The Taylor Gold Label 517e SB is a powerful all-solid electro-acoustic guitar that combines the warmth and authority of a traditional round-shoulder dreadnought with Taylor’s modern playability and precision.

Its deeper Grand Pacific body pairs a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top with solid neo-tropical mahogany back and sides, producing a warm, woody voice with a strong fundamental note, muscular midrange and controlled overtones. The golden-brown Shaded Edgeburst top and firestripe pickguard reinforce the guitar’s heritage-inspired character.

Taylor’s fanned V-Class bracing enhances projection, sustain and low-frequency depth, while the Action Control Neck allows fast, precise adjustments to the playing action. LR Baggs Element VTC electronics provide a natural amplified sound for live performance and direct recording.

For singer-songwriters, rhythm guitarists and performers who want a deeper, warmer side of Taylor, the Gold Label 517e SB is an outstanding professional instrument.

At A Glance

Specification	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	Gold Label 517e SB
Series	Taylor 500 Series
Collection	Taylor Gold Label
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Deep-body Grand Pacific
Top Finish	Golden Brown Shaded Edgeburst
Back and Side Finish	Natural
Top Wood	Solid torrefied Sitka spruce
Back and Sides	Solid neo-tropical mahogany
Bracing	Fanned V-Class with tonal rout
Neck	Neo-tropical mahogany
Fingerboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC
Cutaway	No
Condition	Brand new
Main Appeal	Powerful, heritage-inspired mahogany tone with modern Taylor playability
Best For	Singer-songwriters, rhythm playing, recording and professional performance
Skill Level	Intermediate, advanced and professional players

What’s Included?

• Taylor Gold Label 517e SB electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor Gold Label Deluxe hardshell case with British Cocoa exterior

Why Choose the Taylor Gold Label 517e SB?

Heritage-Inspired Taylor Tone

The Gold Label Collection explores a warmer and more traditional tonal direction than the immediate, modern clarity often associated with Taylor guitars.

The 517e SB produces a rounded attack, powerful low-frequency response and rich midrange presence. Notes blend naturally into one another, creating a mature acoustic character that works beautifully for vocal accompaniment, roots music and powerful rhythm playing.

It retains the consistency, intonation and comfortable neck feel expected from Taylor while delivering a deeper, earthier and more old-school acoustic voice.

Deeper Grand Pacific Body

The 517e SB uses a modified version of Taylor’s Grand Pacific round-shoulder dreadnought.

Its body is deeper than Taylor’s original Grand Pacific design, increasing the internal air volume and lowering the instrument’s resonant frequency. This gives the guitar:

• Greater low-end extension
• Powerful acoustic projection
• Increased warmth and depth
• A broad, room-filling response
• Smoothly blended chords
• A strong physical response beneath the player

The Grand Pacific shape produces dreadnought-style authority without the excessively sharp or percussive attack found in some square-shoulder designs.

Solid Torrefied Sitka Spruce Top

The solid Sitka spruce soundboard undergoes Taylor’s proprietary torrefaction process.

This controlled roasting treatment reduces moisture within the wood and changes its internal structure, helping the top respond with some of the sweetness and openness associated with an older, regularly played guitar.

Torrefied Sitka spruce provides:

• Strong acoustic projection
• A wide dynamic range
• Warmth and played-in sweetness
• Clear note definition
• Excellent strumming headroom
• Responsive performance under a lighter touch

The top can support forceful rhythm work without losing clarity while remaining sensitive enough for quieter accompaniment and fingerstyle passages.

Solid Mahogany Back and Sides

Solid neo-tropical mahogany gives the Gold Label 517e SB its warm, direct and fundamental-focused voice.

Mahogany produces a strong midrange, woody low end and controlled overtone response. Rather than surrounding each note with extensive harmonic shimmer, it keeps the sound focused and immediate.

