Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,516
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into a symphony of sound with the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, a masterpiece that combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. This acoustic-electric guitar, wrapped in a Grand Symphony silhouette, resonates with the rich tonality and nuanced detail that Taylor guitars are celebrated for. Its heart beats with the revolutionary V-Class bracing, a design that enhances volume, sustain, and intonation, breathing life into every chord and note.
The 816ce's allure isn't just in its sound; it's also a spectacle of beauty and comfort. The Indian rosewood back and sides are paired with a Lutz spruce top to create a visual and sonic feast. The guitar's body and fretboard edges are chamfered, providing a smooth, inviting touch. Meanwhile, the soundport cutaway not only adds to its unique aesthetic but also offers unimpeded access to the upper frets without sacrificing tonal quality.
Equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics, this guitar delivers exceptionally clear and accurate amplified sound, ensuring your music sounds as good plugged in as it does acoustically. Whether you're recording in a studio or performing live, the 816ce Builder's Edition is engineered to inspire and elevate your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Grand Symphony body shape for a rich, powerful sound
- Innovative V-Class bracing for enhanced volume, sustain, and intonation
- Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a Lutz spruce top for classic tonal richness
- Chamfered body and fretboard edges for enhanced playing comfort
- Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for superior amplified sound
- Soundport cutaway for aesthetic distinction and upper-fret access
- Premium appointments including Gotoh tuners and a deluxe hardshell case
Product specs
| Brand | Taylor |
| Model | Builder's Edition 816ce with V-Class Bracing |
| Finish | Natural, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 2020 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Jumbo 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 816ce |
| 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, Taylor Builder's Edition |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce unique compared to other Taylor models?
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The Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce features V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and volume, a Grand Symphony body shape for a rich, full sound, and a smooth, beveled armrest for comfort. Its premium materials and craftsmanship deliver a sophisticated tonal profile.
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Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce is equipped with an internal piezo pickup and active preamp, making it ideal for live performances with excellent sound projection and clarity.
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What tonewoods are used in the construction of the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce?
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The Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce features a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, which together produce a balanced tone with rich lows, clear mids, and bright highs.
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How does the V-Class bracing of the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce affect its sound?
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The V-Class bracing in the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce enhances the guitar's sustain and intonation, providing a more dynamic range and improved harmonic response compared to traditional bracing.
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Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce a good choice for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce's Grand Symphony body shape and responsive tonewoods make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and articulation across all strings.
Videos
Guitar
NAMM 2020: Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, 324ce, 912ce & 652ce demo with Andy Powers
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tonal balance with strong lows and crystal-clear highs and mids
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V-class bracing and sound port cutaway enhance sustain and projection
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Effortless playability with a shorter scale length and light gauge strings
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Beautiful fit and finish, often described as one of the best looking Taylors
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Innovative design with an extra soundhole, a potential future industry standard
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Suitable for both aggressive and light strumming styles
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Combines unique tonal quality with the aesthetics of a jumbo guitar
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Perfectly set up for low action without buzz upon purchase
CONS
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New electronics system highlights unwanted sounds, making it less usable for some
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Fret buzz on lower strings when played aggressively
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Only 21 frets, with the last fret slightly muted
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce.
Features and functionality
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The second sound port is a unique design feature that enhances the player's auditory experience, offering a fuller sound directly to the player.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners who compared the 816ce with the 814ce noted the former's distinct sound hole design, which some prefer for its aesthetic and acoustic differences.
Source
User experience
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Enthusiasts using open tunings and the ES2 system find the 816ce excels in creating rich, resonant tones suitable for songwriting and experimentation.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The 816ce is praised for its versatility in open tunings, making it a favorite for musicians who enjoy exploring alternate musical landscapes.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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