The Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Honey Sunburst combines the warm, seasoned character of Taylor’s Grand Pacific body with premium appointments and a striking vintage-inspired finish.

Its solid torrefied spruce top delivers clear projection, powerful dynamics and a mature tonal sweetness, while layered Big Leaf maple back and sides provide a clean, supportive foundation with attractive natural grain. Taylor’s round-shoulder Grand Pacific body produces strong low-end presence, blended mids and smooth trebles, making this guitar particularly rewarding for vocal accompaniment, strumming, songwriting and recording.

C-Class bracing with a relief rout enhances acoustic volume, sustain and bass response, while the slim Taylor neck and narrower 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut create a relaxed fretting experience. Expression System 2 electronics provide dependable amplified sound for live performance and direct recording.

Finished in full-gloss Honey Sunburst with white binding, gold Taylor tuners and a black pickguard, the 217e Plus Special Edition offers distinctive presentation alongside practical professional features.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	217e Plus Special Edition Honeyburst
Series	200 Series Plus
Guitar Type	Electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Grand Pacific
Body Style	Round-shoulder dreadnought
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Top	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Sides	Layered Big Leaf maple
Bracing	C-Class with relief rout
Neck	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Fretboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¹¹⁄₁₆ inches
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Colour	Honey Sunburst
Finish	Full-body gloss with matte neck
Main Appeal	Warm Grand Pacific tone with bold vintage-inspired styling
Best For	Strumming, songwriting, vocal accompaniment, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Beginner to advanced
Condition	Brand new

Why Choose the Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition?

Solid Torrefied Spruce Top

The solid spruce soundboard undergoes Taylor’s controlled torrefaction process.

This carefully managed roasting treatment alters the moisture content and internal structure of the wood, giving the top some of the warmth, sweetness and responsiveness associated with an older, frequently played acoustic guitar.

It retains the projection, balance and dynamic range expected from spruce while delivering a slightly more relaxed and seasoned response. Lightly picked passages remain clear, while stronger strumming produces confident volume and attack.

Layered Big Leaf Maple Back and Sides

The back and sides are constructed from layered Big Leaf maple.

Maple’s clean and controlled character complements the powerful torrefied spruce top, helping the guitar retain definition through busy chord patterns and rhythm parts. Its naturally attractive grain also adds visual interest beneath the gloss finish.

The layered construction provides useful stability for regular transport, changing environments and everyday performance use.

Grand Pacific Body Shape

The Grand Pacific is Taylor’s round-shoulder interpretation of the traditional dreadnought.

Its generous body dimensions produce strong low-frequency power and a broad, blended voice. Rather than emphasising an especially sharp attack, the Grand Pacific smooths the edges of individual notes, allowing chords to develop a warm and cohesive character.

This makes the 217e Plus Special Edition particularly effective for rhythm playing, vocal accompaniment and musicians who prefer a mature, neo-vintage acoustic sound.

Clear Low-End Power

The large lower bout allows the guitar to move plenty of air, producing a substantial bass response.

This gives open chords and lowered tunings depth and authority without requiring an excessively heavy picking attack. The round-shoulder design helps blend the bass, middle and treble frequencies into a unified acoustic voice.

For solo performers, this fuller response can provide a strong musical foundation beneath vocals.

C-Class Bracing with Relief Rout

Taylor’s C-Class bracing enhances volume, sustain and low-frequency response.

The asymmetrical internal structure supports the soundboard while allowing it to vibrate efficiently. A carefully positioned relief rout provides additional flexibility, helping the top produce a fuller and more responsive sound.

The design also supports clear harmonic relationships between notes, keeping sustained chords organised and musical.

Comfortable Taylor Neck

The Neo-Tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s smooth Standard Carve profile.

Its narrower 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut creates compact string spacing that can make chords and fretting-hand stretches feel more approachable. This is particularly useful for electric guitarists moving to acoustic, developing players and musicians with smaller hands.

A matte neck finish helps the fretting hand move smoothly along the West African Crelicam ebony fretboard.

Non-Cutaway Construction

The traditional non-cutaway body preserves the full outline and internal air capacity of the Grand Pacific design.

This reinforces the guitar’s classic visual identity and places the focus firmly on powerful rhythm playing, acoustic projection and open-position accompaniment.

Players who rarely need access to the highest frets may prefer the balanced appearance and traditional feel of this construction.

Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics

Taylor’s Expression System 2 uses three individually calibrated sensors positioned behind the saddle.

This arrangement responds to the natural movement of the saddle and strings, capturing the guitar’s dynamics and tonal character when amplified.

Convenient side-mounted controls provide adjustment over:

• Volume
• Bass
• Treble

The guitar can be connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, recording interface or suitable acoustic DI box.

Honey Sunburst Finish

The exclusive Honey Sunburst treatment gives the guitar a warm and vintage-inspired appearance.

Golden amber colouring through the centre gradually deepens towards the outer edges, complementing the rounded Grand Pacific body and traditional black pickguard.

The finish helps the guitar stand apart from standard natural and darker sunburst models while retaining a refined professional appearance.

Full-Body Gloss

The top, back and sides receive a polished gloss finish.

This enhances the depth of the Honey Sunburst colour and brings out the grain of the layered maple body. It also gives the Special Edition a more elevated presentation than a standard satin-finished instrument.

The neck remains matte for a smooth and comfortable playing feel.

Premium Plus Appointments

The 217e Plus Special Edition features a collection of upgraded visual and practical details:

• Crisp white body binding
• Faux-pearl single-ring rosette
• Faux-pearl Diamond fretboard inlays
• Gold Taylor tuning machines
• Gold strap button
• Black pickguard
• West African Crelicam ebony fretboard and bridge
• Protective Taylor AeroCase

These features give the guitar a distinctive and polished identity within Taylor’s 200 Series.

Why Choose a Grand Pacific Guitar?

The Grand Pacific is designed for players seeking a warmer and more blended alternative to a conventional modern dreadnought.

Traditional square-shoulder dreadnoughts often emphasise powerful projection and a firm initial attack. The Grand Pacific retains substantial volume and bass but rounds the edges of the sound, creating smoother trebles and a more cohesive chord response.

Its strengths include:

• Strong low-frequency presence
• Warm and blended chords
• Smooth treble response
• Powerful vocal accompaniment
• Excellent rhythm projection
• A mature, roots-inspired character
• Natural support for open and lowered tunings

The shape is particularly well suited to folk, country, Americana, rock, worship and singer-songwriter applications.

Why Choose Torrefied Spruce and Maple?

Torrefied spruce and layered Big Leaf maple create a practical combination of projection, warmth, clarity and stability.

The torrefied spruce top contributes:

• Strong acoustic projection
• Clear note attack
• Wide dynamic range
• Mature warmth and sweetness
• Responsive performance at different playing volumes

The layered maple body contributes:

• Clean tonal support
• Controlled harmonic response
• Attractive natural grain
• Structural stability
• Clear definition during chord-based playing

Together, these materials allow the Grand Pacific body to sound powerful and warm without losing clarity.

Who Is the Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition For?

Singers and Songwriters

The Grand Pacific’s warm, blended response provides a full foundation beneath vocals without excessive high-frequency sharpness.

Rhythm Guitarists

The large body, solid spruce top and C-Class bracing produce the projection and low-end power needed for confident strumming.

Folk, Country and Americana Players

Its rounded acoustic character naturally complements open chords, alternating-bass patterns and roots-oriented arrangements.

Live Performers

Expression System 2 electronics provide straightforward amplification, while the AeroCase offers practical protection during transport.

Recording Musicians

The guitar’s smooth treble response and cohesive chords can sit naturally within a studio arrangement, particularly when supporting a vocal or lead instrument.

Electric Guitarists Moving to Acoustic

The slim neck and compact nut width provide a more familiar fretting experience than many traditionally proportioned dreadnoughts.

Developing Guitarists

Its comfortable neck, versatile electronics and robust layered body allow the instrument to support a player as their technique and performance needs develop.

Players Seeking a Vintage-Inspired Taylor

The Grand Pacific body and Honey Sunburst finish offer a warmer, more traditional character than Taylor’s brighter-looking Grand Auditorium models.

Musicians Using Lowered Tunings

The generous body and strong bass response provide useful depth and authority when experimenting with dropped or open tunings.

What’s Included?

• Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Honeyburst electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor AeroCase

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every guitar is carefully inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before collection or dispatch.

Our assessment covers the finish, neck, frets, bridge, tuning machines, electronics and general playability. The Expression System 2 pickup and onboard controls are tested to confirm dependable amplified performance.

Any adjustment required before the instrument leaves us will be completed by our experienced team so that it arrives ready to play and enjoy.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Number of Strings	6
Orientation	Right-handed
Body Shape	Grand Pacific
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Colour	Honey Sunburst
Bracing System	C-Class bracing with relief rout
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Side Wood	Layered Big Leaf maple
Back Configuration	Two-piece layered construction
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss
Body Binding	White
Rosette	Faux-pearl single ring
Pickguard	Black
Armrest	None

Neck and Fretboard

Specification	Details
Neck Wood	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Matte
Fretboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard Inlays	Faux-pearl Diamond inlays
Fretboard Binding	None
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¹¹⁄₁₆ inches

Peghead and Hardware

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Paddle
Peghead Veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Finish	Matte
Peghead Inlay	None
Peghead Binding	None
Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony
Nut	White NuBone
Saddle	White Micarta
Bridge Pins	Black ABS
Tuning Machines	Taylor gold with gold buttons
Strap Pin	Gold
End Pin	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS coated phosphor bronze light, .012–.053

Electronics

Specification	Details
Pickup System	Taylor Expression System 2
Pickup Position	Behind the saddle
Controls	Volume, bass and treble
Control Location	Upper side of the body
Output	Standard ¼-inch instrument connection

Power Requirements

The Taylor Expression System 2 requires one 9V battery.

