Taylor Guitars and The Arts Music Store

The Arts Music Store is one of only two Premiere Taylor Guitar Dealers in Canada. We currently stock over 100 Taylor guitars representing a wide selection of the different series, shapes and tonewoods in Taylor’s extensive product line. You will not find a larger selection anywhere.

We are also one of only 4 Gold Level Taylor Guitar Repair Shops in Canada, able to handle almost any repair (in or out of warranty), that your Taylor may require.

Our staff are extremely knowledgeable regarding all things Taylor. They have extensive training on all products in the Taylor lineup. We are happy to help you find the guitar that is the absolute best fit for you.

The Taylor Guitar company’s commitment to excellence is unparalleled, consistently producing some of the highest quality production instruments available today. Their newest advance in guitar innovation, V-Class bracing, is a game changer in regards to acoustic guitar tone shaping. Taylor guitars are second to none in terms of quality, tone, playability and innovation.

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Find the Taylor guitar that’s just right for you.

Tools and resources to help you find the Taylor guitar that is uniquely yours.

Body Shape

Shape helps to define a guitar’s fundamental voice.

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Tone Woods

Tone woods season and enhance the body shape.

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Series

Each series features an unique combination of tonewoods and ascetic detail.

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V-Class Bracing

Game changing advancement in acoustic guitar sound.

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Taylor Academy Series

For the beginner or those looking for an affordable full sized Taylor guitar, this series brings you Taylor quality at a great price.

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Limited and Special Editions

These give Taylor enthusiasts a chance to own a model of great distinction that only a select group of owners will share.

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More than 6-String Acoustics

Electric, nylon string, Baritone acoustic and 12-string guitars. Taylor offers a wide array of guitars to suit your many musical needs.

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Featured Taylor Guitars

Take a look at these Taylors

814CEDLX

$5,499

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K62CE 12FRET

$5,979

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ACADEMY 10E

$849

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Taylor Guitars

Headquartered in El Cajon, California, Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, and has grown into the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars. Renowned for blending modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered among the best-sounding and easiest to play in the world.

Taylor is widely recognized throughout the musical instrument industry as the visionary acoustic guitar manufacturer. Among the company’s many innovations are its patented Taylor Neck, the award-winning Expression System® 2 (ES2) pickup, a groundbreaking approach to amplifying an acoustic guitar; and the T5, the first true hybrid acoustic and electric guitar that can produce amplified acoustic tones, full-crunch electric, and everything in-between with the flip of a five-way switch. Most recently, Taylor has created the V-Class Bracing system revolutionizing the way acoustic guitars are built.

Taylor is dedicated to the pursuit of best practices in forest management, new models of reforestation, and bringing ethically harvested tonewoods to market. This coupled with outstanding playability, flawless craftsmanship, and stunning aesthetics, it’s no surprise many of today’s leading musicians make Taylor their guitar of choice.

“I recently bought an acoustic guitar from The Arts. Plenty of quality selection there. Arron and the other guys who work there are great to deal with. Put up with me coming in 2-3 times a week for a couple months to try everything on the wall until i found the perfect instrument for me in my price range. Great experience. Will be back when i’m ready to upgrade.”

“Nothing short of great! Extremely knowledgeable staff that go out of their way to accommodate their clientele. Customers derive benefit of the staffs in depth knowledge based on their experience as working musicians. Their experience, integrity, and in-depth knowledge of the industry means that you will get decent products to suit your own personal music needs, at fair prices and excellent service after they have made the sale. If these guys don’t truly love what they do, then they are brilliant actors! Have dealt with them for over 25 years and will continue to do so!
All the best to Archy and the gang!”

“My son and I have taken up guitar this year and we have visited a few of the popular music shops in the GTA in search of the right gear to get started with. The Arts staff have consistently provided us with exceptional service and a ton of great advice without the pushy sales approach of some of the other shops.
Great service and fantastic products!”

GS Mini Series

The GS Mini Series guitars are a line of smaller-sized guitars that deliver a rich and powerful sound. Designed with portability in mind, these guitars feature a scaled-down Grand Symphony body shape that makes them easy to take on the go. Despite their smaller size, they produce a full-bodied tone that’s perfect for everything from fingerpicking to strumming. The GS Mini Series includes a variety of models to suit different playing styles and preferences, including acoustic-electric options that offer versatile amplification capabilities. With their high-quality construction, excellent playability, and rich sound, the GS Mini Series guitars are a great choice for anyone in need of a compact and portable acoustic guitar that doesn’t sacrifice quality or tone.

