guitar, bass, accessories

Taylor Guitars introduces the GO 718e and 818e

Taylor Guitars continues to celebrate its Grand Orchestra body shape with the addition of two new rosewood/spruce models, the 718e and 818e. Debuting at the Summer NAMM Show 2013, Nashville, Room 201A, the rich 'coffee and cream' combination of Indian rosewood with Sitka spruce tops yields exceptional sonic color and bloom, says Taylor master builder Andy Powers. He describes the sound as having a high-fidelity, piano-like attack. "There are overtones from every note," he elaborates. "These add rich complexity to the fundamentals. They contribute a quick and clear articulation to the attack of the notes, making those low frequencies in particular more noticeable."

The new, 718e features a Vintage Sunburst finish on the top and neck, an Ivoroid Heritage Diamonds fretboard inlay motif, Ivoroid binding and a three-ring soundhole rosette, as well as a genuine ebony fretboard and bridge. The 818e's appointments include curly maple body and soundhole binding, an abalone rosette, and an all-gloss finish. Each model is equipped with Taylor's proprietary Expression System acoustic pickup.

Taylor Guitars introduces the GO 718e and 818e

Like other Grand Orchestra models that have been introduced in 2013 (518e, 618e, 918e, K28e), the 718e and 818e make their debut with a special release of 100 First Edition models that feature premium-grade tonewoods and appointments, including Adirondack spruce bracing and a bone nut and saddle. Each First Edition model also comes with a custom label and ships in a Deluxe "First Edition" hardshell case. Once the guitar is registered, the owner will receive a custom GO First Edition guitar strap, a numbered certificate of authenticity, and a special commemorative booklet.
One of the Grand Orchestra's proprietary design features is a hybrid parabolic and scalloped bracing scheme, which produces more balance and responsiveness for a big-bodied guitar. This bold yet balanced voice offers both heavy strummers and delicate fingerpickers a dynamic sound that responds equally well to an aggressive or gentle attack.
The Taylor Grand Orchestra debuted at the Winter NAMM Show 2013 and already won a prestigious Musikmesse International Press Award (MIPA).