Taylor Guitars purchased its first laser in the mid-'90s. It was a 25 watt machine that was originally intended to scan barcode information. But the "mad scientists" in the machine shop got a hold of it and re-programmed it to etch a rosette on a Baby Taylor. We've been making beautiful laser-etched designs ever since.

The uses for lasers didn't end with laser etching, however. Cutting was the next operation, which once again took our level of accuracy and quality to new heights. With our three 200-watt lasers we cut tops, backs, sides, wood rosettes (interlocking koa wedges, for example), bracing, NT Neck shims, and truss rod covers. Lasers make these cuts faster and more accurately than a saw or even a CNC machine can.

Before lasers, we would stack several pieces of wood together and, with a template, use a band saw to cut various top shapes. Band saws, however, are prone to chipping or splintering wood, rendering it useless. Plus, accuracy is less than ideal. Now, tops are cut with lasers in a matter of seconds, hitting the tightest tolerances with unyielding consistency.

Another extremely important laser function is marking the precise location for the bridge. The laser marks each top with a bull's-eye of sorts, providing the exact target point for bridge installation further down the production line. Knowing where to place the bridge from the very beginning of the construction process permits us to make a guitar that has the easy-to-play action and intonation for which our guitars are famous.