A Modern Dreadnought with Old-Soul Warmth
This isn’t just another dreadnought. This is Taylor’s Builder’s Edition 517e WHB—a guitar that blends the rich, seasoned voice of a vintage classic with the effortless playability only a modern Taylor can deliver. Crafted in 2019 and kept in excellent condition, this Grand Pacific model offers a whole new flavor of warm, round-shouldered tone. It’s powerful, articulate, and feels broken-in from the very first chord.
Grand Pacific Body Shape & Torrefied Top
The heart of the 517e’s unique voice is its Grand Pacific body shape, Taylor’s take on the classic round-shoulder dreadnought. Paired with a torrefied Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, the result is pure tonal magic. The torrefaction process—essentially roasting the spruce—ages the wood, giving you a sweet, warm, and incredibly responsive top with the character of a decades-old instrument. The mahogany provides that beloved midrange punch and focus, creating a sound that’s beautifully blended and free of the low-end “woofiness” some dreadnoughts have. It’s a seasoned, powerful voice perfect for songwriters and flatpickers.
V-Class Bracing: The Engine Inside
Driving that incredible top is Taylor’s revolutionary V-Class bracing. This isn’t your granddaddy’s X-bracing. This internal architecture transforms how the top vibrates, resulting in noticeably more volume and sustain. Notes ring longer and truer, with stronger projection across the entire tonal spectrum. Chords bloom with rich, complex harmony, making this a truly inspiring guitar for both stage and studio.
Builder’s Edition: Feel the Difference
As a Builder’s Edition model, the 517e is loaded with player-focused enhancements. You’ll immediately feel the difference in the compound-carve neck profile, which transitions from a slight V at the nut to a rounded C as you move up the neck. The edges of the ebony fretboard are softly rolled, and the entire body sports chamfered edges for an incredibly comfortable playing experience. It’s all finished in a stunning, ultra-thin Silent Satin finish that not only looks incredible but also cuts down on incidental noise when recording.
Stage-Ready Expression System 2
When you’re ready to plug in, Taylor’s onboard Expression System 2 electronics capture the 517e’s natural acoustic voice with stunning accuracy. The behind-the-saddle pickup design translates all that warmth, detail, and dynamic range, ensuring your amplified tone is as inspiring as your acoustic one.
