In a collaboration that’s sure to inspire musicians worldwide, Taylor Guitars has teamed up with Grammy-winning artist Jacob Collier to unveil the Jacob Collier Signature Model. This stunning guitar, made with all-koa wood, comes in two versions: a unique 5-string model based on Jacob’s own custom guitar, and a traditional 6-string variant. Together, they bring Collier’s innovative musical vision into the hands of guitarists everywhere.

The 5-string model reflects Jacob’s distinct tuning preference of DAEAD, offering a creative twist to the typical 6-string setup. By tuning the lower strings in fourths and the higher ones in fifths, this setup opens up new harmonic possibilities for players. For fans of more traditional tuning, the 6-string version will be available as well, offering the familiar feel with the same incredible craftsmanship.

Jacob’s Signature Sound and Style

Jacob’s collaboration with Taylor began when he requested a custom 5-string guitar several years ago, which has since become a crucial part of his performances and songwriting process. “I dreamed of this guitar tuning for many, many years before [the guitar] existed,” Jacob says. “And then one day, I asked Taylor, ‘How would you feel about putting five strings on a six-string guitar neck, tuned in a very particular way, with exactly the same range as a normal guitar, but just with a different set of intervals?’ And they said yes, which changed my whole life.”

Now, this signature tuning is available to guitarists who want to explore new sonic territory. The 5-string model’s unusual tuning allows for a mix of open strings and intervals that expand the range of possibilities, creating a unique sound that Jacob has made famous through his music.

Unique Craftsmanship with a Natural Aesthetic

While Jacob Collier is known for his bold, colorful visuals, he chose a more understated, natural aesthetic for his signature models. The guitars are made from Taylor’s Select-grade Hawaiian koa, known for its rich, natural color and variation. Each guitar is entirely unique due to the natural marbling of the West African ebony used for the fretboard, bridge, and headstock overlay. This one-of-a-kind visual element ensures that every instrument has its own personality and character.

Adding to the guitar’s unique charm is a custom truss rod cover with Jacob’s personal logo, a Jacob Collier Signature label inside the guitar, and a customized guitar strap featuring his logo. These small details reflect Collier’s personal touch while keeping the design clean and focused on the wood’s natural beauty.

Cutting-Edge Features for an Enhanced Performance

Beyond its beautiful design, the Jacob Collier Signature Model is built for performance. The guitar comes equipped with LR Baggs Element VTC acoustic electronics, allowing for clear, rich amplification with easy-to-use volume and tone controls discreetly hidden inside the soundhole. The addition of Gotoh 510 tuners ensures precise tuning stability, so whether players are experimenting with Jacob’s unique 5-string tuning or sticking to a 6-string setup, their sound stays on point.

Each guitar ships in Taylor’s lightweight yet durable AeroCase, providing both protection and portability for musicians on the go. This blend of premium craftsmanship and player-focused features makes these signature models perfect for both live performances and studio work.

Andy Powers on Collaborating with Jacob

The creative force behind these signature models is Taylor’s Chief Guitar Designer, Andy Powers, who worked closely with Jacob to craft the perfect instrument. Powers had previously built Jacob’s original 5-string guitar, and this partnership was a natural extension of that collaboration. “Jacob is a one-of-a-kind musician,” says Powers. “When he came to us with the idea of this tuning and string arrangement, it made sense musically. It’s been a joy to build this instrument, and I’m excited for other musicians to experience the same inspiration.”

Powers believes the guitar’s innovative setup will appeal to a broad range of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals. “What I love is that this configuration makes the acoustic guitar accessible for entry-level players while offering an inspiring new sonic palette for experienced players,” he adds.

Limited Edition Availability

For musicians looking to get their hands on one of these exclusive instruments, Taylor Guitars is offering limited production for 2024. Only 25 units of each model—5-string and 6-string—will be produced for the U.S., UK, and European markets. Orders placed before October 18 will be prioritized for holiday delivery, while later orders will be fulfilled in Q1 2025.

This limited run, combined with the guitar’s one-of-a-kind craftsmanship, makes the Jacob Collier Signature Model a must-have for fans of his work and guitar enthusiasts looking for something truly special.

Conclusion

The Jacob Collier Signature Model from Taylor Guitars is a testament to the creative synergy between two musical innovators. With its unique 5-string setup, premium all-koa construction, and thoughtful design details, this guitar opens up new avenues of creativity for players. Whether you’re drawn to Jacob’s signature tuning or prefer the classic 6-string configuration, these models offer an unmatched blend of craftsmanship, playability, and innovation. This collaboration marks a new chapter in acoustic guitar design—one that’s sure to inspire musicians around the world.

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