This tonal character offers several practical advantages:

• Chords remain clear and defined
• Vocals have space within the arrangement
• The guitar records cleanly
• Rhythm parts retain punch
• Individual notes have a strong fundamental
• Busy arrangements are less likely to sound congested

The combination of mahogany and torrefied spruce gives the 517e SB a dry, earthy quality with enough warmth and power to fill a room.

Fanned V-Class Bracing with Tonal Rout

The deeper Gold Label Grand Pacific body is supported by a specialised fanned version of Taylor’s V-Class bracing.

The internal braces are positioned to complement the guitar’s increased depth and powerful low-frequency response. The design supports the top while allowing it to move efficiently, helping the instrument produce greater volume and sustain.

A carefully positioned tonal rout allows selected areas of the soundboard to vibrate more freely, contributing additional warmth and resonance.

The system helps deliver:

• Strong projection
• Long note sustain
• Accurate pitch across the fingerboard
• Controlled low frequencies
• Clear chord voicings
• Consistent note-to-note response

This keeps the 517e SB articulate even when its large body is played firmly.

Taylor Action Control Neck

The Gold Label 517e SB features Taylor’s innovative Action Control Neck.

Its long-tenon neck joint increases the contact area between the neck and body, improving the transfer of string energy. This contributes greater warmth, sustain and low-end resonance.

The patented adjustment mechanism also allows a trained technician to alter the string height through the soundhole. The action can be adjusted quickly without removing the neck, installing conventional neck-joint shims or carrying out a traditional neck reset.

This offers several long-term benefits:

• Fast and precise action adjustment
• Easier seasonal setup changes
• Simple adaptation to different string gauges
• Improved long-term serviceability
• Greater control over the playing feel
• Reduced need for invasive neck work

The system combines traditional long-tenon tonal coupling with practical modern adjustability.

Comfortable Taylor Neck Profile

The neo-tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s Standard Carve profile.

Its slim, satin-finished design provides a smooth and approachable feel while maintaining enough substance for confident acoustic playing. The 1¾-inch nut width gives the strings useful separation for fingerstyle work, hybrid picking and detailed chord voicings.

The full 25½-inch scale length maintains clear string tension and helps lower tunings retain definition.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics

The Gold Label 517e SB is equipped with LR Baggs Element VTC electronics.

The flexible undersaddle sensor is designed to respond to the movement of the guitar’s soundboard rather than relying only on direct string pressure. This helps produce a warm, detailed amplified sound with less of the hard attack sometimes associated with conventional piezo pickups.

Discreet soundhole-mounted controls provide:

• Master volume
• Tone adjustment

The system also uses low-frequency compression to help control the powerful bass response of the deeper Grand Pacific body when amplified.

This makes the 517e SB suitable for:

• Professional stage performance
• Acoustic amplifiers
• PA systems
• Direct recording
• Worship settings
• Full-band arrangements
• Singer-songwriter performances

Golden Brown Shaded Edgeburst Finish

The SB designation refers to the guitar’s golden-brown Shaded Edgeburst top.

The finish transitions from a warm golden centre into darker brown edges, giving the guitar a traditional appearance that complements its mature acoustic voice.

The natural mahogany back and sides provide a striking contrast and allow the grain of the solid timber to remain visible beneath the gloss finish.

Gold Label Appointments

The 517e SB has its own distinctive visual identity within the Taylor range.

Its appointments include:

• Firestripe pickguard
• Cream body binding
• Cream and black single-ring rosette
• Cream Crest fingerboard inlays
• Matching Cream Crest peghead inlay
• Modified Gold Label headstock profile
• Script-style Taylor logo
• West African Crelicam ebony fingerboard binding
• Honduran rosewood Curve Wing bridge
• Indian rosewood bridge pins
• Taylor nickel tuning machines

These details give the guitar a refined, heritage-inspired appearance without becoming excessively ornate.

What Is the Taylor Gold Label Collection?

Taylor’s Gold Label Collection combines vintage-inspired acoustic character with modern construction and adjustability.

