New Taylor 517 Grand Pacific - Andy Powers In Conversation With Chris McKee - New For 2019

Our own Chris McKee recently had the opportunity to sit down with Andy Power's, Master Guitar Designer (guitar Jedi?) of Taylor Guitars. We've been sitting on this one for awhile, so we're really thrilled to unleash this one to this masses. Take a listen as Andy discusses one of his latest creations, the 517 Grand Pacific Builder's Edition. It's a new take on a classic design and the result is stellar, both visually and sonically! Be sure to chime in with your thoughts below. Play A Note, Change Your Life!
#taylorguitars #andypowers #guitarinterview #NAMM2019 #taylorgrandpacific
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[@jaicobbward]

This dude is really good at creating a picture in your mind about his thought processes, the way something is supposed to sound, and the way guitars are supposed to be made looking forward. Imagery is a really really good sales tactic too cause now I want this guitar

[@elmaestroco]

Lol, I can't tell if he's just a passionate expressing himself out of heart, or both a passionate and good salesman.

[@bgbreslin4596]

The amount of thought that Andy Powers put into this design is enough to make we want one!

[@manothemtns2]

Yeah, and he’s still a pretty young guy to be a master luthier, chief designer, and, if I’m not wrong, catapulted from the “V-class” project to CEO of Taylor. I may have that last job title wrong, but he’s certainly been promoted to executive management. The new design, which was launched in 2019, is certainly a capable build. The thing, for me, that comes immediately to mind is that he should consider himself fortunate to have come along within Taylor when he did. He was given a significant budget and a ton of latitude to “create” whereas most, if not all the major brands never offer a particular luthier, no matter how gifted, that kind of license to do something extremely unique and fresh with guitar design. It’s akin to Ren Ferguson’s relationship with Gibson in the late 80’s and 90’s, and beyond. I wonder what ingenious new designs Martin would come up with if they operated “out of the box”, in similar fashion for a few years.

[@jimdoner3443]

That was a really good session, enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you both very much and, everyone else behind the scenes as well.

[@strumspicks2456]

"All guitar players everywhere thank you" I second that!! I went overboard and got myself a 914ce on finance, after trying it out in the shop I simply could not get it out of my head... I'm sooo happy with it

Chris, another good, enjoyable and informative post from you and Alamo Music Center. Andy's guitar playing was a great ending! Thank you!

[@melanievidal548]

Sounds amazing!!! Thanks!!! Keep the good work guys!!!

[@lhvent]

a fantastic looking guitar. This is a winner

[@Taylor314ce]

I like Chris McKee because he actually owns a Taylor....so he understands how much fun they are to play.

[@gregbaker3701]

Oh and by the way, you are my “go-to” expert for guitar reviews!

[@JP-vb4ky]

What a beautiful guitar!

[@AlamoMusic]

Indeed!

[@pablo9364]

Good job and nice talk

[@MrJbarreda]

Thanks Chris, just ordered one from Alamo today, and Andy, I hope I fall in love..., thanks for making something that’s a bit different, but yet has the Taylor quality. I will soon find out

[@daveowens]

How did it turn out?

[@MrJbarreda]

@@daveowens I sent it back, it was nice, but for the price I didn’t think it was worth it. I bought a Loriivee rosewood, More my sound and $1000 less

[@shawnreed9016]

Great video. Dang it. So many great guitars and not enough money. 😂😂

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

I love the way Andy's mind works. Also he's a very talented player. Does anyone know what tune he's playing there in the 11 min 30 second part?

[@countrymusiccoach]

How does the sound differ between the 517e and 717e? Which is better for strumming? (I have a 214ce DLX and it sounds great for strumming but the builders edition could be a beautiful new addition)

[@Papayajoseph]

What was that last song Andy played? It was perfect for that guitar.

[@scottf2199]

What a sound! Was Andy playing the rosewood or mahogany version?

[@IcabodCrane]

@Joshua Skolnick He's asking if it's a Mahogany (517) or Rosewood (717) backed guitar, not whether it has Sitka spruce on the top.

[@IcabodCrane]

@Scott F He's playing the 717 which is a "torrefied" Sitka spruce top with (sub par) indian Rosewood back and sides. Considering all of the GP's seem to have a "silent matte" finish on them it's very likely a cheap, UV cured Polyurethane. Though they also use cheap, UV cured Polyester finish on their gloss tops this is primarily because Polyester takes a better shine from being a bit harder and likely less porous, so it takes a shine much easier.

[@Blkojo]

517 is mahogany.

[@carlopineda9081]

Very nice! Taylor trying to sound be Martin.

[@thefisherman2837]

I read somewhere it was made with hyde glue. Cant seem to find that reference point anymore. . Anyone??

[@Blkojo]

Jekyl?!

[@gregbaker3701]

Chris, what is your “go-to” Acoustic?

