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Description

The Taylor 856ce with ES1 Electronics is not just an instrument; it's an experience tailored for discerning musicians who crave both acoustic purity and electric versatility. As part of Taylor's esteemed 800 series, this acoustic-electric guitar boasts a Grand Symphony body shape, a design known for its robust lower frequencies and expansive tonal range. The combination of Rosewood back and sides with a Spruce top is a hallmark of the series, delivering a rich, resonant sound that is both powerful and nuanced.

What sets the 856ce apart is its status as a 12-string model, offering a lush, orchestral soundscape that envelops any performance. Whether you're strumming a soft ballad or leading a rousing anthem, this guitar's unique voice will captivate both players and listeners alike. The inclusion of Taylor's Expression System 1 (ES1) electronics ensures that every subtlety of your playing is captured with studio-quality precision, making it an ideal companion on stage or in the studio.

The 856ce's construction and materials are meticulously chosen to enhance its playability and durability, promising years of musical exploration. Its detailed craftsmanship is evident in every curve and contour, offering comfort without sacrificing style. Perfectly suited for those who want a full-bodied sound with the flexibility of an electric interface, this guitar is a testament to Taylor's commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Grand Symphony body shape
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Rosewood back and sides
  • 12-string configuration
  • Taylor Expression System 1 (ES1) electronics
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge
  • Venetian cutaway for easier access to higher frets

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 856ce with ES1 Electronics
Year 2012
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 856
Model Sub-Family Taylor 856ce
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-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 856ce with ES1 Electronics, and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 856ce features a spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Spruce provides a bright, clear tone with excellent projection, while rosewood adds warmth and richness, making it ideal for complex, full-bodied sound.

How does the ES1 Electronics system enhance the Taylor 856ce's performance?

The ES1 Electronics system amplifies the guitar's natural acoustic sound with exceptional accuracy and musicality, ensuring that the rich tones are faithfully reproduced when plugged in, making it suitable for both live performances and recordings.

Is the Taylor 856ce suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?

Yes, the Taylor 856ce's Grand Symphony body shape and 12-string configuration provide a resonant and balanced tone, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing by delivering clarity and sustain across all strings.

What is the neck profile of the Taylor 856ce, and how does it affect playability?

The Taylor 856ce features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it easier for players to navigate complex chord changes and fingerings on a 12-string guitar.

Does the Taylor 856ce come with a built-in tuner?

The Taylor 856ce does not include a built-in tuner within the ES1 Electronics system, so an external tuner is recommended for precise tuning, especially given its 12-string configuration.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Taylor 856ce 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Taylor 856ce 12-String Acoustic Guitar by N Stuff Music

Taylor 856ce 12-String Acoustic Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally well-balanced sound with enough bass without overpowering higher registers

  • ES1 Electronics recreate acoustic tones effectively, especially with the unbalanced setting

  • Grand Symphony body style is easier to manage than a dreadnought for a 12-string

  • Remarkable playability, comparable to a 6-string guitar

  • Ideal for both strumming and more nuanced fingerpicking techniques

  • Attractive design enhances overall appeal

CONS

  • TRS setting requires finesse to achieve the desired sound due to stronger signal

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