Taylor Guitars T5 Thinline

very classy, Just got today and put it through it's paces. I love it! Action is great and book match is excellent. I got the koa top and it's wonderful.

It does it all. I couldn't be more impressed if I had built it myself.

Perfect! THis sums it up! I also have a prs custom 24 artist package. both great guitars, but I think Paul Reed Smith himself would be impressed.

seems very well put together. I would trust it very much. With all the pick ups, I would have a back up battery.

Don't know yet. But the way this thing looks built, I don't think repairs will be somthing needed very much.

have not been playing that long, But I know Quality When I see it or play it. This guitar is very obvious. The koa top was a little spendy, But it's beautiful.

Mine is a solid spruce top in honey-burst. The body is hollowed out sapele block and the neck is mahogany. The pick-ups are an interesting arrangement with the single humbucker at the bridge in a lipstick style housing, an internal body sensor about two inches behind the bridge and a humbucker sensor behind the neck housing. The top is a lesson in design elegance with three small matt dials on the upper bout for volume, treble and bass. The five-way selector is on the top edge. The neck is beautifully shaped and the nut and bridge are made of bone. The T-5 gets a 9 because I am sure there is perfection somewhere but in the meantime this is the next best thing.

Wow! It does acoustic, it does blues and it does searing electric solos. All it takes is a change of position selector and a change of amp channel. The T-5 is that good. To the guy who says it is only worth a 1, why on earth did you buy a guitar you don't like? Especially one so expensive! I tried the Chet Atkins, an Ovation thinline and even a Fender Acoustasonic. None come close to the T-5 for versatility, sound or feel. Yes, it sounds like a real acoustic. I know it is not going to project like a dreadnought, but how anyone can say it sounds thin is byeond me.

The unit was perfect straight out of the box. Everything fits together extraordinarily well. From the single bolt neck to the laser cut sound holes, it all looks great. It comes with a set of 11s fitted, including a plain non-wound third string. It feels like and electric but sounds like an acoustic unplugged. My only criticism is the amount of lacquer on the neck. I have a personal preference for the Fender-style satin-feel maple neck. If the T-5 had sucha finish I wold have given it a 10. Still, maybo Taylor will offer this as an option at some point in the future and I can upgrade.

Everything is solid as a rock and the hardcase should ensure that it stays that way. I am nervous about the durabilty of the finish - but only because it looks so great and costs so much!

Would I use the T-5 on a gig without a backup- I won't be gigging the T-5 because it is too damned expensive to risk it. Sorry Taylor, but mine is a home body until you bring out a down-market version I can afford to risk in a public place (one with a satin maple neck - hint!)

I bought mine from a local dealer and Taylor agent. I know and trust them so I have no doubts.

I have beeb playing the goof, the bad and the ugly for more than 40 years and the T-5 is the best guitar I have ever owned. Even better than my PRS.

My only wish is that I could have got the red edgeburst, but there wasn't one to be had anywhere in Australia (I called around) and the honeyburst was my second choice. As I have already mentioned, the satin-feel maple neck and a downmarket version for public appearances are both on my Taylor wishlist.

What do I love about the T-5? The sounds, the feel, the playability, the look, the....just about everything really! What do I hate? Nothing! If I felt so bad about a feature that I hated it, then I wouldn't buy the guitar, especially one so expensive.

Which brings me back to the previous writer who rated the sound so poorly! I don't dispute your right to have an opinion and express it. I am just left to wonder why you would buy something like a musical instrument when you dislike the sound so much. I can understand buying a car and disliking the exhaust note. The sound is simply a by-product of buying a means of transport. But one only buys a guitar for the sound it makes - unless you buy it to look at it and not play it? If you are so unhappy with your T-5, I am sure there will be many who will be only too happy to take your T-5 off your hands.

Darn thing will not stay in tune!

Won't stay in tune!

Will not stay in tune. Can't play one set wiihout it going out about a whole step...

didn't solve the problem!!! Taylor said it was the strings so I tried changing the strings (numerous times)...to no avail!!! KTaylor say it was a problem with elixir... Called elixir who didnt have a clue about the problem!!!

This guitar is pretty much useless...Taylor didn't seem to care. I have three Taylors...thinking of switxhing to Martin or another company that will take care of it's loyal customers.

Recently purchases the T5-C1 red edgeburst, maple top. Simply beautiful, well matched and very classy looking.

Everyone knows the specs on the five way with the "Active EQ" in the treble and bass knobs.

Venetian cutaway is beautiful, although fret 21 is a bit of a reach.

All T5's come with cases, the faux croc is just fine.

