By now Bob Taylor’s company has provided excellent guitars to generations of players since its inauspicious start in 1974, and in 1995 the Taylor team gave us this superb GABE with Brazilian Rosewood and Engelmann Spruce. They probably broke the mold with this one (but lucky for us, Taylor Guitars has quite a number of molds)–all the balance and focus of the Grand Auditorium shape, plus all the depth and smoothness from Brazilian and Engelmann, make this an instrument without compromise.
The bottom end is crisp and focused, and complements the middle and upper registers with excellent balance. With Taylor’s customary slinky setup and low action, this guitar is hungry for whatever type of tune you throw its way, from snappy Blues riffs and leads to DADGAD fingerstyle arrangements. And as far as appearances go, this GABE also takes home the award for most sharply dressed: the Abalone inlay across the headstock, fretboard, rosette, and bridge is flawlessly executed and exudes calm elegance. Its former owner was meticulous in his caretaking: although this Taylor is over 20 years old, it shines as cleanly (and without scratches) as a newborn babe.