Taylor Builder's Edition 717 Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

First off, the last acoustic guitar was gifted to me about 32 years ago. (Japanese Fender F250.) It was great to learn on BC (before kids), and as the years passed, I'll pick it up from time to time. Now the kids are grown, I bought a stand and placed it in the family room and now pick it up nightly, trying to get back in form. Until I went into Guitar Center, played several guitars, and was blown away with what a good quality guitar sounds like! I ended up buying a Taylor 324ce (Urban Ash). I found it had a clear mids and top notes, but the tone was not rich enough on the bottom end for me. I returned it a week later for a 714ce, that had rosewood back and sides, and found it crisp and clean and had a very responsive lower end. It has more of the modern sound that lots of new artists are on radio use. But I am older and a throwback from the '60s and '70s and love the songs and tone of the times. That's why I returned the 712ce after a 717 Builder Edition came in, and I tried and fell in love. This guitar is a keeper, and I'll keep it for another 30 years if I live that long. Things I like about the 717, it's very comfortable to play, like a good set of shoes, easy to play with older hands (nice low action and cords are easy to hold), has that throwback sound, and I love the satin finish (gives it a good feel without sticking to the skin). Some will say to try a Martin and "Yes" I love the sound and quality, but its finish and body seemed to me, a Novice player....more fragile. I know other guitars would fit the bill and cost less. But the last guitar turned into a family member that I love and will keep. So that being said, I found my dream guitar that fits me, sings to me, and makes me feel the songs I play. Kudos to the Guys in San Mateo Guitar Center! They were very helpful and patient with me. I might even buy another guitar, I hear its like crack, once you get the guitar bug. Please stay safe and "Be excellent to each other." (Bill and Ted)

I never thought I would trade in my 714ce, but was in guitar center and picked up a 717GP. I really did not know what to think of it at first. It sounded warm and just very comfortable. The neck is greatly improved in my opinion, which is saying a lot since I already loved the Taylor neck. Sometimes the highs on many Taylor guitars can sound a little too bright, but not so with this guitar. Anyway long and short of it is, I took my 714ce to guitar center and played them both side by side. The 717GP just had so much going for it, I brought one home. As always guitar center cut me a great deal and now I am enjoying this new guitar every day.