Taylor Benchmark Custom Gold Label Grand Pacific Sitka Spruce and Figured Mahogany (PRE-ORDER)

Taylor Benchmark Custom Gold Label Grand Pacific Sitka Spruce and Figured Mahogany

~Images are a representation from a previous model with the same specifications~

Serial Number TBD | Deep Body Grand Pacific | Sitka Spruce top | Figured Mahogany back and sides

There is a reason Sitka spruce and mahogany remain such a dependable pairing. This Grand Pacific has a warm, clear voice that feels familiar right away, but the deeper body gives it added low-end presence and scale. Mahogany keeps the notes focused and gives the midrange a dry, woody character, while Sitka supplies the flexibility to move from a light touch to full strumming. The round-shoulder body blends everything together in a way that sits naturally beneath a vocal.

Taylor's fanned V-Class bracing and tonal rout add projection and sustain without pulling the guitar away from its warm, fundamental-driven sound. High-response varnish, a hot-hide-glue Honduran rosewood bridge and hand-fitted bone components keep the response lively and connected. Cream Crest inlays, nickel tuners and a firestripe pickguard give it a restrained vintage look.

About Taylor Benchmark Custom:

A Sound First Approach

Taylor Benchmark Custom is a new class of ultra-premium guitar shaped by Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers’ experience building bespoke instruments for individual musicians. Each guitar begins with a specific musical objective rather than a list of premium features. That intended voice and feel guide the selection of the body shape, soundboard, braces and tonewoods, with every component considered as part of a complete musical system. A Custom Shop Luthier oversees the guitar throughout the build, working with Taylor’s most experienced craftspeople to preserve that original vision through final setup and inspection. Empire Music is the official launch partner with Taylor for the introduction of the Benchmark Custom program.

Materials Voiced to Work Together

The Benchmark process places as much emphasis on how materials work together as it does on the quality of the individual pieces. Soundboards are evaluated for characteristics such as stiffness, weight and grain structure, then paired with braces selected to complement the top and the natural response of the body shape. Additional hand-sanding and precision fitting create closer connections between the soundboard, braces, kerfing and body. Traditional hot hide glue is used at key structural joints, including the bracing and bridge, where its hard, thin bond helps transfer vibrational energy efficiently through the instrument.

Taylor High Response Varnish

Taylor developed a proprietary high-response varnish specifically for Benchmark Customs. This ultrasoft, low-density gloss finish is applied exceptionally thin to preserve flexibility and minimize damping, contributing to a warm, open response. The finish is then hand-leveled, polished and burnished for a sleek luster and an exceptionally smooth feel. Hand-applied, multi-color stains give each instrument additional depth and individual character.

Refined by Hand

That level of attention continues through final assembly. The nut, saddle and bridge pins are individually fitted and detailed. The fretboard edges and frets receive additional handwork for a softer feel and smoother string bending. Each completed guitar is inspected by the Custom Shop Luthier who oversaw its construction and includes a handwritten Certificate of Authenticity signed by Andy Powers. These details work together to give a Benchmark Custom its immediate response, dynamic range and distinctly refined connection between the instrument and the player.

We are proud to include a full professional setup to factory spec before delivering your new Taylor Benchmark Custom. Our world-class techs will dial in your guitar to make sure the playability is maximized!