The Grand Orchestra has long stood at the top of the Taylor range of body shapes in terms of size and big, powerful sound. Now, the jumbo-esque shape takes on new life thanks to new revoicing by Andy Powers, launching with this 818e. Built with solid Indian rosewood for the back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top, the 818e is among the first Grand Orchestra guitars to feature V-Class bracing. Rosewood and spruce interplay here to produce rich low-end warmth, slightly scooped mids, and clear, articulate treble notes, while the new bracing allows rosewood’s natural overtones to bloom and resonate as notes sustain. The large body shape provides serious headroom and projection for bold strummers, but the new enhancements also make the 818e incredibly soft-touch-sensitive, making it an ideal choice for fingerstyle players and flatpickers as well.

The 818e’s memorable musical character is complemented by a set of luxurious appointments, including maple binding, a single-ring rosette in shell and paua, nickel tuners, Mission inlays in mother-of-pearl and abalone, and a new Antique Blonde top finish treatment that adds a charming glow. It ships without a cutaway to preserve a more traditional look and feel, and includes built-in ES2 electronics to provide a clean amplified tone. It also includes a deluxe hardshell case with a Western Floral pattern.