Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,743
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Indulge in a rich, harmonic symphony with the Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, a reimagined masterpiece that blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design elements. Replete with an alluring Antique Blonde finish and inspiring "Mission" inlay pattern, this guitar is as visually enticing as it is melodically impressive.
The Grand Orchestra body shape is Taylor’s largest, offering a deep, complex voice that's beautifully balanced, making it an ideal match for solo performers and those who desire a robust, jumbo-size guitar. The combination of rosewood and Lutz spruce, coupled with Taylor's V-Class bracing, results in a guitar that responds directly to the player's touch. It captures rosewood's classic richness and elevates it with a powerful tonal response that shines even in an amplified setting.
Taylor's patented Expression System 2 delivers unmatched acoustic amplification, capturing a dynamic range of sounds through uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. This system produces an exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness, faithfully conveying the voice of your Taylor guitar whether you're on stage, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or recording directly into software.
Key Features:
- Grand Orchestra body shape for a big, lush, high-fidelity voice
- Rosewood back and sides paired with a Lutz spruce top for a rich tonal response
- Taylor's V-Class bracing for enhanced volume, sustain and in-tune performance
- Taylor’s Expression System 2 for superior acoustic amplification
- Features a beautiful Antique Blonde shading and "Mission" inlay pattern
- Comes with a deluxe "western floral" hardshell case for optimal protection
- New aesthetic elements include maple binding accented with koa and ivoroid top trim
Product specs
| Brand | Taylor |
| Model | 818e with ES2 Electronics |
| Finish | Natural, Vintage Sunburst |
| Year | 2015 - 2017 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Grand Orchestra |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Taylor 818 |
| Model Sub-Family | Taylor 818e |
| 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
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What is the body shape of the Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra guitar?
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The Taylor 818e features a Grand Orchestra body shape, which is designed for rich, powerful tones and great projection, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Taylor 818e?
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The back and sides of the Taylor 818e are made from rosewood, which contributes to its warm, resonant sound and strong bass response.
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How does the Taylor ES2 pickup system enhance the sound of the 818e guitar?
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The Taylor ES2 system uses a behind-the-saddle pickup with three sensors, capturing a dynamic range of acoustic sound for natural amplification, ideal for live performances and recording.
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Is the Taylor 818e suitable for professional musicians?
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Yes, the Taylor 818e is crafted with high-quality materials and advanced electronics, making it suitable for professional musicians seeking a versatile and reliable acoustic-electric guitar.
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What kind of finish does the Taylor 818e have?
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The Taylor 818e has a glossy finish, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects the wood and contributes to its overall tonal quality.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Taylor 618e Grand Orchestra | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman
Reviews
PROS
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Rich, deep warm tone with high-end sparkle and clarity
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Excellent playability; "plays like butter"
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Breathtaking aesthetics resembling a Monet art piece
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Ebony saddle design and intricate neck inlays
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Balanced sound across all frequencies; no tonal gaps
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Ideal wider fingerboard for fingerstyle playing
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Impressive low-end sound with clear, loud notes
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Custom Western Floral pattern case adds extra appeal
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Perfect size for larger individuals; comfortable Jumbo format
CONS
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Higher investment cost compared to other models
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Initial string setup may require adjustment
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video of U2 performing "Ordinary Love" acoustic on 'The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,' The Edge can be seen playing a Taylor 818e Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This can be confirmed by a comment that Taylor Guitars made on the YouTube video Feb 24, 2014. They commented, "Here again is the performance of "Ordinary Love" with U2's Edge using a Taylor 818e #guitar. This has been making the rounds at Taylor HQ, glad to see it made available"
There is, however, a marking on the headstock that a stock 818e doesn't appear to have - perhaps something custom for Edge.
On Morgan's official Instagram, you can see him pictured with this guitar. He has been well known to play Taylor's over the last few years.
Danny Worsnop received a Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar from Taylor Guitars, as seen on his Instagram. Asking Alexandria now incorporates two of these guitars in their live performances.
Tom Higgenson, the lead singer and guitarist of the band Plain White T's, is confirmed to use a Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This instrument was custom-made for him by Co-Founders and CEO Bob Taylor & Kurt Listug, featuring the band's name on the fretboard. A video from Taylor Guitars provides evidence, where Higgenson congratulates Taylor Guitars on their 40th anniversary, highlighting his affiliation with the brand and showcasing the guitar.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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