NAMM 2020 Video: Taylor adds V-Class bracing to Grand Orchestra and Symphony models
Taylor Guitars has announced the addition of V-Class bracing to its Grand Orchestra and Grand Symphony models ahead of NAMM 2020.
Taylor Guitars has announced the addition of V-Class bracing to its Grand Orchestra and Grand Symphony models ahead of NAMM 2020, in the form of the Grand Orchestra 618e and 818e, and the Grand Symphony K26ce. It also improves its 200 Series with new 200 Plus models and an updated GS Mini Bass and Baby Taylor models in a variety of tonewood combinations.
New V-Class Grand Orchestra Models
Taylor Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers has adapted his award-winning V-Class architecture for Taylor’s biggest, deepest body shape, the Grand Orchestra, and updated the aesthetic. Powers leaned into the instrument’s naturally big, deep voice, combining V-Class bracing with the guitar’s huge lung capacity to bolster the sonic horsepower even more. In addition to improved sustain and intonation, V-Class enhances the touch sensitivity, allowing the top to be set in motion easily and giving it phenomenal dynamic range.
Players who tune down also will love the voicing. The new V-Class Grand Orchestra models are the 618e (figured maple back/sides and Sitka spruce top) and the 818e (Indian rosewood back/sides and Sitka spruce top). Both the 618e and 818e share new appointment details, including a new Mission fretboard/peghead inlay in mother-of-pearl and ivoroid. The 618e features a new Antique Blonde color treatment (full body), while the 818e features an Antique Blonde top.
New V-Class Grand Symphony K26ce
The new all-koa K26ce showcases the redesigned Grand Symphony, featuring V-Class bracing and a new soundport cutaway. The guitar also incorporates a shorter scale length (24-7/8”) and light-gauge strings. The result is a high-fidelity, symphonic sound that radiates more evenly in different directions, creates a more immersive, reverb-like effect with remarkable sustain.
Expanded 200 Series with New 200 Plus Models
Taylor has also updated its popular 200 Series and added new 200 Plus models. Most 200 Series models feature layered Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. The models are available in a Dreadnought and three Grand Auditorium models, including 12-string and nylon-string options — 210ce, 214ce, 214ce-N (nylon-string) and 254ce (12-string). The series also includes the 214ce-K, featuring layered koa and solid spruce.
The new 200 Plus Series debuts with one Dreadnought (210ce Plus) and one Grand Auditorium (214ce Plus). Both models feature layered Indian rosewood back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top.
Appointments include gloss finish, black binding, nickel tuners (18:1) and ES2 electronics. Each model also comes with a new AeroCase TM featuring sturdy construction that provides similar protection to Taylor’s hardshell case with one-third less weight. It also boasts heavy-duty, water-repellent outer material in Chocolate Brown with antique brass hardware and a padded handle. The new case touts burgundy plush lining as found in Taylor hardshell cases, along with concealable, adjustable, padded backpack straps, and a generous outer storage pocket (fits laptop, tablet, iPad and notes) with a dedicated stand pouch that fits Taylor’s portable guitar stand.
New GS Mini Series Models
Taylor’s popular GS Mini family grows to include other enticing woods and models. The GS Mini-e Rosewood features layered Indian rosewood back and sides and with a solid Sitka spruce top. It also comes with a structured GS Mini hard bag. The new GS Mini-e Koa Plus boasts layered Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid koa top. Upgraded appointments include a shaded edgeburst body, Taylor nickel tuners, ES2 electronics and an AeroCase.
The GS Mini-e Koa Bass joins Taylor’s popular maple GS Mini Bass and features layered Hawaiian koa back and sides and a solid koa top. Players looking to add a new tool to their musical repertoire will love the feel, look and sound of the scaled-down four-string acoustic bass.
The Baby Taylor Gets an Upgrade
Taylor’s spruce-top travel-size guitars (BT1/BT1e) sport a wood upgrade this year to layered walnut back and sides. These portable, inviting instruments have also been outfitted with maple necks. The new Baby Taylor is offered with or without onboard ES-B electronics, which includes a built-in tuner.
More information at taylorguitars.com.