Taylor T5?

[Old Tele man]

...anybody played the new Taylor T5 electro-acoustic guitar?

[Shnook]

I have an IMHO it's awesome. Lot's of different tones and applications. Has a wonderful feel too. I've already decided to purchase one after the first of the year.

[Jon C]

I spent about 30 mins. with one at Victor's in NJ... in the end I couldn't think of a single good reason to want or get one. Played OK, but as an electric it didn't sound as good as my electric guitars and as an electro-acoustic wasn't as good as what I have....

I guess I just didn't get the point.

[Ogre]

It is not the next big thing, in spite of what the massive hype would lead you to believe.

[jcground]

They're pretty cool, but I don't want one. They don't really work for me as an acoustic: their unplugged tone is not happening and they don't have the volume of a traditional acoustic (even a smaller bodied one). Plugged in, they aren't going to replace an electric either.

Essentially, I think they're a niche product. They're for people (specifically, electric players) who want an easy to dial in pseudo-acoustic guitar to gig with. For my money, I'm much happier with my PRS Hollowbody's Baggs piezo for that purpose, and the PRS has much better electric guitar tone.

Don't get me wrong: I really like Taylors. I have a 612-CE that I really dig. The T5 just doesn't do it for me.

[p.snail]

Ok, I'll stick up for the T5. We have 2 in stock here at the store I work at. The guitar sounds excellent for the plugged in acoustic sound. As an unamplified acoustic, well it isn't one so you can't really compare it to one. I personally, really like the expression system. I think it is the most accurate electric reproduction of an acoustic sound I've heard yet. Plus you have none of the impedance headaches you get with traditional under the saddle systems. It is cleaner and is more resilient to feedback. The T5 reproduces the sound of an acoustic guitar in a very believable and useful way. The advantage is that the T5 doesn't play like an acoustic guitar. That means you can tear it up this thing without getting Carpal Tunnel. As an electric, let's just say my strat is no danger of being replaced. However, I can find several practical uses for this guitar in gig setting. So much so that I am strongly considering adding one to my arsenal. The only thing stopping me is the price. I have a 3 month old at home and she isn't exactly cheap you know?

[Bryan T]

I've played several through several different acoustic amps and small PA systems. The guitars are well built and play well, but they fail pretty miserably at sounding like an acoustic. They also fail at sounding like a good electric, though a good electric direct through a PA isn't a very good sound either. I don't really understand what market Taylor was going after (trying to create?) with this guitar, but I'm definitely not in it.

Bryan

[Shnook]

I've seen a couple of Mike Keneally Taylor clinics this year and Mike is doing some very cool and creative things with the T5. Not trying for an electric sound nor a strict acoustic sound. Just finding new applications and approaches to music with a different kind of guitar. Basically exploring the possibilities of the instrument instead of wanting it to sound this way or that way.
I believe he's recorded an uncoming CD showcasing his use of the T5. I'm very interested to hear it.

I'll stick by earlier post and say that I like the T5 a lot. It may not be for everyone, but its won me over.

[dave251]

Interesting topic. I did get a chance to play one the other day, through the big Fishman amp.

Couldn't get a decent tone to save my ass. Part of the problem was the electric ga. strings...WAY too light for acoustic work, particularly the plain 3rd. The guitar sounded artificial. Too much "active" circuitry.

I'd been playing a flattop thru the Fishman amp(which is VERY GOOD, BTW), that had one of my pickup systems mounted...was able to get a variety of pleasing very acoustic sounds from the amp...so I know the amp wasn't at fault.

I think that often, designers and manufacturers will tend to fix aberrations in a pickup system through the active preamp. I just don't understand this approach...why not get the pup systems, and the guitar itself to act as a whole first, THEN if you want a preamp, it becomes a very simple affair...the preamp that is..if it's simple, you'll have the shortest signal path to the amp chain. That allows good, if not great, dynamic response...which, IMHO, is what really distinguishes a fully acoustic instrument...touch sensitivity and dynamics....the way in which you actually pick the string will result in different harmonic structures and density during the attack transient...the "color" of the instrument, so to speak. This has NOTHING to do with preamp buffering, onboard eq, or other active electronic "fix it in the mix" wizardry...you really need baseline good tone, BEFORE all the bells and whistles.

