When you think of iconic electric guitars, Taylor is probably not the first name that comes to mind (if it comes to mind at all!) But when Taylor developed and refined their hugely popular T5 model, they also explored more conventional electric designs. Ultimately, these Taylor electrics never took off, and used examples are rare and often overlooked. With top-notch components under the hood, these guitars were built with the same level of quality and attention to detail you expect from the Taylor brand. This T3/B rolled out of El Cajon, California in 2017. Its body shares a similar shape, construction, and design as the T5—16" across and semi-hollow, chambered Sapele with a gorgeous Flame Maple top. It has an approachable 24-7/8" scale length, and the nut measures 1-11/16". The "B" stands for Bigsby, so this T3B is outfitted with a Bigsby tailpiece and an intonatable roller bridge. For pickups, this T3B sports two Taylor "Tradition 5" humbucker pickups—a good all-around PAF-style humbucker Alnico V magnets. This 2017 Taylor T3B shows some minor signs of play and use, but it is fairly clean and fretwear is minimal. The worst are some scuffs around the back edges, but there's not much to argue with (see photos). This Taylor is a fantastic used electric guitar that stands out on our wall for two reasons: 1) the breadth of features, and 2) the accessible price for a high-quality USA-made guitar. It includes its original Taylor hardshell case. The three-way switch, volume, and tone controls are straightforward and lend some versatility on their own, but both knobs are push/pull to activate different functions. The push/pull volume knob allows you to coil-tap the humbuckers for single-coil tones, and the push/pull tone cycles between different capacitors to change the character of the tone control. With the semi-hollow design and Bigsby, the flexible electronics make a guitar that is versatile and expressive, capable of fitting into any setting, band, or combo. Great all-around guitar!
