Pickups
The T3 pickups feature a pair of the same full-size, Style 2 HD (high definition) humbuckers used on the SolidBody Standard. A three-way switch covers three standard configurations: full neck, neck/bridge and full bridge. A twist was added using old-school coil-splitting. Pulling up on the volume knob activates a coil splitter, which in effect turns the humbuckers into single coils.
Bridge/Tailpiece
The T3 incorporates a metal, roller-style bridge and is offered with two tailpiece options: a stop tailpiece or, on the T3/B, an authentic Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. In the case of the Bigsby, pairing it with a roller bridge was the key to achieving smooth functionality. Traditionally, Bigsbys are attached to fixed bridges, and as they work, the notched strings drag across a hard point. The T3’s Bigsby/roller bridge combo eliminates the problems associated with fixed bridges and tuning stability.
Push/Pull Control Knobs
The T3 volume and tone knobs both utilize push/pull pots, which give players two tiers of unique tone control. Pulling up on the volume knob activates a coil splitter, which in effect turns the humbuckers into single coils. The three-way switch functions the same way, allowing you to choose between full neck, neck/bridge and full bridge single coil tones. In its down position, the tone knob functions much like it does on the SolidBody, boosting the mids. Pulling up the knob engages a second capacitor, which mellows the tone without squashing it into a muddy sound. Within that tonal range is a fresh Taylor electric voice: a mellow, old-school jazz tone that’s loaded with warmth and fatness. And there’s a lot of cool rock tones in-between.
Body/Neck Design
The sapele T3 body is designed as a semi-hollowbody electric. The body is hollowed out like the T5, except for a solid block of wood that runs down the length of the center. Unlike the T5, the T3 has no acoustic bracing inside it. The quilted maple top is laid directly on top of the internal block like the Taylor SolidBody. The sapele neck incorporates Taylor’s rock-solid single-bolt T-Lock™ just like the T5 and SolidBody, and a precisely milled pocket spacer is used to secure the perfect neck angle. Another departure from the T5 is the T3’s use of beefier electric-style frets, giving electric players a familiar feel.
