Taylor T5Z | A Versatile Guitar (Review & Overview)

If you've ever wondered if the Taylor T5Z is a guitar worth considering look no further, this is the video for you. I go over the features and demo all the sounds possible with this one guitar and shine some light on some simple tricks to get even more out of this instrument.
0:00 - 1:44 Intro
1:44 - 2:49 Live Loop Performance
2:49 - 4:07 Feature Overview
4:07 - 7:21 Pickup Positions with Sound Demos
7:21 - 12:26 Getting The Most from The Active EQ
12:26 - 14:17 Who is it for?
Free Helix Presets:
drive.google.com/drive/folder...

[@pramanikd]

This is by far the best T5z review that I have come across. Thank you.

[@minimalistmusician]

Thanks for checking it out and I’m glad it helped. It was a lot of fun to play with that guitar for a week, very cool piece of gear.

[@jerryhorton5708]

I concur. Well played and a proper way to highlight the features. Well done!

[@aaronjohnson4776]

I’ve been through a few reviews on this guitar, and this is def the best I’ve come across. I can tell you took your time and thought about how to really explain such a unique instrument. Taylor should hire you in their marketing department….

[@sweetiepienumber1]

Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@bonwana2275]

Very nice review. Thanks

[@dougcase4273]

Great overview and instructions!

[@mrodriguez4879]

Very informative review! Thank you!

[@jmcmack]

Glad someone can explain things in a way that makes since to me.

[@sboy1955]

Appreciate this demo, very well done, excellent information. I find myself re-looking at this format again and this really helps 🤙🏽

[@intrinsic-desire]

So thankful for your in depth review! I tried one of these out in the store without really understanding any of the pickup configs, and I almost discounted it completely before I saw this review.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Dude, this was such a cool video. One of the best I've seen for the T5Z. Thanks for posting/sharing. Cheers!

[@kmc8651]

Thanks for putting this review together. It’s easily the best one I’ve seen so far.

[@michaeltravis3562]

that live loop performance soloing was gorgeous. loved it

[@HighlandFolkHero]

nice review!

[@benjaminkirke5572]

An absolutely amazing video, start to finish.

[@minimalistmusician]

Thanks man!

[@petelamontmusic]

Thanks for the demo, I've been wondering about these for a while! Keep up the great videos!

[@minimalistmusician]

My pleasure. Hope it was helpful. I was quite pleasantly surprised with the guitar and I think really digging into that active EQ is what made the biggest difference

[@BernardS21]

Very helpful! Best T5z demo I've seen.

[@minimalistmusician]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate it.

[@coreysmith6169]

Possibly the best T5Z review on KZbin, thanks!

[@ronsiegel1084]

Very informative demo-love what this guitar looks like.

[@minimalistmusician]

Thank you kindly!

[@chrisfreeman1244]

Excellent review of the T5z, well organized and very informative. Thank you!

[@minimalistmusician]

Thanks I appreciate you checking it out.

[@sruiz161]

Really enjoyed your review of the T5z.Very informative. thanks!

[@minimalistmusician]

You’re very welcome. Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching.

[@BigRalphN]

I wish this video had been out when I had my T5z. Very informative. I might need to look for a trade.

[@guitargreg51]

Will probably be my next guitar. Great review!!!!!!

[@minimalistmusician]

Very cool. What colour do you like best?

[@ABBYDOG26]

I agree. Great review !

[@davegenske8973]

I just saw a Taylor like this today. I have strats and teles some of both with piezo pickups. I really loved this guitar. This was completely new to me

[@killacoiler1707]

I have to say that this is the most deep dive of a video I have seen about this instrument and it has provided me with a baseline for experimentation at the shop. Thank you for taking the time to really dig in and share with us.

[@minimalistmusician]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful

[@alexiszunigarodriguez]

Great review!

[@taylorguitars]

Great demo!

[@minimalistmusician]

Thanks very much for checking it out.

[@bagginsoddie6434]

Best review of T5Z on YT 👍

[@gbastow]

Great demo! Good job. Thank you! Ugh....another guitar on my wish list now. Lol.