Taylor Academy Series

The Academy Series guitars are a line of affordable, entry-level acoustic guitars that offer excellent playability and sound quality. Designed with beginner guitarists in mind, these guitars feature a range of player-friendly features such as a slim neck profile, a comfortable armrest, and a slightly shorter scale length for easier fretting. The Academy Series includes a variety of models to suit different preferences, including dreadnought and grand concert body shapes, as well as acoustic-electric options for versatile amplification. Despite their affordable price point, these guitars are crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, resulting in excellent overall sound and playability. Whether you’re just starting out on your guitar journey or looking for a reliable and affordable acoustic, the Academy Series guitars are a great choice.

Taylor 200 Series

The 200 Series guitars are high-quality, mid-priced acoustic guitars that offer exceptional sound and playability. Built with a range of premium materials, including solid wood tops, layered Indian rosewood backs and sides, and high-quality hardware, these guitars deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent projection and sustain. The 200 Series includes a range of body shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles and preferences, from the grand auditorium to the dreadnought. Some models also feature acoustic-electric capabilities, allowing for versatile amplification. With their impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail, the 200 Series guitars are a great choice for intermediate and advanced players who are looking for a high-quality instrument at a reasonable price point.

Taylor 400 Series

The 400 Series guitars are a line of premium, all-solid wood acoustic guitars that offer exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. Crafted with a range of premium materials, including solid wood tops, back and sides made from Indian rosewood or ovangkol, and high-quality hardware, these guitars deliver a warm, rich, and resonant sound with excellent projection and sustain. The 400 Series includes a range of body shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles and preferences, from the grand auditorium to the dreadnought. Some models also feature the Expression System 2 acoustic-electric pickup system for versatile amplification. With their meticulous attention to detail and exceptional build quality, the 400 Series guitars are a great choice for advanced players who demand the very best in terms of sound, playability, and craftsmanship.

Taylor 800 Series

The 800 Series guitars are a line of premium, high-end acoustic guitars that are built with the finest materials and craftsmanship. Featuring solid wood tops made from Sitka spruce, and backs and sides made from Indian rosewood, these guitars deliver a rich, complex, and dynamic sound with excellent projection and sustain. The 800 Series includes a range of body shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles and preferences, from the grand auditorium to the dreadnought. The guitars also feature premium hardware, such as gold-plated tuners and custom-designed fretboard inlays, for a luxurious look and feel. Some models also feature the Expression System 2 acoustic-electric pickup system for versatile amplification. With their meticulous attention to detail and exceptional build quality, the 800 Series guitars are a great choice for professional musicians who demand the very best in terms of sound, playability, and craftsmanship.

Taylor Grand Pacific Series

The Taylor Grand Pacific Series acoustic guitars feature a new round-shoulder dreadnought body shape, designed to deliver a warm, rich, and versatile sound that is perfect for a range of playing styles. Built with Taylor’s V-Class bracing system and solid wood tops made from Sitka spruce or tropical mahogany, the Grand Pacific guitars deliver a powerful, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain and projection. The guitars also feature a range of premium materials, such as back and sides made from Indian rosewood or tropical mahogany, and high-quality hardware, such as Taylor’s proprietary Expression System 2 acoustic-electric pickup system. With their innovative design, exceptional sound quality, and meticulous attention to detail, the Taylor Grand Pacific Series guitars are a great choice for players who demand the very best in terms of tone, playability, and craftsmanship.

American Dream Series

The American Dream Series is a line of affordable, all-solid wood acoustic guitars that offer exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. Built with a range of premium materials, including solid wood tops made from mahogany or Sitka spruce, and back and sides made from tropical mahogany, these guitars deliver a warm, rich, and resonant sound with excellent projection and sustain. The American Dream Series includes a range of body shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles and preferences, from the grand concert to the dreadnought. The guitars also feature high-quality hardware, such as nickel tuners and custom-designed fretboard inlays. With their great value for money, exceptional sound quality, and Taylor’s signature attention to detail, the American Dream Series guitars are a great choice for players who want a high-quality, all-solid wood guitar at an affordable price.