Gold Label guitars are voiced to deliver:

• Greater warmth and depth
• A softer, rounder note attack
• Powerful low-frequency response
• Mature, played-in sweetness
• Naturally blended chords
• Strong acoustic projection
• Modern tuning stability
• Comfortable Taylor playability

The collection also introduces distinctive visual features, including the revised headstock shape, script-style Taylor logo, Crest inlays and Curve Wing bridge.

Gold Label models are ideal for players who appreciate Taylor’s construction quality but prefer the warm, woody voice associated with traditional flat-top acoustic guitars.

Why Choose a Grand Pacific Electro-Acoustic Guitar?

Taylor’s Grand Pacific is a round-shoulder dreadnought designed to produce warmth, low-end power and a smoothly blended acoustic response.

Compared with a smaller Grand Auditorium, the Grand Pacific provides:

• Greater bass extension
• More physical air movement
• Stronger rhythm projection
• A broader tonal foundation
• Increased room-filling volume
• A softer and more blended attack

The rounded shoulders encourage notes within a chord to blend naturally rather than sounding highly separated or percussive.

This makes the 517e SB particularly effective for:

• Vocal accompaniment
• Open-chord rhythm work
• Americana and roots music
• Country and folk
• Acoustic rock
• Blues
• Studio recording
• Solo acoustic performance

Who Is the Taylor Gold Label 517e SB For?

Singer-Songwriters

The strong mahogany midrange and warm low end provide a supportive foundation beneath a vocal.

Its controlled overtone response leaves space for the singer, while the deeper body gives solo performances enough power and authority.

Rhythm Guitarists

The Grand Pacific body responds exceptionally well to open chords, flatpicking and confident strumming.

Mahogany keeps the attack focused and woody, while the torrefied spruce top provides enough headroom for dynamic performances.

Recording Musicians

The 517e SB’s controlled overtones and strong fundamental note make it particularly easy to record.

It can produce a substantial solo-acoustic sound while remaining focused enough to sit within layered arrangements without excessive equalisation.

Roots, Folk and Country Players

The warm attack and round-shoulder body suit:

• Americana
• Folk
• Country
• Blues
• Roots rock
• Alternative acoustic music
• Traditional singer-songwriter material

Professional Performing Musicians

The LR Baggs electronics, Action Control Neck and substantial hardshell case make the 517e SB a practical professional instrument.

The neck system is particularly useful for musicians who need to maintain a consistent setup through changes in climate, touring conditions or string preference.

Taylor Players Seeking a Warmer Voice

Players familiar with the clarity and immediacy of Taylor’s Grand Auditorium models will find the Gold Label 517e noticeably warmer, deeper and more blended.

It offers a distinctly different tonal colour while retaining familiar Taylor playability and accurate intonation.

Players Who Prefer Large Acoustic Guitars

The 517e SB is ideal for musicians who enjoy the physical response, low-end power and projection of a large-bodied guitar.

Players seeking a particularly compact instrument may be better suited to a Grand Concert or Super Auditorium model.

How Does the Taylor Gold Label 517e SB Compare?

Taylor Gold Label 517e vs Gold Label 717e

Both guitars use the deeper Grand Pacific body, torrefied Sitka spruce top, fanned V-Class bracing, Action Control Neck and LR Baggs Element VTC electronics.

The main difference is the back and side wood.

The 517e uses solid mahogany, delivering:

• Strong midrange presence
• A dry and woody response
• Controlled overtones
• Clear fundamental notes
• Direct rhythm performance

The 717e uses solid Indian rosewood, producing:

• Deeper bass
• More treble shimmer
• Richer harmonic overtones
• A wider, more spacious sound
• Greater tonal complexity

Choose the 517e for warmth, punch and focused mahogany character. Choose the 717e for broader frequency extension and rosewood harmonic richness.

Gold Label 517e SB vs Gold Label 517e Natural

The SB and Natural models share the same tonewoods, construction, bracing, neck and electronics.

