Taylor Guitars 810

2000 model 810 dreadnought, made in El Cajon, CA. Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge. All solid wood. Gloss finish. Came with Taylor hardshell luggage. Very simple, yet classy and elegant design.

I'm mostly a bluegrass/country player, play in a lot of unamplified jam sessions. This guitar is perfect for the style, (and I expect any other style, really). Nice bass response, (but not overly boomy), with nice bright highs and clean mids. This guitar seems to be capable of a lot of different sounds, from pretty and bell-like to really booming if you want it to be. I disagree with the contention written by another poster that the sound is not "special." Being an extremely well built solid wood guitar, it definitely has some personality, and the sound will continue to get richer and more reflect the playing style of its owner the more it is played. Quite simply, it consistently sounds fantastic, and is certainly the equal of most other high-end guitars.

Needed a rod adjustment to suit my taste, which I had done before I took it home. Played very easy with nice action, I just wanted a little higher action to minimize buzzing when I flatpick hard. Finish is immaculate, bookmatching perfect, and the grain on the Spruce top is exceptional. Like some others here, I think maybe a nicer binding would have been appropriate in this price range, but the more I look at it, the more I appreciate its simple elegance. The binding is a minor thing.

I think this guitar will stand up well to most playing situations as long as you act responsibly with it. Like any guitar, if you're really rough with it, it will suffer. Take a reasonable precautions, and it should be fine.

Fantastic! I've called with tech questions several times and have always got to speak to someone. Always helpful.

Been playing off and on for around 20 years. Recently back into it heavily. Traded a Martin towards this one. If it were stolen, I would be heartbroken, and would definitely try to get another one. I compared this to other Taylors, Martins, Gallagher (a used one), and Alvarez. This one had the best, most-balanced sound. I can't pick a favorite feature, I like everything about it, but I guess the sound did the trick, (with its classy, clean appearance a close second).

this a 1995 taylor 810 dreadnought, with rosewood back and sides, spruce top, mahogany neck, bound ebony fingerboard. it has gold grover tuners. nice soundhole and fret marker inlays. i had a ivory bridge saddle made for it, which is really a must. plastic nut is fine, though. mine came with a wood case, which is incredibly sturdy but also weighs a metric ton.

the taylor dreadnought sound is extremely well-balanced and even all through the tonal register. this is basically their trademark - that and their necks. it does not sound like a Martin or a Gibson, nor is it designed to. it doesn't have the depth of a Martin, but it also doesn't have the boominess. the even tone "curve" makes this a superb recording guitar. no...a SPECTACULAR recording guitar. versatile is the word here. this is a great rhythm guitar, strumming with pick or no pick, chicken-picking, flatpicking, sounds great fingerpicking - notes are clear and distinct, not muddy. and leads sound great. i do a lot of guitar/vocal demo work here in town and people sometimes want a lot out of just an acoustic guitar. most of this is in the fingers, but the 810 is the most versatile acoustic i've played.

one other thing: people are always whining that taylors and other newer acoustics don't sound like old Martins and Gibsons. Well, this is because THEY AREN'T OLD. Any well-made solid-wood acoustic is going to sound better after thirty years- the wood and glue settle in, the whole thing becomes like one piece of wood instead of a couple hundred glued together. i've already noticed my 810 has warmed up and sounds better than it did five years ago. it's going to sound phenomenal in another twenty.

the guitar was set up by a luthier friend who also made the bridge saddle for me. the neck is amazing. taylors play better than other acoustics. that's why martin started copying their neck designs. i don't like the grover tuners - they stick and aren't uniformly smooth. however, the grovers on other taylors i've played are fine. i'm going to try schallers. basically, the finish and construction are top-notch. this guitar was made before taylor's production really exploded, but they have maintained high quality.

if you can, try some different string gauges. heavier is always supposed to be better, but i've found that if i use any gauge heavier than .012's, the tone gets dark and loses some life.

this guitar is tough and well-made. like all solid-wood guitars, it is susceptible to humidity and pressure changes. like taylor says, keep it in the case WHENEVER you're not playing it, and it'll last forever. it's got a few dings and dents. so do i.

i went to the factory in El Cajon (which i think means "The Box" in spanish) in 1997. everybody was really nice. i have not had them service my guitar.

i've been playing for 15 years. i have two teles, a 335 copy, a mandolin, a lap steel, a bunch of tube amps and effects and a POD. the taylor is my only acoustic. it's the bomb. i would buy it again.

