Description
The Taylor Legacy K65e LTD brings one of the designs that helped establish Taylor's reputation back into focus with an exceptionally limited all-koa 12-string Jumbo. Taylor's early 12-strings became known for combining a full, expansive voice with an unusually approachable playing feel, and the K65 was a memorable part of that history. This Legacy edition revisits that idea with Bob Taylor's X-bracing approach, figured Hawaiian koa throughout the body, and appointments that recall Taylor's earlier premium builds. Just 52 examples are being produced in recognition of Taylor's 52nd year, each with a Legacy back label hand-signed by co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug.
The non-cutaway Jumbo body is built entirely from figured Hawaiian koa, with koa used for the top, back, and sides. Taylor voices the body with Legacy X-Bracing, creating a 12-string sound characterized by substantial midrange presence, shimmering octave texture, and a broad dynamic range. Koa also gives this guitar a tonal identity that differs from a more conventional spruce-topped 12-string. Taylor notes that its voice is expected to develop a sweeter, warmer character as the instrument is played and ages.
A mahogany Taylor NT neck is paired with a Crelicam ebony fingerboard and a full 25 1/2" scale length. The 1 7/8" white TUSQ nut provides the additional spacing appropriate for the 12-string format, while a white Micarta saddle anchors the opposite end of the strings. Taylor's reputation for playable 12-strings is central to the story behind this model, making the K65e LTD especially appealing to players who want the scale and shimmer of a Jumbo 12-string without losing the responsive feel associated with the brand's early instruments.
The visual treatment is every bit as distinctive as the construction. Faux tortoiseshell celluloid binding surrounds the body, fingerboard, heel cap, and soundhole, while green abalone appears in the top purfling and rosette. Classic 1995 GA-LTD fretboard and peghead inlays are rendered in agoya shell, and Taylor Gold Mini tuning machines with gold buttons complement the warm color of the figured koa. The entire guitar receives a gloss finish, allowing the natural variation and figuring of the Hawaiian koa to remain the centerpiece.
For amplified performance, Taylor equips the Legacy K65e LTD with Baggs Element VTC electronics. This gives the guitar an onboard option for stage and amplified use while preserving the acoustic identity at the center of this limited model. D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light strings are fitted from the factory, and a brown Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case is included for storage and transportation.
At Cream City Music, we think the Legacy K65e LTD is a fascinating meeting point between Taylor history and the company's modern limited-edition work. The all-koa Jumbo construction, 12-string configuration, Legacy X-Bracing, and vintage-inspired decorative details give it an identity that goes well beyond simply being another koa Taylor. With only 52 being built and each carrying a back label signed by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, this is a particularly special interpretation of a model tied closely to Taylor's earliest reputation.
Specifications:
- Body Shape: Jumbo
- Body Style: Non-Cutaway 12-String
- Top Material: Figured Hawaiian Koa
- Back Material: Figured Hawaiian Koa
- Side Material: Figured Hawaiian Koa
- Bracing: Legacy X-Bracing
- Body Finish: Gloss
- Binding: Faux Tortoiseshell Celluloid on Body, Fingerboard, Heel Cap, and Soundhole
- Top Purfling: Black, Celluloid, Black, and Green Abalone
- Rosette and Soundhole Purfling: Black and Celluloid
- Rosette: Green Abalone
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Neck Joint: Taylor NT
- Fingerboard Material: Crelicam Ebony
- Scale Length: 25 1/2"
- Nut Width: 1 7/8"
- Nut Material: White TUSQ
- Inlays: 1995 GA-LTD Agoya Shell
- Peghead Type: Straight-Ear
- Tuning Machines: Taylor Gold Mini with Gold Buttons
- Saddle Material: White Micarta
- Pickguard: None
- Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light
- Electronics: Baggs Element VTC
- Limited Production: 52 Guitars
- Back Label: Hand-Signed by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug
- Case Included: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case, Brown
Sku: K65ELTD
