Taylor Guitars’ American Dream Series is 46 years in the making.
It was a dream 46 years in the making: Taylor Guitars has debuted its American Dream Series, named after the guitar shop where Taylor was founded in 1974.
Even though we continue to face the COVID-19 global pandemic, manufacturer innovation has not ceased. In fact, one could argue people have had more time to think about manufacturing with fewer outside distractions. El Cajon, Calif.-based Taylor Guitars challenged itself to create a series of U.S.-made, solid-wood guitars distilled down to the essential elements of premium musical performance — featuring Taylor’s wellknown playability and V-Class bracing — yet designed so they won’t break the bank. Thus, the American Dream Series was born.
The American Dream series embodies the principles of innovation, craftsmanship and resourcefulness Taylor has always turned to during challenging times, stated Taylor Guitars. “In 1974, Kurt Listug and I started Taylor Guitars right after we bought a little guitar-making shop for $3,000,” recalled Bob Taylor, co-founder and president of Taylor Guitars. “It was called The American Dream. I was 19, Kurt was 21. Back then, times were tough, but we had a dream. Our problems seemed insurmountable. We had to think, get creative, adapt and learn. It felt like we were trying to do the impossible every day. And so far, 2020 has sort of felt like 1974 all over again.”
For the new series, master guitar designer Andy Powers and Bob Taylor intentionally chose wood with naturally occurring cosmetic character that fits the functional, workhorse aesthetic of these guitars. The series debuted with three models, each of which features Taylor’s new Grand Pacific round-shoulder dreadnought body style, which also fits into the series’ “workhorse” identity. All models are available with and without electronics.
First up in Taylor’s dream-turned-reality is the AD17 and A17e, the first Grand Pacific models to feature ovangkol back and sides (with a spruce top). This construction combines the tonewood’s rosewood-like properties (plus a full midrange); the body shape’s warm, seasoned voice; and the enhanced power, sustain and intonation of V-Class bracing, making this an incredibly versatile workhorse with expressive musical range. Visually, Taylor Guitar’s Urban Sienna color treatment adds depth to ovangkol’s natural variegation, while understated appointments, including a thin matte finish, emphasize a workmanlike aesthetic.
Street price for these models is $1,399, with an MSRP of $1,599.
Second in the American Dream Series lineup is the AD17 Blacktop and AD17e Blacktop. “The AD17 makes a striking impression — bold and yet understated — with its matte-black spruce top and black pickguard,” stated Taylor Guitars. The thin two-mil finish also helps optimize the sonic output of the body, woods and V-Class architecture, delivering a blend of seasoned warmth and clear low-end power that make the Grand Pacific a “Swiss Army knife instrument.”
According to Taylor Guitars, “Anyone looking for a solid-wood Taylor experience with throwback aesthetic character will find themselves drawn to this guitar.”
The D17 Blacktop and AD17e Blacktop carry a street price of $1,499 and an MSRP of $1,699.
Last, but certainly not least in Taylor Guitar’s American Dream lineup, is its AD27 and AD27e. Fans of mahogany-top dreadnought-style guitars will love what this solid-wood AD27 has to offer as a jack-of-all-trades musical tool, stated the manufacturer. Voiced with V-Class bracing, this Grand Pacific’s warm, seasoned voice boasts clear, powerful lows and a meaty midrange, with additional focus and evenness across the tonal spectrum from the hardwood mahogany top. Urban Sienna stain and a matte finish support the rootsy aesthetic, while clean appointments support the handsome but unpretentious vibe. Street price for these models is $1,399, with an MSRP of $1,599.
According to Taylor Guitars, the American Dream Series offers the lowest-priced, U.S.-made, all-solid-wood guitars in its product line. The series sits between its 200 DLX and 300 Series and marks the new entry point to the company’s Americanmade, solid-wood guitars.
“I remember what it’s like to not be able to afford something that would serve me well,” concluded Andy Powers. “In many ways, this series is like building a guitar for my younger self.”
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