The Pursuit of Playability: Taylor’s Action Control Neck™ Explained

Sponsored by Taylor Guitars:

Since its earliest days, Taylor Guitars has been committed to crafting instruments that are easy to play. That pursuit of playability has driven a series of transformative neck design innovations. Bob Taylor’s slim-profile, bolt-on necks, set a new benchmark for playability in the 1970s. His groundbreaking NT neck, introduced in 1999, ensured every Taylor neck angle could be precisely calibrated for optimal playability and sound. 

Taylor’s newest neck innovation—the patented Action Control Neck™—extends that legacy with a player-first design developed by master luthier and company President Andy Powers. Introduced as a key ingredient of Taylor’s Gold Label Collection, the shimless Action Control Neck features a long-tenon neck joint design that extends deeper into the body and stiffens the heel. This enhanced connection between neck and body translates into greater low-end resonance and a deeper, warmer, more muscular sound. A mechanism inside the Action Control Neck’s heel block allows players to adjust string height on the fly. With a simple turn of a tool, players can dial in their preferred action—no need to remove strings. 

In the video above, Andy Powers explains how the Action Control Neck improves playability, enhances tone and simplifies service. 

Learn more about Taylor’s Gold Label Collection