Taylor Guitars T5 Thinline

I had the first run of the t5 made in 2005. I got a solid flamed maple top and i loved how it looked. The feel of the guitar is amazing. Tuners were superb. I couldn't put it down for the next couple weeks because every time i saw it i wanted to play it. I must say the pick ups are pretty versatile. The whole build of the guitar is just supreme. And the pick up switches made the guitar so useful in a lot of genres that it really lightens up your load.

One of the team members said that the t5 will not replace the 814ce or the gibson les paul and they were right. Although you can achieve a vast amount of sounds it will not give you that rich warm full bodied acoustic tone. The acoustic tone although it is somewhat impressive, it tends to sound a little thin. I mean there is no substitute for the sound of a full bodied acoustic. But i was impressed. just mess with the eq's for a bit and you can get some good acoustic sounds. The electric side of the t5 impressed me. First because this is Taylor's first attempt to make an electric and the sounds were not bad as i expected it to be. the single humbucker option is my favorite because it has in my opinion the most even response from the highs, mids and lows. The dual humbucker run in parallel can give you a fat tone but the lows can get pretty muddy so watch out for that. The dual humbucker run in series gives you the most fullest tone without getting too muddy. However it is a hybrid and you will not get a gibson tone or a prs. You may however achieve the spanky tone of a fender tele or strat with the right eq.

Action is perfect. Pick ups were set up nicely. However you cant customize the pickups. The finish and the final touch ups were perfect. Overall setup was nearly perfect

All instruments should be treated with care. With that being said the guitar is so light and i feel as if it could break with one wrong move. But i was proven wrong. I played a lot of gigs and its pretty sturdy. The hardware is tough. The finish however may take a beating but that is with all guitars. For taking it to a gig you might want to bring an extra 9 volt battery because you never know when the guitar will die out. This guitar's versatility will allow you to only bring one guitar per gig.

Nice people. Knows their stuff.

I've been playing guitar for about 10 years. I own a chet atkins sst, sg special and used to own a couple of taylor acoustics. Overall i love this guitar. Because the tones are so different from your traditional acoustic and electric it gives you a new pallet of sound to experiment with. The quality of this guitar is amazing i mean it is a taylor after all. This is an awesome guitar and recommend it for those who are looking to play in both worlds.

I played the T5 last week at a store not plugged in, because I was short on time. I feel in loved with the look, feel and the action. I was very excited about the possibility of this one guitar for acoustic country rock, to Bob Dylan folk, to rock and blues, some Jazz. .
I perform weekly at a bar, doing a one-man band with looping devices, drum machine, and sometimes other musicians sit in. I wanted badly to love this guitar. And I was ready to pay big. I read all the reviews and thought bad reviews were do possibly overly picky reviewers.
I returned to the store and plugged in to a Fishman Bigbox and a small PA. I mainly wanted to check the Acoustic sound, because I'm moving toward a more acoustic set. I have a Taylor 114e, and play it though a PA, or Blues junior, Champ XD into the PA. I was very dispointed. The T5 acoustic sound was not satisfactory to take the place of my Acoustic electric Taylor.
After finding the acoustic sound unsatisfactorty and did not check the electric sound out very much. I did not like its sound compared to my Strat or Les Paul, but that could be improved with pedals. My goal was to find both kind of guitars in one. I wanted to record a loop rythem with an acoustic guitar, and then play electric lead over it, without changing guitars on stage. It really did not matter to me, how good the electric sound was since,i didn't like the acoustic sound.

The best action, neck I could very ask for.

I agree with other reviewers said who said this guitar has its own sound, and would not take the place of a good Acoustic guitar, or a Strat, Tele, LP.
The Taylor demo on Youtube the "acoustic" sound was way better than what I heard. I was unrealistic wanting this guitar to be great sounding acoustic and electric. The look feel, action every thing but the sound was super. I was disappointed cash in hand rerady to buy.

Built in 2005. CMR Air Coil bridge pu, Dynamic Neck pu built in and Dynamic body sensor under body. 5-way switch and you can re-arrange the pu combinations if you want to play around with the plug-in connectors inside the body. Battery changes and access to electronics are ok but don't attempt a switch replacement or amp/equaliser replacement unless you are really skilled at these things!

Good choice of sounds but no single guitar will ever be 'master of all sounds'. I use a Roland GP100 sound processing system and that provides me with realistic acustic sounds when combined with the appropiate 5-way switch settings. Bridge pu will never get the guitar to sound like a Tele or Strat of course.

Great action, well built.

This may be the first '5' rating in this category but I've given '5' because two of the pcikups have failed! Currently only the CMR Air Coil bridge PU is working. I've read through lots of reviews and it seems this is not a general problem but, nevertheless, still disappointing for a guitar less than two years old.

Because of being non-US located support is not easy to get. The response form the Fender GB appointed Factory agent was prompt but they couild not help solve the problem without returning the guitar for repair. I'll have more to say on this after I've been through the repair process! It seems that I will have to pay for repairs. One year warranty is a bit mean!

I fully support the comments about the non-electronics build, its very good and comparable with the Rick guitars. Neck action is excellent. Only negative is that intonation on the fifth and sixt strings (as usual) is out until you get to the fifth fret. Sadly, there is no adjustment for intonation, but I guess adding such a feature would turn the guitar into an electric.

Features have been pretty well covered. Stacked bridge humbucker, hidden humbucker under the neck, internal transducer. 5-way selector switch. This is the koa top custom model.

While I like the array of sounds the T5 produces, I'll say that if you're expecting this guitar to sound just like your ES-335, your miked Martin, AND your Les Paul, you will be disappointed. The T5 has sounds all its own, which I find more useful for jazz/pop/blues through a tube amp than for hard rock or metal through a solid state modeling amp. But it's important to know that the T5 produces its own unique sounds, and is not going to satisfy you as a direct substitute for any other guitar.

Trying to characterize the sound in general terms probably isn't that helpful. I tried the maple top, spruce top, and koa top, and bought the koa. Very different personalities. Since I was aiming mostly at jazz, I found the maple a bit too sparkly. The koa is much more mellow.

However, since the T5 is a fully hollow body guitar, it is going to have feedback issues. At even moderate volumes, you won't want to wander on-axis of your amp. And the switch setting that couples in the transducer pickup must be handled with extreme caution.

In terms of overall sound, I would say that the acoustic properties stand out; you'll never mistake this for a solid body electric. It has a very sweet pure acoustic sound when not plugged in, but it's not loud enough for anything but quiet practice.

When I bought mine, I looked at two of the koa model, both with straight factory setup. The first was not playable and couldn't be made playable. Tried cranking the neck, then unbolting and shimming the neck. Finally got the strings off the frets, but two of the pickups weren't working. Kind of worrisome.

The one I bought also had action problems; the low 4 strings were too high, and the B and E strings buzzed. So this one required a shim under the treble end of the bridge and a little neck relief, but these tweaks worked just fine, resulting in perfect action. The outer strings (E strings) are just a bit closer to the ends of the frets than on most guitars, easy to pull off the fret, so this takes just a bit of getting used to.

Beyond this, the fit and finish are flawless and deeply sexy.

After a month of steady playing, there have been no reliability problems. Bear in mind, this is a hollow body acoustic-type guitar, very light weight and delicate.

No call for this yet.

Now that it's set up, and because I enjoy the sound for what it is rather than for what I might have mistakenly expected, I join the group of players who just can't set it down. I never expected it to be a one-size-fits-all instrument ideally suited for everything from bluegrass to death metal.