Taylor Presentation Series

The Presentation Series showcases the highest level of craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail. Each guitar in the series is a one-of-a-kind work of art, featuring exquisite inlay work, premium tonewoods, and meticulous construction. The guitars are built with solid wood tops made from rare, highly figured tonewoods such as Sitka spruce or redwood, and back and sides are made from exotic woods like cocobolo or quilted maple. The inlay work on the fingerboard, headstock, and body is intricate and detailed, featuring themes such as ocean waves, hummingbirds, and floral patterns. The Presentation Series guitars also feature advanced bracing designs, such as Taylor’s Grand Orchestra bracing system, which allows for greater tonal complexity, sustain, and resonance. With their stunning beauty, exceptional sound quality, and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Taylor Presentation Series guitars are the ultimate expression of the luthier’s art.

Taylor Builder’s Edition

The Taylor Builder’s Edition represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s craftsmanship and innovation. Each guitar in the series is a unique, custom-built instrument that features a range of proprietary design elements, including ergonomic contours, beveled edges, and advanced bracing systems, that enhance both the player’s comfort and the guitar’s tonal performance. The Builder’s Edition guitars are built with premium tonewoods, including rare and highly figured varieties of spruce, rosewood, and mahogany, and feature Taylor’s most advanced electronics and hardware components. The guitars also feature stunning visual details, such as colorful abalone inlays, smoked nickel hardware, and silent satin finishes, that are designed to enhance the guitar’s beauty and playability. With their exceptional craftsmanship, advanced design features, and premium materials, the Taylor Builder’s Edition guitars are some of the finest acoustic guitars available today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taylor Guitars

While just about all Taylor guitars are awesome, the best guitar models really come down to personal preferences and opinions, but here are some of the most highly regarded Taylor guitar models among guitar players and enthusiasts:

  1. Taylor 814ce – This model is a classic, featuring a Grand Auditorium body shape and solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides. It has Taylor’s proprietary Expression System 2 electronics, providing a rich, full-bodied sound both unplugged and amplified.
  2. Taylor 712ce – Another popular model, the 712ce has a Grand Concert body shape and a smaller scale length, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing. It features a solid Lutz spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, and has a bright and articulate sound.
  3. Taylor K14ce Builder’s Edition – Part of the Builder’s Edition line, this guitar features a stunning Hawaiian koa top, back, and sides, as well as a beveled armrest and cutaway for added comfort. It also has Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing system, providing improved sustain and intonation.
  4. Taylor 214ce – For those on a budget, the 214ce offers excellent value for the price. It features a Grand Auditorium body shape with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered rosewood back and sides. It also has Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics and a comfortable neck profile.
  5. Taylor GS Mini – The GS Mini is a smaller-sized guitar that’s perfect for travel or for players with smaller hands. It features a solid spruce top and layered sapele back and sides, and has a surprisingly full and balanced sound despite its smaller size.

Taylor guitars are widely regarded as some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world, and they are known for their exceptional playability, tone, and craftsmanship. Compared to other acoustic guitars, Taylor guitars often have a brighter, more modern sound thanks to their innovative design and use of high-quality materials.

One of the key features that sets Taylor guitars apart is their proprietary bracing system. Taylor’s V-Class bracing, for example, provides improved sustain, intonation, and volume, making Taylor guitars sound more powerful and expressive. Additionally, Taylor guitars are known for their excellent playability, with low action and a comfortable neck profile that makes them easy to play for hours on end.

Of course, there are many other high-quality acoustic guitars on the market, and which one is “better” largely depends on personal preference. However, Taylor guitars are consistently praised for their superior craftsmanship, tone, and playability, and they are a popular choice for professional musicians and serious hobbyists alike.

