The combination of Taylor's Grand Symphony body with a Sitka Spruce top and Ovangkol back and sides produces a versatile full-bodied sound and wide dynamic range that fit many different playing applications.
The Taylor 416ce features a Grand Symphony body with a cutaway and ES2 electronics, and it boasts a Sitka Spruce top and Ovangkol back and sides. Compared to the more common Grand Auditorium body, Taylor's Grand Symphony has a bigger, slightly rounder lower bout and a wider waist. The increased dimensions mean the top has a greater area, so it produces a louder sound. With the Sitka/Ovangkol wood complement, the overall result is strong low-end with mid-range punch, singing trebles, and clear articulation across the register. It's a guitar that can handle a heavy flat-pick, but notes still bloom with a light fingerstyle touch.
When you plug it in, the Taylor ES2 only adds to the 416ce's all-around versatility. It all starts with Taylor's unique behind-the-saddle pickup, which positions three individually calibrated pickup sensors behind the saddle instead of underneath it. Because of that, the bottom of the saddle still retains full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acoustically or plugged-in. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the ES2 faithfully conveys the natural voice of the 416ce.
This 2014 Taylor 416ce has been played and loved, but not abused. It shows some cosmetic wear (see photos), and it has one repaired crack on the back right by the waist on the bass side. Other than the crack and the general bumps and bruises, it's in nice shape with a comfortable, played-in feel. The current setup is extremely playable all the way up the fingerboard. Its original case is included, and one of the buckles is broken, but the case still does an excellent job of protecting the guitar.