Taylor guitars has just released a new 500 series of guitars featuring Urban Ironbark wood. The new 512ce and 514ce models utilise a species of eucalyptus wood known as Red Ironbark for the back and sides of the guitars. The Urban Wood division at Taylor is the department that sources this particular wood. The 514ce is built on the Grand Auditorium body shape whilst the 512ce is based upon the Grand Concert. Both feature Florentine cutaway, tropical mahogany neck, and ebony fretboard. The tops of the guitar are crafted from torrefied roasted Spruce, so they look and sound vintage. The V-Class bracing adds to the projection of the guitars. Fretboard Aerial inlays are made from Italian acrylic with a matching headstock and tasteful rosetta. Both instruments come with the Taylor ES2 electronic system. Enclosed Taylor machine heads are provided for tuning along with a Tusq nut at the top and micarta saddle at the bridge. The Urban Ironbark wood is stunning on the back and sides of the guitars and looks luxurious. The roasted torrefied Spruce tops gives the illusion of a much older and aged instrument. Of the two 500 series models I personally preferred the 514ce for its fullness of sound, but some players will be fond of the 512ce for songwriting and performance. These are lifetime guitars if taken care of. I commend Taylor guitars for pushing the envelope on what is considered tone wood and usable for acoustic guitar construction. With the 500 Urban Ironbark series they have found a wood that sounds as incredible as it looks and should continue to get better with age and playing. If you are seeking a topnotch acoustic electric guitar one of the new 500 series instruments from Taylor should be on your list.
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