This is a 2000 Taylor model 810. It is a 6 string dreadnaught with a 25 1/2" scale length. It has a solid sitka spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides. The neck is mahagony. It has the new neck design which allows more of the neck to go into the body of the guitar. More info on this new design is available in a VHS tape from Taylor. The soundhole rosette is abalone. It has progressive pearl diamond inlays on the fretboard. The fretboard and bridge are ebony, the headstock has Indian rosewood overlay and is dovetailed onto the neck; also part of the new neck design. This guitar has a Tusq nut and saddle, gold plated Grover tuners, adjustable truss rod and white PLASTIC binding. Everything is top notch except the binding. It has no electronics.

The guitar is very balanced in tone. The intonation is excellent. It has a great voice in my opinion and ranks right there with comprable Martins, Larivees, and other mid to high in dreadnaughts. The 2000 model seems to me to have more sustain and a brighter voice than previous years. Maybe the new neck design really works!

Well here is the rub, kind of. I got my first 810 and was not happy with the frets or the bridge. The bridge had large cracks in it and the frets were sharp. Why did I buy it? My wife bought it for me for Xmas 99, sight unseen, as it was the only 810 in our state at the time! However upon recieving it and notifying the dealer of the defects, the best of Taylor kicked in, it's service and staff. The factory couldn't have been better. They apologised and arranged for a new guitar to be made a shipped to me. They kept me informed via e-mail as to the progress of the new guitar and within 3 weeks I had my new 810. The new guitar is flawless in action, fit, and finish. I have to rate the new guitar a 10 but the first was a 6 so we'll say 8.
PS: I DO NOT like the plastic binding at all and think Taylor could do better on the binding. It's a $1600.00 guitar!

From research and talking with other owners I think the guitar is both reliable and durable, but if anything does go wrong, then there is the excellent service from the factory. So no worries in this catagory

In a 2 words "The Best"! I have had to deal with other guitar mnfgrs and never had as good an experience as I had with Taylor. Taylor stands head and shoulders above other guitar companies I've dealt with on customer support.

I've been playing for 25 years or so and own 5 other acoustic guitars. The Taylor is now my favorite acoustic. If it were lost or stolen I would be very sad and rush out to get another! I played comprable models from varios companies and the Taylor was the one for me . And I told my wife :-) These guitars ARE being mass produced so play a few before you buy and get the best one you can. I would not hesitate to recommend this model Taylor to anyone interested in owning a great guitar.

This is fairly new, "standard" Taylor 810 Dreadnought with a fine ringed Sitka spruce top. Very dark Indian rosewood B&S. Ebony FB, etc. Gold plated tuners. All solid wood. Standard 810 features. This Taylor 810 was chosen over a Takamine, Gibson, Laravee, Martin, and Guild in the same catagory. To me it was the better "over-all" unit, though not the best in all aspects. But that should be reasonable -- and also "subjective" I might add.

The 810 has a good balanced sound, and I desire that, but I find nothing we can call "special" about the tone. I do not mean that to be a crticism, though. The 810 I now own has a good quality sound board. I've had the priviledge to play numerous guitars that have special tones or voices, as have most of us who have been playing for 30 years. The 810 has a "normal" voice in all registers. The intonation is pretty acurate, as not many guitars can be perfect. It has good dynamics and projection. I always test the 6th string at the 22nd fret (or the last fret) for deadness as one of my sound board and bracing tests when I examine a guitar. The 22nd fret is not a thumping dead clunk, but actually produces a "tone" that rings. This is good. The Taylor passes this test. The over-all sound is "clean".

As you should know, the Taylor is now pretty much of a production guitar, and as such, we must give Taylor Guitars the credit it is due for being able to pound out consistant quality throughout the production of a few thousand guitars per day. The Action, Fit, and Finish are all quite acceptable. Very little buzzing. You need to hold it and look at it. The "plastic" binding does seem rather a cheap issue on this instrument. At a LIST price of $2,669.00 it could have better binding.

