Taylor T5-X

T5 Series X Ovangkol is manufactured in the United States. The first version of this guitar was a LTD (2009) which has been so successful that the manufacturer has put it in its catalog.
Very hard to find right now in Europe because Taylor has decided to distribute its products and no longer pass by Fender. Suffice to say that this is the bread soup, and in any case should not count on a response from distributors listed on the site Taylor ... I tried (it promises for the future).

After an unpleasant experience with a private vendor (listed on this site) and who withdrew a few hours before delivery (when the market was firmly concluded) I decided to import a guitar from the USA. A store near Washington could provide me with about 850 eur. With transport and customs clearance I got to 250 eur less than the best posted price in Europe.

Only downside ... but ... this wonderful size guitar comes in a gig bag monstrously ugly and very little protection. How does a manufacturer whose reliability and product quality are recognized, can pack containing guitars in price so miserable??

For those seeking to protect the instrument I just bought (after much research because very few sellers indicate internal dimensions ... sometimes exterior dimensions but who cares!) A rigid box TOBAGO Delux Slim Jazz Reference: HTO SJ5 in which the guitar "fit" perfectly

Besides the appearance of some very kitschy versions T5 X Ovangkol this is a beautiful simplicity, an exemplary finish with a matt varnish very pleasant to the touch and look.

Three sensors: a magnetic pickup in the (invisible), a magnetic rack, and a sensor under the table. A 5 way switch played on different configurations of microphones.


UTILIZATION

Nothing to say on the handle and ergonomics that seems perfect. The acoustic sound is not terrible considering the thickness of the body but more than enough to repeat without disturbing nearby. As soon as one branch it sounds beautifully (for now I play on an Acoustic Image but have not tried a dedicated power amp). Connected to a JamMan and headphones that produce an excellent record.

SOUNDS

The 5 microphones configurations are interesting. Taylor has described his system of "Expression system". But hey! I discover and come complete this section later.

OVERALL OPINION

After a bunch of years playing bass, I want to get back to the guitar. I have this guitar for 1 month and that's exactly what I was looking for.

Apart from the infamous bag which acts as a "gig bag" this guitar is perfect ... I would do the purchase without any hesitation.