Like the other reviewer said, give the T5 the time it deserves to truly shine. Many reviewers purchased this with the wrong expectations. This will not replace your Strat nor your Dreadnought, but you might end up playing it a heck of a lot more than both. For me it was pure luck that the T5 I first played was next to a Roland AC-60 with two 8’ speakers. I put on a light chorus and reverb, and just remember my girlfriend being stunned by the sound…and after a few minutes just said, “That guitar was made for you.” I now have had mine for 5 years and play it through my Roland (yes, I bought that amp lol) and a Fender SuperSonic 22. It’s still the most comfortable neck I own and the sound still surprises me each time I pick it up.

Sound
The question you’re all thinking… Is it an acoustic or an electric? It feels much closer to an acoustic than let’s say a Fender Acoustasonic or a typical Godin (the latter are also amazing guitars). It sounds…like a Taylor T5. It sounds beautiful for Mayer songs like Gravity, Edge of Desire, and Slow Dancing. It reminds me a bit of the Hotel California unplugged performance, but with a fuller sound. If you plan to use distortion, just grab the $15 F hole inserts from Taylor and you’ll be fine. Then if you do need a pure acoustic tone for your situation, you’re in luck. Get a decent Acoustic sim pedal. I use one for recording and you’d think I mic’d up my 324.

Features… read more
My specific model is a Custom Koa, so I can’t say anything other than it’s one of the most gorgeous instruments I’ve encountered. Tho it plays and sounds identical to the Classic. The unique component of this guitar is the pickup combinations they went with. I usually play on 2 or 4, but the middle will get you some Strat bite to it and the first position (body sensor) will cut the mix for lead work. You will find the combo you like.

Ease of Use
In my opinion this should be the guitar you get after you’ve played for years and have your standards. Get used to your classic Strats, Teles, LPs, etc. And have at least a cheap acoustic in your arsenal. Find the feel and sound you like. Make sure you have yourself a nice amp or recording setup as well. Then you get the T5 as your special baby.

Value
As I said, mine was the Custom model. These are priced high. If you find the one you want with the wood grain that catches your eye, then it’s worth every penny on the sound and feel side.

Manufacturer Support
Taylor are class acts. If I could build guitars, I’d die to work for Taylor. My dream would be to market the T5 for them and make it the legend it should be.

The Wow Factor
I have sold other guitars to pay for unforeseen expenses, yet this guitar will never leave. It is simply to valuable to my overall sound. If it came down to it, I could live and gig with just this and a Squier 40th anniversary Tele or Jazzmaster.

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