Taylor Body Shapes Overview for 2020 | Which is Right for You?

Taylor is always at the forefront of acoustic guitar innovation, and we are constantly impressed with the improvements they make each year. For that reason, we thought it was about time for Chris McKee to run down an updated version of the Taylor line of body shapes. The Grand Concert, Grand Auditorium, Grand Symphony, Grand Pacific, and Grand Orchestra guitars in this video all have V-Class bracing and solid Spruce and Rosewood, but their unique shapes give them each special tonal nuances that are all worth discussing. Let us know in the comments which is your favorite!
2:33 - 812ce
4:20 - 814ce DLX
5:59 - 717
9:02 - 816ce Builder’s Edition
11:04 - 818e
Demos start at 13:46
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[@michaelp8856]

alamo - always does a great job explaining guitars. helpful for anyone looking to learn - thanks for what you guys do at Alamo!

[@335pd]

Unbelievably good. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@AlamoMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@m-dr5797]

Chris, thank you so much for what you do. You're an inspiration and you really know how to voice an acoustic guitar to bring out its natural character. I have loved my 2012 sunburst 714ce since the day i brought it home. I really hope someday I'll be able to acquire a Taylor with the new V-ckass bracing... thanks again

[@mikec6947]

Excellent comparison. Great recording/sound quality, as usual from your videos.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@darrens.6447]

That 812ce 12 fret with slotted headstock is a thing of beauty 😍

[@AlamoMusic]

True

[@michaellaverty1844]

Great video! Each has its own voice. I keep changing my mind. Love you finger style playing. Nice melodies 🎶🎶🎶

[@hidesertmusic]

Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge of Taylor guitars. I love Taylor and have had a lot of the in most of the shapes. I started with a 410 and aLeo Kottke 12 string Jumbo. Now I have 7 different Taylor’s, a gsMini, 450 12 string, 410 special edition (Imduia/spruce, K14ce Builder’s Edition, an 816ce Builders Edition ant two electrics. I hope they don’t come out with anything else that I can’t resist. I hope Bob Taylor knows how much you appreciate his guitars and how you share your knowledge and enthusiasm!

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks!

[@emmawebber9438]

Hi Chris, another lovely selection of your fine acoustic guitars. Thanks for the video, and have a lovely weekend.

[@AlamoMusic]

Many thanks!

[@garyholden6371]

Hi, Chris, Thanks for the information. I learn something new from each video I watch, Keep up. the good work. Thanks again, from Houston, Texas.

[@AlamoMusic]

My pleasure!

[@hansel7977]

The GA for me is the best. Love the clarity and balance of the sound.

[@stanrogers7420]

Another great video well explained. Love watching these. Thanks Chris. Keep em coming.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks, will do!

[@arturoalvarez4003]

Today i noticed some other person doing what you are doing the on different his you do it a Whole lot better and they don't have the variety of guitars you have they have nothings over you guys keep the grate work THank you🙏

[@AlamoMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@Dajlec]

TEST 1: STRUMMING 812ce 13:49 814ce DLX 14:00 717 14:11 816ce 14:22 818e 14:33 my personal winner:814ce DLX Test 2: FINGER PICKING 812ce 15:04 814ce DLX 15:20 717 15:32 816ce 15:45 818e 16:00 my personal winners: 814,816&717

[@edgardpedrosilvajunior6947]

Magnificent instruments, all of them. I' would take the 818. Thanks for the great video, very enlightening about specs, tones, projection, etc. Great job.

[@StymyParsley]

You’re so right, that 717 really has a lovely warmth to it. I’m more a Martin person but I remember playing a 614 in a shop that just sounded right out of heaven it was so nice. Really want to try a -17 some time, looks really comfortable as well how it sits on you, very balanced.

[@AlamoMusic]

It's a very well made guitar!

[@christopher7310]

Can't stop loving that clear chime of the GA. I do like the symphony as well, but find the Grand Auditorium more comfortable to play horizontal off the lap.

[@JoshuaC923]

Alamo inlays! Hahahaa cracked me up! I really love my 110ce and 214ce, wish i can afford some of these someday

[@ratherbehiking8653]

Just got my first Taylor today. They are on another level.

[@AlamoMusic]

Agreed

[@adityarajbasistha377]

I come to this channel for the intro music...i love that😍

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@ndoc7]

Taylor is Taylor great designs, great sounds. Bob and Andy are the best. Thank you Chriss for your videos they have helped me a lot .

