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Average Price: $1,999

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Discover the unparalleled sound and craftsmanship of the Taylor 516ce, an Acoustic-Electric Guitar that merges aesthetic beauty with acoustic brilliance. This Grand Symphony model stands out with its Lutz Spruce top, a unique blend of Sitka and White spruce, offering an expansive dynamic range and crisp articulation reminiscent of the revered Adirondack spruce. Paired with tropical mahogany back and sides, the 516ce delivers a robust midrange with a fundamental tone that's both clear and direct, perfect for players seeking a rich, earthy sound with minimal overtones.

The refined design includes special bracing that enhances volume, low-end richness, and projection, making it more responsive whether you're strumming energetically or fingerpicking delicately. The Grand Symphony body shape, characterized by its larger, rounder lower bout, provides a powerful sound output, ensuring your music resonates with depth and clarity across any setting.

Equipped with Taylor's innovative Expression System 2, the 516ce captures the natural nuances of your playing. This revolutionary pickup design features three uniquely positioned sensors that deliver a dynamic and authentic amplified tone, allowing you to seamlessly transition from acoustic to electric with ease. The system's professional audio-grade preamp ensures your sound is conveyed with precision, whether performing live or recording in the studio.

Protected by a deluxe hardshell case, the Taylor 516ce is more than just a guitar; it's an instrument built for those who demand excellence in every performance.

Key Features:

  • Grand Symphony body shape for enhanced tonal output
  • Lutz Spruce top combined with tropical mahogany back and sides
  • Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for superior amplified sound
  • Deluxe hardshell case included for protection and transport
  • Special bracing for increased volume and projection

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 516ce with ES2 Electronics
Finish Natural, Shaded Edgeburst, Sunburst
Year 2014 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Grand Symphony
Color Family Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor 516
Model Sub-Family Taylor 516ce
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Internal Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Taylor 500 Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Taylor 516ce and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 516ce features a Grand Symphony body shape, which provides a rich, full sound with enhanced bass response and volume, making it ideal for strumming and fingerstyle playing.

What type of electronics does the Taylor 516ce use?

The Taylor 516ce is equipped with Taylor's ES2 electronics, offering a natural amplified sound with easy-to-use controls, perfect for live performances and studio recordings.

Is the Taylor 516ce suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Taylor 516ce is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its ES2 electronics which provide reliable amplification and a Florentine cutaway that allows easy access to higher frets.

What materials are used in the construction of the Taylor 516ce?

The Taylor 516ce features a spruce top for clear, bright tones, mahogany back and sides for warmth, and an ebony fretboard for smooth playability.

How does the Florentine cutaway on the Taylor 516ce benefit players?

The Florentine cutaway on the Taylor 516ce allows for easier access to higher frets, making it ideal for players who often perform solos or need extended range.

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e vs Taylor Grand Symphony 516ce

Video thumbnail for Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e vs Taylor Grand Symphony 516ce by Ernie Williamson Music

Taylor Grand Orchestra 518e vs Taylor Grand Symphony 516ce

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Video thumbnail for 2012 Taylor 516ce Grand Symphony Acoustic Electric by Ernie Williamson Music

2012 Taylor 516ce Grand Symphony Acoustic Electric

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Video thumbnail for New Taylor 516ce Cedar/Mahogany Guitar Review in Singapore by The Guitar Spa Singapore

New Taylor 516ce Cedar/Mahogany Guitar Review in Singapore

The Guitar Spa Singapore

The Guitar Spa Singapore

Video thumbnail for Taylor 516ce by LarrysMusicCenter

Taylor 516ce

LarrysMusicCenter

LarrysMusicCenter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 516 ce.

Comparisons

  • The Taylor 516ce is noted for its balanced tone, making it ideal for fingerstyle and jazz, contrasting with Martin's bass-heavy dreadnoughts which suit bluegrass better.

    Source
  • The Taylor 516ce is considered more comfortable to play than larger-bodied guitars like the Martin D-28, and is favored for its articulate sound in home settings.

    Source
  • Some users prefer Martin's 000-18 for folk due to its controllable volume and clarity, whereas the Taylor 516ce offers a more balanced tone for varied styles.

    Source
  • The GS5 is essentially a 516ce, with the Grand Symphony shape providing a warm, mid-heavy tone due to its mahogany back/sides and cedar top.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Taylor guitars are praised for their serviceability, with a bolt-on neck and shims that allow for easy neck resets without extensive tools or experience.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the 516ce for its sound projection and feel, often preferring it over other models due to its clarity and responsiveness to soft playing.

    Source
  • It's noted that older strings on premium guitars can misrepresent their sound quality; checking string age is recommended to assess true tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • It's advisable to play the GS5 alongside other Taylor models to compare sound and body shape preferences before purchasing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some owners perceive the Taylor 516ce as a better value compared to similarly priced Martins and Gibsons, citing its balance and comfort as decisive factors.

    Source
  • A used GS5 priced around $1000 is considered a great deal, especially for a Taylor acoustic in good condition.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners stress the importance of checking action height at the nut and saddle; high action can make playability difficult despite the guitar's premium status.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For those into fingerstyle, the Taylor AD27 Flametop offers a unique voicing that may complement the 516ce’s balanced tone.

    Source
  • The Grand Symphony body, while larger, remains versatile enough for fingerpicking, bridging the gap between fingerstyle and more powerful strumming styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One user swapped out the preamp in a Taylor 314ce for an LR Baggs Anthem, significantly improving live performance sound quality, suggesting potential for the 516ce.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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slypero

Nice guitar who sounds as nice as it looks

When i wanted to buy an acoustic guitar i tried at least 5-6 guitar before i choose this one. The sound as more bottom as it's made of tasmanian blackwood in the back it has more midrange too. And the sitka spruce topwood spounds as good as it looks. Taylor necks are really confortable and it has good pickups : I'll keep this guitar forever !

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