Taylor AD17e Blacktop Acoustic Guitar Review by Lindsey Miller

Lindsey Miller, a notable guitarist known for her work with artists like Lauren Daigle and Danny Gokey, recently offered her insights on the Taylor AD17e Blacktop Acoustic Guitar, sharing her experiences and how this instrument compares to its sibling, the AD12e.

Design and Playability

**Taylor American Dream AD17e Walnut Acoustic-electric Guitar – Blacktop – $1999**

The Taylor AD17e Blacktop, a part of Taylor’s American Dream Series, boasts a distinct aesthetic with a black finish that sets it apart from its counterparts. It features a slightly larger neck than the AD12e, which Miller notes might suit those with larger hands better, providing more freedom and ease of play. However, for individuals with smaller hands, while the lower register remains accessible, the upper register demands a bit more effort due to the neck widening and increased action.

Sound Quality

Miller emphasizes the guitar’s excellent intonation and the clarity of its higher chords, which is a significant factor for performers. She points out that the AD17e seems to strike a balance in tone that might blend better in a group setting than the AD12e. The low end is notably resonant, enriching the mid-range tones, and is expected to grow richer with age, suggesting that the guitar’s character will develop further over time.

Once again, it’s a Dreadnought body, but Taylor calls it a Grand Pacific. So bigger body, more resonance, more volume to it. This has quite a bit more of low end than the AD12. And from what I understand as the guitar ages, which is pretty cool, the low end becomes even more prominent over time, which kind of gives it that vibe that the guitar kind of grows with you as you keep it over longer periods of time. – – Lindsey Miller

Adaptability and Features

The AD17e excels in versatility, equipped with Taylor’s Expression System for amplified performance, making it ideal for live settings, whether on the road or during worship services. The guitar’s Dreadnought body, referred to as “Grand Pacific” by Taylor, enhances its volume and resonance, suitable for various music scenarios. From worship conferences to pop concerts with the Nashville Symphony, this guitar accommodates a wide range of styles and requirements.

The Taylor AD17e Blacktop acoustic guitar features a Sitka spruce top, walnut back and sides, and a tropical mahogany neck. It has a eucalyptus fretboard and utilizes the Expression System® 2 for electronics. This guitar, part of the American Dream® Series, also includes a non-cutaway design, V-Class bracing for enhanced sound, and a Grand Pacific body shape which contributes to its classic appearance and tone. It comes with an AeroCase for transportation and storage.

Versatile AD17e acoustic-electric guitar built in the USA
Grand Pacific slope-shoulder dreadnought body yields a more balanced dreadnought experience with more organic low end and a well-seasoned sound
Solid spruce top delivers quality resonance and vibrational transfer — must haves for great tone
Walnut back and sides offer tasteful dark warmth blended with bright chime, akin to rosewood but with a more open sound
Easy-playing mahogany neck and eucalyptus fingerboard supply sought-after Taylor playability
V-Class bracing increases output, enhances sustain, and reduces harmonic distortion
ES2 electronics system with 2-band EQ ensures sophisticated plugged-in tone that’s authentic and full

Aesthetic and Usage

Discussing the aesthetics, Miller humorously notes that pairing the black guitar with contrasting clothing would make it stand out more on stage, reminiscent of her performances with Danny Gokey where they would wear all white. She also affectionately refers to the AD17e as a “s’mores guitar,” evoking images of casual, outdoor fun, which underscores its suitability for informal settings like a campfire.

Pricing and Value

At $1,999, the AD17e is slightly less expensive than the AD12e but does not skimp on quality. For Miller, the craftsmanship and the reliable Expression System make it a worthwhile investment, particularly for those looking for a guitar that delivers excellent sound amplification without the need for additional adjustments at the soundboard.

Lindsey Miller’s review paints the Taylor AD17e Blacktop as a robust, versatile instrument that caters well to both professional performances and casual play. Its design, coupled with superior sound quality and adaptability, make it a compelling choice for guitarists looking for a dependable, resonant acoustic guitar that promises to grow in character and quality over time.

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Lindsey Miller

Lindsey Miller is a Nashville, TN based touring and session guitarist who has performed and recorded with a variety of artists and musicians spanning several musical genres. Growing up in Prairie Village, KS (a suburb of Kansas City) Lindsey picked up her first guitar at age ten. Although first inspired by Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, and 90s alternative rock, it was her discovery of hometown guitar hero Pat Metheny that initiated her into the world of jazz. Lindsey’s talent and ever growing interest in jazz improvisation earned her a scholarship to attend the University of North Texas where she performed in the Two O’Clock Lab band and earned a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. She then went on to complete a Masters Degree in Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since moving to Nashville in 2012, she has toured with artists such as Brett Eldredge, Lauren Daigle, Kevin Max, and Danny Gokey, performed and/or recorded with jazz luminaries such as Brian Blade, Keith Carlock, Dennis Chambers, and Jeff Coffin. She plays regularly with the Nashville Symphony and has also performed with the Kentucky Opera, Phoenix Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. Lindsey has appeared on tv shows like ABC/CMT Nashville and the 2022 NBC Rockefeller Tree Lighting. She has worked with some of the best studio musicians in the Nashville recording industry at studios such as Ocean Way, Warner Bros., Treasure Isle, Sound Emporium, Warner Chappell and The Castle Recording Studio. Her music can be heard on Bravo, The History Channel, CBS NFL, Comedy Central, Hgtv, and NBC. Lindsey is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN where she is an active participant in worship and music ministry.