Taylor T5z Pro: What Makes Taylor's Hollowbody Hybrid Different, and What to Check on a Used One
The short version: the Taylor T5z Pro is a thin, light, hollowbody hybrid that plays like an electric and can still produce an acoustic-style sound through a built-in body sensor. It isn't a compromise between two guitars. It is its own instrument, and a good one if you want to use both worlds on one stage or at one desk. The Pro is the figured-maple model in the T5z family, and the one we have in stock right now is a Harbor Blue example worth looking at closely.
I'll cover what the T5z is, what "Pro" means, the two body generations that get confused on the used market, how the five-way switch works, and what I check on one before it goes on the shelf.
What is the Taylor T5z, and why does it exist?
Taylor introduced the original T5 in 2005 as a hollowbody that could cover acoustic and electric territory. The T5z followed in January 2014 as a scaled-down sibling with a 12" fretboard radius (the T5 used a 15" radius) and jumbo frets, which made it feel more like a conventional electric. That radius and fret change is the reason the T5z is the one electric players tend to gravitate to.
The T5z family has come in four tiers: Classic (mahogany top), Standard (spruce top), Pro (figured maple top), and Custom (Hawaiian koa top with gold hardware). If you want the longer acoustic-versus-electric discussion, I covered it in Is the Taylor T5z an Acoustic or an Electric?
How does the T5z Pro's five-way switch work?
Three pickups feed one five-way switch: a humbucker concealed under the fretboard extension at the neck, a visible "lipstick"-style humbucker at the bridge, and an acoustic body sensor. Per Taylor's own description of the switching, the positions are:
- Neck humbucker plus body sensor (the most acoustic-leaning voice)
- Neck humbucker alone
- Bridge humbucker alone
- Neck and bridge humbuckers in parallel
- Neck and bridge humbuckers in series (the loud, high-gain voice)
Volume, bass, and treble controls shape the result. You can run it into an electric amp or an acoustic amp, which is the whole selling point. Position 1 is the one to audition: it isn't going to fool anyone into thinking it's a dreadnought, but it's a distinctly different voice from the humbucker positions.
What does "Pro" actually mean?
"Pro" means a figured maple top, plus the finishes and appointments that go with it. Compared with the Classic, the Pro uses a maple top rather than mahogany, and in the current generation an ash body. Some reviewers argue the Classic is the better value because the Pro costs noticeably more for what they see as mostly cosmetic differences. I think that's a fair argument on pure sound-per-dollar, and a fair argument for the Classic. The Pro makes sense if you want the figured top for its own sake, and on a used guitar the gap narrows enough that the choice is less painful.
Two generations: how to tell them apart
This is the part that trips people up, so it's worth knowing before you buy one. In 2023 Taylor's Andy Powers redesigned the T5z:
- The body wood changed from sapele to responsibly sourced Urban Ash, with a slightly thinner carve that makes the guitar lighter.
- An armrest was carved into the solid-wood top.
- The guitar went from two f-holes to a single f-hole.
- The volume and tone controls moved from above the fretboard extension to below the bridge.
- The Pro came in three finishes in the new generation: Harbor Blue, Cayenne Red, and Tobacco Sunburst.
The Classic stayed in production with its original contours and knob placement. So an earlier-body T5z has two f-holes and its knobs up near the neck, while a redesigned one has one f-hole, an armrest, and knobs below the bridge. If you're shopping used, look at the photos and then confirm the model year against the serial number with Taylor or a reliable dealer, because listings, ours included, can miss it. The guitar pictured above, going by its photos, has the two-f-hole, upper-bout-knob layout of the earlier body style.
What I check on a used T5z Pro
A hollow, thin-topped, electronics-heavy guitar has its own checklist, different from the one I'd use on a Les Paul:
The top and binding
Look around the f-holes, the bridge, and the binding for cracks, lifting, or finish checking. A thin figured maple top is the part you'd least want to find repaired. The seller's notes on our example call out no repairs, finish cracks, or checking, and the photos back that up.
Every switch position
Run through all five positions with the controls moved, listening for dropouts, crackle, or a position that sounds weak. Body-sensor position 1 deserves extra attention, because that is the voice people buy the guitar for.
Output jack and controls
Wiggle the cable at the jack and sweep each control. Crackly pots and tired jacks are common on any used guitar, and they're a small fix, but they tell you how the guitar was treated.
Neck, frets, and truss rod
The slim neck and low action are the point of this guitar, so confirm the frets are in good shape and that the truss rod still has adjustment in both directions. Our example's notes list a measured neck depth of about 20.4mm at the 1st fret and 22.1mm at the 12th, polished frets, new strings, spot-on intonation, and a truss rod with room both ways.
Weight and balance
These are light guitars. Ours weighed 5.51 lbs on the shop scale, far below a typical solidbody Les Paul, which commonly runs 8 to 9 lbs. If a T5z feels heavy or neck-heavy in your hands, something's off with your expectation or the guitar.
How this particular guitar measures up
This Harbor Blue T5z Pro is listed in Excellent condition with fully tested electronics, fresh strings, polished frets, and its original Taylor hardshell case. The figuring under the blue is strong, and the finish shifts noticeably in different light, which is the main reason to choose Harbor Blue. If you'd like to look at it yourself, the listing is here: Taylor T5z Pro in Harbor Blue. Just remember to do the generation check I described, because the body style visible in the photos is the part to confirm against the serial number.
If a hybrid isn't quite what you're after, my write-up on solid, semi-hollow, or hollow body guitars may help you decide, and the rest of what we have is in the guitars in stock collection.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the T5z Pro and the T5z Classic?
The Pro uses a figured maple top (and an ash body in the current generation), while the Classic uses a mahogany top with sapele back and sides. The electronics and five-way switching concept are the same. The difference is mainly wood and appearance.
Is the T5z an acoustic or an electric?
It's a hybrid. It has two humbuckers for electric sounds and a body sensor for acoustic-style sounds, though it plays and feels more like an electric thanks to its 12" radius and jumbo frets.
How do I tell an older T5z from the redesigned one?
The redesigned guitar has one f-hole, a carved armrest, and its controls below the bridge. The earlier body has two f-holes and controls above the fretboard extension. Confirm the year by serial number when buying used.
Is a used T5z Pro worth it?
If you want a light, versatile guitar and like the idea of acoustic-style sounds without changing instruments, yes. If you mainly want one tone, a good solidbody or a good acoustic will serve you better for less money.