This is a hybrid guitar and it hits high marks in all sounds. I play 2001 Taylor 414ce & Takamine EF349 and Gibson SG Standard & Epiphone Les Paul and this guitar sounds like none of them. While SG is a hard body cruncher, the T5 lends itself to a jazzier riff rather than a 260 bpm shredder. When used with Fender acoustasonic Junior (acoustic amp w several Boss peds - Chorus and Compression) I get as close as I need to an acoustic sound. I A/B into a Fender HotRod Deluxe using a Pandora PX3 effects and I can get pretty crunchy stuff out also.

Very different tones based on which top you get - spruce is very bright, while Koa soars with creamy tones up and down. Play all three - I chose the Maple as it split the difference.

You must work the guitar's EQ along with the 5 way to settle in to your sound. Each setting combined with effects and amp used will require tweaking the EQ to get to your sweet spot.

I've had it for three weeks and it has added plenty to a sound that I was anxious to contiue developing.

Action is great, I am sliding up and down the ebony fingerboard like lightening and have had no issues.

Neck is a tad small with 11/16" width at nut, but not at all uncomfortable or crowded. Slightly short \scaled makes even easier playability.

Finish is flawless and is breathtaking to those who haven't seen a first rate guitar (blood red flamed maple is pretty awesome to look at coming out of the case)

Gold hardware is a special touch and the artist inlays are visually stimulating to the player

Careful with no pickguard, but modified flatpicker that I am, I end up doing a lot of picking to embellish the strum

No expectation that this will be any less durable than my other Taylor, barring my own negligence. This one stays in the case - no stands!

n/a

I don't know about "fantastic value" in the $2000+ range - but you get your moneys worth!

Fulfilled my GAS for a hollow body electric that doesn't play as "hot" as an SG but can also create very interesting acoustic blends that my audience finds very enjoyable

Brand new with spruce top. 5 way accoustic-eleactric pup switch. Ebony neck - Blueburst. A beautiful guitar.

I really wanted to love this guitar. It was beautifual and played great. However, it does not sound as good as my Gibson j185 acoust or any of my electrics. As an acoutic it was a bit weak and the electric sounded alot like an acoustic guitar with an electric HB installed. Also, the acoustic-electric amplification set up required lifting the ground on one of the 2 amps. I can see that going real wronng when playing live and you switch guitars.

The action fit and finish are top notch.

I returned it after a week so I can't say.

I had a load hum coming from my amp. I called and got immediate assistance. I was instructed to lift the groend on my fender vibrulux. This got rid of the hum but I was concerned the I would forget that the groundless adapter was on the amp and my amp would be at risk.

For the reasons stated above, I reluctantly returned it. I knew that I would end up using my other acoustic and electric guitars for superior sound despit the convenience of just using one guitar as two. I expected much more given the Taylor reputation and reviews. You could do much twaeking to make it sound better but is still a beautiful instrument that doesn't do it all. It then caost me $35 to return it to Music 123.

Koa bodied T5. And basic flamed maple T5.

Right, I've read all the review here and thought I should just post what i thought even though i don't own one.
I'm 21 and have been playing since i was 10. I have been brought up on acoustic music and even when i joined bands which played heavier music, still practiced on my tanglewood acoustic (because i couldn't afford anytthing else!) Thus throughout the years my feel for acoustics is, i feel, very strong. In the last few years i have become more adapted to playing strats and strat like music, lots of double stopping and toned music.
So thus i am a very acoustic based player but do also play electric in bands...but tone and feels of guitars is much much more a priority to the way i play than any fast playing guitar.

Anyway my point is that, i walked into the shop to look at some martin's (currently own a couple of taka's n obv my legendary first guitar tanglewood!:D ) looking for an upgrade, and i saw the T5. I'd heard so much about them i thought i'd give em a go even tho i was generally very pessimistic about the idea. The dude plugged it into an AER amp? (cant remember the name but its a small box amp german made...sounded absolutely divine) and the tone of the T5 absolutely blew me away....
To be able to play and guitar like how i play my strat on an acoustic - producing the acoustic sounds and tones so clearly and so so purely was astonishing.
The idea that you could produce an acoustic sound that was not in any way synthesized using ELECTRIC strings was a complete impossibility always in my mind as well. I'm no expert on whether this has been done before etc...but to feel it first hand for the first time touched me amazingly.
Anyway basically i'm in England and the damned thing costs #1800 at least here...i was saving up for a martin, and have now decided to save up for the T5. I literally could not put it down for about 2 hours or so...speechless.

