Taylor's second offering in Indian rosewood, the 800 Series® traces its roots to the earliest Taylors. Bob’s latest design changes speak of traditional lutherie in the form of hand-set, curly maple binding. It’s a gorgeous upgrade that complements the beautiful hues of rosewood and sparkling inlay work. For many, the 800 Series is a true Taylor icon. The 816 Rosewood/Spruce Grand Symphony Acoustic Guitar with its Sitka/rosewood combo casts a commanding presence as a GS. Indian Rosewood/Sitka Indian rosewood seems as if it was created to be on a guitar. The clarity, balance, sustain, excellent bass response, and wonderful coloration and figure are without equal. Paired with Sitka spruce, it is an unstoppable combination. Grand Symphony (GS) Though you might see similarities to a Grand Auditorium, the GS is unique in both sound and shape. Significant changes in its geometry yield a deeper, more piano-like bass. A wider lower bout and higher, wider waist return ample volume and low-end sustain, in symphony with fuller mids and balanced highs. Gloss The finish used to create this guitar's lustrous gloss top, back, and sides was developed at Taylor for maximum durability and resistance to cold-checking. This ultra violet-cured finish is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lacquer finishes.