Two of San Diego’s finest are making sweet music together. Taylor Guitars and Mires have struck a chord with Taylor’s new T5 hybrid electric and acoustic guitar.

The El Cajon—based guitar maker launched the T5 in May with the help of Mires, San Diego’s largest brand design firm. It was the single biggest launch in Taylor’s 31-year history, says Scott Mires, partner and creative director for the design firm.

“It’s unusual for people to buy a $3,000 guitar without even playing it first, but that’s what’s been happening in many stores,” says Taylor’s Andy Robinson. “T5s are sold out into next year.”

Among the musicians who use the T5 are Dave Matthews, Prince, Clint Black and local boy Jason Mraz. The T5, a thin-line hollow-body electric/acoustic, features Taylor’s proprietary electronics. “Because of its design, the T5 can live in either world,” Robinson says.