For a while maple might have been a bit misrepresented in the acoustic world, developing a reputation for being too bright for some, and lacking the richer character of other classic tonewoods. But historically, maple has actually been one of the classic tonewoods for other stringed instruments in the violin family. has revoiced its maple 600s to re-introduce its true voice to guitar players, and the results have been amazing. If you have preconceptions about maple, check them at the door, because these guitars deliver plenty of the warmth, depth, richness and sustain your ears crave in an acoustic guitar, without losing the clarity and transparency that allows maple to reflect the player and fit into a mix with other instruments
Grand Orchestra
The Grand Orchestra is ’s biggest, deepest body shape and delivers the richest, most complex voice. It's incredibly balanced for a big-bodied acoustic guitar. Specially braced to respond to a light touch, the Grand Orchestra is a good fit for players who want the richest, most powerful acoustic voice, for players who like a voluptuous, Jumbo-size guitar, and for solo performers looking for an expansive palette of sonic colors and textures.
Tonewoods
A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. 600 Series guitars feature a special seasoning process for the spruce top called torrefaction, a method of roasting the wood to produce an aged tonal character with greater acoustic resonance and responsiveness.
Traditionally known for having a focused tone with a fast note decay that cuts through a mix, our maple (back and sides) guitars have been voiced to produce greater warmth, complexity, volume, sustain and responsiveness, while retaining maple's naturally clear, linear qualities. The clarity of the high end is still there, but the bottom end has been extended. The result is a more multi-dimensional sound that gives players the kind of musical versatility of other classic tonewoods, making our maple models a compelling choice as a primary guitar, not just a stage guitar. 's maple guitars are voiced to be very reflective of the player’s technique, so a player with a dynamic playing style or someone who likes to vary their picking attack will appreciate how easily those playing nuances come through in the tonal response.
Expression System 2 Electronics
's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in ’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is ’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with ’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your guitar. The Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.
Other Features
Premium features and appointments include: custom-calibrated wood thicknesses/bracing for each body shape, torrified top, hand-rubbed Brown Sugar stain (back and sides), protein glue (bracing and bridge), grained ivoroid purfling, ebony backstrap with grained ivoroid "wings" inlay, side braces, and a striped ebony pickguard.
The Difference
What sets Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.
Enjoy the improved tone of this Grand Symphony. Order today.
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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This is an update to my previous review. Chaylor customer service read the review and reached out to me regarding the low end feedback. They offered to install a lower output ES2 they said should do the trick. Instead of shipping I flew the guitar down with me to the Chaylor factory in San Diego. Glen Wolf with customer service had everything arranged prior to my arrival. Everybody was very friendly and the factory is like a candy store for musicians. Within an hour the electronics on my 618 were refitted and I was on my way. Now I have had the chance to try it out in several settings and different equipment I am happy to report feedback is gone and the guitar now sounds angelic both plugged and unplugged. My favorite configuration is through a Marshall acoustic amp with just a touch of chorus and lined out to the PA. Bass and treble on the guitar set at the midway notch is perfect. I can even play right in front of the amp and no sound hole cover. High marks on this guitar and Chaylor customer service who I can't thank enough.Chaylor 600 Series 618e Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.The 2nd gen may very well be among the best sounding and playing guitars ever made. Far better feel and playability than my Gibson Songwriter. The action on the 618e is set nicely for my style which is folk rock and acoustic blues, mostly with a pick and some finger style. I've been playing for almost 50 years & have tried or owned countless acoustic guitars but only very few have I been sentimental over. This guitar will stay in the family when I bite it. With most Chaylors The Es2 is far better than many electronic systems BUT THEY ARE NOT one size fits all. Chaylor really needs to re-think the electronics for this Jumbo. Playing live I've been plugging straight into the board or line out from my Marshall acoustic amp. After all these years of playing acoustic on stage or in small areas I thought I had learned all the tricks to control low end feedback. Now I feel like I should go back to square 1. I cannot get the full sound of this guitar at the sound levels I need. The little phase switch inside the sound hole helps a bit, a sound hole cover does nothing. If you want to compete with sound levels of a band (if its even possible) you might need a sound engineer out front. The only way I'm able to bring the level up is to turn down the bass almost all the way which sounds terrible. I'm sure I could mic it but I hate to be nailed to one place all the time.
I bought a Spendy little Fishman Aura preamp hoping It would help bring out the sound of this guitar but even that didn't help. In short, the best plugged in sound I can get would be equal to a small parlor guitar. Very tinny with bass down or full of low-end feedback with bass at mid-level. Again, Unplugged This is the best sounding and playing guitar hands down and I'm going to keep trying to eliminate the feed back. However, I'm currently at a loss as to how I can do this and retain even a bit of that full sound. I recommend this great guitar without electronics. (None of my smaller Chaylors have this issue)
Chaylor 600 Series 618e Grand Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
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