The neck is very comfortable and effortless, the guitar is light, thin, balanced and easy to play. There's enough variation in the 5 available settings (and 2-band EQ) for every purpose I'd ever use it for. I find it quite versatile, bearing in mind that it's not going to sound like the traditional (and fairly narrow) selection of "acceptable" guitars for most styles.

If I could add one feature, it would be a notch filter. The feedback can be unexpected and quick!

Sage Green Metallic with two top-mounted humbuckers and an under-neck pickup (no body sensor), otherwise a normal T5-S standard guitar. All of the hardware and appointments are 1st-rate... it's extremely well thought out and un-cluttered. The neck is on the wide side, but emminently playable and comfortable, with perfectly-dressed thin, low frets. 5-way switch and active boost/cut treble and tone controls give you TONS of sound options. The volume actually has a 6db boost past the detent position and does a great job of compressing the front end of a warm amp. You might not think it to look at it, but this guitar is loaded with everything you need.

Sounds are amazing... extremely versatile. I can nail tones from the best guitars I've ever played... my Ric' 360, Gretsch, 335, even my custom Strat. It goes from beautiful dark jazz to sparkling clean, thin highs, to full-tilt crunch and awesome fat lead tones. It doesn't have a body sensor, so it doesn't do the acoustic sounds like the single top-mounted pickup version. Everything it does it does extremely well... this is not a "do a lot of things marginally well" kind of guitar.

I bought this guitar used at Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto, CA... This is a fantastic shop that hosted one of Taylor's road shows. I don't know if these guys set up the guitar, but it had an immaculate setup when I put my hands on it. The action was nice and low, the tension spot on for fast picking, finger style, etc., and the fit and finish were flawless. A supremely beautiful guitar.

This thing is very light, BUT... it's put together very well. There is no doubt in my mind that this thing will stand up to anything I can throw at it.

Haven't had to call them, but the guys I talked to at the Taylor Road Show were super... they entertained a barage of questions with grace and enthusiasm. In the clinic were several previous Taylor-owners who've called the company, one of whom spoke to Bob Taylor, and all of them were supremely happy with their service.

I've been playing for about 20 years and I've gotten rid of more guitars than I care to admit, including some custom Strats and Gibsons. Right now I'm down to a Clapton Strat, a Rickenbacker 360, a Carvin AE-185, a Guild Songbird, Tacoma DR-38 and a Dobro resonator, with about 5 or so 'lesser but good' instruments. Compared to anything I've ever owned, this guitar is easily the best made and well thought out. It's a gem and I'll sell my wife before I get rid of this guitar.

I bought a new 2007 T5 Custom with a cocobolo top a month ago. Before I got it my Gretsch 57 DuoJet was my favorite. Now I can't put the T5 down for a minute!!
The finish is superb.
The body is perfect and comfortable
The tuners must've been made by Rolls Royce
The neck is like silk and glass and the action was perfect right out of the case (really cool looking faux alligator by the way)
Pickups are great and overall have a nice warm sound. But........when you need the crunch it delivers.

Likes are many........dislikes are none. I truly love this guitar. I have been an electric player for 40 years and this is the first acoustic I am 100% comfortable with.

Perfect right out of the box. It came with Elixer Nanoweb 11's. I imediately changed to Rickenbacker 10's......simply becaust I prefer half rounds/flat wounds.

Flaws? none....period.

Looks delicate and feels so light compared to my Les Paul. Then again, my car feels light compared to the LP!

Haven't had it long enough to comment on the finish, but if it's like other Taylors, it should hold up nicely.

Have not had the opportunity to deal with them yet.

Been playing for 40 some-odd years and been through about 60 or so guitars. This and my Gretsch 57 are my favorites to date.

I originally saw this when they first came out and from time to time would play one at a local GC. I said to myself "I gotta get me one of these one day".

A bit expensive for the Custom Cocobolo model. I'm sure the Std models play just as well.

'05 T5 Cherry sunburst Polyester UV cured gloss finish over solid flame maple double bound cutaway flat-top.
Made in El Cajon (CA).

2" body thickness (of red stained gloss Sapele); 16" across lower bout.

Deep red gloss finished bolt-on medium "C" shape mahogany neck with single bound ebony fingerboard and headstock; 15" radius; 21 medium frets; sealed chrome tuners.

Active electronics.

Came with a very nice faux-alligator hardshell case with 5 yellow metal latches (one locking).

I like the bright hybrid sounds: from shimmering "plugged-in acoustic" type sounds, to "airey" electric guitar sounds.

It is what I was looking for, coming from a more "vintage Telecaster through a tweed Deluxe" type sound, which was more primitive and midrangey, that I previously used for everything style I play. I wanted less midrange (though I like the crispness and intensity) and more high and "pretty" tones.
This is basically the trade-off I got too. So I'm pleased.

I did need to buy a better amp to take advantage of the range though.

For me, the T5 useful for: live Jazz; Showtunes & Pop; and acoustic rhythm jobs: using the supplied balanced cable with the XLR into A SWR California Blonde II amp.

I also use it straight into a Boss BR-900CD digital recorder for home recording with lots of versatility from gritty Blues sounds to "pretty" air pudding noodling.

It sounds pretty ghastly straight into my Allen Class Act class "A" tube amp. It will do a pretty convincing telecaster/tweed amp emulaton through the Allen (which is sort of a super "champ" concept), but it's harder to find that broad "sweet spot" when working it in a medium sized room. It's there, just not as easily accessible on the fly. It'll do Country and Blues well though, with the Allen.

The range of tones is pretty wide generally, though it doesn't have a whole lot of walloping midrange "punch" if you like say, Joe Walsh sounds from a P-90 LP Jr.

There can be some hum with a standard 1/4" cable in a noisy environment on some of the settings, but I've had no intrusive noise on jobs that I couldn't move around a little and make acceptable.

Here it flat out gets a 10.

The set up was perfect, and the playablity next to none. The neck is exquisite. Just right for me, though I have generally preferred big Nocaster necks lately. This isn't anything like that. It's like a fine Jazz guitar from the sixties, like a Byrdland or something.

The input jack worked loose over time. No biggie. Bears checking, as on most electric guitars.

I love the concept of a bolt-on neck: no future expensive neck resetting will ever be required!
The T5 has tuning machines that are among the best I've ever experienced: no lash at all; and smooth as silk.

I was afraid the top needed a pickguard to protect its beauty, but it rubs out fine. I greatly prefer the feel of the Polyester finish to lacquer -which feels sticky to me- but I'm sure the T5's finish is harder.

It looks like a museum piece, but holds up to steady use just fine so far. I take pretty good care of my equipment: it is a hollow wood guitar after all, not a piece of diamond plate steel (or an ash Telecaster).

Original owner lifetime warranty against defect in materials etc etc.
Usual stuff.
The warranty card lists some general Taylor guitar care and feeding principles, for the ham-fisted ignoramuses who need them explained.

I have no experience with Taylor Guitars on customer support. They seem to have their own cheering section worldwide though, starting with their own suits. Impressive appearence of caring. I have not heard anything that gives me pause.
This is my first Taylor.

47 years all styles guitar. I appreciate the versatility of this instrument's intended use.

It comes at a time when I'm gravitating towards versatility on the bandstand, and wanting to add some "acoustic" sheen to the sounds, generally.

If I'm their target, they hit it square: this is a great step forward for performance oriented guitars.

I'll say this: it's NOT your father's guitar!

When I was trying to find the "sweet spots" etc in my usual manner, developed over a lifetime of passive circuit high impedence phase relationship compromises and what sounded good to the powers that be (circa the fifties, when most electric guitar and amp "sets" manufacturing was ramping up and finding its market place), I frustrated myself.

