Do current 710's come with Sitka or Engelmann spruce tops?
 

When i look up the specs on the current taylor page, it says they are sitka spruce.

If so, what is different between the 710 and 810 besides cosmetics?

According to the website, the only differences are cosmetic. The 800 series is a bit "blingier".

was this a very recent change? when i look up the 710 specs from other retailers they still list it as engelmann

Oh yeah. That too :D

Nah. I had a 712ce 12 fret that was built early in 2013. It was englemann. Early 2013 7xx models will have englemann.

710 specs
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars...specifications

810 specs
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars...specifications

Other than trim features such as gold vs chrome tuners and buttons, abalone vs ivoroid rosette, maple vs ivoroid binding and heal cap, pearl vs ivoroid logo and the sunburst finish; the only real structural difference is the CV bracing vs forward shifted bracing and $800.

Engelmann spruce does not age like Sika spruce. My engelmann top is still bright after 11 years. My Sika top is aging to a dark tint after 5 years.

Wow! It looks like Taylor stopped using Engelmann spruce completely. Not even the PS or Koa series have Engelmann tops. I guess my 710 with koa binding is a keeper.