Taylor's Next Generation Guitars: Next-Gen Models and Gold Label Series Explained

Taylor Guitars 2026 Release: Taylor Next Generation Grand Auditoriums & the New Gold Label Dreadnoughts.

Understanding Taylor’s Next-Gen upgrades is as easy as ABC - Action, Bracing, Claria. Three letters, a whole new era for Taylor’s iconic models.

Taylor Guitars is kicking off 2026 with two major releases. First, the Next Generation (also called Next-Gen) Grand Auditorium lineup launches across the 300, 400, and 800 Series with Taylor’s full “ABC” upgrade suite: the Action Control Neck, new scalloped V-Class bracing, and Claria electronics. These innovations deliver more warmth, responsiveness, and stage-ready tone than ever.

The Claria system gives you sculptability that’s unmatched by any pickup we’ve ever played. 

Alongside the Next-Gen Grand Auditorium models, Taylor introduces new deep-body dreadnoughts to the Gold Label Collection: the 510e, 710e, 810e and the 900 series. These Gold Label models pair LR Baggs Element VTC electronics with Taylor’s Action Control Neck, Fanned V-Class bracing, and a new set of Gold Label physical and aesthetic features. The result is a family of dreadnoughts inspired by Grand Pacific depth and infused with powerful, heritage warmth.

These two releases represent Taylor’s most comprehensive tonal and structural evolution in years:

• Warmer, fuller voices across both lines
• Adjustable playability through Action Control
• Modern electronics (Claria for Next-Gen GA, LR Baggs VTC for Gold Label)
• New bracing architecture tailored to each series

Guitars designed to elevate your sound, your performance and your confidence.

What’s New in the 2026 Taylor Next Generation (Next-Gen) Guitars?

The 2026 Next-Gen Era: Taylor’s Biggest Acoustic Update in Years

Taylor’s 300, 400, and 800 Series Grand Auditoriums receive a substantial redesign for 2026. Across the lineup, the new ABC framework defines what “Next Gen” means:

• A - Action Control Neck™: A long-tenon neck joint that boosts warmth and sustain while allowing players to adjust their action within seconds - no string removal needed.
• B - Scalloped V-Class™ Bracing: A new bracing profile that opens the low end, adds bloom, and enhances resonance while preserving Taylor’s signature pitch accuracy.

• C - Claria System Electronics: A brand-new pickup and preamp delivering reliable, plug-and-play acoustic tone with Volume, Tone, and Mid-Contour controls mounted discreetly in the soundhole.

Every new feature is designed to make your guitar respond to you better - whether you’re on stage or on the porch. These are guitars you can adjust to your exact feel and playing preferences, instantly.

Next-Gen Grand Auditorium Lineup

300 Series (314ce, 324ce, Builder’s Edition 324ce)

• 314ce - A balanced, articulate workhorse now enhanced with greater warmth and sustain.
• 324ce - Mahogany-top depth with a focused midrange voice and natural compression.
• Builder’s Edition 324ce - Comfort-first refinements, Kona Burst satin finish, beveled armrest, and contoured cutaway.

400 Series (414ce, 454ce 12-String)

• 414ce - A rosewood/Sitka classic with fuller mids and a richer low end thanks to scalloped bracing and the Action Control Neck.
• 454ce - A highly playable 12-string boasting clarity, pitch accuracy, and flexible action adjustment.

800 Series (814ce, 854ce + multiple BE variants)

• 814ce - The quintessential Taylor GA, now with an even more expressive voice and Claria electronics.
• 854ce - A premium 12-string delivering sparkling articulation and impressive balance.
• Builder’s Edition 814ce models - Offered in Indian Rosewood/Adirondack, Blacktop, Honduran Rosewood/Adirondack, and Honduran Rosewood/Sinker Redwood - each with Builder’s Edition contouring and top-tier craftsmanship.
  

Pictured: Taylor 2026 Gold Label 810e Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric

Introducing the 2026 Gold Label 510e, 710e, 810e & 900 Series

Alongside the Next-Gen GA models, Taylor expands the Gold Label Collection with these deep-body dreadnoughts — each built for powerful projection, classic warmth, and old-heritage character.  

• Gold Label 510e (Mahogany / Torrefied Sitka) - Dry, woody, fundamental-rich tone with vintage mahogany warmth.
• Gold Label 710e (Indian Rosewood / Torrefied Sitka) - Classic rosewood depth paired with enhanced clarity and punch.
• Gold Label 810e (Honduran Rosewood / Torrefied Sitka) - A powerhouse dreadnought with deep resonance, upgraded appointments, and a striking Simons wedge back. 
• Gold Label 900 Series (914e, 914eSB, 917e, 917eSB) - the Super Auditorium and Grand Pacific features include Honduran Rosewood back/sides and for the first time ever, Torrefied Adirondack Spruce top.

Shared Features

• 3/8" deeper body for expanded low-end depth and resonance
• Action Control Neck
• Fanned V-Class bracing
• Heritage-inspired, warm, open voicing
• LR Baggs Element VTC electronics
• Natural finish with premium Gold Label appointments
  

Taylor is always trying to push things forward and innovate what they’ve already changed for the better. For players, these are some of the most expressive guitars Taylor has ever built. For collectors, they mark a clear new chapter in Taylor design. For us at Haggerty’s, it’s one of the strongest and most exciting Taylor lineups we’ve showcased. 

Come in and play one, we’d be happy to hand you a guitar and let you explore. And if you’re not in the Black Hills, just message us anytime. We’ll happily send you a personal demo from the studio.

Established in 1963, Haggerty’s Music serves musicians across the globe. Locally owned and operated in Rapid City, South Dakota, we are proud to be the Number One Independent Taylor Guitars Dealer in the USA, two years in a row, 2024 & 2025. Questions? Call +1(605) 348-6737.