Do you still like your Taylor Grand Pacific?

[RussL30]

I've put off playing one of these for 4 years because I was big fan of Taylor dreadnoughts and i hated that Powers chose to quit making the dreadnoughts in favor of these. Today I stopped by a local guitar store to get some strings and they had an AD17 blacktop and a 517 honey burst.

I swallowed my pride and asked to play them. I played the AD first and really liked it for the price point. Then I played the 517 and man it sounded good. I'm no fan of Andy Powers and the direction Taylor has gone, but man that 517 sounded like an old broken in guitar .

If haven't seen much discussion of these models lately after all the hype so I was wondering if those of you that initially bought one were still enjoying them or if you sold them off. I'd really like to try a 717 and compare it to my DN8 now.

[Rev Roy]

I had a 717BE for a while. Fun guitar and the GPs are the only V-braced Taylors that sound good to me. The tone has some warmth and character. I moved it along after about a year because it seemed neck heavy to me and the “Silent Satin” finished was slippery in my lap when I played seated (which I do 100% of the time). Still, it was a fine guitar and well worth you checking out.

[dhodgeh]

I bought a 717 BE right after they came out. Still playing it regularly, but I do agree with Rev Roy's comment about it being a bit neck heavy. I'm also not a fan of the strap button being on the back side of the guitar. Not a big deal since I play sitting most of the time. If I'm going to be playing standing, I'll use a different guitar.

Without a doubt, it is the best playing acoustic that I own.

D

[BluesKing777]

I still have my 717E bought in the FGH....(First Great Hype) .

Great sound, great neck, great guitar!

I was considering a smaller Taylor GC to replace it but the 717E compound carve neck is not on a GC, so far......or THAT case.

I also had the ‘slipping off the knee’ problem, mentioned it here somewhere and someone suggested placing a small real chamois on the lap/contact point. One day I was at a motoring supplies type of shop and bought a brand new real leather chamois - it works! No more slipping! And it is handy for other slippery guitars like a big fat heavy National Tricone!

BluesKing777.

[SalFromChatham]

I don’t have my AD17 anymore. I don’t know why. GAS and impulsiveness I suppose..

Used these go for under a grand, and they are awesome guitars. I don’t have it anymore, but it’s a great model. I love the GP shape.

[steelvibe]

I love the sound of the AD27, bringing what I absolutely love about a mahogany top, while bringing seemingly more dynamic range and clarity not typically heard in mahogany topped guitars. Have any of you guys bought them for purposes other than banging out chords with a pick? Asking since I play with my fingers, even when I strum.

[Lillis]

Sweetwater sure has a nice deal on the Ad27’s right now. Just FYI

[ribsareyummy]

Originally Posted by Lillis

Sweetwater sure has a nice deal on the Ad27’s right now. Just FYI

Wow, you're not kidding. That's actually pretty astonishing. Blowing out the non-shaded edgeburst models, I guess.

[jbrnigan]

I have played a Tacoma DR-12 (Spruce/Rosewood) for 20+ years. Earlier this year I played and purchased an AD17e, Natural (since discontinued). I'm primarily a finger picker. I changed the strings to Elixir Med/Lt's and the AD17 is now my go to guitar for gigging. It plays well and sounds awesome. I've had a number of "other" guitars over the years, that went to new homes, but, the Taylor is a keeper for me. In fact, I am considering another Taylor - 717e (or Martin D-28) to replace my aging Tacoma - must be spruce and rosewood.

[steelvibe]

Originally Posted by Lillis

Sweetwater sure has a nice deal on the Ad27’s right now. Just FYI

Haha! $1200 for an all-solid, brand new, El Cajon made Taylor is an amazing deal!

[RussL30]

Thanks for the all input so far!

I've never been interested in these models but now I want to get my hands on some more. I saw a couple comments about being neck heavy and I noticed that the 517 was heavier compared to the ad17 but that might have been due to electronics. I'll also pay attention to how the satin sits on my leg next time.

I'm going to Nashville in two weeks to see Stapleton and George Strait so I'll definitely try and find a few more to play while I'm there.

I don't have a lot of experience with mahogany tops but the ad27 Sweetwater deal is defitnely a great deal.

[martingitdave]

I've played a few that I like. I've played a few that I didn't like as a dreadnought fan. I think Gibson fans might like these a little more than Martin fans.

[mas30066]

Originally Posted by RussL30

Thanks for the all input so far!

I've never been interested in these models but now I want to get my hands on some more. I saw a couple comments about being neck heavy and I noticed that the 517 was heavier compared to the ad17 but that might have been due to electronics. I'll also pay attention to how the satin sits on my leg next time.

I'm going to Nashville in two weeks to see Stapleton and George Strait so I'll definitely try and find a few more to play while I'm there.

I don't have a lot of experience with mahogany tops but the ad27 Sweetwater deal is defitnely a great deal.

Could you clear your PMs when you have a moment?

[SpruceTop]

Folks, I like the Taylor Grand Pacific models and bought one, a 2019 Taylor 717e Builder's Edition WHB. So, what is it that folks, besides myself, who've actually bought a Taylor Grand Pacific model, don't like about it? Is it likely the amplified ES2 tone, the acoustic tone, or both?

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Folks, I like the Taylor Grand Pacific models and bought one, a 2019 Taylor 717e Builder's Edition WHB. So, what is it that folks, besides myself, who've actually bought a Taylor Grand Pacific model, don't like about it? Is it likely the amplified ES2 tone, the acoustic tone, or both?

See post #2…