The principal difference is appearance. The SB model has a golden-brown Shaded Edgeburst top, while the standard 517e has a Natural spruce top.

Choose according to your preferred visual style, as both deliver the same fundamental playing and tonal experience.

Gold Label 517e vs Gold Label 514e

The 517e uses Taylor’s deeper Grand Pacific body, while the 514e uses the more compact Super Auditorium shape.

The 517e produces greater low-end power, physical projection and dreadnought-style authority. It is particularly strong for rhythm playing and players who want a large, room-filling acoustic voice.

The 514e offers a more balanced and compact experience for musicians who frequently alternate between fingerstyle, strumming and melodic work.

Choose the 517e for maximum warmth, bass response and rhythm power. Choose the 514e for greater physical comfort and broader all-round versatility.

Gold Label 517e vs a Traditional Square-Shoulder Dreadnought

A traditional square-shoulder dreadnought often produces a sharper, more percussive attack with strong projection for ensemble playing.

The round-shoulder Grand Pacific produces a warmer and smoother response, allowing notes to blend more naturally.

The 517e also adds Taylor’s Action Control Neck, V-Class-derived intonation and modern amplified performance.

Choose a square-shoulder dreadnought for a sharp, traditional flatpicking attack. Choose the 517e for a rounder response, powerful midrange and heritage tone with modern adjustability.

Understanding the Mahogany and Torrefied Spruce Sound

Mahogany and spruce form one of the most established tonewood combinations in acoustic guitar design.

The torrefied Sitka spruce top provides projection, dynamic range and clarity. Its heat treatment adds warmth and helps the guitar respond with a sweeter, more open quality from the beginning.

Solid mahogany contributes:

• Strong and punchy midrange
• Warm, woody lows
• Clear fundamental notes
• Controlled harmonic overtones
• Excellent chord definition
• A dry and direct response

The deeper Grand Pacific body strengthens the low-frequency character of this combination, while the fanned V-Class bracing helps keep the sound controlled and articulate.

The result is a guitar that sounds powerful without becoming overly complex or boomy.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch or collection, this guitar will be carefully inspected by the Fair Deal Music team.

Our assessment includes:

• Full cosmetic inspection
• Neck and fingerboard inspection
• String-height and playing-action check
• Fret and intonation assessment
• Bridge, nut and saddle inspection
• Tuning-machine and hardware check
• LR Baggs electronics test
• Volume and tone control test
• Output-socket test
• Final playability assessment

This helps ensure that your new Taylor arrives ready to play and perform.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Model	Taylor Gold Label 517e SB
Series	Taylor 500 Series
Collection	Taylor Gold Label
Number of Strings	6
Orientation	Right-handed
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Deep-body Grand Pacific
Cutaway	No
Top Colour	Golden Brown Shaded Edgeburst
Back and Side Colour	Natural
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Solid torrefied Sitka spruce
Back and Side Wood	Solid neo-tropical mahogany
Back Configuration	Two-piece, no wedge
Bracing	Fanned V-Class with tonal rout
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss
Body Binding	Cream
Armrest	None
Rosette	Cream and black single ring
Pickguard	Firestripe

Neck and Fingerboard

Specification	Details
Neck Design	Taylor Action Control Neck
Neck Wood	Neo-tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Satin
Fingerboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fingerboard Binding	West African Crelicam ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Cream Crest
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¾ inches

Peghead

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Gold Label paddle profile
Peghead Veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Inlay	Cream Crest
Peghead Finish	Gloss
Peghead Binding	None
Tuning Machines	Taylor nickel with nickel buttons

Hardware and Factory Setup

Specification	Details
Bridge	Honduran rosewood Curve Wing
Bridge Pins	Indian rosewood
Nut	White TUSQ
Saddle	White Micarta
Strap Pin	Black
End Pin	Bronze
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light
Factory String Gauge	.012–.053

Power Requirements

The LR Baggs Element VTC electronics require one 9-volt battery for amplified operation.

