2023 Taylor Guitars American Dream AD26E Baritone 6 Special Edition Grand Symphony Acoustic Guitar

A fresh, new addition to Taylor Guitars' American Dream series of instruments is this, the AD26e Baritone Special Edition. This guitar, based around Taylor's iconic Grand Symphony body shape, is the first Baritone acoustic in the American Dream line - and one of the only baritone acoustics offered in Taylor's production line. Let's take a look at this brand new instrument and what it means in the American Dream series.

The American Dream series is Taylor's most affordable line of solid wood acoustic instruments made in their El Cajon, California factory. Each guitar in the series lineup boasts old-world charm and allure, with classic Taylor features and unparalleled production standards.

These guitars are made for the every player; a modern workingman's instrument ideal for the gigging regular. And if that player gets a day off to go to the beach, an American Dream guitar is an excellent complement! Instead of being adorned in expressive inlay work or highly figured tops, the American Dream guitars are bare bones Americana, made of quality and dependable tone woods that hold up to the elements without restricting true acoustic tone.

Firstly, the AD26e is built around Taylor Guitars' Grand Symphony body shape. The next step up in size from the Grand Auditorium - a shape many consider synonymous with Taylor Guitars - the Grand Symphony is characterized by producing even more vibrant lows and increased projection, all while having a comfortable fit against the player's body and arm span.

Notable features of the AD26e are a body comprised of a Neo-Tropical Mahogany top and Sapele back and sides. Sapele, a common tonewood used on Taylor Guitars in and out of the American Dream series, is known for its tonal properties similar to Mahogany and increased economic sustainability. The AD26e also features a Neo-Tropical Mahogany neck with Smoked Eucalyptus fingerboard, which Taylor Guitars is implementing in this and many other American Dream series instruments. Its color and density is very similar to that of Indian Rosewood, and its supply is more than plentiful, aiding in Taylor Guitars' mission to sustainable production and wood sourcing.

The "E" in AD26e means, you may have guessed, Electronics! For electronics, Taylor would load this guitar with none other than their long-revered ES-2 Expression System active pickup. On the top bout are controls for volume, treble, and bass.

With the AD26e, players who like it low and slow can get their hands on a baritone acoustic built to extremely high Taylor Guitars standards. And if you are the player who would rather not settle for a lesser-quality instrument while still not wanting to spend mega-bucks on what - in dear earnest - may be considered a specialty instrument, the AD26e is for you, too.