
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 717E-NAT ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( UPC: 887766093909 )
The Taylor Builder's Edition 717e Pacific '-Dreadnought' Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation, meticulously crafted to deliver extraordinarily rich and resonant sound. This instrument is a collaboration between the distinguished luthiers at Taylor Guitars and renowned master builder Andy powers, resulting in a guitar that authentically captures the classic sound and vibe of a Pacific Coast 'Dreadnought' from the golden era of acoustic guitar building.
This 717e model features an all-solid tropical mahogany body, carefully sourced from sustainable forests. The top, back, and sides are crafted from the same wood, promoting harmonious vibration and contributing to the guitar's distinct, balanced tone. The solid mahogany neck, meanwhile, enhances sustain and ament, providing a stable platform for the instrument's powerful voice.
The 'Dreadnought' body shape, a Taylor and guitar industry classic, is renowned for its robust, well-balanced sound and excellent projection. With a slightly larger lower bout providing increased bass response and volume, the Pacific Dreadnought delivers impressive power and clarity, making it an ideal choice for various playing styles and genres.
Incorporated into this stunning acoustic instrument is Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics. This state-of-the-art pickup system offers a microphone and under-saddle pickup, coupled with a high-resolution preamp, to capture the guitar's true, unaltered sound when plugged in.
Other top-tier features include the stunning European box elder burl rosette and binding, elegant pearl dot inlays, and a tactile, smooth-playing compromised neck with a 1-11/16 inch nut width. Completing the picture is a proprietary ES2 pickguard with an abalone Taylor logo.
The 717e Pacific '-Dreadnought' Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a stunning testament to the art of guitar craftsmanship, offering both vintage charm and modern innovations. Its solid construction, flawless details, and exceptional sound make it an invaluable addition to any guitar collection.
The Taylor Builders 717e Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a popular choice among musicians for its balance of tonal quality, playability, and versatility. In this analysis, we will examine the key attributes, advantages, and disadvantages of this instrument to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Attributes:1. Solid Sitka Spruce Top
2. Layered Sapele Back and Sides
3. Venetian Cutaway
4. Neck: Scooped Lower Back Shape with 17-inch Radius
5. Electronics: Express System 2 with Body Sensor
6. Tuning Machines: Gotoh 510 Advanced Slimline Tuning Machines
7. Bracing: Modern-X Bracing
Advantages:1. Rich and Balanced Tone: The solid Sitka Spruce top and Modern-X bracing deliver a well-rounded tonal profile with balanced highs, mids, and lows that are suitable for various playing styles.
2. Durability: The layered Sapele back and sides provide increased durability while reducing the overall weight of the guitar.
3. Versatile: Its acoustic-electric configuration offers the flexibility to perform both acoustically or amplified, making it an excellent choice for live performances, rehearsals, or recording sessions.
4. Comfort: The scooped lower back shape and 17-inch radius neck make for comfortable playing, allowing extended practice sessions and hours of performance without causing fatigue.
5. Professional-grade Electronics: The Express System 2, which includes a body sensor, ensures accurate and consistent amplification, while the slimline tuning machines make tuning a breeze.
Disadvantages:1. Price: The Taylor 717e is priced on the higher side, which might not be within everyone's budget.
2. Personal Preference: Some players might prefer a different tonewood combination or body shape for their particular playing style and preference.
3. Weight: The added electronics and components increase the guitar's weight compared to an all-acoustic option.
Conclusion:The Taylor Builders 717e Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar offers a balanced tonal profile, durability, versatility, comfort, and professional-grade electronics. While its price point may be higher than some other options, its combination of features catering to both acoustic and electric performance makes it an appealing investment for serious musicians.
Recommendation:If you are a musician who demands high-quality tone, durability, comfort, and the ability to perform both acoustically and electrically, the Taylor Builders 717e Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice. It is worth considering as a long-term investment.
However, if budget is a concern, there might be more affordable alternatives that best suit your specific needs and preferences. Make sure to compare the features, performance, and price points of other similar guitars before making your decision.
The Grand Pacific is a new Taylor shape for 2019 that delivers a new Taylor sound. Built on the innovative V-Class bracing platform, the Grand Pacific is a fully realized example of how body shapes and tone woods can be sculpted to create distinct and highly desirable tonal palettes. The Builders Edition 717E Grand Pacific further showcases Taylor's pursuits to create the most player-friendly guitars in both sound and feel: a compound carve neck profile, rolled fret board edges, chambered body edges, and new Curve Wing bridge shape. The Taylor BE 717E-NAT is in new condition.