NAMM 2018: Andy Powers Designed V-bracing For Taylor Acoustic Guitars

Taylor V Bracing Acoustic Guitar

V-Class bracing system offers tuning stability and tonal benefits

Taylor Guitars has announced a “fundamental innovation” in the design of acoustic guitars, with the introduction of its V-Class bracing system.

The firm says the new V-shaped internal bracing offers greater tuning stability, volume and sustain than its more traditional X-braced models.

Developed by the brand’s master luthier Andy Powers, the range will launch with an offering of four Grand Auditorium models – three standards (including the PS14ce, K24ce and 914ce) and the Builder’s Edition K14ce.

Andy Powers - Taylor Guitars

The V-Class bracing was conceived in an effort to control the top movement of the guitar and tackle the intonation issues inherent to equal temperament tuning using the guitar’s construction, as opposed to saddle or fret adjustment. The resulting design is purported to be easier to tune, with purer and more consistent harmonics and pitch across the neck.

The V-Class will be the first Taylor models to feature Andy Powers signature alongside the usual Bob Taylor mark. The debut range is limited to the Grand Auditorium designs at the moment, but it’s inevitable this new bracing system will eventually find it’s way into other models soon. I think they sort of gave the game away in the press shot showing Andy Powers working on what appears to be a Grand Concert guitar top.

 

Taylor V-Class PS14ce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor V-Class K24ce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor V-Class 914ce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V-Class Builder’s Edition K14ce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy’s “Director’s Cut” edition with additional playing features and a different visual aesthetic.

Exclusive features:

  • Beveled armrest & new beveled cutaway
  • “Silent” satin finish with Kona burst
  • Inlaid purfling body edge treatment
  • Paua fingerboard/peghead inlays & rosette
  • Paua edge trim (top & back)
  • Premium Gotoh 510 tuners (21:1 ratio)

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