American Dreamers: 50 Years of Taylor Guitars

Episode 12: Andy Powers Joins Pt. 2

Air date: Dec 31, 2024

In the final episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug sit down with current Taylor Guitars CEO, President and Chief Guitar Designer, Andy Powers, to discuss the design and development process behind some of Taylor’s most innovative designs. Andy shares insights into his early work with the company, including the Grand Orchestra body style, the redesign of the 800 Series and the challenges inherent to the creation of the Builder’s Edition Collection. The conversation dives into the philosophy of guitar design, with Bob and Andy reflecting on the difficulties of balancing artistic vision with industrial processes. They also talk about the importance of understanding the factory setting and the trials of scaling production to meet the demands of musicians worldwide.

Listen or watch our twelfth episode today!

Episode 11: Andy Powers Joins Pt. 1

Air date: Dec 30, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Andy Powers joins co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug to reflect on his journey from crafting his first guitar to becoming Taylor’s CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer. Together, they discuss the importance of taking risks to fuel inspiration and drive innovation. Andy shares personal stories about his early fascination with woodworking and music, his unique approach to guitar-making and the happenstance first meeting with Bob Taylor that shaped his path at Taylor Guitars. Discover how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic to create the Circa 74 amplifier and the American Dream Series.

Listen or watch our eleventh episode today!

Episode 10: 2015 to 2020 Pt. 2

Air date: Dec 22, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reflect on pivotal moments in Taylor Guitars’ journey, from adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to embracing innovative approaches like Urban Ash. They share how Taylor navigated factory closures and supply chain issues while meeting the rising demand for guitars, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the team during uncertain times. The conversation also explores Bob’s round-the-world forestry tour, where he made discoveries about sustainable tree planting and end-of-life practices as well as the role of governance in reforestation. Kurt and Bob recount the quirks of owning a private jet, sharing stories of air travel adventures and unexpected challenges. Finally, they discuss Andy Powers becoming a partner, the transition to employee ownership, and how these choices have shaped Taylor’s commitment to its employees, artists and the craft of guitar-making.

Listen or watch our tenth episode today!

Episode 9: 2015 to 2020 Pt. 1

Air date: Dec 22, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit the latter half of the 2010s and discuss Taylor Guitars’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. They explore the challenges of sourcing woods like ebony and koa responsibly, the cultural nuances of working in regions like Cameroon and Hawaii, and efforts to reforest and plant these tonewoods sustainably. Bob reflects on the importance of respecting local cultures and laws, while Kurt shares insights into the shifting strategies for branding and marketing in a dynamic industry. It’s a compelling look at Taylor’s mission to support artists and uphold ethical practices.

Listen or watch our ninth episode today!

Episode 8: The 2010s Pt. 2

Air date: Dec 5, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive back into the history of Taylor Guitars during the 2010s. Together, they reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their approach to innovation, sustainability and leadership. They share their experience meeting Andy Powers and how he exhibited the qualities they sought in a successor. Plus, they discuss the unique challenges of designing electric guitars, how the company balances musicality with environmental responsibility, and the redesign of the 600 Series and 800 Series. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

Listen or watch our eighth episode today!

Episode 7: The 2010s Pt. 1

Air date: November 20, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug take us back to the early 2010s—a transformative era for Taylor Guitars. Discover how the GS Mini became a global sensation, redefining the small-bodied guitar market with its blend of sound, affordability, and portability. Bob shares the story behind its design and why it’s his proudest accomplishment in guitar building. The episode also dives into Taylor’s acquisition of the Crelicam ebony mill in Cameroon, a bold move that sparked the company’s sustainability journey. Learn how embracing colored ebony revolutionized guitar manufacturing and why Bob and Kurt believe in the long-term impact of this courageous decision. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation! 

Listen or watch our seventh episode today!

Episode 6: The 2000s Pt. 2

Air date: September 30, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug once again look back on Taylor Guitars’ journey through the 2000s. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Taylor Guitars. Discover why the introduction of nylon-string models allowed Taylor to tap into a broader market. Bob explains the trial-and-error process behind the development of the ES and ES2 pickup system as well as the struggles they faced with different electronic solutions. They also reflect on the fine balance between artistry and business, sharing insights on how the company competes with itself by continually innovating, even as it faces competition from other brands. 

Listen or watch our sixth episode today!

Episode 5: The 2000s Pt. 1

Air date: September 19, 2024

In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit Taylor Guitars’ journey into the early 2000s. They explore the evolution of the NT Neck, the challenges of scaling up production and the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Tecate. They also reminisce about the historic Liberty Tree guitars and their release of elaborately designed and inlaid guitars like the Gallery Series Living Jewels Guitar, featuring inlays of koi fish, and the Cujo Guitar. Plus, learn about how they forged a relationship with a young Taylor Swift and the Swift family.

Listen or watch our fifth episode today!

Episode 4: The 90s

Air date: June 3, 2024

Join Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug as they retrace Taylor Guitars’ journey through the 1990s. It was a decade of pioneering innovation and tremendous growth for the company. In part 4 of our historical podcast, Bob and Kurt reminisce about the inspiration for Taylor’s brand identity, the invention of the Grand Auditorium body style, the artists who inspired them, and how computer-controlled machines enabled them to design and build guitars in a whole new way.

Listen or watch our fourth episode today!

Episode 3: 80s Rock

Air date: April 29, 2024

After a tumultuous start and some early setbacks, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug persevered into the '80s—a decade in which the music scene was not particularly friendly to acoustic guitars. As the acoustic market languished, Bob and Kurt found ways to keep their fledgling operation on its feet and growing, seizing unexpected opportunities to support the business when conditions were less than ideal. But it wasn't all cloudy skies. As Bob and Kurt discuss in the third episode of our oral history podcast, Taylor began making guitars for artists, building guitar cases in house, Bob introduced the Grand Concert model, and the company reached a milestone with its first million-dollar year.

Listen or watch our third episode today!

Episode 2: The Early Days

Air date: March 28, 2024

In the second episode of our oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive into the challenges they experienced in the first years of the company's existence. Though they faced financial obstacles, long night shifts and literal floods, there were also successes to celebrate, like signing their first distribution deal and seeing their guitars in the hands of household names like Neil Young. Bob and Kurt recount the lessons they took away from those difficult days as well as the early wins that helped them build momentum as manufacturers of quality guitars and forge a foundation on which the company could grow.

Listen or watch our second episode today!

Episode 1: The Road to the American Dream

Air date: March 13, 2024

In the first episode of this oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reminisce about growing up in San Diego, California, their passion for music and making things, and how their paths first crossed at the hippie-vibed American Dream guitar shop. Bob recalls his obsession with building guitars as a teenager, and he and Kurt reveal the foundation of their successful and enduring partnership, which began when Bob was just 19 and Kurt was 21.

Listen or watch our first episode today!