Taylor is committed to ethical sourcing and the ongoing pursuit of greater sustainable practices.
618e (2020)
Spruce Top | Maple Back and Sides | Hard Rock Maple Neck | West African Crelicam Ebony Fretboard | Expression System® 2 Electronics | Non-cutaway
Spruce Top | Maple Back and Sides | Hard Rock Maple Neck | West African... More
Series:
600
UPC: #00887766105763
Note: Each guitar has unique visual traits due to differences in wood grain. Guitars ordered through this website or found in stores may feature minor visual variations from the ones pictured here.
$3,799USD
$3,799USD
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Responsibly Sourced Materials
Materiales obtenidos de forma responsable.
Taylor está comprometido con el abastecimiento ético de materiales y la búsqueda continua de prácticas más sostenibles.
Deluxe Hardshell Case Included
Estuche rígido deluxe incluido
Protective and durable Deluxe Hardshell Case included at no extra charge.
Estuche protector rígido deluxe y duradero incluido sin cargo adicional.
Lifetime Warranty with Registration
Garantía de por vida con registro
Factory Expert Service & Support
Servicio y Soporte Técnico de Fábrica
Responsive customer service from factory experts trained to help you get the most out of your guitar.
Expertos en servicio al cliente de fábrica capacitados para ayudarte a aprovechar al máximo tu guitarra.
Overview
- Grand Orchestra body offers power and sensitivity
- Solid maple highlights reflect your signature style
- V-Class bracing for projection and sustain
- Soft-touch responsiveness for a wide dynamic range
- Features ES2 pickup and includes hardshell case
Overview
618e
Watch VideoRecently reintroduced after our redesign of the commanding Grand Orchestra body shape, the 618e offers an experience unlike any other in the Taylor line. This model features our largest body style made with solid Big Leaf maple and Sitka spruce, resulting in a vibrant, warm, transparent sound that's uniquely reflective of each individual player's stylistic quirks and technique. Boasting an appointment package reserved for Grand Orchestra models, the 618e sports Mission fretboard and peghead inlays in mother-of-pearl, maple binging with koa purfling, a single-ring paua rosette, and a glossy Antique Blonde finish treatment. It ships with ES2 electronics and a hardshell case.
“It is reassuring to note that a human armed with a chisel and old-fashioned ingenuity is capable of making waves—waves of both surf and sound, perhaps the biggest revolution in acoustic guitar architecture since the dawn of X-Bracing.”
Features
Grand Orchestra
Taylor's biggest body shape blends power, detail and balance across the tonal spectrum.
Maple
Highly player-reflective; channels the unique sound of each player’s touch. Clear, shimmering trebles. Modern voicing enhances warmth and depth.
Spruce
The most common top wood between Sitka, Adirondack and Engelmann varieties. Bold, clear, and dynamic sound suits any playing style.
Expression System® 2
The Expression System® 2 captures more of a guitar’s dynamic properties using a breakthrough behind-the-saddle design.
V-Class Bracing
Our patented V-Class bracing is a revolutionary new pattern — a new sonic engine — that marks a major shift away from traditional steel-string bracing patterns.
Recently Viewed Guitars
Guitarras Vistas Recientemente
Questions & Answers
Preguntas frecuentes
14 questions
Is this Grand Auditorium available with a 1.75” nut and a 15”-16” neck radius?
This model is not currently in production, you may still be able to find one through authorized Taylor retailers with remaining stock.
This model was offered with a 1-7/8" nut width as an option, and it features our standard 15" fretboard radius. Just a heads-up—fretboard radius isn’t something we offer customization for across our lineup.
This model was offered with a 1-7/8" nut width as an option, and it features our standard 15" fretboard radius. Just a heads-up—fretboard radius isn’t something we offer customization for across our lineup.
What is width at nut?
1-3/4"
Does it come with the pickguard unattached ?
Yes.
Can this guitar be ordered with a 1 11/16 nut width?
Yes, for a $150 additional charge. Any authorized Taylor dealer can order that for you.
I am comfortable playing a dreadnought. How does this shape compare? I am female 5’4 1/2”.
This is our largest body size, but if a Dreadnought feels comfortable, this might feel ok too. Our Dreadnought is 16" across the lower bout and this Grand Orchestra measures 16 3/4".
Show all 14 questions
Which Taylor guitar gives the warmest sound for country western music? Thanks.
Rosewood models have the best bass response but the mahogany 517 Builder's Edition is also great choice for country. You're welcome to call the factory to speak with a factory consultant to guide to to the model that'll suit you best. 1-800-943-6782
Can I get this with a cutaway?
No, it's only made as a non-cutaway.
Could I get this in a different color other than the antique blonde?
