Taylor's New Updated T5z Pro & Custom | Now With Armrests!

[@jmw510]

I’ve been a loyal T5 owner since 2005. I really like the guitar, but it’s good to be aware of its limitations if you never played one. First the neck and action are fabulous and a real joy to play. The drawback is the sound. Having to use electric guitar strings, it never really achieves a decent acoustic tone. It sounds like an electric guitar trying to sound acoustic. Also, on the electric side, it stays pretty mellow, like a jazz guitar. It’s not a real rocker. Like the farmers say, it’s neither fish nor foul. It’s a great guitar for what it is, but like many hybrid things, it does not really satisfy at the extremes. With that said I still love my T5 for what it is. Just keep your eyes wide open as to what you’re buying.

[@fazooleq1523]

*EXACTLY* I was coming here to write this exact statement. I've owned three of them. I think design-wise they are brilliant and probably the most beautiful electric guitars on the market. I own Taylor acoustics and play them almost exclusively, so the IDEA of this guitar is great. I lust after one, and finally cave in and buy it. Then I find that its not acoustic-ey enough for my acoustic songs and not electric enough for my classic rock songs, I saldy give up and sell the guitar. I've done this three times (seriously). Its such a fantastic feeling and looking guitar I keep WANTING it to sound as good, but it just doesn't. I'd grade it like this: Comfort and playability A Aesthetics A+ Electric tone B- Acoustic Tone D+

[@071Tom]

I understand that it is not a true acustic. I am looking for a guitar that I can play in my appartment and not have to plug in to my amp at night but still hear clearly enough to enjoy without disturbing the neighbors.. Would this be a good choice?

[@Lexcoaster]

@@071Tom Yes.

[@RafaelUnplugged]

(Live performance wise via JBL PRX One + Eon One Mk2) I kind of agree but disagree - I have to boost the bass all the way to get the piezo KICK sound out of my T5z, but it has a fantastic sparkle to it via GT-1 with a clean setting for looping and you can get great tones from the electric pickups for solo singer songwriter stuff. It still sounds better plugged in than the first like 10 years of GS Minis plugged in. The newer square / fishman style pickups on the current GS Minis sound much better now, but with wound G electrics round wound this sounds pretty fantastic. I dont think in a blind test you'd be able to tell it was electric strings on a T5z vs another if we're taking through PA system. On the couch though I enjoy playing this too. I pair my T5z with the Acoustasonic Strat (2003-2006 gen) in DADGADb and they're a great pair - but to your point if I was going with two guitars I would probably do a Martin Jr + Silver Sky SE. I'm hoping the Taylor GTs have solved their pickup issues when live and I would go that route. I also hate the fact that I'm gigging with a $3000 guitar (Custom Koa) but at the same time what a shame to have a beautiful guitar that just sits at the house forever. I actually destroyed my top wood picking up my hardshell case unlocked - and Taylor fixed the crack for $300. My heart died for a few weeks haha. I'll try to post some live stuff with the T5z and also via Interface and DAW. Totally different sounds.

[@tulud]

Agreed. I own one. It feels like an electric with no balls. No grit. Too clean. If this guitar was a person it'd be a 40 year old accountant facing a mid-life crisis. I love it though, but man, it's too mellow. No personality or dirt.

[@garlandlabat4922]

A few years ago I sold my 214ce koa LTD and my 414ce and now play the larger size body T5. At age 85, with a bad left shoulder and arthritic fingers, it's the perfect acoustic. It was a change of necessity, but I'm very happy with it. It made playing acoustic possible again (though I have quite a collection of electrics).

[@colinclement2752]

Can I ask your opinion sir, about how it sounds acoustically

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

I love hearing about players keeping going. We had a guy at our open mic who played until he was over 95.

[@McFly-yb7kc]

Jesus Christ that boy can play. I had to stop what I was doing and just sit and marvel at his skill. Amazing

[@guitarnotions]

I am so glad to see the knobs moved! I play in a T5z in church - I cannot tell you how many times I hit the volume knob by mistake on the old design. I just might buy one just because of this change! Awesome instrument!

[@neilsturgeon2996]

Perfect Session! This Video was exactly what i was needing. I just bought the T5Z Pro today, and brought it home. loved the killer sound and feel of it naked. Then i plugged it in and got a bit confused. Like you said, it sounds like itself ( aT5 sound) which has been amazing for me over time. But this is not like any guitar i have plugged in before. This Video gave me most of the answers i was looking for - what do the 5 switch positions do? where are the pickups. and i seriously couldn't figure out with my Blues deluxe what the 3 knobs were actually doing. i expected V, T, B, But, the heavy active nature of them makes them so hot, its like having effects boxes on board. it will take me time to learn this. But damn, i can't wait... I love this thing, and think i am in for a great month of truly embracing this new vibe. note i come from T5 Classic. Thanks you guys. i appreciate you and your effort to kick ass.

