Nothing says "happy anniversary" like a limited edition 9-string guitar. At least if you are Taylor Guitars. Taylor, in celebration of their 35th anniversary, is getting ready to release what they refer to as "You Asked For It" models. The XXXV-9 is the first of these. A blend of a 6 and 12 string, this hybrid plays with the clarity of a 6-string Taylor but adds three additional strings. Two of these are paired and octave higher to add to the midrange.

Initially we thought "nine strings, that's crazy talk" but after reading Taylor's description and reasoning behind the XXXV-9's design, it sounds like a wonderful guitar. The 9-string is perfect for the player looking for 12-string shimmer without sacrificing a focused low-end. The guitar features mahogany back and sides, a Sitka spruce top, Taylor's Standard II soundboard bracing, a three-ring abalone rosette, a "35th Anniversary" logo between frets 11 and 12 and the Taylor Expression System® pickup and preamp.

It also comes with a hardshell case and a certificate of authenticity singed by co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug. The initial run of this instrument will be limited to 35 guitars and will be available in late fall/early winter. And as you might expect with such a limited edition instrument this guitar costs more than the blue book value of your car: $4998 USD.