Taylor Guitars T5z Custom Koa Hawaiian Koa Top Shaded Edgeburst

T5z Custom: the high-end version of the Taylor hybrid

With the Taylor T5z Custom, Taylor takes the all-in-one guitar concept even further for musicians who want to reduce their setup without sacrificing tonal variety. The T5z embraces a very modern approach: electric guitar ergonomics, a hollow body that responds like a soundbox, and electronics capable of covering multiple roles in a single gig. Within the lineup, the Custom version stands out for its wood selection and level of finish, clearly targeting demanding guitarists both live and in the studio.

Who is the Taylor T5z Custom for?

This T5z is designed for intermediate to expert guitarists who alternate between rhythm, arpeggios, and lead playing, and need an instrument that can adapt in seconds. Its feel and format immediately appeal to electric guitar players, while offering a convincing "acoustic" range once plugged in. It excels in styles where versatility is key: pop, rock, blues, funk, jazz, worship, and modern accompaniment, with true playing coherence when switching from a clean sound to a more aggressive tone.

A chameleon sound palette: acoustic clarity, definition, and electric density

The personality of the T5z Custom primarily comes from its fully hollow construction and thin format, which provide a very resonant response under the fingers, with a quick attack and a "lively" feel even at low volume. The Hawaiian Koa top delivers controlled brightness, precise attack, and a slight natural compression that helps notes stay consistent, particularly useful for chordal passages and picking parts. The sapele back and sides enhance midrange and articulation, helping the guitar remain clear in a dense mix.
On the electric side, the T5 system is designed to cover multiple sound families without changing instruments: the 5-position selector allows navigation between more open and "acoustic" registers and tighter tones, up to a denser humbucker-like voice. The two-way active tone circuit (bass and treble boost) is a major asset on stage: with one gesture, you adjust your place in the mix depending on the amp used (acoustic, electric, or a combination) and the song's dynamics. The result is an extremely efficient guitar for running through songs, maintaining the same neck comfort, and preserving touch consistency from one sound to another.

Recommended compatible accessories

To make the most of the guitar in concert, a reliable 6.35 mm instrument jack cable is essential. For standing play, a standard guitar strap (classic holes) fits thanks to the end pin. Finally, a tuner (clip-on or pedal) remains a safe and universal choice to secure intonation both in rehearsal and on stage.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	Hybrid	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Category	Hollow body	Electronics	Active
Left handed	No	Electroacoustic	Yes
Strings	Steel	Color	Gradient
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Glossy
Nbrs of frets	21	Hardware	Gold

Body shape	T5z	Fingerboard wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Body	fully hollow	Headstock veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Cutaway	Venetian	Fingerboard inlays	Faux Pearl / Silver Spires
Top wood	Hawaiian Koa	White fingerboard binding	white peghead binding
Back and sides	sapele	Neck and headstock finish	gloss
Soundholes	F holes	Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony
Back configuration	multi-piece	Nut	white bone
Binding (body edge)	white	Bridge pins	West African Crelicam ebony
Top finish	gloss	Tuners	Taylor Gold with gold buttons
Back and sides finish	gloss	Strap button	gold end pin
Neck wood	neo-tropical mahogany	Selector	5 positions
Neck profile	T5 Carve	Controls	two-way active tone circuit (bass and treble boost)
Nut width	1-11/16" / 42.9 mm	Number of strings	6
Scale length	24-7/8" / 631.8 mm	Orientation	right-handed
Radius	12" / 304.8 mm	Case	AeroCase (hard transport case)
Headstock type	paddle