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Taylor Builder's Edition 324ce & 816ce | NAMM 2020play button

Taylor Builder's Edition 324ce & 816ce | NAMM 2020

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Overviewplay button

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Overview

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Playthroughplay button

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Playthrough

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Feature/Specplay button

Taylor | Builder's Edition 816ce | Feature/Spec

Taylor

collapse expand iconDescription

The Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition pairs a distinctive body design with an immaculate sound for the ultimate playing experience. Built around Taylor's revolutionary V-Class bracing, this Grand Symphony-shaped guitar produces a rich and airy tone with incredible detail, resonance and projection, supported by an Indian rosewood back and sides, and a crisp Lutz spruce top. The 816ce Builder's Edition's eye-catching look derives from its satin finish and scooped, treble-side soundport cutaway, which gives access to the upper frets without diminishing tone.

V-Class Bracing Unlocks the True Potential of Rosewood

Taylor's V-Class bracing is a fundamental innovation in acoustic guitar design that introduces an entirely new platform for acoustic performance. It boosts volume, sustain, and largely resolves the intonation issues that have long plagued acoustic guitars, creating purer, more orderly notes. The 816ce Builder's Edition has a rootsy personality, emphasizing a fundamental focus that responds directly to a player's attack, while capturing all of rosewood's classic richness. The Grand Symphony body, combined with V-Class bracing and a revolutionary soundport cutaway, delivers a powerful voice with more projection and volume.

A Short Scale and Light Gauge Provide Superior Playability

Considering the ample body dimensions and lung capacity of the Grand Symphony, Taylor made two design choices that improve the playability and responsiveness: using a shorter 24-7/8" scale length and light-gauge strings. The sound and feel of the Builder's Edition 816ce is a completely new approach to the Taylor Grand Symphony, providing a compelling playing experience for guitarists at any level.

Cutting-Edge Electronics Provide a Clear and Accurate Amplified Sound

Taylor's Expression System 2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor's ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor's patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Together with Taylor's custom-designed preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness for performance or recording.

Premium Appointments for a Premium Instrument

The 816ce Builder's Edition ships in a deluxe hardshell case made by Taylor for optimal fit and protection. It features an ebony fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, chrome tuners, and abalone rosette and fingerboard inlays. With premium tonewoods, innovative engineering and elegant aesthetics, the Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition is an acoustic guitar made to be treasured.

Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body type: Taylor Grand Symphony
  • Cutaway: Soundport Cutaway
  • Top wood: Solid Lutz Spruce
  • Back & sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
  • Bracing pattern: Taylor V-Class Bracing with Relief Rout
  • Body finish: Silent Satin Finish
  • Orientation: Right-Handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Taylor Standard Profile
  • Nut width: 1-3/4" (44.5 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Genuine West African Ebony
  • Neck wood: Tropical Mahogany
  • Scale length: 24-7/8"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Expression System 2 Professional Audio-Grade
  • Brand: Taylor
  • Configuration: Behind-the-Saddle Transducer with Adjustable Sensors
  • Preamp EQ: Volume, Active Bass and Treble
  • Feedback filter: Onboard Phase Switch
  • Tuner: None
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Genuine West African Ebony
  • Tuning machines: Gotoh 21:1 Antique Gold Tuners with Gold Buttons
  • Bridge: Genuine West African Ebony
  • Saddle & nut: Micarta "Wave" Saddle; Teflon-Infused Graphite Nut
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features: Silent Satin Finish, Curve Wing bridge, Gotoh 510 tuners
  • Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: USA

collapse expand iconReviews

5

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing3
  2. Jamming2
  3. Small Venues2
  4. Recording1
Cons
  1. streaky fretboard1
  2. None that I can see1
  3. Needed some minor setup.1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced3
Pros
  1. Fun To Play3
  2. Good Audio3
  3. Good Feel3
  4. Stays In Tune3
  5. Consistent1
  • Fantastic Guitar

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byScott

    fromSan Diego

    I was reluctant to purchase it because of that additional soundhole, but I gave it a shot and I love it. I like it much more than the 914ce I was looking at. (I have a 114ce and a 414ce - I love them both, but neither of them sound as good as the 816ce. It sounds great and plays very easy right from factory. Please note the ebony fretboard in the 8xx series can have natural streaking. The wood is still top grade, but there may be "streaks" of light colored wood mixed in - still ebony, works great, but visually might throw you a curve...

  • Amazing Guitar

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byGene

    fromApalachin, New York

    Bought this guitar based on a recommendation from the luthier at my local GC in Johnson City, NY. Also, because I'm pretty fond of Taylor's; owning 3 others besides this one. That said, this guitar is gorgeous with a finish as smooth as silk. The quality is obvious and it's voice will blow you away, especially with the soundport cutaway. Whether strumming, playing some riffs or fingerpicking, it rewards you with an almost surround sound sensation. Finally, I have to say it again, it's a gorgeous instrument and it's easy to play.

  • Quite Pleased

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byHarold

    fromWisconsin

    Responds well to a light touch and It sings!!! You can dig in and it roars!!!

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byKeith

    fromKnoxville

    Can this guitar sound good with medium/light strings, or is only light recommended? I normally play medium-light

    Can this guitar sound good with medium/light strings, or is only light recommended? I normally play medium-light

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, but a lighter string has less tension. It will be a tiny bit easier to depress.
  • asked byShawndo

    fromWenatchee WA

    Is this available in Washington State? If so which stores carry it without needing to order?

    Is this available in Washington State? If so which stores carry it without needing to order?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact your local store for specific inquiries regarding their inventory
  • asked byPeter

    fromTijeras, NM

    Left handed model coming anywhere?

    Left handed model coming anywhere?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no. Please give us a call to help you find something – 877-687-5403
  • asked bySam

    fromCupertino, CA

    Can this be purchased with the Wild Honey Burst top color?

    Can this be purchased with the Wild Honey Burst top color?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for special order placement
  • asked byRudy

    fromLas Vegas

    Is the 816ce available in Las Vegas or Plano Texas

    Is the 816ce available in Las Vegas or Plano Texas

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar is not currently available at either of these stores. However, you can place an order online and have the guitar shipped to either one of these stores.