Guitars, Accessories, and More: the Taylor Holiday Gift Guide
Whether you’re looking to surprise a friend or loved one this holiday season or you’re in the market for a new guitar for yourself, our guide has tips and picks at every price level.
Key Factor: Comfort & Playability
For new players and students hoping to improve their skills, the most important quality of an acoustic guitar is playability. A guitar with a slender neck and a comfortable body shape is an ideal choice, removing some of the physical obstacles to musical growth.
V-Class Bracing: Taylor’s Musical Engine
Many features set Taylor guitars apart from the crowd, but one of the most distinctive is V-Class bracing, the internal voicing framework that powers our instruments to produce greater volume, longer sustain, and a more musical acoustic tone.
Sustainability
Taylor is deeply committed to forest stewardship. In Cameroon, where we co-own an ebony mill, we’re working to create a more sustainable ebony trade through the Ebony Project. We’ve greatly reduced ebony waste, brought better tools, training and wages to employees, and invested in a groundbreaking ebony research and replanting initiative.
For Beginners and the Budget-Conscious
Guitars Under $1,000
Guitar Recommendations Under $1,000
GS Mini-e Koa
This compact GS Mini features a solid Hawaiian koa top and gorgeous layered koa back and sides, pumping out bold tone that makes it a great choice for practice, lessons and even performance, thanks to its onboard pickup.
Academy 12e
The Academy 12e’s Grand Concert body features a carved armrest for added comfort, while the solid spruce top delivers clear, vibrant tone. Together, they add up to an inviting playing experience that's perfect for new learners.
214ce
Combining stage-ready style with rich tone, the 214ce offers players the sound and feel of a high-performance guitar at an attractive price. A solid spruce top brings power and clarity, with ES2 electronics for authentic plugged-in tone.
Upgraded Features, Superior Aesthetics
Guitars Priced $1,001 - $2,999
Guitar Recommendations $1,001 - $2,999
324ce
A Grand Auditorium with a stunning mahogany top and Tasmanian blackwood back and sides, this guitar’s warm, punchy tone is ideal for virtually all genres and playing styles, and its dark visual character stands out in any situation.
327e
This Grand Pacific round-shoulder dreadnought features a mahogany top with blackwood backs and sides, producing a seasoned sound reminiscent of classic acoustic recordings from decades ago with its pleasing warmth and midrange focus.
Builder’s Edition 517e (Natural)
Another Grand Pacific round-shoulder dreadnought, the 517e includes contoured edges and a special neck carve that accommodates your fretting hand, plus mahogany and a specially roasted spruce top for balanced warmth and power. Also available in a Western Honey Burst finish.
Deluxe Tonewoods and Unforgettable Sounds
Guitars Above $3,000
Guitar Recommendations Over $3,000
714ce WSB
Finished in a stunning Western Sunburst color treatment, this model’s solid Indian rosewood back and sides pair beautifully with a Lutz spruce top for a powerful low-end response and crisp, singing treble notes, making it a perfect choice for virtually any playing style.
814ce DLX
V-Class bracing and solid Indian rosewood are the stars of the 814ce DLX, but this flagship guitar also benefits from a player-friendly rosewood armrest and an ultra-thin body finish that allows the guitar’s warmth and room-filling presence to bloom.
Builder’s Edition K14ce
Our first Builder’s Edition model remains one of our most popular koa guitars. Its torrefied spruce top provides a vintage sweetness that blends perfectly with koa’s bell-like treble range, while rounded edges and a contoured cutaway help you feel and sound your best.
TaylorWare Accessories
From exclusive Taylor-designed picks that enhance your guitar’s tone to premium leather or vegan leather guitar straps, TaylorWare goodies make for exciting partners to a new guitar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a nylon-stringed guitar for a beginner?
We don’t recommend it. Nylon strings are softer than steel strings, but guitars with nylon strings have very wide necks that are difficult for beginners.
Should I buy an electric or acoustic guitar first?
It depends on the gift recipient. Are they obsessed with hard rock and heavy guitars? If so, electric might be the way to go. However, acoustic guitars are perfect for beginners, since they’re portable and don’t require an amp. That means your giftee can easily take it to lessons, to school, or to a friend’s place to jam with others.
I need a guitar for a beginner. What features should I look for?
Start with a guitar with a comfortable neck (like a Taylor!), a solid top, and a body size that isn’t too big for the recipient. A guitar that fits those three criteria will probably be great for a beginner, and will likely last a long time before you need to upgrade.
Do new guitars come with cases?
All Taylor guitars come with either a padded gig bag or a hard case, but many other brands don’t offer this convenience. If the guitar doesn’t come with a case, we recommend a hard case to protect your guitar from impact and climate damage.
Where can I find lessons?
Ask the salesperson if the music store offers a free lesson with the purchase of the guitar, or if they offer scheduled lessons in store. A chord chart is a great place to start for a new guitarist, and most stores will be able to provide references for local instructors if you ask.