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Taylor American Dream AD17e Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar - Blacktop

Acoustic-electric Guitar with Spruce Top, Walnut Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Eucalyptus Fingerboard - Blacktop
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Taylor American Dream AD17e Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar - Blacktop
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A New Chapter in Taylor Value and Performance

Taylor's American Dream series of US-built acoustic guitars represents a new chapter in the company's storied history, one where acoustic players can take home a lovingly crafted American-made Taylor acoustic at a friendly price point. This Taylor Grand Pacific AD17e features solid tonewoods (spruce, walnut, and mahogany), each with minor cosmetic imperfections that honor the mature sound and workhorse aesthetic of Taylor's earliest creations. The AD17e's Grand Pacific body shape is a must-see for players who are never quite satisfied by traditional dreadnoughts. A round shoulder design creates cleaner more balanced tone with exceptional low-end definition that just feels right. Also onboard is advanced Taylor V-class bracing for enhanced projection and a Taylor ES2 electronics for plug-and-play gigging or recording at a moment's notice. Make your American Dream a reality, grab your AD17e from Sweetwater today!

Spruce, walnut, and mahogany

The American Dream AD17e features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid walnut back and sides. Walnut is an ideal choice for modern dreadnoughts; this wood shares sonic similarities with rosewood but with warmer bass and more present top-end chime for a more open sounding guitar. Paired with Taylor's classic spruce top and smooth mahogany neck, it's a recipe for rich tone and unmistakable Taylor playability.

Grand Pacific dreadnought design

The AD17e's slope-shoulder Grand Pacific design is inspired by the Laurel Canyon acoustic scene that Taylor builders grew up near during the '60s and '70s. It's a slight departure from the traditional dreadnought shape with big results that are hard not to love. The Grand Pacific's sloped shoulders offer a smooth top end with full, balanced bass that pairs well with the human voice while an enlarged lower bout supplies ideal resonance for recording and gigging with personality.

V-Class bracing

Bracing supports each and every acoustic guitar’s interior, and, though it's almost invisible, bracing shapes guitar acoustics in a big way! X-shape bracing was standard on acoustics for over a century, but Taylor’s revolutionary V-bracing is able to tease more volume and sustain out of a guitar’s sound chamber. V-bracing allows wooden acoustic tops to vibrate with more richness, projection, and sustain with more space inside the sound chamber for note maturation. And if that wasn’t enough, this groundbreaking innovation also improves intonation and adds more overtones — those subtle harmonic eccentricities that add sparkle to top-of-the-line acoustic guitars like the AD17e.

Expression System 2 electronics

Need to plug in? Then you’re going to love the AD17e's built-in ES2 electronics! The ES2 system features a revolutionary segmented pickup located behind the bridge saddle; this pickup position delivers remarkably accurate and clear sound production that’s authentic to your playing. Each ES2 system features a handy master volume knob for fast level adjustments, in addition to a 2-band EQ for independent treble/bass adjustments to get the sound you need. Plus, the ES2 system also has a built-in phase switch, which offers essential feedback suppression whenever the system is active.

Taylor American Dream AD17e Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar Features:

  • Versatile AD17e acoustic-electric guitar built in the USA
  • Grand Pacific slope-shoulder dreadnought body yields a more balanced dreadnought experience with more organic low end and a well-seasoned sound
  • Solid spruce top delivers quality resonance and vibrational transfer — must haves for great tone
  • Walnut back and sides offer tasteful dark warmth blended with bright chime, akin to rosewood but with a more open sound
  • Easy-playing mahogany neck and eucalyptus fingerboard supply sought-after Taylor playability
  • V-Class bracing increases output, enhances sustain, and reduces harmonic distortion
  • ES2 electronics system with 2-band EQ ensures sophisticated plugged-in tone that's authentic and full

Why Buy Your Guitar from Sweetwater?

See how Sweetwater goes to great lengths to give you the very best online guitar buying experience. From our online Guitar Gallery that allows you to see and select the exact instrument you want to our 55-point Inspection process and our in-house guitar techs, we take the guesswork out of buying your next guitar online.

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Tech Specs

  • String Type: Steel
  • Number of Strings: 6
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: Grand Pacific Dreadnought
  • Back & Sides Wood: Walnut
  • Top Wood: Spruce
  • Finish: Satin
  • Color: Blacktop
  • Body Bracing: V-Class
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Radius: 15"
  • Fingerboard Material: Eucalyptus
  • Fingerboard Inlay: White Dots
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Scale Length: 25.5"
  • Nut Width: 1.75"
  • Bridge Material: Eucalyptus
  • Tuning Machines: Taylor, Nickel
  • Electronics: ES-2
  • Strings: D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .013-.056
  • Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AADS034011007051328

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

The American Dream is a dream to play!!!

I've always been a Breedlove guy when it comes to acoustic guitars, but I just had to have this blacktop guitar!! I played it side by side with it's mahogany sibling and I was impressed by both guitars. The blacktop was slightly brighter, while the mahogany had more midrange and sounded more like a Martin...which is also a great tone. You can't go wrong either way with this series. Sounds great with high projection unplugged and sounds amazing plugged in too, very impressed!!!
Music background: Hobbyist with a large high end guitar collection
Rated 5/5

Love my Taylor

Love my Taylor AD17e. Play acoustic exclusively but love the option to plug in. Solid built, very satisfied with the sound of this guitar.
Rated 4/5

A solid decision

This guitar won't let you down. I have this blacktop (really tasteful matte black) and the Taylor 614 Builder's Edition. Truly blessed. Obviously the 614 plays better and has a superior tone. But...when compared side by side the AD17 can more than hold its own and has a rich resonance that is not far behind.
Rated 4/5

Working Man's Guitar

If you in the market for a great working man's no frills acoustic guitar...I highly recommend the Taylor American Dream Blacktop!
I enjoy playing this guitar lots! It's works well at my senior homes.
I wouldn't say it my favorite guitar I have cause I do have an amazing Gibson and Martin, but they are bigger body and I just seem to worry more when I take them out on the road...so if you want a great guitar that just plain gets the job done check this one out!
Music background: Senior Home Entertainer/Gospel Singer

As one of the nation's top Taylor Guitars dealers, Sweetwater receives regular on-site training from Bob, Andy, and the rest of the Taylor crew. We're also, many of us, Taylor players ourselves, and we're happy to steer you in the right direction once you're ready to make the leap. New to Taylor? Our Find Your Fit guide simplifies Taylor body shapes, woods, and series. Longtime player? Our Taylor Custom Shop, annual limited editions, and in-house mods offer a level of exclusivity you won't find in stores. Whatever your pleasure, Sweetwater's climate-controlled warehouse and 55-point Inspection ensure your Taylor guitar arrives ready to play just as the manufacturer intended.

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