Taylor American Dream AD17 – Natural – Includes Aerocase – Used Very Good
Taylor launched the American Dream series in 2020 with a clear goal in mind — bring a genuinely American-made, all-solid-wood acoustic guitar to a price point that had been out of reach for most players wanting that combination. Bob Taylor and Andy Powers built the series around a stripped-down, minimally decorated aesthetic that intentionally evokes the early recorded acoustic guitars of the pre-war era, and the result is an instrument with real character rather than the pristine, polished look typical of Taylor's higher series. The AD17 is built on Taylor's Grand Pacific body — a round-shoulder dreadnought shape that delivers a warmer, more vintage-leaning voice than Taylor's traditional dreadnoughts, with excellent low-end definition and a balanced, seasoned tone right out of the case. The solid Sitka spruce top is paired with solid ovangkol back and sides — an African tonewood that shares much of rosewood's warmth and brilliance while adding extra presence in the midrange, a smart and increasingly popular substitute as traditional rosewood has become harder to source sustainably. Taylor's V-Class bracing extracts more sustain, volume, and in-tune resonance from the top than traditional X-bracing, and the tropical mahogany neck with eucalyptus fingerboard is fast, comfortable, and well-suited to a wide range of playing styles. Chamfered body edges replace traditional binding, giving the AD17 its distinctive stripped-back look while adding genuine comfort against the body. A three-ring Hawaiian koa rosette and faux tortoiseshell pickguard round out the visual presentation.
This one sounds big and boomy with a real warmth that calls to mind more traditionally voiced acoustic brands. It is genuinely versatile — articulate enough for fingerpicking and flatpicking, with a full, blended voice for strumming that supports huge open chords without losing definition. Plays great with minor fret wear on the first couple of frets that does not impact playability at all. A few small dings and scuffs, nothing major and nothing structural — a clean bill of health overall and in fantastic playing shape. Comes with the Taylor Aerocase.
- Make: Taylor
- Model: AD17
- Series: American Dream
- Country of origin: USA (El Cajon, CA)
- Body shape: Grand Pacific dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka spruce, satin finish
- Back and sides: Solid ovangkol
- Bracing: V-Class
- Body edges: Chamfered (no binding)
- Neck: Tropical mahogany, scarf joint, matte finish
- Fingerboard: Eucalyptus, 4mm Italian acrylic dot inlays
- Bridge: Eucalyptus
- Nut: Black Tusq, 1-3/4"
- Saddle: Micarta
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Frets: 20
- Rosette: 3-ring Hawaiian koa
- Pickguard: Faux tortoiseshell
- Tuners: Taylor nickel sealed
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Used Very Good – minor fret wear on first couple frets (no impact on play), few small dings and scuffs, nothing structural, plays great
- Includes: Taylor Aerocase
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
