Taylor Swift’s influence on music is undeniable, and her impact extends to inspiring countless individuals, especially young girls, to pick up the guitar. As a guitar teacher, I’ve witnessed firsthand the “Taylor Swift effect,” teaching many students to play her hits, from early classics to more recent tracks. So, when a friend, a fellow Swiftie, offered me her Taylor Swift ‘Midnights’ acoustic guitar (an Epiphone model), which she’d bought on impulse but never played, my answer was an immediate yes.
While I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard Swiftie (with the exception of a few catchy tunes like “Cruel Summer” and “Vigilante Shit”), the allure of owning a unique instrument, potentially for student rentals, was strong. Spending $550 felt justifiable, rescuing it from a friend’s own impulse purchase.
But unboxing the Epiphone, the image of Taylor Swift emblazoned on the guitar body sparked a moment of reflection. Was this a smart financial decision? Should I have put the money towards a Taylor acoustic guitar I had admired in a local guitar store? Let’s delve into the pros and cons of this Taylor Swift signature Epiphone acoustic.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Taylor Swift Epiphone Acoustic
The Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ guitar series by Epiphone is visually striking. Unboxing it, the guitar immediately stands out with its custom artwork. It’s clearly designed to appeal to Taylor Swift fans, featuring imagery associated with her ‘Midnights’ era. The guitar definitely has a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from standard acoustics. For a fan, the visual appeal is a significant draw. However, beyond the aesthetics, the question remains: how does it perform as a guitar?
What I Love About the Taylor Swift ‘Midnights’ Guitar
Firstly, this guitar is undeniably beautiful. It’s a conversation starter and a unique piece to own, especially for fans. Strumming songs, even non-Taylor Swift ones, feels different with this instrument in hand. Playing “Vigilante Shit” did feel particularly fitting and fun, and it certainly makes for eye-catching social media content.
Beyond the looks, the playability is surprisingly good. The action was impressively low straight out of the box. This is crucial for beginners and experienced players alike, as it makes playing more comfortable and reduces finger fatigue. I was pleased to find that a setup wasn’t immediately necessary, saving time and potential extra costs. While there’s a slight buzz on the strings near the headstock, I anticipate this settling with time and string changes.
The inclusion of strap buttons is another plus. As someone who prefers playing while standing, having strap buttons pre-installed is convenient. Tonally, the guitar is resonant and pleasing. It produces a warm and full sound that is suitable for various musical styles, not just Taylor Swift’s discography. For an acoustic in this price range, the sound quality is commendable and certainly inspiring for practice and performance.
Drawbacks: Things to Consider Before Buying
However, it’s not all perfect. The biggest surprise upon unboxing was the absence of a built-in pickup. At the $550 price point, a pickup seems like a reasonable expectation in today’s market. My Alvarez acoustic, which cost significantly less, included one. The lack of a pickup limits its versatility for performance and recording without external microphones.
Another aspect, though subjective, is the feel of the finish. The guitar has a glossy finish over the artwork, which, while visually appealing, lacks the tactile satisfaction of unfinished wood. Compared to the smooth, natural feel of guitars like the Taylor 114ce or even my own Alvarez, the finish feels less organic. While this is purely a matter of personal preference, some players, including myself, appreciate the natural wood feel.
Miking the guitar is always an option, and many musicians prefer this for its natural sound. However, it’s undeniably less convenient than plugging in, especially for players who move around while performing or practicing. For spontaneous jam sessions or quick recordings, a built-in pickup offers significant convenience.
Is This Taylor Swift Guitar Worth It?
Do I regret buying it? Not entirely. Life’s too short for regrets, and this guitar is unique and fun. However, am I completely blown away by it? Perhaps not. Do I sometimes wish I had that $550 back, potentially towards a different acoustic or saved for a Taylor 114ce? The thought does cross my mind.
Ultimately, the value of this guitar is subjective and depends heavily on the buyer. For a Taylor Swift fan wanting a signature instrument, it’s undoubtedly appealing. For a guitar teacher, it’s a potentially cool item to have around and might resonate with students. It’s undeniably photogenic, arguably the most visually striking guitar I own alongside my Gibson SG and ES-335. Its novelty factor is high, and it will likely be a talking point.
For someone purely looking for the best acoustic guitar in the $550 price range for general playing and versatility, there might be options with broader features, such as a built-in pickup. However, for its unique design, decent playability, and undeniable Taylor Swift association, this Epiphone acoustic holds its own niche.
Conclusion
The Taylor Swift Epiphone acoustic guitar is a mixed bag. It excels in visual appeal and playability, making it a fun and unique instrument, especially for Taylor Swift fans. The lack of a built-in pickup and the glossy finish might be drawbacks for some. Whether it’s a good buy truly depends on individual priorities. It’s a good impulse buy if you value its unique aesthetic and are a Swiftie. For others, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons against other acoustics in the same price range. For me, it’s a quirky addition to my collection, a conversation piece, and a reminder of the powerful influence of Taylor Swift on the world of music and guitar playing.
