Taylor 717 Grand Pacific Builder's Edition V-Class Review

A Real Jewel

I've owned several high-end acoustics, Taylor & Martin, all purchased from Sweetwater. I am a mediocre rhythm player who plays mostly for my personal enjoyment. This guitar is truly a fine instrument and may be one of the best that Taylor has created. The attention to detail in construction in some cases exceeds the quality of my Martin especially in the fret work. The rounded… read more body edges make it one of the most comfortable guitars to play in comparison to most squared edges that dig into your arms after playing for a while. While Taylor has always been known for solid mids and shimmering treble, this guitar brings more bass providing a more balanced sound across the entire spectrum of sound. Very noticeable especially when strumming chords. Its response to light strumming makes it very suitable to the solo artist, yet it has plenty of volume to hold its own in a group. I had an issue with the case that came with it, but within minutes of notifying my Sales Engineer, Geoff Allen, the issue was resolved, and a new case was being shipped out to me. Sweetwater's commitment to customer service, in addition to their quality products, is the reason I've had a 26-year customer relationship with Sweetwater and will continue to buy my music gear from them! If you're in the market for a guitar of this caliber you will not be disappointed.

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Superb Guitar

I own a Gibson J15 and a Seagull 12 string. I owned a smaller Taylor but traded it for Gibson Electric. I play at home and sometimes with a few friends. Been playing on and off for thirty years with a short time in a garage band. I bought the J 15 four years ago but always wanted a higher end guitar. The wait was worth it. This guitar is truly spectacular in looks and sound. I… read more bought it based on the new design but it doesn't seem too different from the Taylor I traded as far as low end high end tone difference. The neck is effortless for hand position and movement and it sits as easily as the J15. The tuners are smooth. The rounded binding is gorgeous. And of course it has no electronics which I prefer. At the price point I would buy the same guitar again which is the best recommendation I can give. Thanks to my rep Kyle Malone for his patience.

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I can’t keep my hands off this!

I went through another one of these before I found this one. It's a gem! The sustain you get from the V-Bracing is phenomenal, and the sound through the spruce top is clear as a bell. It can play as loud or as soft as you want it to, and everything in between. Sweetwater sold me the demo model at a great price saying there were blemishes on it. The salesman and I looked it over… read more and couldn't find anything worthy of noting, but since they are stand up people at Sweetwater, that's what it was. The Grand Pacific is a great guitar, if you're on the fence about getting one, don't be. You'll love it!

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Tone machine

After reading every review I could find and watching YouTube reviews/Demonstrations for the last few months I finally had the opportunity to play a 717 GP and instantly loved it! I was now on my quest to find my Guitar! Looking through the Guitars on the Sweet water site made it easy and fun As I was able to Look at clear professional taken photos of the 717 Grand Pacific models… read more they had on hand.I was able to select by criteria such as, intensity of the wild honey burst ,the grain pattern of the rose wood back(beautiful by the way).This Guitar loves to be played hard and loud and has so many sweet spots ,truly a joy to play.I had been considering many different Guitar maker models this last year and honestly played some amazing guitars, there is a lot of subjective aspects to playing a Guitar that"s why purchasing a new guitar is so personal and for me this Guitar fits the bill,finger picking,flat picking,all styles of music ( I love messing with Blue grass tunes with this Guitar) it"s easy to see that there was tremendous thought put into this Guitar,you feel and hear this when you play.

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MY DREAM GUITAR

Read about the new 717 V-Brace system in the Taylor catalog. Went to the Sweetwater website for more info. Read all the data about the design of the new V-Brace by Andy Powers. Read an amazing review by a customer. He said he had previously had a Martin and a Breedlove guitar but said the 717 is the one to"not miss out on"! So, I re-read everything and went over all the data about… read more the Sweetwater website. I just had to take the "gamble" that everything was true so ordered it from Jordan. I am 76 & been playing for 64 years & sort of a guitar "banger" (manipulator) & singer. This guitar is everything Andy Powers says about it on the website. It resonates like it has reverb built in. The different tones you can produce on it are incredible. And wow, is it ever easy to play. Do I like it? NO! I LOVE THIS GUITAR. THIS IS MY "DREAM" GUITAR!! Buy it now! Don't miss out on the experience of a lifetime.

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Taylor 717 Grand Pacific WHB

As an owner of several Taylor models, I was excited to get my hands on the new Grand Pacific. This was my first V-class model. As expected, the Taylor quality did not disappoint. Another well made, easy to play, great sounding guitar. The Builder's Edition features were welcome touches including the rounded edges and compound neck carve. The wild honey burst finish gives the guitar… read more a played-in look with an old soul. The sound was a slight departure from the classic Taylor tone I'm used to, but the more I play it, the more I appreciate its unique voice. Another great instrument from Taylor Guitars!

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