Every year, Taylor unveils a small batch of breathtaking instruments as part of its Catch Custom series—exquisite, one-of-a-kind guitars crafted with rare tonewoods and stunning visual artistry. A stunning addition to the 2025 collection, the Taylor Custom Sinker Cypress-Black Limba 12-Fret Grand Concert acoustic-electric guitar is a masterful blend of old-world craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, designed for both collectors and serious players seeking an extraordinary musical experience. This 12-fret Grand Concert model pairs sinker cypress sourced from ancient riverbeds with solid black limba—a tonewood prized for its warm resonance and midrange complexity. The guitar's design is equally striking, showcasing elegant Art Deco-inspired details, including Euro Deco fretboard and peghead inlays, a single-ring rosette and sophisticated cocobolo binding. Inside, Taylor's revolutionary V-Class bracing enhances volume, sustain and harmonic consistency, making every note ring with impeccable clarity. Outfitted with an LR Baggs Element VTC pickup for pristine amplified sound, this ultra-limited Catch Custom guitar is as inspiring to play as it is to behold.
An Inspired Pairing: Sinker Cypress and Black Limba
This Grand Concert's top is crafted from tight-grained sinker cypress, reclaimed from long-submerged old-growth logs. Known for its responsiveness and rich harmonic content, sinker cypress offers the warmth of cedar with the articulation of spruce, delivering a uniquely expressive voice with a broad dynamic range. The back and sides are both made of solid black limba, a rare tonewood revered for its clear, woody character and exceptional midrange presence. Together, these tonewoods create a sonically balanced guitar with deep lows, shimmering highs and a versatile tonal palette. A hand-sprayed shaded edgeburst finish accentuates the natural beauty of the wood grain, adding a touch of vintage elegance.
Grand Concert Shape With V-Class Bracing
Taylor's Grand Concert shape is designed for players who seek an intimate, articulate voice with exceptional clarity. Slightly smaller than the iconic Taylor Grand Auditorium, this body style reduces overtones, ensuring a well-defined sound ideal for fingerstyle playing and studio recording. The 12-fret Grand Concert design enhances warmth and responsiveness while improving overall playability, thanks to its shorter scale length and repositioned bridge. Taylor's revolutionary V-Class bracing refines the guitar's tonal characteristics by increasing sustain, improving projection and delivering superior intonation across the fretboard. The result is a more harmonious and expressive playing experience.
Art Deco Elegance and Masterful Details
Every detail of the Taylor Custom Sinker Cypress-Black Limba 12-Fret Grand Concert reflects the brand's commitment to artistry. Inspired by the geometric beauty of the Art Deco movement, this meticulously crafted guitar features Euro Deco fretboard and peghead inlays crafted from boxwood and cocobolo. A matching single-ring rosette frames the soundhole, while black/maple/black purfling enhances the top and rosette. Cocobolo binding extends along the body, heel cap and backstrip, further elevating the guitar's refined aesthetic. The headstock is adorned with a boxwood Taylor logo, and the tuning machines feature custom ebony and cocobolo buttons, completing the guitar's sophisticated presentation.
LR Baggs Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone
This Taylor Catch Custom acoustic-electric is equipped with the LR Baggs Element VTC pickup system, renowned for its ability to capture the guitar's full dynamic range with exceptional warmth and clarity. This under-saddle transducer responds to the natural vibration of the soundboard, delivering a rich, organic tone free from the harshness of traditional piezo pickups. An onboard volume and tone control allow for easy sound shaping, ensuring a seamless transition from acoustic to amplified performance. Whether in a studio setting or on stage, this system provides a true representation of this gorgeous guitar's nuanced voice.
A Rare Piece of Pure Taylor Artistry
With only 20 ever made, the Taylor Custom Sinker Cypress-Black Limba 12-Fret Grand Concert acoustic-electric guitar is an extraordinary collector's piece that embodies the pinnacle of Taylor's craftsmanship. From its rare tonewood pairing to its Art Deco-inspired appointments, every element of this guitar reflects a level of artistry reserved for the most exclusive instruments. Whether you're a dedicated player or a discerning collector, this unique Taylor creation is destined to become a cherished heirloom capable of inspiring generations of players with its captivating voice and breathtaking design.