Pricing and availability

Average Price: $3,613

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of the Taylor 916ce, a pinnacle of acoustic-electric guitar artistry. This Grand Symphony body style guitar delivers an unmatched blend of acoustic power and tonal clarity, perfect for musicians who demand the best. The 916ce's Expression System 2 electronics capture every nuance of your performance, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Crafted from a stunning combination of Sitka spruce and Indian rosewood, this guitar offers a richly balanced sound with a robust low end and sparkling highs. The Sitka spruce top ensures exceptional projection, while the Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to a full-bodied, complex tonal palette. The elegant Venetian cutaway provides easy access to higher frets, enhancing playability for intricate fingerwork.

Visually, the 916ce is a masterpiece, adorned with intricate appointments like ebony binding, koa purfling, and an abalone shell trim that exudes luxury. The ergonomic ebony armrest not only elevates comfort but also maximizes the guitar's tonal output, reducing any damping effect. This harmonious blend of aesthetics and function makes the Taylor 916ce not just a guitar, but a work of art.

Key Features:

  • Grand Symphony body style for balanced sound and projection
  • Sitka spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for natural amplified sound
  • Graceful Venetian cutaway for easy access to upper frets
  • Ebony armrest for enhanced comfort and tonal output
  • Abalone and koa trim for a sophisticated appearance

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 916ce with ES2 Electronics
Finish Natural
Year 2013 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Grand Symphony
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor 916
Model Sub-Family Taylor 916ce
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
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Taylor 900 Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Taylor 916ce, and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 916ce features a Grand Symphony body shape, which offers a rich, full sound with strong bass response and clear trebles, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerstyle playing.

What type of wood is used for the top of the Taylor 916ce, and how does it influence the tone?

The top of the Taylor 916ce is made from solid Sitka spruce, known for its versatility and dynamic range, providing a bright and clear tone that enhances both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

Does the Taylor 916ce come with electronics, and what type are they?

Yes, the Taylor 916ce is equipped with the ES2 (Expression System 2) electronics, which include an internal piezo pickup and active preamp for natural acoustic sound amplification.

What materials are used for the back and sides of the Taylor 916ce, and what tonal qualities do they provide?

The back and sides of the Taylor 916ce are made from solid Indian rosewood, offering a rich, warm tone with pronounced bass and clear treble frequencies.

Is the Taylor 916ce suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Taylor 916ce is well-suited for live performances due to its ES2 electronics, which provide excellent sound amplification and feedback control, making it ideal for stage use.

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Taylor 916ce Demo from Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Taylor 916ce Demo from Peghead Nation by Peghead Nation

Taylor 916ce Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for 2012 Taylor 916ce Grand Symphony Acoustic Electric Demo by Ernie Williamson Music

2012 Taylor 916ce Grand Symphony Acoustic Electric Demo

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Video thumbnail for 2015 Taylor 916ce Standard Review by Acoustic Letter

2015 Taylor 916ce Standard Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Taylor 2015 916ce Grand Symphony Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Taylor 2015 916ce Grand Symphony Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 916ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Taylor 916ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Taylor 916CE by YellowmamaGuitarshop

Taylor 916CE

YellowmamaGuitarshop

YellowmamaGuitarshop

Reviews

PROS

  • Unbelievable tone and sustain, comparable to high-end models like Martin D-45

  • Flawless finish and detail work with a stunning build

  • Deep and rich low end, clear and singing high end without muddling

  • V-Class bracing enhances top responsiveness for effective vibrato

  • Comfortable top edge radius for extended playing sessions

  • Excellent playability with effortless action adjustment

  • Robust, throaty tone with resonant bass, feels alive in hand

  • Balanced sound spectrum with notable bass and shimmer

  • Amplified sound captures natural tones accurately

  • Hard to find, making it a unique collector's item

CONS

  • Expensive, not affordable for all budgets

  • Occasional quality control issues, such as finish overruns and dings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 916ce.

Build quality

  • Repairing the top will likely alter the sound quality; the bevel can make repairs more costly.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to consult Taylor Guitars or a local luthier for repair opinions and estimates.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consensus suggests paying only a couple of hundred dollars given the uncertainty and potential permanent "players grade" status.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners warn that the guitar will always have a "players grade" value after such repairs, affecting potential resale.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor 916ce Acoustic

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Taylor 916ce is a showstopper with its stunning aesthetics and top-notch craftsmanship. Its Grand Symphony body delivers a robust and warm acoustic sound, while the ES all-magnetic pickup system impressively captures the guitar's natural tone. The 'Cindy' inlay and exceptional playability make it a true luxury instrument. However, its bass-heavy tone might not suit everyone, and the high price tag demands consideration. Yet, for those seeking quality and elegance, it's a hard guitar to overlook.

positive

Taylor 916CE

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Taylor 916ce impresses with its stunning aesthetics, combining luxurious inlays and binding with an elegant Grand Symphony shape. Its construction quality and playability are exceptional, boasting a comfortable neck that appeals to both acoustic and electric players. The guitar delivers a balanced sound, boasting rich lows and crisp highs, with the Expression 2 system ensuring accurate amplification. Despite its hefty price tag, the 916ce is a top-tier choice for those seeking the best in acoustic guitars. If you can afford it, this model is worth the investment.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses Taylor 916ce

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "John Petrucci of Dream Theater - Equipment Check - Alte Oper Frankfurt," John Petrucci discusses the gear used during "The Astonishing" tour, including his Taylor 916ce acoustic 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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