Rare, documented factory prototype built at Taylor's El Cajon, CA facility on May 14, 2025. This is a US-assembled pre-production unit — not a standard Tecate, Mexico production model.

The original factory box was marked "Proto" (photo included as documentation), and the serial number begins with "1," confirming El Cajon assembly. Standard production versions of this exact model carry a serial beginning with "2," indicating Tecate, Mexico assembly.

Purchased new from an authorized Taylor dealer and barely played. No fret wear, no finish issues — presents like new.

Guitar Center sells the standard Mexico-assembled version new at $2,499. Now priced at $2,299 — same as Guitar Center's recent sale price, but this is a documented US El Cajon factory prototype with Aerocase included. No other US-assembled prototypes of this model are currently listed.

Note: The factory box label indicates 'Country of Origin: Mexico' — Taylor confirmed this reflects the origin of components (specifically the neck), while the '1' serial number confirms final assembly at the El Cajon, California facility.

Specs:

• Body: Grand Auditorium, Venetian cutaway
• Top: Torrefied Sitka Spruce, Sunset Edgeburst
• Back & Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
• Bracing: V-Class
• Electronics: ES2
• Case: Aerocase
• Serial: 1205145073 (El Cajon, May 14, 2025, unit #73)

All photos are of the exact guitar you will receive.