[@AlamoMusic]

Great to hear!

[@christee299]

Thanks for all your vids!

[@AlamoMusic]

You're welcome!

[@dwightlowes]

Chris you do amazing videos I appreciate that 🤩

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you like them!

[@dwightlowes]

Absolutely

[@steveg219]

Another great video! By far my favorite is the 818 but then again I bought one of those from Alamo so that’s what I like :-)

[@AlamoMusic]

Right on!

[@texhaines9957]

Great comparison, Chris. Love my 812ce 12 fret DLX, 717e Bldrs Edition & thanks to you, 914ce LTD. I'll try those 816ce & 818ce someday.

[@AlamoMusic]

Right on!

[@Jordan.levesque]

After a couple years, which do you find you play the most? Do you still have all of them? I'm really intrigued by the grand concert series, to have something quite different than my J45 but equally enjoyable, as well as small for carrying around and comfort while playing. But am also conflicted because the grand auditorium seems like it would be so versatile, and probably still very different than my J45.

[@texhaines9957]

@@Jordan.levesque I have all of them AND an 816ce Builders Edition that does not interfere with hearing aids used by many in my audience. I also acquired a 512ce red Ironbark and Taylor Custom quilted Maple GA 9-string. With Lutz top. See Music Villa, Bozeman MT for more 9-string Taylor's. I typically have 2 guitars when I play , one in standard and one in open tuning. I also have a Gibson J-45, Martin Music Villa Custom Shop D-28s (12-fret) with Adirondack VTS top. The short scale guitars I can play all day (Grand Concert, 12-fret, Martin 000, etc). Too many fretting hand injuries and surgeries.

[@vegaa.1645]

For me the grand auditorium fits perfectly!

[@mramos.guitar]

Thank you so much for your video! You helped me a lot, definitely the GP 717 or 317 is what I'm looking for, very warmth and classic type of sounding. I do believe I will like GP better than the GA.

[@fredflinstone3173]

Chris, please use your massive influence and convince Taylor there is a market for a 112 12 fret with 1 3/4 in nut. Thanks Chris, you’re the best. 😬🙏🏻 ps I could convert that grand orchestra into a tiny home. pss another awesome video!

[@jettsom]

Wow, the 818 sounds very good with fingerpicking

[@reverb508]

On paper, the 717 is the perfect guitar for me, but the 814 kinda stole my heart in this demo. Sounds great strummed, sounds great finger picked, has a full low end (by Taylor standards anyway), and looks fantastic. I do kinda wish they made the DLX in sunburst though.

[@Tigerex966]

Thanks

[@dwightlowes]

Absolutely LoovveeeE them I need one of each please!!$$$$

[@AlamoMusic]

Do It! - Palpatine - The Senate

[@jr4chargers]

Very informative video, thank you! Also, you should make some tabs for that slow song that everyone seems to be asking you about. Would be amazing! lol :)

[@AlamoMusic]

Hopefully soon!

[@dwightlowes]

I’ve had a Martin on order for 3 months the more I look at reviews and see videos. I’m thinking of changing my order.

[@PatchMeThru2CTU]

Which Martin and what Taylor has you changing your mind? I have some of each, so curious

[@tomokra]

don't ...

[@dwightlowes]

PatchMeThru2CTU GPC 13e

[@billbailey9833]

This was a very good video. Thank you. It was extremely educational to see how body shape effects the sound. Where can you get tabs for the songs you play? They're beautiful.

[@AlamoMusic]

That's actually an original.We may have tabs soon!

[@maykolllopez1585]

I can tell you really like the Grand Concert shape haha

[@razachandna7905]

Great video! Could you do one for Martin guitars?

[@AlamoMusic]

That's a good idea will pass this on!

[@ryanbloom1738]

If they make a 617 I would buy one.

[@gabrielguitartube]

Can you describe the difference between 717e & 818e ? (maybe a video about that). Thank you. Your videos are the best 👍🏻

[@AlamoMusic]

Noted! Thanks!

[@A-Wa]

cant choose between grand symphony and grand auditorium. both sound great but unique

[@AlamoMusic]

It's a hard choice! (:

[@markmuch1295]

Now that Taylor no longer makes the 810 mine from 1998 will become a collector's item. Why did they stop making the 810 ? I love mine.

[@srqpdq6697]

Any reason why the GP's don't come with pick guards ?

