Taylor Guitars 810-B

The features of the 2000 810B's are similar to the classic 810's of that year. The primary differences are mid-grade englemen spruce top to go with a B-grade Brazilian rosewood back and sides. As mentioned in other reviews, a special Bob Taylor 'legends of the fall' signature on the back. Very basic (a good thing), clean cut looking guitar, not too many fancy appontments. Regular 810 inlay, white binding, Abalone rosette, gold grover tuning machines, etc.

Unfortunately, I'd have to rate this as a "7" for features only becasue i belive that it should be judged on a higher standard. Belive me, if we're comparing this against a HD-28, or 35, this thing scores a 15, but we're not, we're talking Brazilian baby! We can't compare apples to raisins. Due to the scarcity and subsequent cost of Brazillian, the piece on the back of my guitar is not highly figured, and appears to be new-growth wood rather than the coveted old-growth... we're not talking sap-wood, but just newer growth. Also, the headstock veneer is regular East Indian rosewood, and not a matching brazilian piece.

i have been playing guitar for over 11 years, and have owned a number of different guitars in pursuit of a keeper... Some Cheesy noname -> a bunch of takamines, a 412CE, a few larivees, rainsong, a 714(for 1 day). I play mostly at my church and have had an opportunity to play many different high end guitars (tons of martins and other taylors), and this is by far the most balanced guitar i've ever played. The Brazillian gives it a nice deep resonating sound, while the engleman provides a mellow tone that sounds mature. I've had a few novices with less than discerning ears and unwise lips pick up the guitar and have heard them say that it sounds "twangy"... but that's probably why they are novices... this is definately the type of sound that separates the men from the boys... or the women from the girls... to be PC. I rate the sound as a 10... but that is only because i cannot rate it a 39! Strumming or flatpicking, attacking or intimate, this guitar can do it all and make your knees buckle at how awesome it sounds.

Taylor quality, fit and finish... nuff said. I know that there are still doubters out there insisting that higher quality must equal a guitar built buy some dude using his bare hands and a hammer to create a guitar with a dovetail joint; or a guitar manufacturer that utilizes machinery, but only produces 100 per year because of a limited buisiness model. Are the markets a bit over exposed to Taylor? yes probably, but i don't know if any manufacturer uses as sophisicated and precision oriented method to create a consistant, durable, efficient, and quality workmanship. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the luthiers out there and the smaller manufactures of quality guitars out there and hope that both of those groups thrive in the future... but when was the last time you paid double or triple the price for a computer because the microprocessor was hand made, or for a car because, it had an eight-track? The fusion of good materials, smart luthiers, and technology create great guitars... perfect? not always, but still among the best. a 10!

i've owned this guitar for a number of years now and have not had any issues with it. once again, i put this thing through the riggors of sunday services, and my personal playing times... not quite the same as a smoky night club, but i do give this thing a good workout. I've had no issues with any of the hardware or finish. I had one minor issue where i had the guitar in it's case in a comprimising position, and the neck cracked when i dropped the case... no problem here because of the bolt-on neck; the work was covered under warranty because of a defect in the neck... (one again, no one is perfect on this side of eternity)

The customer service guys are great. I called them to get some info on the actual guitar itself and they were able to tell me everything about it. Also, when i had a warranty repair to be done, the did it with a relatively quick turnaround time. They are a bit tough to get a hold of at times because they are west coast, and i'm an impatient east coaster who wants someon on the phone at my convienence... but they do return all phone calls.

