The Taylor AD11e American Dream embodies all the creative spirit, innovation, and ingenuity that has allowed Taylor Guitars to redefine the definition of the acoustic guitar. The body features Taylor's Grand Theater body shape, known for its unique sound and comfortable feel. At the heart of the tone, is a solid Sitka spruce top, braced with Taylor's C-Class bracing. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood used in the modern era of acoustic guitar construction. It blends the right amount of stiffness and elasticity to create a broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. Walnut is sonically similar to mahogany. It produces a clear, woody voice with a splash of top-end sparkle and a bit more tonal support in the lower register. Walnut’s response is also player-reflective. The combination of the Sitka and Walnut produce a tone that will ring out with a pleasing weight behind it. The Expression System 2 is a revolutionary behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acoustically or plugged-in. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls. Other notable appointments include a solid Walnut back and sides, easy-playing mahogany neck, chamfered body edges, Eucalyptus fingerboard/bridge/peghead, a super-thin matte finish, a firestripe faux tortoiseshell pickguard, Taylor's ES2 Electronic System and an AeroCase for maximum protection and portability.