Which Baritone Should Quinton Buy - Taylor 326ce 8-String or 6-String??

[@altbouch]

I have the 8 string Taylor. It is the most amazing guitar I have ever owned. For ringing cowboy chords, it has no match. I recorded a whole album with it as the foundation of the basic tracks. The reaction from my fans has been overwhelmingly positive.

[@ahuman7403]

What's that album you recorded name of your band and album ???

[@jesse-kimes]

Have you tried removing the octave strings from the 8-string to get the best of both worlds?

[@hutchmusician]

@@jesse-kimesAwesome hack. Then put an arch bridge on it, take off the frets and play it with a bow. BOOM instant cello.

[@nicgundy]

The 8 String's BACK!!!!!! I've low key eyed on that one for the past 7 years & got to play one 6 years ago phew what an experience!!

[@landonmatthew]

after listening to your jam session, i genuinely think the 8 works great for you. but you convinced me to buy the 6! i’ll probly go with the guild tho.

[@kylekromer8047]

WOW! How did I go this long without really looking into a baritone. I love bass and this is almost like having a bass built into your guitar, so cool.

[@evansmith7359]

In 2012, I bought the Taylor 6-string Baritone (Spruce top with Rosewood back and sides) before it was discontinued. For my context and background, my Baritone has given me the versatility that I've needed from it. There certainly has been no shortage of inspiration from it and I strongly believe that every guitar player should have a Baritone acoustic in their arsenal. My application is worship band (drums, EG, BG, and keys, but also acoustic sets), and while I knew the 8-string would work in that setting, I have felt more comfortable with the 6. I know I'm at the mercy of whoever mixes the band, so I go with what I like to hear when unplugged. Also, when songs are done in band to suit the lead vocalists' ranges and the songs are done in the key of E or F, I can capo it at the 2nd or 3rd fret and use my comfortable G-shapes (it also gives it that drop-tuned feel). I also have two Shubb cut capos (one for 3 strings and the other for 5 strings) to give my guitar that drop tuned feel without having to adjust my standard tuned acoustics. I have also found that the 6-string plays better with other acoustics and I've recorded it with two other standard tuned acoustics (one at capo-4 and the other open) creating a rich sonic pallette. The 8-string takes up more sonic space so I would assume it would have more limitation with other acoustic stringed instruments such as banjo and mandolin. I have no doubt that the 8-string would fit in very nicely with keys, EG, BG, and drums or as a standalone! This is just my two cents worth. But given your talent, I know you could make either work!!!

[@landonmatthew]

amazing content this is so helpful! also very relaxing to sit and watch your reviews. very enjoyable.

[@tonymac7272]

I know I'm going agaisnt the "grain" from most other comments on here but I love the 6 string and to me its better than the 8. The 8 is great but sometimes more options isn't necessary. I try to keep things simple. I've played the 6 string one at my local shop, Tone Tailors and it spoke to me. Either way Quinton you will make these guitars sing. It's so much fun watching you and Paul on these videos. Good luck on your choice!

[@tonymac7272]

@ that's a great point. I agree 100%.

[@irtjames14]

I have a 8 string custom baritone and love it! The double string in the two middle strings give it the little bit of the jingle sound that I really like!

[@jesse-kimes]

Have you tried removing the octave strings from the 8-string to get the best of both worlds?

[@irtjames14]

​@@jesse-kimesI have not, do you prefer without the two octaves?

[@dibuccio]

8 string for the win. Bonus alert, you can use it as a 6 string as well...

[@Calatriste54]

Yep, that's the decision I'd make, (gettin the rollin pin aside). More variability, shimmer, bright to balance the depth. Both guitars are only Taylor's of my interest..

[@Sharakomusic]

You'd have to change the nut and bridge..

[@lettucetim]

@@Sharakomusic why

[@JoesBrandonomics]

@@lettucetim the middle two double sets are positioned symmetrically. so if you removed the higher octave on each set, the lower octave string will not be centered like a regular 6 string guitar.

[@hutchmusician]

⁠@@JoesBrandonomicsSo what if the string courses aren’t evenly spaced? It’s a matter of a millimetre or two, and you play them just fine when the other two strings aren’t missing, so why would you struggle when they are?

