The Taylor Gold Label 817e Grand Pacific acoustic-electric guitar is a bold evolution of Taylor's acclaimed dreadnought-inspired shape, reimagined by master designer Andy Powers for the brand's premium Gold Label Collection. With its deeper body, rich tonewood pairing and next-generation Fanned V-Class bracing, this model delivers commanding acoustic power with remarkable warmth, sustain and clarity. Every element has been engineered for dynamic response, from its torrefied Sitka spruce top and Honduran rosewood body to its long-tenon neck joint and ultra-premium hardware. Whether you're playing solo or with a band, the 817e fills the room with expressive, full-spectrum sound that pushes the Taylor voice into exciting new territory.
Torrefied Spruce and Rosewood for Rich, Resonant Tone
The Gold Label 817e features a torrefied Sitka spruce top that's been heat-treated for a seasoned, aged-in response with increased resonance and dynamic range. The Honduran rosewood back and sides add powerful low-end presence and sparkling highs, offering a tonal profile that rivals Brazilian rosewood in both complexity and projection. This is all housed in Taylor's deeper-bodied Grand Pacific shape, boasting an extra 3/8" of depth that expands the low-frequency response and enhances note blending. It's a guitar that delivers both individual note definition and big, blooming chords—ideal for players who want a robust acoustic voice with refined balance.
New Fanned V-Class Bracing With Hide Glue Construction
At the heart of the 817e's responsive voice is Taylor's new Fanned V-Class bracing—an innovative twist on their signature bracing architecture. In this version, the braces fan out toward the lower bout to fine-tune low-end warmth and midrange richness, while preserving the clarity, sustain and pitch accuracy that V-Class is known for. Crafted with traditional hot hide glue, the bracing and body components form an ultra-responsive, highly resonant whole that breathes easily under your playing dynamics. Combined with the deeper body shape, the result is a commanding acoustic tone that's lively, nuanced and incredibly satisfying.
Ergonomic Mahogany Neck and Elegant Appointments
The 817e's neck is crafted from neo-tropical mahogany and shaped with Taylor's standard profile for a comfortable, familiar hand feel. The long-tenon Action Control Neck design ensures precise alignment and adjustability while enhancing overall sustain. A genuine West African ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing surface, adorned with a custom Continental mother-of-pearl inlay motif. Topping it off are Gotoh 510 antique chrome tuners with ebony buttons, a Honduran rosewood Curve Wing bridge and a tortoise-pattern engraved pickguard—details that reflect the Gold Label's premium status and Andy Powers' artisan touch.
Stage-Ready Sound With LR Baggs Electronics
For live performance and recording, the Gold Label 817e comes equipped with the LR Baggs Element VTC system. Favored by many professionals for its minimal footprint and organic sound, this setup features an undersaddle transducer, soundhole-mounted tone and volume controls and discreet electronics that let the wood speak. It captures the guitar's natural tone with clarity and nuance, faithfully translating everything from delicate fingerstyle passages to dynamic strumming. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the 817e ensures your amplified sound is just as expressive as the acoustic tone.
A Refined Grand Pacific From Taylor's Gold Label Collection
With its premium tonewoods, elegant visual appointments and bold new acoustic architecture, the Taylor Gold Label 817e Grand Pacific acoustic-electric guitar is a true showpiece for collectors and serious players alike. From its torrefied top and hide glue construction to its new bracing and deep-bodied design, every element has been carefully selected to create a distinctive voice with old-soul character and modern refinement. Each Gold Label guitar ships with a deluxe British Cocoa Bronco hardshell case for lasting protection and presentation. This is Taylor tone redefined—bigger, deeper and more expressive than ever.