Taylor Builder's Edition 517e

5.0 (3)

$3,299.00

$2,299.00

4.0 (5)

$1,995.00 13 available New

$1,419.00 36 available Used

5.0 (2)

$3,299.00

$2,799.00

5.0 (2)

$2,699.00

Average Price: $2,601

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Taylor Builder's Edition 517e is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Taylor Builder's Edition 517e". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Meet the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e, a guitar that marries tradition with modern innovation. With its V-Class Bracing, this acoustic-electric guitar doesn't just sound good; it redefines what you thought an acoustic guitar could be. Its Grand Pacific body shape, introduced in 2019, offers a unique round-shoulder dreadnought design that delivers a warm, seasoned tone reminiscent of classic recordings while introducing a new spectrum of sonic possibilities.

The 517e is crafted with premium all-solid tonewoods. The torrefied Sitka spruce top, paired with neo-tropical mahogany back and sides, produces a rich, full-bodied sound with clear low-end power. This guitar's sound is not only robust but also versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. The compound carve neck profile, along with rolled fretboard edges and chamfered body edges, ensure a comfortable playing experience.

Equipped with Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics, the 517e captures the nuanced warmth of the guitar's acoustic voice and faithfully amplifies it for stage or studio performance. Whether you're strumming in your living room or playing live, the ES2 ensures your sound is as dynamic and expressive as your performance.

Key Features:

Grand Pacific body shape with round-shoulder dreadnought design
Torrefied Sitka spruce top with V-Class bracing
Solid neo-tropical mahogany back and sides
Taylor Expression System 2 electronics
Compound carve neck profile and rolled fretboard edges
Silent satin finish for reduced body noise
Includes a Taylor Deluxe Hardshell case

Product specs

String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	Round Shoulder Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood	Tropical Mahogany
Top Wood	Torrefied Sitka Spruce
Finish	Satin
Body Bracing	V-Class Mahogany
Binding	Sapele
Neck Wood	Tropical Mahogany
Neck Shape	Compound Carve
Radius	15"
Fingerboard Inlay	Grained Ivoroid Arrowheads
Number of Frets	20
Scale Length	25.5"
Nut Width	1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material	Black Graphite/Micarta
Bridge Material	West African Ebony
Tuning Machines	Taylor Nickel
Electronics	ES2
Strings	D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e different from other Taylor guitars?: The Taylor Builder's Edition 517e features a unique Grand Pacific dreadnought body shape and V-Class bracing, which enhances sustain and improves intonation. It also boasts premium materials like torrefied Sitka spruce and tropical mahogany, providing a warm, rich tonal palette.
Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e is well-suited for fingerstyle due to its responsive V-Class bracing and comfortable compound carve neck, offering a balanced tone and smooth playability.
Does the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e come with electronics for amplification?: Yes, the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e includes Taylor's ES2 electronics, which provide natural-sounding amplification suitable for both live performances and recording.
What type of finish does the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e have?: The Taylor Builder's Edition 517e features a satin finish, which enhances the guitar's natural resonance and gives it a smooth, elegant look.
How does the torrefied Sitka spruce top affect the sound of the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e?: The torrefied Sitka spruce top of the Taylor Builder's Edition 517e offers a more mature, played-in sound with enhanced resonance and warmth, mimicking the tonal characteristics of aged wood.

Reviews

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PROS

Warm, full, resonant tone with incredible sustain
Perfect neck width, accommodating various playing styles comfortably
Beautiful satin wood finish with elegant design features
Dynamic response suitable for both soft and aggressive playing
Excellent for fingerstyle and rhythm playing
Clear, distinct notes across all strings, even during complex chords
Effortless playability with smooth, rolled fret edges
Responsive and dynamic ES 2 electronics system
Comes with a luxurious, embossed leather-covered hardshell case
High-quality craftsmanship evident in every detail

CONS

High price point may be a barrier for some buyers
Factory string action may require adjustment for optimal playability
Some players find the guitar slightly head-heavy
Lacks a cutaway, limiting solo performance capabilities
Stock Elixir strings may be too heavy for some preferences
Some find the guitar's weight surprisingly light, feeling almost fragile

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor Builder's Edition 517e.

Build quality

0 0

The silent satin finish on the 517e is difficult to achieve due to its unique staining method, which can cause uneven grain filling.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The 500 series guitars, including the 517e, may be challenging to work on due to their specific finish and wood treatment.
Source
0 0

Martins often ship with higher action and medium strings, which can be adjusted for comfort and playability.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The rolled fret treatment on the Builder's Edition models like the 517e provides a smoother playing experience, highly praised by owners and Taylor employees alike.
Source
0 0

The Taylor 517e's Expression pickup system can be inconsistent in live settings, while the Baggs system in Gibson guitars is noted for dependability.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The used Taylor 517e is often sold for $1800 in great condition, a 50% drop from the new price range of $3600-$3700.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Gibson J-45 is about an inch deeper than the 517e (5" vs 4"), affecting comfort for those with shoulder/neck issues.
Source
0 0

Taylors are noted for their brighter sound compared to Martins, which can be EQ-ed live but may not suit small room settings without adjustment.
Source
0 0

The Taylor 517 is easier to play than the Martin D-18, which is famous for its deep bass and is highly recommended for bluegrass.
Source

User experience

0 0

One owner noted their 2019 517e in Wild Honey Burst has become more sonically pleasing with age, having owned it since 2021.
Source
0 0

Owners frequently mention the smooth playability of the Builder's Edition, highlighting its player-friendly design.
Source

Critic Reviews

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

musicradar.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 517e is a beautifully crafted dreadnought that stands out for its tonal clarity and comfortable playability. The innovative V-Class bracing adds a modern touch, enhancing its sound while maintaining a vintage feel. However, traditionalists might miss the booming low-end typically associated with dreadnoughts, which this model somewhat lacks. Still, the 517e excels in its balanced tone across the frequency range, making it a reliable choice for stage performances. Overall, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a versatile, aesthetically pleasing acoustic guitar, despite a few reservations regarding its bass response.

positive

Full Review

Gear Review: Taylor Grand Pacific 717 and 517e Builder’s Editions | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Taylor Builder's Edition 517e impresses with its rich, rounded tones and stellar build quality, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a powerful acoustic sound. The mahogany construction shines, delivering a focused midrange that excels in recording settings. However, its heavier tension can limit string bending, making it less ideal for some players. While it may not have the bright zing of other models, its creamy sound and volume offer a unique charm. If you’re hunting for a bold, vintage-inspired guitar with a modern twist, the 517e is a worthy contender.

positive

Full Review

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

performermag.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific strikes a harmonious balance between vintage charm and modern playability. Its torrefied sitka spruce top and tropical mahogany body deliver a rich, resonant sound that belies its smaller size, making it perfect for both studio and stage. The comfortable neck shape and innovative Expression System 2 enhance the overall playing experience, allowing for vibrant and balanced chords. However, the price tag of $2,999 may deter some, although the investment promises long-term satisfaction. For those seeking a high-quality acoustic guitar, this model offers exceptional value, provided you're willing to splurge.

positive

Full Review

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist

Linda Perry

Singer, Guitarist

4 Non Blondes

Verified via Taylor Guitars

Linda Perry uses a Taylor Builder's Edition 517e WHB, as confirmed by her profile on the Taylor Guitars website.

Paul Ubana Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Taylor Guitars

According to Paul Ubana Jones's artist page on the official Taylor Guitars website, he uses a Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Guitar.

Genre Usage

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

Folk, World, & Country

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Taylor Builder's Edition 517e, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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