Taylor Custom Grand Auditorium - Figured Blackwood/Western Red Cedar

Experience a world of rich, articulate sound with this spectacular Custom Grand Auditorium from Taylor. This instrument is a masterclass in tonewood selection, featuring stunning Figured Blackwood for the back and sides paired with a Western Red Cedar top. Australian Blackwood (or Black Acacia) is often lauded as a fantastic alternative to Koa, sharing a similar warm and full-bodied tone, but it truly shines in its own right. It is renowned for an exceptionally rich midrange—described as "sweet" and "distinct" —which gives your playing a prominent, warm, and engaging voice. It's a stiff timber, perfect for percussive playing , and handles climatic changes better than many other woods.

The Western Red Cedar top complements the Blackwood by providing a warm and resonant sonic signature. Unlike the Blackwood, which provides focus in the mid-range, the Cedar top brings a soft attack and an overall harmonic richness that makes this guitar incredibly responsive and sonically complex. Together, these woods create a balanced voice with clear articulation and a dynamic response that makes it a "chameleon"—its tonal personality shifts to reflect the player. This makes it a versatile choice for a variety of playing styles, from light fingerstyle to moderate strumming, perfect for capturing every nuance of your performance.

Why Buy A Guitar From Palen Music Center?

Palen Music Center has a wide range of unique guitars to enhance the sound of your music! We have been trusted by musicians across the country since 1963 and are constantly working to provide the best value for our customers. With the addition of our new PLEK machine and our longtime veteran luthiers, we are pleased to provide top-quality guitar repair.

Highlights

• A captivating blend of Figured Blackwood back/sides and Western Red Cedar top for a unique, versatile voice.
• Blackwood delivers an exceptionally rich and warm midrange, giving your tone a "sweet" and prominent character.
• Western Red Cedar top provides a fast, warm, and resonant attack, ideal for capturing subtle playing dynamics.
• Equipped with Gotoh 510 Antique Gold tuners and Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for premium performance.
• The Venetian Cutaway on the Grand Auditorium body shape offers effortless access to the upper frets.

Specifications

• Type: Acoustic, 6-string
• Left/Right Handed: Right Handed
• Shape/Size: Grand Auditorium (4 5/8" body depth)
• Cutaway: Venetian
• Body Wood: Figured Blackwood
• Back Config.: 2-piece No Wedge
• Top Wood: Western Red Cedar
• Bracing: Sitka V-Class Bracing (Right Handed)
• Binding Material: Ebony
• Purfling Material (Body-Top): Fiber B/W/B/W/W/B
• Rosette: Ebony, Single Ring with Bound Soundhole
• Neck Wood: Figured Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Standard Carve
• Fretboard Wood: Ebony
• Fretboard Inlay/Material: Diamonds, Small, MOP (Mother of Pearl)
• Fretboard Radius: Standard (not explicitly listed, but implied by Taylor standard)
• Scale Length: Standard 25-1/2"
• Neck Width: 1-3/4"
• Peghead Veneer (Ph Veneer): Ebony
• Peghead Binding: No Peghead Binding
• Peghead Logo (Ph Logo): Taylor Mother of Pearl
• Finish (Back/Sides/Top/Peghead): Gloss
• Finish (Neck): Satin
• Stain/Sunburst: SEB Back/Sides/Neck with Aged Toner Top
• Tuners: Gotoh 510 Antique Gold, Black Plastic Buttons
• Nut Material: Black Tusq Nut
• Saddle Material: Micarta Saddle
• Bridge Material: Ebony
• Bridge Pins: Ebony with Abalone Dots
• Pickguard: Tortoise Shell
• Strap Pin: Yes - Black on heel
• TRC (Truss Rod Cover): Match Back & Sides
• Electronics: Expression System 2
• Case: BROWN
• Depth at 1st Fret: .846"
• Depth at 10th Fret: .873"

The instrument pictured is the exact instrument you’ll receive. All fretted instruments receive a free complimentary professional setup. Please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales staff with any additional questions!