American Dreamers: 50 Years of Taylor Guitars

In the final episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug sit down with current Taylor Guitars CEO, President and Chief Guitar Designer, Andy Powers, to discuss the design and development process behind some of Taylor’s most innovative designs. Andy shares insights into his early work with the company, including the Grand Orchestra body style, the redesign of the 800 Series and the challenges inherent to the creation of the Builder’s Edition Collection. The conversation dives into the philosophy of guitar design, with Bob and Andy reflecting on the difficulties of balancing artistic vision with industrial processes. They also talk about the importance of understanding the factory setting and the trials of scaling production to meet the demands of musicians worldwide.

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Andy Powers joins co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug to reflect on his journey from crafting his first guitar to becoming Taylor’s CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer. Together, they discuss the importance of taking risks to fuel inspiration and drive innovation. Andy shares personal stories about his early fascination with woodworking and music, his unique approach to guitar-making and the happenstance first meeting with Bob Taylor that shaped his path at Taylor Guitars. Discover how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic to create the Circa 74 amplifier and the American Dream Series.

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reflect on pivotal moments in Taylor Guitars’ journey, from adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to embracing innovative approaches like Urban Ash. They share how Taylor navigated factory closures and supply chain issues while meeting the rising demand for guitars, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the team during uncertain times. The conversation also explores Bob’s round-the-world forestry tour, where he made discoveries about sustainable tree planting and end-of-life practices as well as the role of governance in reforestation. Kurt and Bob recount the quirks of owning a private jet, sharing stories of air travel adventures and unexpected challenges. Finally, they discuss Andy Powers becoming a partner, the transition to employee ownership, and how these choices have shaped Taylor’s commitment to its employees, artists

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit the latter half of the 2010s and discuss Taylor Guitars’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. They explore the challenges of responsibly sourcing woods like ebony and koa, the cultural nuances of working in regions like Cameroon and Hawaii, and efforts to reforest and plant these tonewoods sustainably. Bob reflects on the importance of respecting local cultures and laws, while Kurt shares insights into the shifting strategies for branding and marketing in a dynamic industry. It’s a compelling look at Taylor’s mission to support artists and uphold ethical practices.

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