Personally i felt that the neck is beautiful to settle in the hand. It feels thin and small but is well rounded allowing very comfortable and easy use for the thumb. The action is okay but this can easily be altered to whatever you want or feel. Going through the pickup sounds is aces of fun. I've played the expression system before and boy its a step in sound quality. I hate being so positive bout any one thing because everything has sa flaw, but i really feel that taylor have worked hard here and deserve the encouragement and support that they deserve from their labours.

FOr the first time in my life #1800 hasnt seem so much to pay for such a versatile instrument, with the absolutely numbing tone that can be produced from a thin bodied electric stringed guitar...amazing! Anythings possible it seems these days! Good on ya Taylor! :)

Its got the five way switch which was kool. A need guitar case, and The thing just looks amazing. I have the maple version. Bought it for 2,400.00 about two weeks ago.

I would give it a one, but seriously, no 2400 dollar guitar can be ranked a 1. This thing is totally an in between guitar. I wanted a great sounding acoustic, and then something i can rock out with given some pedals, and a different amp. You can rock out, but the acoustic sound is not good. Anyone who says it is probably hasnt played the regular Taylor acoustic electrics. Flat out...I'm gonna see if i can get my money back to buy the acoustic electric and a LP or Hamer.

Awsome finish and fit. The selector swich is very noisy. THe hardware that you plug into constantly comes loose.

Who knows.

I dont know. I just want my money back so i can go back the traditional acoustic, and a seperate electric. If your looking for a new great electric that can play mediocr acoustic for your one live acoustic song. than this is a great fit for you

Good electric, bad acoustic

FEATURES ALLREADY MENTIONED BELOW....THIS BABY DOES IT ALL..NOT SURE OF THE SUPERHEAVY METAL ASPECT BUT A VARIETY OF PEDALS WILL
ALLOW YOU TO GET GRUNGY...I PLAYED THE STANDARD BLACK..ALSO THE LOWEST PRICE...THE ONE I WOULD AND WILL BUY

HOW DO YOU RATE THIS WITH A 1 OR A 3?...THIS COVERS MANY STYLES....I DONT GET IT....MAYBE A BAD EAR...?..MAYBE ON THE PAYROLL OF ANOTHER "X" BRAND"...MAYBE GOT THEIR FWEELINS HURT WHEN TAYLOR LEFT THE ACOUSTIC FORUM OUT IN THE COLD[SEE BELOW]LOL..LIKE THE OTHER FELLOW SAID..YOU DONT HARDLY SEE A "1' RATING ON CARLO ROBELLI STUFF...KNUCKLEHEADS!VERY FLEXIBLE....AS THAT OLD COMMERCIAL SAID"IT IS A NEW 'PAIR-AH-DIG-EM'"..SORRY PARADIGM...LOL..I WOULD LIKE TO PATCH THIS THRU RICK TURNERS MAMA BEAR AND ,NO, I DONT WORK FOR TAYLOR

SEEMED PRETTY NICE...I WOULD LOWER IT A BIT ,EVERYTHING ON THE ONE I PLAYED WAS SMOOTH..IE SWITCH ETC

I OWN AND HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TAYLORS....GR8 COMPANY..GOOD REP..ALLTHOUGH THEY HAVE HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THEIR EXPRESION SYSTEM..MY CURRENT TAYLORS DO NOT HAVE ANY ON BOARD ELECTRICS..ALL OF THEIR PRODUCTS ARE BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL

I WENT TO A 7 ON THIS BECAUSE,WHILE THEY DO A FINE JOB IN THIS AREA,I I AM PART OF AN ACOUSTIC FORUM WHERE THEY PULLED OUT AND BASICALLY GOT MEAN AND NASTY TO THE GR8 FELLOW RUNNING IT..ALL HE HAD WAS A LOVE OF EVERYTHING TAYLOR...THEY HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR NEW SYSTEM AND I RECKON THEY COULD NOT TAKE THE HEAT...KINDA SOURED ALOT OF FOLKS ON TAYLOR!I AM NOT TOO HAPPY ABOUT THAT THO...I GUESS BOBS LAWYERS PUT HIM UP TO THAT!!LOTSA FOLKS SOLD THEIRS...LOL..NOT ME..STILL LOVE MY 810 AND BIG-BABY!..I THINK BOB'S VISION FOR A GR8 GUITAR AND A MEMORABLE PLAYING EXPERIENCE IS STILL THERE...JUST WISH THEY'D LOWER THEIR PRICING A BIT!!!!!!