I have been playing for 11 years, i currently own a 412CE a rainsong DR 1000 and a cheap strat. I compared this against a Taylor 910, Martin HD28GE, and Collings D2... this one won out because of its overall value... c'mon brazillian, engleman, taylor quality at that price? GOOD NIGHT! The others were all priced at hundreds to thousands more than this one. I honestly believe that this axe has a similar if not better tone than the others. This did not have the 'bells and whisles' that the others did, but when i am playing guitar, i'd rather be able to close my eyes and be lost in it's sweet tone, than mesmerized by staring at it (although it's still no dog). I was really surprised to have been able to have had access to this due to its scarcity. The store where i purchased it kept it in mint condition, and has a tendency to have secret treasures waiting "in-the-back" for those who are serious buyers... which i appreciate. The one thing i hate about this guitar is the tension i get when others ask me if they can play it.. i usually try to play it cool but am burning with anger when someone has the audacity to disrespect my axe. This thing is a pure guitar and comes with everything you NEED not necissarily want.. I just wish it had a better looking piece of brazillian. You get what you pay for... this thing has two - four thousand dollar tone and a two thousand dollar look.

1995 Taylor 810 Brazilian Engelmann Spruce top-no electronics

This is one of the best all around guitars I've played- it projects with banjos and mandolins and responds to player dynamics when finger picked or flat picked.

The action on this guitar is easily adjustable using the truss adjustment instructions from Taylor. I have set it up for my particular playing style and it responds beautifully. The construction and quality of material is excellent on the 810 model!

I have complete confidence in this guitar for all playing applications.

Excellent customer support by calling Taylor customer support.

After two years of playing the 1995 Taylor 810 Brazilian preceeded by 10 years of playing a 1951 Martin D-28 and and 1964 D-28, both absolutely awesome guitars, I remained very impressed with 810-B (Engelmann Spruce top). I purchased this guitar from Gruhn in Nashville for $2150. Compared to what I would have to pay for a 1951 or 1964 D-28, there is no comparison! The Taylor "hangs" with the Martins in every category- tone, playability, volume (a banjo killer), but responds well to player dynamics. The only concern I have is its current worth, that is what people are paying on E-Bay, etc., and even my own puchase price. This guitar is an absolute bargain even with B grade Brazilian, though it has an excellent appearance. I'm so impressed with the Taylor 810 Brazilians that I contacted Taylor to help me find the sold out 2003 Fall Limited Edition with a much higher grade of Brazilian and Sitka spruce top. They were quick to respond and found a dealer within 200 miles who had one unsold. I won't state the price, but it was an unbelievable bargain compared to other brazilian models (Martin, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, etc.) Though it is too soon to effectively evaluate this guitar, I can tell you it "thunders!"

A non cutaway Dreadnaught with Brazillian Rosewood back and sides, Engleman Spruce top, white binding, inlays, special signature inlay on back and delux case. I don't quite know when it was made- year 2000 or 2001 I think, though I can't find any record of an 810B being in the catalogue on Taylor's website (an 810BCE yes).

I would give the features 9. Why not 10? Well the rosewood isn't exactly a good looking piece of timber (there are a couple of knots in the wood, and the grain isn't straight).

Well what can I say! I traded in my Lowden O10c for this. I don't have any electronics fitted, instead buying it solely on the strength of its acoustic voice, and I think thats the way its going to stay. The main reason I traded in my Lowden was that I do all sorts of styles- rock strumming to "fingerstyle" (oh how I hate that word!) My Lowden would do fingerstyle very well but would sound absolutely hideous strummed. I played this Tayor in the shop and it handled everything I threw at it. Everything just sounds stunning- well balanced, loud, full of harmonics, really sweet. Anyone who buys one I would recommend to stay with the Elexir mediums it comes with- I tried 12's but they just flapped and sounded reticent. A change to 13's quickly restored the monstrous sound back again, with only a little sacrifice in ease of playability.

As hinted at above, the action is superb. My Lowden was an absolute beast to play (I had to fight it everytime I picked it up, and it only had light strings on!) The Taylor just plays like a dream- very low action, narrow neck, but hardly any rattle or buzz, and the neck did not feel unduly narrow after the enormous neck on my Lowden.

This guitar is such a looker that I'm a bit worried about gigging it now. However, it looks like it will stand a few knocks (my Lowden certainly didn't!) Having a second strap button is also a bonus- it makes the guitar look very cool when strapped on me!

