Taylor 117e Studio Prototype Sapele/Spruce w/bag

Note these are stock photos - contact us for photos of the guitar for sale. 

The Taylor 117e Studio Prototype offers a rare opportunity to own an early version of a platform that expands on Taylor’s entry-level Grand Pacific design with a more refined tonal direction. Prototype builds like this are produced during the development phase before full production is finalized, giving players access to instruments tied directly to the evolution of the model itself. Even when the overall design remains close to the production version, these guitars occupy a different space—more limited, more personal, and connected to Taylor’s design process in a way standard catalog instruments are not.

This particular prototype differs from the standard 117e through the inclusion of a torrefied Sitka spruce top as part of the “Studio” concept. That change gives the guitar a warmer, more relaxed tonal response right out of the case, softening the attack slightly while adding a more broken-in, mature character compared to a standard non-torrefied Sitka top.

Built around Taylor’s Grand Pacific body shape, the 117e Studio Prototype leans into a rounder, fuller voice than the company’s traditional Grand Auditorium designs. The slope-shoulder dreadnought platform delivers strong low-end warmth and a dry, woody response that works especially well for singer-songwriters, rhythm players, and anyone looking for a more traditional acoustic character without losing Taylor’s consistency and playability.

Layered walnut back and sides help keep the guitar balanced and controlled while adding durability and stability for real-world use. Combined with the torrefied Sitka top, the result is a guitar that feels more open and responsive than you might expect from this category of instrument.

Taylor’s V-Class bracing helps maintain strong note separation, sustain, and intonation consistency across the fretboard while preserving the Grand Pacific’s warmer tonal personality.

Highlights

• Prototype build offering a rare pre-production version of the 117e Studio
• Torrefied Sitka spruce top for warmth and a more broken-in tonal response
• Grand Pacific body shape for fuller low end and dry, woody character
• V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and note separation
• Comfortable Taylor playability with a more traditional acoustic voice

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Grand Pacific
• Top Wood: Torrefied Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Layered Walnut
• Bracing: V-Class
• Finish: Matte
• Venetian Cutaway

Neck

• Neck Material: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Hardware

• Bridge: Ebony
• Saddle: White NuBone
• Nut: White NuBone
• Tuners: Taylor Nickel

Electronics

• Taylor ES2 Pickup System

Miscellaneous

• Prototype Build
• Included: Taylor Gig Bag
• Made in Mexico

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

At Tone Shop Guitars, we specialize in hand-selected premium acoustic instruments built for serious players who care about feel, resonance, and long-term inspiration. Every boutique, Custom Shop, and prototype acoustic we bring in is chosen for responsiveness, tonal balance, and individuality—not just specs on paper. When you buy from Tone Shop, you’re getting an instrument we genuinely believe in.