When Taylor introduced its slope-shoulder Grand Pacific body style in 2019, it replaced the company’s earlier dreadnought design in all of its El Cajon, California–made model lines (the previous square-shoulder body continues to be used on the company’s Mexican-made instruments). But while Taylor’s Grand Pacifics have a certain vintage vibe and could easily be mistaken for a more traditional instrument, the guitars offer a clever combination of classic looks and modern construction, which includes the company’s acclaimed V-Class bracing. The first Grand Pacifics were the 317, 517, and 717, and the style is slowly making its way into other Taylor series. The new 417e is part of the updated 400 series, and is a new option for players looking for a rosewood guitar. We already introduced the three new 400 series guitars with a more general video, but for this demo, I got together with Bay Area flatpicker Jim Nunally to take a closer look at the 417e. 

Like the new versions of the 412ce and 414ce, the 417e includes a glossy sunburst finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, and a Sitka spruce top. Players who remember Taylor’s 400 series as entry-level guitars may be surprised by the high-quality materials and overall appearance of the new 417 (when the line was introduced in 1991, it represented the company’s least expensive models). The 417e has the white binding of the 400 series, but the new agoya-shell rosette and “Finial” fingerboard inlay give it a fresh appearance that goes well with the sunburst finish. 

With its V-Class bracing and Taylor’s contemporary-feeling neck, the 417e immediately sounds and feels like a modern guitar. It has the clarity and balance that Taylors are famous for, but Jim immediately commented on the rich sound of the open G-string. When he played the 417e, it sounded perfect for traditional bluegrass while avoiding the boominess that sometimes plagues rosewood dreadnoughts. The instrument delivered great acoustic volume when it was hit hard, but it also developed rich tone when played more softly, as when Jim and I played a fingerstyle duet of “Nine Pound Hammer” with Jim on the 417e while I played a Taylor 414ce. In addition, Taylor’s ES2 electronics are among the most advanced available, and will give the 417e a great sound onstage. 

The new 417e is a wonderful addition to Taylor’s 400-series. Players who have been interested in a rosewood version of the Grand Pacific now have two models to choose from, and I have a feeling this guitar will find many fans among contemporary flatpickers as well as anyone looking for a powerful, easy-to-play, and versatile guitar.

SPECS 

Grand Pacific body. Solid spruce top with V-Class-bracing. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Mahogany neck. Ebony fingerboard and bridge. 25.5-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. Nickel Taylor tuning machines. Taylor ES2 electronics. Made in USA. $2,999 street. Taylorguitars.com

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