Taylor may have mostly moved away from bluegrass and country guitars in favor of sleeker and more modern designs, but this 1991 810 shows that at their apex, they could build a spruce and rosewood square-shoulder with the very best of 'em. With a big, full sound replete with more midrange and punch than is normally heard from a rosewood dreadnaught, the 810 is a fantastic tool for the intermediate flatpicker or for Americana-forward singer/songwriters. While clearly inspired by classic instruments like the Martin D-28, Taylor put their own spin on the design, and a slim, superbly playable neck with low action and a comfortable set up create an ergonomic playing experience remarkably different from the occasionally unforgiving neckfeels of more traditional American dreadnaughts. Cosmetics are relatively minimal for an 800 series instrument, with a modified diamonds and squares fretboard inlay pattern and an abalone rosette, but without overly flashing hardwood binding and purfling or heavy-duty headstock appointments.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, with playing wear below the norm for a guitar now well into its fourth decade. There is no structural damage to the 810 or evidence of repair, and most playing wear is limited to the usual light scuffing around the top, with one larger scuff on the treble side of the top's lower bout. Finish checking is fairly uniform and not especially prominent. As is the case with many older Taylors, the aging toner in the top has begun to break in to a tan color, and the finish has pulled into the wood for more of a semi-gloss look. The pickup is an aftermarket K&K Pure Mini, likely installed between 20 and 30 years ago, and still in excellent working condition. All parts are original, including the gold closed-gear Schaller tuners which Taylors shipped stock with early in their history. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

Specifications

Top Wood: Sitka spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Indian rosewood  
Width at Nut: 1.69"
Bracing Pattern: X-braced
Scale Length: 25.5" 
Frets to Body: 14
Fingerboard and Bridge Wood: Ebony
Body Binding: Cream
Rosette: Multi-ring with abalone inlay
Headplate Material: Indian rosewood
Headstock Inlay / Logo: Taylor logotype in mother-of-pearl
Neck Binding: Cream
Neck Shape: Taylor standard carve
Fingerboard Side Dots: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets
Fingerboard Inlay: Modified diamonds and squares long pattern in mother-of-pearl
Pickguard: Tortoise
Tuners: Gold Schaller closed-gear
Electronics: Aftermarket K&K Pure Mini passive piezo pickup
Case: Original Taylor hard-shell case