Introduction
Taylor Guitars is renowned for their high-quality acoustic guitars, having pioneered the use of modern acoustic guitar shapes and tonewoods since the company’s founding in 1974. The California-based guitar maker has since expanded into electric guitars and other instruments, but is still best known for finely crafted acoustic guitars used by everyone from beginners to touring pros.
In 2007, Taylor entered the hybrid acoustic-electric market with the release of the T5 guitar. The T5 blended electric guitar attributes like a semi-hollow body and humbucking pickups together with Taylor’s acoustic guitar expertise. This allowed players to switch between pure acoustic tones and electric sounds with overdrive and effects, all in one instrument.
While revolutionary, the original T5 had a thinner, feedback-prone body than traditional Taylor acoustics. In 2018, Taylor aimed to improve on the T5 formula with the release of the T5z series. These new hybrids featured a redesigned body with sleeker contours, a more acoustic-friendly voicing, and updated electronics.
The T5z line expanded to include various models with different premium tonewoods and appointments, culminating in the opulent T5z Custom series. These top-tier T5z Custom guitars blend exotic tonewoods and deluxe accoutrements with Taylor’s pursuit of the ultimate hybrid acoustic-electric.
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Overview of the Taylor T5z Series
The Taylor T5z series represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s hollowbody hybrid guitar lineup. First introduced in 2008, the T5z improves upon the original T5 design in several key ways:
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Slimmer semi-hollow body design provides a comfortable playing experience while still offering the resonance of a hollowbody instrument. The rim depth is 2.625" compared to 3.5" on the original T5.
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Proprietary Taylor V-Cable and Expression System 2 electronics with three pickups. Includes a humbucker and single coil pickup for electric tones, along with a body sensor for crisp acoustic tones.
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5-way pickup selector switch provides an array of acoustic and electric voices. Easily switch between pure acoustic, blended acoustic-electric, and pure electric tones.
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High quality tonewood construction, often using premium exotic woods like koa, cocobolo and maple. Models may also feature mahogany, sapele, ovangkol and other tonewoods.
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Satin neck finish for smooth playability. Fretboard and bridge materials vary by model.
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Available with optional ES2 electronics and pickup configurations for even more tonal options.
The goal of the T5z series is to offer maximum tonal versatility in one guitar. It aims to be the ultimate gigging instrument whether you need acoustic resonance or electric crunch. Taylor has refined the hybrid design over the years to create their most playable and best sounding hybrid guitar lineup yet.
Taylor T5z Custom Models
The Taylor T5z Custom comes in several variants featuring different tonewoods and finishes to suit different styles and budgets:
T5z Custom Koa
The T5z Custom Koa features a figured koa top, back, and sides paired with a gloss finish that beautifully shows off the wood’s grain patterns and coloration. Koa imparts a balanced and clear tone with plenty of warmth. The T5z Custom Koa starts at $3,499.
T5z Custom Cocobolo
For players seeking a more exotic tonewood, the limited edition T5z Custom Cocobolo contains a top, back, and sides made from the rare and dense cocobolo tree. This guitar has a vibrant and complex voice with clear highs and tight lows. The T5z Custom Cocobolo also comes in an elegant vintage sunburst finish.
T5z Custom Maple
The most affordable T5z Custom option uses a maple top and back paired with a natural satin finish. Maple provides excellent clarity and articulation. The T5z Custom Maple starts at $2,999, delivering great value for players who want premium quality without breaking the bank.
The use of different tonewoods allows the T5z Custom range to appeal to players with diverse tonal tastes, while the build quality and attention to detail remains uniformly excellent across all models.
T5z Custom Koa Review
The T5z Custom Koa model stands out for its exceptional good looks and premium build quality. The top, back, and sides are all made from gorgeous AAA-grade koa wood with a striking grain pattern and figure. The gloss finish really allows the wood’s beauty to shine through.
In terms of feel, the T5z Custom Koa has a comfortable and balanced body shape thanks to Taylor’s signature ergonomic design. The guitar sits nicely against the body and the slim neck profile makes it very playable, even for extended practice or gigging sessions. The koa body resonates warmly when strummed acoustically.