[@minimalistmusician]

It is a pretty cool guitar that's for sure. I was always a bit skeptical of it's claims and I do think of it as more of an electric for sure but it has a lot of cool sounds!

[@pascalboutrin1032]

🙌Really the best review about that guitar and all its features , possibilities explained. Well done.👏👏👏. You should get paid by Taylor for doing such a good, honest and pro level review 👍. Now I can buy that guitar. Greetings from Paris ✌.

[@yosoysoloyo4024]

I have had one of these for several years and I can honestly say it is a very versatile and inspiring instrument to play and compose with.

[@minimalistmusician]

Yeah! It's a really cool guitar and if it makes you want to play/create that's all you can ask for!

[@larryanddawnstaudt379]

Great playing! Your last comment (usefulness in a cover band) is the main reason I have this guitar, and it's been great for that. Another thing to note is that it is lightweight! You can play all night and never feel weighted down. Very useful as you get older.

[@mdc53]

I bought my T5z used at a guitar show in North Dartmouth, MA, about 8 years ago and it quickly became my go-to guitar. Your explanation of its features and settings is excellent. I especially like your diagrams of the what bass and treble controls actually do with this guitar. Good job.

[@minimalistmusician]

Nice it’s a great guitar. Thanks so much for the kind words. I never understood that’s how it worked years ago when I first tried it and understanding that made is a way more versatile guitar

[@JJJ_7861]

I have nothing but love for the guitar and one of these days I’m gonna buy this guitar. As someone who mains finger style I can switch to the reverb setting to give some kick to the sound but this is a big fingerstyle guitar for sure. One thing I’m tired of people comparing this guitar to the fender acoustisonic. I’m biased towards fender but I grew up with Taylor’s and this came out and fell in love

[@Tzar10000]

great review

[@auxorion]

Wow, I've owned this guitar for like 8 years (T5) and that breakdown of the EQ was amazing.. I had no idea that the mids stay put and that you're boosting or cutting the ends.. I intuitively would do this kind of thing but I had no idea how the EQ was working under the hood. Very cool, thank you for the info!

[@minimalistmusician]

Glad I could help!

[@oleijon]

I second that, and exactly what you say, it is the key to the T5

[@acthompson9983]

Just caught this. Each to their own but love my T5 because it does have more to offer and I find it easy to play. The best amp I have found to get the most out of it is actually an Acus 5t of all things!! It also plays well through my Helic Stomp, and TChelicon play acoustic and electric pedals.

[@jerrodtune4502]

Was glad to read this! I just ordered a T5Z, have been wondering how it will get along with my PlayAcoustic. Look forward to putting the two together.

[@craigchapman6613]

Very useful thanks

[@jodygreen5653]

I've always wanted one of these guitars but never pulled the trigger because they are so expensive and I can't afford it but love the sounds and tones it gives ranks for the review

[@lucasjacques5673]

Awesome 👍

[@minimalistmusician]

Thanks buddy!

[@alphasportstv]

Very helpful vid, thanks. Any idea of the diff between the T5-Z and -S? There's currently a used S at Lauzon in Ottawa, kind of interesting tho I find the acoustic tone very thin (obviously....thinline body). Cheers

[@eoliva1972]

I have a T5. My kids joke that I'm unfaithfully attached.to it and that my other guitars are getting jealous! It's my absolute fave!

[@minimalistmusician]

Thats too funny! Super cool guitars!

[@STF_YVR]

Great review … Thx … Who makes the Yamaha monitors stands on your desk please ?

[@user-hq2gg3pq9z]

Hi I really appreciate the demo. I have read about the difference in T5z sounds depending on the wood. What was the top on this instrument? Do you have a preference? Thank you!

