Taylor’s Fiftieth Anniversary 217e-SB Plus LTD (a mouthful of a reputation, for positive) is a Grand Pacific dreadnought that brings to thoughts Gibson bins of yore, because of that round-shouldered form, non-cutaway design, and old-school sunburst.

Out of the case, it seems like an expensive acoustic, however its price ticket says in a different way. Its prime is strong, torrefied Sitka spruce with layered Indian rosewood again (two piece) and sides. The neck is mahogany with a scale of 25.5″, whereas the unbound fretboard is West African ebony fitted with 20 frets and faux-pearl Fiftieth-anniversary inlay diamonds. Additionally search for a black peghead face, gold tuners, NuBone Nut, and a micarta saddle. The highest has a vintage-looking end, whereas sporting C-Class bracing beneath, in lieu of the standard V-Class on Grand Pacifics.

Whereas the 217e is assessed by Taylor as a dreadnought, it has a much more introspective demeanor than an ordinary bluegrass cannon. General, the tone is a heat and balanced, not like the bassy increase of a dread or the tingly top-end of a Taylor cutaway. As a byproduct of fine bracing and timeless non-cutaway design, this guitar beckons fingerpicking or mild strumming. After all, by way of the Expression System 2 pickup array, you may crank it up; the three smooth knobs management Quantity, Treble, and Bass and may be intuitively tweaked throughout a gig. As a result of Taylor places the string sensors behind the saddle somewhat than below it, this piezo rig sounds far hotter than most. In the event you get suggestions, attain into the soundhole to flip the part swap.

Lastly, the 217e’s neck is about up for simple, lightning-quick fretting, per Taylor custom. In reality, most all the things in regards to the field is likable, from elegant seems to be, even-keeled tone both acoustically or plugged in, and a slick neck. Add to {that a} worth that received’t break the financial institution, and you’ve got a guitar worthy of an enormous anniversary celebration.

This text initially appeared in VG’s August 2024 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.