The 500 Series explores the possibilities of non-traditional tonewoods with the use of red ironbark. Discovered as part of our urban woods initiative, ironbark boasts a density and hardness comparable to ebony but yields tonal characteristics similar to Indian rosewood. That balance offers the stability and strength we need to make quality backs and sides while offering a sound that is at once familiar and unique. With a natural amplification effect that causes notes to leap forward from the body, ironbark serves up an articulate treble range balanced by a bold midrange punch and lush lows, all resonating with piano-like fidelity and clarity even at high volumes. Standard models include a pair of six-string Grand Concert guitars, a 12-string Grand Concert and a highly versatile Grand Auditorium. Other offerings include a pair of Builder’s Edition Grand Pacific dreadnoughts crafted with mahogany and spruce as well as the all-new Legacy 514ce, which pairs mahogany with a Western Red cedar top for a warm, woody, mellow sound you won’t find anywhere else in the Taylor line.
500 Series
- Back/Sides Red Ironbark (Standard), Mahogany (Builder’s Edition, Legacy)
- Top Torrefied Sitka Spruce (Standard, Builder’s Edition), Cedar (Legacy)
- Finish Gloss with Shaded Edgeburst (Standard), Silent Satin (Builder’s Edition)
- Rosette Single-Ring Abalone with Maple/Black Trim (Standard), Single-Ring Sapele with Maple/Black Trim (Builder’s Edition), Three-Ring Abalone with Black/White Trim (Legacy)
- Fretboard Inlay Italian Acrylic Aerial (Standard), Grained Ivoroid Arrowheads (Builder’s Edition), Mother-of-Pearl Small Diamonds (Legacy)
- Body Edge Treatment Faux Tortoiseshell Binding (Standard, Legacy), Sapele with Chamfered Edges (Builder’s Edition)
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Premium Features
Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case, Brown (Standard, Legacy), Deluxe Hardshell Case, Western Floral (Builder’s Edition)
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Available Models
512ce
500 Series
Back and sides of Urban Ironbark give this compact Grand Concert a sweet, yet punchy response.
Learn More514ce
500 Series
Crafted with back and sides of solid Urban Ironbark, this Grand Auditorium yields an enticing blend of power, clarity and balance.
Learn More552ce
500 Series
The Grand Concert body offers exceptional comfort and responsiveness in this 12-string model, which produces piano-like fidelity and rich shimmer thanks to its Urban Ironbark/torrefied spruce wood pairing.
Learn MoreBuilder’s Edition 517e
500 Series
Among the first generation of our Grand Pacific dreadnought guitars, the mahogany/torrefied spruce Builder’s Edition 517e dramatically expands the Taylor line’s sonic palette.
Learn MoreBuilder’s Edition 517e WHB
500 Series
A gorgeous Wild Honey Burst together with an artfully muted Silent Satin finish conjure the warm aesthetic of an older guitar on this version of our mahogany/torrefied spruce Builder’s Edition 517e.
Learn MoreLegacy 514ce
500 Series
Mahogany and Western Red cedar deliver a dry, focused midrange voice in this Grand Auditorium inspired by Bob Taylor’s innovative designs.
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