29 Mar

When musicians search for Taylor guitars for sale, they are looking for more than just an acoustic instrument; they are seeking flawless playability, pristine intonation, and unmatched modern craftsmanship. Founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, Taylor Guitars has revolutionized the acoustic guitar industry. By blending innovative manufacturing techniques with masterful, hand-crafted details, they have created instruments that inspire players of all genres and skill levels. 

At Danville Music, we know that finding the perfect acoustic guitar is a deeply personal journey. The way an instrument resonates against your body, the profile of the neck in your hand, and the acoustic projection in a quiet room all matter. As an authorized Taylor dealer, we are thrilled to offer an expansive selection of these world-class instruments. Whether you are a touring singer-songwriter, a dedicated studio musician, or a beginner looking for an instrument that makes learning a joy, your perfect Taylor is waiting for you here in our showroom. 


Table of Contents: 

  • Why Shop for Taylor Guitars at Danville Music?
  • Understanding Taylor’s Iconic Body Shapes
  • The Innovation of V-Class Bracing 
  • Demystifying the Taylor Numbering System & Series 
  • The Magic of Taylor Tonewoods
  • Exceptional Electronics: The Expression System 2 (ES2) 
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
  • Conclusion: Begin Your Taylor Journey Today

Conclusion: Begin Your Taylor Journey Today

With so many options available online, you might wonder why visiting a local guitar shop is the best way to browse Taylor guitars for sale. At Danville Music, located at 115 Town and Country Drive Ste E, we provide an experience that a simple web checkout cannot match. 

  • Expert Guidance: Our staff consists of passionate, experienced musicians who understand the nuances between a Grand Auditorium and a Grand Pacific. We take the time to listen to your playing style and tonal goals to match you with the right model.
  • The "Try Before You Buy" Advantage: Acoustic guitars are highly tactile. The best way to know if a Taylor's celebrated slim neck profile is right for you is to sit down in our acoustic room and play it. 
  • Professional Setups Included: As the leading guitar repair shop in the area, our expert guitar technicians inspect and professionally set up every Taylor that arrives. Even though Taylor's factory setups are legendary, our local climate can affect wood. We ensure the action, truss rod, and intonation are optimized before you take it home. 
  • A Community Hub: We don't just sell guitars; we build relationships. When you buy from Danville Music, you gain a lifetime partner for guitar maintenance, accessories, and musical growth. 

Understanding Taylor’s Iconic Body Shapes

One of the most important factors when looking at Taylor guitars for sale is choosing the right body shape. Taylor has pioneered several distinct shapes, each engineered to produce a specific tonal response and physical feel. 

Here is a breakdown of Taylor's primary acoustic body shapes: 

Body ShapeIdentifier
Best Suited For Tonal Characteristics 
Grand Concert Ends in "12" (e.g., 312ce)Fingerstyle, recording, smaller playersIntimate, articulate, controlled overtones, very comfortable.
Grand AuditoriumEnds in "14" (e.g., 814ce)Strumming, fingerstyle, all-purposeTaylor’s signature shape. Versatile, balanced across the tonal spectrum.
Grand PacificEnds in "17" (e.g., 517e)Americana, bluegrass, aggressive strummingRound-shoulder dreadnought. Warm, seasoned, blended notes with strong bass.
Grand SymphonyEnds in "16" (e.g., 816ce)Heavy strumming, dynamic playingDeep, piano-like bass, robust volume, and complex overtones.
Grand OrchestraEnds in "18" (e.g., 618e) Unplugged volume, bold heavy hitters Taylor’s largest body. Massive projection, incredibly rich bottom end. 
Grand Theater (GT) "GT" designation Travel, comfort, couch playing Scaled-down proportions with a surprisingly full, punchy voice. 

The Innovation of V-Class Bracing

If you have been researching Taylor guitars recently, you have likely encountered the term "V-Class Bracing." Introduced by Taylor's Master Guitar Designer Andy Powers, this internal bracing architecture is a monumental shift in acoustic guitar design. 

Historically, acoustic makers had to compromise between volume (flexibility) and sustain (stiffness) using traditional X-bracing. V-Class bracing solves this by acting like a large "V" inside the guitar. This design makes the top incredibly stiff along the center strings (yielding massive sustain) while allowing the sides to flex freely (producing robust volume). 

Furthermore, V-Class bracing resolves minor intonation issues inherent to standard acoustic guitars. Chords played high up the neck on a V-Class Taylor sound remarkably in-tune, harmonious, and pure. When you test-drive our Taylor guitars for sale, the ringing clarity of the V-Class models is instantly noticeable. 

Demystifying the Taylor Numbering System & Series

Taylor’s lineup is organized into "Series," generally dictated by the tonewoods used for the back and sides. Understanding this numbering system makes browsing incredibly easy. 

