Taylor T5Z Custom Overview

PLEASE NOTE: In the video Wayne ran hit guitar into a signal splitter. One signal was routed to our Tone King Imperial, where as the other signal was routed to an AER Compact 60/2.
A figured koa top with a shaded edgeburst evokes the exotic beauty of Hawaii on the T5z Custom. Distinctive features compared to the original T5 include a more compact body, a 12-inch fretboard radius, and jumbo frets, which together deliver a familiar size and setup for electric players. Like the T5, the T5z is equipped with a three-pickup configuration of an acoustic body sensor, a concealed neck humbucker, and a visible bridge humbucker, plus five-way switching and onboard tone controls, giving players an incredibly versatile electric/acoustic guitar. Additional appointments include white binding, gold hardware and Taylor’s progressive Spires inlay scheme. The guitar ships in a T5z hardshell case.
Site: bit.ly/1skmQNR
Wayne Johnson: bit.ly/1r026x7
Facebook: on. 11aLDN5
Brand: Taylor
Model: T5z Custom
Top Wood: Hawaiian Koa
Top Finish: Gloss
Bracing: Standard T5z
Back & Sides Wood: Sapele
Back & Sides Finish: Gloss
Cutaway: Venetian
Neck Wood: Sapele
Neck Finish: Gloss
Fingerboard: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlays: Spires
Nut Material: Bone
Headstock: Ebony Headstock Overlay
Electronics: T5 with 5-Way Switch
Tuners: Taylor Gold
Saddle: Bone
Case: Taylor T5z Hardshell Brown

[@xaviermarzal_guitar]

I've watched several videos reviewing T5z... and nobody makes that guitar sound better than Mr. Wayne. Congrats!

[@jetwoman10001]

Still the best demo that illustrates the sound versatility and played by a great player. Always inspires me to stretch myself. Thank you Wayne!

[@geomodd]

the first time anyone's sold me on a guitar I didn't even know I wanted....fantastic!!

[@jeffblackburn7811]

Hands down the best demo of any instrument anywhere on youtube. Fantastic!

[@U-Ji]

I bought a T5z based on this review. As others have mentioned every guitar review should be this good. Both instructional and a good representation of how the guitar sounds. A monster guitar player also helps. 👍🏼

[@sid5156]

I know this is an old post, but do you still like the taylor t5z?

[@TopaT0pa]

so did I :D

[@PhilBearce]

I bought a T5z Classic in Tropical Mahogany a few months back and then found this video to understand how to utilize all the capabilities. I've since watched it about 20 times and I get all emotional every time I see it. Thanks Wayne, you're an inspiration!

[@leonardgould6657]

Wow! I am a huge Godin fan!, but my Mother was a Taylor!**What's a guy gonna do!? WAYNE is fantastic here, and gives me new respect for Taylor's contributions- however - GODIN'S new SUMMIT CLASSIC SUPREME LINITED in COGNAC BURST!, 🍁 🇨🇦 🍁 achieves all of this!, AND offers full ROLAND interface compatability with a HOST of SYNTH-driving 🚗 sounds and sound palettes formerly available only to a full Orchestra! GODIN may have to enlist the services of the young 🤔 ENGLISH Acoustic Guitar virtuoso ( and entire one man "travelling "musical entourage" for JUSTIN HAYWARD (the musical genius and Guitar player who rocketed THE MOODY BLUES to stardom! ( MATT HALL) Cheers all@, and lovely work, Wayne Johnson!

[@maryd6286]

Wow. I never before have wanted a guitar demo to just keep on going forever. Beautiful!

[@SuperElGuapo69]

Isn’t that the truth. I’ve been listening to this for years. I lost count. For real.

[@Phil-Grocholl]

Well due to the heavy severe arm twisting of this guy, I have ordered one of these T5Z models. I'm getting the Custom Deluxe in the Shaded Edgeburst. But I'm left handed, so it is a custom order, take 60 days to get it, but the wait will be worth it.😍

[@dgmisal1979]

This dude is having fun, and it shows.

[@01mrlek]

All reviews should be this informative.

[@seanraidley2643]

I don't think most people are as intelligent as he is. He is excellent.

