Taylor Builder's Edition Guitars: A Review of Models & Specs
It's no secret that we love Taylor Guitars here at The Music Zoo, and at the top of our wishlist is Builder's Edition. Representing the peak of Taylor's design philosophy, Builder's Edition transcends basic series and shapes. The finest craftsmanship, robust tone, and comfortable, stunning appointments are what really define this family of instruments. Join us as we explore the Taylor Builder's Edition Collection.
What makes a Taylor Builder's Edition?
At its heart, Builder's Edition is about sound and feel: the search for honest improvements through refined guitar building processes. There is purpose behind each feature, the sum total equaling better performance, playability, and tone. Essentially a set of specs implemented to improve overall performance, you'll find Builder's Edition models throughout the Taylor line, from 300 Series up through 900 Series, and across various body shapes. These models retain the core Series aesthetics, but they are improved upon by adding Builder's Edition features such as sleek rolled body edges, beveled cutaways & armrests, and a silent satin finish. Refined body shapes, V-Class bracing, and premium tonewoods deliver high-fidelity acoustic tone that performs across genres and playing styles. Here is Taylor CEO and Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers in his own words:
Taylor Builder's Edition Models & Specs
Explore each model from the Builder's Edition Collection below. Each guitar is designed individually to have its own unique tone and characteristics. Woods and base features are derived from a model's Series, with Builder's Edition elements applied throughout. A wide range of body shapes, as well as price points means there is a Builder's Edition model to meet a variety of player needs.
Taylor Builder's Edition 614ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Natural
- Grand Auditorium Body Shape
- Torrefied Sitka Spruce Top
- Maple Back and Sides
- V-Class Bracing
- Hard Rock Maple Neck
- Ebony Fretboard and Bridge
- Ebony Peghead Veneer
- 25.5" Scale Length
- 1.75" Neck Width at Nut
- 15" Radius
- Mother of Pearl Scepter Inlays
- Gotoh 510 Tuners
- Tusq Nut
- Micarta Saddle
- Expression System 2 Electronics
Taylor Builder's Edition 324ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Grand Auditorium Body w/Black Binding
- Urban Ash Back and Sides
- Mahogany Top
- Black Pickguard
- Tropical American Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Faux Pearl and Italian Acrylic Compass Inlays
- V-Class Bracing
- 25.5” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
- 21:1 Ratio Tuners
Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Chambered Grand Symphony Body
- Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
- Lutz Spruce Top
- Tropical Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Windansea Shell and Mother of Pearl Inlays, Green Abalone Rosette
- V-Class Bracing
- 24-7/8” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
Taylor Builder's Edition K24ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Grand Auditorium Body with Beveled Cutaway
- Hawaiian Koa Back and Sides
- Hawaiian Koa Top
- Tropical Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Beveled Inset Koa/Paua Armrest Binding, Single Ring Koa/Fiber/Paua Rosette
- Spring Vine Fretboard Inlay
- V-Class Bracing
- 25.5” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
Taylor Builder's Edition 717e
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Grand Pacific Dreadnought Body
- Solid Torrefied Sitka Spruce Top
- Solid Rosewood Back & Sides
- Sapele Binding
- V-Class Bracing
- Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fingerboard
- Arrowhead Inlays
- 1-3/4" Nut Width
- 25.5" Scale
- 20 Frets
- Ebony Bridge
- Nickel Tuners
- ES2 Electronics
- Silent Satin Finish
Taylor Builder's Edition 652ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Chambered Grand Concert Body
- Figured Big Leaf Maple Back and Sides
- Torrefied Sitka Spruce Top with Beveled Armrest
- Hard Rock Maple Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Mother of Pearl Scepter Inlays, Big Leaf Maple Rosette
- V-Class Bracing
- 24-7/8” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
Taylor Builder's Edition 912ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Grand Concert Body with Beveled Cutaway
- Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
- Lutz Spruce Top
- Tropical Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Mother of Pearl Bellefleur Inlays, Paua Rosette
- V-Class Bracing
- 24-7/8” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
Taylor Builder's Edition K14ce
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Silent Satin Finish
- Grand Auditorium Body with Beveled Cutaway
- Hawaiian Koa Back and Sides
- Torrefied Spruce Top
- Tropical Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- Beveled Inset Koa/Paua Armrest Binding, Single Ring Koa/Fiber/Paua Rosette
- Spring Vine Fretboard Inlay
- V-Class Bracing
- 25.5” Scale Length
- 15" Fretboard Radius
- 1.75" Nut Width
- 20 Frets
- Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics
- Curve Wing Ebony Bridge
Taylor Builder's Edition 517e
- Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Grand Pacific Dreadnought Body
- Solid Torrefied Sitka Spruce Top
- Solid Mahogany Back & Sides
- Ebony Binding
- V-Class Bracing
- Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fingerboard
- Arrowhead Inlays
- 1-3/4" Nut Width
- 25.5" Scale
- .850" Neck Profile at 1st Fret
- .940" Neck Profile at 9th Fret
- 20 Frets
- Ebony Bridge
- Nickel Tuners
- ES2 Electronics
- Silent Satin Finish
Taylor Builder's Edition Product Review
We cannot recommend Builder's Edition models highly enough. Taylor has taken key models and body shapes throughout their line and simply improved the overall tone and feel with purpose-added features. Don't underestimate the tonal value of the V-Class bracing engine, and we're sure you'll be delighted at the look and feel of the silent satin finish. The models are well thought out and built even better. Price-wise, the features are well worth the cost, but keep in mind, since Builder's Edition starts at 300 Series and goes up, most folks will be able to find a tonewood, body shape, and/or price that suits their playing needs and budget. Learn more about the entire line in the video below:
Which Builder's Edition model is right for me?
We find that most customers will gravitate to a familiar body shape or tonewood. If you know you prefer the tone of Rosewood or Koa, there's a Builder's Edition for that. The silent satin finish is perfect for home recording or mic'd up sessions, as it alleviates unwanted noise off the body. If you plan on live performances, an ES2 system is a must. But also consider whether you need a cutaway, prefer a big bold strumming instrument, or are in need of something more intimate. There's even a 12-string model if that's your jam. The Music Zoo sales team can certainly assist in answering questions about the tone and feel of specific Builder's Edition models. We'd be happy to help narrow down your decision. And to help you get started with understanding the tonal nuances, we've compiled a group of audio clips below:
Builder's Edition 324ce Playthrough Video
Builder's Edition 517e Playthrough Video
Builder's Edition K24ce Playthrough Video
Builder's Edition 816ce Playthrough Video
Shop Taylor Builder's Edition Guitars Online Now:
Interested in purchasing, or have questions about a Builder's Edition Model? Contact Our Sales Team Now:
Contact us at (516) 626-9292 or sales@themusiczoo.com