[@davidbarba4976]

I believe the 8 string would encourage new ideas and who doesn’t want that, not to mention it sounds wonderful.

[@cabinnette]

Hi Guys - I was in a dealer's shop when the (2010) 8-String arrived way back in the day, myself and the sales guys agreed it was a thing of beauty but way beyond our pocket at the time. A few years later, they were trying to make space for more of the Taylor range (not just one-offs) so managed to snaffle this one. Even bumped into U2's Edge at a CHIC gig in Dublin (2013) and ranted about the wonder of the baritone guitar, still have it years later, don't think I'll part with it ever, far too unique.

[@mikew9537]

I'm primarily a strummer, so it was hard for me to make a good judgment. I do wish there would have been more strumming, and strumming more center of the sound hole, or even slightly forward to get more of the low end growl. I'm sure pickers have their good reasons for playing more behind the sound hole, but for strumming and especially on Taylors that really accentuates the brightness of the guitar.

[@silverhanddad7107]

The 8 string is definitely more distinct from a standard guitar. It’s the winner for me.

[@stephenblyskal5666]

I played both of these at my store. I went with the six string version for two reasons. One, my fingers are long enough to handle the longer scale length but not strong enough to consistently hold down the extra strings. Two, I use a capo extensively with it and could not find one that would hold down all the eight strings. I finally got one of the new Taylor capos with a similar design to what you showed in your video. The curve of the clamping piece is matched with the neck curve of Taylor guitars. Voila I have a great capo that requires minimal retuning!

[@thomasgaida7174]

Before buying a baritone 8string guitar I would experiment with downtuning my 12th string guitar. I have seen that John Pearse is offering a set of 12th strings specially for downtuning to C#. Maybe one can get it even lower.

[@MrHeliosoul]

As much as I wanted to like the 8 string, the six string definitely sounds more pleasing to the ear. Something about the extra strings causes this annoying mosquito like buzz that washes over the base notes in an unpleasing way. Single notes on those two doubled strings lack definition. The six string also seems to better compliment your playing style brother.

[@bvs5164]

My 326e has served me well.If playing with others is the priority go 6 string, if playing alone 8 string will inspire you more...get the 6 now and a 12 string Bari down the road. Good luck its a win win.

[@toddbeeman5933]

I have a 6 string Baritone I got a few months ago. I've been obsessed with it ever since. I'm not a huge fan of the 8 string, but that's just my personal feeling. Some days it's difficult to show any of my other acoustics the love they deserve because they're "just" standard E. Haha. I'm excited for you, sir Quinton!

[@andymartin740]

The way you play, which is great, I didn’t hear anything distracting on the 8 string. They both sound great. The 8 does give it that other dimension though.

[@AndyDion]

I’d go for 8 string. Like the shimmer of the d and g strings

[@Papayajoseph]

I loved your playing with that 8 string koa baritone. That was magical.

[@michaelenosmusic]

I love it. They sound brilliant.. and you sound great playing it.. I want one too. I think if you can do it and the checkbook agrees.. just go for it with the 8 string..

[@jerrycoursey7320]

Quitin They both sound great I lean a little more toward the 8 string Has that extra little shimmer I think you can’t go wrong with either one, Enjoy your picking Jerry from Ga.

[@Papayajoseph]

The 8 string is like a different creature that evokes a certain mood. Certainly stands out in a mix.

[@cordellg1966]

I use a standard Shubb capo on my Baritone-8. But I used latex tubing to make two rings that stretch over the shank of the capo to fret the octave strings. Cheap solution that is durable and easy to replace if needed. Works great.

[@MauriceCondie]

The 8 string sounds great. Fuller sound. However less good if you want to play finger style. The 6 string would focus melody or bass lines more precisely. Intonation could be an issue on the 8 string.

[@Cemilhan66]

As a single note, arpeggio picking finger style person, I would go for 6 string.

[@jeffreydann2949]

Hi Clinton, I tried an 8 string and found that it was great for writing almost a dark mid-evil parlor or chamber type music. Kind like a a haunting feel and dark ish love song instrument. Needless to say i did not keep my 8 string .It most certainly does not lend its self to blue grass in my opinion. I would if i was going to do it again always go with the 8 string.The shimmer as you called it gives the guitar a lighter vibe.No matter which one you pick i am sure you will put it to good use. I think you are a great player and can make any guitar come to life.Good luck with your choice.

