The Taylor that made me a believer (818e)

[Dustinfurlow]

Roommate brought home a 818e the other day that he planned to set up for a friend and we both got to playing it (he was never a fan of Taylor either) and we’ve both been just dumbfounded. Such a rich, balanced tone.

Good old sitka/rosewood grand auditorium but with a wider lower bout and 4.75 deep body... it really scratched the itch I was feeling for the longest time anytime Id picked up a Taylor and within a minute put it back on the shelf because there wasn’t any fullness to it.

Goes to show what a little difference in standard specs will do for a certain builder. It’s kind of like how the only Martin’s I like tend to be smaller ones like OMs since most Martin’s are typically “warmer” or “bassier” it evens out.

Anywho, now I really want to try an R. Taylor

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Dustinfurlow

Good old sitka/rosewood grand auditorium but with a wider lower bout and 4.75 deep body...

The 818 size is actually called 'Grand Orchestra' and replaces the old jumbo body.

The old jumbo was 1/4" wider but the GO is 3/8" deeper.

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

The 818 size is actually called 'Grand Orchestra' and replaces the old jumbo body.

The old jumbo was 1/4" wider but the GO is 3/8" deeper.

Ah! I see. It really is an awesome design...has such a pleasant midrange and upper end clarity.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Dustinfurlow

Ah! I see. It really is an awesome design...has such a pleasant midrange and upper end clarity.

Here's a neat Taylor body size comparison.



GC - Grand Concert
GA - Grand Auditorium
GS - Grand Symphony
DN - Dreadnought
GO - Grand Orchestra

[RP]

I'd never played a GO sized Taylor before getting my 458 12string. All I can say is WOW. That thing just continues to please and amaze...

[s2y]

Haven't ever played an 818e. The 618e is one I have had on my "list" for a while. I also had a BTO DN for a while. Those larger bodied Taylors seem to get ignored by the general guitar public.

[erhino41]

I love the 18 series Taylors. I prefer larger guitars. The only problem I have with most Taylors I play is the elixir strings. When I find one used with "normal" strings I find they are usually excellent guitars. The re-voiced 618 is a great guitar that I will own someday.

[Glennwillow]

I would really looking forward to playing the Taylor 818. I've never had the chance.

Are they using medium strings on this guitar?

- Glenn

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by erhino41

The only problem I have with most Taylors I play is the elixir strings. When I find one used with "normal" strings I find they are usually excellent guitars.

What are the "normal" strings that you would recommend for Taylors?

[fazool]

I was already a Taylor believer and then tried one of these at a Taylor Roadshow event.......Wow! Most booming powerful guitar I ever played.

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

I would really looking forward to playing the Taylor 818. I've never had the chance.

Are they using medium strings on this guitar?

- Glenn

It had mediums on it but after setting it up we put lights on and it didnt lose any bit of its character! The bass notes sustained more, if anything, which I like for fingerstyle.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Dustinfurlow

It had mediums on it but after setting it up we put lights on and it didnt lose any bit of its character! The bass notes sustained more, if anything, which I like for fingerstyle.

Well, that's very cool! Thanks for your response, Dustin! I wish you were around the block or even next store, so we could hang out and try out that guitar together!

Unfortunately, for the first time in 53 years, I have hardly any calluses left. After recovering from surgery and not being able to play for the last 5 weeks, my calluses are just about gone. I played for the first time today and wow, does that hurt.

- Glenn

[jemartin]

It's always great to hear the comments from players who get hold of a Grand Orchestra Taylor. I was smitten 6 years ago by the Grand Symphony that I bought with a cedar/ rosewood combo. They were a major departure from any Taylor I had heard or played or the one that I previously owned. With the new style bracing and relief route on the inside top... the GS was awesome. When they released the GO body ... I had to play one to see if that deep bass that I was hearing on YouTube was really there. I have never played an 818 but the 418 that I demo'ed... and the 518 (which I bought) were true to the tone and volume of the GO shape. Taylor had a lot of players to win over, who just couldn't bond with the earlier tone of their guitars.... and I believe that they are doing it.... one by one.

[Reasley]

Dustin, fantastic instrumental cover of "Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones. Nice!

https://youtu.be/0xVhxECz-8E

[mmasters]

I got an 818e about a month ago, they really are amazing.

Here's a clip of mine