Anyone here played a 517e Grand Pacific Builders Edition?

[beachbum205]

I just made a trade for one of these and I'm just curious about other's opinions. Anyone own one? Or has anyone played one of these? Would love to hear about your experience! Thanks.

[Strumming Fool]

I test drove one before the pandemic took hold. I was duly impressed, and I'm a GA guy! I also played a 717 that I liked even more  - strange because I typically prefer mahogany over rosewood. In any case, they were both quality guitars IMO.

[GP517]

I have one of the first 517s sold here in the US (no pickup) and have been playing it regularly for over 2 years now. It has really started to open up nicely, and the sound is warm, clear and balanced. One thing I've noticed is that while it sounds good when played softly, it responds well to a strong picking hand and can get pretty loud, with great dynamic range. I have a 1991 Taylor 515 Ltd. which is also spruce over mahogany, and that guitar sounds like a typical Taylor (really good and bright!). The 517 still has some of the Taylor chime, but it also leans a bit toward the Gibson " dry thumpy" sound with good growl. It does seem that my 517 took longer to start opening up than my straight braced D 28 did. I'm not sure if that's due to the bracing or the torrified spruce top. After 2 years of regular playing, I reach for the 517 more than any other acoustic that I own. On top of the beautiful tone is the playability! I love the 517's neck , it's slightly fuller profile and compound radius just feels right in my hand. If I ever fall on hard times, the 517 will be the last one I sell!

[RyanR]

I've owned one for about 15 months and love it.  It is one my two most played guitars.  It was my first mahogany guitar and I like the warm but clear sound.  It is very easy to play.  What kind of surprised me is that it works equally well for fingerstyle as for picking and strumming.  It has good note to note balance, more balance than the old Martin D28 my dad gave me.

I normally prefer more of an OM/Grand Auditorium size guitar but this guitar feels really good.  I find the builder's edition features, like the rounded edges and the satin finish, work for me.

My model has the Honey Burst finish and I find it attractive and other people think so too.  I also like that the guitar has a simple look - I've never been a fan of lots of bling.  My goal is to play my guitars and if they get dings (and they do) then so what. I was a little concerned it lacked a pick guard but I figured I could add one if it was a problem. So far it has not been.

If you play with a strap be aware the neck-side strap button is pretty much useless. To keep the heel free of obstructions they put it on the back rather than in the more traditional spot, but the location makes the guitar impossible to balance on a strap.  I fix this by attaching the strap above the nut and then it handles beautifully.  Not a big deal, only a minor annoyance.

[beachbum205]

Thanks to all for the excellent reviews! Very helpful! It should be arriving Thursday- I’ll post a NGD mini review when it comes. Thanks again.

[Gabrielobrien]

I got mine a couple months before they were officially release, so it's turning 3 later this year. It's my deserted island guitar. It's amazing to record with, I love the neck carve, and the setup was and has remained perfect since day one.

[Chris04]

Hi mate, I purchased on of these a few months ago now, it plays nice and sounds fantastic, the finish is as you would expect from Taylor, it’s the best hard case I have ever seen! There’s not a lot of difference from the drednaught, all the little extras add to its playability

Chris