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

Taylor has finally added some long-needed upgrades to its popular T5z Series-- the Pro & Custom models now have the knobs in the right place! Plus, extremely comfortable armrest contours; and they still sound great! Take a look and a listen and let us know your thoughts.
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0:00 Intro/Specs
11:25 T5z Pro Demo (Clean)
14:55 T5z Custom Demo (Overdrive)
16:10 Final Thoughts
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[@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.

[@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!

[@OntarioAndrews415]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@natecremeans3783]

Awesome video fellas!

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Wow that looks amazing koa.

[@James-cn9no]

Nice playing!

[@marcotonetti]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Mauriibor1]

i could stayed all night listening cooper jam!

[@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.

[@mauihi7]

I just bought a T5zPRO, fabulous guitar!

[@tman6495]

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

[@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

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

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

[@rafaelunplugged]

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

[@kennethstevens5711]

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

[@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?

[@kdm_entertainment]

Taylor taylor taylor… Taylor.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

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

[@kennethstevens5711]

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

[@PastorZeke33]

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

[@patrickalbor1896]

Same..

[@denniskrottje012]

When are these available in Europe?

[@frantiseksvaral7400]

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

[@ronsiegel1084]

What do they weigh?

[@pouyatorkiyan3258]

Nice 👍

[@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.

[@CB-wi3vc]

I want to play like Cooper!

[@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.

[@AndreRMeyer]

16:16 me two

[@robertwallace8533]

What is different in T5z PRO and the Standard?

[@86lanzo]

Wood..no binding

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@QuillanRuf]

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

[@barrycole]

Taylor is at least a neck above the competition.

[@pgrove]

Oh man, another Taylor video..

[@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 🥜🥜🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheFman43]

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

[@UR_Right24]

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

[@denmar355]

Beautiful, and sounds terrible.

[@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’…

[@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

[@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.