Taylor Guitars have been known for the elegance that their acoustic guitars possess, which can be rightfully attributed to refined craftsmanship and a good aesthetic sense. It's no wonder then that they have been around for the last 35 years. In celebration of their 35th anniversary, Taylor Guitars has decided to try out something new, a thing never before seen in their guitars. The Taylor Guitars XXXV-GS certainly stands out with a commemorative spirit.

The XXXV-GS is a new model that features an armrest, something that has never been seen before in a Taylor guitar. Also known as the "Armrest Series", the XXXV-GS sports a popular body type among Taylor Guitars called the "Grand Symphony" (GS). The featured armrest is located on the bass side of the guitar's lower bout and replaces the hard edge where the guitar's top meets the sides. It is also characterized by a soft contour which is ideal for resting one's picking arm comfortably during performance. This new design also boasts of high-level and complex craftsmanship that Taylor Guitars could describe as something that is awe inspiring.

Being premium guitar models, the XXXV-GS guitars have a choice of exotic woods, which then forms the four models of the Armrest Series. Selections include a back, sides and decorative backstrap choice of fiery cocobolo (XXXV-GS-C), AA-grade Macassar ebony (XXXV-GS-M), golden quilt maple (XXXV-GS-MP), or feathered walnut (XXXV-GS-W). The top for these guitars is made out of Sitka Spruce enhanced with Taylor's proprietary tone-enhancing CV bracing and the Expression System pickup as an amplification device.

Other premium components are a 900 Series abalone rosette, bone nut and saddle, gold Gotoh tuners, and an all-gloss finish. The XXXV-GS-C, -M and -W have an ebony armrest, binding, headstock overlay and truss rod cover as well as a Florentine cutaway. The XXXV-GS-MP, on the other hand, is matched with Indian rosewood armrest, binding, headstock overlay and truss rod cover, and a Venetian cutaway. Paying homage to Taylor Guitars' 35th anniversary is a single "35" inlay found between the 11th and 12th frets.

Sad to say, premium guitars equate to premium prices, and the Taylor Guitars XXXV-GS models have a suggested retail price of 7,495.00 USD. Being anniversary models, these guitars come with a certificate of authenticity from Taylor Guitars signed by co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug and are expected to become available by late winter.