produce impressive volume and tone
• Small size is great for travel or smaller players
• Comes with a travel case! 

Cons:

• A simple onboard electronics system would improve versatility
• Players with larger hands may find the ¾ scale a bit too small for them

What others are saying:

I got this guitar because I was getting into writing/learning more classical style music. For such a small body I would say it sounds better than some lower cost full sized guitars. The neck is perfectly sized and the smaller scale makes it alot easier to go up and down the neck. The included gig bag is also high quality and looks pretty sweet. I would definitely recommend this little guy for how high quality it is for the price compared to other acoustics I’ve played. Overall I’d say this is a great guitar to have especially if you want Taylor quality without the high price tag of their other models. – Matthew from MI

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Verdict

Let’s wrap it all up. The Taylor 324ce is the best choice for live performers while the Taylor American Dream AD17 is the best dreadnought-sized Taylor acoustic guitar.

Budget-minded guitarists should definitely consider the Taylor Academy 10e, and travelers or smaller players owe it to themselves to pick up a Taylor BT2.

Last, but certainly not least, the Taylor 814ce takes the crown as the best overall Taylor guitar model out there. 

What can I say? I love my job. I play guitars and tell you about them. It sure beats touring with 4 other unbathed guys in a van for weeks on end, living on nothing but gas station food. 

Use this list to find the best Taylor guitar for you! I must warn you though: you’ll become addicted as soon as you pick it up – no matter what model you choose. 

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How We Chose These Taylor Acoustic Guitars

1. We decided which Taylor guitars to recommend by using our own experience, doing extensive research, visiting music stores, and asking help from our musician friends
2. After we had chosen the Taylor guitars to recommend we looked for a good way to test the gear. This means either renting it, buying it, testing it in a music store, or visiting a friend who owns it. This time, our main testing method was playing these Taylor guitars in music stores.
3. Even after this, we’ll still do another round of extensive research to make sure that this specific product is in fact, a real cream-of-the-crop candidate.
4. Then we wrote this in-depth but easily digestible review about these acoustic guitars. We kept in mind who will be playing them (most likely) such as bluegrass players, blues players, players who want to plug in, beginners, advanced players, etc. 

Most acoustic guitars we recommend are run through tests like these:

• We go carefully through the finish and build quality of the guitar.
• We inspect the fretwork and edges of the fretboard to make sure there are no sharp edges.
• We play the acoustic guitar unplugged and plugged in.
• We use different playing techniques, such as fingerpicking, flatpicking, strumming, tapping, and even percussive playing.
• We measure and weight the guitar.
• We try licks and riffs from different genres.

Learn more about GND’s testing and reviewing processes here.

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How to Choose The Right Taylor Guitar for You?

Keep These Things in Mind When Buying A Taylor Guitar

1. Some Taylors are made of laminated tonewoods such as rosewood, meaning that they are not all-solid-wood guitars.
2. Taylor guitars typically have a more modern sound than other brands such as Martin.
3. Pay attention to the body size as they have some smaller-bodied models like the Baby Taylor.

If you are not 100% sure if Taylor guitars are the right choice for you, check this article: “Are Taylor Guitars Any Good?“

Taylor Body Sizes, Shapes, and Styles

Taylor offers 5 different full-size guitar sizes and 2 smaller sizes. This ensures that you’ll find a guitar that will fit your style and taste. 

GT – Grand Theater

This is the most compact full-sized Taylor available. It is very responsive and makes for a great traveling or songwriting companion

Grand Concert

A bit bigger than the GT, the Grand Concert is perfect for songwriting sessions and a great choice for fingerstyle guitarists. It is very responsive and articulate. 

Grand Auditorium

The Grand Auditorium is one of Taylor’s most versatile body styles. It is large enough to be heard, but small enough to play easily. It’s great for fingerstyle or strumming work. 

Grand Pacific

This is basically a round-shouldered dreadnought. It offers plenty of low-end clarity and volume.

Grand Symphony

This shape is very unique in that it has a partial cutaway with a sound port. The sound port is essentially a smaller sound hole used to increase tone and volume. It is definitely one of the more modern designs from Taylor. 

Dreadnought

This is a large body shape that was invented and popularized by Martin during the early 20th century. It has a loud, well-balanced sound and likes to be played harder than its smaller counterparts. 

Grand Orchestra

This size is comparable to a Gibson Jumbo. It is a deep-bodied Taylor with exceptional volume and bass response. 

Baby Taylor and Big Baby Taylor

These are the smallest of the Taylor lineup and are constructed of layered tonewoods. They’re great for songwriting, recording, or traveling!