I was a little disappointed that I did not have the warranty card to fill in and send back, if only to get the chance to tell Taylor how pleased I am, though maybe there are different warranty arrangements here in the UK. I've heard lots of talk about how Taylor take back guitars with splits and broken necks and repair them completely free of charge (even if it is the owners fault) but I'm left wondering how this will work being in the UK. Lets hope I don't get to find out!

This is my dream guitar. Since buying it I have hardly touched my other guitars or basses (a very nice Patrick Eggle electric being one of them). I think the dreadnaught shape (without cutaway) is one of the nicest guitars in the Taylor range. It might not be the obvious choice for fingerpickers but it is comfortable to play and has a wonderful sound, with the bonus that when you do need to strum it it will sound even better. I compared it to an equivalent spec'ed Martin (don't know what model), and I was seriously tempted by that. If I had won the lottery I would have bought both, but in the end it was Taylor's marginally more balanced sound and better reputation that swung it.

This is a US made guitar with nice finish and superb sound.
It looks good. I am pleased with the neck...seems to fit my hand well.

Beautiful sound...and that's what I am after, along with playability.

I think one fret is a tad high, but that could be more my geographical area, being very dry..maybe there has been a bit of shrinkage. I must admit I don't like the jointed Taylor neck's appearance..though I understand that it is secure and strong...still, I would prefer it to be made from one piece of wood. To get at the truss rod adjuster, one screw has no wood to bit into..the cover has only one screw holding it in. Not a big deal, but surprising.

time will tell

I like the toll-free number. I did make one call to inquire about the jointed neck, and the guy in sales answered my questions, albeit sounding perplexed with what I thought was a valid question (I have never seen a jointed neck before). They have very good information included in the case: how to set up, dry weather, wet weather, a truss rod tool...etc. Very good on this.

I have played for about 20 years, for recreation. I have, and have had lots of gear. I like this guitar. That is the bottom line, when all is said and done. Overall, I rate it a ten because you get a solid Brazilian back and side guitar, USA/well built, for less than three grand. That is a bargain any day.

Made in 2001, with Brazillian rosewood sides and back (three piece) and Engleman Spruce top. At first I didn't think I'd like the Engleman spruce, since it has less visual "charactor" than Sitka spruce, but I've already grown very fond of it's creamy, smooth appearance, and of course the tone this wood combination puts out is unbelievable. I do have my asthetic reservations about the new Taylor NT neck, which comes in three pieces (my Taylor 614C from 1997 has an "old fashioned" one piece neck). Seeing a dove tail joint on the neck just below the headstock is a little disconcerting.... The gold Grover tuners are very nice, as is the high gloss finish. I would also like to see a locking clasp on the deluxe case....

Unbelievable... Rich rich tone, great sustain, amazing balance from highs to lows. I am completely taken in by this guitars sound and balance....

The action "out of the box" was superb. The finish was perfect, all inlays (including that funky something on the back) are perfect. The 810B is straight acoustic - no amplification.
One of the most impressive aspects of this particular guitar is the bookmatched sides and back. Brazillian rosevood has much more figure to it than Indian rosewood, and the Brazillian Rosewood sides of this guitar have alot of charactor all the way around the sides, which are perfectly matched. The three piece back has a gorgeous dark center piece of Brazillian rosewood, surrounded by two perfectly matched outside pieces of lighter colored Brazillian Rosewood. Althogether a visually stunning instument that can just be stared at for 15 minutes before picking it up to play....

Being a relatively new guitar, I'm guessing that this is a solid guitar, but the proof will be in the playing and living with it over the next 30 years....

I've spoken extensivly with the techs in CA and the regional sales rep for my area, and they've all been nothing but patient, helpful, and seemingly genuinley interested in their product and in my satisfaction.

