An extraordinarily successful pop/folk singer of the ’90s and early 2000s, Jewel Kilcher has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide. Success like that can earn you your own guitar, and in this case, it’s this very pretty Taylor Jewel Kilcher Signature Model—number 43 of only 1,000 made.
The Jewel guitar uses Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body shape, also known as a mini-jumbo. It’s one of our favorite do-it-all shapes, combining volume and low-end projection approaching that of a dreadnought with the sensitivity and high-end detail of a concert-size guitar. It manages all of that while remaining comfortable to hold, even when seated. If you can own only one acoustic, in our opinion, this is the shape.
The Taylor JKSM pairs a Sitka spruce top with solid satinwood back and sides. Satinwood is a very hard, dense wood native to Southeast Asia. Its light color and grain pattern resemble maple, and tonally, there are similarities as well. The JKSM has the generous low-end response provided by the Grand Auditorium body, while the tighter top shape and dense satinwood back help create lovely high-end sparkle and detail. Whether strummed or delicately picked, the JKSM is wonderfully responsive.
The JKSM has a simple 9V line-driver system with no onboard controls. Plugged straight into our GR acoustic .amp, the tone was detailed and pleasing, and it would no doubt do even better with an outboard acoustic preamp.
Many signature models are essentially cosmetic dress-ups of existing instruments, but the Taylor Jewel Kilcher Signature Model stands apart with a unique and excellent wood combination, along with attractive, understated appointments. It’s one of the better-sounding acoustics we’ve picked up in a while, and it would make an exceptional tool for solo performance or ensemble work.
Excellent condition guitar with a couple top marks (see photos), a light center finish crack which is typical of many acoustics with 20+ years of age, and just a hint of fret wear on the B and E strings. Action is excellent at .060 - .075. Includes pro setup, setup checklist and original Taylor case.
This Taylor Jewel JKSM Guitar Features:
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Solid Satinwood back and sides
- Grand Auditorium Shape
- Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fretboard
- 1-3/4" nut width
- Wooden and signature fretboard inlays
- 20 Frets
- Passive under-saddle pickup
- Made in the USA
- Original Hardshell Case Included
- #43 of 1000
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