Taylor Academy 10 Guitar Review: Unleashing Unmatched Quality and Value

In the world of guitars, Taylor is a brand that has consistently earned a stellar reputation for crafting instruments that deliver exceptional sound, quality, and playability. With their Academy series, Taylor set out to create guitars that are accessible to beginners and players on a budget. And all this, without compromising on their renowned craftsmanship. In this review, we will delve into the Taylor Academy 10 Guitar, a model that exemplifies Taylor’s commitment to providing a remarkable playing experience at an affordable price.

A Brief Overview of Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars is a leading manufacturer of acoustic guitars. They are known for their blend of modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman’s attention to detail. Taylor acoustic guitars consistently rate as among the best-sounding and easiest to play in the world.

Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug founded the company in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. The two first met while working at a hippie guitar shop in San Diego called the American Dream and partnered to buy the business when owner Sam Radding announced he was selling the shop.

Taylor Guitars is headquartered in El Cajon, California. They have two factory complexes in the U.S. and Mexico and employ over 1,200 people. The company produces hundreds of guitars per day and sells them through hundreds of retail locations in North America and 60 countries worldwide.

Taylor guitars are available in a wide variety of models, from the affordable 100 Series to the high-end Master Series. They are also available in a variety of tonewoods, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, rosewood, and Koa.

Taylor guitars have a balanced, full-bodied sound. They also have a characteristic ease of playability. The necks are typically comfortable and easy to grip, and the action is low, making them easy to play for extended periods of time.

Here are some of the key features that make Taylor guitars unique:

• Innovative manufacturing techniques: Taylor guitars use a variety of innovative manufacturing techniques, including computer-aided design (CAD), laser cutting, and CNC milling. These techniques allow Taylor to produce guitars with unprecedented precision and consistency.
• A master craftsman’s attention to detail: Despite their use of modern manufacturing techniques, Taylor guitars are still made with a master craftsman’s attention to detail. Skilled artisans hand-build every guitar, and they inspected and adjusted each one before it leaves the factory.
• A wide variety of models: Taylor offers a wide variety of acoustic guitar models to choose from. This includes models for all levels of players, from beginners to professionals.
• Excellent sound and playability: Taylor guitars are known for their excellent sound and playability. They have a balanced, full-bodied sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles. The necks are typically comfortable and easy to grip, and the action is low, making them easy to play for extended periods of time.

Design and Construction

The Taylor Academy 10 is a full-size dreadnought acoustic guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered mahogany back and sides. It has a 24-7/8″ scale length and a 1-11/16″ nut width. The neck is made of mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of ebony.

The Academy 10 is designed to be a versatile and affordable acoustic guitar that is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. It has a balanced, full-bodied sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles. The neck is comfortable and easy to grip, and the action is low, making it easy to play for extended periods of time.

The construction of the Academy 10 is very well-done. The top is made of solid Sitka spruce, which is a great tonewood for acoustic guitars. The back and sides are made of layered mahogany, which is a strong and durable wood that also contributes to the guitar’s sound. The neck is made of mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of ebony. These woods are all carefully selected and cured to ensure that the guitar has the best possible sound and playability.

Here are some of the key features of the Taylor Academy 10 design and construction:

• Solid Sitka spruce top: Sitka spruce is a popular tonewood for acoustic guitars because it produces a bright, clear sound.
• Layered mahogany back and sides: Mahogany is a strong and durable wood that also contributes to the guitar’s sound.
• 24-7/8″ scale length: This scale length is a good compromise between playability and projection.
• 1-11/16″ nut width: This nut width is comfortable for most players.
• Ebony fingerboard: Ebony is a dense wood that provides good sustain and clarity.
• Softshell case: This case will help to protect the guitar from damage.

Sound and Performance

The Taylor Academy 10 has a balanced, full-bodied sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles. The solid Sitka spruce top produces a bright, clear sound, while the layered mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth. The guitar has a good amount of projection, making it ideal for playing in a live setting.

The Academy 10 is also very easy to play. The neck is comfortable and easy to grip, and the action is low, making it easy to fret notes and chords. The guitar also has a good amount of sustain, which allows you to hold notes for long periods of time.