Connecting an instrument cable activates the onboard preamp. Removing the cable when the guitar is not being used will help preserve battery life.

Keeping a spare battery available is recommended for performances, rehearsals and recording sessions.

Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Compared with the Standard 217e Plus

Both models use Taylor’s round-shoulder Grand Pacific body, solid torrefied spruce top, C-Class bracing, comfortable neck and ES2 electronics.

The Special Edition Honeyburst adds:

• Layered Big Leaf maple back and sides
• Exclusive Honey Sunburst finish
• White body binding
• Gold Taylor tuning machines
• Special Diamond fretboard inlays
• A distinctive vintage-inspired presentation

Choose the standard 217e Plus for the essential Grand Pacific playing experience. Choose the Special Edition for bolder styling and the clean visual character of layered maple.

Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Compared with the 214ce

The two models offer different body shapes and playing priorities.

The 217e Plus Special Edition uses a large, non-cutaway Grand Pacific body, producing:

• Greater low-frequency power
• Warmer, more blended chords
• A seasoned round-shoulder character
• Strong rhythm and vocal accompaniment

The 214ce uses a cutaway Grand Auditorium body, producing:

• A more balanced all-purpose response
• Greater upper-fret access
• Clearer separation between individual notes
• Strong versatility across fingerstyle and strumming

Choose the 217e Plus for warmth, bass and rhythm authority. Choose the 214ce for cutaway access and broader technique-to-technique versatility.

Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Compared with a Square-Shoulder Dreadnought

A traditional square-shoulder dreadnought generally delivers a firmer attack and a more direct, powerful rhythm voice.

The Grand Pacific offers similarly substantial body dimensions but produces a warmer and more blended response. Notes merge naturally into chords, while the trebles feel smoother and less aggressive.

Choose a square-shoulder dreadnought for maximum attack and traditional bluegrass-style projection. Choose the Grand Pacific for a rounder, more mature voice that supports vocals and contemporary songwriting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The torrefied spruce top responds clearly to lighter playing, although the Grand Pacific body is especially well suited to rhythm work and vocal accompaniment.

Can it handle powerful strumming?

Yes. The solid spruce top, large body and C-Class bracing provide strong projection, sustain and low-frequency support.

Is the maple body solid wood?

The soundboard is solid torrefied spruce. The Big Leaf maple back and sides use layered construction.

What effect does torrefaction have on the sound?

Torrefaction gives the spruce a warmer, sweeter and more mature response while retaining the clarity and dynamic range associated with spruce.

Does the guitar have a cutaway?

No. The 217e Plus Special Edition has a traditional non-cutaway Grand Pacific body.

Is the Grand Pacific larger than a Grand Auditorium?

Yes. The Grand Pacific is a larger round-shoulder body designed to produce greater bass response and a more powerful rhythm voice.

Can the guitar connect directly to a PA system?

Yes. The ES2 system can be connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, audio interface or suitable acoustic DI box.

Is the narrower nut suitable for players with smaller hands?

The 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut creates compact string spacing that many players find comfortable for chords, stretches and general rhythm work.

Is it suitable for professional recording?

Yes. It can be recorded using studio microphones or connected directly to an audio interface through the ES2 system.

Can it be used in alternative tunings?

Yes. The full-scale neck and powerful Grand Pacific body work well with many open and lowered tunings. A professional setup may be useful after a permanent change in string gauge or tension.

What is an AeroCase?

Taylor’s AeroCase combines a structured, protective shell with a lighter and more portable format than a traditional wooden hardshell case.

How should the guitar be stored?

Keep it in a stable environment away from radiators, direct sunlight, cold draughts and rapid changes in temperature or humidity. A suitable acoustic-guitar humidification system may be required during dry conditions.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor 217e Plus Special Edition Honeyburst is an outstanding choice for players seeking powerful acoustic projection, warm neo-vintage character and comfortable modern playability.

Its torrefied spruce top delivers clarity and mature sweetness, while the Grand Pacific body produces deep lows and smooth, blended chords. Layered Big Leaf maple gives the guitar dependable stability and an attractive visual identity, while C-Class bracing adds volume and sustain.

The slim Taylor neck, ES2 electronics and protective AeroCase make it equally practical for songwriting, regular performance and recording.

Finished in full-gloss Honey Sunburst with white binding and gold hardware, the 217e Plus Special Edition offers a distinctive combination of bold appearance, strong rhythm performance and excellent everyday usability.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Flexible finance options available, subject to status
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We’re always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you’re moving on an instrument you no longer use or putting its value towards your next upgrade, our experienced team can provide a fair, no-obligation valuation and guide you through the process.

Contact Fair Deal Music or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in and discover how much you could save on your next instrument.