Sea Change
Guitarist|April 2019

Guitarist gets the inside perspective on the Grand Pacific in Nashville with master luthier Andy Powers, who reveals “it’s like an entirely different thing than what we’re known for”

Rob Laing
Sea Change

The last time Taylor invited us to the US to preview a top-secret new product, it ended up being the company’s groundbreaking V-Class bracing. So when we joined other select members of the world’s guitar press in Nashville in late September last year for another special event, we knew it was going to be something exceptional. Like its guitars, Taylor doesn’t do half measures when it comes to unveiling its new designs. And, as we found out, the choice of Nashville was significant.

Taylor introduced the Grand Pacific to us through a thoughtfully planned day in Music City that was far removed from any kind of corporate-feeling presentation and all about conveying the musicality of these instruments. It ended with us interviewing its designer, Andy Powers, back at the spectacular recording studio where we started out: Southern Ground, owned by musician Zac Brown. Taylor’s links with the unique warm and bohemian character of the world-class facility were literally under our feet, with flooring made from the company’s guitar wood. We spied the row of elegantly tooled Western-style hard cases as we walked into Studio A and already began to get a feel that Taylor master luthier, Andy, and marketing vice president, Tim O’Brien, were about to unveil something different for the company.

The Grand Pacific’s timing a year after the emergence of the V-Class is interesting, and, as Andy explains, it was actually the initial vehicle for his pioneering bracing.

Esta historia es de la edición April 2019 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 2019 de Guitarist.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GUITARISTVer todo
QUICK CHANGE
Guitarist

QUICK CHANGE

As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar

time-read
6 minutos  |
November 2024
Return Of The Rack
Guitarist

Return Of The Rack

A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Pure Filth
Guitarist

Pure Filth

This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Reptile Royalty
Guitarist

Reptile Royalty

From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
Tradition Revisited
Guitarist

Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
Ramble On
Guitarist

Ramble On

Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024
Redrawing The 'Bird
Guitarist

Redrawing The 'Bird

A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
Guitarist

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
Boss Cube Street II
Guitarist

Boss Cube Street II

Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
STILL CRAZY
Guitarist

STILL CRAZY

One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more

time-read
8 minutos  |
November 2024