I can not comment on the reliability. I don't bang my guitars around. However, in my hands, it feels as substantial as any good guitar should feel.

I understand Taylor support is very good. This is important. I've never used them.

What is the actual value of a guitar? It can be subjective. The Taylor 810 is generally "a very good quality" instrument in it's class. I would never pay the LIST price of $2,669.00 for it. Street price is about $1,650.00 new from a dealer. I think it is worth this street price compared to other guitars in the same niche. It is a "commodity" instrument. I have played $3,000.00 to $7,000.00 guitars that would stir your soul, but this instrument is not one of them. It is not special. We all must remember that there is a big difference bewteen a $1,600.00 guitar and a $4,000.00+ instrument, and a big difference between an $600.00 unit and this price catagory. It's all in the wood and the production craftmanship. This is just a very well made, evenly balanced instrument, made of good quality material that seems like it will serve the player well over the years. It can be your stage acoustic guitar if you want it to be. But if you are a professional or just a long time player, and you really want that special sound, you need to be looking at Tayor's top-of-the-line instruments, and shell out the extra bread. I think Taylor guitars, along with many other guitars today, are generally over-priced at the List price level -- except their finest pieces with the finest woods.

All solid woods, Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, solid mahogany neck. Headstock has Rosewood overlay with Taylor logo inlay. The guitar is bound top to bottom with an Abalone soundhole inlay. 20 frets, 14 clear of the body. High gloss finish.

This is the best sounding acoustic guitar I have ever heard. I've played many but his one has a balanced sound like no other. It doesn't have the deepest bass or the most bell like highs but overall sounds the best. However it must be used with a plectrum. Finger style gets lost due to it's size. For a unique and interesting sound try using a wooden pick. This is a 1996 model, before Taylor changed the shape of their Dreadnought guitars. It is aging nicely and gets richer sounding almost daily.

Guitar had a neck reset by Taylor to correct a factory defect in setup. Been wonderful ever since. The origianl problem was the neck angle that caused the high string (1st) to slip off the fret board regularly when playing. Players and non players alike could see just looking at the fretboard that the neck was mis-aligned, so could Taylor. Everyting else about this guitar is stunning. The woods, the finish and craftsmanship are outstanding.

Been a great guitar and is a joy to play.

Taylor has been wonderful to me and as such I bought a Baby to travel with. It's going to my granddaughter soon as a beginners guitar. They are the nicest bunch of people to deal with and I recommend their products to anyone that will listen.

I own several guitars and I love the Taylor the best. I own a Martin, Larrivee and Fender acoustics and always go back to the Taylor fro clraity and richness of sound.

1990, El Cajon CA, solid spruce top, purchased with passive piezo pickup of unknown make - later replaced with LR Baggs Dual Source pickup, Solid rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard, dreadnaught, Schallar tuners,abalone rosette and fret markers, thin neck - relatively low action from factory, solid Taylor(plywood) case with velvet lining, came with a sound hole humidifier and Taylors lifetime warranty, Very tastefully appointed - beautiful fit and finish but not overdone

Awesome overall sound for lots of styles. With different string combinations and styles you can get whatever you're looking for from super bright highs and mids to deep rumbly lows. Currently playing on John Pearse bronze strings for nice balanced more mellow sound. When I jam with buddies this guitar really stands out with lots of puch and volume (it's loud!)- and nice balance. After playing for a few minutes everyone stops, comments on the sound and wants to know what kind of a guitar it is. Excellent played acoustic or live. The only thing I've ever played that comes close is the upper end Martins (D-28s and up) Larrive's and a few of the boutique handmade instruments that are out of reach moneywise.

This thing came from the factory virtually perfect. At the time I bought it there were no guitars available that even came close to the fit and finish of a Taylor. With more high end makers now I've noticed the overall quality of high end guitars is going up. I've played this guitar for 8 or 9 years now and it still looks new. I've had no problems with the finish or anything else for that matter.