I've been playing acoustic guitar now for about 20 years. I currently own another Taylor (614C - amazing guitar - looks, sound, you name it), but I've owned in the past Martins, Guilds, etc. I did my homework before buying this baby, so I wound up educating the sales guy a little. If this guitar were lost or stolen, i'd take my insurance money and buy another one - no questions asked... I think Taylor is really on to something big the way they are producing these instruments...

I this made in the USA. A wonderful guitar that really exemplifies the kind of workmanship that goes into a Taylor. This is the Solid Sitka Top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. The bridge and fingerboard is ebony. It has very good, but quaint inlay work around the rosette, fingerboard, and headstock. It PLAYS GREAT. Infact, one of my friends picked it up and said thought the action felt like an electric. I bought this new by the way. I got it for a song and dance at $2000 plus tax ($2100 total) and it has been well worth it. Far superior to the Martin D-18 I have played in the past. I love this guitar. My only disappointment is that after about a month of ownership, the bridge began to pull back, but I applaud Taylor on a speedy and quality warranty repair. It also has the Bob Taylor signiture on the back--my buddy calls it "the artist formorly known as Bob" because it looks like that Prince squiggly thing. Great AXE is all I have to say. I put a fishman rare earth humbucker in it and have been most satisfied with it. The bone saddle also makes a great difference. Included case

Its great for my fingerstyle and acoustic rock playing. Tone quality is unparralled. Also very good for recording. Martins tend to be really bassy, but the Taylor is very even. My string choice is GHS Phosphor Bronze. Use those and you'll never go back. Don't bother trying the D'addario Phos. Bronze. They lasted only two days

Action is perfect. Can't complain a bit. Even after they glued the bridge back on it was fine. The nut can be problematic with larger guage strings because it is made of tusq and doesn't want to let go of the strings sometimes, so you have to "prompt it" As previously mentioned I had bridge trouble with it, but they said it could happen if the glue mix was bad that day or if it got a little hot.

This guitar is really great all around, but the finish is delicate, so caution is always advised. Don't drink and play! I have used it on gigs without worries, Finsh is good, but its so well polished that it will show every little scratch. Pins and buttons are solid.

AAAAAAA+++++++++++++ on the lifetime limited warranty. It was repaired under warranty.

Well, you get the idea. I LOVE IT!!!

2000 Limited "Legends of the Fall" 810-B Dreadnaught.Replaced Sitka Spruce Top with Englemann Top.No Electronics.Standard.Gloss finish.Brazilian back and sides.Great Case

Classic.Cross between nice D-28 with a D-35 high end shimmer.Great sustain.(Is there an invisible reverb unit in there?).AMAZING overtones,best I've heard.Puts the standard 810 to shame.

Flawless finish and fit.Taylor has nailed the production method.So much so that I bought this expensive guitar without playing it.I NEVER do that.With a Taylor,I was very confident that it would perform right.It did and does.3 piece brazilian back looks like a Martin D-35 on steroids.Just beautiful

Looks tough.Time will tell,but it looks ready to be with me for the next 30 years.

Best in biz.EVERY call to them is returned.They sent me for FREE, a spare Tusq saddle and nut for lower action gigs.Even sent me a free pickguard for my baby Taylor.I don't think Martin,Gibson or Takamine will even pick up your call.The best customer support

Pro player 25 years.Have played em ALL.Don't even think about it.These are the best.Sounds slightly immature,(as expected)but 5-10 years from now,this will be classic release.Good luck finding one.Brazilian backs are tougher to find than most tonewoods.If you see one advertised,grab it! Great job Taylor.

All solid wood. Brazillian rosewood back and sides, Engelmann spruce top. Beautiful wood. Two-piece back with inlaid Celtic(?) symbal on the back under heel. Other 810 appointments are the same - gloss finish except for peg head, new NT neck, gold Grover tuners, diamond inlays, abalone soundhole, white & black binding, dreadnaught body, 1 & 11/16" width neck, medium strings, deluxe hard shell case, no amplification. This Taylor instrument has an 810 model number, but in truth is a totally different instrument. I would put amoung their actual highest-end dreads without seeming too gushy.

