shape produced an original acoustic voice that was big enough to handle
medium-strength picking and strumming, yet with impressive balance
across the tonal spectrum, especially in the midrange, producing clear,
well-defined notes that suited both strumming and fingerstyle playing. The
GA’s overall presence tracks well with other instruments both in a studio
mix and on stage, and singer-songwriters have embraced its utility both
for composing and traveling with one guitar. Many people want a single
guitar that can cover a variety of styles, which is why the GA continues to
be our bestselling shape. If you want a great all-purpose guitar, the multi-dimensional GA won’t let you down.
Grand Symphony (GS)
Body Length: 20”
Body Width: 16 1/4”
Body Depth: 4 5/8”
The Grand Symphony shape joined the line in 2006 and delivered
Taylor’s boldest, richest acoustic voice. Think of a Grand Auditorium with a
turbo boost, thanks to expanded physical dimensions, including a slightly
wider waist and a bigger lower bout. Strummers and pickers with a driving
attack will love the fullness, volume and sustain, yet for such a robust voice,
the GS is also clear and responsive to fast picking runs or a light fingerstyle touch, so if you’re a dynamic player, this shape is a true contender.
And the big voice doesn’t come at the expense of balance. The piano-like
bass, meaty midrange, and thick, shimmering highs blend seamlessly. If
you like a lush, potent guitar tone that has the horsepower to compete with
other acoustic cannons out there, the GS shape is a worthy choice.
Dreadnought (DN)
Body Length: 20”
Body Width: 16”
Body Depth: 4 5/8”
What began as a traditional, boxy guitar shape that Bob Taylor inherited has evolved over time to honor the dreadnought’s enduring sonic
heritage yet also refine the look and sound into a more modern package.
The Taylor Dreadnought still boasts that powerful dreadnought tone that
old school pickers expect, with deep lows and crisp highs, but with a
voice that, like every Taylor, is more evenly balanced across the entire
tonal spectrum. Perhaps more than any other shape, the Dreadnought
remains linked with roots music like bluegrass and folk, in part because of
its traditional role in defining those sounds. Pickers and strummers with an
aggressive attack will love our Dreadnought’s blend of power and articulation, which allows for clear lead lines and crisp, driving rhythms. Even new
models have a rich resonance that sounds like an older guitar.
Jumbo (JM)
Body Length: 21”
Body Width: 17”
Body Depth: 4 5/8”
Another inherited body style that evolved in Bob Taylor’s hands, the
Jumbo is Taylor’s biggest shape, and conjures a big, full sound without
being bottom-heavy. While the Jumbo’s voluptuous curves present a lot of
soundboard realestate, the contoured waist helps tighten the midrange,
controlling the overtones. This comes in handy with our 12-strings, with
which the Jumbo shape is most closely associated. The full bass tones
counterbalance the doubled treble strings, producing a rich, lush tone
with lots of signature Taylor clarity and balance. Coupled with Taylor’s thin-profile necks, low action, and accurate intonation, you won’t have to work
hard or retune a lot to get a great 12-string sound.