[@AlamoMusic]

Greg Baker I have owned a Taylor 914c for 18 years. I have played it so much that it is open and comfortable like an old pair of jeans. That’s been more go to. - Chris McKee

[@gregbaker3701]

Alamo Music Center I will own a Taylor one day, I really like the 714ce. However I did find a near perfect 90’s Seagull SM for just $200 this past Friday. I need to have a luthier lower the action (no truss) but man it sounds amazing!!!

[@billpiotter8190]

I like the sound. Why did you use a capo?

[@IcabodCrane]

I imagine either the action sucks or he generally uses a shorter action which you can emulate by putting a capo on the 2nd fret. For players who have hand stretching issues it's also common. If you play the song Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie with the 2nd fret capo'd verses open you'll get a good idea of what I mean. It's much easier and the action is lighter beyond the first two frets; especially on guitars with shit actions or high nuts.

[@maxwellfan55]

The fact he uses a capo and still gets this great tone and playability is pretty stunning enough, why knock it? Some guitars die when a capo is clipped on.

[@cmikesmith664]

Please don’t use capos when you demo acoustic guitars. It sounds amazing, but please take off the capo. Really.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@cmikesmith664 Take your point, but as there's other demos of this guitar it's good to hear what it sounds like with a capo, because people will use them, so we get to hear. I worry more how some guitars just dry up with a capo. Maybe he might have played this demo with and without, we could have heard any changes in intonation at the same time

[@johnnysingsdblues713]

Man you guys can talk some shit! 😏 Just play the thing and we'll decide if it's all it's cut out to be...😉

[@tonymyrick4190]

Price?

[@dmar3651]

$2799:00 USD

[@mikebri5274]

Go to the 11:30 mark to hear the guitar.

[@cmikesmith664]

....finally. What took so long?

[@andypaul1752]

Omg... finally...I though Chris McKee did an excellent job trying not to nod off, stiffing a yawn, etc.... why didn’t Chis belt out some toons on the guitar first and then Andy impart his inspirational message?

[@maxwellfan55]

For all you guys still knocking the Taylor voice. Get out and a life. How many times d'you see a guy who plays the guitar he designs and builds, then makes it sound like this? I'm waiting?? This guy's playing is so melodic, the guitar is singing.

[@IcabodCrane]

Being able to play a guitar doesn't make someone a good luthier and vice versa. Frankly I find his playing to be decent but nothing particularly outside the box or uncommon among acoustic players. I've heard Renn Ferguson play who produced/produces vastly better guitars and would say the same thing, as well as the guys from Huss & Dalton. As for "getting a life" that's generally the kind of ad hominem attack I'd expect from a Taylor fan. I generally consider Taylors to be "Guitars for people who know nothing about guitars", as the vast majority of Taylor owners I know either leave their guitars sitting in front of a window on a guitar stand, or wouldn't know Brazilian Rosewood from "Nato" Laminate. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone brag about their 3000$+ Taylor 700+ series guitar just to have absolutely no idea what it's made of, how it's finished, etc.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@IcabodCrane Your comment demonstrates your arrogance and ignorance are equally matched. Do you really imagine these instruments are for those who "know nothing about guitars" or don't know the difference between Brazilian rosewood and laminate? I won't waste my time other than to say I am not in any way exclusive to Taylor guitars, I own just two, a 6 string and a 12 string, purchased on their sound, suitability and playability. As a time served working musician I know they have all been consistently above average, some outstanding. I have not yet tried the one in this video. I own and appreciate all makes of great guitars, whatever their age or value. Regards luthiers and Andy Powers, no they don't have to be a great guitarist to be great luthiers, but in my opinion it makes sense to assume that will be very much to their advantage. Why? Because they can fully appreciate the tone and playability from a musicians standpoint, their needs, expectations and limitations. Don't just take this performance as what Powers is capable either, he's a very fine musician. From what I read in your comment you are clearly not one yourself, if actually a guitar player at all, so you wouldn't understand that, because being as good a player as this guy takes a lot of time and sacrifice that is beyond most people, and probably beyond you. So my "get a life" remark refers exactly to condescending folks like you. As for Huss and Dalton.... I'll leave that for others with more experience than me to comment.

[@bgbreslin4596]

Right. And Like him or not, Dave Matthews plays a signature Taylor, so, Andy Powers is doing just fine.

[@CommViewer]

Hey Chris - love your videos but how come you didn't use the words "J-45" or "J-35" in your questions ? I can guess why Andy might not use the comparison but as a seasoned reviewer its hard to believe you wouldn't...