Choosing the right body style to fit your playing is dependent upon certain factors. Typically, smaller guitars are used for fingerstyle playing. This is because they are more responsive (the wood resonates easier and doesn’t take much force to play).

The Grand Auditorium size is a great size for fingerpicking because it is small enough to have a great response, yet it is large enough to be heard with a mix of other instruments. 

Larger body guitars like the dreadnought and Grand Orchestra require more force to play because there is more wood there to “move”. They also have more volume and projection than smaller-bodied guitars. If a big, loud sound if what you’re going for, then a dreadnought is the guitar for you.

If you’re recording or songwriting, you may not be concerned with the overall volume of the guitar and can therefore choose something like a Baby or GT size. These are responsive guitars with a focused sound that will fit in perfectly with your next recording. They don’t have a boomy sound like larger-bodied guitars. 

If you are going to be doing a mix of fingerstyle playing and flatpicking (like I prefer to do), then a Grand Auditorium or Grand Pacific may be the way to go. It will have more volume than the smallest Taylors while providing plenty of responsiveness for fingerstyle playing. 

Playing live shows with a Taylor allows you to use virtually any body style because of their amazing electronics. Taylor Swift, for example, uses her signature Baby Taylor on stages around the world. Of course, it isn’t going to be heard naturally in a stadium full of screaming fans, so she uses the electronics to amplify the sound. It has certainly worked for her during her explosive career. 

While there is a definite tradeoff when it comes to volume and responsiveness, there is certainly a Taylor in the lineup that will work for your situation. Try out a few and see what you think.

Taylor Tonewoods

Taylor uses a mixture of traditional and non-traditional tonewoods in their guitars. Choosing the right tonewood is essential for achieving your tone. Here are the main tonewoods that Taylor uses:

Mahogany

Mahogany has a warm, well-rounded tone. It can make a guitar heavier though because of its density. Mainly used for backs and sides, but some guitars have mahogany tops. Necks are also made from mahogany.

Rosewood

Perhaps the most popular tonewood for acoustics. It has a warm, well-balanced tone. It is lighter in weight than mahogany and tends to resonate more freely. Rosewood is mainly used for backs and sides.

Sapele

This wood is used in place of mahogany. It is a tough wood that is incredibly durable. The tone is very similar to mahogany with a bit more pronounced treble. It also tends to be more focused than mahogany since it is more dense, therefore it does not resonate as freely. Mainly used for backs, sides, and necks.

Walnut

This wood is in between rosewood and mahogany with bright treble and snappy midrange projection. It is dense and will get better with age.

Urban Ash

This wood is reclaimed from trees that are removed from urban environments. It produces midrange balance and volume comparable to mahogany.

Urban Ironbark

This is another wood reclaimed from trees that were cut down in cities. Why waste a good tonewood, right? It has a well-balanced tone with a crisp treble response.

Koa 

This tropical tonewood fits in between the crisp sound of rosewood and the warm sound of mahogany. It is typically used for backs and sides, but a few Koa-topped models are out there (check Taylors 700 Series).

Ovangkol

A dense and relatively hard tonewood that offers warm sustain with a tonal profile that is similar to rosewood.

Maple

This tonewood is very bright and crisp. It has a very clear tone without a lot of sustain or overtones due to its density. While it can be used as a stunning top, it is more commonly used for backs, sides, and necks. 

Sitka spruce

This is used almost exclusively for guitar tops. It is a softer tonewood with a lot of volume and presence. It also has a very well-balanced tone that pairs well with the tonal bandwidth of a guitar. You can’t go wrong with a Sitka spruce top!

Taylor also uses layered versions of Indian rosewood, mahogany, koa, maple, sapele, and walnut. This means that the back and sides are constructed of a thin piece of tonewood with a veneer on each side. This allows Taylor to use their resources more responsibly while providing a beautiful-looking instrument. 

The layered tonewoods are stiffer and thus not as resonant overall. The result is a much more focused tone without a lot of tonal diversity and complexity. Some players prefer this material as it is much more resistant to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity than all-solid-woods. If you have ever struggled to keep your guitar tuned on a humid day, then you know what I’m talking about. 

Love them or hate them, layered tonewoods are here to stay and make up a large percentage of Taylor’s guitars. I suggest giving them a try to see what you think. You may be pleasantly surprised. 

Taylor Electronics

The folks at Taylor are absolutely obsessed with getting the best acoustic guitar tone possible. That doesn’t exclude a great plugged-in tone. They have developed proprietary electronics that are unique to their guitars, and they are absolutely amazing! Here are the electronics that you will find on various Taylor models.

