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D'Addario and Taylor expand partnership with Jacob Collier Signature XS String Set. D'Addario Team Jul 22, 2026 FARMINGDALE, NY - D'Addario and Taylor Guitars are expanding their long-standing partnership with the release of the Jacob Collier Signature XS Phosphor Bronze 12-53 String Set, specifically designed for Collier's groundbreaking 5-string acoustics and signature DAEAD tuning. Designed to deliver the exact balance of tension, feel, and pitch accuracy that Collier's distinctive symmetrical tuning system needs, the new XS sets are designed specifically for the Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String, Taylor Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String, and Taylor JCSM-5 Jacob Collier Signature 5-String. Built on D'Addario's XS platform, the Jacob Collier signature strings are set apart by an ultra-thin film coating for the wound strings, and a unique polymer treatment on the plain steel, which results in the maximum corrosion resistance, outstanding tuning stability, and extended string life players need for a consistent performance everywhere they play. "There is a miraculous tone and sublime feel to these D'Addario strings," said Jacob Collier. "This set was handpicked by Taylor's own Andy Powers to balance the tension, feel and pitch accuracy of this symmetric 5-string tuning that forms the backbone of my custom Taylor guitar models." The release marks yet another milestone in the ongoing partnership between D'Addario and Taylor, combining premium string technology and innovative instrument design for a playing experience that's uniquely tailored to one of the most inventive musicians working today. The Jacob Collier Signature XS Phosphor Bronze 12-53 String Set will be available for Inner Circle preorder beginning March 2 and available exclusively through D'Addario beginning April 6 for players of the following Taylor models: * Taylor Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String * Taylor Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String * Taylor JCSM-5 Jacob Collier Signature 5-String (Natural Hawaiian Koa)

Taylor Guitars releases Next Generation Grand Concert models. By News May 14, 2026 Taylor Guitars, a leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars, today announced the release of four new Next Generation Grand Concert models: the 812ce, 412ce, 322ce and 312ce. Featuring Taylor's latest performance-enhancing Next-Gen design innovations, the compact-body guitars deliver greater warmth, dynamic range and musical versatility while preserving the articulate, intimate voice long associated with the Grand Concert body style. "The Grand Concert delivers a sound that's responsive, articulate and deeply personal," said Andy Powers, Taylor Guitars' Chief Guitar Designer, President and CEO "With the addition of Next-Gen features like new bracing architecture and the Action Control Neck(TM), players will appreciate the enhanced warmth and expressive range along with the precision and clarity the body style is known for." Next-Gen design features. Three signature design features define the Next-Gen models: the patented Action Control Neck(TM), scalloped V-Class(R) bracing, and Claria(TM) System electronics. The Action Control Neck enhances sustain, warmth and resonance while allowing players to adjust string height instantly through the soundhole. Scalloped V-Class bracing bolsters the sonic depth, including low-end response, while preserving Taylor's hallmark pitch accuracy and sustain. The Claria System pairs an improved under-saddle pickup with a proprietary preamp and intuitive soundhole controls for natural amplified tone and effortless sound shaping in live settings. All four Next-Gen Grand Concert models feature a 24-[7/8]-inch scale length and a cutaway body. NEXT-GEN GRAND CONCERT 812CE (INDIAN ROSEWOOD/SITKA SPRUCE) * Part of the flagship 800 Series, the 812ce pairs Indian rosewood's rich, complex resonance with the responsive clarity of Sitka spruce for a warm, balanced voice with exceptional touch sensitivity. A rosewood radius armrest and elevated appointments make it the most premium option in the wave. * Maple binding with black/maple top purfling * Green abalone single-ring rosette * Smoked nickel tuning machines * Ebony bridge pins with green abalone dots * Indian rosewood pickguard * Mother-of-pearl Element fretboard/peghead inlays * Natural gloss body finish, satin neck finish NEXT-GEN GRAND CONCERT 412CE (INDIAN ROSEWOOD/SITKA SPRUCE) * Offering the rich overtones and full-spectrum voice of the rosewood/spruce pairing in a more understated package, the 412ce delivers a warm, balanced tone with rich overtones in a refined yet understated package. * Black binding with black/white top purfling * Single-ring white rosette - Nickel tuning machines * Ebony bridge pins * Firestripe pickguard * Italian acrylic Weathervane fretboard/peghead inlays * Natural gloss body finish, satin neck finish NEXT-GEN GRAND CONCERT 322CE (SAPELE/MAHOGANY) * Built for players who want a naturally compressed, woody voice with a smooth, even response, the 322ce pairs sapele back and sides with a mahogany top for an organic, warm character well-suited to fingerpicking, chord strumming and singer-songwriters. A shaded edgeburst adds a vintage aesthetic touch that complements mahogany's dusky hue and rich grain structure. * Black binding with black/white top purfling * Single-ring white rosette * Satin black tuning machines * Ebony bridge pins * Firestripe pickguard * Italian acrylic Weathervane fretboard/peghead inlays * Shaded edgeburst top, gloss body finish, satin neck finish NEXT-GEN GRAND CONCERT 312CE (SAPELE/SITKA SPRUCE) * The entry point to the all-solid-wood Grand Concert family, the 312ce blends clarity and balance with added warmth and dynamic range. The fast, responsive attack complements a lighter touch while still offering ample headroom for strumming, making it a versatile and expressive instrument. * Black binding with black/white top purfling * Single-ring white rosette * Nickel tuning machines * Ebony bridge pins * Firestripe pickguard * Italian acrylic Weathervane fretboard/peghead inlays * Gloss body finish, satin neck finish "The Grand Concert has always been our most intimate design, built for players who want to feel every note they play," said Powers. "Bringing Next Generation features into that equation felt like a natural evolution of what this guitar has always offered players." The Next-Gen Grand Concert models are available now through authorized Taylor dealers worldwide starting at $2,499. All models include Taylor's Deluxe Hardshell Case. For more information on the Grand Concert Collection, visit taylorguitars.com. Follow Taylor Guitars on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Taylor Guitars names Geoff Smith as CFO. Geoff Smith Taylor Guitars has appointed of Geoff Smith as chief financial officer. Smith previously served as the company's Controller and brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience across manufacturing, technology and consulting organizations. As chief financial officer, Smith oversees the global financial strategy and operations of Taylor Guitars, supporting the company's long-term vision while helping preserve the values, craftsmanship and culture that define the brand. He works closely with CEO, president and chief guitar designer Andy Powers and Taylor's executive leadership team to guide financial planning, operational strategy and sustainable growth across the organization. Smith has held senior finance and accounting leadership roles across multiple industries. Earlier in his career, he served as controller for Fadal Machining Centers, a manufacturer of CNC machining centers widely used in precision manufacturing, including equipment that has long played an important role in Taylor Guitars' production processes. He later served as director of accounting at a division of Motorola Solutions and has led financial strategy and operational initiatives involving mergers and acquisitions, ERP integrations, global costing systems and process improvement. Smith succeeds Barbara Wight, who served as chief financial officer for more than 16 years and played an instrumental role in the company's growth. During her tenure, Wight helped guide Taylor Guitars through global challenges during the pandemic and the company's transition to a binational Employee Stock Ownership Program that made the company fully employee-owned.