Th e
500
Se r i eS
Back/Sides:
Tropical Mahogany
Top:
Engelmann Spruce (510ce, 512ce)
Western Red Cedar (514ce, 516ce)
Fretboard Inlay:
Pearl Dots
Binding:
Indian Rosewood
Rosette:
Abalone
Models:
510ce, 512ce, 514ce, 516ce
Mahogany sits alongside rosewood in terms of its enduring appeal
among acoustic guitar makers and players. Tonally, mahogany
flourishes in the midrange zone, yielding a “bloom” of overtones that
add richness to the overall acoustic sound. You’ll hear that midrange
resonance sometimes described as meaty or earthy. As a traditional
tonewood, mahogany is associated with a lot of vintage acoustic
music like blues and folk, although plenty of contemporary players
(including Leo Kottke) are devoted to mahogany’s tone. That midrange
character, along with superb dynamic range, records well and offers
a lot to a musician who appreciates character and texture — singer-
songwriters, fingerstyle players, and blues/roots artists come to mind.
Mahogany also sounds wonderfully resonant in alternate tunings.
Our 500 Series offers a choice of cedar tops on the popular 514ce
(GA) and 516ce (GS) — adding even more warmth for fingerpickers
and strummers — and Engelmann spruce on the Dreadnought 510ce
and Grand Concert 512ce.
Taylor acoustics have long been favored for recording due to their
natural clarity and balance. With more people involved in home
recording projects, working with a Taylor means it’s easy to get a
great acoustic sound. Robin Whitehouse, 23, began recording at
home with his computer in 10th grade. Pictured in his home studio
with a 510ce, he has recorded a variety of music projects, including
two full-length albums with his own bands and the music of other
local artists, ranging from ballads to pop-punk to musical theater. “My
Taylor has changed recording acoustic guitar from a tedious process
into an artistic sonic exploration,” he says.
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