Description:

A beautifully figured example from Taylor’s early American production era, this 1995 Taylor 420 pairs an aged solid Sitka spruce top with an unusually attractive two-piece solid figured-maple back and matching maple sides. Its clear, articulate maple response, dreadnought power and characteristically comfortable Taylor neck make it equally capable of detailed fingerpicking, flatpicking and full-bodied rhythm work.

Serial number 950710019 dates the beginning of production to July 10, 1995. The final digits identify it as the 19th instrument entered in that day’s production sequence.

The discontinued 420 belonged to Taylor’s early satin-finished 400 Series and was produced before the company introduced its modern NT neck joint. Taylor built 420s with several back-and-side woods during this period, including rosewood, maple and occasional limited alternative-wood versions. This example features a particularly appealing two-piece figured-maple back, rather than the less commonly encountered three-piece maple construction.

Distinctive period features include Taylor’s original pinless ebony bridge, Grover Rotomatic tuners, simple pearl dot fingerboard markers, multi-ring rosette and tortoiseshell-pattern pickguard. The naturally aged spruce top has developed an attractive honey-colored patina.

An active undersaddle piezo pickup has been installed, with a standard 1/4" output jack replacing the original endpin. The system provides a practical amplified signal for stage or recording use without adding exterior controls or altering the guitar’s clean appearance. The pickup functions properly; its manufacturer and model have not been identified.

Includes its period Taylor hardshell case with distinctive burgundy “pink poodle” plush interior.

Dialed in and set up in-shop, plays great with low action. Cosmetic blemishes include buckle rash on top and back, thumbnail marks on back, and headstock scratch. Includes original hardshell case. Case is fully functional but roadworn with some tolex peeling on top.

Specifications:

• Model: Taylor 420
• Serial number: 950710019
• Production date: July 10, 1995
• Made in El Cajon, California, USA
• Body shape: Non-cutaway dreadnought
• Construction: All solid wood
• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back: Two-piece solid figured/quilted maple
• Sides: Solid maple
• Finish: Natural satin
• Bracing: Taylor X-bracing
• Body binding: Black with multi-ply top purfling
• Rosette: Multi-ring black-and-cream
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell-pattern
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck joint: Original pre-NT Taylor construction
• Neck/body joint: 14th fret
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Fingerboard inlays: Pearl dots
• Frets: 20
• Scale length: 25.5"
• Nut width: Approximately 1 11/16"
• Headstock: Natural wood face with pearl Taylor logo
• Tuners: Chrome Grover Rotomatics
• Bridge: Ebony Taylor pinless bridge
• Saddle: Compensated
• Electronics: Aftermarket active undersaddle piezo pickup
• Output: 1/4" endpin jack
• Pickup manufacturer: Unknown
• String configuration: Six-string steel
• Case: Period Taylor hardshell case with burgundy plush interior