Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$3,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$3,999.00
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$3,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$2,650.00 4 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,999.00
zZounds
$3,999.00
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$3,599.00 $3,555.00 $44.00 · All time low

Average Price: $3,743

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

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.

* 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

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

What is the body shape of the Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra guitar?

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.

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Taylor 818e?

The back and sides of the Taylor 818e are made from rosewood, which contributes to its warm, resonant sound and strong bass response.

How does the Taylor ES2 pickup system enhance the sound of the 818e guitar?

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.

Is the Taylor 818e suitable for professional musicians?

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.

What kind of finish does the Taylor 818e have?

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.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Taylor 618e Grand Orchestra | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Video thumbnail for Taylor 618e Grand Orchestra | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

Taylor 618e Grand Orchestra | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Taylor 818e Brazilian Rosewood Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural by Musician's Friend

Taylor 818e Brazilian Rosewood Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 800 Deluxe Series 818e Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Taylor 800 Deluxe Series 818e Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra - Big & Boomy for a Taylor! by Acoustic Letter

Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra - Big & Boomy for a Taylor!

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Taylor 818e Demo from Peghead Nation by Peghead Nation

Taylor 818e Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Taylor PS18e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural by Musician's Friend

Taylor PS18e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra by MooreMusicGuitars

Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Taylor PS18e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural by Musician's Friend

Taylor PS18e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 818e Guitar Demo - Mass Street Music by Mass Street Music

Taylor 818e Guitar Demo - Mass Street Music

Mass Street Music

Mass Street Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, deep warm tone with high-end sparkle and clarity

  • Excellent playability; "plays like butter"

  • Breathtaking aesthetics resembling a Monet art piece

  • Ebony saddle design and intricate neck inlays

  • Balanced sound across all frequencies; no tonal gaps

  • Ideal wider fingerboard for fingerstyle playing

  • Impressive low-end sound with clear, loud notes

  • Custom Western Floral pattern case adds extra appeal

  • Perfect size for larger individuals; comfortable Jumbo format

CONS

  • Higher investment cost compared to other models

  • Initial string setup may require adjustment

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Edge uses Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Morgan Wallen uses Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Morgan Wallen

Rapper, Ukulele Player

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Danny Worsnop uses Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Danny Worsnop

Singer, Guitarist

Asking Alexandria

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Tom Higgenson uses Taylor 818e Grand Orchestra ES2 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Tom Higgenson

Singer, Guitarist

Plain White T's

...
Verified via YouTube

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

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