Taylor guitars are made using a variety of high-quality materials, with a focus on durability, sustainability, and tonal excellence. The specific materials used vary depending on the guitar model and series, but here are some of the most common ones:

  • Sitka Spruce: This is the most common top wood used on Taylor guitars. It’s a strong, lightweight, and versatile tonewood that produces a bright and articulate sound.
  • Tropical Mahogany: This is a dense, strong, and stable tonewood that is often used for the back and sides of Taylor guitars. It produces warm, rich tones that balance out the brightness of the Sitka Spruce top.
  • Indian Rosewood: This is another popular tonewood used for the back and sides of Taylor guitars. It’s dense, heavy, and oily, and produces a powerful, complex sound with rich overtones.
  • Ebony: This is a dense and hard tonewood that is often used for the fretboard and bridge of Taylor guitars. It produces a bright and articulate sound with a strong attack.

In addition to these tonewoods, Taylor guitars may also feature other materials such as maple, koa, sapele, and more. The company also uses environmentally sustainable materials, such as responsibly sourced tonewoods and alternative materials like West African ebony and Urban Ash. Overall, the materials used in Taylor guitars are carefully chosen to ensure the best possible sound quality, playability, and sustainability.

The different Taylor guitar series, from 100 to 800, are distinguished by their materials, construction, and features, which affect their tone, playability, and overall quality. Here’s a brief overview of the differences between each series:

  • 100 Series: These guitars are made with laminated sapele back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. They have a slim profile neck and come with an ES-B pickup system.
  • 200 Series: These guitars feature solid wood back and sides, with a choice of either Indian rosewood or layered maple. They have a solid Sitka spruce top and a satin finish. The neck is also slightly wider and more comfortable to play.
  • 300 Series: These guitars are made with solid wood back and sides, with a choice of either sapele or blackwood. They have a solid Sitka spruce top with a glossy finish, and a comfortable Venetian cutaway for easier access to the upper frets.
  • 400 Series: These guitars feature solid wood back and sides, with a choice of either ovangkol or rosewood. They have a solid Sitka spruce top with a gloss finish and an elegant abalone rosette. The neck features a unique V-Class bracing system for enhanced sustain and clarity.
  • 500 Series: These guitars are made with solid wood back and sides, with a choice of either mahogany or koa. They have a solid Sitka spruce top with a gloss finish and come with a deluxe hardshell case.
  • 800 Series: These guitars feature premium solid wood back and sides, with a choice of either rosewood or maple. They have a solid Sitka spruce top with a gloss finish, as well as deluxe appointments like mother-of-pearl inlays, gold tuners, and a bone nut and saddle.

Overall, the higher the series number, the more premium the materials and construction, which results in a higher-quality sound and playability.

Taylor Guitars offers a limited lifetime warranty on their acoustic guitars to the original owner. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, and it also covers parts and labor for any necessary repairs. This warranty is valid as long as the guitar has not been damaged due to misuse, abuse, neglect, or accidents. Taylor Guitars also offers a 12-year warranty on their electronics, which covers any defects in materials and workmanship. It is important to note that the warranty is only valid for guitars that have been purchased from an authorized Taylor dealer. In the event that a warranty claim needs to be made, the owner must provide a copy of the original sales receipt. Taylor Guitars also offers a customer service team to help with any questions or concerns regarding their products.

The Taylor Expression System (ES) is a proprietary pickup system developed by Taylor Guitars for their acoustic-electric guitars. It was first introduced in 2004 and has since become a standard feature on most of Taylor’s acoustic-electric models. The ES system uses a patented behind-the-saddle pickup that is designed to capture more of the natural sound of the guitar. The pickup is mounted to the bridge plate, which is said to provide a more balanced and accurate sound compared to other pickup systems that are mounted under the saddle. The ES system also includes a preamp that is mounted inside the guitar and offers tone shaping and volume controls. The system is designed to provide a natural and transparent amplified sound that captures the essence of the guitar’s tone and projection.

Taylor guitars are popular among a wide range of musicians and have been played by many notable artists across various genres. Some well-known musicians who have played Taylor guitars include:

  • Taylor Swift
  • Dave Matthews
  • Jason Mraz
  • Zac Brown
  • Ben Harper
  • Shawn Mendes
  • Ed Sheeran
  • John Mayer
  • Jerry Douglas
  • Keith Urban

These artists and many others have chosen Taylor guitars for their quality, playability, and unique sound. Taylor guitars are known for their versatility and are played by musicians in genres ranging from pop and rock to country and bluegrass, among others.