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  1. Guitars
  2. Acoustic Guitars

Summer NAMM 2016: Redesigned 700 and new 800 Deluxe series lead Taylor Guitars' charge

News
By Guitarist, Total Guitar, MusicRadar ( Total Guitar, Guitarist ) published 30 June 2016

Acoustic specialist also add new rosewood 400s

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Redesigned 700 Series and more

Redesigned 700 Series and more

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Taylor Guitars has refreshed its lineup in Nashville, launching a redesigned 700 Series and an all-new deluxe 800 Series, as well as adding new rosewood models to its 400s.

“Here at Taylor Guitars, we are deeply committed to making the best instruments we can in order to inspire musicians and their ongoing musical pursuits,” said Andy Powers, Master Guitar Designer, Taylor Guitars. “This summer, we are thrilled to introduce our latest collection of advanced instruments, and we hope they spark fresh musical experiences.”

The redesigned 700 series

PRESS RELEASE: Taylor’s design team has been hard at work redesigning the company’s rosewood/spruce 700 Series, one of the few remaining guitar classes in the Taylor acoustic line that hasn’t undergone a makeover in the past couple of years.

The redesigned 700 Series features several tonal enhancements including Lutz spruce tops (provides a higher volume ceiling), Performance bracing and protein glue.

With the new 700 Series, players can expect all of rosewood’s musical richness, anchored by a strong fundamental focus that gives back whatever the player puts into the guitar and making these instruments great for the stage.

Aesthetically, the new 700 Series guitars are both rootsy and refined with wood-rich details and other touches that artfully showcase Taylor’s high-end craftsmanship.

The new 700’s feature:

• Optional Western Sunburst Top—The new color gradient features toasted honey-brown hues to complement rosewood’s variegation and the wood binding, top trim and pickguard

• Douglas Fir Herringbone Rosette—Three-ring design incorporates mirrored, bias-cut Douglas fir strips in a herringbone-style motif, integrated with maple/black trim

• Koa Binding—Light, non-figured Hawaiian koa binding includes a back strip

• Half-Herringbone Top Edge Trim—Bias-cut end-grain Douglas fir with maple/blackaccents

• Green Abalone “Reflections” Fretboard Inlay—Inspired by traditional shapes that were recomposed in a fresh way. Each element is a mirrored reflection of its opposing piece, creating a progressive symmetry

• Weathered Brown Pickguard—Mottled brown hues and a matte finish suggest the textured patina of worn leather

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Rosewood Models join the 400 Series

Rosewood Models join the 400 Series

PRESS RELEASE: In response to the popularity of rosewood on other guitar models, the 400 Series will now feature rosewood editions with an “R” in the model name (i.e. 414ce-R).

The new rosewood models include the same mix and appointments as ovangkol counterparts, also paired with a Sitka spruce top.

One spec change for both Dreadnought models: The standard nut width is 1-11/16 inches (1- 3/4 inch nut width is available as an option). Featured models include the 410e-R, 414ce-R and the 416ce-R.

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
800 Deluxe Series

800 Deluxe Series

PRESS RELEASE: Taylor also announced a new “Deluxe” class of 800 Series guitars that boast three additional ultra-premium features: a new radius armrest, Adirondack spruce bracing, and Gotoh chrome tuners.

The maple radius armrest incorporates a beautifully contoured rosewood insert, has rosewood top edge trim, and is narrower and more rounded than the beveled armrest featured on the 900/Presentation Series.

Otherwise, the 800 Deluxe models sport all of the same tone-enhancing and other aesthetic features of the standard 800 Series, which was redesigned in 2014.

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Special Edition Quilted Maple 214ce-QM Deluxe

Special Edition Quilted Maple 214ce-QM Deluxe

PRESS RELEASE: Gorgeous quilted maple is the star of this new guitar. Layered-wood back/side construction features outer and inner veneers of quilted maple, a central core of poplar, and a solid Sitka spruce top.

The Hard Rock maple neck adds a matching blonde color tone to the natural-finish maple/spruce body. This new edition comes as a Venetian cutaway with ES2 electronics and a Taylor hardshell case.

Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
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Gibson Special Acoustics [l-r]: the J-45, L-00 and Hummingbird get the Special treatment, with satin finishes and a stripped-down but pro-quality instrument that's ready for the stage.
“A package that’s simply perfect for songwriting and rehearsing”: Gibson gives three of its most-iconic acoustic guitars a Special makeover
Fender American Vintage II Series 2025 new models: a still from Fender's promo video pictures the '51 Tele in Prototype White, the '57 Strat in Black, P-Bass in Olympic White, the exquisite all-new '65 Stratocaster in Candy Apple Red (one of three finish options) and the '66 Jazzmaster in Sherwood Green Metallic.
“A perfect example of a Strat in a transition year”: Fender expands American Vintage II series with fresh finishes, a ’51 Tele with a prototype paint job and a super classy reproduction of a 1965 Stratocaster
Martin Jr. Series: this new affordable run from the high-end acoustic brand comprises a range of travel-friendly instruments with a regular 24.9" scale. Here the range is pictured against a green background.
“Your full-scale companion. Anytime. Anywhere… the perfect companion to your full-size Martin”: Meet the Junior Series, the new small-bodied, travel-friendly acoustic range from Martin
Tosin Abasi plays his 8-string Abasi Concepts Larada at a 2022 NAMM show
“I really like that you can sweep pick on this thing, so it gets you the nylon-string sound without the physical limitations”: Tosin Abasi issues update on Abasi Concepts' much-anticipated hybrid nylon-string
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“It embodies the spirit, vision, and talent that has driven Margo to stardom and continues the nature-themed model tradition of Gibson”: Country star Margo Price and the Gibson Custom Shop team up for stunning double-guard J-45 acoustic
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