  • The Academy Series: Designed for beginners and budget-conscious players, featuring an ergonomic armrest and solid tops for exceptional playability and tone without breaking the bank.
  • 100 & 200 Series: Featuring solid tops with layered wood backs and sides. These are rugged, gig-ready instruments that offer authentic Taylor tone. The 200 Plus models even add beautiful gloss finishes. 
  • 300 Series: The entry point into Taylor’s all-solid-wood, USA-made guitars. Typically featuring Sapele or Ash, delivering a warm, focused midrange. 
  • 400 Series: Historically featuring Ovangkol or Rosewood, these guitars offer a broader frequency range with sparkling highs and deep lows. 
  • 500 Series: Utilizing Urban Ironbark or Mahogany, yielding a punchy, woody, and incredibly dynamic response. 
  • 600 Series: Built with Maple backs and sides, known for player-reflective transparency, quick attack, and gorgeous aesthetic figuring. 
  • 800 & 900 Series: The flagship Rosewood models. These guitars are lush, harmonically complex, and adorned with premium appointments like intricate inlays and armrests. 
  • Builder’s Edition: The pinnacle of the Taylor lineup. These director's-cut models feature chamfered body edges, specialized finishes to reduce playing noise, and the finest tonewoods available for an ultra-premium experience. 

The Magic of Taylor Tonewoods

The wood used to craft an acoustic guitar acts as a physical EQ for your sound. When browsing Danville Music's selection, consider how these popular Taylor tonewoods align with your musical goals: 

  • Sitka Spruce (Top Wood): The standard for acoustic tops. It is highly dynamic, handling everything from aggressive strumming to light fingerpicking with clarity.
  • Mahogany: Known for a strong, "woody" midrange. It sits perfectly in a mix, making it a favorite for recording artists.  
  • Indian Rosewood: Offers a wide frequency range with deep, resonant lows and bell-like, sparkling highs. A classic choice for singer-songwriters. 
  • Hawaiian Koa: Visually stunning with a tone that starts out bright and sweetens dramatically over time, opening up into a rich, warm resonance the more it is played. 
  • Urban Ash/Ironbark: Taylor's innovative, sustainable woods sourced from urban canopies, offering tones comparable to high-grade Honduran mahogany and Indian rosewood. 

Exceptional Electronics: The Expression System 2 (ES2)

If you plan to perform live or record direct, a guitar's pickup system is vital. Most of the Taylor guitars for sale in our shop feature a "c" and an "e" in their name (e.g., 314ce), indicating a cutaway and electronics. 

Taylor's proprietary Expression System 2 (ES2) is a game-changer. Unlike traditional under-saddle piezo pickups that can sound thin or "quacky," the ES2 places three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors behind the saddle. Because the saddle doesn't sit on top of the sensors, its downward pressure doesn't restrict the sound. The result is a highly natural, amplified acoustic tone that perfectly captures the dynamic nuances of your playing. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Taylor guitars good for beginners? 
Absolutely. In fact, Taylor's famous slim neck profile and low action make them some of the easiest acoustic guitars in the world to play. The Taylor Academy Series is specifically designed to eliminate the physical barriers beginners face, featuring an ergonomic armrest and effortless playability. 

Do Taylor guitars come with a case or gig bag? 
Yes! Almost all Taylor guitars come with high-quality protection. The 100 and 200 series typically include a rugged, structured gig bag (the AeroCase), while the 300 series and above come with a deluxe Taylor hardshell case. 

What is the difference between a solid top and layered woods? 
A solid top vibrates more freely, producing a richer tone that will actually improve and "open up" as the wood ages. Layered (or laminate) backs and sides, used in the 100 and 200 series, provide extra durability and climate resilience at a more accessible price point, while still offering fantastic sound. 

Should I humidify my Taylor guitar? 
Yes. Solid wood guitars are susceptible to changes in humidity. We highly recommend keeping your Taylor in its case with a proper acoustic guitar humidifier (which we stock in our accessories department) when not in use to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. 

Does Danville Music handle Taylor warranty repairs? 
Yes, we are fully equipped to help you with your instrument. As the leading guitar repair shop in the area, our expert technicians can handle setups, maintenance, and ensure your Taylor continues to play perfectly for years to come. 

Conclusion: Begin Your Taylor Journey Today

Whether you are seeking the ultimate stage-ready Grand Auditorium, a travel-friendly GS Mini, or a master-crafted Builder's Edition, Danville Music is your premier destination for the best Taylor guitars for sale. 

We invite you to visit our showroom at 115 Town and Country Drive Ste E to experience the Danville Music difference. Sit down in our dedicated acoustic room, explore the diverse tonal palettes of different tonewoods, and feel the unmatched playability of a perfectly set up Taylor guitar. 

Ready to find your new musical companion? Browse our expansive Taylor inventory online at or stop by the store today. We can’t wait to help you make some music. T

Comments
* The email will not be published on the website.
I BUILT MY SITE FOR FREE USING