The Grand Auditorium was the first guitar shape designed from scratch by Bob Taylor. It was unveiled to commemorate the company's 20th Anniversary in 1994, and since then it has more than lived up to its promise. Although the Grand Auditorium has the width and depth of a Dreadnought, its narrower waist gives it the appearance of a smaller instrument, adds treble "zing" across the guitars tonal spectrum, sharpens the definition of individual notes, and also enables it to rest comfortably in the lap. Because Taylor removed mass from the width of the Grand Auditorium's brace, the guitar top moves faster, resulting in a snappy, bell-like tone. The Grand Auditorium is designed to be a strong fingerpicking guitar that also can handle medium strumming, and is exceptionally versatile. A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. Solid Sapele back and sides complement the top with a sound that's comparable to Mah but with a slightly brighter sound featuring top-end shimmer, and balance across the tonal spectrum. Sapele responds well to a variety of playing styles and fits nicely into an instrument mix. Taylor's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before. Together with Taylor’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, bass and treble controls. This guitar incorporates a Venetian cutaway, comes equipped with Taylor's Expression System 2 pickup, and comes with a hardshell case. Features: Sitka Spruce/satin Sapele pairing balances warmth and sparkle Grand Auditorium body style delivers exceptional high-end response Venetian cutaway gives access to higher frets Ebony fretboard is fast and articulate Dot inlays impart a sophisticated look Satin finish with gloss top offers protection and good looks Expression System 2 (ES2) electronics provide natural sound reproduction and a full dynamic response Balanced output for noise-free amplification At The Music Farm, we take quality seriously! That is why we have our in-house technicians do a multi-point inspection on each product, ensuring that it'll be ready to play when it hits your hands! Included in your shipment will be instructions on care and maintenance.  We want to help you Grow Your Passion®

This guitar is required to be listed as seller refurbished by the manufacturer. It has been completely checked over by The Music Farm team, and also by the largest manufacturer refurbishing center in America. Buying one of these guitars is almost like buying a brand new guitar, but getting a huge savings on it! Most of these instruments do not have any visible defects. If there is a visible defect it will be indicated in pictures and in the description. These guitars do not carry the original manufacturer warranty, and in order to prevent invalid warranty claims they are lightly stamped “USED” or “2nd” on the back of the headstock, and the original serial number has been replaced with a new serial number from the refurbishing center. These instruments are available at this savings due to a variety of reason such a