Head to head
Taylor BT1e vs Taylor BTe Koa
The verdict
The Taylor BT1e and Taylor BTe Koa are closely matched overall — 63 to 63 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Taylor BT1e wins on
- Lower price ($549 vs $699)
Taylor BTe Koa wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | BT1e | BTe Koa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 63 | 63 |
| Build | 61 | 61 |
| Playability | 64 | 64 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 66 | 66 |
Full specifications
| Spec | BT1e | BTe Koa |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor | Taylor |
| Type | Acoustic-Electric | Acoustic-Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | — |
| Body wood | Layered Walnut | Layered Koa |
| Neck wood | Mahogany or Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony or Eucalyptus (based on availability) | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | — |
| Scale | 22.75" | 22.75" |
| Pickups | ES-B | ES-B |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $549 | $699 |
| Armrest | No | No |
| Back And Sides | Layered Walnut | Layered Koa |
| Back Configuration | Layered | Layered |
| Back Side Finish | Varnish | Varnish |
| Body Binding | None | None |
| Bridge | West African Crelicam Ebony | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Bridge Pins | Black | Black |
| Controls | ES-B | ES-B |
| Fretboard Binding | None | None |
| Fretboard inlay | 4mm Dots | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic |
| Neck Finish | Varnish | Varnish |
| Nut Saddle | Tusq Nut, Micarta Saddle | Nubone Nut, Micarta Saddle |
| Orientation | Right Handed | Right Handed |
| Peghead Binding | None | None |
| Peghead Inlay | None | None |
| Peghead Type | Standard | Standard |
| Pickguard | None | None |
| Scale length | 22-3/4" | 22-3/4" |
| Top Finish | Varnish | Varnish |
| Top wood | Torrefied Spruce | Hawaiian Koa |
| Tuners | Die-Cast Chrome | Die-Cast Chrome |
| Bracing System | — | X Bracing |
| Cutaway | — | Non-cutaway |
| Peghead Finish | — | Varnish |