Since 1974, Taylor Guitars has been a leading innovator in guitar manufacturing and tonewood development. Through the years, they've been known to create beautiful works of art with Hawaiian Koa, though due to sustainability, their use of Koa varied. In 2015, Taylor and Pacific Rim Tonewoods formed a partnership with the express mission of reforestation of Hawaiian Koa trees. That partnership continues to thrive and innovate, and today, we are happy to help Taylor usher in the all-new, all-koa, 700 Series.
With the reimagining of this series, Taylor has narrowed the 700 line down to two distinct models -- The Grand Auditorium 724ce and Grand Concert 722ce. Both striking solid wood models share many of the same features. On both, you'll find a solid Hawaiian Koa top, back, and sides. You'll also be greeted by a Tropical Mahogany neck, West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard, and Venetian cutaway. Both models are loaded with Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics, and are kept protected by a hardshell case.
These new models feature a slight variation on the V-Class bracing, and a super-thin open-pore finish. The result is a lively, pristine sounding guitar you can feel. To directly quote Andy Powers, Taylor's lead designer...
“These guitars retain the unique sweetness we associate with a guitar made from koa — especially that beautiful midrange — but with a more direct, punchy attack and natural response,” Andy says. “The thinness of this finish doesn’t contribute as much damping or compression. You’ll hear more of the tactile elements of your playing — more of your fingertips, a pick touching the strings, the subtle nuance of a guitarist’s natural sound. I think of this as a player-reflective version of a koa guitar — you get more control over what you sound like.”
