acoustic

On her new solo record, Laura Jane Grace goes back to her two most trusted partners in crime: her voice and her acoustic guitar.

Photo by Travis Shinn

On her new solo record Hole in My Head, the folk-punk singer and Against Me! founder gets back to basics: her voice and her guitar against the world.

Laura Jane Grace’s schedule from last December through the first month of the new year was, to put it gently, busy. She performed with Dinosaur Jr. at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg, then spent some time in the studio working on a top-secret cover project. She got married in Las Vegas, and flew to Mississippi for a week of recording with Drive-By Truckers’ Matt Patton. She hopped up to Memphis for Lucero Family Christmas, then played solo dates in St. Louis, Denver, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Lawrence, Kansas. In early January, she performed at a star-studded fundraiser in Wisconsin before jetting to Greece for a string of solo shows. Grace doesn’t take the intensity for granted. Over her 25 years as a professional musician, she’s learned the value of momentum.

Read MoreShow less

These acoustic models pay tribute to the legendary designs that shaped the sound of 20th century music.

Read MoreShow less

High-end playability distinguishes an entry-level Taylor that shines, for less than 800 bucks.

Crazy playability that matches much more expensive instruments. Excellent fit and finish. Super comfortable.

Midrange can dominate in strumming situations. Expression System 2 electronics highlight midrange emphasis.

$799

Taylor 112ce-S
taylorguitars.com

4.5
5
4
5

There’s nothing new about Taylor building great, affordable guitars. Even instruments like the modest GS Mini always feel inviting and capable of inspired musical moments. The build-quality in these Tecate, Mexico-constructed guitars always impresses, too. But taking a spin with the new 112ce-S suggests that Taylor has reached another level of balance to go with their sense of affordable guitar craft.

Read MoreShow less