Expression System 2 – This system utilizes a behind-the-saddle pickup system to reproduce the sound of the guitar. It is crystal clear with no noise and excellent tonal balance. 

ES-B – This system is a piezo pickup with a preamp that includes a built-in tuner.

ES-N – This system is found only on Taylor’s nylon string guitars. It uses an under-saddle transducer. 

ES-Go – This is an aftermarket pickup system that was designed specifically for the GS Mini.

Expression System – This system shouldn’t be confused with the Expression System 2. It is an all-magnetic system that includes a pickup and a preamp. It acts as a microphone to faithfully reproduce the sound of the guitar. 

ES-T – This system is an under-saddle pickup with a single source and separate elements for each individual string. 

We dove deep with 4 main acoustic guitar pickup types, check it out!

Taylor Neck Profiles

Taylor uses a modern C-shape profile for their guitar necks. If you’re looking for an old-school D or V shape, you won’t find them here. Taylor guitars are known for their impressive playability, and this is all due to their neck design. 

The C-shape profile is designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes. They are also designed to reduce hand fatigue. In addition, they are also designed to be adjustable so that adjustments can be made over time. 

The Taylor neck lends itself well to both chording and scale playing. Somehow, Taylor managed to find the perfect balance between both. Taylor necks are some of the most comfortable that we have ever played here at guitaristnextdoor.com – and we’ve played a lot of guitars!

Check our full Guitar Neck Shape Guide here.

Taylor Series

Just like most manufacturers, Taylor has divided their work into series that makes it easy to find your next Taylor. Each series differs. Here are the current Taylor series:

Academy Series – If you’re looking for a Taylor on a budget, the Academy series is for you. These guitars lack expensive visual appointments and instead focus on world-class playability and tone. They are constructed of layered tonewoods (sapele) with solid spruce tops. 

100 Series – This series is another budget-friendly option. They are constructed of solid spruce tops with layered walnut back and sides. 

200 Series – This series steps it up in terms of overall quality and visual appointments. They are available in a standard and deluxe series, and feature a variety of layered tonewoods with solid Sitka spruce tops. 

GT Series – These compact guitars are great for songwriting, recording, or casual jamming. They are constructed of a variety of layered and solid tonewoods (including Urban Ash). 

American Dream Series – This series offers all solid tonewoods for a professional level of tone and playability. These are more traditional shapes overall. They have a distinct vintage vibe. 

300 Series – This series features all solid tonewoods in a variety of shapes including some cutaway designs. 

400 Series – The 400 Series mates solid spruce tops with solid rosewood or ovangkol backs and sides to create tonal masterpieces. 

500 Series – The 500 Series is crafted from solid spruce and Urban Ironbark.

600 Series – This series is crafted with solid spruce tops and solid maple backs and sides. 

700 Series – If you’re looking for an all-solid-Koa guitar, the 700 series is for you. 

800 Series – These guitars are crafted of solid rosewood and spruce. They are offered in a variety of body shapes and sizes. 

900 Series – Same solid wood construction as the 800 series with added visual appointments.

Koa Series – As you may have gathered from the name, these are all solid Koa guitars with incredible visual appointments. 

Presentation Series – If you absolutely have to have the best of the best, then these are the guitars for you. Premium solid tonewoods and intricate visual appointments combine to create guitars that are truly unique works of art. 

GS Mini – The most compact Taylor models are the GS Mini guitars. They are ¾ scale guitars that are built with layered tonewoods and solid wood tops. 

GS Mini Bass – Yes, that’s right – a bass! It is a mini bass guitar that is a perfect acoustic companion to your GS Mini guitar! 

Baby Series – This series includes the Baby Taylor and the Big Baby. They are the most compact guitars that Taylor makes and are constructed of quality layered tonewoods. 

As you can see, Taylor makes it easy to figure out which guitar will be the best for you. One of the biggest benefits is that Taylor offers various sizes within a particular series so you can really narrow down your selection. 

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FAQ

If you are a beginner, check our Beginners Taylor guitar guide here.

Taking care of your new Taylor guitar is crucial, learn how to take care of your acoustic here.

To learn more, check our full “Are Taylor Guitars Good For Beginners?” article.

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Conclusion on Best Taylor Guitars

I think my real passion(addiction) on Taylor guitars shined through. Great instruments. Exceptional guitars. Truly the best of the best Taylor guitars.

I hope that this post answered your questions and that now you are ready to make the pick!

I wish you all the best and keep rocking!

Check our picks for the best acoustic guitar brands here.

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