[@GregPentecost]

Absolutely the best guitar review I've seen! Not only did I want this guitar, now I see so much more it can do! As Mr. Lek said "All reviews should be this informative."

[@123gorainy]

Thank you so much! You have convinced me... THIS is the guitar I want. Trading in my classic Martin D5... did not even think a guitar like this exists.

[@ThomasZachary]

This guys knows how to demo a guitar! Nice.

[@alansturgess1324]

Agreed - the best T5z demo I've seen and also one of the best guitar demos across the board. Love the way he so clearly explains some of the technicalities of how the pickups work in series or parallel and also how the controls work. And, as a bonus, a great example of using a looper to jam against. Superb. He's convinced me.

[@markbarto]

Agree. This specific demo sold me on my purchase. A T5z Custom, Sweetwater Exclusive in Macassar Ebony.

[@loualbano4520]

I met Wayne at a Taylor demo in a guitar store in NJ. Genuinely nice guy and guitar virtuoso extraordinaire. Terrific demo.

[@kimberlybaldwinwhitmire6679]

Wow! This is absolutely the BEST review of a guitar I’ve ever seen. You truly show how this instrument shines. The only issue I’m having is finding one as pretty as this one! Thank you so much.

[@TopaT0pa]

Thank you so much for this review. I got my T5z Classic DLX together with a Fender Tone master today and I'm blown away. I'm tha happiest person in the world right now - the sound is incredible!

[@mongofan1]

Excellent demonstration of this amazing and beautiful guitar.

[@jlr022159]

I agree with others here, this is an excellent demonstration of this guitar and it's potential.

[@MrMusicM67]

This was by far one of the best guitar reviews i've seen! Amazing!

[@Fugue602]

Played this today and it absolutely blew me away. Completely unsuspecting guitar.

[@redbrown7355]

Awesome!! T5z Custom...I will have you in my possession shortly. Thanks for the demo, you sold me on the instrument.

[@theHAL9000]

Great review! Informative to the max. Terrific intro to the T5Z plus worth just listening to him play.

[@SirBelmerD]

That was beautiful. What a demonstration!

[@musicrockzx]

Simply the best introduction of T5z !!! Thanks a lot!

[@Driftuner]

holy moly...this is BY FAR the best review of anything and the best player on freaking earth..absolutely astonishing! i could watch a video of this guy playing this guitar the whole year i swear..

[@mikedegroff7766]

Pepperoni! i definitely agree this guitar and player are fantastic, I'd really like to hear Mr Koch rip this model, too! I really dig this style of guitar, and wish there were more of these types being made by different manufacturers. Gibson had that slim Chet Atkins acoustic electric, Tom Anderson has the Crowdster, Rick Turner's model 1 is in this vein, Ovation makes/made something similar to this, and Godin has some truly phenomenal instruments. The electric-acoustic hybrid is immediately versatile, and the possibilities this opens up for active/passive and piezo/magnetic pickup systems, 13 pin SA, etc area really inspiring.

[@Driftuner]

Mike! totaly agree dude..this is definitely an area that more brands should invest in...i am, for example, one of those guys that, no matter how much money i might have (which i dont btw hehe), i enjoy having only one instrument..i enjoy getting used to only one guitar and using that one and only, hence why i play the exact same ibanez SA for over 15 years now without having a second guitar...the problem tho is obvious.no matter how many different pickups and wiring the guitar has, there is somewhere always a compromise...guitars like the T5/Z help those more acoustic/clean/crunch players like me to have "all-in-one"...that beeing said ho, piezo does a great job "simulating" acoustic..some piezo bridges work amazingly.

[@mikedegroff7766]

agreed, i have several guitars but seem to go through phases, where I will play my RG for several months and play very technique-oriented stuff, then switch over to my Tele for a while and play more rhythmically and freely. i just cant switch between the feels of the neck radii, fret size, etc. without having a settling in period. i dont get how guys like joe perry and keith urban grab a short scale LP for a song, then an acoustic, then a baritone doubleneck for another song, a fender, a gretsch, etc, without being thrown off at all. i definately understand about wiring as well... my tele currently has 26 different potential pickup combo's... have you heard taylor's newest iteration of the expression system? its a totally new way of mounting the piezo crystals so that they respond more dynamically and naturally

[@Driftuner]

Mike DeGroff yeah man its pretty awesome..i love what taylor did with that...and yeah i agree with you, i also cant jump from one guitar to the other and feel comfy right away..i also need my time to get used to it every time i play something different..

