Taylor Guitars unveiled several lineup changes at this week's 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
Most of the changes involve new aesthetic treatments across much of their acoustic/electric line. They've also added mahogany versions of their baritone and 12-fret models, unveiled a mahogany-top GS Mini and debuted changes to their nylon- and steel-string series.
The integration of the nylon-string models means they’ll share the same appointment package as the steel-string models within each Taylor series, explained Chalise Zolezzi, Taylor communications manager, Friday at NAMM. The move reflects the natural affinity that Taylor’s modern-day nylon-strings have with steel-string designs, featuring comfortable necks, cutaways and onboard electronics.
The revamped Koa Series showcases an all-wood appointment package to mesh with the natural beauty of Hawaiian koa. The centerpiece of the design, created by Taylor luthier Andy Powers, is an elaborate Island Vine fretboard inlay in koa and maple, which features plumeria flowers as position markers within the flowing motif.
Here are the lineup changes for 2012:
KOA SERIES: Koa/maple Island Vane inlay, single-ring rosewood/blackwood or rosewood/maple rosette and maple or blackwood purfling trim.
700 SERIES: Ivoroid Heritage Diamonds inlay, 3-ring Ivoroid rosette and binding, and Vintage Sunburst top (Englemann spruce standard)
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600 SERIES: Pearloid Twisted Ovals inlay with natural finish, Koi Blue color option
500 SERIES: Pearloid DEco Diamonds inlay, faux tortoise shell binding and dark brown stain
400 SERIES: Pearloid Progressive Dots inlay
300 SERIES: 4mm Pearl Dots inlay and new GS models: 316ce, 356ce
200 SERIES: Tobacco Sunburst top (214ce-SB) and all-black (214ce-BLK) models
GS MINI: New mahogany-top model
BABY SERIES: Single-ring black rosette
T3 SERIES: Mini humbucker and vintage alnico pickup options
NYLON LINE: Changing to Acoustic/Electric appointment specs for 200 Series through 900 Series. This change will affect all nylon models. Model naming format will change (example: NS32ce now 312ce-N)
ACOUSTIC LINE: Additional models
SPECIALTY SERIES: Mahogany/cedar 12-fret and mahogany/Sitka Baritones
Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.
