Taylor Guitars has unveiled its 50th Anniversary 217e-SB Plus LTD, a Grand Pacific dreadnought that evokes the classic charm of vintage Gibson models. With its round-shouldered shape, non-cutaway design, and old-school sunburst finish, this model offers a nod to traditional guitar aesthetics while maintaining Taylor’s signature quality.
Despite its premium appearance, the 217e-SB Plus LTD comes with an affordable price tag. The guitar features a solid, torrefied Sitka spruce top paired with a layered Indian rosewood back and sides. The neck is crafted from mahogany and spans a 25.5″ scale, while the fretboard is made from West African ebony. The unbound fretboard is adorned with 20 frets and faux-pearl 50th-anniversary inlay diamonds. Additional high-end details include a black peghead face, gold tuners, NuBone nut, and a micarta saddle. The guitar’s vintage-style finish is complemented by C-Class bracing, a departure from the usual V-Class bracing found in other Grand Pacific models.
While Taylor classifies the 217e as a dreadnought, its tonal characteristics are more introspective than those of a typical bluegrass guitar. The sound is warm and balanced, steering clear of the booming bass common to dreadnoughts or the bright, tingly highs of Taylor cutaways. The non-cutaway design, coupled with the refined bracing, makes the 217e particularly suited for fingerpicking or gentle strumming.
Equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 pickup array, the 217e-SB Plus LTD offers flexibility for amplified performance. The intuitive three-knob system—Volume, Treble, and Bass—makes it easy for players to adjust their sound mid-performance. The unique placement of the string sensors behind the saddle rather than beneath it ensures a warmer, more natural sound. Should feedback arise, the phase switch located inside the soundhole allows for quick adjustments.
True to Taylor’s reputation, the 217e-SB Plus LTD features a neck designed for smooth and quick fretting, ensuring an effortless playing experience. With its stylish design, versatile tone, and accessible price point, this guitar is a fitting tribute to Taylor’s 50 years in the industry.
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