Taylor T5z Standard Hollowbody Review

Taylor T5z Standard Guitar

I give this guitar 5 full stars - First of all, this is an Acoustic-electric guitar. Secondly, this guitar was specifically designed in mind with/for guitarists who are used to solid body electric guitars switching to a hollow bodied guitar. Thirdly, it has separate Treble, Bass, and Volume control knobs (instead of tone control knobs) that go into a preamp built into this guitar.… read more So, you can imagine the array of different sounds thanks to the different type of control knobs alone. Fourthly, it's extremely light. Fifth, there are 2 Humbucking Pickups for screaming electric guitar sounds and a third Hollow Body Sensory Pickup to capture that plush acoustic sound made by a true Acoustic guitar with steel strings. Sixth, only the Bridge Pickup appears on the outside of this guitar's body. The Neck Humbucking Pickup and the Hollow Body Sensory Pickup are hidden inside the body! Seventh, the 5 in T5z stands for 5 Different Pickup Configurations rather than the usual 3!!! Eighth, the neck is fretted with Jumbo Frets for easier bending of the strings. Ninth, this guitar is designed in mind to work with Medium and Light gauge Elixir NanoWeb Strings. But, you can go lighter or heavier on the gauge if you'd like. However, you may not get all the plush sounds this guitar is designed to make, but you will be starting to customize your guitar! And, finally Tenth, the T5z is a fragile guitar because it's hollow. Make sure you use the proper polishing system from Taylor Guitars (sold by Sweetwater) and most importantly, the proper Humidity Control System (also, sold by Sweetwater) Needed to maintain the proper humidity level while the guitar is being stored in it's own customized hardshell case between gigs or just playing at home! You can ask your personal Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more information about the humidity control system, polishing system, strings, accessories and of course, the new Taylor T5z Standard Guitar.

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A True Hybrid

In an effort to become inspired to play more often, I found myself in the market for a new instrument. One of the more difficult choices that I needed to make in this endeavor was whether to search for an acoustic or an electric instrument. I began playing electric, but have been playing acoustic for several years. Although my acoustics have electronics, I was leaning toward… read more a traditional electric. I came across the T5z and after painful deliberation made the purchase. This instrument definitely got me playing again. It is immaculately constructed and plays extremely well. The feel and action is exactly somewhere between an acoustic and an electric. I guess it could be described as just what you would expect if you paired an acoustic bridge with an electric neck or perhaps vice verse. The hollow body gives it plenty of volume to sing along with, but is probably a bit less than half the volume of a high quality dreadnought. Plugged in it is extremely versatile. The sky is pretty much the limit in terms of tone shaping; with the possible exception of 80's metal tones. I find the bridge humbucker to be rather crunchy when distorted as opposed to a more polished Vai type tone. I am sure that such a tone could be accomplished, however, it would need to be generated somewhere between the jacks. In sum, this is not the best electric guitar that I own. This is not the best acoustic guitar that I own. It is, however, likely the best guitar that I own; a true hybrid. For a guy like me, this is an expensive instrument. I have no regrets. My wife was angry with me for making the purchase for approximately two weeks ... she got over it and enjoys seeing me play on a regular basis again. This is a great guitar and makes a meaningful contribution to my collection. I highly recommend it.

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Simply put,

My husband bought this for my 50th birthday, and let me tell you it's a lifetime keeper! Acoustic , Electric, whatever you need, it's got it! Like holding silk in your hands! I play it for praise and worship, and simply put, it is my favorite! love it! a buy you will not regret! I have played it thru acoustic amp, combo amp, blues junior amp it doesn't matter, your gonna get the… read more sound you need!

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