United States · Est. 1974
Taylor Guitars
Bob Taylor built the most successful new American acoustic guitar brand of the 20th century, combining California craftsmanship with player-focused innovation.
About the brand
Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug in El Cajon, California. Starting in a high school woodshop, the two partners built Taylor into one of the most respected acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world through a combination of manufacturing innovation and player-focused design.
Taylor's NT neck system (1999) uses a bolt-on neck joint with a precisely machined interface that allows accurate neck resets without the removal and steam-bending required on traditional dovetail joints. The Taylor Expression System pickup delivers a natural acoustic tone when plugged in. Both innovations have been widely adopted across the industry.
The 100 through 900 series cover a wide range from laminate-top beginner instruments to premium all-solid professional guitars, with the 800 and 900 series in particular competing directly with Martin's finest instruments. Taylor has also led the guitar industry in sustainable sourcing, partnering with Urban-grained Ebony suppliers and reforestation programs in Cameroon.
Key facts
- Founded in 1974 in El Cajon, California by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug
- NT neck system allows precise neck resets without traditional steam-bending
- Taylor Expression System pickup delivers natural amplified acoustic tone
- Industry leader in sustainable tonewood sourcing and reforestation initiatives
Iconic models
Taylor 814ce
Taylor's Grand Auditorium electro-acoustic with a Sitka top and rosewood back and sides — an absolute benchmark in the electro-acoustic market.
Taylor 310ce
Taylor's mid-range benchmark guitar, with a solid spruce top and sapele back and sides offering exceptional value for money.
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor travel guitar that redefined the compact guitar market, with a surprisingly big sound for its small size.
Taylor Baby Taylor
Taylor's first travel guitar, used by Dave Matthews and established as the standard for quality 3/4-size guitars for its sound and build.
Taylor T5z
Taylor's hybrid guitar combining a thin semi-acoustic body with pickup technology that allows it to sound like an electric or an acoustic with total versatility.