I knew there were great sounds in there, but you can't expect a low impedence active circuit to give you your usual comfort zones of mush to soften the edges.

Even an Ovation through a tube amp (I've always hated piezo sounds) was understandable to me, but I prefered trying to get a more "acoustic" sound out of a Telecaster, which can be done somewhat in a live situation.
I never could understand why anyone would choose a piezo sound for recording though, if they didn't have to.

Over the years, I've tried or owned most types of popular electric guitars, from archtops to Reverends to Fishman Blender equipped Tacomas, as well as fine flat-tops and even acoustic only archtops.

But tastes change, and the public's perception of an acceptable so-called "acoustic" guitar sound has changed too (though not much in Bluegrass or Hawaiian Slack key circles).

The T5 isn't out to convince Bluegrassers OR heavy Rock players, IMHO.
But it does offer an old hand like me the opportunity to be as versatile as I want in the course of a live set, without changing guitars.

If I wanted to go for even broader versatility, I suppose I could A-B switch between my SWR and Allen amps, but I don't need distortion of the type I like at the jobs I play, so the SWR California Blonde amp carries the load all night for me.

I also like the unplugged tone and level fine too.

The active circuits don't react like passive ones, and the T5 Thinline will not react from the body like a thick slab bodied Hamer with P-90's. It's different.

I like this new modern guitar for the new millennium.

It's not the end of guitar development. They've just landed on the beach, and there's a whole Continent laying ahead, ripe for development.
Taylor has stuck a banner in the sand of that beach.

I'm sure it will spin off Jay Turser copycats. But it won't be the exquisite example of the guitar manufacturer's art the Taylor is.

Mine is an '05. It is now '07. I'm sure this ax can be bettered, but it does the job for me right now and for the foreseeable future (unless I get real rich real soon). At my age and declining activity level it could be the last guitar I'll need or want. I traded in most everything else I was using on it, and have since sold off the rest due to lack of use. I don't need or want that stuff anymore: too much compromise without redeeming user friendly simplicity.

I'm not going back to muddy sounding planks and snarky Ovations, thankyouvermuch. This thing has highs only my dogs can hear. I like that.

Features are well documented. I've had two T5's, a Standard with spruce top and body sensor, and a Custom with spruce top and double humbuckers. I sold the Standard and kept the Custom. Features are pretty robust, but could have more electronic options and better output flexibility, so it gets an 8.

Excellent, varied, and expressive instrument. But I take off one point because the tone controls are not as profound in their adjustments as they could be. Particularly treble; it's not possible to REALLY roll off the treble, like on a standard passive tone pot. The guitar handles different amps well, and has a personality with each one. I'm using it with a Fender Princeton Reverb (tube amp), an Acoustic Image Clarus/Redstone cabinet (jazz rig), and a Roland AC-60 acoustic amp.

Pretty much impeccable, but in selecting my T5's, I played many - and there is quite a lot of variability, especially on the action. Some had high action, some low. Odd for this to be so disparate, after all, the saddle should be a standard component. Pickup heights are consistent, and all played well on the low frets (nut setup). Intonation is excellent. I have tried Elixir electric 11's (stock) and D'Addario XL 11's so far, and both sound and intonate well.

The guitar is durable, but it's not a stone. It's an instrument made of wood. The battery seems to be a bit of a wild card, with only 40 hours of use prior to dying (per manual).

I'll give most of the substance of my review here.

I've been playing for 30 years and own 20+ guitars currently. I've owned over 40 in my life. I am fascinated by electric guitars with an acoustic personality. I love jazz archtops, semi-hollows, and hybrids of all kinds. So of course I had to check out the T5. It's a new flavor on the somewhat misled theme of "one guitar for all seasons."

Let's focus on that, because it's Taylor's marketing theme on the T5. All of the videos show rockers cranking out the distorto tones on their T5's. Taylor seems almost embarrassingly proud of its "Electric Guitar(tm)" as if it's the first company to make something like that. It's almost like the dorky kid realizing he's done something sort of cool for the first time, and not quite sure how to deal with it.

And herein lies the T5's curse: If you go into it with the expectation that this guitar is a jack of all trades, you will be disappointed. I see reviews where people call it a "crappy acoustic and a crappy electric" - and I cringe. True, it is not a full bodied acoustic, and it's not a proper electric guitar that a real overdrive junky would choose to sling if given other options.

BUT, it's a really interesting, unique, expressive instrument **in its own right**. Are you prepared for that? Taylor may not think that it can market the T5 with such a radical message, but this is what does it for me. The previous review states how the acoustic side never quite goes away, and this is true. And great! So it's all about expectations. If you are interested in your own voice(s), the T5 may be for you. And yes, it IS damn versatile too; perhaps 75% of the marketing promise is delivered.

One last thing... I discovered something fun about the T5 that I have not read anywhere else. The pickups are wired to the circuit board with plugs, so they can be easily removed in modular fashion. On the double humbucker T5, this is interesting... because you can SWITCH their positions, enabling other pickup settings. How about the middle humbucker alone? Or the middle and bridge together? Yes, we can do that. And for me, this unlocked the magic of the T5 even more, because I play in a jazz-oriented style. The sound of the middle bucker alone is much more "PAF-ish" than the oddly voiced under-neck pickup.

My switch is wired as follows: (1 = closest to neck)
1 - Neck + Bridge series
2 - Neck alone
3 - Middle alone
4 - Neck + Middle parallel
5 - Neck + Middle series

I am passing for now on the Bridge-only and Neck/Bridge series settings that are part of the stock wiring, opting instead for more variety of warm/dark flavors. The T5 is fairly bright to begin with, and rolling off the bass enables brighter sounds easily.

Feel free to email me with T5 questions or comments.

I've been playing for 31 years, full-time pro for 23.

Like a lot of other reviewers have said, I really wanted to love this guitar. I spent quite a while with one at a local music store a few days ago. I played it through and acoustic amp, an electric amp and unamplified. The instrument played well enough and sounded good unamplified, but it just didn't do anything really well. The acoustic sounds were best but that's no great accomplishment for a Taylor. The electric side is where it needs to shine and in my opinion the T5 doesn't measure up. Everything that is supposed to be "electric" still has a acoustic vibe to it, even high-gain sounds. You can't get the standard electric sounds you need, only semi-reasonable facsimiles. I would be much more inclined to invest in a Fishman system for one of my electrics.

I have repeatedly found over many years that a guitar which is supposed to do everything rarely does anything exceptional. That's pretty much my bottom line on the T5.

The features are well documented on the Taylor website. Mine is a standard. I describe it as a hybrid guitar. It has a solid spruce acoustic guitar top with stylized F holes glued to a routed out piece of mahogany.

I give it a nine only because I think it needs an on board notch filter.

I've owned my T-5 Standard for about 9 months now. I bought it for band work but occaisionally I use it for solo work. I had been hauling 3 guitars to my variety resort gigs: a classical, a steel string and an electric. I play acoustic and electric classic rock and jazz. I also play classical but it doesn't do that of course.

For jazz I play it thru a Line 6 Pod thru the tube preamp with the compressor on, then thru a Trace Elliot Dual Compressor and a Trace Elliot Acoustic Preamp that has a notch filter - then out to the two AER Dominoes. If it's a small room I'll leave the Dominoes at home and play through an AER Compact 60.

For rock I also play thru a Roland Cube 30 from a Korg pedal tuner. It makes a great A+B box. The cube gives me all the vintage effects for the electric parts while the pod and AERs give me a great clean sound.

On the guitar I always turn the treble pot off and set the bass pot somewhere between off and in the middle. Otherwise there is too much presence and too much bass. I do the same thing with the tone controls on the Domino and the Cube. This helps control the feedback.
There is still plenty of high end.

