
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 818CE ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Body Type: Grand Orchestra ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 4 String ), ( Model Year: 2016 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( UPC: 0887766065524 )
The Taylor 818ce Grand Auditorium Electro-Acoustic Guitar in Natural Finish is a captivating instrument that seamlessly blends the best qualities of an acoustic guitar with the versatility of a sophisticated electronics system. A flagship model from Taylor Guitars, this instrument is renowned for its exceptional tonal clarity, playability, and unrivaled craftsmanship.
Body and Construction:The guitar features a beautifully grained Sitka spruce top, which is perfect for delivering rich, balanced sound. The back and sides are made of tropical mahogany, providing a warm, resonant tone with pronounced midrange and bass frequencies. This Grand Auditorium body style offers a versatile sound with strong projection and focused midrange, making it an ideal choice for various playing styles and genres.
Neck and Fingerboard:The Taylor 818ce is equipped with a Venetian cutaway and a tapered neck for easy access to the upper frets. The neck is made of sustainable Sapele wood, and it is fitted with a 20-fret Ebony fingerboard. These materials provide a smooth playing experience with excellent intonation and precise action.
Electronics:The guitar's ES2 electronic pickup system enhances its versatility, enabling you to enjoy an authentic, amplified tone in various performance settings. The ES2 system features a discrete under-saddle transducer, a tone control knob, and a volume control wheel. This sophisticated system ensures that the amplified sound remains true to the guitar's natural tone, while also offering the flexibility to tailor the output to your liking.
Additional Features:This acoustic-electric guitar also boasts calibrated tuning machines, ensuring consistent and precise tuning. Its slim, hand-rubbed satin neck finish provides a comfortable playability experience, while the guitar's natural finish showcases the beautiful grain patterns and unique character of the wood.
In summary, the Taylor 818ce Grand Auditorium Electro-Acoustic Guitar in Natural Finish is a versatile and captivating instrument designed for players who demand both world-class acoustic tone and the convenience of an electronics system. With its top-tier craftsmanship, exceptional sound quality, and elegant aesthetic, this guitar is sure to inspire and enhance your playing experience.
Two of Taylor Guitars' most popular acoustic-electric models are the 818ce and 815e-NV, both belonging to the Builder's Series. Each guitar boasts unique attributes that can appeal to different player preferences. In this analysis, we will discuss their features, pros, cons, and provide a conclusive recommendation.
Taylor 818ce: Features:- Solid Sitka Spruce top with layered Indian Rosewood back and sides
- Venetian cutaway
- ES2 electronics
- Expression System 2 pickup
- Taylor's proprietary relieftop bracing system
Pros:1. Amazing tone and projection
2. Wide range of playability due to the Venetian cutaway
3. Superior soundhole rosette and binding
4. Expression System 2 electronics produce a natural, detailed sound
5. Solid construction
Cons:1. Some players may find the guitar slightly heavy due to the layered Indian Rosewood back and sides
2. The gloss finish might be a turn-off for some due to its reflection and maintainance requirements
3. The guitar might be too large for beginners or those with smaller hands
Taylor 815e-NV: Features:- Solid Sitka Spruce top with layered Koa back and sides
- Venetian cutaway
- ES2 electronics
- H-shaped pickguard
- Silent Satin finish
Pros:1. Exceptional tonal variation and balanced mid-range
2. Rich aesthetics due to the Koa back and sides
3. Comfortable playability for most players
4. ES2 electronics deliver a natural, detailed sound
5. Lower maintenance due to the Silent Satin finish
Cons:1. The Koa back and sides may be susceptible to damage from minor drops or scarring more than Rosewood
2. Some players may prefer a more traditional look without an H-shaped pickguard
3. The price point is relatively higher than comparable models with other back and side materials
Conclusion:Both the 818ce and 815e-NV are exceptional acoustic-electric guitars, with similar builds and specifications. However, they offer unique character and aesthetics. If you prefer traditional looks and a superior tuning stability but are sensitive to cost, the Taylor 818ce might be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you're interested in a more exotic look with a richer, balanced mid-range tone and lower maintenance requirements, the Taylor 815e-NV is an excellent option. Both guitars deliver remarkable sound quality and playability, ensuring player satisfaction regardless of the choice.
Recommendation:Based on the details provided, it's considered a personal preference for the end-user in terms of aesthetics, tone, and budgets that will determine which guitar is the best option. By evaluating the pros and cons of both the 818ce and 815e-NV models, we recommend the 815e-NV for those who appreciate the unique look of Koa back and sides, desire a balanced mid-range tone, and want low maintenance concerns. Conversely, the 818ce is the top pick for fans of a traditional guitar look, superior tuning stability, and are more budget-conscious.
The bracing has been re designed, emphasis on the supporting the sides, while the top and back are able to resonate more freely than ever before. The wood thickness is also optimized for each model to give the most power and richest tone.
However the real innovative design changes are beneath the surface. At first glance you see some cosmetic changes that include an ebony head stock overlay, rosewood top edge trim, and a very cool rosewood fret board.
This is all topped off with Taylor expression system 2, which utilizes an ultra sensitive side saddle transducer that will revolutionize the way we hear amplified acoustics. 4 lbs, 14 oz. Natural finish grand orchestra body shape advanced performance bracing Indian rosewood back and sides steak spruce top tropical mahogany neck ebony fret board scale length 1.