[@frantiseksvaral7400]

How is it with tones when you switch from acoustic to electric mode? Does it always stays where you leave the 3 knobs? Yes, weard question, but coming from other hybrid guitars like Parkwood H4, Crafter SAT, Godin A6 Ultra and they all have separate control knobs/sliders, so where you set it it stays. I was thinking about getting Taylor T5, but since there are so many mixed reviews on forums and thoughts, it is hard to decide. But I guess I need it in my hybrid collection xD

[@sailboatdoug]

I am an older player and using a Bose s1 as my amp. Mostly use the position 1. Is that a good match. Doug

[@einsam_aber_frei]

There have always been hollow and semi-hollow guitars. Isn’t it just the same with an extra piezo pickup? How does it compare to PRS SE I hollowbody piezo for example?

[@wyldeslash2003]

Friggen sold me bro!

[@minimalistmusician]

Hope it works out for you!

[@terrytosh7678]

Thanks for this review! Being a hollow body, would a T5z be susceptible to feedback when playing in a band? Or can that be controlled with a Helix or PodGo? Thanks

[@minimalistmusician]

Truthfully I’ve never had any issue with any hollow bodies feeding back including this one. Unless you’re playing real loud or real high gain I can’t see there being an issue.

[@msturner79]

Nice review. I play at my church. The worship leader got that guitar but has yet to bond with it. I have the PRS SE Hollowbody II Piezo. My prs does both electric and acoustic so well

[@minimalistmusician]

Cool! That PRS looks like a killer guitar!

[@liamneslind4182]

PRS is interior to Taylor. My guitar teacher had this guitar and I always remember looking at it in awe. How good is it for acoustic stuff? I'm still not 100% sure. I'm gunna try it out and see then maybe I'll buy it

[@Tr33People]

@@liamneslind4182 For sure interior, Taylor is exterior. :)

[@Adipsia1]

I bought a T5Z a few years ago and couldn't gel with it. Because it's a hybrid guitar I guess it depends upon the direction you're coming from... electric to acoustic or vice versa. I was coming from the electric to acoustic direction and it felt really cheap and flimsy, especially at the price point. I much preferred my Yamaha Silent Guitar or even my Eastman Junior for anything hybrid. I can compensate/adjust for anything else in my Axe-FX 3. Horses for courses.

[@SixPieceSuits]

Have you played a T3, and do you know how the electric sounds compare? I had a T3 and was in love with it until it broke.

[@minimalistmusician]

Yeah It’s been a long while though. Definitely more of a classic electric guitar feel from the t3. Two very different guitars in my opinion.

[@brianm2022]

What is best for my latin "Got Your Latte" song. 🥺

[@rafaelunplugged]

Damn I have the koa t5z but you also have the silver sky I'm dreaming of buying next 😂😂 T5z is my go to gigging guitar. I've supplemented it with a breedlove pursuit exotic but also would opt for a Martin Jr (Ed Sheeran style but not necessarily his model) or a baby taylor-e. For the life of me I could never use the GS Mini for gigging the pickup on it just never worked ever amplified. Not the ES GO. Not the ES1 system. Not the ES2 System. If I could start all over T5z Acoustasonic Tele Dual gig bag. Specifically for gigging and plugged in. Add on a Martin Jr if you wanted a more traditional guitar I think the Martin Jr gives more bang for buck than the breedlove but I do love my breedlove.

[@minimalistmusician]

All great guitars. I used to sell Breedlove guitars at a shop in Toronto and they were outstanding!

[@rafaelunplugged]

@@minimalistmusician im really curious to move up to the American made ones or see if the Taylor GTs have a better pickup system. You know anything about the fishman vs lr bags pickups? Not much info on it I can find

[@minimalistmusician]

@@rafaelunplugged I think you just need to hear both. I’ve had both types of systems in different guitars. The one I have that I currently like the most is a misi air pickup. Also love the Yamaha fgx 3 built in system. It’s one of the best I’ve heard and the mic is usable live

[@jeffthevideoguy23]

How does it sound unplugged?

[@jasonhinson3812]

I’m new to guitars and bought a T5z………I have a hard time getting the sounds like I want it. Thinking about trading for a nice Taylor acoustic and a Les Paul……..It’s a beautiful guitar though.

[@minimalistmusician]

Yeah it's not quite either guitar and not for everybody. Good luck!

