“A piece as collectible as it is playable”: Prince’s signature Taylor is back for the first time in 15 years – but you’ll have to go to Paisley Park to get it

(Image credit: Paisley Park / Getty Images)

Prince’s eye-catching Taylor 612ce acoustic guitar is back in stock, but you’ll have to travel to Paisley Park to get one.

The guitar, which sports a custom purple finish – it was never going to be any other color – first featured on the genre-bending musician’s Musicology tour in 2004. It was the same year he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he exacted his revenge on Rolling Stone.

It’s the first time the guitar has been available for fans in 15 years, and it arrives decorated with plenty of subtle – and not-so-subtle – nods to the Purple One.

Featuring a mother-of-pearl inlay of Prince’s Love symbol on the front and back of the headstock, some rather gorgeous-looking binding against the Purple finish, and gold tuners, it’s quite the looker. And with this being a Taylor signature guitar, it seems that no expense has been spared.

Paisley Park says the guitar “faithfully represents the original,” and calls it “a piece as collectible as it is playable.”

The catch is that it is only available to purchase at Prince’s home-turned-museum, Paisley Park, and there’s no mention of price on the Instagram post announcing its arrival. The website makes no mention of it, either.

Over his lifetime, Prince built a reputation for wacky guitars, including a floral Telecaster that ‘ejaculated’ foam, his instantly recognizable Cloud guitars, and his adoption of a rarebreed Vox semi-hollow. Many of those guitars have since fetched six-figure sums at auction, underscoring just how strong his legacy remains.

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In related Prince news, Spike Lee recently recalled the time he asked Prince for one of his signature guitars. He was shocked by what happened next.

A freelance writer with a penchant for music that gets weird, Phil is a regular contributor to Prog, Guitar World, and Total Guitar magazines and is especially keen on shining a light on unknown artists. Outside of the journalism realm, you can find him writing angular riffs in progressive metal band, Prognosis, in which he slings an 8-string Strandberg Boden Original, churning that low string through a variety of tunings. He’s also a published author and is currently penning his debut novel which chucks fantasy, mythology and humanity into a great big melting pot.

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“A Piece as Collectible as it is playable”: Prince’s Signature Taylor is Back for the First Time in 15 Years – But You’ll Have to Go to Paisley Park to Get It

The Legendary Prince and His Iconic Taylor Guitar

Few instruments have the dual appeal of being a cherished collectible and a fully functional musical instrument, but Prince’s signature Taylor guitar fits that niche perfectly. Revered for his genre-defying sound and flamboyant style, Prince (prince Rogers Nelson, 1958-2016) left an indelible mark on music history [[1]](https://www.biography.com/musicians/prince). His relationship with guitars was iconic-melding virtuosity with visual artistry. Now, after 15 years, his signature Taylor guitar is making a much-anticipated return, exclusively available at Paisley Park, Prince’s legendary estate and cultural hub.

Why This Taylor Guitar is a Must-have for Fans and Collectors

The Prince signature taylor guitar exemplifies a rare fusion of craftsmanship, legacy, and stage presence. Less a mere instrument and more a symbol of musical innovation,it offers:

  • Iconic Design: Reflecting Prince’s bold aesthetic,combining elegance with flair.
  • Playability: Created with Taylor’s renowned high standards, ensuring extraordinary tonal quality and comfort for players.
  • Collectibility: A rare reissue after 15 years, making it a sought-after treasure for collectors worldwide.
  • Exclusive Availability: Sold only through Paisley Park, enhancing its exclusiveness and connection to Prince’s heritage.

The Story Behind Prince’s Signature taylor guitar

Prince was known for carefully choosing instruments that reflected his musical identity. His initial collaboration with Taylor Guitars resulted in a signature model that captured his sound and personality. After the original model’s limited run more than a decade ago, demand among collectors and fans never waned.now, Taylor Guitars and the Prince Estate have reunited to bring this signature piece back to life, emphasizing its importance both as a player’s guitar and as a collectible artifact.

technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature Description
Model Prince signature Taylor GS Mini
Body Style Grand symphony Mini
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides Sapele Wood
Finish Custom Purple Haze with Paisley Inlays
Electronics Taylor ES2 Pickup System
Scale length 23 inches
Unique Feature Paisley Park engraved headstock and “Love Symbol” fretboard inlays

Where and How to Get Prince’s Signature Taylor guitar

This latest release of Prince’s signature Taylor guitar isn’t available through typical retail outlets or online stores. Instead, it’s exclusively sold at Paisley Park, the Minnesota-based private estate, museum, and production complex dedicated to prince’s life and work [[3]](https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/person/prince-1958-2016).

Purchasing Details:

  • Location: Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota
  • Purchase Method: Available onsite only, creating a unique buying experience.
  • limited Stock: Production runs are limited to preserve exclusivity and increase collectible value.
  • Additional Perks: Buyers receive official certification from the Prince Estate and Taylor Guitars.

Planning Your Visit to Paisley Park

To secure one of these signature guitars, fans and collectors should plan a visit to Paisley Park:

  • Tour Packages: Paisley Park offers exclusive tours that include access to the store selling the signature guitars.
  • Merchandise Access: The guitar store inside the complex also features other rare memorabilia and artist-inspired items.
  • Events: Periodic special events and celebrations honor Prince’s legacy with opportunities to acquire limited-edition gear.

Benefits and Practical Tips for Players and Collectors

Why Musicians Should Choose the Prince Signature Taylor Guitar

  • versatile Sound: Great for multiple genres, reflecting Prince’s diverse musical style.
  • Compact Size: Ideal for travel without compromising sound quality.
  • Outstanding Playability: Smooth neck and user-friendly fretboard enhance performance.
  • Built to Last: Taylor’s reputation for durability ensures a lifetime of play.

Tips for Collectors

  • authenticate Properly: Always purchase from Paisley Park or authorized channels to avoid counterfeits.
  • Care and Maintenance: Use protective cases and keep humidity levels stable to preserve the finish.
  • Document Provenance: Keep all certificates and receipts to maintain resale value.
  • Timeout for Appraisals: Periodically get professional appraisals to track the piece’s recognition.

First-Hand Experience: Playing Prince’s Signature Taylor

Players who have had the privilege of playing Prince’s signature Taylor often remark on its seamless blend of artistry and sound quality. The guitar’s responsiveness captures nuances essential for expressive performance. the lightweight body makes extended playing cozy, while the custom electronics deliver a warm yet articulate amplified tone-perfect for recording or live gigs.

Musicians especially appreciate how the signature design respects Prince’s artistic vision without sacrificing practical functionality.

Comparison: Prince Signature Taylor vs. Other Taylor Models

Feature Prince Signature Taylor Standard Taylor GS Mini Taylor 814ce
Body Style Grand Symphony Mini Grand Symphony Mini Grand Auditorium
Finish Custom Purple Haze Natural Natural Gloss
Electronics Taylor ES2 Pickup Taylor ES2 Pickup Taylor Expression System 2
Price Range High (Collector’s Edition) Moderate Premium
Exclusivity Limited, Paisley Park Only Widely Available Widely Available

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