Now, it just may be that Taylor is searching for a whole new market niche..and I applaud them for that. After all, we'd have never had Joe Pass if Lloyd Loar hadn't started on the path with his jazz guitar design, or Charlie Christian blazing the trail for electric jazz guitarists. In otherwords, the GUITAR design made it possible for the artists to develop a new style.

Who would have thought Leo Fender spankin plank would have brought about all the innovation in country style guitar? That instrument made a whole new genre of roadhouse guitar possible, in addition to contributing mightly to other styles.

So from this perspective, Taylor is on the right path....I do think they may have taken a wrong turn and need to retrace some steps though. THe guitar I played was absolutely flawless in it's exectuion...but pretty much lacking any kind of useful personality, at least as far a my "style" goes...That's not to say it won't toot your tweeter though.

For the "high gain acoustic" style of instrument, you'd be better served looking at some other offerings...the Turner, perhaps the Gibson SST, a couple of different Godin models...I think there may be a Carvin model....and of course my electroCoustic design. At least speaking for my design, it may have one GREAT tone, whereas the T5 I played, had a slew of mediocre sounds.

You choose your poison. A well made guitar, plays beautifully( strings were WAY too lite for me), with lackluster sonic performance...not unusable, but not inspriring either.

Have I used up my 2 cents?

[Old Tele man]

...Thanks everyone for the inputs!

...I already own an Ovation EA68 Viper and was looking for "...second opinions..." from others (such as you'all) BEFORE I even *thought* about wandering down to GC and "looking" at the T5.

[Scott Peterson]

I played them at Summer NAMM. I really liked playing it, but it doesn't do what it does tonally as well as what I already have. So no sale for me, but I can see why folks like it.

[billyC]

I've had a T5 Standard for a few months now. I'm a working musician and this is EXACTLY what I've been looking for but it is obviously not for everybody...

I play rhythm guitar in my roots rock band and I'm constantly switching from acoustic parts on one song to electric on the next. This guitar gives me the freedom to make any setlist work in a live performance without changing guitars, and thus losing momentum.

IMHO, the electric tone is pretty sweet and varied for rhythm work (Gibson 335/LP to twangy Fender) although it doesn't feel like a guitar I'd want to wail-on with blistering solos. The other two pickup settings are "close enough" to be acoustic in a rock band's mix. But don't take my word for it, several soundmen have been amazed at this tone coming through the PA.

Conversely, I used it for an acoustic solo gig and it sounded too thin, so I have another (Breedlove) for those requirements.

Unfortunately, the T5 came to market after I had a Strat and a Tele retro-fitted with Fishman piezo Powerbridges. It is by far more organic sounding than either of those setups...


The Gear: Mono guitar signal goes to a Little Lehle A/B (no ground loops) pedal with one output going to a Reverend Kingsnake and the other to a Crate CA-1P acoustic preamp. Too bad the T5 has no stereo output to split via my Powerblend pedal.

[justMe]

GC had one in stock awhile back and I played it. Like other Taylors in this price range, well built and plays well. This is definitely a specialized guitar with a unique sound. Much like having a Godin Duet or AC Nylon, good for a particular sound. The only effects I'd use with this guitar would be chorus or delay. I'd have to have the basics covered before adding one of these to my arsenal.

[daddyo]

Anybody compare the T5 to a Godin Multiac Jazz? Also, for the T5 to be useful, it should have a way of sending the acoustic pickup to a DI or acoustic amp and the electric pickup signal to an electric guitar amp and let you blend the sound at the guitar. Does the T5 do this?

[jdzialak]

I have a Godin A6 I'm looking to replace. Plays great but way too much Piezo quack. I was looking at the Acoustic Variax, and now the T5.
I considered a 514ce for a while, but I rarely play acoustic unamplified, so I don't really need a traditional acoustic. I need something that sounds full thru a PA, and does not feedback.

Playability is a concern, too, since I'm mainly an electric player.
I just seem to be getting a lot of calls for acoustic gigs, these days.
I have a trio, with another acoustic player, and a Djembe player. I mostly sing lead, strum a bit, and solo a lot.
The T5 seems like a good fit for me. I'll be checking one out this weekend.