[@carlkalwaitis7782]

I tried the T5z about five years ago, and really liked how it sounded and played. However, I traded it in for something else because of neck-dive. It's a very light guitar, which is easy to live with, but the neck constantly pulling downward became extremely annoying. I play fingerstyle, so it's especially stressful to hold the neck up while I'm trying to play. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@minimalistmusician]

That's fair! I didn't get much time with it standing but I have a few guitars like that and find it a bit annoying.

[@claudiafrers8923]

My solution was to order a PreformAxe. I have not tried it yet but it's constantly sold out so very hopeful

[@brucesadventuredivingbray1432]

Can’t find your amp or setting in comments could I have them please

[@minimalistmusician]

I'm just in the process of uploading them all to the website for sale. Here's a link to my T5 Helix Preset. If you'd like to leave a tip for the channel I've also included my BuyMeACoffee page. Enjoy! drive.google.com/file/d/1yWsO-sBpLXhT43zdBcUEuuP4F4XjOOGA/view?usp=sharing buymeacoffee.com/minimalistmusic

[@arigunawan8685]

Is it possible to use 9 gauge electric gitar string

[@minimalistmusician]

Yeah of course. I’d just suggest getting it set up for 9s by a tech so it’s happy.

[@dannyhopkins2562]

Are you using an acoustic IR on the Helix?

[@minimalistmusician]

Stock cabs here

[@PCModelBuilder]

I recently bought a used T5z at a local shop. It felt OK but just not quite right. I picked it up for a great price and it's in excellent condition, so I was sure a trip to my Luthier would make it right. He straightened the neck and lowered the action and my god is it amazing to play. Sooo light, and strums like a dream. I have a T3/B which I love but she's heavy and I also have a 214ce which is my workhorse and is setup perfectly (same Luthier) but this T5z is my fave by far.

[@Bluesforsoul54]

Thanks for a great review. I have question. Can the T5 function as a straight acoustic i.e. no amp? You know for those quieter moment of playing?

[@minimalistmusician]

I mean… any guitar can. I’d say it’s on par with a semi hollow electric. Certainly doesn’t have very acoustic vibes unplugged.

[@donmunson4802]

It's loud enough acousticaly to allow you to practice and really hear everything that you are doing. But, the sonic output would not be suitable for a live performance in anything other than a very small venue.

[@rpmorrisjr]

Ok so it has to be plugged in. Apparently. Since no one on KZbin strums a single chord without it being plugged in. So it’s a crappy sounding electric guitar. What’s hybrid about it. I don’t get the guitars and I don’t get the reviews.

[@DanaThurston]

Are you playing through an amp, or direct?

[@minimalistmusician]

Through a helix

[@ferox965]

These are beautiful, but I found all the ones I tried really flat sounding.

[@minimalistmusician]

That’s a fair comment. I definitely find the electric sounds on it more pleasing overall. I think with some tweaking, EQ and fx You really can bring the guitar to life though. It does take a little more work then plugging something more traditional and in my opinion

[@barryarsenault9796]

I like the T5z but push myself back from buying due to the problems I hear. 1) The loosening of the screws in the selector switch. 2) The intermittent volume from the volume knob. 3) intonation issues. Someone said one out of forty guitars will have issues with the electronics system. Are many experiencing these same issues?

[@minimalistmusician]

Hey Barry, I only had this for a short period so can't comment on that. Good luck with your seach.

[@pakitopang3147]

so what? It is crazy expensive. Ppl are already saying the fender tube amps are expensive. Well this is way more..

[@minimalistmusician]

Expensiveness is relative. A les Paul is expensive. A strat is expensive. Food is expensive.

[@jerryodom7358]

If they were any good they would resale better than they do…like trying to sell a rock..LOL..or a squire..

[@minimalistmusician]

I think it's just a really niche instrument and it's not a matter if it's good or not.

[@rogersilcox524]

Great guitar but way over priced.

[@denmar355]

Overpriced guitar.

[@minimalistmusician]

I’d say that’s pretty subjective. It plays Very nicely in the fit and finish is outstanding. Totally understandable that it’s not for everybody but I think the pricing is right on with the current guitar climate

[@damianrjames]

Unnecessary backstory…