[@johncrane6673]

I have owned my T5z for years and I still love it. Hearing Cooper's superb exhibition of what this guitar can do gives me goose-bumps. Which, of course, means I want one.

[@johncrane6673]

The improvements, while a long time coming, are spot-on.

[@QualityTBD]

I've been playing (and loving) my T5z for a couple years now, I'm a "set it and forget it" kinda guy, so moving the controls isn't huge for me, but I definitely get it, the arm bevel is fun, but not a game changer on a guitar that's only 2 inches thick, lol. The only things that would make me want to upgrade is if they moved the battery compartment, which they didn't, and if they upgraded the switching system to be a bit more reliable, which they didn't (that top switch can get a little sticky). If someone out there is considering buying one, I'm sure they'll be as happy with it as I am. And I'm glad Taylor is still messing with stuff

[@mauihi7]

I just bought a T5zPRO, fabulous guitar!

[@86lanzo]

Sold my Koa T5z custom..but loving the new model.. definitely my favorite guitar ever..will definitely do everything to get one of the new pros..that blue one is beautiful

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Nice review/demo guys. Half the stuff you told us about I did not understand, but it sounded spectacular. :)

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Wow that looks amazing koa.

[@kdm_entertainment]

Taylor taylor taylor… Taylor.

[@andavalb]

But what does it sound like compared to the previous T5Z both unplugged and plugged? It seems like the changes are pretty much cosmetic, but how does the lack of the second f hole and the even smaller body with the sculpting change the sound? Please tun an old/new comparison video

[@WilliamWSmith-yb2fl]

Basically sounds and plays the same. Cosmetic upgrades and change to the volume knobs, which I like. However, the price may not be worth the upgrades. It’s a matter of opinion.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

If I could get the new T5Z and a PRS Core 594 singlecut I’d be good to go

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

They are beautiful and the ergonomics seems great but I'd wait for the changes to hit the lower models.

[@Mauriibor1]

i could stayed all night listening cooper jam!

[@darylfortney8081]

Just jumped on the T5z Custom Koa to go with the Circa74 amp also in Custom Koa... can't wait

[@tman6495]

I am yet to hear these great guitars take on some decent overdrive and your bluesy overdrive! Great cleans!

[@marcotonetti]

Wow, man your playing level is well over 9000!!!! 😮

[@scottbailey7605]

They actually do sound great unplugged. They'll never replace an actual acoustic guitar but for late-nite or couch duty, you can use it like an electric or an acoustic. The sound won't fill a room but as long as it reaches your own ears, you will be good to go.

[@natecremeans]

Awesome video fellas!

[@DennieSparkman]

Good information on this guitar. You guys are the best at info on guitars in general. That’s one of several reasons why I subscribe to your channel. We have a Koa Taylor that I bought for my wife and it’s ok. Though it’s not a T5 our Koa is very pretty but I have to admit that I’m not generally a big fan of Taylor guitars. I don’t like a bolt on neck on an acoustic guitar. They also seem way over priced to me as well. Maybe I just need to spend more time with some of these Taylor’s to fall in love.

[@pdbordelon]

Wow that guy can REALLY play!

[@PastorZeke33]

I love my T5Z for playing in a worship band. Perfect for me.

[@patrickalbor1896]

Same..

[@James-cn9no]

Nice playing!

[@picksalot1]

The upper fretboard "bass lobe" design seems like a bad choice to me. If you play with a thumb pick, that bass lobe is likely to get in the way. If the lobe were put on the treble side, you could add two partial frets for the high E and B string, which would be a welcome improvement for some players.

[@kennethstevens5711]

Has anyone tried using acoustic strings on the T5Z? Wonder how that would sound for the acoustic mode.

[@kennethstevens5711]

Have. you done a comparison on how the new sound verses the old or is there no change?

[@frantiseksvaral7400]

Is taylor T5z more feedback proof than T5 standard since it has smaller body?

[@geneciccone4196]

I have a t5z in maple, What did you use for drive?

[@pdbordelon]

I love my T5z but a gripe I have is the volume and tone knobs are super easy to move, have no resistance, and the middle indent is hard to feel. Very easy to knock the guitar out of the sound you dial in while playing, especially at gigs. Am I the only one with this issue or is it common? Any suggestions how to fix the problem>?