The Koa model produces a balanced and articulate unplugged acoustic tone. It has enough crispness and shimmer in the high end, along with full low mids and lows. The projection is excellent, allowing the T5z Koa to hold its own for acoustic gigs. When plugged in, it delivers a diverse range of electric tones – from bright and acoustic-like, to thick and saturated. The pickup system is very responsive, allowing for versatility across many genres.
Overall, the looks, feel, and acoustic/electric sound of the T5z Custom Koa make it one of the most appealing models in the T5z lineup. The premium koa wood and gloss finish result in a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.
Electronics and Versatility
The Taylor T5z Custom features a versatile proprietary pickup and electronics system that allows it to produce a wide range of acoustic and electric tones. It has three different pickups:
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Two humbucking pickups located near the bridge to capture the strings’ vibration and produce electric tones. Humbuckers provide a thick, rich sound perfect for overdriven electric tones.
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One hidden body sensor built into the guitar’s top to capture the natural acoustic resonance of the hollow body. This allows the T5z to mimic an acoustic guitar unplugged when amplified.
The pickups are blended using a 5-way switch on the top bout. The switch gives you access to different pickup combinations, allowing you to dial in everything from shimmering acoustic tones to snarling electric voices.
In position 1, only the body sensor is active for a pure acoustic tone. Position 2 brings in one humbucker for a blend of acoustic and electric. Position 3 activates both humbuckers for a straight electric tone. Positions 4 and 5 alter the coil tapping and phase of the humbuckers for even more tonal options.
There are also volume and tone knobs to further shape the EQ. Pulling up on the volume knob engages the Varitone circuit, which acts like a mid-range EQ for acoustic voices. The tone knob rolls off the highs when turned down.
With the blend of pickups and controls, the T5z Custom provides exceptional tonal versatility within one instrument. It can convincingly cover acoustic genres like folk and pop, while also excelling at electric tones for rock, blues, country and more. This makes it an extremely versatile choice for gigging musicians.
Build Quality and Attention to Detail
The Taylor T5z Custom is built to the highest standards that players expect from a premium guitar brand like Taylor. There is incredible attention to detail that goes into creating each T5z Custom, with small touches that enhance both the look and structural integrity of the instrument.
For example, the binding along the edges of the guitar body and neck is not just decorative – it also strengthens the guitar. The T5z Custom uses multiple wood laminates for the binding, providing extra stability and protection against warping or cracks. The binding is also finished smoothly and cleanly thanks to precision cutting and fitting.
The T5z showcases premium tonewoods throughout its construction. The specific woods used vary by model, but may include exotic and rare varieties like koa, cocobolo, maple, and mahogany. Only the best cuts of these tonewoods make the grade for a T5z Custom. The wood is carefully chosen for its beauty, resonance, and stability.
Intricate abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays adorn the fretboard, headstock, and body. The fretwork is immaculate and smoothly finished. The neck is carved for comfort and fast playability. The hardware including the tuners and bridge are top-notch, coming from respected brands like Gotoh.
The gloss finishes on most T5z Custom models allow the wood grain to shine through in a clear yet thick protective coat. Even the back plates for the electronics cavities are decorated with an engraved Taylor logo. It’s this attention to even the smallest details that makes the T5z a special instrument. Everything comes together seamlessly thanks to Taylor’s expert craftsmanship and quality control.
Who is the T5z Custom For?
The Taylor T5z Custom is ideal for serious guitar players who need a versatile instrument that can handle just about any musical scenario. While it comes at a premium price point, the T5z Custom is designed to meet the demands of working musicians who play a wide variety of genres and venues.
First and foremost, the T5z Custom is perfect for gigging guitarists who need one great-sounding and great-looking guitar that can seamlessly switch between acoustic and electric tones. The T5z’s unique pickup system and tone controls make it easy to dial in anything from shimmering acoustics to roaring rock tones. This allows guitarists to use a single guitar for an entire gig, whether they’re playing jazz standards, country songs, classic rock anthems, or anything in between. No more switching instruments on stage or traveling with multiple guitars.
The T5z Custom’s versatility also makes it a top choice for session guitarists who are called upon to record various styles in the studio. It’s that one "desert island" guitar that can nail acoustic picking, chicken pickin’ Tele twang, and screaming rock solos with the turn of a knob.