No, there are no color options on this model.
Why aren't the appointments the same as the other 600 series models?
This model was redesigned to look more like a traditional jumbo sized guitar that fans of this body size favor.
The body wood looks brown on most of these, is it maple like 600's have been historically?
Yes, we still use maple for the back and sides but we started staining it brown in 2014 when the series was redesigned. The 618e is the exception with it's Antique Blonde finish treatment.
What case do these come with?
All 600 series models ship in a deluxe brown hard shell case made by Taylor for optimal fit and protection.
Are 600 series guitars all solid wood?
Yes - all 600 series models are solid wood construction.
Where are these guitars built?
600 series models are made in our factory in San Diego, California, USA.
Do guitars in the 600 series have real ebony fretboards and bridges?
Yes, all guitars in the 600 series have genuine West African Crelicam ebony fretboards and bridges.
Reviews
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 16 ratings
Is perfect
Sound grate!!! Perfecto balance sound,nota over bass distorsión.very clear sound.perfect for arpegios and more.more confortable size than Gibson j200.
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Best Guitar Bought
Bought my Taylor 2014 618e from a previous owner who was reducing his collection. Best guitar I've ever played out gigging! Bought many guitars in my time...I'm 70...this is the best one yet! Looked at Martin, Guild, etc. but decided on Taylor due to the bolt on neck option and various accessories. I'm an average size guy and it's not too big. Gotten many compliments on the look, too. Great deep sound which I prefer. Customer service super, too! Over the years I did try to save money on guitars, but I can tell you now, save up and get a premium guitar once and don't waste money chasing a sound from a cheaper guitar if you can. This Taylor is well worth it and for the quality, not that expensive I don't think.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've been playing for a while now
- Describe Yourself
- Mostly acoustic player
Great great great guitar!
Fantastic instrument, easy to play, huge sound (grand orchestra!) and the maple body is just awesome ! It is a big guitare tough , so you have to be ready for it. You can play finger style with a light touch, it’s here ! You can strum hard it is still here, rock, blues, it is again still responding well, what else ?! 😉
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- I've been playing for a while now
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
It is just like your photo and plays beautifully and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a big sound who wishes to stretch their abilities using thumbpick and or fingers. I don’t just strum along.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- I've been playing for a while now
To Bob Taylor & Andy Powers,
After watching the Taylor promotional videos promoting V-bracing, I decided to trade in my beloved 610ce, that needed new electronic’s and a refret, for the rosewood 618e. After months of trying to get it to sound good, out of desperation, I succumbed to losing 50% of my investment, when I went back to trade it in for the maple 618e.
I didn’t want to believe that Taylor would make a comparably bad sounding guitar.
I was wrong.
I found a 2015 618e and after auditioning it, I immediately realized, this was much closer to the tonality and vibrance that I’d lost with the 610ce.
Even though it had major dings and the body area below the bridge was completely warped, out of desperation, I lost another 50% of my investment and traded in my “3 month old” maple 618e.
I am not a rich person, in fact I am on Social Security so this was entirely pulled out of my very limited retirement savings.
Please feel free to reach out to me, as I can offer much more specific feedback.
((°J°))ॐ
I didn’t want to believe that Taylor would make a comparably bad sounding guitar.
I was wrong.
I found a 2015 618e and after auditioning it, I immediately realized, this was much closer to the tonality and vibrance that I’d lost with the 610ce.
Even though it had major dings and the body area below the bridge was completely warped, out of desperation, I lost another 50% of my investment and traded in my “3 month old” maple 618e.
I am not a rich person, in fact I am on Social Security so this was entirely pulled out of my very limited retirement savings.
Please feel free to reach out to me, as I can offer much more specific feedback.
((°J°))ॐ
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Studio/Recording
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've been playing for a while now
Hi Bob,
Sorry to hear about your experience with the 618e. We make a lot of different models to try and cover all the sounds people are looking for. The 618 is maple, very transparent and not as bass heavy as the rosewood 818e which may have been a better fit. Our factory consultants are available to help choose the right model next time you're shopping, 1-800-943-6782. Thanks!
Sorry to hear about your experience with the 618e. We make a lot of different models to try and cover all the sounds people are looking for. The 618 is maple, very transparent and not as bass heavy as the rosewood 818e which may have been a better fit. Our factory consultants are available to help choose the right model next time you're shopping, 1-800-943-6782. Thanks!
Great guitar
Big sound. After having my luthier set it up, it plays beautifully.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Studio/Recording
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Beautiful guitar that sounds crisp and boomy in all the right places. Only thing to make it better would be a beveled arm rest, considering the body's larger size. Make sure you use a little bit of fingerboard oil on the pickguard to keep it conditioned since it's wood, not plastic.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Love of my life
Totally love it. Rich sound, elegant design, smooth touch.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
I like the V-Class Bracing and the Sound of the Maple wood.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- Mostly acoustic player
It is a beautiful instrument.
