Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,399

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

Taylor's T5-S Electric Guitar is a versatile and innovative instrument designed for musicians who crave both acoustic and electric tones in one sleek package. This semi-hollowbody guitar bridges the gap between two worlds, offering a unique blend of rich acoustic resonance and powerful electric output. Its body is crafted with a sapele back and sides, topped with a premium Sitka spruce top, ensuring warm, vibrant tones and a smooth playing experience.

Equipped with Taylor's proprietary pickup system, the T5-S houses a combination of a magnetic acoustic body sensor, a concealed neck humbucker, and a visible bridge humbucker. This trio of pickups provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing musicians to seamlessly switch from a crisp acoustic sound to a full-bodied electric tone with just the turn of a knob. The guitar's sleek and elegant design, complemented by a 21-fret ebony fingerboard, ensures both comfort and style.

The T5-S's intuitive control layout features five-way switching, giving guitarists complete control over their sound. Whether you're performing a delicate fingerpicking piece or rocking out with a full band, the T5-S is engineered to deliver exceptional performance in any musical setting.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with a Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides
  • Proprietary pickup system with an acoustic body sensor, neck humbucker, and bridge humbucker
  • Five-way switching for versatile tonal control
  • 21-fret ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Sleek and lightweight design perfect for stage performance

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model T5-S Standard Spruce
Finish Black, Blue Edgeburst, Cherry Sunburst, Honey Sunburst, Lake Placid Metallic, Natural, Pearl Blue Metallic, Pearl Red Metallic, Pearl White Metallic, Red Edgeburst, Tobacco Sunburst, Translucent Black Edgeburst
Year 2005 - 2013
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar?

The Taylor T5-S offers a versatile range of tones, from warm acoustic-like sounds to rich electric guitar tones, thanks to its unique pickup configuration and hollow body design.

Is the Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Taylor T5-S is designed for live performance versatility, offering easy switching between acoustic and electric tones, making it ideal for musicians who need a flexible instrument on stage.

What is the neck profile like on the Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar?

The Taylor T5-S features a comfortable neck profile with a smooth ebony fretboard, providing excellent playability for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar work well with effects pedals?

Yes, the Taylor T5-S is compatible with a wide range of effects pedals, allowing players to expand their tonal palette and experiment with various sound effects.

What is the body construction of the Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar?

The Taylor T5-S has a single cutaway hollow body design, providing a blend of acoustic resonance and electric sustain, perfect for diverse musical styles.

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

2005 Taylor Guitars T5-S Sapele/Sitka

Video thumbnail for 2005 Taylor Guitars T5-S Sapele/Sitka by Dream Guitars

2005 Taylor Guitars T5-S Sapele/Sitka

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Superb construction and build quality

  • Versatile sound, switches between acoustic and electric tones

  • Comfortable for both sitting and standing play

  • Plays smoothly, "like butter"

  • Ideal for singers switching between acoustic and electric

  • Great for chopper (thumping) style playing

  • Attractive, comes with a faux alligator case

  • Retains a warm, full-bodied tone

  • Lightweight, easy to handle

CONS

  • G string may go flat if bent often

  • Requires specific string gauges for best performance

  • Tone not identical to full acoustic when unplugged

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The new Pro models have relocated control knobs, which some users prefer for better accessibility during play.

    Source

Build quality

  • The T5z Classic Sassafras model features a matte finish and an open wood grain, which some owners love for its unique aesthetic and cigar box aroma.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner transitioned from a T5 to a PRS SE Hollowbody Piezo, citing better performance for electric guitar needs due to separate signal routing capabilities.

    Source
  • Some users find the stock Elixir Electric Nanoweb 11's produce a thin, metallic tone unless played near the neck, suggesting experimentation with different string types.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The T5 series is noted for being a middle-ground instrument, effectively delivering both acoustic and electric tones, though not excelling in either.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • GHS White Bronze strings are recommended for balancing both acoustic and electric tones, especially in cramped performance settings without space for guitar swaps.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • D'Addario Nickel Bronze and StringJoy FoxWoods strings are preferred by some for their warmer tone and durability during extended practice periods.

    Source

Critic Reviews

T5-S Review: Of all my various guitars, the T5 suits me best and... | Taylor | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar impresses with its versatile sound capabilities, offering both warm acoustic and dynamic electric tones. It's praised for its playability, particularly for those seeking a guitar that suits smaller hands. The reviewer highlights its robust build and reliability, though cautioning about potential temperature-related tuning issues. While not a one-size-fits-all replacement, it's a solid choice for players looking for a versatile instrument. The lack of a pickguard might lead to quicker aging with heavy use, but overall, the T5-S is celebrated for its high-quality construction and exceptional versatility.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taylor Swift uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Taylor Swift

Singer, Guitarist

Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken from her website, Taylor Swift is shown posing with a Pink T5-S Taylor electric guitar with a flake top finish and has a personalized fretboard inlay with Taylor's name in it.

See how Lil Wayne uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Lil Wayne

Rapper

Young Money

...
Verified via Photo

Lil Wayne is playing a black Taylor T5-S guitar in this image.

See how Katy Perry uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Katy Perry

Music Producer, Guitarist

Katy Perry (band)

...
Verified via Photo

According to the official Taylor site, Katy plays a T5-S.

See how Shakira uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Shakira

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Shakira can be seen here with a red Taylor T5-S guitar.

See how Fher Olvera uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Fher Olvera

Singer, Guitarist

Maná

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Fher Olvera is seen playing a custom Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar.

See how Charley Bagnall uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Charley Bagnall

Guitarist

Rixton

...
Verified via Instagram

In this photo, the Taylor T5-S can be seen to the right.

See how Michael Bolton uses Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar

Michael Bolton

Singer

Blackjack

...
Verified via Getty Images

Michael Bolton is documented using a Taylor T5-S Electric Guitar in a Getty Images photo capturing his performance at Las Noches Del in Madrid, 2019.

Genre Usage

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

More Taylor Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides