The T5z is a popular hybrid guitar that merges unmistakable Taylor beauty with uncompromising acoustic/electric versatility. This 'Exotic' version of the T5z Classic features a stunning Hawaiian Koa top, elevating its tasteful aesthetics to soaring heights. This striking visual upgrade perfectly compliments the inviting feel and tonal breadth of the hollowbody T5z Classic.
Unique Construction
Taylor's T5z Classic features an elegant body shape that closely resembles that of an acoustic guitar, albeit with a slightly more compact size that gives it a manageable, ergonomic feel. Boasting a full hollowbody construction, the Taylor T5z Classic projects plenty of natural volume and has the reassuring resonance you'd expect from a typical acoustic instrument.
Exotic Tonewoods
Sapele has been used to form the back and sides of the Taylor T5z Classic. Tonally akin to Mahogany, Sapele has a higher density that yields brighter highs - while retaining those rich lows and sparkly mids that are needed to form a balanced tone. The Hawaiian Koa top, apart from being incredible to gaze upon, also affects the T5z's sound and further accentuates the highs for even more cut in a band mix.
Modern Neck
While the Taylor T5z Classic's body has an acoustic-like shape, its Neo-Tropical Mahogany neck would feel far more familiar to electric players with its contemporary profile. Thinner than you'd expect with a traditional acoustic - the 'T5 Carve' is supremely comfortable, with its 12"-radius West African Ebony fingerboard also flatter than you'd find with most acoustics. Jumbo frets are another modern touch, giving you greater control over strings bends and vibrato, while the neck's smooth satin finish offers a fast and non-sticky feel.
Proprietary Pickup System
Like all T5z models, the Exotic Classic comes equipped with Taylor’s proprietary three-pickup configuration and five-way switching capability - allowing players to move from warm amplified acoustic sounds to fiery electric tones with the flick of the wrist!
The Taylor T5z's angled bridge pickup may look like a single-coil, but it's actually a humbucker that provides a thick and and powerful sound. This is paired with an additional humbucker in the neck position that is discreetly installed beneath the top. The Taylor T5Z can therefore cope well with overdrive and even distortion, with Taylor’s unique body design ensuring that feedback is kept to a minimum. To achieve its acoustic voice, the T5z uses an internal magnetic acoustic body sensor. This accurately picks up the vibrations within the body, converting it into a signal that is fed from the output.
Specifications
Body
- Top Wood: Hawaiian Koa
- Back & Sides Wood: Sapele
- Bracing Pattern: Standard T5z
- Bracing Wood: Sitka Spruce
- Rosette: F-Holes
- Cutaway: Venetian
Neck
- Neck Wood: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
- Neck Profile: T5 Carve
- Fingerboard: West African Ebony
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Fingerboard Inlays: Small Diamonds, Italian Acrylic, Faux Pearl
- Fingerboard Binding: ABS Plastic, Black
- Frets: 21, Jumbo
- Scale Length: 24-7/8"
- Nut: TUSQ, White
- Nut Width: 1-11/16"
- Peghead: Paddle, Standard T5z
- Peghead Veneer: West African Ebony
Hardware & Electronics
- Tuners: Satin Black
- Bridge: West African Ebony
- Bridge Pins: West African Ebony
- Electronics: T5 System
Miscellaneous
- Strings: Elixir Electric Light
- Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell, Brown
