The object
Andy Powers developed Taylor’s V-Class bracing, a production-guitar soundboard structure intended to increase volume, sustain, and pitch consistency together. Taylor credits him directly for the departure from X-bracing, while 2025 coverage describes the system as defining the company’s modern acoustic sound. Powers remains Taylor’s chief guitar designer.
01
What Andy did
developed Taylor’s V-Class soundboard-bracing architecture for production acoustic guitars
02
Why it matters
V-Class became a signature technical platform across Taylor’s acoustic-guitar range and a major modern alternative to traditional X-bracing.
03
Living-status check
A June 2025 Peghead Nation feature identifies Powers as Taylor Guitars’ active master designer.