The guitar can be played normally as an acoustic instrument without battery power. A functioning battery is required when connecting the pickup to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, direct box or audio interface.

Remove the instrument cable after use to avoid unnecessary battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SB mean in the product name?

SB identifies the guitar’s Shaded Edgeburst finish. The top moves from a warm golden-brown centre into darker edges.

Is the Gold Label 517e a dreadnought?

Yes. It uses Taylor’s round-shoulder Grand Pacific dreadnought body, modified with additional depth for greater warmth, bass response and projection.

Is the guitar made from solid wood?

Yes. It features a solid torrefied Sitka spruce top with solid neo-tropical mahogany back and sides.

What does torrefied spruce offer?

Torrefaction gives the spruce additional warmth, openness and responsiveness. It helps create a sweeter, more played-in acoustic character.

What does mahogany sound like?

Mahogany produces a warm, woody tone with a strong midrange, clear fundamental notes and controlled harmonic overtones.

It is particularly effective for rhythm playing, vocal accompaniment and recording.

How does the deeper Grand Pacific body affect the sound?

The increased body depth creates more internal air volume, producing greater low-frequency extension, acoustic projection and room-filling power.

Does the Gold Label 517e have a cutaway?

No. Its non-cutaway body maximises internal air volume and supports the guitar’s powerful, resonant acoustic response.

Is the 517e suitable for fingerstyle?

Yes. The torrefied spruce top responds well to a lighter touch, and the 1¾-inch nut provides useful string spacing.

Its deeper body is especially well suited to players who want fingerstyle detail combined with strong bass and acoustic power.

Can the 517e handle heavy strumming?

Yes. The Sitka spruce top offers strong dynamic headroom, while mahogany keeps chords focused and controlled under a firm attack.

What is the benefit of the Action Control Neck?

The Action Control Neck combines a long-tenon joint with a precise string-height adjustment system.

A trained technician can alter the action through the soundhole without removing the neck or carrying out a traditional neck reset.

What controls does the LR Baggs system provide?

The LR Baggs Element VTC provides discreet soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls.

Does the electronics system include a tuner?

No. A separate clip-on, pedal or external tuner can be used.

Is the Gold Label 517e suitable for live performance?

Yes. The LR Baggs Element VTC provides a warm and dependable amplified signal, while the Action Control Neck makes the guitar practical for regular professional use.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. Its focused mahogany response and controlled overtones make it particularly easy to record.

It can be captured with microphones, connected directly through the LR Baggs system or recorded using a combination of both signals.

Can the 517e be used in alternate tunings?

Yes. The 25½-inch scale and powerful body response work well with many common alternate tunings.

A professional setup is recommended when permanently using significantly lower tunings, heavier strings or a different playing action.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor Gold Label 517e SB is an exceptional choice for players who want dreadnought power, mature mahogany warmth and modern Taylor playability.

Its deeper Grand Pacific body produces an authoritative low end and impressive acoustic projection, while the torrefied Sitka spruce top adds sweetness, dynamic range and a naturally played-in quality. Solid mahogany back and sides keep the sound focused, woody and rich in the midrange, making the guitar particularly effective for singer-songwriters, rhythm players and studio work.

The fanned V-Class bracing maintains clarity and accurate pitch, while the Action Control Neck provides a genuinely useful long-term setup advantage. LR Baggs Element VTC electronics also deliver a warm, dependable amplified sound for professional performance.

Finished in a golden-brown Shaded Edgeburst with heritage-inspired Gold Label appointments, the 517e SB offers a distinctly warmer and more traditional side of Taylor without sacrificing precision, reliability or comfort.

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 acoustic guitar, electric guitar, amplifier, keyboard, drum kit or studio equipment, our team can offer a fair, no-obligation valuation and help you put the value towards your next purchase.

Contact our team or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in options.