[@ianwagnerunplugged]

I bought the 326ce-LTD 6 string a few months back. It is a creative instrument. Playing it is making me a better musician all the way around. One of my favorite things to do is capo the top 5 strings on the 2nd fret. Haven’t found the perfect capo for this, but am using a g7th brand 5-string capo in the meanwhile. This created a “drop-b” sound, and allows easy access to different voicings of some commonly used chords, like E, A, and B. Not ideal for playing in F... I still have much to discover. I’m sure you’ll enjoy either of them!

[@davesinsane]

If you got the 8 string, you could take off two strings and play it normally. The guitar is not different except you would have two unused tuning machines and bridge pins. But you essentially get more options with the 8 string. So for that, the 8 string is a bonus with no trade off

[@Bagginbush]

I bought an 326e 8 string (no cutaway) from Music Villa about two years ago. I'm a bit of a lazy learner. Not having a tenor vocal range, this was my solution to playing songs with traditional fingerings that I could actually sing. Quinton makes both tenors sound great. You will be happy with either one. As you have tutored us, you'll hear which one is speaking to you!

[@johnlind5819]

I love this line: "I'm a bit of a lazy learner". Aren't we all! Thanks, John Gig Harbor, WA

[@jesse-kimes]

Have you tried removing the octave strings from the 8-string to get the best of both worlds?

[@anthonyrighi9743]

Both sound amazing but the 8 string adds to the dynamic range of the baritone sound. If you play with other guitarists, I think it would be helpful to hear how each of them sounds in the mix of that ensemble. Just a thought.

[@jancalhoun5087]

I own Taylor 316 E eight string. Like it very much. A concern I have is that the higher octive string is "above" the fourth " bass" string. You hit it with your thumb "first" when playing finger style, which takes away much of the bass sound. Not able to switch them because the string slots on nut are cut for string size.(I tried.) I contacted Taylor, they have no plans to change the string order like they did on their 12 string, or make a nut with different slot order.

[@DavidSchmidt1]

Quinton, do you often play it with others in an acoustic (unplugged) setting? If so, the 326's may not have the volume you want. Get Paul to make another run of the custom GT-8 *dreadnought* (Indian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce). While not as warm sounding as met 326e-b8, it has the punch so others can actually hear it in an acoustic jam. Also, the BEST capo for the 8-string I've found is the Paige 12-string capo which comes with additional rings that slide onto the capo to extend further for the octave strings for even tension. I just put two of the collars on for the 8-string and that gives best sound.

[@A2an]

A difficult one, for strumming eight string for Finger pick six string, but it always sounds grate when Quinton plays 👍

[@charlesamery-behr3153]

Both the 6 & 8 strings have a standard 1 3/4" nut, so you could easily convert the 8 to a 6 with a new nut (and maybe saddle) if you ended up not liking it.

[@michaelhuebner2413]

On my Guild 8 string I think I could simply skip the two octave strings to make it a 6 string, as far a I can see the separation on the main strings is allmählichste same. Infill try next time I change strings

[@michaelkaicher9569]

@@michaelhuebner2413 Hello. I'm just beginning my exploration into baritones and I'm super curious whether this is possible/practical. Did you ever try this out? Is the spacing equal, and if not, did it interfere with normal play? I'm also wondering whether there are any significant construction differences between the 6- and 8-string models. Would the reduced tension alter the tone significantly, etc.? Appreciate any feedback!

[@michaelhuebner2413]

I recently restrung my 8 String Guild and left the octave strings off in the first place just to try it. It works nicely, no problem at all. But after 1 day I decided that I like the 8 String better, I was really missing the sound of the octave strings. Maybe I will do it again next time, I will see. Anyway with a little bit practice you can also skip the octave strings be doing an upstroke when picking. Another nice way to extend the tonal variety of this 🎸

[@kristinaelias3755]

8 string! You're playing it better & experimenting more, plus it sounds tremendous.

