Warm, expressive and visually understated, the Taylor 2026 Catch Custom C0798 Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar blends earthy tonewoods with refined Builder’s Edition comfort. Built in extremely limited numbers as part of Taylor’s Catch Custom program, this distinctive instrument pairs a striped western red cedar top with neo-tropical mahogany back and sides to produce a detailed, overtone-rich voice that rewards a lighter touch. Cedar’s quick response and lush harmonic character combine beautifully with mahogany’s woody midrange depth for a balanced and intimate tonal palette. Inside, Taylor’s V-Class bracing enhances sustain and pitch accuracy while maintaining the natural warmth of the tonewoods. A neo-tropical mahogany neck paired with a genuine West African ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability, while the Expression System 2 electronics capture the guitar’s voice with remarkable clarity for stage and studio performance.

Western Red Cedar and Mahogany for Warm, Responsive Tone

A striped western red cedar top forms the tonal heart of the C0798, prized for its quick responsiveness and warm, overtone-rich character. Cedar responds immediately to the player’s touch, making it particularly rewarding for fingerstyle techniques and expressive dynamics. Paired with neo-tropical mahogany back and sides, the guitar develops a focused midrange voice with woody warmth and excellent note definition. The versatile Grand Auditorium body balances projection and articulation across a wide range of playing styles, while Taylor’s V-Class bracing helps organize the instrument’s resonance for greater sustain and tonal balance.

Mahogany Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Smooth Playability

A neo-tropical mahogany neck carved to Taylor’s standard profile provides a comfortable, balanced feel that supports both intricate fingerstyle passages and confident strumming. Mahogany’s natural stability and warmth complement the guitar’s cedar and mahogany tonewood pairing, helping maintain a consistent response across the neck. The genuine West African ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, durable playing surface and crisp note articulation, allowing each note to ring with clarity and precision.

Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone

Taylor’s Expression System 2 captures the C0798’s acoustic character with exceptional clarity and dynamic sensitivity. The patented behind-the-saddle pickup design uses three individually calibrated sensors that allow the saddle to maintain full contact with the bridge, preserving the guitar’s natural resonance. Paired with a professional audio-grade preamp and intuitive controls for volume, bass and treble, the ES2 faithfully translates the guitar’s nuanced voice in both stage and recording environments.

Builder’s Edition Comfort and Vintage-Inspired Appointments

Every appointment on this Catch Custom has been meticulously curated to balance high-end aesthetics with an effortless playing feel. Builder’s Edition features—including chamfered body edges, a hand-carved armrest and a beveled cutaway—create a more ergonomic playing experience while maintaining the guitar’s elegant silhouette. Iridescent mother-of-pearl details add subtle visual movement throughout the instrument, including a single-ring rosette and Large Engraved Diamonds fretboard inlays. The peghead inlay recalls a distinctive design used on Taylor’s early 900 Series guitars, lending a touch of vintage-inspired charm. Gotoh 510 antique chrome tuners with black buttons provide smooth, reliable tuning stability while completing the guitar’s understated aesthetic.

A Limited-Edition Catch Custom Built for Effortless Expression

With its cedar and mahogany tonewood pairing, ergonomic Builder’s Edition design and refined vintage-inspired details, the Taylor 2026 Catch Custom C0798 offers a playing experience defined by warmth, responsiveness and comfort. V-Class bracing and Taylor’s modern construction techniques refine the guitar’s voice while preserving the organic character of its tonewoods. Produced in extremely limited numbers, this Catch Custom stands as a thoughtful expression of Taylor craftsmanship and tonal artistry.