Taylor Guitars
| Company type | Private, employee-owned |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founder | Bob Taylor, Kurt Listug, Steve Schemmer |
| Headquarters | El Cajon, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (65 countries) |
Key people | Andy Powers (CEO, President, Chief Guitar Designer) |
| Products | Acoustic guitars, semi-hollow electric guitars |
Number of employees | 700+ (2012) |
| Website | www |
Taylor Guitars is a U.S.-based manufacturer of guitars, with its main office located in El Cajon, California. Established in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, the company primarily produces acoustic guitars along with semi-hollow electric models. Recognized as one of the largest producers of acoustic guitars in the United States, Taylor Guitars maintains a worldwide presence, distributing its instruments to 65 countries.
History
Bob Taylor launched his career in 1972 at American Dream, a guitar shop where he crossed paths with Kurt Listug. In 1974, Taylor, Listug, and Steve Schemmer purchased the shop and renamed it Westland Music Company. To develop a concise branding for their instruments, they adopted the name Taylor, selected for its strong American resonance. Taylor concentrated on design and production aspects, while Listug handled business management. The company began retail operations in 1971 and obtained financing through a bank loan in 1981 to upgrade manufacturing capabilities.
By 2012, Taylor Guitars had grown to employ more than 700 individuals across two manufacturing sites—in El Cajon and Tecate, Mexico—where more affordable models and cases were assembled. To strengthen its footprint in Europe, the company established a distribution center in the Netherlands in 2011. In recognition of its sustainable ebony sourcing efforts—including acquiring a mill that boosted usable timber yield from 10% to full utilization—the U.S. State Department honored Taylor with the Award for Corporate Excellence in 2014.
On January 1, 2021, Taylor Guitars completed its transition to full employee ownership. Subsequently, in May 2022, Andy Powers was named CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer, tasked with steering strategic growth and fostering innovation within the company.
Innovations
In 1995, Bob Taylor experimented with pallet oak and other unconventional materials to craft a dreadnought guitar prototype known as the "Pallet Guitar." This concept inspired a limited run of 25 Grand Auditorium Pallet Guitars released in 2000, which featured aluminum inlays accentuating the wood’s original nail holes. These collectible instruments highlight Taylor’s inventive spirit and dedication to sustainability; the original model is displayed at their El Cajon headquarters.
January 1999 saw the launch of Taylor’s patented NT (new technology) neck—a bolt-on design constructed from a single piece of wood extending from the headstock to the 19th fret. This advancement enhanced structural stability and allowed for easier neck angle adjustments through shims, simplifying maintenance compared to traditional glued necks. The NT neck remains integral to Taylor’s product lineup, aiding in differentiation and customer satisfaction.
Taylor also pioneered its proprietary "Expression System" pickup technology developed by Rupert Neve. This humbucking induction pickup combined with dynamic soundboard transducers and an onboard preamplifier delivers superior tonal clarity and adaptability on premium models. Entry-level guitars incorporate the ES-T system featuring a single under-saddle pickup. Introduced in 2004 on higher-tier instruments, this technology has played a crucial role in establishing Taylor’s competitive position within the acoustic guitar market worldwide.
Factory
Taylor operates a 145,000-square-foot production facility located in El Cajon, California, approximately 20 miles east of central San Diego. The plant welcomes visitors for complimentary guided tours at 1:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday, except on certain holidays. In 2008, Premier Guitars created an in-depth four-part video tour of the Taylor factory, featuring narration by the company's founder, Bob Taylor.
Notable players
- William Ackerman
- Axel Bauer
- Jade Bird
- Dave Carroll
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- Russ Freeman
- Vic Fuentes
- Michael Hedges
- Jewel
- Leo Kottke
- Dave Matthews
- Jason Mraz
- Dolores O'Riordan
- Gabriella Quevedo
- Steve Stevens
- Taylor Swift
- Snuffy Walden
- Billy Joe Walker
Further reading
- Taylor Guitars 30 Years of a New American Classic, Michael John Simmons
- PPV Medien; Hardcover edition (January 10, 2005)
- Guitar Lessons: A Life's Journey Turning Passion into Business, Bob Taylor
- Wiley; First edition Hardcover (January 25, 2011)
External links
- Guitar manufacturing companies of the United States
- Electric bass guitars by manufacturer
- Manufacturing companies based in California
- Companies based in El Cajon, California
- American companies established in 1974
- Privately held companies based in California
- Employee-owned companies of the United States
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment