At age 18, Bob Taylor—founder of Taylor Guitars—started work at American Dream, a guitar- making store owned at the time by Sam Radding. In 1974, just two years after Taylor began work at American Dream, Radding decided to sell the business and Taylor, plus Kurt Listug (another employee at the shop) took over.

Renaming it Westland Music Company, it wasn’t until later that the company was named “Taylor” because as Kurt Listug was known to have said “Bob was the real guitar-maker”. In 1976, Taylor Guitars decided to start selling their guitars through retailers, and their popularity soared.

Some of the most popular and innovative features of Taylor guitars is the patented bolt-on neck which started in January of 1999. This type of neck differs from others by utilizing a continuous piece of wood down to the 19th fret, which helps to support the fretboard. This neck fits into a pocket on top of the guitar body, with the angle being achieved by small milled spacers.

Taylor also produced their “pallet guitar”, a famous model that was made from old pallets and demonstrated the importance of sound construction over using expensive and exotic woods. Of course, Taylor Guitars are known for their unsurpassed sound, elegant curves and their work with sustainable woods like Hawaiian Koa and Cocobolo.

And who are some of the biggest stars still whaling away on a Taylor guitar? From classic rockers to modern-day crooners, some of the big names are Prince, Jason Mraz, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, and Dave Matthews. Check out these stunning guitars and, as always…

Keep Rockin’!!!
My new Taylor 414ce guitar by discoplace taken on February 20, 2011
zoidi’s taylor @ tanz café by ffreakazzoid taken on March 21, 2009
Taylor Strings by whateyesee13 taken on January 15, 2009