Taylor T5z Hybrid Electric-Acoustic Guitars: A Review of Models & Specs

Even though Taylor staked their claim as a premier manufacturer with acoustic instruments, they knocked it out of the park when they introduced the hybrid electric-acoustic T5z. Easily one of the top selling models across all brands here at The Music Zoo, the T5z is packed with utilitarian features that you will not find in any other guitar. Join us as we explore the Taylor T5z collection of guitars!

What makes the Taylor T5z so unique?

In a nutshell, infinite tonal possibilities are the essence of T5z. Taylor has never been content with playing it safe and joining the endless line of builders issuing their own pre-war copies. Taylor is forward thinking and innovative. Every decision is about tone, feel, playability, and sensibility. They by no means need to build an electric guitar, but if they are going to do it, no '50s slab body knockoff is going to cut it. With innovation at their core, who better to create a true hybrid guitar than a company with such an acoustic-electric heritage?

The T5z sets itself apart by combining Taylor's intimate knowledge of acoustic instrument building, with proprietary acoustic amplification understanding, and most importantly a lethal dose of electric guitar knowhow. The T5z features three pickups mounted to a semi-hollow electric instrument body: a magnetic acoustic body sensor, a concealed neck humbucker, and a visible bridge humbucker. This combination of pickups, controlled with five-way switching, offers everything from searing, high-gain electric leads to warm, rounded acoustic textures. Never before have we seen a hybrid instrument with such a convincing tone. Whether a studio tool, or an all-in-one package for live gigs, the T5z can convincingly pull off beautiful acoustic, hollowbody jazz, and a number of solid body electric tones in one package.

Taylor's Mike Venezia and The Music Zoo's Garrett Hess T5z Rundown Video

Taylor T5z Models & Specs

Explore various models from the Taylor T5z Collection below. Choose from the base natural mahogany finish, familiar solid body electric colors, or show off your personal style with figured and exotic tops. Left handed and 12-string models complete the lineup.

Taylor T5z Product Review

If you have ever considered a hybrid guitar, or if you're tired of bringing both an acoustic and an electric guitar with you to gigs, then we cannot recommend the Taylor T5z enough. There really isn't anything quite like it on the market today. The T5z is dually compatible with both acoustic and electric amplifiers. It literally gets endless tones, from acoustic, to hollowbody, to hard rock. The neck is fast, and the size and shape of the body are both compact and comfortable. Tonally we find them responsive, percussive, and harmonic instruments. We've had as much fun strumming the T5z acoustically on the couch not plugged in as we've had playing with looping pedals and subtle overdriven tones through an acoustic amp. This is one of those guitars that just seems to yield creativity every time you pick it up. You may not entirely replace your Tele, ES-335, or 814ce with the T5z, but we guarantee you'll find yourself utilizing its tonal palette in new, unique, and ongoing ways.

The Taylor T5z is made in the USA in El Cajon, CA alongside the Taylor Acoustic Guitars. Unfortunately no import model is available, so plan on American-made electric guitar prices. Fortunately, Taylor had the foresight to offer the T5z with a number of visual aesthetic options. The T5z Classic is the most affordable of the bunch sporting a basic mahogany top with natural finish, available in both 6 and 12-string configurations, as well as right or left handed. From there you could choose a Classic with a sassafras, koa, or rosewood top, or opt into the Classic Dlx with a number of familiar solid color options. The T5z Standard features a maple top, transparent finish, and upgraded appointments like body and soundhole binding. If you're in search of a professional-grade variant, Taylor offers the aptly named T5z Pro which features a figured big leaf maple top, and a genuine mahogany neck. And of course, the ultimate T5z experience is the Custom Koa with gold hardware, also offered as a 12-string. The Classic will ship in a nice Taylor padded gig bag, while the Standard and Pro ship in the super-slick Taylor Aerocase, and the Custom at the top end price point includes an official hardshell case. We recommend thinking about top wood tonality before making a purchase, but beyond additional personal color choices, we don't think you can go wrong with a T5z in any configuration!

Taylor's Andy Lund Demos the Taylor T5z

The Music Zoo's Garrett Hess Talks Taylor T5z Standard

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