NGD: Taylor 117e

[Jeremy]

I've been intrigued by the new 100/200 series Taylors with torrefied tops and C-Class bracing. Given that Taylor marketed (and currently still does) C-Class as a variation of V-Class meant to bring more bass out of a smaller body, I was curious why they chose to put it on this one since it's a GP. Perhaps the next step to one day eliminating X-bracing from their lineup entirely (other 100/200 series instruments are getting the same treatment). And since V-Class requires back bracing to make it work (according to Andy), these arched back ones get C-Class instead.

I wasn't a fan of C-Class on the GTs, but on this one I have to say it works. Paired with the torrefied top, this one sounds nothing like I am accustomed to hearing out of a 100 series Taylor. It's robust, full, and well balanced, and chords capo'd and played up the neck resonate very well. I don't find it bright and fundamental like my previous experiences with most 100s, this one has some character.

[SalFromChatham]

I love that. LOVE.

Dang…. Congrats.

[Glennwillow]

Well, very cool, Jeremy! Good for you and super congratulations!

- Glenn

[martingitdave]

Hot dog! That's a great looking guitar. I was looking at the 217e plus when it was announced. Those look like great gig and all-around guitars.

[ribsareyummy]

Vey cool, I've been wondering how the 100/200 series GPs would sound. I'll have to try one out, been looking for something I can take to the lakehouse and not worry too much about.

[Jim Owen]

That’s a cool looking guitar Jeremy. Enjoy.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

I love that. LOVE.

Dang…. Congrats.

Thanks, Sal.

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Well, very cool, Jeremy! Good for you and super congratulations!

- Glenn

Thank you, Glenn!

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Hot dog! That's a great looking guitar. I was looking at the 217e plus when it was announced. Those look like great gig and all-around guitars.

Yeah, the torrefaction gives the top a nice hue. Andy once joked that GP should stand for General Purpose; guess the marketing department didn't have his sense of humor.

Originally Posted by ribsareyummy

Vey cool, I've been wondering how the 100/200 series GPs would sound. I'll have to try one out, been looking for something I can take to the lakehouse and not worry too much about.

I wasn't expecting to like it when I ordered it and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Originally Posted by Jim Owen

That’s a cool looking guitar Jeremy. Enjoy.

Thanks, Jim.

[darylcrisp]

That’s a good looking guitar, the shape and simplicity just look right.

[Goat Mick]

Very nice!!! When Taylor first came out with V Class bracing I thought it was complete hooey but then I got an AD27e Flametop and was immediately a believer. I moved that guitar along because it was extremely bright plugged in and nothing I tried tamed the high end. Next I got a V Class AD12e and I'm extremely happy with it. The new Taylors sound nothing like my '94 710 that I have had for 30 years and I'm really sold on the new Taylor tone. The only C Class Taylor I have is my GTe Blacktop and I've gotta say the bass response and vintage flavored tone it generates is amazing given the smaller body size.

Enjoy your beautiful 117e and be sure to let us know how you feel about it after you get it played in for a few months.

[TomB'sox]

Congrats, that is just a clean, simple, basic, beautiful looking guitar. Beauty in the simplicity right down to a perfectly shaped pick guard.

[Nick84]

That’s a really cool guitar! I love the arched laminate backs on Taylor’s think it adds something. Congrats!

I wish they’d sell this without the ES2 and I’d be very interested!

[ribsareyummy]

I wonder if torrefied tops and C-Class bracing will eventually make their way to the rest of the 100/200 series. Clearly a GP is bigger than a GT, so I presume it could work on a GA. Or maybe they just didn't like the idea of a GP ever having X brace.

[boneuphtoner]

Many congrats and enjoy! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your observations as you break it in.

[davenumber2]

Lovely. I wish they’d stop putting the controls into the body. No good option for removal.

[Lkristians]

Fantastic! Congrats, Jeremy. I want one!