With these two setups I can play jazz plus steel string and electric parts all with the accessibility of a solid body electric.

I auditioned about 12 of these guitars and occaisionally thought I noticed a string balance problem: The first string was weak in volume on a few of them. For me the set ups were consistently too low: I had to shim the saddle and put 12's on mine before it really worked for me. It behaves like an acoustic guitar because it is one but I am able to get great electric sounds once the sustain issue is addressed with compression.

I had to ground the strings with aluminum duct tape from bridgeplate to lipstick pickup because I can't always be assured of a decent power supply. I was having hum problems in some environments. This is not the fault of the guitar.

This is an absolutely beautiful instrument and I really appreciate the piezo element that is not under the saddle - it is on the soundboard behind the bridge - the place where you would expect to find the warmest sound. The finish is beautiful. I need to put a tap plate on it so I don't trash the top.

Very solid.

Just one thing you need to know: The battery light is on when there is a fresh battery. This is the opposite of most instruments that I've used where the battery light comes on when the charge is low. The light fades as the battery fades and eventually you'll get distortion. Carry an extra battery!

One of the tuners malfunctioned and Taylor sent me a new one in two business days. They are one of the finest companies for customer support.

I called and spoke to a tech a couple of times to get some basic questions answered.

I've been playing since 1967. Last year I played 250 gigs.

The T-5 has completly changed my act because I no longer have to change guitars to play all the styles that I cover. Variety is now from song to song, not set to set. I've always been dependent on at least three instruments and if I'd had the money for an archtop it would have been 4. I like to say that it has cured my schizephrenia.
While it doesn't replace my other instruments (which I still prefer on most solo gigs) it is a whole lot more practical. The timbral compromises are minimal and are off set by the convenience and the accessible upper fretboard. Also now it is possible for me to change from an acoustic tone to an electric tone and back again during the same song with this biamp setup.

I've been thinking about getting the Koa because it sounds so dang good and it looks pretty good, but still thinking whether the extra S$600 is worth the money.

Electronics are top notch and like all the other reviews, the T5 is RICH in features. I love the dual strap configuration idea though:)

Oh my goodness. The sound. The sound. I gotta admit, I was a bit biased walking into the local Taylor distributor, considering I walked in with the intention of loving the guitar, but sometimes, that makes the job of the guitar hitting the standard so much harder. But it did. It slammed my standards like nothing ever did. I haven't bought it yet, but I will, definitely. It's not an option for me, considering that the T5 hooked me the moment I walked in.

I play mostly Christian contemporary music, John Mayer and Jack Johnson, so obviously, I wanted to test out the acoustic sounds first. Bam. The crispness of the tone, the twang and the snap everytime you palm mute a great song is just indescribable. It totally fit the bill. Hit into John Mayer's "No such thing" and my friend beside me really thought that John Mayer practically walked into the building.

Tried out the electric functions with some recording studio digital tuning. I thought that the equipment they used was total nonsense(i'm a fan of analog), but even so, the electric sound will never replace a le s paul, but it comes close:)

It's a Taylor. The moment I put it in my hand, the thing felt like it was made for me. My hand slide up and down the neck like silk. It's really the dream neck to play with.

Like always, the fretboard and body is just amazing, especially the inlays with the T5 custom. Taylor sure knows how to make a guy drool for a guitar.

Take a look at the website if you don't believe me, it looks like that exactly. Heck actually, the one I saw, looked a heck of a lot better.

Never tried it out for much so don't really have an opinion but it IS a Taylor and they are like the Army for guitars, so I don't really see much of a problem with it.

Would I gig without it? Nah, probably stay at home and sulk if I had to send it for repairs.

No idea, but from my friend's experience and from what I heard in the forums, it seems to me that Taylor actually loves its fan base.

I've been playing for about 4-5 years, still relatively new to playing, and I love playing acoustic, but I've been getting more and more exposed to playing electric.

With sounds like switchfoot and christian contemporary mixing acoustic with electric, this guitar is the only one(the variax and the gibson doesn't come close), that is able to successfully feel like both an acoustic and an electric, as well as feel great in your hand.

The only thing I can say is, go out to your Taylor distributor and try it. Then I dare you, try not to think about it for more than 5 mins. I bet you you can't. Even if you hate the sound, you will love the looks of this guitar. I would live my entire life as a bachelor for this guitar.

I purchased a Koa T 5. The wood is a pretty site, and I get comments all the time. See previous comments regarding the specs, etc.

This is my 2nd review, after owning my T5 for 9 months. I pay this thru a Vox Tonelab SE, and then amp it with a powered Mackie 450, miked with a Shure SM 57. The T5 does create new tones, that vary from exisitng guitars, ( strats, tele's and Gibsons) I, like others have owned several in the past. Also, I own a 1999 Taylor 514 CE. The acoustic setting, the 1st position, is the hardest setting for me to dial into... until this past week. I went to a Taylor clinic, where I was able to hear 8 different Taylors, in one setting. What I found out, is that the T5 acoustic sensor pick-up, sound like a smaller body acoustic ( think concert body size) Once I understood this, I was able to customize my Tonelab SE to reflect the guitar. Alot of guitar players, play the T5 without any effects. It is a awesome guitar, that just sings. Plus, I love the fact that I can switch from 5 different settings in the middle of a set list. However, I won't be selling my older 1970's Fenders & Gibsons. The T5 is another unique guitar in itself.

Awesome. I went to 9 gauge electric strings so I could bend notes better. This guitar does stay in tune!!

I play at least 2x a week at my church. Don't know if I would buy another, unless it was used. This guitar, like all Taylors, are built to last.

If you haven't already, visit Taylors' website and look at the T5 guitar/configuration section. Its pretty cool.. you get to hear different amp settings, based upon the p/u. Very clever! The T 5 does sound like this, because I ahve played mine thru most of the amps they have listed. This is a great company, with excellent customer support and vision.

I have been playing a long time, and was led to submit a 2nd review. As always, these reviews are just opinions and should be viewed as such. I admit, the 1st time I picked up a T5 at my local GC, I was put off on how light it felt. But I was used to playing a Gibson 335 ES, which is almost as heavy as a Les Paul. But... as I have owned my Koa now for awhile, and I am really enjoying this guitar. I lead praise and worship for my church, and am asked to cover a wide variety of musical styles... the T5 can do this and more. I would recommend the T5 to anyone who is looking for a new sound. I was, and am thankful for companies like Taylor that put alot into R & D.

2006 model, sunburst, 5-way switch, bass and treble volume, single cutaway, thin neck, nice case.

I play rock and the blues, dabble in most everything else. I use it with a Vox AC30 and a Marshall JTM30, with a CryBaby wah a Sex-Drive clean boost and a Big Muff Pi. Lots has been written about this model, pro and con. The acoustic tone is ok, competitive with anything else you can buy on an electric guitar, and I have never heard any acoustic with a built in preamp that I like. Unplugged it is passable. I think that a lot of reviewers are missing the point of this guitar. They seem to want it to be a replacement for a Strat or a Les Paul or whatever, tonewise. If you want a Strat or LP, that is what you should buy. This guitar offers its own sound, and while some of its tones are in the neighborhood of a Strat or LP, audition it on its own merits. When you buy a humbucking equipped guitar, you know well beforehand what it is generally going to sound like, whether its a Gibson, Hamer, Music Man, PRS, whatever, it is going to usually have three tones and everyone who plays know what they will sound like. Same thing with a Strat or any of the 500 Strat knockoffs available, no matter how much you pay. The T5 is, to my ears a real alternative. The 5 tones are completely its own, and offer a whole new sound. The tone controls are active, and just a slight adjustment really changes the sound. This is what makes this guitar shine, in my opinion. In any given switch position, varying the tone controls gives you a huge range of sounds, and picking anywhere from the neck to way back over the bridge adds more flavors. This guitar is a tremedous addition to your stable of guitars. Constant experimentation yields more great tones, and it is the single most versatile guitar I have ever played. It isnt meant to replace your favorites, its meant to give you a huge new amount of tonal options. It really will play almost all kinds of music. I am not a metal head, and I dont think it will do that very well, if at all, but for rock and country and even jazz is is as good as it gets. I cant strees how much I like it and am impressed by it. Keep an open mind and enjoy what it gives you. The only drawback I find is that, like all hollow bodies, feedback is an issue to contend with. The previous reviewers who say that there are no good sounds or rate the sound as a "1" leave me only to wonder in puzzlement.

