Overview

For a while maple might have been a bit misrepresented in the acoustic world, developing a reputation for being too bright for some, and lacking the richer character of other classic tonewoods. But historically, maple has actually been one of the classic tonewoods for other stringed instruments in the violin family. Taylor has revoiced its maple 600s, like this 616ce Grand Symphony Acoustic-Electric, to re-introduce its true voice to guitar players, and the results have been amazing. If you have preconceptions about maple, check them at the door, because these guitars deliver plenty of the warmth, depth, richness and sustain your ears crave in an acoustic guitar, without losing the clarity and transparency that allows maple to reflect the player and fit into a mix with other instruments.

The 616ce Grand Symphony ships in a hardshell case for optimum fit and protection.

Body Shape
Compared to the Taylor Grand Auditorium, the Grand Symphony has a bigger, rounder lower bout and slightely wider "waist" area, and the bigger sound board (top) means more tonal output. Expect a meaty lower midrange and strong treble shimmer. A GS is best if you want a guitar with a robust low end, strong volume when strumming or flatpicking, and clear articulation in response to light fingerpicking attack.

Tonewood Pairing
A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. 600 Series guitars feature a special seasoning process for the spruce top called torrefaction, a method of roasting the wood to produce an aged tonal character with greater acoustic resonance and responsiveness.

Traditionally known for having a focused tone with a fast note decay that cuts through a mix, Taylor's maple (back and sides) guitars have been voiced to produce greater warmth, complexity, volume, sustain and responsiveness, while retaining maple’s naturally clear, linear qualities. The clarity of the high end is still there, but the bottom end has been extended. The result is a more multi-dimensional sound that gives players the kind of musical versatility of other classic tonewoods, making our maple models a compelling choice as a primary guitar, not just a stage guitar. Taylor's maple guitars are voiced to be very reflective of the player’s technique, so a player with a dynamic playing style or someone who likes to vary their picking attack will appreciate how easily those playing nuances come through in the tonal response.

Elecrtronics
Taylor's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with Taylor’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.

The Taylor Difference
What sets Taylor Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.

Features

Hand-rubbed brown sugar stain on back, sides and neck
Torrefied top
Custom-calibrated wood thickness/bracing
Protein glue for bracing and bridge
Grained ivoroid purling
Ebony backstrap with grained ivoroid "wings" inlay
Side braces
Striped ebony pickguard

Specifications

Body

Body type: Grand Symphony
Cutaway: Single
Top wood: Solid Torrefied Sitka spruce
Back and sides: Solid Maple
Bracing pattern: X 600 Series Advanced Performance Sitka Grand Symphony Bracing with relief rout
Body finish: Gloss 3.5
Orientation: Right handed

Neck

Neck shape: Taylor Standard Profile
Nut width: 1.75 in. (44.45 mm)
Fingerboard: Genuine African ebony
Neck wood: Solid Hard rock maple
Scale length: 25.5 in.
Number of frets: 20
Neck finish: Satin

Electronics

Pickup/preamp: Yes
Brand: Taylor
Configuration: Behind-the-saddle transducer with Adjustable Sensors
Preamp EQ: 3-band
Feedback filter: Phase
Tuner: No

Other

Headstock overlay: Genuine African ebony
Tuning machines: Taylor nickel with nickel buttons
Bridge: Genuine African ebony
Saddle and nut: Micarta "Wave"/Tusq Urea
Number of strings: 6
Special features: None
Case: Hardshell case
Accessories: None
Country of origin: United States

Taylor 616ce Grand Symphony Acoustic Electric Guitar Natural