[@auxorion]

7:41 Taylor: "It's like walking out on a bright summer day, in the middle of the afternoon. Everything is like in hi-def, right? All the light is brilliant and white and you can see clear definition of everything that you look at... whether it's a droplet of water or leaves on a tree. But if you stay out until the sun starts to come down, as dusk comes around... everything softens. The light becomes orange and red... and the definition of things begin to soften as well. The trees kind of take on this WHOLENESS to them, rather than seeing all the individual little things that make them up. That's what you get out of this guitar." Eric Andre: "What in the goddamn hell are you talking about?"

[@ajca69420]

The bracing design just makes the guitar more expensive! Lol!

[@pndamonium1241]

Hello Chris, where could someone find the tabs to the beautiful melodies that you play?

[@AlamoMusic]

Currently no where but we may make some soon! They're originals (:

[@texhaines9957]

@@AlamoMusic that way YOU have the copyright or more like it, you don't infringe on any

[@myomy2009]

Is it possible to get the 818 as a cut away?

[@SJ-ik2xw]

Anybody else watching this in 2020?

[@AlamoMusic]

We are...

[@jdog_unchained8098]

2022!

[@istvantoth7431]

Do you guys ship those badass Alamo tshirts to the UK??

[@emmawebber9438]

@Istvan Toth, I can verify that they do, as I have the, 'Guitar Nut' tee-shirt, and they are very good quality too, the kind that will last years and hundreds of washes. Hope that helps, and have a great weekend.

[@istvantoth7431]

@@emmawebber9438 thanks Emma, appreciate it!

[@--Bride]

Theirs alot of information but to keep things rlly simple, what do u recommend what shape and size do I get?! I'm 16 I'm interested in playing finger style/strumming, basically an all round guitar that does it all. I love to play cover music and my prize range is around $200 - $250 or so. Is their any recommendation around that prize range point

[@AlamoMusic]

Here are a couple recommendations. Since you're a beginner you'll probably do well with any quality guitar. Their are shapes that people like for fingerpicking like parlor style, but you can play any style with any guitar. I also put a link for a classical guitar. Classical guitar's have a very nice fingerpicking tone! (: www.alamomusic.com/yamaha-fs800-acoustic-guitar/ www.alamomusic.com/cordoba-c3m-6-string-acoustic-nylon-string-guitar-natural/

[@AlamoMusic]

Let us know what you decide on (:

[@youkilledkenny85]

Taylor 254ce review pleaseeeeeeee

[@AlamoMusic]

Will pass this on!

[@zihaoliu605]

my body is telling me 812ce, but my mind told me 814...

[@maykolllopez1585]

You know man, I love your content to death... but you lost me at trees, lights and dusk for the Grand Pacific lol still love your stuff though

[@tim-hypnotherapist]

Why do they put frets where your hand cannot go?

[@AlamoMusic]

LOL

[@maykolllopez1585]

You know man I love your content to death but you lost me at trees for the Grand Pacific lol

[@jonm4259]

does anyone know what the demo songs are?

[@jr4chargers]

I've been looking for the slow one he plays. It sounds amazing. He said on one of his videos that he doesn't really know, because he just heard it somewhere. lol I think the other ones are originals. :)

[@jonm4259]

@@jr4chargers alright i have to figure it out using the video and ear lol

[@jr4chargers]

@@jonm4259 Same here haha Quite a few people have been asking for the slow one, so hopefully he will someday make tabs for it. lol

[@terrytosh7678]

@@jr4chargers I think I heard Chris say once that he heard Andy Powers playing that fingerpicking beauty. Maybe Chris will verify that?

[@AlamoMusic]

Chris plays originals for copyright reasons (: Also because they sound amazing!

[@ilandiamond]

Are you related to Andy ??

[@Wistbacka]

Lol.. 800-series... My wallet ran away. Great video though!

[@dwightlowes]

Limited for they Lefty😩

[@fpdawson]

During the second demo song, I don't understand why you didn't continue playing the exact same snippet for each model. With the Grand Pacific, and the Grand Symphony, you played completely different parts of the song. Kind of ruins the comparison.

[@77guitarts22]

717 was my favourite... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGmrl5iLiLB6m7c That's why I got the AD17, really amazing sound for an affordable price. It becomes my favourite sounding out of all the Guitars in my collection and that I've tried and demo on my channel.