[@stevenotice2918]

Baritones are cool. I looked at the Taylor 8 but couldn’t afford it. I got an Ibanez baritone instead and it doesn’t sound half as good as the Taylor. But still it’s good to have a baritone especially if you write and sing. You can practice or record in a lower key without the need to transpose. The 8 string is even cooler, but make sure you can also play it comfortably as a 6 string. I had a 12 when younger but the novelty eventually faded so i took off all the doubles and just played it as a 6 string.

[@Darltornjacket]

Thanks for the video. I’m going for a Taylor 816 8 string baritone. Cheers

[@DoU12Rock]

I’ve been playing for a long time, I’ve also listened to your playing for a good amount of time. Contrary to what I have seen in the comments, I think you would me most happy with the six string. The eight string makes it a combo instrument. Go with the six I think it serves your playing style better.

[@LindaLooUK]

I think the 8 string adds an extra dimension that'll get the creative juices going a little more. I also prefer the sound of the 8 string as the 6 string sounds a bit dark and flat somehow.

[@robertshamansky1912]

Nice playing! Did you buy one of them? I would go 6. I already have a 555 that I tune down. Both baritones sound great though.

[@justice1606]

I bought the 8 string 326 last year. The G7 capo for 12 stringed guitars works beautifully. I love the guitar. I’m thinking of upgrading the electronics as I’ve never been a fan of the expression system.

[@jesse-kimes]

Have you tried removing the octave strings from the 8-string to get the best of both worlds?

[@justice1606]

@@jesse-kimes nope. I quite love those octave strings and probably wouldn’t have made the purchase without them.

[@ReeceTatarka]

I have a Washburn baritone, and to me they really shine in alternate tunings like DADGAD and Open D. The drone you get in thoss tunings is only amplified more and because you're tuning down it just keeps getting deeper. They're great for finger picking, where individual notes have more room to shine. Chords can get a bit muddy though.

[@drovja]

So, what’s DADGAD on baritone? AEADEA? Like Yoko Ono singing the word idea?

[@toddparfitt4358]

I just found this posting, probably too late now, but I used to have an old Martin D12 string that I would remove the octave strings from the low E, A, and also the B, and E, and play it in an 8 string configuration. It was a wonderful layering tool! If someone is torn between the 6 and the 8 string baritone, just remember that you can always remove the octave strings and play it as a six string if you can't afford both, especially if layering guitars in the studio. Cheers!

[@TheShaneGuy]

If it was me I would get the six string. The change to Baritone opens up enough new sonic territory for me than always having the octave strings there. Unless you bought the 8 and sometimes opted to not string the octave strings all the time. I love baritones and would want something that felt familiar to my standard 6 strings but the baritone gave me more sonic room to explore. That’s why I would buy the 6 personally. I would find the 8 string too different for my style of play to have them there permanently which would stop me picking it up as much as I would if it was 6.

[@stankerr6218]

It's a win-win! But I'd go with the 8-string. Here's why...it provides a depth to the sound when other guitars are involved (sounds like you frequently play with other musicians and a different sound makes it better). Did you do the blindfold test? How did you feel when you heard someone else play them? Enjoy!

[@davidglaser537]

Paul. You play well and I’ve watched you for a while in what you play and how you play. These are 2 lovely guitars that will make you really happy. I feel that you get a bigger kick in bouncing out of bluegrass to folk to blues. The 6 string to me sounds better with those styles of music. I’m not sure I find the 8-sting handles the blues as nicely as the 6. It gets a bit muffled mid way up the neck. The 8 sounds amazing in finger style folk and “new agey” triads you played. The 6 see,ms like a total winner. That said, if you have the best bluegrass guitar in the world - Martin D-28, why get another 6 string? Go big and different! In the end ask yourself what makes you the happiest when you play and that’s the one for you. Good luck! I happen to play a Martin D-28, and now have a new Taylor 614 ce. Damn,Taylor makes a fun playing guitar.! And they sound amazing!

[@charlesgalvin9533]

I love the extra dynamic of the 8 string. Both excellent but maybe weigh the number of 6 strings you own against the diversity of the 8 string. Love these videos.

