Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $1,355

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Taylor AD17e American Dream Grand Pacific". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop, a testament to resilience, innovation, and the spirit of music. Born from adversity, the American Dream series is an homage to the roots of Taylor Guitars and the dream that sparked its inception in 1974. This guitar is not just an instrument, but a fusion of passion, craftsmanship, and uncompromising commitment to quality.

Designed during a global crisis, Taylor's renowned designers Andy Powers and Bob Taylor, distilled the essence of premium musical performance into a U.S.-made, all solid-wood guitar. The result is an instrument that offers a unique blend of performance and value. It features a warm, seasoned sound with broad, overlapping notes that blend together to create a unified harmony. The Grand Pacific body shape is a noteworthy departure from the traditional dreadnought-style, eliminating problematic low-end muddiness while maintaining a warm, powerful bass response.

The AD17 Blacktop is a tonal delight, pairing spruce with ovangkol to produce a sound that is crisp, articulate, and balanced. The revolutionary V-Class bracing ensures more volume, sustain, and a more in-tune sound.

Key Features:

  • Grand Pacific body shape: Provides a warm, seasoned sound, eliminating low-end muddiness common in dreadnought-style guitars
  • Solid spruce and ovangkol tonewood pairing: Offers a crisp, articulate tone that is balanced and responsive to a variety of playing styles
  • V-Class bracing: Boosts volume, sustain and resolves intonation issues common in acoustic guitars
  • Chamfered body edges, eucalyptus fingerboard/bridge/peghead: For comfort and aesthetics
  • Thin matte finish and single-ring wood rosette: Enhances the guitar's natural resonance
  • Ships in Taylor's AeroCase: For maximum protection and portability
Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Taylor AD17 Blacktop Demo from Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Taylor AD17 Blacktop Demo from Peghead Nation by Peghead Nation

Taylor AD17 Blacktop Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop | Review | Nick Jennison by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop | Review | Nick Jennison

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Taylor Guitars Grand Pacific AD17 Blacktop Video Demo by Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Taylor Guitars Grand Pacific AD17 Blacktop Video Demo

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Video thumbnail for TAYLOR GUITARS AD17 BLACKTOP (No Talks) by Strings & Frets

TAYLOR GUITARS AD17 BLACKTOP (No Talks)

Strings & Frets

Strings & Frets

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible sound quality that impresses even seasoned players

  • Excellent playability with a comfortable, factory-set string action

  • Beautiful, understated aesthetic with a pleasing earthy aroma

  • D'Addario strings complement the guitar’s tonal character perfectly

  • New aero case offers great protection and portability

  • Full, rich sound that stands out among other guitars

CONS

  • Issues with electronics and battery reliability

  • Slow response from customer service for technical issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor AD17e American Dream Grand Pacific.

Build quality

  • The AD17e's matte finish is expected to age well, according to some owners who've noticed its unique aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The AD17e's solid wood construction is emphasized over the 217e's laminated back and sides, contributing to its superior tonal resonance and weight characteristics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High action issues reported, with some clearance models having neck forward bow and dead strings affecting playability.

    Source
  • Switching from medium (13s) to light top/medium bottom (12-56) strings may slightly reduce volume and bass, but generally doesn't require neck adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AD17e is noted for its midrange punch and unique sound profile, half resembling a Taylor, half a mahogany small body.

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  • Taylor's AD17e is noted for its lightweight, resonant build with a very thin finish compared to the heavier, glossy 217e.

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  • The AD17e originally used Elixir light strings before switching to D'Addario XS mediums, indicating flexibility in string choices without compromising performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend installing an LR Baggs Anthem SL for improved plugged-in sound, as the stock electronics may not satisfy everyone's preferences.

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User experience

  • Beginners find the AD17e particularly enjoyable to play, aiding their learning progress significantly.

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  • Owners report the AD17e feels like it "does the work for you," making it highly enjoyable even for less experienced players due to its exceptional sound quality.

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  • Owners find string gauge changes within one size (13s to 12s) typically maintain playability without significant sound loss or need for setup adjustments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Clearance pricing at $1,100 has been observed, possibly due to setup issues, making it an attractive option for those willing to invest in a setup.

    Source
  • The AD series experienced a price drop from $1999 to $1799, making the $200 off less of a sale and more of a factory adjustment.

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Comparisons

  • The AD17e's V-class bracing and 1 3/4" nut width are contrasted with the 217e's laminate build and 1 11/16" nut, highlighting significant playability differences.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor American Dream AD27 & AD17 Blacktop review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop impresses with its vintage aesthetics and versatile sound profile, ideal for a range of musical styles. Its solid ovangkol back and spruce top deliver a warm, balanced tone that echoes classic Gibson characteristics, while the craftsmanship is exemplary. However, those seeking a glossy, pristine finish may find the Blacktop's simplicity off-putting. The lack of binding and ornate details might deter some, but its organic vibe is undeniably appealing. Priced around $1,499, it offers strong value for players who appreciate Taylor's quality without breaking the bank. Overall, it's a compelling choice for musicians looking to embrace a more traditional acoustic sound.

positive

Taylor American Dream AD27 & AD17 Blacktop review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop delivers solid craftsmanship at a competitive price, embodying a vintage aesthetic with excellent tonal versatility. Its spruce and ovangkol combination offers a warm, balanced sound that suits various styles, especially folk and blues. However, its mids-focused voice may not appeal to all players, and the Blacktop's unique look might not resonate with everyone. Despite these caveats, it stands as a valuable option for musicians seeking a quality US-built acoustic without breaking the bank.

positive

The Big Review: Taylor American Dream AD27 & AD17 Blacktop

guitar.com

The Taylor American Dream AD17 Blacktop impresses with its punchy voice and engaging playability, perfect for flatpicking aficionados. Its stripped-back aesthetic and earthy finish add to its charm, though the lack of binding may not suit everyone's taste. While its tonal character shines in alternate tunings, the high-end response can falter under heavier picking, and the organic finish may produce distracting noises during quiet play. Despite these quirks, the AD17 Blacktop delivers an exhilarating playing experience, making it a worthy investment for players seeking a versatile, expressive instrument.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Eilish uses Taylor AD17e American Dream Grand Pacific

Billie Eilish

Singer, Keyboardist

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Verified via Photo

In this picture from her live concert, you can see her with her Taylor GTe Blacktop. Also mentioned in https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/issue/2022-issue-2/soundings/soundings-6/

See how Pete Steinkopf uses Taylor AD17e American Dream Grand Pacific

Pete Steinkopf

Guitarist

The Bouncing Souls

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Verified via Photo

In this post pete shows off his taylor ad17 blacktop

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Taylor AD17e American Dream Grand Pacific, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Taylor GTe
Taylor GTe Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

More Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitars

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