[@MartinWeeksmw]

Ah but think of the value in work flow if you're doing recording sessions for one of your projects, or for a client's. One guitar, a hundred possible sounds and genre styles. For recording work this guitar simply can't be beat.

[@Woolstone]

Wayne Johnson! What a guy, man. And what a player. This vid was more than a demo or an advert for a Taylor guitar. That was a proper performance. Wanna go out and see this guy play live after that. Also, the guitar sounds sick! F***in hell. Beautiful tones and so much variety and so many possibilities. Hope to get one soon.

[@jetwoman10001]

The best review and playing of this guitar! Many thanks, Wayne!

[@edz517]

I have the new color Denim coming in a day or two. This demo is really awesome. Thank you so much for showing us some of the possibilities.

[@wheelsdetroit8608]

The looping section of this video was simply brilliant. Good work.

[@johnguidera8121]

Awesome tasteful player/teacher and a marvel of a guitar. Here is a masterful tutorial and an amazing instrument that you can both appreciate and get lost in. Tone is everything!

[@stratplayer10]

the best review of any guitar i have ever seen, well done Wayne. Your playing is sublime but does not over shine what you are supposed to be doing, which is reviewing the guitar. Superb.

[@CamsCampbell]

That's one of the best guitar reviews I've ever seen. Thank you for posting that. You might very well have just sold me on a T5z.

[@themalemen5963]

Exceptional review by a knowledgeable pro, based on real-world professional experience with the instrument under review. This is the only review I can remember that left me with zero questions. Wayne, you should teach a master class to those who aspire to produce musical instrument reviews and to others who butcher these reviews with painful regularity.

[@gerardmaguire4495]

What a fantastic demo & education on this guitar by this guy. Now it's been simplified for me i will seriously consider getting one! Lot less gear to load whenever we all get back at it !

[@perryd6761]

Thanks, Wayne. You really taught me a lot about my new T5z. If only I could play 1/4 as well as you, I’d be a happy man.

[@richm41]

GREAT demonstration. already ordered that same guitar - cant wait to try it out when it comes. Most guitarists that buy it probably wouldn't know all the versatility but this demo really nails it.. great job!

[@brianlking704]

Seriously skilled and informative. I'm sold...Bravo sir!

[@DavidQualls]

GREAT demonstration of what this amazing guitar can do!!!

[@Jubular]

Amazing player with actual knowledge of the product. Superb job.

[@skipperchen8354]

Best guitar demonstration I've seen so far 👍🏻

[@paulgerike2058]

This guitar is on deck for me. I cant wait to get one!

[@mardouqhouseofe3962]

Best demo of this T5 anywhere!!

[@MartinWeeksmw]

This is one of my all time favorite videos to watch any time. 1st it's as said in other comments below, the absolute best demonstration of the capabilities of the Taylor T5z Guitar models. 2. It's just riproariously fun watching Wayne Johnson play the guitar period. He's having so much fun while playing it's infectively fun. Wayne is such an amazing guitarist to begin with, and his mastery of the T5z is very apparent. We use Presonus Studio One in our studio, and I'd love to see a demo of this guitar done by Wayne Johnson and recorded in Studio One. That would be an amazing video. Hey Wayne if your watching...if you ever come and play in Melbourne Florida, please let me know as I'd love to come out to your show and see you playing live.

[@kirstensray]

Learned what actually happens when pickups are in series and parallel. Nice catch!

[@akgeezer]

I know it's an old video, but I just have to compliment Wayne on this outstanding overview of the T5z. I've seen other reviews that go through the 5 switch positions, but they don't even scratch the surface of this guitars potential with the tone shaping possibilities. It has endless possibilities, but ,as Wayne said, it takes some experimenting to find the sounds you want to use. Not what I would call a guitar for a new guitarist. Thanks Wayne!!!

