My trip down Taylor Memory Lane continues with a spotlight on the next blackwood issue. Following the introduction of Tasmanian blackwood into the Taylor Guitars limited production in 2004 the next appearance was in 2007 with the GS4e Fall Limited Edition.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/
In contrast to the abundant 2004 range of Fall Limited Edition models, only five (5) Fall limited release models were issued in 2007, with the GS4e being the only blackwood model (Wood & Steel Vol. 53, p. 16).
Production of the GS4e was only 400 units.
The Grand Symphony (GS) model was introduced by Taylor in 2006, designed to fit between the GA (Grand Auditorium) and the Jumbo. The Jumbo itself was replaced by the GO (Grand Orchestra) in 2013.
The GS4e was a plain basic GS model with a RRP of $US2,198. The specifications are:
| Model | GS4e 2007 Fall Limited |
| Type/Shape | Grand Symphony |
| Back & Sides | Tasmanian blackwood |
| Top | Sitka spruce |
| Soundhole Rosette | Plastic |
| Neck | American tropical mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Fretboard Inlay | 4mm mother of pearl dots |
| Headstock Overlay | Indian rosewood |
| Binding | Cream |
| Bridge | Ebony |
| Nut & Saddle | Tusq |
| Tuning Machines | Chrome-plated Taylor Tuners |
| Electronics | Taylor Expression System (ES) |
| Strings | Elixir Medium Gauge Strings |
| Scale Length | 25-1/2″ |
| Truss Rod | standard Taylor truss rod |
| Neck Width at Nut | 1-3/4″ |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Fretboard Radius | 15″ |
| Bracing | forward-shifted scalloped x-bracing |
| Finish | Satin with Gloss Top |
| Body Dimensions | 19-7/8″L x 11-1/4″W (upper bout) 9-5/8″W (waist) 16-1/8″W (lower bout) x 4-5/8″D |
| Overall Length | 41″ |
For the next 4 consecutive years from 2007 to 2010 Taylor included Tasmanian blackwood in their Limited Release issues with a total of 9 models. My next spotlight will feature the enigmatic 2008 Spring Limited Edition models.
Previous Taylor spotlights:
2004 Fall Limited Editions – when Taylor Guitars first introduced Tasmanian blackwood
