
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Model: NEWLY REDESIGNED 681E ), ( Series: 618e ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Body Material: Spruce Top, Walnut Back Sides ), ( Body Type: Jumbo ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Taylor 618e and 681e are two exquisite models from Taylor Guitars' popular 600 Series, featuring a new and improved design that delivers an extraordinary playing experience. Silencing the debate between these two stunning instruments, we will describe each guitar in detail to help you understand why these models are a must-have for any serious guitarist.
Taylor 618e:The 618e showcases Taylor's unwavering commitment to innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship. Constructed with a solid Sitka spruce top and layered Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar boasts a bright, responsive tone ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking. The compact Grand Auditorium body combines defined bass response, impressive volume, and stellar clarity to create a versatile tonal palette.
The 618e is outfitted with Taylor's Expression System 2 pickup, an offset saddle design that provides a balanced representation of the guitar's tone, both acoustically and when amplified. The pickup is complemented by a built-in pre-amp system that enables you to control volume and tone directly from the soundhole. Additionally, the guitar comes equipped with European pearl rosette, ivory binding, and a thin satin finish that enhances the instrument's natural beauty and resonance.
Taylor 681e:The 681e parallels the 618e featuring a solid Sitka spruce top yet incorporates layered big-leaf mahogany back and sides, lending itself to a darker, more rich and nuanced sound. The Grand Auditorium body renders impressive projection, depth, and presence that makes it a crowd pleaser and a preferred choice for live performances.
A unique variation to this gem is the Venetian cutaway that facilitates playing in higher positions with added comfort and ease. Like its sibling model, the Taylor 681e is equipped with the Expression System 2 pickup and pre-amp system. The ES2 system provides excellent articulation and enhanced clarity, capturing the guitar's authentic voice for those moments when you need to plug in. The 681e includes European pearl rosette, ivory binding, and a gloss finish, which offers a polished and elegant look that complements its superior sound quality.
Both the Taylor 618e and 681e have several commonalities that make them exceptional contenders in the acoustic guitar market. Their Grand Auditorium body shape, Expression System 2 pickup, and renowned Taylor craftsmanship define these guitars as perfect companions for players seeking uncompromising tone, playability, and a touch of elegance. Whether you prefer the bright, lively sound of the Sitka spruce with Indian rosewood or the rich, warm tone provided by the big-leaf mahogany back and sides, both guitars are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning guitarist.
The Taylor 600 Series, comprised of the 618e and the newly redesigned 681e, offers guitarists two excellent options for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar. Both models provide a rich sound, advanced design features, and reliable electronics. In this comparison, we will examine the key similarities and differences between the two guitars to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and playing style.
1. Body Shape and Materials:- Taylor 618e: The 618e features the popular Grand Auditorium body shape, well-known for its balanced frequency response and strong projection. Its top is made of solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from layered Sapele wood.
- Taylor 681e: This model boasts a more contemporary body shape, the Grand Symphony, which provides a slightly warmer and fuller tonal characteristic. The top is again solid Sitka spruce, and the back and sides are composed of layered Indian Rosewood.
2. Neck and Fingerboard:- The necks on both models are similar, made of Sitka spruce for the 618e and Native American Walnut for the 681e. Both necks have a 14-fret set-in design and a standard Taylor neck profile, ensuring comfortable playability.
3. Bracing and Electronics:- Both guitars utilize Taylor's improved V-Class Bracing System, which enhances the overall tone and sustain of the guitar.
- The 618e comes with the Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup, which features a more natural representation of the guitar's tone when amplified, while the 681e is equipped with the Expression System 2 SH (Stage Harmony) pickup, which offers greater tonal accuracy for performance on large stages.
4. Performance and Sound:- The Taylor 618e showcases a well-rounded tonal character with a strong midrange and balanced highs, while the 681e delivers a fuller, bass-rich sound with articulate highs.
5. Price Difference:- The Taylor 618e typically has a lower price point due to its Sapele back and sides, whereas, the 681e, with its Indian Rosewood back and sides, retails for a higher price.
Conclusion: In making a decision between the Taylor 618e and 681e, consider the following factors:- Preferred body style (Grand Auditorium vs. Grand Symphony)
- Desired tonal characteristics (balanced vs. fuller, bass-rich)
- Playing style and venue size (small to medium-sized stages vs. large venues or studio recordings)
- Personal budget
Both the Taylor 618e and 681e are exceptional instruments offering superior playability, sound, and advanced features for discerning guitarists. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on which tonal characteristics best suit your playing style, budget, and performance needs.
Recommendation:If you're drawn to the Grand Auditorium body shape, desire a guitar with a balanced sound and midrange focus, and have a tighter budget, the Taylor 618e would be an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you prefer the more substantial low end and fuller sound of the Grand Symphony body shape, frequently perform on large stages, and have a more substantial budget, the Taylor 681e would be a worthy investment.
Protein glues and an ultra-thin gloss finish minimize dampening. This is the newly re designed grand orchestra model - and has expression 2 electronics. A new, hand-rubbed brown sugar stain on the back and sides gives maples striking figure beautiful violin-hued appearance without adding extra thickness to finish.
So my loss is your gain, as the cliche goes - so, its an unbelievable price. For sale:Taylor 618E grand orchestra - in pristine, like-new condition. Spruce top - walnut back sides why selling:i already have a martin jumbo and wanted to try this new Taylor go.
The guitar comes with a deluxe hard shell case. Featured appointments include grained ivories wings fret board inlays, an inlaid ebony back strap, binding with purling, rosette, and a striped pick guard, along Taylor's expression system 2 acoustic electronics. Comes with the original Taylor case and some goodies truss rod, guitar picks.
I fell in love with it but money forced me to keep just one - the martin. Our maple spruce edition features a back bracing profile that's optimized for and terrified top, which produces an aged tonal character with greater acoustic resonance.