[@Malabarii]

Definitely the BEST demo of the T5 and it's capabilities yet. Of course it doesn't hurt to have Wayne behind the wheel. I think he might know a thing or two about playing :-)

[@GerriWheeler]

FANTASTIC! What an amazing review and playing!

[@sboy1955]

Absolutely the best T5 demo on U-Toob.. !

[@dougsmith8430]

Excellent Demo! Beautiful playing as well… I’ve played this make, the T5z at a guitar shop and it sounded beautiful and played so nicelyalmost bought it… This demo has me wanting to oreder this versatile/beautiful Guitar! Thanks for this Demo!

[@skateborg]

I saw Wayne at the Taylor Road Show demo a few years ago in San Francisco. He's a guitar wizard - and really funny. Great guy!

[@isabelllowenherz2213]

The best introduction of this guitar.

[@thoughtprovoking001]

WOW! This is the holy grail of guitar demo's!

[@1999jessjess]

Now I need this guitar this guy is awesome!

[@dougbrown6690]

I came here because I am considering a T5z Pro. This was HANDS DOWN the best demo I have seen, and not just of the T5z itself, but comps to other guitars as well. And he doesn't OVER play. Great.

[@SuperFloorshaker]

What a great review! Thanks Wayne!

[@Sensiva]

Incredible the guitar And also your performance!!!! Thank you 🎸

[@jarikoskenniska299]

Best guitar review ive seen, thx!

[@ducati750d]

awesome video , awesome guitar and playing . I have a T-5 natural . This video will help me remember all those different positions and which pickups they go to . Thank you Taylor and Wildwood.

[@curthoffman980]

Sweet guitar, nice review and tasty licks!

[@ChristianNavarretetrinomia]

Excellent work, a complete analysis of the guitar. I am a fan of Wildwood Guitars videos. They could do as good as this analysis of T5z Taylor Classic, to appreciate its sounds and differences. Thank you very much, I hope the video. Greetings and congratulations for such delicate work.

[@alansturgess1324]

OUTSTANDING review and reviewer. 10/10 doesn't come close. I've now ordered a Cocobolo T5z from Guitar Village here in the UK. If you live in the UK and buy online, I STRONGLY recommend Guitar Village as well as Andertons. The thing about GV is that they have a three-stage checking and setting up system which is excellent. I bought a pre-used PRS from them and it came with a detailed list of all the checks and setups that had been made before despatch. Andertons also have their own checking systems for guitars when they arrive in-store.

[@evelynfigueroa1430]

Great review! Thank you Wayne, it has helped me in my research for a new worship guitar. God bless!

[@Roshan-tb3iz]

I watched this video even though I have no intention of buying one. His playing and demonstration is excellent.

[@vincentdelmas2792]

It's so pleasant to hear this, specially after the weird " official video " with three guys including a Taylor's pro.

[@1funkybasslady]

Fabulous demo by fabulous artist....BUT it would be interesting to hear the guitar’s native tones without all the stomp boxes. Also, I would love to know, in detail, the makeup of Wayne’s pedal board as well as the settings of those pedals for each of the demonstrated tones. It would also be interesting to hear the guitar through various brands and models of acoustic and electric guitar amps. All this said, I have viewed all the KZbin video demos of this guitar, and Wayne’s demos - especially this one - are the best! As a result of this particular video I made the leap and bought the T5z Custom. I am in love!!

[@tommylockett99]

Man Wayne Johnson is a hell of a player, I just discovered this video because I'm about to get this guitar, and Wayne's demo could sell any guitar...Wayne, give us some videos!

[@garyleek]

wow!!!!!! The splitter box was brilliant!

[@stratmagic6893]

great guitar and an excellent review=wonderful playing

[@txshupp]

Nice demo. On the list to get now. Thanks.

[@BrunoCOHENstudio]

Amazing guitar, played by an amazing guitar player!

[@paulenglefield5618]

So useful to a potential buyer; gorgeous playing too.

[@jaeyooncho2712]

Wow very versatile Impressive demo! Great 👍

[@staylivemusicstudio]

a big thanks to wayne from Malaysian! really a super duper good review ;) thumbs up!