[@JurBols477]

Interesting question; what to play on a baritone? Both these Taylors sound great played by Quinton! In a bluegrass band it could be a more melodic bass-line, a bit away from the banjo rolls and banji guitar playing. However nice the doubled 3rd and 4th string sound for my they would interfere with the playability of the total instrument. So unless you really know what you are going to do with the 8 string version, I would stick to a 6-string. If you like the Bose S1... I can recommend my personal setup: a Headrush Looperboard and the frfr108. The Looperboard gives a wide variety of sounds and effects for all types of instruments and even voice and the bass response of the 108 is amazing.

[@trisailing1]

I owned a 12 string Gibson for a while and loved the sound of it strumming, but at that point in my playing, it was very difficult to get clean individual notes. YOu are clearly better than I was back then, but I think the 8 string, which sounds similar to the 12 string when strumming sounds a bit weird in individual play, as well as going out of tune when capoed. Go for the 6 string baritone.

[@gingeoram]

I have an older Taylor 8 string baritone and it sounds beautiful. Just being a baritone makes it sound rich and with 8 strings It ads that chimey sound you mentioned. Sounds a little like there is a mandolin playing with you. The heaviness of the strings (which would apply to either model) is a little tiring for me but it doesn't slow you (Quinton) down at all. So my opinion would be to get the 8 string because it offers depth and chime so you'd be getting a more interesting difference from your standard guitars.

[@owenconnors9119]

6 string. finger picking and bar chords could really pose a challenge, especially during fast transitions. Plus, just seems more versatile.

[@dingalsbe88]

For your type of picking, get the 6 string... the 8 string does have that cool factor though.....

[@ronchappell216]

Any update on what Quinton did and what he thinks of it now??? Thanks!

[@MINNAZONA]

Always love your playing. I would recommend the 8 string simply because you could play the 8 string for a period of time, then remove the two octave strings and enjoy the baritone 6 string experience. Much like having two guitars and only having to explain one guitar to your wife....

[@michaelkaicher9569]

Hello. Obviously, this is a couple years old, but I'm just beginning my exploration into baritone guitars and this was one my first thoughts. Do you personally have experience playing an 8-string with the two octave strings removed? It seems like the most practical way to go, but I'm concerned about any potentially different engineering and construction differences between the 6- and 8-string models. From the photos, it looks like the 6 primary strings on the 8-string model are equally spaced at the bridge and nut, but I haven't been able to confirm this. Also, I'm curious how the reduced tension without the extra 2 octave strings affects the tone. Do manufacturers just swap out the bridge, nut, and headstock on otherwise identical guitars? Is the bracing/internal construction identical? Are the dimensions of the neck the same? Thanks.

[@Factless_Wonder]

Also curious...

[@markb7555]

Quintion you make these sound so awesome....added to the list

[@tgrift1]

I just love what the eight string added to the overall sound. Both sound great with your style of playing, but the eight string just had a little something extra to it. I think you should buy both and maybe let your wife get some extra shoes or whatever she likes.... lol

[@ematt98]

Would it be possible to remove the 2 octave strings on the 8? You could take em off when you don’t need em

[@thomascorbitt]

I had an 8 string baritone from Taylor a few years ago. It was really cool, looked great, sounded great, but I could never find the right use for it. So I sold it for an HD28V. It was a good deal when I found it, but I still wish I had a 6 six string baritone.

[@Shilling_guitar885]

I like the 6 string a little better .Sounds cleaner, smoother, rounder sound more distinct. The 8 string jangle is good too. maby get the 8 string and you can always take the extra 2 off and on depending on the sound you want.

[@texhaines9957]

That capo looks like the ones Taylor markets under their brand

[@dufferjuice]

I prefer the sound of the 6 string but both are amazing!

[@bsmetal]

@acoustic letter what capo is he referring to exactly?

[@dat7820]

They both sound great with your style of playing so I understand your dilemna. However, I would go with the 6 string. If you went with the 8 string, you'd likely always second guess your decision but not so if you went with the 6 string, because it sounds awesome and you'll be transfixed every time you play it. Like a 12 string, the 8 string is a bit of a novelty and you'd play it once in a while, when in the mood for that chime. I'd love to hear some drop tunings played on that 6 string baritone.

[@spotmfd9431]

The 8 string baritone is much more unique. The 8 string would be more difficult for me to play but someone at your level it should offer something different.

[@Diddithewerseck]

Dear Quinton, I would pefer the 8 String. It sounds kind of sublime but nevertheless down to earth. It blew me away.