I HAVE LOADS A KOOL STUFF..IM THE WORST GUITAR PLAYER WITH THE BEST GEAR!!..HEHE..JACKSON SL1 SOLOIST,WASHBURN USA DIME 3 IN DIME SLIME,HOPPED UP MEXICAN STRAT;GR8 SAMICK ARCHTOP -SAT 650 N,MEREWETHER EAMES CUSTOM,GIBSON SG GOTHIC,FENDER 72' TELE THINLINE RE-ISSUE,TAYLOR 810,MARTIN 1979 D-18 AND 00016 GTE,TACOMA EKK 19 C.LARRIVEE D-02,FENDER STEEL DOBRO KNOCK OFF,PEAVEY POWERED MIXER AMP,CRATE PALOMINO ALL TUBE CLASS A AMP[JUST OUT],DR Z ROUTE 66 HEAD[AWESOME],DIEZEL 4 X 12 CABINET[AWESOME!];CRATE 4 X 12 CABINET,FENDER BRONCO,VARIOUS PEDALS AND I JUST ORDERD A FULLTONE 'OCD' PEDAL....STILL GOT A FEW WEEKS TO WAIT ON THAT ONE!

My Taylor is a KOA.
I decided that if I was going to spend this amount, I wanted to really enjoy the wood. Also, I believe the Koa sounds better for the acoustic settings.Read below for more details.

My main reason for submitting a review is this: yes, it will not replace for favorite acoustic guitar, or your prized Gibson electric. However, the guitar does live up to its hype. But, as the folks at Taylor tell you on their DVD that comes with the guitar, you should A/B this guitar. Play the acoustic sounds thru a PA, and electric thru a electric amp. The settings for electric are tight!
The acoustic settings don't sound that good thru an amp, but no acoustic guitar does! The A/B allows you the flexibilty that didn't exist before.

Taylors make the best playing guitars, better than Gibsons, Martins, or whatever. Mine came out of the box ready to play. I own a 514 CE and am used to their set up. The strings are 11 gauge high 'E', not like the 8' and 7's that some use. The finish is awesome.. again Koa is the best.

Ask any Taylor owner.

Very helpful and will respond to e-mails and phoen calls.

Over the years, I have owned several guitars, acoustic & electric.
Currently I own a 1983 Gibson 335 ES, and Fender Tele with Parsons B bender, a Taylor 514 CE, a 1973 BC Rich acoustic ( with Brazilian rosewood. I know what the T5 is trying to do. The sounds on a T5 are really unique, but you have to use all three of the volume/tones to really get the most out of this guitar. Plus, whatever electric amps, pedals, effects, you use, will influence your opinion about the T5. If is was stolen, I would replace it. Also, like the folks at Taylor say, it won't replace your fav acoustic, but rather add to the potential expression that guitarists want... unique tone. The T5 will respond differently based upon who plays it, what level, etc.
It is worth the bucks!

Well I guess you all know what it has here...Its versatile sure. Mine was a FLAWLESS maple top in blue edgeburst...I will say that many acoustic players may find the neck profile a tad small as it doesn't change Much from the nut to the 12th fret...it Feels more like an electric, which may add to one of my issues with this guitar stated below.

Ok ...Keep in mind, I WANTED to love this guitar....but I couldn't . I was trying to replace a true acoustic and have the ability to have a 175/335 tone to go with it at other times and what this gave me was Neither. Basically the T5 sounds ( to me ) like a T5 ...which is fine...But I look at this guitar as a " jack of all trades, master of none " unit. I will admit, for the right person this guitar may fit the bill to cover all the bases needed, but I really found the middle position Noisy and the only other likeable positions #1 and #5...., Sure , adding a K4 preamp may allow you to shape the tone of this puppy so that it sounds much more " acoustic " But I decided to return the guitar and take the extra 800.00 that I would have spent on the K4 and bought a W-14-Ce.... OUTSTANDING.
** one other thing that irked me about this guitar is that although the neck union is solid as a rock. there is a certain anount of pitch change ( neck trem ) that is too easily obtained by bearing down on the guitar.

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

Like I stated before......the neck sway thing bothered me.....but other than that ...its a Taylor...I'm sure it will live longer than Me

Go to their website and see what SUPPORT is all about....They have so many video clips and informational pages, its great. I have never needed any thing more than that from them. They really pride themselves on educating the consumer.

This guitar wasnt for me, But it obviously fills the bill for others as you can read in other reviews... I also own a 414-ce , my new W-14-ce, Fender 51 CS Nocaster, 2 older Jeff beck strats, 5 gibson Historic les pauls, a 57 RI jr. Ibanez Scofield, Prs McCarty std, Mccarty Soapbar, USA Sg,Es-135, and others.......I have been playing since 1976 and know what I like ...I just thing this guitar needs a test drive by the buyer to find out if it's for you....Just don't trade in that beloved acoustic electric on a whim.....You may find that it becomes greatly missed.