Taylor Gold Label Collection: The Warmest-Sounding Taylor Ever?
New 517e and 717e models with Action Control Neck!
Things are going well at Taylor! The manufacturer has repeatedly shown how it can go one better this year, from the 814e Gold Collection to the Last of Us guitar to the Legacy 914e. The Taylor Gold Label Collection has now been expanded considerably. The 517e and 717e models are available in three colors in the Grand Pacific format.
Taylor Gold Label Collection 517e: Three Colors, Two Pickguard Variants
The four models in the Taylor Gold Label Collection 517e series are available in three colors: Natural, Blacktop, and Sunburst. The Natural model comes with a Firestripe-style pickguard, while the 517e Blacktop features a cream-colored pickguard. The version with a Sunburst top comes with both pickguard colors: Firestripe or Cream.
According to Taylor, the slightly larger body shape of the Grand Pacific produces a warmth and depth of sound that has rarely been heard before in a Taylor guitar. The wood used for the body of the 517e models in the Taylor Gold Label Collection is tropical mahogany, while the top is made from torrefied (treated) Sitka spruce.
The neck is made of neotropical mahogany (standard carve profile), and the fretboard is made of West African Crelicam ebony. These model come with a 25.5-inch scale length and feature the Element VTC preamp from LR Baggs—the finest of the finest in three great colors!
- Gold Label Collection 517e Natural at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 517e Sunburst with cream pickguard at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 517e Sunburst with Firestripe pickguard at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 517e Blacktop at Thomann*
Gold Label 717e: Indian Rosewood
The 717e series is pretty similar to the 517e series in the Taylor Gold Label Collection. Same woods for the neck, fingerboard, and top, same preamp system (LR Baggs Element VTC), and same four variants with natural, blacktop, and two sunburst models. The main difference is the body, which is made of Indian rosewood instead of tropical mahogany.
Founder Bob Taylor is quoted as saying that he considers this type of wood to be one of the most versatile and best-sounding tonewoods for acoustic guitars. In addition, both the 517e and 717e series feature the newly developed Action Control Neck. The extra-long neck joint is designed to make the sound even warmer and the transmission even more direct.
This also makes it easier to adjust the string action. All models in the Taylor Gold Label Collection come with a Gold Label Hardshell Case in British Cocoa.
- Gold Label Collection 717e Natural at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 717e Sunburst with cream pickguard at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 717e Sunburst with Firestripe pickguard at Thomann*
- Gold Label Collection 717e Blacktop at Thomann*
More on the New Series from Taylor
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
This might also interest you