[@charlesamery-behr3153]

Both Baritones sound amazing! I have a 12 string, so personally I prefer the 8-string for those beautiful chimey chords which complement the super bass notes. I can see your concern about bluegrass picking though. On the 12 string I have found you need to pick upwards to get the fundamental string rather than the octave. That is OK with a flat pick or finger nails (impossible with thumb nail). Quinton, I thought you would struggle with a thumbpick but your single notes runs o the 12-string still sounded clean, so maybe it isn't a problem. Doyle Dykes changes the order of the fundamental and octave strings so that the lower string is on top. Taylor does this with some of their newer 12-strings too, so that may be something to consider. I wonder if this would suit you more with a thumb pick? Either guitar would be great for experimenting with new sounds but there are maybe more options on the 8.

[@vaughnblaylock6069]

I'm having the same discussion with myself right now. I'm less a finger picker, and more a fan of drop tuned - Drop B/Drop C type tunings. I listen to a lot of Chevelle and other metal bands and really like an acoustic version of some of that music. I think that the 8 String may not be useful for that, but at the same time, I can certainly see where adding those additional two strings while I'm playing an acoustic version of Endlessly by Chevelle or Revenge would be really cool. I'm not a finger picker like this guy is - I am not nearly skilled yet as he is. What do you guys think?

[@BobPerrone]

I would go with the 8 string. I have a 6 string baritone, but after hearing the 8 string, that really offers such a unique sound. I personally compose primarily for 12 string (I'm a fingerstyle player) and I love the depth of tone that a baritone brings, but with the 8 string you can get a touch of shimmer that just helps lift and float your tone. That being said, I'm a solo instrumentalist, not a plectrum/bluegrass player so what I just wrote is probably worthless to you. Lol

[@russparker1647]

Very, very interesting comparison. I am making a jumbo baritone 6 at the moment. Not sure, but I might have decided on an 8 if I had seen this first. I can always make an 8 string after. Lol

[@TomasAWalker53]

Definitely the 8. The two octaves give the guitar a nicer fuller sound‼️

[@ftlaud911]

I would say 8 string. You already have I assume plenty of 6 strings. Both sound great and look spectacular.

[@pecosnick45]

As a bluegrass player, id want the 8. If i wanted a perfect solo machine id go with a Martin Dread. But the 8 offers up so many tonal possibilities for solo playing, or in a smaller intimate group. Id be playing less like Tony Rice and more like Roberto Della Vecchia. Meaning id go with chord tones and letting the guitar breathe. Would be curious to know what the verdict was.

[@skip4618]

what do you think about getting a 12 string (w standard tune) and leaving the off the octave strings except on the D and G… to get a shimmer but not overwhelmingly

[@giuliotoffano4763]

Go with the 8 and then you can always remove 2 strings if you feel so

[@sundaystrummer]

Buy the 6 string that would be my choice👍

[@texhaines9957]

And I ordered one of those long sleeve T-shirts. Wish it had a chest pocket.

[@MrHeliosoul]

Is that where you'd keep your extra picks Tex?

[@texhaines9957]

@@MrHeliosoul no extra pics. A monitor

[@MrHeliosoul]

@@texhaines9957 Oh, I see. I always seem to find extra pics in my shirts with chest pockets 😊

[@yogarich]

I prefer the 6 string. Better note clarity. I suspect it is also stylistically more versatile.

[@xxx-tj6cj]

How does it sound with normal strings?

[@tomldove]

The 8-string. No contest. I don't care for the thin sound of Taylor guitars much. I play a custom Patrick Raymond Jumbo 12-string primarily and a Martin or PRS 6-string as secondaries in jams for folk, traditional and bluegrass music, so we're in the same genre -- though you're infinitely better than I. The baritone range makes up for much of the fullness that 6-string Taylors lack and the extra two strings on the top add the brilliance you need to make a high melody line stand out. Taylors do have very nice playable necks, so fingering is probably not an issue.

[@vanrozay8871]

The doubled strings add a zing that seems to me to fit all styles. Can't go wrong, even in bluegrass.

[@maxwellfan55]

It's ok. He can get both now!