I give this FEATURES catagory an 8 only because it is not as ornate as the Taylor $7,000 to $10,000 special presentation models we dream about.

Oh, baby! That's why you buy this one. Blows the standard 810 Sitka/Indian away, and any other model I played in the store. My sense is this edition can compare with all Taylor models just "shy" of their most expensive, aged, tone woods on their highest-end models. But you'd expect that.

Play softly, play hard, do bluegrass, do Bach -- doesn't matter. It responds. Full bodied, great sustain, full bottom mid and top. Rich aural sensitivity, perfect balance over all registers, precise intonation. One of those instruments that you don't forget when you walk away from it...you've been there.

It plays like butter, action so nice you even feel comfortable doing fingerstyle. Play it fast or slow, you're in control. You're the driver. Fabolous finish, matched bookmarks, excellent workmanship.

Ummmm, what can you say about a high-end Taylor when it comes to general reliability/durability. You just give it a 10.

Taylor is known for it's superb support. So her we go with another 10.

I've been playing about 35 years. If you are aware of acoustic guitars, then you are aware of Taylor, or you live in a tree house. So how many reviews of any Taylor have you ever read that fall below an 8.5?

These 810B (Brazilian) guitars are real keepers -- if you can find them, that is. I guess nothing is perfect, except maybe a high-end Taylor???

Yes, I'd like to see a 1&3/4 (12/16th) neck on it, but a 1&11/16th is a standard width for a dread. (I understand Taylor 2001 models will all have wider necks). But the "2000 810B" series is what it is, and that's the why it is.

One does not play one of these, and then turn away from it, just because of a 1/16" difference in neck width -- and live with that decision...nope.

This is the Fall 2000 25th anniversary limited edition 810B with Brazillian rosewood sides and back and Engelmann spruce top (all solid wood of course). The wood on this guitar is magnificent. It has a two-piece back with the sharp Taylor emblem on the back that further distinguishes this guitar from normal 810s. The other appointments are the same: gold Grover tuners, diamond inlays, abalone soundhole, white binding, dreadnaught body, new neck, 1 11/16 width neck, Elixir medium strings, really nice deluxe case. I'm not really into fancy adornments on guitars such as the Martin d45, Taylor 9-series/presentation series, or hi-end Larrivees, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to this one. Simple, yet elegant.

I elected not to get the CE version, because I didn't want a big Brazillian hole on the side of my guitar. So I installed the LR Baggs dual source pickup on this guitar and it works great.

I play mostly praise music for church as well as some flatpicking-type music. I'm going to compare the sound with my 8 year old Taylor 410 (which I love) simply because I am most familiar with it. It has a deeper and fuller sound than my 410. I love Brazillian rosewood. Doesn't sound as bright which I think is due to the combination of Engelmann spruce and the Elixir medium strings. Also sounds good amplified through the house PA system or nice acoustic amps.

One of the biggest reasons I like Taylors is the playability. Great setup and action. The finish on this guitar is flawless, as should be for a $2000+ guitar.

I would rarely gig without a backup since I tend to break strings at the worst times possible. I am predicting that this a rock solid guitar based on the reputation of my 410 over these years.

Taylor has great customer support. I love the Wood & Steel publication and my guitar comes with a lifetime warranty.

I've been playing guitar for 8 years now. I also own an old Taylor 410 and an upgraded/modified cheap strat copy.

If it were stolen, I would have a hard time finding another since there were less than a hundred made.

This is the nicest guitar I could ever wish for. It is the holy grail of guitars for me... at least until the next one comes. The guitar should also open up with time and sound even better. I'm also hoping that scarcity of this guitar will increase it's value.

I also looked at the Martin HD28 (very nice) and Collings D1 (even nicer).