Introduction
For over four decades, Taylor Guitars has been pushing the boundaries of acoustic guitar design and craftsmanship. Based in sunny El Cajon, California, the company was founded in 1974 by master luthiers Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. Since then, Taylor has established itself as one of the most respected and innovative guitar brands in the world. Their guitars are prized by professional musicians and discerning collectors for their outstanding tone, playability and reliability.
In 1999, Taylor introduced the Builder’s Edition line of premium acoustic guitars. As the name suggests, Builder’s Edition models showcase the finest work of Taylor’s master builders. They utilize special tonewoods, appointments and design features not found on Taylor’s standard line. Builder’s Edition models are aimed at the most demanding players and collectors seeking the pinnacle of Taylor craftsmanship.
The subject of this review, the Taylor Builder’s Edition 717, represents the flagship Grand Pacific dreadnought model. The 717 combines Taylor’s groundbreaking V-Class bracing architecture with their new Grand Pacific body style. Keep reading to learn what makes this special guitar stand out even among Taylor’s elite Builder’s Edition collection.
The Grand Pacific Dreadnought Body Style
The Grand Pacific dreadnought body style is Taylor’s modern take on the classic dreadnought acoustic shape. At its core, it has the same width and depth as a traditional dreadnought, with the lower bout measuring 16 inches across and the body depth reaching 4 5/8 inches. However, Taylor has incorporated two key design innovations that set the Grand Pacific apart.
First is the use of softened, sloped shoulders rather than the hard shoulder edges found on most dreadnoughts. This not only improves player comfort by removing the sharp edge that can dig into your strumming arm, it also allows more freedom of movement up and down the fretboard. The sloped shoulder combined with Taylor’s signature cutaway provides excellent upper fret access for leads and solos.
Secondly, Taylor has shifted the internal bracing of the Grand Pacific body to optimize its tonal balance. By moving the braces slightly, it increases the bass response and projection from the dreadnought body. The result is a very open, balanced voice with clear low end, sparkling highs, and a strong midrange punch.
The Grand Pacific’s tone lands right between a traditional boxy dreadnought sound and Taylor’s warmer, focused Grand Auditorium tone. Strumming elicits a bold, vibrant voice while fingerpicking brings out the articulate bass and crystalline highs. Overall, the Grand Pacific dreadnought is slightly bigger-sounding than the Grand Auditorium while maintaining excellent playing comfort. The sloped shoulders give it a vintage look reminiscent of pre-World War II dreadnoughts. For players that find some dreads too bass-heavy or boxy, the Grand Pacific hits a sweet spot of tone, playability and classic aesthetics.
V-Class Bracing: A Breakthrough in Acoustic Design
Andy Powers, Taylor’s master guitar designer, developed a revolutionary new bracing architecture called V-Class bracing. Instead of the traditional X-bracing pattern found in most steel-string acoustics, V-Class utilizes vertically aligned braces attached to the back of the guitar top.
This innovative design provides a number of tonal and playability benefits compared to standard X-bracing:
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The vertical braces allow more top vibration, increasing volume, sustain, and dynamic range. Notes ring out with more clarity and resonance.
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The stiffer construction better transmits string vibration through the soundboard for improved intonation. Chords are more in-tune across the neck.
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Energy transfer is more evenly distributed to each string. No one register overpowers another, providing tonal balance.
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Articulation and separation between notes is enhanced. Complex fingerpicking passages sound clearer.
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The guitar is more responsive and easy to play. Musicians have praised the V-Class models for their expressiveness and "piano-like" feel.
So in summary, V-Class bracing represents a leap forward in acoustic guitar design. It boosts volume and sustain while improving intonation and playability compared to traditional bracing patterns. This proprietary Taylor innovation is a big reason for the 717’s "voice" and premium performance.
Tonewoods & Appointments
The Builder’s Edition 717 utilizes premium tonewoods selected for their acoustic properties and striking visual aesthetics. The top is crafted from torrefied Sitka spruce, a type of spruce that undergoes a specialized roasting process to enhance its resonance and projection. The back and sides are made from stunning Indian rosewood, prized for its rich overtones and beautifully varied grain patterns.
Visually, the 717 really stands out thanks to its unique appointments and finish options. The standard Natural model allows the wood’s beauty to shine through, while the Wild Honey Burst finish adds an eye-catching sunburst effect. Taylor’s signature beveled armrest provides playing comfort, and the single-ring rosette and grained ivoroid binding add vintage style. The cutaway on the lower bout enables easy upper fret access, making the 717 as gorgeous to look at as it is comfortable to play.
Playability & Feel
When you first pick up the 717, you’ll immediately notice how comfortable and natural it feels to hold. The overall weight and balance is excellent thanks to the Grand Pacific body design. At just under 4.5 pounds, it has a nice heft without feeling cumbersome on a strap or in your lap.
The neck has a very playable medium profile that Taylor calls "Neo-Tropical Mahogany." It feels smooth and slim without being flat or overly thin. The fretboard edges have a nice roundedness to them that makes chord changes very fluid. There’s plenty of room between the frets for clear note separation too.
Access up the fretboard is helped by the Grand Pacific’s cutaway and sloped shoulder. You can easily reach those high notes on the 20th fret and beyond. The factory setup from Taylor is outstanding, with low action and buzz-free playability. The guitar arrived perfectly tuned and required no adjustments to the truss rod or bridge height. Intonation up and down the neck is spot on.