[@jimmyrayne5425]

I’m a metal guy I’m a guitarist not much of an acoustic player but I kinda like the idea of an 8 string acoustic guitar so that would more than likely pick the 8 string

[@terencejoy]

Which one is better for singing accompaniement ? 6 or 8 ?

[@LexingtonDaniel]

I've had my 326 8-string for about 2 years playing it as a second instrument in a Celtic group (mando being my primary). For me, the 8 is awesome for chord/strumming work but doing melody/single lines across the board gets weird as you transition from single to course and back. It's less of a deal if you work up-down the neck sticking to either the paired or unpaired strings.

[@LexingtonDaniel]

I use the Kyser 12-string acoustic capo on mine and it works pretty well.

[@bogart5131]

I noticed that in every guitar..... most often they sounds good when on G chord but they differ when on E chords...... on E chord, thats where i recognised which guitar sounds good......

[@jamesdykejr2980]

I really like the shimmer of the 8 string and wasn't aware Taylor made an 8 string baritone acoustic. Having not played that instrument I wonder about neck width? I use my baritone 6 strings to accommodate my vocal range on songs I write. As far as tone listening on a cell phone doesn't give me a real understanding of their capabilities. I like what I hear but would need real time experience to discriminate further.

[@TheAcousticLetter]

The nut width is 1 3/4"

[@reidkelly2730]

A friend I played with bought one, a six string, for us to use with another acoustic in a band- it turned super muddy in the mix. Sounded great solo or just with vocals, but with other guitars it was too muddy and boomy.

[@skookapalooza2016]

The 8 String is the more versatile instrument. If I could only have one, that would, hands-down, be my choice. Both guitars look stunning. I really don't see how you could go wrong with either.

[@ryanbloom1738]

I liked the six string.

[@DJWRailroad]

This has nothing to do with the volume, definition, clarity, etc of the 8 over the 6, nonetheless Doc, you just bought the 6-string! (2:37). Seriously, if you can afford the experiment or, rather, if YOUR wife will LET you afford that experiment, try something different, opt for the 8-string for a change up. I don't believe I've seen, watched or heard an 8-string in blue grass so, looking at that from a spectator's view, that would be interesting, entertaining. Could be personal perception but, briefly, that 8-string seems to have better volume, slightly better sustain. It just seems to produce a better overall, fuller sound. You're a powerful enough player that the 8-string could stand out in blue grass performances. Either way, we know you'll update us here on "the Letter" and give us a demo (blue grass of course).

[@briang768]

In my opinion, my ears prefer the six string, however, the octave strings sound fine and are not muddled on the single note runs.. My question, for you Quinton is how did they feel? You are usually quite vocal about a guitar's playability. My impression was that you looked as if you weren't playing very relaxed. Not a criticism, just my impression. Best of luck making your decision.

[@hamiltonmackenzie3340]

Furch Blue baritone - utterly exceptional guitar and cheaper xx

[@roymoderatto]

Change the nut & saddle on the 8 string and, voila! A Taylor Mandocello!

[@DomTianoJr]

I personally prefer the 6-string. I love the sound of the 8-string, of course........but, 6-string for me all the way.

[@henryjirsak6844]

As an late addition, a general idea would be to flip the paired strings on the 8 string, as some 12 string players do, maybe that would give it some favor in your ears🤠

[@guitarzana688]

Wow let me know which one you buy and I might grab the other as both are great! Just don’t tell my husband and I will not rat you out to your wife. I liked the bluegrass licks with the 8 string. The jangle added sparkle. The more bluesy lines seemed a bit muddy with the 8 string. Good luck as this is a tough all!🤔

[@6thwatergateplumber]

My personal preference is the six shooter. The 8 string thing is a play thing...goof around...it probably sounds great with Celtic music, and maybe DADGAD and a few other alternate tunings...I'd like to hear Tangled Up In Blue on that 8 string....to me it's like that Fender gimmicky thing they just introduced. It's got a place, but where who knows.

[@Factless_Wonder]

Can you just remove the octave strings and have it function and sound the same as the 6 string variant??

[@Bryan_Lion]

I’m currently facing the same same dillema. I just pulled the trigger on the 8 string because it’s uniqueness [edit: wow I didn’t realize how hard to find this model was. I’m convinced i bought the last one at the original price point]