Taylor

Active

Overview

Taylor Guitars manufactures acoustic guitars and semi-hollow electric guitars from its headquarters in El Cajon, California. It operates as one of the largest acoustic guitar producers in the United States, distributing to over 60 countries through a network of dealers.¹⁴⁵

History

Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug in California. The company expanded from a small shop to a major manufacturer, building facilities in El Cajon, California, and Tecate, Mexico. It now employs over 1,200 people and produces hundreds of guitars daily.¹⁴⁵

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
100/200 Series	Entry-level acoustics	$500 - $1,200
300 Series	Mid-range acoustics	$1,500 - $2,500
400 Series	Professional acoustics	$2,000 - $3,500
500/600 Series	Premium tonewoods	$2,500 - $4,000
700/800 Series	High-end grand auditorium	$3,000 - $5,000
900 Series	Flagship Indian rosewood	$4,000 - $10,000
GS Mini	Compact travel guitar	$500 - $800
Academy Series	Beginner-friendly	$400 - $700

Manufacturing

Taylor Guitars produces instruments at two facilities: El Cajon, California for 300 Series and higher plus custom builds, and Tecate, Mexico for 100/200 Series, Baby Taylor, Big Baby, GS Mini, and Academy Series. Both sites are fully owned by Taylor and apply identical quality standards. Some 300/400 Studio models involve joint production between the factories.³

Notable Products

Grand Auditorium - Signature body shape known for versatile tone across genres.
814ce - Flagship rosewood grand auditorium with electronics.
GS Mini - Small-scale acoustic popular for portability.
Baby Taylor - 3/4-size travel guitar for beginners.
American Dream AD17 - Limited dreadnought with vintage-inspired features.

Reputation

Taylor Guitars receives praise from players for playability, consistent quality, and innovative features like the NT neck design. Professionals value its balanced tonewoods and electronics integration. Some enthusiasts criticize its modern aesthetic and brighter tone compared to traditional luthiers.

Sources (7)