Additionally, the T5z excels for guitarists who play contemporary church music or worship styles. The guitar provides both rich acoustic rhythm tones alongside electric lead tones for solos and accent licks. Praise bands will love its flexibility.
While not strictly required to unlock the T5z’s potential, intermediate to advanced players can truly take advantage of its nuanced acoustic and electric voices. Less experienced players may be better served by a more straightforward acoustic-electric.
In summary, the player who needs one great guitar for gigging, session work, songwriting, practicing, or recording is the ideal buyer for the T5z Custom. While not cheap, it provides incredible flexibility and quality for working guitarists.
Alternatives to Consider
The T5z Custom occupies a fairly unique niche as a premium American-made hybrid guitar, but there are some other options to consider in the hybrid guitar market:
Godin Multiac Steel: The Godin Multiac Steel is a similarly versatile hybrid guitar that combines electric and acoustic elements. It has a slim hollow body with a cedar top and mahogany back/sides, as well as an acoustic/electric pickup system designed by LR Baggs. The Multiac Steel delivers a nice range of acoustic and electric tones at a more affordable price point around $1,500-$2,000. The build quality and attention to detail may not be on par with the T5z Custom, but it’s still a high quality instrument made in North America.
Michael Kelly Hybrid Special: Michael Kelly offers their take on a hybrid guitar with the Hybrid Special model. It has a smaller, semi-hollow mahogany body with a maple top and Fishman electronics. The Hybrid Special sells for around $1,000, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the T5z. While it won’t match the Taylor in craftsmanship or tone, it provides versatile electric/acoustic performance for gigging.
Taylor 322ce: Players who want great Taylor acoustic tone without the electric component could consider the 322ce. It’s an all-solid wood grand auditorium model with Taylor’s Expression pickup system. The 322ce sells for around $2,000, so it’s more affordable than the T5z Custom. You lose the electric versatility, but gain Taylor’s renowned acoustic craftsmanship.
Composite Acoustics Cargo Deluxe: Composite Acoustics makes carbon fiber acoustic guitars like the Cargo Deluxe. It’s not a true hybrid, but offers amplified acoustic tones and stage-ready durability. The slim, lightweight carbon fiber build is great for players who do a lot of standing and want reliable electronics without feedback. It sells for around $2,500.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Gorgeous figured Koa wood top, back, and sides give the T5z Custom Koa a stunning visual appeal that stands out
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The semi-hollowbody design provides balanced and articulate acoustic tones with nice projection
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Taylor’s excellent build quality with premium appointments like binding, inlays, and tuners
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Versatile electric tones from bright and jangly to thick and saturated
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5-way pickup selector switch makes it easy to dial in different acoustic and electric voices
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Ergonomic body shape and neck profile provide hours of playing comfort
Cons:
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High price tag puts it out of reach for more budget-conscious players
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The unplugged acoustic tones may be overly bright for some players’ tastes
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Not as affordable or accessible as Taylor’s lower-priced models
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Electronics may feel overwhelming for players used to simple plug-and-play acoustic-electrics
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Less vintage vibe than some players want in an acoustic guitar
Conclusion
The Taylor T5z Custom is a truly exceptional hybrid guitar that delivers the best of both acoustic and electric worlds. With its hollowbody design, premium tonewoods, and versatile electronics, it provides incredible tonal options that can handle just about any musical genre or playing situation.
For serious guitarists who want one great guitar to cover all their needs, whether recording, gigging, or just practice at home, the T5z Custom represents one of the finest options available today. It justifies its premium pricing with Taylor’s renowned build quality and attention to detail. Everything from the beautiful gloss finishes to the binding and inlays show off masterful craftsmanship that makes the T5z Custom feel like a high-end instrument.
When plugged in, the T5z Custom’s proprietary pickup system and tone controls make it simple to dial in everything from sparkling acoustic tones to thick, growling electric voices. The guitar’s comfortable ergonomics and excellent playability also make it a joy to play for long periods.
Overall, the Taylor T5z Custom earns an enthusiastic recommendation. While not cheap, it delivers tremendous value by combining incredible acoustic and electric tones in one guitar. For professional guitarists or dedicated hobbyists, it’s an investment worth making if your budget allows. You simply won’t find many other guitars that can match the T5z Custom’s versatility and premium quality. It’s the pinnacle of Taylor’s hybrid guitar engineering and well worth checking out.