Pricing and availability

Average Price: $3,250

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Taylor 816e Grand Symphony acoustic-electric guitar. This instrument captivates with its exquisite craftsmanship, combining the finest tonewoods for a sound that's both rich and versatile. The Grand Symphony body style, a hallmark of Taylor's design, delivers a balanced tone with enhanced projection, making it an ideal choice for both stage performances and intimate acoustic sessions.

At the heart of the 816e is its solid Sitka spruce top, paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, creating a resonant and vibrant sound that is both warm and articulate. This classic combination offers a full-bodied tone that lends itself beautifully to a wide range of musical styles. The tropical American mahogany neck and ebony fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless transitions and expressive performances.

Plug in and experience the Taylor Expression System electronics, designed in collaboration with audio legend Rupert Neve. This innovative system captures the guitar's natural tone with remarkable fidelity, providing a clear and dynamic sound when amplified. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Expression System ensures your performance retains its acoustic authenticity.

The Taylor 816e is not just an instrument; it's an experience, crafted for musicians who demand quality and expressive potential in every strum and pick.

Key Features:

  • Grand Symphony body style for balanced tone and projection
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Tropical American mahogany neck and ebony fretboard
  • Taylor Expression System electronics for natural amplified sound
  • Ideal for a range of musical styles
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 816e with ES2 Electronics
Finish Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2013 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Grand Symphony
Color Family Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor 816
Model Sub-Family Taylor 816e
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Internal Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Taylor 800 Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Taylor 816e Grand Symphony guitar, and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 816e features a spruce top with rosewood back and sides. This combination provides a rich tonal palette, with the spruce offering clarity and brightness while the rosewood adds depth and warmth, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

How does the Grand Symphony body shape of the Taylor 816e affect its sound projection?

The Grand Symphony body shape of the Taylor 816e enhances volume and sustain, producing a bold and full sound with excellent low-end resonance, making it suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

What electronics are included in the Taylor 816e, and how do they enhance its performance?

The Taylor 816e is equipped with the ES2 electronics system, which includes an internal piezo pickup and active preamp. This system provides a natural and dynamic amplified sound, capturing the guitar's acoustic qualities in live and studio settings.

Is the Taylor 816e Grand Symphony guitar suitable for professional musicians?

Yes, the Taylor 816e is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it suitable for professional musicians who require a reliable and versatile acoustic-electric guitar with excellent tonal qualities.

Does the Taylor 816e have a cutaway design, and what are the benefits?

The Taylor 816e does not feature a cutaway design. This traditional body style maintains the guitar's full resonance and sustain, which is preferred by some players for its classic acoustic tone.

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Taylor 816-E, Honey sunburst top demo by Erik Frykman

Video thumbnail for Taylor 816-E, Honey sunburst top demo by Erik Frykman by GryphonStrings

Taylor 816-E, Honey sunburst top demo by Erik Frykman

GryphonStrings

GryphonStrings

Reviews

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
I

Best sounding guitar, will keep it forever!

Grand symphony body keeps it loud and the quality of Taylor brand is outperforming, plus the flagship 800 series sounds beyond amazing.

Roles:
Genres:
From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mateus Asato uses Taylor 816e Grand Symphony guitar

Mateus Asato

Guitarist

Silk Sonic

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Acoustic Riff 2" on YouTube, Mateus Asato plays a Taylor 816e Grand Symphony guitar, showcasing its rich acoustic tone.

See how Rickie Lee Jones uses Taylor 816e Grand Symphony guitar

Rickie Lee Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Jones performing on January 19, 2013 during "The Devil You Know" tour, she can be seen playing a Taylor 816e.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

Show yours
I

ian1024

Gear IQ 92

I

ian1024

Gear IQ 92

More Taylor Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides