Walnut is an unusual tonewood, but it's especially useful for clarity--it'sbass and treble aren't coloured, but it still has an appealing, warm tone. The Martin would seem to be a better deal considering all solid wood and I'd have to move into the 300 series to get . Copyright 2023 Best Guitars Now - WordPress Theme by CreativeThemes. Taylor 214CE Plus How It Compares To Taylor 314CE Forward-shifted bracing has a different sound than V-class bracing. Below is a comprehensive table that details some critical specifications of the Taylor 114ce and the 214ce. an expert, your friendly Sales Engineer is professional, highly trained, and here to help you find Sweetwater Sound Watch this YouTube video so youll know how they sound before buying one of them: Now, its inevitable that theres also a price comparison. The combination of Sitka spruce and rosewood resulted in some fantastic undertones, and the dreadnought size (albeit in a Grand Auditorium shape) gave it an amazing character with a big voice that youll fall in love with right away. With an easy-to-play grand auditorium body, Taylor's legendaryExpression System 2electronics, and a beautiful spruce andkoa tonewoodconfiguration, it's a guitar that you can be proud to play. In my opinion, it can definitely compete with much more expensive guitars made by Taylor. Croce, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bobby Rush, Dom Flemons, Dustbowl Revival, Sarah Grace. We've found three guitars that are similar to the 214CE: Like Taylor, Martin is a highly respected guitar manufacturer. We will look at the differences between the two instruments, as well as discuss the performance of each one. Terms. Reaction score. Sweetwater Sales The Standard II forward-shifted bracing means that the "x" at the centre of the brace is moved closer to the soundhole. Intonation was excellent, as was the resonance and sustain, too. journey I have had all of them. It is also worth mentioning that Taylor 214CE looks fantastic from the outside too. Continue reading to ensure that you dont regret your choice. 89K views 2 years ago ALAMO MUSIC CENTER For 2020, Taylor Guitars continued to expand their lineup, this time in the popular 200 Series. The 414 is all solid woods while the 214 will have laminated back and sides which may or may not translate into a tonal difference. The ebony fretboard and the bolt-on neck is very stable, making it very comfortable to play. Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter including new product &event updates and insider deals. The neck of a guitar is one of the most essential components that can affect the instruments performance. Jan 1, 2021. brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with I have the opportunity to purchase either a Taylor 214ce or a Martin Road Series for the exact same price. I played everything they had there (although they do not have any 300 or 400 series in stock), and feel in love. This system is uniquely placed behind the saddle of the guitar. The AC3R also has a distinctly vintage appearance, with an antique gloss finish and a vintage-style tortoiseshell pickguard. I'm going to go look at the 414 this weekend, I'm really looking forward to seeing and playing this guitar. Hi was looking to get some thoughts in this comparison. Despite the short distance between the 2 factories, the price differences between models built in these 2 facilities can be vast, and so it always begs the question is buying an American model worth the premium, so should you look for a feature rich MIM example? Koa isnt a cheap tonewood, which can be found in some limited-edition guitars. #1. Features Grand Auditorium Taylor's signature shape embodies the ultimate all-purpose acoustic. The slender Taylor Neck makes holding strings . The ES2 system also comes with an onboard preamp with athree-band EQ. The 214ce boasts a slightly brighter and punchier tone due to its solid top. About This Listing. However, if you're like many players, Taylor's flagship acoustic guitar models may be too expensive. Both guitars are a cutaway acoustic-electric Grand Auditorium from Taylor. If you dont know how to play yet, ask someone to play for you and you will listen. You can always have a guitar tech add electronics to the 414. [REVIEW], 10 Best Grand Auditorium Guitars For The Money [GUIDE]. On the flip side, the walnut is a common alternative to koa and is mostly found in more affordable guitars. It doesnt really matter whether youre a complete beginner or a bit more advanced guitar player you will definitely notice and appreciate the uniqueness of that guitar. Its a pretty affordable guitar, but is it actually good? Overall, this is a fantastic alternative option for those who cant afford getting the Taylor 214CE. It also has the benefit of Fishman MX-T electronics, too, for easy amplification and line in recording. It was love at first sight. Visit our YouTube channel for more video reviews of guitars, amps and guitar pedals. I really don't strum much when I play, but for kicks I bashed out some cowboy chords and the 214 handled them just fine. It really depends on what sound youre looking for and your budget. Sporting an elevated set of visual appointments to set it apart from its standard counterpart, the 214ce Plus offers an appealing blend of tonal richness, power and versatility. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The 214CE doesn't have Taylor's most advanced bracing, but it utilizes Standard II forward-shifted bracing. Brand New. and acts as These series are outstanding choices for any guitar player. Which one is the better-performing model? We'll go through essential product specifications, look at some buyer reviews, and evaluate a few alternatives. Looking at some vids on the 224 a couple stated it to be brighter, have better high and low range . The Taylor 214ce-KSB is an eye-catching example of Taylor's dedication to quality sound and unbeatable playing experience. Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Playability Of course, both guitars have Taylor quality and they are both great and reliable. This is a valuable review because it's written by someone who has played the instrument for 15 years. The Gibson G-45 is essentially Gibson's counterpart to the 214CE. The 214ce appears to be a little brighter than the Taylor 114ce. Many guitarists who choose a 214CE are seeking a Taylor guitar that is more affordable than most. Thanks again!!!!!! Hopefully you are shopping where you can play both, side by side. latest Although similar in design and sound, their top materials have a few key differences. It all depends on what youre searching for. The Gibson G-45 Studio is about the same price as the 214CE, and it's also made of all-solid wood--Sitka spruces with walnut back and sides. The fretboard was West African ebony, which is one of our favorite fingerboard woods of all. Engineers It was able to shift from delicate fingerstyle playing to hard, aggressive strumming without losing any of its clarity or articulation something not a huge amount of guitars in this mid range price point are truly capable of. Lots of fans of the 214's around here. The size of a guitar can have a significant impact on both the sound and the instruments performance. In the 214ce-K SB, layered koa back and sides pair with a solid Sitka spruce top, generating clear power and sonic definition for a tone profile that adapts easily across genres and playing styles. The Taylor 214ce Plus represents all that has made Taylor a trusted and sought-after instrument: impeccable design, fine appointments, and signature Taylor tone. The 210ce Plus features a Venetian cutaway, giving players access to the higher frets and allowing for more intricate playing. The Taylor 214ce acoustic guitar is one of the most popular guitars in the Taylor lineup. People who love the bright, focused tone of koa may be drawn to the 214CE. The scale length of that guitar has 25.5. As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as major advantages of the 214CE model. The 114ce is a great guitar for beginners, with a comfortable neck & bright sound. to the Like all 200 series Taylors, the 214ce Plus is made in the company's Tecate, Mexico factory, which is just an hour drive from Taylor's headquarters in El Cajon, California. If you're someone looking for a versatile, quality guitar that sits somewhere between midrange and high-end pricing, the Taylor 214CE is an excellent choice. The PRS is absolutely stunning looking, but the Taylor isn't too shabby . Considering the Taylor 214ce review, a Taylor 214ce formulated active preamp. The 214ce also features Taylors Expression System 2 (ES2) bracing system, which helps to strengthen the top of the guitar & improves overall volume with projection. This guitar represents amazing value for money, and is, at the price point, one of the best equipped guitars youll find. a click Many guitarists wonder whether they should choose the 214CE or 214CE Plus model. Killer Guitar Rigs Magazine is an online resource for everything guitar, from music news to gear reviews to interviews with your favorite artists we have something for every genre and skill level. However, according to Taylor Guitars founder Bob Taylor, all Taylor laminatesfundamentally sound the same. Taylor is committed to ethical sourcing and the ongoing pursuit of greater sustainable practices. Thanks for checking out my blog - hopefully you found what you were looking for! At A Glance: Our Top Picks For Taylor 214CE & Its Alternatives. It'll be much more comfortable to play due to its light-gauge strings and smaller body. , On the other hand, some guitarists may still consider this guitar as a pretty expensive model. I have been playing the 214ce at a LGS for weeks now. This dreadnought is made with a solid Sitka wood top and Sapele back and sides. Several ukulele and bass guitars too. Theres just not too much to complain about. With many restrictions being put on the importing of tonewoods in 2018 and 2019,the 2019 214ce Models moved to a Spruce top with a non-traditional Walnut back and sides. Get Directions | Many brand representatives have on-site offices, providing Sales Engineers with unprecedented access provide personalized customer service and will always recommend the right piece of gear based Help us match you with the perfect, 214ce Plus Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural, Impeccably designed acoustic-electric provides outstanding playability and tone, Solid Sitka spruce top with layered Indian rosewood back and sides for a blending of full low end and crisp high end, Mahogany neck with African ebony fingerboard offers incredible playability and response, Revolutionary Expression System 2 delivers rich amplified acoustic tone, Forward Shifted Pattern bracing for resonance support and long life, NuBone nut and Micarta saddle provide another level of tone and resonance support, Deep Venetian cutaway is smooth and makes accessing higher notes up the neck a breeze, Sweetwater Sales That offers a bigger, more natural sound with a more dynamic range than the 210ces ES-T pickup system. Barnett Music Exchange. For those who are not aware, Taylor manufactures an another version of that guitar the 214CE Plus. I'd go for the 414 because I prefer guitars with a 1 3/4" nut, no cutaway and no factory electronics. completely free of charge. The grain looked fantastic, and really made it feel like a premium guitar. The famous brands flagship US made models are built in El Cajon, California, while their import products, like the Taylor 214ce, are manufactured literally a stones throw over the border in Tecate, Mexico just 31 miles from the US factory. In my opinion the upgrades in the 214CE Plus arent that necessary. There's nothing wrong with having a Taylor Dread and Grand Auditorium to change up your playing style. Engineers live service Show 30 post(s) from this thread on one page. The action was on the high end of low, which will appeal to most players. I'm Dave and I'm the founder of Best Guitars Now. . It appears the only difference is you get an electronics upgrade (the new ES2 expression system, mine has the ES1) and you get a hard shell case instead of a hard taylor gig bag. By chance, do you know what the back & sides wood is on this particular 414? And the deep Venetian cutaway is smooth and makes accessing higher notes up the neck a breeze. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The Martin does have a hard case which is a plus. The Taylor 210ce and 214ce are two of the most popular acoustic guitar in the Taylor Acoustic Guitar Series, and both have a few distinct differences in their neck design. Learn More Layered Rosewood The 214ce has more features & a fuller, richer sound. This is a cheap guitar, so you cant expect it to be amazing, but its still one of the coolest budget acoustic guitars that you can find on the market. Either makes for a fine guitar. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The full-body gloss finish and black binding help give the 214ce Plus a stage-ready aesthetic, and with the built-in ES2 electronics, you're all set for amplified situations. To translate beautifully natural acoustic tone, the 214ce is equipped with ES2 electronics, a favorite among guitarists here at Sweetwater. This is a fantastic instrument to gig with. The answer is yes! In particular, Taylor's 214CE is a reasonably affordable guitar that still sounds like a professional-grade guitar. It's made with premium materials a solid Sitka spruce top paired with layered koa back and sides. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We reviewed the Taylor 214ce to see how it performs, and to see if spending over $1000 on an import is worthwhile. It had a NuBone nut, which was well cut, but we were a little disappointed to see it only came with a Micarta saddle. Copyright 2023 Killer Guitar Rigs. The bracing is usually only used on larger guitars, but on a grand auditorium, it gives the lower bout of the instrument more space to move. Which is why its very important to compare their specifications first. The ES2 system helps you dial in just the right tone for a given stage. Although the 214ce is more durable overall, the 210ce is still an excellent choice for those looking for an acoustic-electric guitar of the highest quality. Upgrading to Tusq or Nubone would cost very little, and at this price point, its what wed have expected. That being said, the 214CE model is definitely worth every cent! I'm interested in your thoughts. Its smooth plan yields a solid treble punch over the tonal range and hones the meaning of every single note. Try as many guitars before buying, even if they are not Taylor. The bottom line is to remember still to pay attention to bracing style, tonewoods used, and other features you would look for in an all-acoustic guitar. Space translates to better bass response. The Taylor 214ce Plus has a more complex sound with more depth and character, provided by using a mahogany top. It comes with Yamaha's unique SRT2 pickup system, which incorporates both microphone and piezo pickups to help you dial in the perfect tone. away! They also have the dynamic Expression System 2 pickups that deliver the natural acoustic tone of these guitars even when plugged. gear. This guitar is currently acclimating to the climate inside our warehouse before we can complete our 55-point inspection. The NT neck is a big plus too. While a guitar that sells for a little under $1,000 may be too expensive for some. How To Choose Best Guitars For Neo-Soul, Soul and R&B, 7 Easy Slipknot Songs To Play On Guitar (+TABS! It also has a verycomfortable neck(PA-profile) which guarantees an enjoyable and comfortable playing experience. Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at The 210ce is a great mid-level guitar for those wanting a smaller body size, while the 214ce offers a slightly bigger body and better-quality tonewoods. This is an upgraded version of the 214CE model reviewed in todays article. I played everything they had there (although they do not have any 300 or 400 series in stock), and feel in love. When it comes to pricing, its not exactly a cheap guitar, but its still a lot cheaper than some of the high-end models made by Taylor. This is actually my first acoustic guitar! Found a used 214ce-dlx in great shape but would have to pay shipping to have it sent from states to Canada. The 214 is about the best lower end Taylor that they make. However, if youre short on budget, just go for the Taylor 114ce. Vibrolux Vs. Deluxe Reverb: Battle Of The Amps, Alpha Pots Vs. CTS: A Summary For Novices, 7 Best Cheap Volume Pedals for Guitar Reviews. That said, you want the quality of your electronics to be about the same as the guitar's overall build quality. Taylor acoustic guitars are known for both quality and extraordinary playability, and the 214CE comes in several tonewood configurations, making it easy to find one that suits your playing style. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. This is a classic tonewood combo, and because this is one of the higher tier models from the Tecate factory, Taylor has used choice wood in the build process. Weekly Sales Meetings and Lunch & Learn chats with music industry experts ensure that Sales This acoustic may be a good alternative for you if you want a slightly less expansive instrument and if you would prefer a dreadnought body shape. They are both nice sounding and playing guitars, the Taylor possibly being a little brighter sounding, but the Yamaha seems to give a lot more guitar for the money, having solid Mahogany back and sides compared to the Taylor's Rosewood Laminate and the construction of the Yamaha looks to be of a higher standard (no bracing on the back of the I didn't think Taylor was making the 414s without a cutaway and electronics in 2012. Thanks for all your feedback. The Yamaha AC3R has a more traditional tonewood configuration--its top is solid Sitka spruce, and the back and sides are solid rosewood for nuanced tone with a defined low end. As we discussed earlier, they all have solid Spruce tops, layered Rosewood back and sides, includes Taylor's Expression 2 electronics and are auditorium shaped bodies. Or earn 5% back in Bonus Bucks on qualifying purchases of $299 or more when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card. Posted a thread here that I'm not even a Taylor guy and that one was both super nice looking and tonally.