[@sboy1955]

I need the functionality of a guitar like this but regardless of how well the various KZbin channel demonstates it (and Cooper did great) - I’m not finding (hearing) many good tone samples? I’m certain that with modeling the acoustic side can be dialed in fairly convincingly but have my doubts that the electric side can reasonably cover any driven tones where needed?

[@manuelcuevas4418]

IS IT A HYBRID GUITAR ?? THANKS MUCH

[@RafaelUnplugged]

Ever consider wound G strings? I opt for that on my t5z

[@denniskrottje012]

When are these available in Europe?

[@CB-wi3vc]

I want to play like Cooper!

[@AndreRMeyer]

16:16 me two

[@lynyrd583]

You really didn’t like the dual strap buttons huh? It was kind of a nod to Tom Anderson of which is one of Bob’s favorite “other” builders. Once you figure where you want the strap, to me it’s handy when you just need to lean the ax on an amp. Brings up another question, have you ever looked into carrying Tom Anderson guitars? They are to Strats and Teles, as Collings is to Martin’s and Gibsons. Ultimate craftsmanship.

[@AlamoMusic]

We love Anderson guitars - and yes! There have been a few companies that did the dual button setup. Carvin's Alan Holdsworth back in the day also did it. I think it's a personal preference. I could never find a happy place with either one and usually just used the top one. = Chris

[@ronsiegel1084]

What do they weigh?

[@robertwallace8533]

What is different in T5z PRO and the Standard?

[@86lanzo]

Wood..no binding

[@barrycole]

Taylor is at least a neck above the competition.

[@donmunson4802]

Looks like a lot of cost cutting with no actual advances in the guitar's functions. Sitting next to one of the older models, this looks much cheaper. Just my opinion, but I'm glad I got mine (2016) when I did.

[@tylerc7683]

They’re beautiful guitars and they play really well, but I can’t stand how they sound. Every pickup position in this video sounds harsh. I can’t think of a single application where I’d bring this guitar as opposed to a traditional acoustic or hollow/semihollow. Seems more like a collector’s piece.

[@artanddesign8561]

Do you ever try a three hour gig with medium gauge acoustic strings… It's not easy

[@joeyoleary007]

Exactly. And no one is gonna say anything about the harshness. I don't even hear the harshness mentioned.​@@artanddesign8561

[@shirlmccullough1993]

Is it considered cheating if you fast forward to the part where Cooper plays the guitars? Asking for a friend.

[@SuperEdge67]

That’s what I do as well.

[@rexrathtar3893]

Lordy me, that oscilloscope thing in the background is distracting.

[@pouyatorkiyan3258]

Nice 👍

[@QuillanRuf]

Why does it sound like my ears are plugged and I have a head cold

[@bluejin138]

sounds a little tinny to me but I am not a taylor fan.......

[@rodgersmith5574]

Then why do you listen if you're not a Taylor fan.

[@bluejin138]

@@rodgersmith5574 I Iisten to everything. why don't you mind your business. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Jeez bunch of 🥜🥜🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pgrove]

Oh man, another Taylor video..

[@TheFman43]

The sounds were the same even after changing settings…no jazz or soft tones.. sounded like tearing paper..

[@denmar355]

Beautiful, and sounds terrible.

[@UR_Right24]

Still doesn't sound like a real acoustic. Sounds like a Tele or maybe a hollow body/arch top electric guitar.

[@laker6943]

Unfortunately not a very good presentation of the actual sound of the guitar. Just like I’ve always said, just because you can type 100 words a minute doesn’t mean you can write a good book.

[@williamtsol636]

What does it sound like unplugged ?? It's called acoustic, yet not one KZbinr plays it acoustically !! Everybody does the same presentation !! Generic mind control !

[@GoudLoodje]

From what I’ve heard people say it’s not that much louder than an unplugged solid body. You don’t buy a T5z for unplugged acoustic playing really, it’s basically just an electric with some features that help you make it like an acoustic in a live situation, but primarily it’s an electric. Or at least that’s what I’ve read

[@williamtsol636]

@@GoudLoodje Cool !! Thank You

[@zorglubmagnus455]

I don’t get this guitar it’s like the worst of both worlds. It doesn’t sound at all like an acoustic but on the other hand it does sound like an electric through a PA - cleanly bland and trebly. It reminds of the long dark years when i had a Gibson SG and only a karaoke box as an ‘amp’…