This grand symphony has it all - quality, beauty, and unsurpassed tone.

The Taylor 816ce Grand Symphony is a cutaway acoustic-electric guitar that features the classic Sitka top and Indian rosewood back and sides that produce clarity, balance, sustain, excellent bass response, and wonderful coloration. The Taylor 816ce Grand Symphony is adorned with mother-of-pearl 800 series fingerboard inlays, maple binding, and an abalone rosette. Equipped with Taylor Expression System electronics and a Venetian cutaway that gives full fretboard access, the 816ce guitar has the tools to shine in any music venue.

Though you might see similarities to a Grand Auditorium, the Grand Symphony guitar is unique in both sound and shape. Significant changes in its geometry yield a deeper more piano-like bass. A wider lower bout and higher, wider waist return ample volume and low-end sustain in symphony with fuller mids and balanced highs.

Designed to faithfully reproduce your guitar's native tone, the Expression System utilizes patented Dynamic Sensors to capture top and string vibration like never before. Created in partnership with renowned audio pioneer, Rupert Neve, the Taylor ES is seamlessly integrated into the design of the guitar from the ground up. Onboard tone controls provide added flavor, or set flat for an uncolored, exceptionally clean amplified sound.

The finish used to create the Taylor 816ce guitar's lustrous gloss top, back, and sides was developed at Taylor for maximum durability and resistance to cold-checking. This ultraviolet-cured finish is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lacquer finishes.

Taylor 800 Series 816ce Grand Symphony Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features:

• Type/Shape: 6-String Grand Symphony
• Back & Sides: Indian rosewood
• Top: Sitka spruce
• Soundhole Rosette: Abalone
• Neck: Tropical American mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Fretboard Inlay: Pearl 800 Series
• Headstock overlay: Indian rosewood
• Binding: Maple
• Bridge: Ebony
• Nut & Saddle: Tusq
• Tuning Machines: Gold-plated Taylor Tuners
• Strings: Elixir® Medium Gauge Strings with NANOWEB® Coating
• Scale Length: 25-1/2"
• Truss Rod: Adjustable
• Neck Width at Nut: 1-3/4"
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fretboard Radius: 15 Inches
• Bracing: Standard II (Forward Shifted Pattern With Relief Rout)
• Finish: Gloss
• Color Options: Natural with Tobacco Edgeburst
• Cutaway: Venetian
• Electronics: Taylor Expression System™
• Left-Handed: Available; No Charge
• Body Width: 17"
• Body Depth: 4-5/8"
• Body Length: 21"
• Overall Length: 42"
• Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell

Take it to the stage. Order today.

Taylor 800 Series 816ce Grand Symphony Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Average of 6 User Ratings

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Great Guitar

Posted by cc from who would want to know that? on Nov 7, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: mostly open chrods

Hi..I just ordered an 816ce after trying many, Martins and Taylors. The 400s did not have it, thought the 300s were better at least they are bold, so if you are trying to be heard in a loud band, the 300s may do the trick (with less lows and less feedback as well). A X16 at same or similar price to a X14 is well worth it. Do not buy an x14 until you have played an x16, really. The sound is much better on every x16 (vs x14)series I tried. They x16s I tried had Elixir coated medium strings and x14s had lights (.13 vs .12), so little difference to my fingers, but maybe it made a difference in the extra lows and richer sound. I may switch to Elixer coated lights later. The x16 is just slightly larger than x14, hard to even see it when side by side or back to back. So maybe its the size or shape that makes the extra sound, and it was very noticeable. If you are lazy (like me) and rest your arm on top, it is actually better for a person of small frame (5' 8/9' like me). My hand lined up with strings and sound hole better. The 816 is a really great guitar...Hard to find fault with such a nice instrument, but hear goes..I guess they do not really offer Brazilian Rosewood anymore, the Indian Rosewood sounds somewhat similar, but does not look as nice. Would have been nice if they could have squeezed one more tiny hole on top a tuner display. I though the 2399 cost SDM was kind of steep for a guitar, but a very nice guitar. To the best of my knowledge, Indian Rose wood is not any more scare than other cheaper taylor woods, so I gues they are just getting what they can cause they know we want it. Be great if Taylor would offer some narrower necks, like Martin, but I still got the Taylor, so what does that say? Oh the ES is amazing, sound is so real (unlike some of the new tech ones that blend in recorder sounds), feed back (so far) was not an issue (but if playing in a big noisy band seriously consider the 300 series). With the rose wood (800 series) and the ES, the lows come out even more than if it is just acoustic (when played flat all around an no effects), really nice system. I mean wow, the difference with an amp from the 800s to the 300s is very clear. If I played out in a band I may have got a 300, but all they had was 315ce, jumbo, and it was just a little too big for a small person like me. I hope my 816ce lasts!

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Taylor 816ce

Posted by guitarplayer from Montana on Feb 4, 2009

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Alternative

I just got this guitar and it is just beautiful. It sounds fantastic, you don't need to get a custom guitar to get this kind of quality. I am in love with the sound, and the workmanship is perfect.

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This is the Best of the Best!

Posted by Cope from Cincinnati Ohio on Dec 21, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Top 40

I have the tabaco finish and I love the looks. It also has a sound second to none. I have owned Martins, Gibsons and Taylors, and this one walks away with the gold. I traded in my Taylor 710ce which had replaced my Martin D28, but the 710 had to go when I played the 816. I love the fast neck and beutiful body. No one will be touching my new toy. I have been playing for over 20 years and with 8 guitars in my studio this one is great for recording and playing out. It costs alittle more but it was money well spent.

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RIDICULOUS

Posted by zakm43 from Cincinniti, OH on Nov 15, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz, Surf

This guitat is just amazing. I have a Washburn that I thought was nice, but this think is just absolutely fantastic. Not trying to go over the top, but I can't recommend this guitar enough. No matter how hard you strum, there is no buzz. Sounds just as good plugged in, too.

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Gorgeouse Sounds

Posted by zman816ce from Missouri on Aug 29, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: alternative bluegrass classical worship music

I went to a local music store to play this guitar after I had seen it on here and all I have to say is wow.

This guitars sound on a scale from one to ten is a twelve, not twangy like most others yet still has the highs that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

And its bass is absolutly stunning.

Plus look at it its stunning to look at as well as play.

I compared it with a martin that was worth 6 thousand and a gibson j-150.

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Taylor 800 Series 816ce Grand Symphony Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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