Well, here is where Taylor really shines. They take a back seat to no one in quality and finish, and it is because they care about every instrument they sell, as opposed to that outfit in Nashville. You can really tell when a company is making the effort. Everything on this guitar is absolutely first rate, nary a flaw to be found. Even the Elixir strings are better than I thought they would be. What a treat to buy a new guitar and NOT have to leave it so the store tech can fix all the crap thats wrong with it. Great fretwork, very light and comfortable, it suits me perfectly, as if I had designed it myself. Typical Taylor playability, which is unsurpassed.

Dont know yet, but I expect it will last fine.

No experience at this, but Taylor really is customer friendly with all the literature they put out, and have a good website. The instruction " manual" they give you with the guitar is a DVD with the designers from Taylor demonstrating the guitar.

I have been playing for over 40 years, and I have just recently gotten serious again. I traded two nice electrics for this Taylor, and some of the sales staff thought I was nuts, but I couldnt be more pleased. I have had it, for the time being, with the Fender and Gibson sound, and wanted something else, although I still have a trusty Strat around. I just cannot put this guitar down, and isnt that the way you should feel about a new guitar? I have bought three new Gibson hollowbodies in the past two years, and all three( they came from the plant in Memphis) were the poorest quality new guitars I have ever seen. Completely unplayable from the factory, and two of them, ES335s, should never have been shipped, the fit and
finish were so deplorable. They were all disposed of hastily, and I have learned my lesson, albeit slowly, regardless of the million excuses Gibson offers. The T5 is from another world, no excuses necessary. If you are looking for something rerally versatile and different, try one.

Bought it in September 2005 paid about 2200
Spruce top with honey sunburst finish.
You all know the specs.

Sounds awesome! I'm a worship leader at church. Use it with full band and it can do both acoustic and electric - it rocks. I wasn't going to write a review but then I saw the one where the guy said it wouldn't stay in tune. My experience has been the complete oposite. I've been playing for 30 some years and (maybe 'cause I'm mainly an acoustic player) I've never had an electric that would stay in tune for me after playing leads and bending strings. The T5 does. It's awesome It's always in tune with just normal minor adjustments. So, I don't know maybe he got a lemon! But I'm a real nut about being in tune and this baby stays in tune!! 'nuff said.

It has a wonderful setup. I bought my from Sweetwater sound and I know they go over them pretty good. I've played a few at the local music stores and the action seemed a little higher than mine.

I play this guitar every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a band and it does it all. I'm just runing it though a Keeley Compressor and into and acoustisonic junior amp. Can I depend on it. I do depend on it - it's the only guitar I'm playing out with now. I own a Martin 0028EC and a Larivee LV05 and I always seem to reach for the Taylor on the way out the door.

I've called them a couple of times with little stuff - they were very helpful

If this guitar were lost or stolen I'd cry! and then buy another one.
I wish I had another one!

Read the website at Taylor. It's great. This is what an acoustic/electric should be.

I play Jazz, blues and country -- suits them all fine. Good selection of pickup configurations.

Very well setup, plays like a strat.

It's a Taylor! Good solid strap buttons, heavy duty tuners. Just bring an extra battery or two and you can gig forever.

Taylor has the lifetime warranty and their website is very informative.

Been playing forever. Though very unique, it does what it says it does and adds versatility without giving a lot of stuff you can't or wouldn't want to use (I'm thinking about some of the junk patches on certain guitar synthesizers.). This is a great guitar.

Spruce top, sunburst finish

I wanted to like this guitar. I did a long try out at the local music store yesterday using a Taylor 414 and an Ibanez Artcore Semi-hollow body (2 humbuckers) as references, through a Fender Blues Jr and the top of the line Marshal acoustic amp. I own several Martin dreadnoughts, a few low end Taylors, a Gibson ES-335 and a 70s Fender Strat. I was looking for a good acoustic tone and usable electric tones out of that pallette (i.e. classic double humbucker or triple single coil). The acoustic tone did not come close to the 414 and was not, to my ear, only a little better than a well equalized piezo (if you are interested in a cheap way to get a great acoustic sound out of a piezo check out the Beringer ADI21) on solid body (Carvin AE-185, Fender Nashville Power Tele, Parker Fly, etc.). On the electric side, the two pickups in series was the most usable, and a unique tone, but did not cover any of the double humbucker or triple single coil bases. Bottom line, if you like it buy it, but it is not cheap and does not substitue for my other guitars.

This guitar was perfectly built.

I did not buy and can't comment, but I see no reason it won't be as dependable as my other Taylors, which means no backup needed.

Never dealt with them on a problem. Did send them some comments on a Taylor Baby I bought a few years ago and got a thoughtful reply.

If this guitar did one thing killer well (Strat, Les Paul or Taylor ES on real acoustic) I would love it, but doesn't.

Taylor T5 Koa Top, I just can't tell you what a fantastic guitar this is. I can imagine how I got along without it.

I use a Behringer ULTRACOUSTIC ACX1000 Amp and a old Crate amp and it sounds amazing, between the 5 way switch and the amp controls I can make a huge number of sounds with this guitar. the active controls are sweet.

When I first got the guitar out of the case I started playing it without any amps and it sounded great,I just played it for hours alone in my home. The action felt great and even with some of the hard playing that I do it stayed in perfect tune. This guitar is flawless Taylor should be proud of their work. By the way I think I sold a few of these guitars for you just by playing for some friends of mine.

I couldn't imagine using anything else when I gig.

I haven't had the need so I have no clue

I have been playing for some 25 years and there are some amazing guitars out there and this one is right up there with them.

S/A

I play my T5 in stereo through an Acoustic Image Series III Clarus 2R Head w/ two Raezers Edge Cabs (Stealth 12 and a Stealth 10ER)...AND an AER Compact 60. The 10 and the AER are off the ground with the 12 on the floor. The 10 on one side, the AER and the 12 on the other. Simply put: It just doesn't get any better than this when it comes to a clean sound...the AER really allows the mids to cut through the mix. I'm mostly a jazz player but have a lot of fun playing rock too. For rock, this set-up also works great with my Fulltone pedals: Fat Boost, Drive 2 and an MXR 90. My Gibson CS 336 is also amazing through these amps, although for rock, I combine the AER with my Top Hat Club Royale. The T5 is my main guitar...and I REAlLY love the Gibson.

Perfect...absolutely beautiful guitar. The frets need to be smoothed out a little on the edges, but thats easily fixed. I just love the way this guitar feels; I have really bad shoulders and comfort is everything (next to sound) for me.

Postion 3 (humbucker) and 5 are noisey...I'm sure this can be fixed. The other positions are dead quiet. Very solid guitar.

No need yet...great reputation.

