Taylor 816ce Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
You won't believe the big sound that comes from this Grand Symphony acoustic-electric! Taylor revoiced the 816ce with advanced bracing and ES2 electronics.
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted August 26, 2014 by Christopher Neil in Ronceverte, WV
"A fantastic guitar for any serious player."
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As a fan of most any guitar I can get my hands on and make music with, I've become a bit lenient with the quality, as long as it plays well. The 2014 Taylor 816CE blew me away, though; I've played everything from a First Act to most high end guitars, and I would have to put this among my top 5 favorite guitars to play. I was considering the 916CE, but I fell in love with the Rosewood pick guard and the less flashy look, and after comparing the two and seeing almost identical specifications, I went with this beauty.
Sound
When I first started playing, I was enamored with the sound of each note coming through. I've played balanced guitars, and my previous go-to is great, but compared to the 816CE, it sounded almost wet. The 816CE carries each note you play, sustaining it with sound reminiscent of a baby grand piano, especially in a room the size of my den. The low end rumbles clear, and the highs carry like I couldn't have imagined. Being a finger-picker, I was especially happy to know that even the most subtle note rang exactly the way I wanted.
Features
As I stated before, I was considering the 916CE, but I went with the 816CE due to the beautiful Rosewood pick guard and the more conservative appearance overall. The one thing I would've preferred to have on the 816CE that was on the 916CE was a bone nut and saddle. While the tusq works well, and it's easy to switch out, it would've been nice to put bone on this instead. The Expression 2 system is great, although I have a hard time flipping the switch inside the sound hole when I need to, but that's probably due more to the size of my hands and shortness of my fingers; a thin-handed or longer-fingered player wouldn't have an issue.
Ease of Use
The 816CE couldn't have been easier to pick up and play. I actually made the comment to my wife that I wasn't even sure if I were playing it, or just thinking about it and it was making the sounds on its own. The action is responsive and very easy to fret, and even my wife, who plays very rarely, had an easy time playing. The body is a bit big, but I had no problem adjusting, and I think it may have even felt more right for me, but smaller players may have a bit of an issue with it. The neck is a bit wider than I was used to, but I quickly adapted, and it felt just as natural as my previous guitar after about thirty minutes of playing.
Quality
The quality of the 816CE is incredible. The combination of stunning tone woods, tasteful abalone inlays, the Rosewood pick guard, and the accents of maple for the binding makes this guitar a work of art as much as it is a creator of it. The guitar is deceptively light, but built in a way that will allow it to last long enough to pass on to my grandchildren one day.
Value
This guitar is well worth its price, and for anyone who truly enjoys playing, I would absolutely recommend the Taylor 816CE as not only a personal guitar, but easily a professional one, too.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had to contact Taylor about this, but Taylor does offer warranties and support for all of their products, and I've known friends who have said that Taylor has gone above and beyond in helping them with problems that have come up with their instruments.
The Wow Factor
As I've stated before, while nearly identical to the 916CE in terms of specifications, the 816CE has a much more tasteful, conservative look that would compliment anyone who's not particularly interested in the large amounts of abalone accents and inlays and who isn't too concerned about the tusq vs. bone nut and saddle. While I definitely didn't need this guitar, I'm more than happy that I bought it, especially since I've had some hands-on time with it and have had plenty of time to familiarize myself with all of its intricacies. This guitar is a work of art that can help someone create some incredible art, also.
Musical Background:
I'm a variable musician who plays acoustic gigs, records, and plays many different instruments for enjoyment.
Musical Style:
Acoustic, Folk, Celtic
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Submitted January 26, 2015 by Eddie B in Norfolk, VA
"Magnificent!"
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i sweated this purchase for some time. The two negative reviews did not help. I debated over the 900 series...please forgive me, Cindy...and of course the Martin Performance Series. I am so glad I held to my loyalty to Taylor having been very pleased with he 214ce sunburst also purchased from ZZounds.
This guitar continues to blow me away. The dynamics range from a purr to the thunderings of Valhalla. The high end shimmers like glass. The bass kicks serious butt while the midrange will set your heart on fire. It is the easiest guitar I have ever played. While I usually use .011 gauge strings, the .013 set it arrived with is just perfect for me.
The appointments...fit, finish and feel, are nothing less than exquisite. The rosewood glistens with chocolatey warmth. The back of the neck is as smooth as a baby's behind. Everything Taylor has said about the 800 series is true. I do not want to put it down and when I die they will have to unclench it from my cold dead hands. IMHO the haters who trounced this guitar should be ashamed of themselves.
For some reason this review template will not allow me to give each category 5 stars
Musical Background:
Playing 47 years. Guitar, keyboards, percussion, iOS tech. Professional.
Musical Style:
The Concept of Zero
What the hell is chillwave ragtime?
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Submitted July 27, 2014 by Christin C in Alliance, OH
"Love Zzounds but the guitar was so/so"
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I had read all of the reviews about the Taylor and I really really wanted to like it. Sadly, I didn't. I found it very shallow in tone and the action was set too high. While it certainly looked nice, it didn't meet my standards for a guitar this expensive. Zzounds was courteous and efficient in handling the return and I will certainly shop with them again.
Musical Background:
Professional musician
Musical Style:
traditional folk
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Submitted July 3, 2014 by Tom G
"MAYBE THEY SHOULD TRY MAKING BANJOS..."
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Martins position as the world's best guitar has nothing to fear from Taylor. I had been looking forward to owning this guitar but when I got it, it made me sad. It wasn't awful, it was just so/so. For this kind of money, I expect more. The sound is not memorable, the build quality is very ordinary and overall it was a total disappointment. I'm sending it back.
Musical Background:
I've been playing since the Beatles were together. Martins, Gibsons, once in a while a Guild
Musical Style:
Widely varied
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