Joe

[daneswede1]

I just bought a new acoustic at Sam Ash. I tried out several guitars actually over a couple of months each time I walked in their. As well I tried out the T5 acoustic/ elecric. Not for me. I want an electric/acoustic with resonance! The T5 has no depth tpo it? IT is like a solidbody electric with acoustic properties? I ended up buying a TAYLOR 714CE. THis guitar simply shines! It has the tones I love and the wood choices on this instrukment are second to none. Solid Indian Rocewood back and Sides. Red Cedar wood top. Ebony Fretboard. Koa rosette, etc. The action is medium/low and can be truss rod adj. if I want but I like the action the way it is. I can [pick 32nd note runs anywhere on the neck effortlessy . I play some flamenco style stuff and a lot of shredding type rock. Instrumental rock as well. Groove and funk as well as bendy blues vibrato and so on are also easily achieved with this axe! Go check it out! As far as the T%? IF you are looking for a ripper of an acoustic that has a full sound for chord work, finger picking, shredding, arps, gunk/blues/rock u name it .Taylor 714CE is a winner. It does it sall!

[thewolf13]

I just bought the T5last week and it sounds and plays great through my PA, my Marshall electric amp and my Vox acoustic amp...I had it on stage and the sound was everything I could have wanted in an acoustic/electric...you just have to know how to adjust the settings...(a CD comes with the T5 that explains everything)...it's lightweight, plays great and has a great sound...this is not a guitar for a heavy metal band, but can produce a very real electric guitar sound that rivals many of the best electrics out there...playing in the store and bringing it home and actually knowing how to use it is a world of difference...maybe it's me, but I love it and everyone at the Sam Ash where I bought it felt the same...keep in mind, almost all acoustic /electrics are merely acoustics with a p/u or mic...the T5 is so much more...

[Guitarplayerdan]

Alot of worship leaders are starting to play them. I honestly dont think anything of them. I dont own an acustic of my own. Im borrowing an Ovation from a friend and love it so much unpluged and ok pluged. Im telling you the an Ovation sounds good, Im not crazy. It was werid to me. But every other Ovation I play makes me want to stop playing.



I would HIGHLY RECOMEND a Anderson Crowdster now there is a Crowdster Plus (similar electic/acustic thing like the T5). These things are Pricey like $2000 up but I have never herd such a better and full sounding acustic (thats live through a systeme).


This is my next buy. I have only herd it twice live and on Cds numerous times. If you guys know who David Crowder is this is his acustic. Its the most amazing and unique tone.


I havent read this therd to see if someone had already mentioned it. I cant spell either. GOD BLESS

[Pedro58]

Doesn't one of the Line 6 Variax guitars do similar stuff? I've not played one, but it seems like they would be competition...

[Trandy]

We sell them and a lot of people like them....but I am not a fan at all...especially concerning the electronics.

It's neither fish nor fowl. On the acoustic side the "G" and "B" string are very nasally sounding....can't EQ that out of it no matter what.

They play nice and look great, but in this case the beauty is only skin deep for me.

[Swirl]

Honestly it took me a long time to "get" this guitar. It is not a 335 it isn't a D-28 it isn't the answer to every guitar you ever wanted and it doesn't sound like a great electric guitar sounds.

What it is, is an incedible playing unique, new type of guitar. The sounds are new and the possibilities for new tonal ground especially when combining acoustic and electric amplifiers are endless.

When I first saw and played it I thought that this is trying to be everything and its actually nothing. Now I am completely taken by this guitar and excited about the new sounds it could offer me.

A T5 Standard with a maple top in a red edgeburst finish will be my next guitar.

[thesedaze]

A friend of mine plays one regularly. It is NOT a replacement for an acoustic guitar by any means...it's definately its own thing. Running it electric guitar style is completely useless, it doesn't sound like one, and in fact sounds like a really cheap danelectro when attempting to run w/ overdrive.

Acoustically, it's perfect for a loud band w/ aggressive and percussive playing styles. Basically the same style as the Chet Atkins Gibson that it 'upgraded'. That's why you'll see those pop acts like Dave Matthews and others in that realm use it...You can beat at it with no worries.

The friend who plays one regularly also gigs w/ a very nice Yairi Alvarez folk style w/ an LR Baggs magnetic pickup for standard acoustic guitar music on the more quiet of the tunes.