Playing 40 years, have owned Strats, ES 347, Godins, Martins, Vintage Epiphone Riviera (very nice) and many others. The T5 is my favorite. I can see how it's a "hate it" or "love it" guitar. If you approach it as a unique guitar with several unique sounds you'll love it. If you want it to sound "exactly like" whatever, you may want to buy those guitars. The accoustic sound provides the majority of the controversy. Try the first setting (accoustic) through the AI Clarus and an AER and I'd be surprised to hear from anyone who isn't absolutely blown away by the accoustic qualities of the T5...especially the spruce-top for me.

Spruce Top Standard, tobacco burst. The features are covered in other posts. Excellent features.

For what this guitar was designed to do the sound is great. I can get a very nice acoustic tone and go all the way to hard driving distortion.

I play my T5 through a Bose PAS and that is a good combo. But I like this guitar through all the electric and acoustic amps I have the chance to use. Also, it sounds good straight into a standard P.A.

The T5 system seems to be able to take advantage of many outboard effects.

I wanted one guitar to take with me gigging that could do it all. I have been looking for a couple of years and this is the guitar that does it for me.

Excellent fit and finish. Well built and plays like butter. Set up well from the factory.

I should give the guitar a 10 in this category but I reserve that for hand built instruments.

Build and quality is excellent.

Well built, reliable, stays in tune well. Excellent quality.

I've owned a couple of Taylors and dealt with the company on a couple of issues. They are the best.

Example: I owned a Taylor 814CE. The electronics cut out from time to time. Taylor sent out a brand new set of electronics the next day air and paid for installation. Outstanding!

I've been playing for about 40+ years. I'm mostly an acoustic guy, play some bluegrass and I am very picky about acoustic sound. This guitar does not sound like my Goodall through a mike but it does a great job of producing an acoustic sound that I like. It certainly does a better job in the acoustic sound than many of the under the saddle piezo pickups that I've heard.

If lost or stolen, I would have to replace this guitar as I use the T5 now the most.

Overall, I love the sound, playability, fit, finish.. All my die hard acoustic friends love the sound as well..that's a stellar recommendation.

Finally, I don't own a lot of axes. I find what I want and wait until I can afford it and buy what I want and need. This guitar was definitely worth the wait and price.

You folks all know the features by now so I won't waste disk space.... I got the black standard model that is absolutely a sweetheart.

Amazing tones. I am using my T5 to record with and to write songs with. Unbelievable, full, sweet tones that sound so good I am amazed. Incredible sustain. Doesn't sound like a full acoustic, it sounds better. Amazing guitar.

Not a blemish on my T5 - the black finish is beautiful and the guitar is just a perfect 10 in every way. Unbelievable workmanship from the fine folks at Taylor.

This will withstand both live playing and recording for many years. Solid as a rock, dependable, with a finish that could grace a Bentley.

The best - period.

I've been playing since 1961 - yes, before the Beatles hit America. I've spent a lifetime playing my original Guild Thunderbird and several different Martin acoustics. I picked this up in December on a whim and the thing is just amazing. It's got a voice of it's own that I will never give up. It's all about the player finding oneness with his instrument and this did it for me. The people who are talking smack about this guitar either, 1. For some reason got a lemon - or 2. Don't know jack about tones but bought this thinking it would make them an overnight success. Don't work that way people. It takes dedication and practice and it also takes forgetting about G.A.S. and being honest with yourself. To those of you who talk trash about the T5 I say you need to get real.

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.

Sorry, but it's an one trick pony neither an acoustic guitar nor an electric. Surely solid gold to some people, but certainly not what the company promised: It's absolutely no acoustic and electric in one!

The acoustic sounds are much too electric and vice versa - an instrument without soul and - frankly - any pursose whatsoever in my opinion.

The switch is noisy, rest is perfect!

Well built crap to me, solid gold to some people. Not what it claimes to be, but a voice of it's own that you'll love or that means nothing to you. Go and try, if you`re looking for something completely different that takes place in the Jazz world.

2005
21 Frets
Solid maple top
Controls (volume, bass, treble, 5-way)
Pickups (body sensor, bridge pickup, inside neck pickup)
Pickup Configuration (Neck/body, Neck, Bridge, Neck/Bridge Parallel, Neck/Bridge Series)
Custom Taylor Pickups
Active Electronics
Back & Sides are Sapele, Neck is Mahogany
Sunburst very dimensional Flamed Maple Top
Fully hollow, thinline, acoustic body with f-holes
Taylor acousic bridge
Taylor Gold-plated tuners
Neck is Taylor profile with 24 7/8" scale
Black "Crocidile" Case with black plush interior

It's really irksome to see some nitwit give this guitar a "1" for sound when they wouldn't give a "1" to the Sam Ash store brand. However, that score is a reflection of the reviewer's utter lack of objectivity rather than a reflection on the sound of the guitar. The T5 is is every bit as good as the glowing reviews it has received
in the press. I have verified that over the past two months at gigs in a number of different-sized venues rather than trying one in the store (which certainly seems to be the basis for the negative reviewer's critique). The T5 successfully does what Taylor says (in all its promo info) it wanted to do -- build an acoustic guitar that you'd keep on your shoulder all night long instead of switching back and forth between electric and acoustic. As one who plays out regularly and carries a couple of guitars to cover the bases, that is certainly a worthwhile objective. From that POV, mission accomplished -- at least, it's the best alternative available today. The Chet Atkins sounds fine as the "been-there, heard-that" alternative, but it was the compromise of choice for the last millenium. There's no versatility. The Duo-Tone? C'mon! Get serious. If the other reviewer had taken the time to read any of the articles about how to use the T5's wide EQ capabilities in conjunction with the various pick-up combinations, along with an acoustic or electric amp, maybe he would have gotten more than the howling sound any acoustic will deliver when you turn everything up to 10. Just goes to show, you can own 200 guitars and still not have a clue. There are a wide number of sounds available in the T5. Figure out how to dial them in, and you'll find they are authentic. Period.

Like all Taylors, great -- for an acoustic, the best. As an electric, since Taylor has positioned this guitar in that world -- it's fine, but you won't want to be shredding on a guitar with an acoustic bridge and with acoustic strings.

Too soon to tell, but my other Taylors have a great track record.

Best of the major manufacturers.

Like the other reviewer I referred to above, I own a substantial number of guitars. In 43 years of playing, I surpassed owning 200 guitars a long time ago. I too am a pro guitarist, serious collector and, most importantly for HC, an objective reviewer. That's why I compared the T5 to guitars that attempt to do the same thing: provide BOTH realistic acoustic and impressive electric tones. So, I compared the T5 to my PRS Hollowbody with a the LR Baggs system and to my Parker Fly. The Fly deserves credit for starting the
electric-with-acoustic-sounds trend, but the acoustic sound leaves a lot to be desired. Still, thre's a lot of electric-side versatility. The PRS Hollowbody's acoustic tone is good -- very usable, but not very tweakable. The PRS's electric side is impressive, albeit, with similar tone latitude to my ES-335. It fits a niche. Finally, the Taylor uniquely affords a guitarist more tonal options -- on both the acoustic side and the electric side. You can dial in a host of electric and acoustic sounds, short of metal in the realm of electric guitars or a well-miked Martin D-28 or Gibson Jumbo in the realm of acoustic guitars. Still, no other guitar offers such a broad scope of sounds as the T5, making it a fantastic value.

Body was started at the beginning of June this year and I took delivery about 3 weeks later. It's a Standard with maple top, honey sunburst finish. Sapelle body, ebony fretboard. Thinline body style. Standard Taylor tuners. Shortscale neck. One ES-style body sensor and two stacked humbuckers (one visible near bridge, the other under the neck). 5-way selector, 1 volume, and 2 tone (both are active controls, meaning they will boost signal above middle detente position, not just cuz relative to full signal). Awesome looking faux-alligator case included. Absolutely incredible looking guitar.