The sound not perfectly balanced among the full range, with powerful basses and high notes not too bright.
Also frets requires too strong pressure, even if action seems apparently fine: my D35 Martin is far softer and easier to play.
With lighters strings has improved but yet not as easy as D35.
Great look and finish. But maybe a 800 series, cut away, could have been a better choice for me as I wanted to buy a top end guitar, but was the shop has not proposed any alternatives.
The sound not perfectly balanced among the full range, with powerful basses and high notes not too bright.
Also frets requires too strong pressure, even if action seems apparently fine: my D35 Martin is far softer and easier to play.
With lighters strings has improved but yet not as easy as D35.
Great look and finish. But maybe a 800 series, cut away, could have been a better choice for me as I wanted to buy a top end guitar, but was the shop has not proposed any alternatives.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- Mostly acoustic player
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Show all 16 reviews
six decade player/engineer loves his LIZ
THE FIRST THING: she has a heft and balance when you pick it up that is even and smoothly large. Then, the feel of the neck balance with the curve of the maple is comfortable nad natural.
THEN: the first open chords with the natural sustain of the lower midrange sends a thrill to my core. A few loud hard attacks show the loud ringing response and then a few soft fingerpicking passages show me the incredible range of the resonance and sensitivity.
I bought one originally to replace a 1973 GUILD F50, but it has long surpassed that original requirement, and has now taken it place in my front line: it is now my GO-TO fierst grab...
SO MUCH SO, I BOUGHT TWO FOR A CHANGE IN TUNINGS (normal and DAD.....)
no EQ needed, direct connects to mixer with no needed secondary signal processing needed.
After a conversation with a Taylor engineer from Amsterdam one fine morning, it opened my eyes: the controls on "LIZ" (named by my recently passed mother) are VOLUME and TONE (like a normal guitar) and the third is a BASS BOOST/LOUDNESS control. this increases the low-end response and SENSITIVITY during delicate utilizations.
This is a fine instrument, the best TAYLOR has ever made, regardless of dress and accoutrements.
THEN: the first open chords with the natural sustain of the lower midrange sends a thrill to my core. A few loud hard attacks show the loud ringing response and then a few soft fingerpicking passages show me the incredible range of the resonance and sensitivity.
I bought one originally to replace a 1973 GUILD F50, but it has long surpassed that original requirement, and has now taken it place in my front line: it is now my GO-TO fierst grab...
SO MUCH SO, I BOUGHT TWO FOR A CHANGE IN TUNINGS (normal and DAD.....)
no EQ needed, direct connects to mixer with no needed secondary signal processing needed.
After a conversation with a Taylor engineer from Amsterdam one fine morning, it opened my eyes: the controls on "LIZ" (named by my recently passed mother) are VOLUME and TONE (like a normal guitar) and the third is a BASS BOOST/LOUDNESS control. this increases the low-end response and SENSITIVITY during delicate utilizations.
This is a fine instrument, the best TAYLOR has ever made, regardless of dress and accoutrements.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Studio/Recording
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've been playing for a while now
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- I'm a professional musician
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Loving My New 618e
Great looking, great sounding guitar, a pleasure to play. Upgraded the tuners to Gotoh Lux in gold really a nice addition to this beauty. Will say on the electric side the LR Braggs pickup in My Gibson sound better.
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Studio/Recording
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
Big bold clear tones, sits in the mix really well, great all around guitar
I was shopping for a Gibson SJ-200 in maple and came across this 618e at Gruhn Guitar in Nashville. They had just received 2 but George Gruhn decided to keep one for himself so I got the other one. Absolutely love it, it’s big & bold for strumming but still responsive to fingerpicking, and the neck is just perfect. I’m a worship leader and go back & forth between this and my 814ce depending on the songs and other team members there week to week. Glad I was able to add it to my collection!
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- How I Use It
- Stage/Live Performance
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- Mostly acoustic player
- Describe Yourself
- I play both acoustic and electric
One heck of a guitar
Big and bold sound, plays beautifully. Excellent playability with the best neck I’ve ever had. Never had a maple backed guitar before but am a convert!
- How I Use It
- Home/Recreational
- Describe Yourself
- I've played for many years
- Describe Yourself
- Mostly acoustic player
618e
As always with Taylor an excellent guitar. Aesthetically beautiful guitar with unmatched playability. The maple has given me another voice to choose from. Rich beautiful sound.
I LOVE this guitar!
Most easy playing, smooth guitar I’ve ever owned!