Overall, the 717’s ergonomic design makes it feel like an extension of your body. It’s a very inviting guitar that encourages you to pick it up and play for hours on end. Both fingerstyle and strumming are a joy thanks to the comfortable neck profile and accessible upper register.
Sound & Tone
The Taylor Builder’s Edition 717 produces a rich, articulate unplugged tone with impressive dynamic range. When strumming, it projects with volume and authority thanks to the V-Class bracing and Grand Pacific body shape. The notes ring out with sustain, and chords have excellent definition. Treble notes have sparkle yet are never harsh or brittle. The 717 also excels when playing fingerstyle, with warm and nuanced articulation that responds beautifully to different hand techniques.
The 717 has a very natural amplified tone when plugged in. The Expression System 2 pickup faithfully translates the guitar’s inherent acoustic characteristics. The EQ controls allow shaping the tone while retaining organic resonance. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, the 717 produces an exceptional amplified voice. The ES2 is accessible yet sophisticated, giving players versatility without compromising the 717’s world-class acoustic tone.
Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, Taylor’s reputation precedes them. As one of the most esteemed acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world, they’ve built their name on meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The 717 Builder’s Edition is no exception, showcasing Taylor’s impeccable standards for domestic manufacturing.
This guitar is entirely hand-built at Taylor’s factory in El Cajon, California by their team of skilled luthiers. The fit and finish on the 717 is flawless, with tight tolerances and expertly dressed frets. Opening the case reveals a guitar that’s seemingly untouched by human hands thanks to Taylor’s high degree of automation. Yet upon closer inspection, the masterful craftsmanship shines through.
The 717 model we reviewed exhibited perfect bookmatching of the figured maple binding along with clean and consistent edge routing. The Wild Honey Burst finish has an exquisite sunburst pattern. And the Indian rosewood is grade-A in terms of aesthetic appeal. Overall, the 717 represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s build quality, living up to its premium billing. It’s a stunning and highly playable instrument right out of the case, built to last a lifetime.
Cost & Value
The Taylor Builder’s Edition 717 carries a premium price tag, even by Taylor’s standards. At an MSRP of $4,999, it sits near the very top of Taylor’s acoustic guitar lineup in terms of cost. While not cheap by any means, this pricing is justified when you consider the 717’s build quality, materials, and collectibility.
Compared to other high-end American-made acoustic guitars, the 717 is competitively priced. Its chief competitors like Martin’s D-45 and Gibson’s J-45 Rosewood Custom retail for similar amounts. While not inexpensive, the 717’s price reflects its status as a top-tier instrument handcrafted in the USA.
When examining value, it’s also important to consider potential resale value. Limited run Builder’s Edition models like the 717 tend to hold their value exceptionally well on the used market. This is especially true for desirable specs like the Wild Honey Burst finish. While no investment, the 717 is likely to retain its value better than lower-end imports.
Who Is the Builder’s Edition 717 For?
The Taylor Builder’s Edition 717 is designed for discerning players who appreciate top-tier craftsmanship and seek the ultimate in acoustic guitar tone and playability. While versatile for various musical genres, it truly shines for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and studio musicians.
As the flagship Grand Pacific model with Taylor’s premium appointments, the 717 caters to professional musicians who rely on their instruments for recording and live performance. The expanded tonal range and dynamic response afforded by the V-Class bracing make it an exceptional studio guitar. Singer-songwriters will appreciate the balanced tone that provides the perfect supporting bed for vocals. For fingerstylists, the 717’s articulation and note separation allow for complex arrangements to be heard with clarity.
While suitable for any genre, the 717 is particularly well suited to styles like folk, pop, country, blues, and rock where dynamic control and responsive playability are essential. The slightly scooped midrange provides punch for strumming while the clear treble and tight bass supply the tonal nuance needed for fingerpicking. The V-Class bracing allows the 717 to excel in both arenas.
As part of the Builder’s Edition line, the 717 appeals to discerning collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the pinnacle of Taylor’s design and USA craftsmanship. The elegant aesthetics and limited availability also contribute to the 717’s collectible status. For Taylor aficionados seeking the ultimate expression of Andy Powers’ vision, the Builder’s Edition 717 Grand Pacific represents the height of acoustic guitar artistry.
Conclusion
The Taylor Builder’s Edition 717 is a true masterpiece of acoustic guitar craftsmanship that justifies its premium price tag. Throughout this review, we’ve covered all the details on the 717’s design, materials, sound, playability, and build quality that contribute to it being one of the finest acoustic guitars money can buy.
To summarize, the 717 absolutely nails that big, bold Taylor dreadnought tone thanks to the resonance of its torrefied spruce and Indian rosewood paired with Taylor’s revolutionary V-Class bracing architecture. It’s extremely responsive and dynamic, with the clarity and sustain to handle anything from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming. The Grand Pacific body shape gives it enhanced projection and bass while feeling comfortable and ergonomic to play.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this guitar, from the immaculate bookmatched wood grain patterns to the smooth beveled armrest. It exhibits Taylor’s best USA craftsmanship through and through. Serious players will appreciate the 717’s inspiring tone and ability to excel in any musical situation.
As a limited-run Builder’s Edition model, the 717 also holds collectible value that makes it an investment. To conclude, if you’re looking for the pinnacle of Taylor design within the dreadnought format, the 717 is a stunning achievement worthy of a place in any discerning guitarist’s collection. It’s quite simply one of the best acoustic guitars money can buy.