Taylor Guitars 517E Be Grand Pacific

The Builder's Edition in the Taylor Lineup

Designed by master luthier Andy Powers, the 517e features the discreet aesthetics and "Silent Satin" finishes characteristic of the Builder's Edition. It breaks tradition in the 500 series by replacing the cedar/mahogany pairing with a Sitka spruce top, while maintaining the warm and natural character sought after by fans of organic tones.

For Whom and Which Styles

Thanks to its exemplary playability and tonal balance, this electro-acoustic is aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists. It excels in broad strumming, flatpicking, folk, country, Americana, and roots blues, and easily finds its place in both recording and ensemble playing thanks to its focus on fundamentals and controlled harmonics.

Sound

The neo-tropical mahogany back and sides provide dense mids and a slight natural compression that softens attacks. The solid Sitka spruce top delivers a wide dynamic range and clear articulation, from fingerpicking to energetic strumming. The V-Class bracing frees the top: longitudinal stiffness for sustain, lateral flexibility for projection, and chords that are more "in phase," sounding full and cohesive. The Grand Pacific body offers deep but controlled bass, present mids, and silky highs, with that slight musical "blur" reminiscent of vintage large dreadnoughts, while remaining precise and stage-usable.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

• Phosphor bronze string set, gauge Medium 13-56 for steel-string acoustic guitar (perfect for a 25.5" scale length).
• Capo for steel-string acoustic guitar (curved profile).
• Humidifier and hygrometer for guitar/case to stabilize the instrument year-round.

Technical specifications

Shape	Grand Pacific (round-shoulder dreadnought)	Nut width	44.5 mm / 1.75"
Top	Solid Sitka spruce	Heel length	3-1/2" / 90 mm
Back & sides	Tropical mahogany	Neck finish	Satin
Back configuration	2-piece "No Wedge"	Tuners	Taylor Nickel (Nickel buttons)
Binding	Sapele	Bridge pins	West African Crelicam ebony
Rosette	Single ring, black sapele/maple material	Nut	Black graphite
Top finish	Silent Satin	Bridge saddle	Micarta
Back/sides finish	Silent Satin	System	Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2)
Color	Back, sides, and neck "black wood" stained, natural top	Pickups	3 sensors positioned behind the bridge
Armrest	None	Bracing	V-Class
Body width	16" / 410 mm	Scale length	25.5" / 648 mm
Body length	20" / 510 mm	Number of frets	20
Body depth	4-5/8" / 116 mm	Headstock type	Standard
Neck/heel	Tropical mahogany	Headstock veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Neck joint	Scarf	Headstock logo and inlay	Grained ivoroid "Arrowheads"
Fretboard	West African Crelicam ebony	Original strings	Phosphor Bronze Medium
Fretboard edges	West African Crelicam ebony	Truss rod cover	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard inlays	Grained ivoroid "Arrowheads"	Case	Taylor Deluxe Hardshell - "Western Floral"