This guitar has stood up well to the test of time and lots of playing. I take care of my gear but I have accidently banged this one around a little and it still looks great (just like new) The finish is pretty tough. I play this guitar live in a large church and it does fine. I gig with it without a backup and the only thing I worry about is the pickup settings and battery. In 9 years of playing the only maintenance I've had to do is a couple setups to fix buzzing frets. This is my own fault though as I keep the action as low as possible so minor changes in humidity can make it buzz. One of the tuners is a little loose and won't tighten (stripped I think)but it still works fine so I haven't had it replaced yet

Taylor is super to work with. I've called them a couple times on setup issues and they sent me tech sheets and a new saddle at no charge. I'm confident they'll take care of me if I ever have a problem.

Been playing for around 24 years - still learning. Also own two Yamahas - an CJ 830, and a high end 12 string - I play the Taylor almost exclusively. If it were stolen I would try to get another one but probably couldn't afford one at today's prices. I love the sound and balance of this guitar - and its a beautiful piece of art to look at. The Taylor neck and playabilty are legendary and for good reason. The LR Baggs Dual Source I recently installed was a very nice addition

Taylor dreadnought 6-sting, rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top, bound mahogony neck, scalloped bracing, bound peghead, with gold grovers. No stock pickup in non-cutaway models.

Sounds they way old Martins sound- great, except it plays better. Projects great with warm bass and nice sparkly highs. I've NEVER played an acoustic that sounds better! Still sounds great after strings are old.

Action is perfect, frets are excellent, plays great, and workmanship is perfect. This guitr is flawless. The folks at Taylor should be proud.

Had active Fishman II installed. This guitar is as good as acoustics get! Solid as a rock and dependable. It's a true work of art. Taxes, death, and my Taylor 810.

Never dealt with them, never had to. I can't imagine that a company that makes a guitar like this would be anything less than professional on the phone.

If dreadnoughts are your acoustic then the Taylor 810 is your guitar. I traded my Martin HD-28 in for it. I've tried more expensive models too: D-45, Larivee, Gallagher, and Gibson. None were better, only more expensive.
Taylor has beaten Martin at their own game in my opinion.

1997, American made standard dreadnought acoustic guitar. Solid wood all the way around, Sitka spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides,mahogany neck, ebony fretboard w/ pearl inlays. Nice gold Grover tuners, and abalone surrounding the sound hole. Ebony Bridge. This is THE Taylor guitar, as it is the original model which is an obvious Martin D-28 copy, with a few additons such as white plastic binding, gold hardware, pearl inlays, and abalone around the soundhole. It also has the Martin-type scalloped bracing. All of that looks very nice, but has little to do with how the guitar performs or sounds. Also, the case that came with my guitar, which I understand Taylor no longer includes with their guitar, is an extremely nice one. SOLID built, crushed velvet lining, and a tight, tight, tight fit. You could put the guitar in the case and throw it off the roof and it wouldn't damage the guitar. I give it a 10 because its an acoustic, what more features do you want in a traditional acoustic guitar?

This guitar most faithfull reproduces that rich, deep, mellow, yet bright, sound that old Martin guitars have. I should know, I have a 1928 000-28 Martin. These guitars sound almost identical, with the Martin being more mellow, as it's about 70 years older. I played this guitar a great deal before I bought it, and even A/B'd the guitar with a Martin D-45 (the daddy of all guitars) and the sounds were virtually the same with the D-45 being louder, but not much. However, a Martin is more of a bluegrass guitar, and they are going to be louder than the Taylor which is built around being versital. I think the sound quality between Martin and Taylor is a draw.

The action on the guitar sets it apart from a Martin somewhat. The action can be set up low, low, low for an acoustic and have little or no compromise in sound quality, and no frett buzz, depending on how adept you are at truss rod tweaking. If this guitar had a cut away, one could amplify and distort it and be able to shred. In some ways it plays easier than my G&L Legacy. However, if this guitar isn't set up properly, it plays like total crap and is hard as hell to fret, but any guitar is like this.

I cant really comment on this. Its an acoustic guitar, so if you don't bang it around it will last, if you do bang it around, it won't last. Pretty simple. It's built solid, but still feels fragile to me.

Life time warranty, and that even covers finish flaws that develop over time. Thats pretty impressive, most guitar manufacturers wouldn't even consider a guarantee on their finish.

If this guitar were stolen I'd probably get another one, or a D-28, depends on what mood I'm in. Overall this guitar gets a 10, because for a traditional all around guitar this one could not be beat for sheer beauty, sound quality, and playability.