Here are some of the key features of the Taylor Academy 10 sound and performance:

• Bright, clear sound: The solid Sitka spruce top produces a bright, clear sound that is perfect for fingerstyle playing and strumming.
• Warm, full-bodied sound: The layered mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the guitar’s sound.
• Good projection: The guitar has a good amount of projection, making it ideal for playing in a live setting.
• Easy to play: The neck is comfortable and easy to grip, and the action is low, making it easy to fret notes and chords.
• Good sustain: The guitar has a good amount of sustain, which allows you to hold notes for long periods of time.

Playability and Comfort

The Taylor Academy 10 is designed to be a comfortable and easy-to-play acoustic guitar. The neck is made of mahogany, which is a soft and comfortable wood. The fingerboard is made of ebony, which is a dense wood that provides good sustain and clarity. The nut width is 1-11/16″, which is comfortable for most players. The scale length is 24-7/8″, which is a good compromise between playability and projection.

The Academy 10 also features a number of other design elements that contribute to its comfort and playability. These include:

• A carved armrest, which helps to prevent your arm from getting sore when you’re playing for extended periods of time.
• A low action, which makes it easy to fret notes and chords.
• Light-gauge strings, which also make it easier to fret notes and chords.

Overall, the Taylor Academy 10 is a very comfortable and easy-to-play acoustic guitar. It is perfect for both beginners and experienced players who are looking for an instrument that is easy on the hands.

Here are some of the key features of the Taylor Academy 10 playability and comfort:

• Comfortable neck: The mahogany neck is soft and comfortable to grip.
• Ebony fingerboard: The ebony fingerboard provides good sustain and clarity.
• 1-11/16″ nut width: This nut width is comfortable for most players.
• 24-7/8″ scale length: This scale length is a good compromise between playability and projection.
• Carved armrest: The carved armrest helps to prevent your arm from getting sore when you’re playing for extended periods of time.
• Low action: The low action makes it easy to fret notes and chords.
• Light-gauge strings: The light-gauge strings also make it easier to fret notes and chords.

Value and Affordability

The Taylor Academy 10 is a very affordable acoustic guitar, especially considering its quality and features. It is currently priced at $699, which is a great value for a guitar of this caliber.

In addition, the Taylor Academy 10 is very well-made. The construction is solid and the finish is flawless. The guitar also comes with a hardshell case, which is a nice touch.

Here are some of the key factors that contribute to the value and affordability of the Taylor Academy 10:

• Solid Sitka spruce top: This is a high-quality tonewood that produces a bright, clear sound.
• Layered mahogany back and sides: This is a strong and durable wood that also contributes to the guitar’s sound.
• Softshell case: This case will help to protect the guitar from damage.
• Affordable price ($699): The Academy 10 is very affordable, especially considering its quality and features.

Here’s a great demo of the Taylor Academy 10:

Pros:

1. High-quality craftsmanship and materials result in a well-built and reliable guitar.
2. Comfortable and playable neck profile, making it suitable for players of various skill levels.
3. Clear and balanced tone with excellent projection, thanks to the solid Sitka spruce top.

Cons:

1. The price point may be higher compared to other entry-level guitars, making it less accessible for some beginners or those on a budget.
2. The back and sides are made of layered wood, which may not provide the same tonal complexity as all-solid wood guitars.
3. The design and aesthetics of the Academy 10 may be considered more understated and less visually striking compared to other Taylor models.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Taylor Academy 10 Guitar exemplifies Taylor’s dedication to crafting exceptional instruments for players of all skill levels. With its solid tonewoods, balanced tone, comfortable playability, and excellent build quality, this guitar stands as a testament to Taylor’s commitment to delivering outstanding value without compromising on sound or craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Taylor Academy 10 is a guitar that will inspire you to explore new musical horizons while enjoying a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.

Further Reading on charlestonclassicalguitar.org: If you have further questions, then I can help point you in the right direction. Hopefully, you can now make an informed decision on whether this guitar is right for you. Next, check out my other guides:

• How to Tune an Acoustic Guitar Easily with an Electronic Tuner
• Cleaning Your Guitar, A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for other options for a beginner acoustic guitar? Check out our post on 10 Of The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.