Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,174

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Taylor 517e Grand Pacific". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Taylor 517e Grand Pacific is a masterful blend of innovation and tradition, perfect for musicians seeking a unique acoustic-electric experience. As part of Taylor's esteemed 500 Series, this guitar introduces the Grand Pacific body shape, delivering a warm, rounded tone that harmonizes beautifully across the spectrum. Its sound resonates with a distinct vintage-inspired richness, thanks to the combination of a torrefied Sitka spruce top and urban ironbark back and sides—woods chosen for their exceptional tonal qualities. The ironbark, sourced through Taylor's urban wood initiative, lends an ebony-like density, enriching the guitar's sound with a depth akin to rosewood.

The 517e is equipped with Taylor's V-Class bracing, a revolutionary feature that enhances volume and sustain while refining intonation. This ensures that every note rings with clarity and precision, whether you're strumming chords or picking individual notes. The guitar's aesthetics are equally captivating, with a gloss-finish body, satin-finish neck, and intricate Marquise inlays that add an elegant touch.

Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics provide a professional-grade amplified sound, making this guitar a versatile choice for studio sessions and live performances. The system captures the guitar's natural voice with remarkable fidelity, ensuring it sounds as good plugged in as it does acoustically.

This remarkable instrument comes housed in a deluxe hardshell case, offering optimal protection with a touch of style.

Key Features:

  • Grand Pacific body shape for a warm, unified sound
  • Solid torrefied Sitka spruce top
  • Solid urban ironbark back and sides
  • V-Class bracing for enhanced volume and sustain
  • Expression System 2 Professional Audio-Grade electronics
  • Taylor nickel tuning machines
  • Deluxe hardshell case included

FAQs

What is the tonal characteristic of the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific?

The Taylor 517e Grand Pacific offers a warm and robust tone with a strong low-end presence, thanks to its torrefied Sitka spruce top and urban ironbark back and sides. This combination provides a rich, vintage-inspired sound suitable for various genres.

How does the Taylor Expression System 2 enhance the 517e Grand Pacific's performance?

The Taylor Expression System 2 uses a proprietary pickup design that captures the natural dynamics of the guitar, delivering a clear and balanced amplified sound. This system is ideal for live performances and recording, maintaining the guitar's authentic acoustic tone.

What type of neck profile does the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific have?

The Taylor 517e Grand Pacific features a neo-tropical mahogany neck with a comfortable, rounded profile that facilitates easy playability across the fretboard, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

Is the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a responsive touch and balanced tone across the strings, thanks to its ebony fingerboard and quality construction.

What are the tuning machines on the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific?

The Taylor 517e Grand Pacific is equipped with Taylor nickel tuning machines, providing smooth and stable tuning for reliable performance during practice and live settings.

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Gibson J-45 vs. Taylor 517e Builder's Edition | Round-Shoulder Mahogany Dreadnought Showdown

Video thumbnail for Gibson J-45 vs. Taylor 517e Builder's Edition | Round-Shoulder Mahogany Dreadnought Showdown by Alamo Music Center

Gibson J-45 vs. Taylor 517e Builder's Edition | Round-Shoulder Mahogany Dreadnought Showdown

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Taylor Guitars Grand Pacific Series: Builder's Edition 517e & 717e | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Taylor Guitars Grand Pacific Series: Builder's Edition 517e & 717e | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Guitar Demo: Taylor Grand Pacific 717 and 517e Builder’s Edition by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Demo: Taylor Grand Pacific 717 and 517e Builder’s Edition

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for TAYLOR 517e Grand Pacific Demo by Sean Daniel

TAYLOR 517e Grand Pacific Demo

Sean Daniel

Sean Daniel

Video thumbnail for Taylor Grand Pacific Showdown:  717e WHB vs. 517e WHB vs. AD17e Blacktop by Taylor Guitars

Taylor Grand Pacific Showdown: 717e WHB vs. 517e WHB vs. AD17e Blacktop

Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars

Video thumbnail for Taylor 517e V-Class 'Grand Pacific' Wild Honey Burst: Acoustic Centre by Acoustic Centre

Taylor 517e V-Class 'Grand Pacific' Wild Honey Burst: Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Acoustic Centre

Video thumbnail for Taylor 517e Grand Pacific Builder's Edition Acoustic Electric Guitar by Jack Fossett

Taylor 517e Grand Pacific Builder's Edition Acoustic Electric Guitar

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 517e Grand Pacific.

Features and functionality

  • The 517e features a compound neck carve transitioning from a v to c shape, enhancing playability as you move down the neck.

    Source
  • Taylor's electronics package is praised for its modularity, allowing upgrades without leaving holes, although some prefer alternative systems like the Anthem or HiFi.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 517e uses mahogany for the back and sides, contributing to its distinctive tonal characteristics compared to the rosewood 717.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 517e is noted for a softer, more organic feel due to its pre-aged topwood, contrasting with the tighter, newer feel of the 317.

    Source
  • The 717e is noted for being heavier than the 517e, influencing players' preference depending on comfort needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 517e’s design is praised for its comfort and performance, making it suitable for players transitioning from smaller instruments like the ukulele.

    Source

User experience

  • A user mentions the 517e’s feel and sound quality as superior to the 317, describing it as more alive and organic.

    Source
  • A user with diverse Taylor experience, including models 210, 710, and 614, expressed a strong liking for the 614, offering context for evaluating the 517e and 717e.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sweetwater's 6-month payment plan with a 30-day trial is suggested for trying out the guitars, providing a risk-free buying experience for those unsure between models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor Builder's Edition 517E Grand Pacific review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A modern dreadnought with a vintage flair, the Taylor 517e Grand Pacific delivers a smooth, balanced sound thanks to its innovative V-Class bracing. Its sleek satin finish and comfortable neck design enhance playability, making it a joy to perform with. However, traditionalists might miss the robust low-end that classic dreadnoughts offer. Overall, this guitar stands out as a reliable, stage-ready instrument that combines contemporary technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring it will charm players for years to come.

positive

REVIEW: Taylor Builder’s Edition 517e Grand Pacific | Performer Mag

performermag.com

The Taylor 517e Grand Pacific delivers an impressive blend of vintage charm and modern playability. Its torrefied sitka spruce top and tropical mahogany construction create a rich, resonant sound that boasts remarkable sustain and tonal balance. With a comfortable neck and user-friendly Expression System 2, it excels in both studio and live settings. However, the hefty price tag of $2,999 might deter some musicians, although the quality and longevity justify the investment. Overall, this guitar is a worthy contender for those serious about their craft.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how FINNEAS uses Taylor 517e Grand Pacific

FINNEAS

Singer, Guitarist

The Favors

...
Verified via Billie Eilish | Just Jared

So Taylor guitar has send Finneas some Grand Pacific and 'Finneas fell in love with the mahogany Builder’s Edition 517 (sunburst top)'

they also made for him a white version

https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/issue/2020-issue-2/soundings/on-this-issue-of-soundings/

See how Sean Daniel uses Taylor 517e Grand Pacific

Sean Daniel

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Sean is playing a Taylor 517e Grand Pacific - which he also references in the video notes.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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