Taylor Academy 10e review

Taylor says the Academy 10e was designed with newer guitar players in mind, and the spec sheet backs that up with comfort details the cheaper guitars here lack. A beveled walnut armrest takes pressure off the strumming arm, the slender neck has a 1-11/16 inch nut, the 24-7/8 inch scale is shorter than most dreadnoughts, and it ships with light .012 gauge coated strings. The top is solid torrefied spruce over layered walnut back and sides. The ES-B electronics include a built-in digital chromatic tuner, which removes the need for a clip-on tuner and lets you plug into an amp later, and a gig bag is included. At $799 on Taylor's US site it costs nearly three times an FG800, so it makes sense for adults who are sure they will stick with it or who want to play with a band or at open mics. Taylor lists the fretboard as ebony or eucalyptus based on availability.

Who it is for

beginners with a bigger budget who want a pickup

Price

$799 on Taylor's US site when checked; includes a gig bag.

Academy 10e $ 799 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Solid torrefied spruce top with layered walnut back and sides
• Beveled walnut armrest
• 24-7/8 inch scale and 1-11/16 inch nut
• ES-B pickup and preamp with a built-in digital chromatic tuner
• D'Addario XS Coated light strings (.012 to .053) and a gig bag

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Built-in tuner makes staying in tune simple
• Strength: Armrest and light strings for comfort
• Strength: Can plug into an amp or PA
• Weakness: Most expensive guitar on this list at $799
• Weakness: Full dreadnought body
• Weakness: Fretboard is ebony or eucalyptus depending on availability

Key facts

• Body: Dreadnought, non-cutaway
• Top: Solid torrefied spruce
• Back and sides: Layered walnut
• Scale length: 24-7/8 inches
• Nut width: 1-11/16 inches
• Electronics: ES-B with built-in tuner

Where it ranks

Taylor Academy 10e is No. 4 in our Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars verdict.