When exploring the world of acoustic guitars, one name often stands out: Taylor Guitars. Known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and design, Taylor Guitars has produced some of the most admired instruments in the industry.
Among their offerings, the Taylor 214ce represents a unique blend of quality, playability, and affordability, making it a popular choice for musicians across various skill levels.
This Taylor 214ce review will dive deep into the features, sound, and performance of this guitar, providing an insightful look for potential buyers and guitar enthusiasts alike.
[Source: https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/214ce ]
Technical Features
The Taylor 214ce is an acoustic-electric guitar that combines a range of features designed for sound quality, playability, and aesthetic appeal. Here are the key features of this guitar:
Scale Length: 25-1/2 inches.
Strings: D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light strings, gauged at .012 – .053.
Pickguard: Tortoise pickguard.
Body Width: 16 inches.
Number of Frets: 20 frets.
Body Depth: 4 5/8 inches.
Tuners: Die-cast chrome tuners.
Nut & Saddle: Nubone nut and a Micarta saddle.
Case: Structured gig bag.
Body Shape: Grand Auditorium – Taylor’s signature body shape.
Wood Construction: Layered rosewood back and sides.
Top Wood: Sitka spruce top..
Electronics: Taylor’s Expression System® 2 (ES2).
Cutaway: Venetian cutaway design.
Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard.
Overview
The Taylor 214ce is a high-quality guitar, boasting an impressive array of features that contribute to its overall playability and sound quality. It has a scale length of 25-1/2 inches and comes equipped with D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light strings, which offer a balanced tone and comfortable playability.
The guitar also features a tortoise pickguard, a body width of 16 inches, and a total of 20 frets. With a body depth of 4 5/8 inches, die-cast chrome tuners, and a Nubone nut with a Micarta saddle, the 214ce is designed for durability and precision. It also comes with a structured gig bag, ensuring safety and ease of transport for traveling musicians.
Design and Build Quality
This acoustic guitar showcases Taylor’s signature design: the Grand Auditorium body shape, known for its versatility and balanced output. The guitar’s layered Indian rosewood construction not only provides a stunning aesthetic but also offers durability and resilience, making it a great guitar for both studio and live settings.
The solid Sitka spruce top is a common choice in higher-end guitars and is renowned for its broad dynamic range and adaptability. The Venetian cutaway adds to this guitar’s elegance and also provides easier access to the upper frets. It’s a model any guitar player would be proud to show off.
Expression System® 2
One of the standout features of this guitar is the Expression System® 2 (ES2). This innovative pickup design amplifies the guitar’s natural sound, capturing more of its dynamic properties. The behind-the-saddle design allows for a more natural and expressive tone, setting the 214ce apart from others in its class.
[Source: https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/214ce ]
Sound and Performance
This high-quality instrument shines in its sound quality and performance, and we’d expect nothing less from Taylor. (We had great things to say about the Taylor GS Mini, after all!) It’s safe to say this model plays great.
The combination of the woods used produces a rich, full tone with clear highs and deep lows. The Grand Auditorium body contributes to a well-balanced output, making it a versatile instrument suitable for a variety of playing styles. Whether strumming chords or fingerpicking, the 214ce delivers a consistent and vibrant tone.
Playability
The playability of this model is enhanced by its sleek, ebony fretboard and comfortable neck profile. The action is set up to provide ease of play without sacrificing tone or volume. The ES2 pickup system ensures that the guitar’s natural sound is amplified accurately no matter the venue, making the 214ce an excellent choice for live performances.
Who is the Taylor 214ce Perfect For?
With its remarkable blend of quality, versatility, and playability, this acoustic guitar will appeal to a broad spectrum of guitarists.
Complete Beginners
Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s important to have an instrument that will help you on your journey, regardless of whether you’re playing the acoustic or electric guitar.
This model is a fantastic choice for beginners or kids who need an acoustic guitar that will grow with them as their skills develop. The ease of play, courtesy of its well-crafted neck and comfortable body shape, makes the learning process more enjoyable and less daunting for novices. Additionally, the guitar allows for a smoother transition into more complex playing techniques.
Intermediates
For intermediate players, the 214ce offers a perfect balance between advanced features and approachability. It serves as a bridge for those transitioning from basic playing to more sophisticated techniques, such as fingerstyle or varied strumming patterns.
The guitar’s great tone and dynamic range encourage experimentation with different genres and styles, making it a versatile tool for expanding your musical horizons.
Professional Musicians
Professional musicians and seasoned players will find the Taylor 214ce equally captivating. Its acoustic output, combined with the reliability and precision of the Expression System® 2, makes it an excellent choice for studio recordings and live performances. The guitar’s consistent tone and volume across various playing dynamics make it a dependable instrument in a professional setting.
Traveling Guitarists
The Taylor 214ce is also a great fit for gigging musicians who need a robust, road-worthy instrument. The construction is durable, which means this guitar can withstand the rigors of frequent travel and live performances.
In truth, the Taylor 214ce is a versatile instrument that caters to a wide range of players. From beginners taking their first steps in music to professionals looking for a reliable and expressive instrument, the 214ce stands out as a very nice guitar that meets diverse musical needs and aspirations.
How Does It Compare To Other Guitars?
When placed side by side with other guitar models in its price range, this guitar distinguishes itself through several key factors. Firstly, its build quality is exceptional, which comes as no surprise. Taylor Guitars is known for their meticulous craftsmanship, and the 214ce is no exception.
The 214ce shines when it comes to sound quality. The clarity, balance, and versatility of its sound are superior to many of its competitors. The Grand Auditorium body shape, a hallmark of Taylor Guitars, offers a unique sonic footprint that is both powerful and nuanced. This is particularly noticeable when compared to guitars with more traditional shapes, like the Dreadnought or Concert, which might excel in specific tonal aspects but lack the balanced versatility of the Grand Auditorium shape.
The Expression System® 2 (ES2) pickup system in the 214ce is a significant differentiator. Many guitars in this price range come with standard electronic systems that may capture the acoustic sound but often lose some of the guitar’s natural character when amplified. The ES2 system, with its behind-the-saddle design, captures more of the guitar’s dynamic properties, providing a more natural and expressive amplified sound. This advanced electronic system is a huge advantage for musicians who perform live or record in a studio.
Playability is another area where the Taylor 214ce excels. The guitar’s neck profile and ebony fingerboard are designed for comfort and ease of play, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. While other guitars might offer similar playability, the combination of the 214ce’s ergonomic design and its responsive sound make it a more enjoyable instrument to play, especially during extended sessions.
Finally, when considering the overall value, the Taylor 214ce offers a compelling package. Its combination of sound quality, build craftsmanship, playability, and advanced electronics at its price point is hard to match.
While there are certainly other nice guitars available on the market, few can offer the same comprehensive set of features and quality that the Taylor 214ce does. For guitarists looking for a high-quality acoustic instrument that can serve them well in a variety of settings, the Taylor 214ce is hard to surpass.
Conclusion: Does the Taylor 214ce Live up to the Hype?
In conclusion, the 214ce is a high-quality acoustic guitar that offers exceptional value. Its blend of playability, sound quality, and aesthetic appeal makes it a wonderful instrument for a wide range of musicians. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in a studio, or performing live, the Taylor 214ce won’t disappoint.