Taylor’s 2026 acoustic refresh brings new neck tech, new pickups – and an expanded Gold Label collection
Taylor has announced two major releases for 2026: a Next Generation update to its flagship Grand Auditorium guitars, and an expansion of the Gold Label Collection that adds square-shoulder dreadnoughts plus a pair of ultra-premium 900 Series models.
“As guitar makers, we see the ever-wider variety of players and styles,” said Andy Powers, Taylor’s Chief Guitar Designer and CEO. “This means different types of sounds, feels and aesthetic presentations—all in step with the creative world of today’s players.”
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Next-Generation Grand Auditorium guitars
Taylor’s Grand Auditorium has long been its Swiss-army-knife acoustic. Rolling out across the brand’s best-selling 300, 400 and 800 Series models — including both Standard and Builder’s Edition versions — the updated Grand Auditoriums introduce three main upgrades: a new Action Control Neck, a scalloped version of Andy Powers’ V-Class bracing, and Taylor’s all-new Claria pickup system.
The Action Control Neck is a particularly player-friendly change. A long-tendon neck joint helps the neck and body work together so the guitar feels warmer and more alive, while the shimless action control feature lets you adjust string height with a simple turn of a bolt through the soundhole.
Inside the body, Taylor has refined its V-Class bracing with a scalloped design that allows the top to move more freely. The result is a warmer sound with more low-end response, while still keeping the pitch accuracy and sustain that V-Class fans appreciate.
Finally, there’s Claria, Taylor’s latest pickup system. Designed with live players in mind, Claria pairs a reimagined under-saddle piezo pickup with a new proprietary preamp, eliminating traditional piezo harshness. Simple soundhole-mounted Volume, Mid-Contour, and Tone controls also make it easy to dial things in quickly, whether you’re playing a coffeehouse gig or a larger stage.
Next Generation Grand Auditoriums start at $2,499 and include the following models: 314ce, 414ce, 814ce, Builder’s Edition 324ce, BE 814ce Indian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce, 324ce, 454ce, 854ce, BE 814ce Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Spruce, BE 814ce Indian Rosewood/Adirond.
Credit: Taylor Guitars
Gold Label expands with square-shoulder dreadnoughts
One year after the line’s debut, Taylor has introduced square-shoulder dreadnoughts with deeper bodies, aimed squarely at players who want more thump, warmth and projection.
The new lineup features three tonewood pairings: the mahogany/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 510e, the Indian rosewood/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 710e, and the Honduran rosewood/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 810e. Prices begin at $2,799.
New Gold Label 900 Series models
Rounding things out are two new Gold Label guitars at the top of Taylor’s range: the Super Auditorium Gold Label 914e and the Grand Pacific 917e.
Both pair Honduran rosewood with Adirondack spruce and feature exquisite paua-shell trim across the top, fretboard and headstock, in natural or golden-brown sunburst finishes. As with all Gold Label models, both guitars feature the collection’s signature innovations: fanned V-Class bracing, the Action Control Neck, and heritage-inspired aesthetics.
“It’s like players are stepping into a different musical skin with our Gold Label guitars,” says Powers. “Songwriters, bluegrass players, Americana players, rhythm players, weekend strummers, worship leaders, all kinds of different players saying, ‘Wow, I love this sound. This is a whole different face of Taylor.’”
Learn more at Taylor Guitars.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