I play at church, both in liturgical and "praise and worship" settings, and at benefit shows, etc. This guitar has it all for style. The first two positions on the 5-way selector give very convincing acoustic tones. The middle position is the "Tele" sound. 4th position is a lot like a Gretsch hollowbody while the last position is the most electric of the tones. Basically, play any position through an acoustic amp or PA and it sounds convincingly acoustic. Through an electric amp, it sounds very much like an electric (which it primarily is). I redid my whole pedal board to include an A/B box so I could go either acoustic or electric with this guitar...it's that good in both! Not quite as powerful as my PRS McCarty on the electric side, but sweeter than my 335! Bridge humbucker can be a bit noisy at times (might be wall wiring though). Tone controls are very interactive and aggressibley responsive. Never had so much control on the guitar-end. I feel comfortable playing everything from fingerstyle acoustic to ZZ-Top grit.

Wonderful guitar to play. I've put so many hours into this guitar in the past 6 weeks! As soon as I opened the case at the shop (I was the first to see it), I knew I was going home with it. Incredible honey sunburst finish. I looked pretty hard and did not find a single blemish anywhere on the guitar. Tuners work great. Nice medium to low setup.

I've been playing the T5 live 3 nights a week now for 6 weeks. On my occassions, I've played without my Taylor 410CE on standby. I feel very confident in it's dependability. Stays in tune pretty well after fixing the string problem (read below), though more susceptible to A/C than my other electrics. I put straplocks on, but the original strap buttons seemed solid.

When I first bought the guitar, the G string did not want to stay in tune, and brought the higher strings out of tune as well. I called Taylor about the issue and they said that it had to do with how Elixir was making the 11s. However, Elixir had fixed the problem by adding wraps at the ballend. Taylor sent me a new set of strings 2 days later and I've had no problems staying in tune since then (minus A/C issue). Taylor was very friendly and responded with the utmost speed.

Been playing for 11 years, in church bands for 8. I own a Taylor 410CE and a PRS McCarty. Line 6 Flextone III amp. I'm confident enough in this guitar (with these other two) that I'm selling off 4 other guitars. I would absolutely buy another one should this one be stolen. The feel, tone, and appearance of this guitar are just beyond words. Don't go check one out unless you're ready to walk home with it!

2005 Made in California, USA
Solid spruce top standard
Volume, treble, and bass controls
Active electronics
One piece sapelle body
gloss finish
slim-line grand auditorium body style
acoustic bridge, bone nut
Taylor Grover-style tuners
24 5/8" scale mahogany neck, ebony fret board with micro-dot markers
Taylor hard-shell aligator-type leather case

Great for folk, classic rock, country or blues
Use with Fender Deluxe reverb, and Yamaha PA
Very quiet on every setting except high volume and treble.
Rich, full acoustic sound, bright single coil sound, smokey humbuckers
Sounds like a Taylor acoustic, Fender Tele/Strat, Gibson ES335
No dislikes

Factory set up is excellent
Pickups cannot be adjusted, don't need to be
Flawless bookmatched top, wave compensated bridge
No flaws visible

The guitar will withstand live playing, however no pick-guard.
Hardware seems durable
Finish is thin, may wear off with lots of playing
Two bottom strap buttons for standing it up
Yes,I would depend on it.
I never gig without a back-up

The customer support has always been prompt, helpful and friendly.
This guitar has never been repaired, but it was examined at a Taylor Clinic at the local music store.
It comes with a non-transferable lifetime warranty.

I have been playing for 35 plus years. I currently own 4 Strats, a Tele, a Statosonic, Les Paul Deluxe Gold top, Rickenbacker 370-12, Fender P Bass, and Taylor 414CE.
The T5 lacks nothing, but should include a strap at this price.
If lost or stolen, I would buy another if available.
Ilove the looks, the sounds, and the workmanship; the honey burst is gorgeous!
I compared it with a Line 6 Variax.

There is no pickup under the bridge saddle. The acoustic tone is picked up by 2 sensors.
There is 1 magnetic pickup visable in the bridge position, and another magnetic pickup hidden under the top for neck position tones.
5-way pickup selector
Spruce top

Sound is what's really important, isn't it? This thing sounded absolutely TERRIBLE!!!!!!! The acoustic tone was horrible. The electric tones even worse. There were no usable tones at all in this thing. And there was some howling, (feedback) at low volumes due to it's hollow comstruction. I have to ask myself, what was Taylors intent here? A Gibson Chet Atkins SST acoustic tone sounds so much better. Why didn't Taylor expand upon that concept? I also noticed some "hiss" coming from my amp. The electronics are not as quiet as they should be. The electric guitar tones from the magnetic pickups sound weak and lifeless. I thought this was going to be the holy grail of electric/acoustic hybrids. It's not what I thought it would be. I'm not surprised there are so many up for sale on Ebay already!!

The overall build quality was superb. Fantastic cherry sunburst finish. However, there is a huge control cover on the back of the guitar which takes away some of the beauty. It looks like a giant guitar pick!! Setup was good. No issues with anything like that.

Just got it. No support needed yet.

I own over 50 guitars. And I have owned over 200 guitars in the past 10 years. I am a pro guitar tech/collector/player. The guitars I compared this to were a Gibson Chet Atkins SST, and a Hamer Duotone custom.

This guitar was made on March 17, 2005 (St Patrick's Day!) by Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, CA. Mine is a T5-C1 model, which is the Custom variety with a Maple top. The hollow body was carved from a solid block of sapele (like mahogany), and the short-scale neck is tropical American mahogany. It has an ebony fretboard with 21 frets. The electronics consist of 2 stacked low-impedance humbuckers, as well as a dynamic body sensor. They are controlled with a 5-way switch, and there are active tone and volume controls. The body is Taylor's Grand Auditorium shape with a soft cutaway, and the bridge is a traditional ebony acoustic bridge with ebony pins and a TUSQ saddle. It has gold Taylor tuners and artist inlays. The top is highly flamed maple with a tobacco sunburst. Included was a hardshell case with crushed velour lining and crocodile skin style covering.

I play acoustic Irish music, blending lots of strummed folk songs with some contemporary punk and rock material. Since I play primarily acoustic, I needed a guitar that would sound like a real acoustic. For me the T5 fits the bill superbly. I was able to use convincing acoustic tones that well suited the songs that I play. Since the T5 was replacing my beloved Taylor 814-CE on stage, it needed to be excellent, and it has done so. I have had it since it came out on May 1, and used it in two live shows, and the sound has been fantastic. That said, I know that I like the sound, but there may be some acoustic traditionalists that will find fault. I however, cannot. I have not yet played the T5 as a traditional electric, so I cannot comment to that aspect of the sound.

The action was incredible. I hadn't played electric for awhile, and the T5 has a well setup electric neck, so it took a few songs to re-adjust to the feel. Once I did, it was heaven. I played a 4 hour show with almost no hand or finger fatigue, something I never could do with my acoustic, no matter how good the setup. The electronics were well designed and performed great. The guitar is quite literally a work of art. The sunburst maple glows warmly, and the inlays sparkle in the stage lights. The only flaw was found on the inner edge of the f-hole binding. The guitar is fully bound in white plastic, and looks phenomenal, but there were two dark smudges on the binding's edge, which only I could see while playing it. They were easily removed with a dry q-tip, but for this price, I should not have had to bother.

Having played with it twice, I do feel that I can rely on this instrument. It is built like a rock (albeit a gorgeous rock). It straps on securely, and while I NEVER play without a backup, I would probably feel comfortable doing so.

