Growing from a small custom shop in the early 1970s to the only new brand to have challenged the traditional Big Three of American acoustic guitars (Gibson, Guild, and Martin), Taylor has effectively changed the marketplace for acoustic steel-string guitars and influenced every other maker of acoustic stringed instruments. But Taylor's influence in the guitar market goes far beyond the guitars themselves. Having pioneered the use of modern building techniques – such as utilizing CNC machines, UV-finishing, etc. – the company has been an undisputed leader when it comes to innovation. Taylor's latest efforts are concentrated on wood conservation, and again, the company is setting the example that the industry is following. The Taylor Guitar Book combines a historical story line with useful hands-on information about model changes over the years – to help readers learn how to identify and date a Taylor – and features shop and factory photos (both historical and current) as well as full-color images of guitars.