At Tone Tailors Guitar Shop in Lancaster, PA, we’re always excited to bring you instruments that truly inspire. Taylor’s Gold Label Collection represents a pinnacle of their craftsmanship, blending vintage aesthetics with groundbreaking modern innovation. Among these treasures, the Taylor 517e Gold Label and the Taylor 717e Gold Label stand out as exceptional examples of Taylor’s Grand Pacific body shape, each offering a distinct sonic personality.
Let’s dive into what makes these instruments so special, highlighting their shared innovations and unique characteristics.
The Grand Pacific Foundation: Innovation from the CoreBoth the 517e and 717e Gold Label models are built upon Taylor’s innovative Grand Pacific body shape – a round-shoulder dreadnought designed to produce a warm, seasoned, and “broken-in” acoustic voice reminiscent of classic vintage guitars. But these aren’t your typical Grand Pacifics.
Enhanced Body Depth: Taylor has given these Gold Label models a new, slightly deeper body depth. This seemingly subtle change significantly increases the guitar’s internal air volume, enhancing its “lung capacity.” The result? A remarkably fuller low-end response, increased power, and enhanced projection. You’ll notice a more resonant and enveloping sound, adding to that coveted “old-school” acoustic feel.
Action Control Neck with Long-Tenon Joint:
This is a true game-changer for both tone and playability. The Action Control Neck features a long-tenon joint that extends deeper into the body, creating greater wood-to-wood contact and enhancing the overall coupling between the neck and body. This innovation directly translates to increased low-end resonance and sustain, contributing to a deeper, more profound tonal character. Beyond tone, the Action Control Neck also incorporates a patented system that allows for effortless string height adjustment without specialized tools, meaning you can dial in your perfect action with unprecedented ease – a boon for touring musicians and home players alike.
Torrefied Sitka Spruce Tops with Fanned V-Class Bracing:
Both models feature a torrefied Sitka spruce top, where the wood undergoes a thermal aging process that mimics decades of natural seasoning. This results in a more open, sweet, and responsive sound right out of the case. Beneath the hood, Taylor’s revolutionary V-Class bracing is also present, but with a unique “fanned” design and tonal rout. This optimizes airflow and resonance, delivering a bold volume, extended sustain, and near-perfect intonation across the fretboard.
The Taylor 517e Gold Label: The Mahogany Marvel
Tonewoods: It features a torrefied Sitka spruce top paired with solid tropical mahogany back and sides.
Tonal Character: This combination yields a dryer, earthier, and more fundamental-rich tone. Expect clear, punchy mids, focused bass, and excellent articulation. It excels in blues, roots, and Americana, delivering a robust and direct voice.
The Taylor 717e Gold Label: The Rosewood Resonance
Tonewoods: It combines the torrefied Sitka spruce top with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides.
Tonal Character: Rosewood is renowned for its rich overtones, lush harmonics, and scooped midrange. This results in a more complex, shimmering tone with deep, resonant lows and sparkling highs. It’s often preferred for lush strumming and intricate fingerstyle where a rich, enveloping sound is desired.
Choosing Your Gold Label: Which One is For You? The choice between the 517e Gold Top and the 717e Gold Label comes down to your personal tonal preference:
Choose the 517e Gold Label if: You crave a drier, more fundamental-focused tone with clear, punchy mids and a distinct vintage aesthetic. It’s fantastic for articulate playing styles and cutting through a mix.
Choose the 717e Gold Label if: You desire a rich, complex sound with shimmering overtones, deep bass, and a lush, resonant quality that fills the room. It’s an excellent choice for a big, expansive acoustic voice.
Both models offer the incredible playability of the Action Control Neck, the enhanced resonance of the deeper body, and the “broken-in” feel of a torrefied top. They represent Taylor’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of acoustic guitar design while honoring classic traditions.
Ready to experience the future of acoustic tone? Visit us at Tone Tailors Guitar Shop in Lancaster, PA, to play these exceptional Taylor Gold Label Acoustics yourself. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect guitar for your sound!
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