American Dreamers: 50 Years of Taylor Guitars

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive back into the history of Taylor Guitars during the 2010s. Together, they reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their approach to innovation, sustainability and leadership. They share their experience meeting Andy Powers and how he exhibited the qualities they sought in a successor. They also discuss the unique challenges of designing electric guitars, how the company balances musicality with environmental responsibility, and redesigning the 600 Series and 800 Series. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation! #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug take us back to the early 2010s—a transformative era for Taylor Guitars. Discover how the GS Mini became a global sensation, redefining the small-bodied guitar market with its blend of sound, affordability, and portability. Bob shares the story behind its design and why it’s his proudest accomplishment in guitar building. The episode also dives into Taylor’s acquisition of the Crelicam ebony mill in Cameroon, a bold move that sparked the company’s sustainability journey. Learn how embracing colored ebony revolutionized guitar manufacturing and why Bob and Kurt believe in the long-term impact of this courageous decision. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation! #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug once again look back on Taylor Guitars’ journey through the 2000s. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Taylor Guitars. Discover why the introduction of nylon-string models allowed Taylor to tap into a broader market. Bob explains the trial-and-error process behind the development of the ES and ES2 pickup system as well as the struggles they faced with different electronic solutions. They also reflect on the fine balance between artistry and business, sharing insights on how the company competes with itself by continually innovating, even as it faces competition from other brands. #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit Taylor Guitars’ journey into the early 2000s. They explore the evolution of the NT Neck, the challenges of scaling up production and the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Tecate. They also reminisce about the historic Liberty Tree guitars and their release of elaborately designed and inlaid guitars like the Gallery Series Living Jewels Guitar, featuring inlays of koi fish, and the Cujo Guitar. Plus, learn about how they forged a relationship with a young Taylor Swift and the Swift family.

Join Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug as they retrace Taylor Guitars’ journey through the 1990s. It was a decade of pioneering innovation and tremendous growth for the company. In part 4 of our historical podcast, Bob and Kurt reminisce about the inspiration for Taylor’s brand identity, the invention of the Grand Auditorium body style, the artists who inspired them, and how computer-controlled machines enabled them to design and build guitars in a whole new way.