This post was authored by Marc Seal, Taylor Product Specialist and Worship Artist Relations
In 2005, Taylor Guitars released a revolutionary new guitar, the hollowbody hybrid T5, capable of a myriad of electric sounds thanks to its sophisticated three-pickup configuration and high-definition preamp. In 2014, we followed that up with the T5z, which features the same electronics in a smaller body. The T5z’s more radiused fretboard (12” instead of 15”) and jumbo frets help make it feel even more like a traditional electric guitar.
The T5 is tremendously versatile, and it’s especially ideal for worship leaders as the modern worship guitarist is often required to play a variety of different parts that require different sounds—everything from natural acoustic chords to clean electric lines. Sometimes we may even be lucky enough to get the nod from the leader to launch into a searing guitar solo. The T5 can easily handle all of these demands, and brings a lot of versatility to your worship setup.
Recently, my T5z Custom (featuring a Hawaiian koa top) accompanied me to a worship service I played in Southern California. The moment I took it out of the case, the rest of the worship team took notice. Several of them are guitar players and wanted to check it out, while the others simply acknowledged how beautiful the guitar was with its stunning koa top.
This was an exciting evening as I was using this T5z for the first time with a Fractal AX8 processor and Ultimate Ears UE18s. I had programmed the AX8 so that I could move from warm acoustic sounds to some really nice clean and dirty tones should the night warrant it. I did some experimenting during soundcheck, switching seamlessly from sound to sound. I was able to play melodic acoustic fills with bends and slides and then quickly switch to fat overdrive sounds while playing power chords. This guitar delivers incredible dynamic range, even within the frame of a single song. There were a few opportunities for soloing, and with some distortion, delay, and reverb added, the T5z responded with that sought-after David Gilmour tone.
When all was said and done, I felt as though something magical had just happened. Several people approached the stage to tell me much they enjoyed the sounds that came out of the T5z, and to ask how I was getting electric and acoustic sounds out of the same guitar.
When guitars play and sound great, they can remove the distractions that can hinder worship. The versatility of the T5z enabled me to be more sonically expressive. This felt very freeing as a player, and ultra-conducive to a powerful worship experience.
Easy Setups to Maximize the T5z
The T5 family is loaded with features and sounds, and there’s no limit to the ways you can make a T5 instrument sound great. Here’s a list of suggested setups that I’ve found bring out the T5’s amazing sonic range.
Traditional Setup
Gear required: Acoustic amp or D.I., electric guitar amp (with pedal board if desired), and an A/B/Y box.
With this setup, you would have your T5z plugged into the A/B/Y box, giving you the ability to switch with ease between your acoustic amp and your electric amp and select your favorite tones from each. With the A/B/Y box, you also have the ability to send the signal to both amps simultaneously for some full and original sounds.
Digital Setup
Gear required: Multi-effects processor with amp modeling.
This setup is the easiest to put together, since it really only requires the guitar and an effects pedal. What makes this rig desirable is its versatility, ease, compact size, and simple operation. You’ll be able to achieve a wide range of sounds, using just the switching on the T5z and the modeling effects of the pedal. The downsides here are the learning curve to programming custom sounds and the steep cost of an advanced multi-effect unit. But in my opinion, it’s well worth the investment. Some pedalboards that work well with T5z are:
Boss GT-100, ME-80
Line6 – Helix and HD series products
Fractal Audio – Axe fx and AX8
Minimalist Setting Acoustic
Gear required: Basic acoustic amp.
This is a great practice setup, but it’s also perfect if you know you’re only going to be playing your T5z in an acoustic setting. With a small acoustic amp, you’ll have a portable rig with stage monitoring, and you can use the line out on the amp to send your signal to a board or PA.
Minimalist Setting Electric
Gear required: Small electric guitar amp and pedalboard
This is great for practice or for a scenario in which you will be using the T5z exclusively as an electric guitar. A small electric amp is a portable setup, and you can place a mic in front of the amp to send your signal to the PA.