[@BoeingSkunkWorks]

That 'chicken pickin' sounds just like a Fleetwood mac tune from the '75 white album. Good job on the demo. I just ordered one of these. Can't wait to try it out.

[@slickyjorj]

Beautiful...innovative...great sounding. Want!

[@objectiveobjective1948]

Nothing better than a pro guitarist with a T5z ,, makes you want to buy one today

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

WOW !!! WAYNE !!!! You and Tommy Emmanuel should collaborate on an album !!!! I just sold 2 of my guitars for the 5 guitars you demo-ed with this videoed !!!! Thanks so much Wayne !!!

[@NatRebel88]

Found a twelve string model in a store and fell in love. I don't even care that I can't play well yet. It just felt so wonderful.

[@pjfoley0629]

Very nice. Been thinking about buying one for a while. I think I’m sold

[@rickmoderie4213]

Super video. I would like Wayne to test every guitar. The Taylor T5Z looks like an alternative to the Fender Acoustisonic.

[@TheCrystalyne]

Fantastic playing and guitar

[@AlchemyMusicConcept]

Nice playing, nice guitar

[@PhongLe-kr4be]

wow what a versatile player

[@banjomandolin]

Wayne is the man!

[@LeeColson]

Great review and demo. Very informative.

[@mikikomurdoch5985]

While I love my Gibson ES-137 and Taylor 314ce, I have been looking for a light, small, thin-line guitar that does what I get from both of these guitars. Actually, T5z seems to do way more than that. A perfect Latin Jazz tone! So I got one today. Thanks, Wayne, for a great demo!!

[@xxmanx1]

GREAT demo!

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Great demo thanks

[@ronaldomoreira8594]

Amazing review!!!

[@MishaPitsenko]

You got me with the Chet Atkins on an acoustic guitar. I cant believe your serious.

[@pipagsock4205]

Excellent Demo, left the ego out what a relief and I got the right info

[@alphasxsignal]

Great info about this system.

[@mitchvia1290]

EXCELLENT DEMO THANKS.

[@mikeraymond6822]

Honestly ive been drooling over the T5 for years,I have a fender hss strat a thin body tele with humbukers, I’m thinking of selling both and buying the T5z

[@andyguitar]

Great info!! Thank you!!

[@GuitrDad]

Have had my T5z Custom Koa for s month now, and my Rivera Sedona Lite amp coming in a few days. This is the most versatile guitar I have owned in over 40 years of playing, and I expect the Rivera amp to open up all kinds of additional tonal possibilities. Taylor hit it out of the park with the T5z.

[@ManleyWalker]

Dude! You got a T5 AND a Rivera? I'm totally jealous.

[@GuitrDad]

Manley Walker Manley - the tax gods smiled down on me. Changed jobs in 2014, so I overpaid FICA. Amp coming Tuesday - perfect match for T5z. Hope you & Ann are doing well. I need to get down your way soon.

[@patrickgillin6879]

Joe McAdam Hey Joe… What type and gauge of strings do you use on your T5? Thx

[@GuitrDad]

Patrick Gillin Hey Patrick - I'm embarrassed to say I do not know. I tried googling, and cannot find it anywhere.

[@patrickgillin6879]

Joe McAdam No worries… I have a friend's T5 he strung with acoustic strings, which just felt wrong and sounded worse. I went to the Taylor site and they recommend the Elixir nano webs in .11 to .49 gauge. This vid really helps explain the controls, which were previously a mystery to me… Thx for the reply!

[@wyldeslash2003]

Dude was kiiiilling it!!!!

[@damianrjames]

Gobsmackrd! I can’t think of a more thorough demo of any guitar I’ve seen on here and I’ve seen hundreds, and moreover, it’s reassuring to see an instrument demos by someone both musical and technically proficient ! Thanks. Can it sound like strat in 2nd position clean and how authentic is the tele sound? Could it still do s job with 10-46 or hybrid top heavy bottom lighter gauge ?

[@MartinWeeksmw]

Still my favorite Promo for this guitar. I forward/share it with everyone and anyone that wants to fuss over guitars and which one's best etc.

[@prudencastaneda4669]

¡Felicidades al guitarrista!