Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (16)
$3,999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$3,999.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$3,199.00 New
$2,500.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$3,999.00
zZounds
$3,399.00

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

What makes the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce unique compared to other Taylor models?

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.

Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce suitable for live performances?

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.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce?

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.

How does the V-Class bracing of the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce affect its sound?

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.

Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce a good choice for fingerstyle playing?

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.

Guitar

Guitar

NAMM 2020: Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, 324ce, 912ce & 652ce demo with Andy Powers

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2020: Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, 324ce, 912ce & 652ce demo with Andy Powers by Guitar

NAMM 2020: Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, 324ce, 912ce & 652ce demo with Andy Powers

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Taylor Guitars Builder's Edition 816ce | In depth Review with Taylor's Most Interesting New design by Alamo Music Center

Taylor Guitars Builder's Edition 816ce | In depth Review with Taylor's Most Interesting New design

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Taylor 800 Series Showdown: 814ce vs. Builder's Edition 816ce vs. 818e by Taylor Guitars

Taylor 800 Series Showdown: 814ce vs. Builder's Edition 816ce vs. 818e

Taylor Guitars

Taylor Guitars

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2020: Taylor's new Builder's Edition 816ce has an innovative soundhole cutaway | Guitar.com by Guitar

NAMM 2020: Taylor's new Builder's Edition 816ce has an innovative soundhole cutaway | Guitar.com

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo by Sweetwater

Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for AKUSTIK GITARRE 5-2020: Test Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce by AKUSTIK GITARRE

AKUSTIK GITARRE 5-2020: Test Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce

AKUSTIK GITARRE

AKUSTIK GITARRE

Video thumbnail for Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Taylor 816ce Builder's Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Taylor Builder’s Edition 816ce Demo by Casino Guitars

Taylor Builder’s Edition 816ce Demo

Casino Guitars

Casino Guitars

Video thumbnail for Taylor Builder's Edition 816Ce with soundport cutaway! Demo! by Max Guitar B.V.

Taylor Builder's Edition 816Ce with soundport cutaway! Demo!

Max Guitar B.V.

Max Guitar B.V.

Video thumbnail for Taylor 816ce Builders Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Taylor 816ce Builders Edition - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal balance with strong lows and crystal-clear highs and mids

  • V-class bracing and sound port cutaway enhance sustain and projection

  • Effortless playability with a shorter scale length and light gauge strings

  • Beautiful fit and finish, often described as one of the best looking Taylors

  • Innovative design with an extra soundhole, a potential future industry standard

  • Suitable for both aggressive and light strumming styles

  • Combines unique tonal quality with the aesthetics of a jumbo guitar

  • Perfectly set up for low action without buzz upon purchase

CONS

  • New electronics system highlights unwanted sounds, making it less usable for some

  • Fret buzz on lower strings when played aggressively

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • The 816ce is praised for its versatility in open tunings, making it a favorite for musicians who enjoy exploring alternate musical landscapes.

    Source

Other

  • The 816ce's unique cutaway design, which some users initially mistake for a hole, is a standout feature not commonly found in other models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor Builder's Edition 324ce and 816ce Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 816ce showcases remarkable craftsmanship and a unique aesthetic, delivering a rich, nuanced sound that appeals to various playing styles. While its ergonomic design enhances playability, some may find its tone lighter compared to traditional models. Additionally, the absence of a pickguard on the 324ce raises concerns about potential scratches. Overall, these guitars embody innovation and quality, making them a worthy investment for serious musicians, despite minor drawbacks.

positive

Gear Review: Taylor Builder’s Edition 324ce and 816ce | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 816ce offers a visually striking combination of Lutz spruce and Indian rosewood, delivering a sound that’s rich and expansive. Its innovative features, like the soundport cutaway, enhance playability, making it responsive to both soft fingerstyle and robust strumming. However, the larger Grand Symphony body may not suit everyone, particularly those accustomed to smaller guitars. While the 816ce is a superb instrument that inspires creativity, its size could be a drawback for some players. Overall, it’s a bold move in acoustic guitar design, appealing to the adventurous guitarist.

positive

Review: Taylor Guitars Builder’s Edition 816ce and 324ce

guitar.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 816ce showcases innovative design with its unique soundport and elegant construction, producing a rich, dynamic sound that enhances playability. The V-Class bracing adds a distinctive voice, making it a joy for both soloists and strummers. However, the treble notes tend to decay too quickly, creating a slight imbalance in sound. While the craftsmanship is impeccable, the abrupt end of the binding at the cutaway can be visually jarring. Overall, the 816ce is a strong contender for serious musicians, though it may not be perfect for everyone.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Hull uses Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce

Andy Hull

Singer, Guitarist

Manchester Orchestra

...
Verified via Taylor Guitars

In a video by Taylor Guitars, Andy Hull is seen using the Taylor Builder's Edition 816ce, featuring a cutaway design and soundport.

Genre Usage

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