518c discontinued?

[eggman]

Howdy,     it appears that taylor's outstanding 518e has been discontinued!                                                                            I test drove one of these magnificent guitars shortly after it's debut and was mightily impressed. Can you Taylor gurus she'd some light on this depressing development?

[CodeBlueEMT]

I believe the 518e has been discontinued. There are a few for sale on ebay, including the 2014 518e-FLTD (Sitka Spruce top w/Blackwood back/sides). Here's a recent thread:

http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=6050.0

[fmbstrummer]

Hi Eggman.  Welcome to the forum.   Plenty of "Taylorheads" here.  That's only meant in the best way. 

I called Taylor customer service several months ago with this question and was told they still make them.  It's not on the latest Wood & Steel as an available 500 series.  I don't think it is on the price list either.  They are still around new and used.  The "18" body is available in other wood series.  The 618e is pretty remarkable to my ears. 

FMB

[fmbstrummer]

Eggman. 

Also, if you meant 518c, I don't think this was ever made in a cutaway.  Someone correct me if I am wrong.  Full shape with an e (electric).

FMB

[timfitz63]

... if you meant 518c, I don't think this was ever made in a cutaway.  Someone correct me if I am wrong.  Full shape with an e (electric)...

That's correct; no 518c was ever available; just a 518e.

I hadn't heard that the 518e was discontinued, but it wouldn't surprise me either.  Candidly, the Grand Orchestra (GO) models have not been a rousing sales success for Taylor; I've been told that by at least two Taylor dealers.  One of those dealers told me the 618e (at the time, the 'legacy' model) was the best-selling GO; not sure how the new 618e is doing, but I would guess it's still the sales leader for the GO body.  The 918e was only around for one year, I think, before it got axed.  I think I've seen a few PS18e's out there, but the Presentation Series is probably a low-volume line anyway, so it's GO variant will likely stick around.

So, if the 518e has gone away, there are two possibilities at this point:  it's gone for good; or it's introduction is being delayed while Andy tinkers with it some more.  I haven't any insight which is the likely answer.

But if you want a 'legacy' 518e, Willcutt Guitars in Lexington, KY has one, NOS.  I'm sure there are one or two others floating around at Taylor dealers.  And as "CodeBlue" pointed out, the used market usually has them all...  In fact, here's a used one on that auction site...

[Earl]

Having played the K28, 618, 818 and 518 at various times, I have to say that the 618 was the only one that appealed to me tonally.  The brightness of the legacy maple bracing helped to balance the "boomy" character of that large volume GO body and created a cannon.  But I think that about my 615 jumbo too.

IMO, the GS body really nails it overall in most woods, while the GO goes just a step too far.  But you may hear things differently than my ear, and your playing technique may make it the best choice for you.  That's why they make all the models and sizes.  (Personally I don't understand why ice cream even comes in flavors other than chocolate chip, but orange sherbet may be your thing).

[Andromeda]

I hope the GO isn't unsuccessful. I hope to get a GO 12 string someday. I was sad to see the Taylor Jumbo be discontinued since that was at one time my favorite body size. But I do understand these jumbos and large bodied guitars only appeal to a small group of people.

[eggman]

Howdy, I wanted to clarify my original post by saying that I mean't the 518e model. Thanks to you eagle-eyed Taylor gurus!

[mgap]

Yes the 518e has be discontinued, at least for the time being.  I liked it, but it was the only GO I tried.  I think if I was considering a larger body than the GA I would probably go with the GS anyway, in  either 6 or 12 string.