Taylor Guitars, the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars, today announces the expansion of its collaboration with Jacob Collier with two new 5-string models designed to make the acclaimed artist's innovative DAEAD tuning accessible to a broader range of players.
Following the success of the October 2024 launch of the Jacob Collier Signature Model 5-String, featuring a Grand Concert body crafted with solid, Select-grade Hawaiian koa, Taylor is now introducing the Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String and the Jacob Collier GS Mini 5-String. Both new models feature Jacob's preferred DAEAD tuning along with fresh aesthetics and are designed within Taylor's Academy Series and GS Mini frameworks, giving players more accessibly priced options to explore Collier's unique musical approach.
The unveiling of these new models follows the October 10 release of Collier's critically acclaimed album, The Light For Days, which recently earned him his 16th GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Arrangement, Instruments & Vocals category for his reimagining of the Beach Boys classic “Keep An Eye On Summer” — fittingly arranged for his bespoke 5-string guitars.
"These new 5-string models are a total dream come true for me," says Jacob. "Each is so distinct in their own right. For them to be accessible to more people, while maintaining the same spirit that inspired the original designs, is a wonder. I'm so looking forward to more folks having the opportunity to discover this 5-string world and make their own magic with it."
The collaboration began when Collier approached Taylor about creating a custom 5-string acoustic guitar featuring his preferred DAEAD tuning — where the lower strings are tuned by fourths while the higher strings are tuned by fifths. That custom instrument, built by Andy Powers, Taylor's Chief Guitar Designer, President and CEO, became a staple of Collier's performances. The tuning makes common chord shapes easier for beginners to form with their fingers, while for experienced players, it unlocks a new tonal landscape ripe for musical exploration.
JACOB COLLIER ACADEMY 22E 5-STRING
Great for new and experienced players alike, Taylor's Academy Series guitars deliver rich acoustic tone and an accessible, comfort-enhanced playing experience. The Jacob Collier Academy 22e 5-String features a solid walnut top paired with layered walnut back and sides in a Grand Concert body, producing crisp highs, a warm midrange and satisfying low-end depth.
A built-in walnut beveled armrest softens the contact point on the strumming arm, reducing pressure and allowing for more fluid motion. Incorporating visual details selected for the original Jacob Collier model, this guitar features a smoked eucalyptus fretboard and bridge. The model includes a slender, easy-playing Taylor neck, matte-finish body, understated 4mm Dot fretboard inlays, standard chrome tuners, and Fishman Presys VT electronics.
Key Specifications:
- Back/Side Wood: Layered Walnut
- Top Wood: Solid Walnut
- Neck: Mahogany or Maple
- Fretboard: Smoked Eucalyptus
- Nut Width: 1-11/16"
- Scale Length: 24-7/8"
- Bracing: Academy Series Bracing
- Electronics: Fishman Presys VT
JACOB COLLIER GS MINI 5-STRING
Inspired by the GS Mini's bold voice, fun-size proportions and up-for-anything personality, Jacob put his signature aesthetic spin on Taylor's popular compact model. Jacob worked with Taylor designers to create a custom asymmetric rosette design marked by vibrant colors and geometric abstraction — a visual flourish that makes this guitar pop on any wall.
The guitar features a torrefied Sitka spruce top paired with layered sapele back and sides, producing a clear, balanced acoustic voice with played-in character. Perfect for travel, writing sessions, and intimate performances, the GS Mini 5-String maintains the tonal clarity essential to Collier's musical approach in a portable format. Known for creating music everywhere from green rooms to hotel rooms during his extensive touring schedule, Collier collaborated closely on this model to ensure it could capture musical ideas anywhere inspiration strikes.
Key Specifications:
- Back/Side Wood: Layered Sapele
- Top Wood: Torrefied Sitka Spruce
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: West African Ebony
- Nut Width: 1-11/16"
- Scale Length: 23-1/2"
- Bracing: X Bracing
- Electronics: None
JACOB COLLIER SIGNATURE MODEL 5-STRING [ORIGINAL MODEL]
JACOB COLLIER ACADEMY 22E 5-STRINGJacob Collier's original 5-string signature Taylor guitar is a Taylor Grand Concert body style featuring a natural, wood-centric aesthetic with richly variegated Select-grade koa and marbled West African ebony, giving each instrument a unique visual personality. Signature details include a customized Hawaiian koa truss rod cover with Jacob's laser-etched logo, a custom interior label, a branded guitar strap, antique chrome Gotoh 510 tuners, and onboard LR Baggs Element VTC electronics with soundhole-mounted controls, all shipping in a Taylor AeroCase.
Key Specifications:
- Top, Back & Sides: Solid, Select-grade Hawaiian Koa
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard & Bridge: West African Ebony
- Nut Width: 1-11/16" (4.28 cm)
- Scale: 24-⅞" (63.18 cm)
- Bracing: Taylor V-Class® Bracing
- Tuning Machines: Gotoh 510 with Antique Chrome Buttons
- Electronics: LR Baggs Element VTC
"Jacob is so gifted — a one-of-a-kind musician," says Andy Powers. "After hearing him write and perform music on these instruments since their creation, we're excited to expand this collaboration with models that make the acoustic guitar accessible for entry-level players while offering an inspiring new sonic palette for experienced players to explore."
AVAILABILITY
For US customers, a limited number are available now to arrive before Christmas. UK and Europe customers can order now and guitars will ship early next year. Customers outside the US, UK and Europe can join the waitlist for future availability. The new models will be coming to authorized Taylor dealers in late 2025. Check THIS LINK for availability in your area.
For Taylor Guitars media inquiries, please contact Alex Jessup (alex.jessup@jessuppr.com) at JESSUP PR. For Jacob Collier media inquiries, please contact Chris Taillie (ctaillie@shorefire.com) or Greg Jakubik (gjakubik@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media. Follow Taylor Guitars on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. Follow Jacob Collier on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.