[@IcabodCrane]

They're going out of their way to avoid the J-45 and J-35 comparisons at Taylor and Andy Powers' request. McKee ALWAYS says Lofi and Vintage tone when he brings up Gibsons and I've noticed that the vast majority of these review videos are purposely avoiding mentioning Gibson so they can pretend that they invented and perfected the slope shouldered dreadnought. It's not only painfully ridiculous and pathetic to see this kind of grand-standing and blatant production ripoff but, frankly, I've lost a good deal of respect for the lot of people who took money from Taylor to advertise these things. It's bad enough that Taylor charges 1000$+ more than any other maker of a polyurethane finished instrument with a bolt-on neck without blatant ripoffs. Just when I thought Taylor couldn't sink any lower by telling all of their pre-2018 customers "your guitars are now obsolete thanks to our V-bracing, sorry if you fell for the jargon about these being lifetime investments" they do this crap.

[@AlamoMusic]

Great question. I actively avoided the term for two reasons. I was there at the invitation of Taylor and wasn’t sure where all the footage may get used. Taylor as a company can’t compare it to a brand or model without inviting trouble. Also, when we had visited about the guitar Andy references many guitars. The shape was reminiscent of a J-45 but that wasn’t the only thing he was thinking on and so while it is there, to the point we shot a comparison I also included a D-18 because Martin’s contribution to that old music is also a reference point.

[@AlamoMusic]

BTW, to reference the other comment. I don’t receive money from Taylor. We are a dealer and have the privilege to sometimes get early access to guitars like this. We purchase guitars from Taylor to sell and we do so because we love their product and the company. If we don’t believe in a product we don’t carry it and if I don’t like something, I say so, usually to the criticism of KZbin so there you have it. However, if Taylor would like to send me a guitar I love the 517 in wild honey burst. LOL! -Chris McKee

[@CommViewer]

@ @@AlamoMusic - thanks for your informative response. I did watch the comparison with the J-45s and the D-18 ... which of course makes total sense.

[@IcabodCrane]

@@AlamoMusic Honestly they probably should with all the advertising you give them with your videos; but I imagine they probably make you guys good money too. The clarification that the interview was done at Taylor (not in your facility) also explains the lack of J-45 and D-18 mentions. You also did do a comparison video involving other sloped dreads and, while I can be an ass (obviously), I also give credit where it's due.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

“It’s kind of like a Dreadnought... sort of... “ Andy, it’s a slope shoulder Dread that just sounds thin and bright like every other Taylor. You didn’t reinvent the wheel or discover fire.

[@garrettchristopher3462]

When I bought my latest guitar. I was looking at different Martin's and guild. Like ya do, and this guy kept insisting to try this taylor. Which they aren't awful, they're fine, you're right, they are bright and thin. It is a niche, just not my niche.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

CG Jones and The American nightmare They have a purpose and a niche, you’re right. Don’t get me wrong, I get that. It’s just not what I want and it seems they all have that signature bright, thin tone with few overtones regardless the body construction, wood or whatever else.

[@IcabodCrane]

I KNOW RIGHT? As I stated in another comment both Powers and McKee have lost respect in my eyes. They're not only acting like this inferior copy of a Gibson J-45 is some brand new invention but the two of them went out of their way to avoid any of the descriptors people use for Gibsons like "Lo-Fi" or "vintage" and in their stead used "not modern" and "Bell curve". He even tried to explain the complexity of the overtones as if that's not something Gibsons are renowned for.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

IcabodCrane It was like Andy’s jibber jabber about improved intonation with the V-bracing or whatever it is and the backpedaling he had to do when people were like “Heh... ?”

[@IcabodCrane]

@@nicholastotoro7721 Exactly! I mean of all the people they conned into believing their Taylors were "lifetime investments" just to have 2018 come along and tell them "now they're inferior". I've seen several 300 series left-handed guitars (Generally harder to find at good prices in my experience) in great condition selling for 800$ because of it.

[@seranadesongs]

Too much yaking and not enough playing...

[@andypaul1752]

Yakkity yak yak yak.......

[@stevetool7023]

Way too much hype followed by unspectacular playing. Waste of time even if your start at 11:30.

[@tmo7734]

Could McKee have his hat on too tight. Too zen for me...

[@IcabodCrane]

Frankly I find this video to be so ridiculously full of shit that it's coming out of Andy Powers' mouth. They've not only avoided bringing up the obvious elephant in the room, the GIBSON J-45, but they even avoided using terms like "Vintage" "Lo-fi", and other terminology that Chris McKee usually uses to describe Gibsons with terms like "not-modern". Andy Powers acting as if a round-shouldered dreadnought is a new invention in any way, shape, or form is as ridiculous as putting V-class bracing in it and pretending that he's somehow solved the minor-3rd issue of fixed fret intonation.

[@bobaldo2339]

These guitars sound just fine. It is a pity the integrity of the guitar body is violated to provide openings for the PU controls. I would never buy such a guitar. In my opinion, pickups on acoustic guitars all sound horribly fake anyway . Their prevalence now is just a lamentable fad. And, if you want to play a real electric guitar, there are plenty of them out there.

[@davidarnold6376]

Bla bla bla that shape is just copied from Gibson shape or the original Martin Ditson...V class is a gimmick...just stop with all the imagined non-truths, take off the capo and just play!