Alrighty. Here’s some news. Taylor guitars has release a “double secret probation” 35th Anniversary guitar called the XXXV-9 (that’s 35-9…..35th anniversary, 9-string). This is a 9-string guitar and it is the first of the “You Asked For It” models.
Why 9-strings? The 9 string configuration is a hybrid of a 6-string and 12-string and works like this. The low E, and A strings are single for tight bass response while the D and G strings have the octave, the B is doubled in unison and little E is a single string. Capice? The 9-string configuration gives you the tight, focused bottom strings with nice jangly top strings.
Some features include tropical mahogany body, sitka spruce top, three ring abalone rosette, a “35” inlaid between the 11th &12th frets, chrome mini-tuners, rosewwod headstock veneer and Expression System pickup. the initial run with limited to 35 guitars and should be available between early fall/late winter. good luck landing one of these. Hey I wonder if Elixir is offering 9-string sets? TBD.
Click here for more information about the XXX5-9 model at Taylor Guitars.