Taylor provides a limited lifetime warranty, and I have dealt with them in the past. The fact that all the guitars I own are Taylors should speak volumes, so, 'nuff said.

This is, in every sense of the word, a world-class high end guitar. If you desire the best, you can not go wrong with the Taylor T5. This instrument a climbed to the top of my personl heirarchy, and should remain there for a LONG time!

Just made in 2005 in USA. The body is computer carved from sapele with a slightly arched spruce top. The top is multibound and the fancy F-holes are single bound. There is also a single bound line that surrounds the visible lipstick humbucking close to the bridge. There is a body sensor and also a pickup somewhere in the neck joint.
There is a 5 way switch on the rim and low profile volume, bass and treble knobs on the upper bout of the top. The acoustic style bridge and fingerboard are high quality ebony which is so smooth. The neck and headstock are single bound. The position markers and very small pearl dots are on the ebony since my guitar is a standard model. I think the neck is mahogany as most Taylors are. The tuners are Taylor. The scale is shorter at 24 3/4", maybe 24 7/8". The shape of the neck is slim, wider in width and very comfortable. It's very easy to fingerpick on the guitar. It came with a very deluxe plastic alligator case which I really like. A warranty card was also included. My guitar is entirely black and the finish is top notch. There are no flaws or runs as you might expect with a black finish. It is perfect.

I'm actually new to the electric acoustic world. I am basically a jazz pop player. My preference is a nice archtop jazz guitar. Unfortunately, I have to play at high volumes and directly into a mixer with no amp or effects at all. I've owned a good Godin A6 but I sold it to a friend who wanted it. This guitar suits my style and the venue that I am playing in. I wanted a guitar that was more versatile than the Gibson ES137 that I presently use. I have owned one Taylor and I always like the workmanship and the easy playing features. The sound of this guitar is different for me and I am experimenting with it's tones. The 5 way switch gives you different pallettes of tones that are new to my ears. The first setting is a combination of neck and body sensor. The second is the neck humbucking. The middle setting is for Strat Tele tones. I don't use this setting yet cause I prefer a mellow jazz tone. I may use it soon as I can fit into the music that I play. The 3rd and 4th position are the humbuckings in parallel and series. I use all the settings except the middle setting. The settings that I like give me a full tone with a very good balance from the bass and treble strings. I have plugged into my jazz amp which is an Evans 150RMS. I also have plugged into a Peavey mixer with EV speakers and I really like the fullness of the sound I hear. I still can get the acoustic tone but the bottom end is very full. The 5 way setting on the guitar are preset between the acoustic and electric pickups. Actually, only the first 2 settings have the acoustic sound. I don't know if a mix knob would do much of an improvement. This guitar is such a new animal it causes you to play differently. There are many things I would not play on my Gibson 137 that sound very good on this guitar. This guitar has enough volume to be played unplugged and around the house. This guitar opens new doors which is good. Check out the Taylor website for a more accurate info.

This guitar had electric Elixer 11-49 strings on it. I actually use these strings but I changed them to Elixer 10-49 just to experiment. The medium gauge actually sounds better cause the first 2 strings have a better tone. I tighten the neck just a little bit cause I like very low action. I even shaved the bottom of the saddle a tiny bit. One caution here is, don't take too muchoff the bottom cause it brings the strings closer to the pickup. The pickup is not adjustable so your strings could touch the pickup. I have my action prefect for me. It is low but it does not buzz or rattle. The black finish is flawless and the without problems. I can barely see the lines in the spruce top. The guitar is light and balanced, very playable and has an excellent sound through a PA. My guitar is a standard model and I really like the classy black finish. The ebony wood on it is so smooth it feels like stone. I expect this from Taylor guitars and I am not disappointed. The F-holes are a nice visual eye candy. It has a battery that is very easy to change after 40 hours of playing time. A small red light on the side indicates it's power level. One thing I did not mention is that when switching between settings the volume does not change and is super quiet. The alligator case is top notch.

There are three strap buttons, two on the bottom end. The guitar is solid but care has to be taken since it is a hollow thin line guitar. Keep it on a stand and don't drop anything on the spruce top. I am using this guitar without a backup. I only carry and use 1 guitar on my gigs.

I have not dealt with the factory yet.

I am 60 years old and have been playing steadily for 45 years. My other guitar is a Gibson ES137 and also a Wendler Electrocoustic. What I like most about this Taylor T5 guitar is it's easy playability and excellent workmanship. It has many sounds that my other guitars do not have. I am using it as my only guitar and it is providing me with the sounds I need. It will never sound like a L5 jazz guitar but it is so much more than that. It is very light and balanced and it gives me really nice acoustic rhythm sounds. The lead tones are different for me but I am using it and getting accustomed to it's versatility. I bought this from Guitar Center and they were very helpful. I play in a stage show on the Vegas Strip and plug this guitar directly into a Mackie mixer running into JBL EON's. We don't sound check, I just plug in and play. Not a problem. When you try this guitar let your ears be the judge.

Made on 30th March 2005 in the USA and delivered to my home in North East England on 30th April 2005.I wanted a T5 so badly I did not want to compromise so this one is a Custom with a sensational Koa top. The Custom comes with gold hardware and artist inlays.The guitar has a 5-way selector switch for a wide variety of tones. 3 knobs on the top cover volume and passive bass and treble.There are 3 pickups. The first is a visible bridge humbucker, the second a further humbucker buried in the neck joint and the third a body sensor.The body is thinline and the top has 2 stylised f-holes.

This guitar was delivered at 8am and it is now 12noon so all my comments are based on 4 hours of pure enjoyment.
I am 56 and retired. I play at home for my own pleasure and occasionally gig with friends. I like a wide spectrum of music from classic rock to country. I particularly like blues music. I have a Mesa Boogie Maverick 2x12 guitar amp and a Fender Passport PA which I use for acoustic guitar. My other guitars are a Taylor 314CE and a Tom Anderson Hollow T-Contour. In recent years I have also had a Gibson Les Paul, a Gibson ES335 and a Gibson J200 acoustic.
I bought the T5 on the strength of the reviews (Best at NAMM etc.). I was so excited by the concept I never even played it until it arrived at my home.All I can say is that everything you are likely to read about the T5 to date is true. The acoustic and electric worlds have really merged.I have much more exploration to do but true acoustic tones are wonderful on positions 1 and 2 through either amp and position 3 through the Boogie can give wonderful blues or crunch tones.
Very rarely does somebody write a bad review about a recent purchase so I appreciate that most people will read these reviews with a degree of scepticism. All I would say is try this guitar. It is absolutely the most versatile, well constructed and beautiful instrument I am ever likely to own.

The set up on the guitar on delivery was A1. The action is quick and low and the intonation is spot-on.Everything is flawless and the top is absolutely stunning.The scale length of the guitar is short so it is incredibly comfortable to play The hard case is black in an alligator skin pattern and compliments the guitar wonderfully. Chic but practical.

4 hours is not enough time to comment really. However, I have had my Taylor 314CE for 3 years and I have not had a hint of a problem. I have no reason to doubt that such a quality instrument from one of the most reputable guitar makers in the world will stand the test of time.

As I live in the UK the Taylor warranty does not apply. I have to rely on the UK dealer should I get a problem. This is the first time I have used this dealer but they shifted heaven and earth to get me one of the first T5's in the UK.
I have not had occasion to contact Taylor but there are some super information downloads on their website and I am sure they will advise if I need to contact them.

I wanted this guitar so badly and even after such a short period of time I am ecstatic.
If you can afford it buy one- you will not be disappointed.