Above L-R: Tasmanian Blackwood 514ce-LTD, Walnut 414ce-LTD
For the fourth consecutive year Taylor Guitars included Tasmanian blackwood in a limited edition set. Spring 2010 saw 9 limited edition models of which 2 featured Tasmanian blackwood, this time in the 500 series thanks to the highly figured blackwood.
Bob Taylor and his design team herald spring’s arrival with a quartet of limiteds that promise to invigorate the senses.
Our Spring Limiteds have become one of those typically atypical Taylor design projects. Rather than making a firm commitment to come up with something each spring, Bob and his fellow designers wait to see if the product development stars align. Are there any reserves of exotic woods available that invite special treatment? Which models are generating lots of excitement around the factory? We think you’ll be happy with this year’s outcome (Wood & Steel Vol 63).
Tasmanian blackwood is often compared to its better-known cousin, Hawaiian koa. We gathered an assortment of impressively figured backs and sides for this run, making this a special upgrade to our 500 Series. Tonally, blackwood shares koa’s blend of midrange bloom and top end brightness, and will grow sweetly mellower over time, with great dynamic range.
Both models are topped with Sitka spruce and include Ivoroid binding, an abalone rosette, and an all-gloss finish [and gold-coloured tuners].
Tasmanian blackwood is often compared with Hawaiian koa as a tonewood. It’s a natural comparison to make but it can quickly turn to blackwood’s disadvantage if overdone as a marketing strategy. I think Tasmanian blackwood is more than capable of standing on its own two feet (roots??) as a quality tonewood.
Here’s a Spring Taylor 2010 516ce-LTD for sale on Reverb:
https://reverb.com/item/4445536-taylor-516ce-ltd-spring-limited-2010-tasmanian-blackwood-sitka
Production numbers (courtesy of Taylor Guitars) were:
| MODEL | PRODUCTION |
| 514ce-LTD | 301 |
| 516ce-LTD | 215 |
https://www.taylorguitars.com/
Over four consecutive years 2007-2010 Taylor Guitars produced almost 2,700 guitars across 9 Limited Edition models featuring Tasmanian blackwood.
My next spotlight will be on the 2012 Spring Limited Edition GS mini models.
Previous Taylor spotlights:
2004 Fall Limited Editions – when Taylor Guitars first introduced Tasmanian blackwood
Taylor GS4e 2007 Fall Limited Edition
Tasmanian Blackwood Growers Cooperative 