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James... « Incredible at this price point. »
Published on 01/28/12 at 19:53Type/Shape - 6-String Grand Auditorium
Back & Sides - Sapele Laminate
Top - Sitka Spruce
Soundhole Rosette - Plastic
Neck - Tropical American Mahogany
Fretboard - Indian Rosewood
Fretboard Inlay - Large Pearl Dots
Headstock Overlay - Indian Rosewood
Binding - Black Plastic
Bridge - Indian Rosewood
Nut & Saddle - Tusq
Tuning Machines - Enclosed, Die-Cast Chrome Plated
Truss Rod - Adjustable
Neck Width at Nut - 1 11/16 Inches
Number of Frets - 20
Fretboard Radius - 15 Inches
Bracing - Standard II (Forward Shifted Pattern W/Relief Rout)
Finish - Varnish
Color - Natural
Cutaway - Venetian
UTILIZATION
I took my cousin guitar shopping for his first acoustic the other day. He had a grand to spend. Wanted something good because he already knows how to play and asked me to help him pick out his first "real acoustic."
I noticed the 114ce was tagged at about $900. Immediately I also noticed how nice it felt. In fact, I own a few very nice Taylors and was surprised how similar this "low end" model felt. To be honest if I closed my eyes, I probably wouldn't be able to feel the difference. Sure, woods being used are different. But this 114 has the same construction and electronics system as an 814ce for goodness sake. That's pretty funny to me. Yes I am aware that the lower end ones have a different laminate finish. And that's all fair and good.
Anyway this thing plays great, and that was the primary reason we picked it over the other guitars in this price range. It feels incredible for a cheaper guitar.
SOUNDS
I won't lie. It is a bit brighter and more harsh than say, a 514ce model. However I will say that I put it up against a 314 model and I actually felt the 114 was better sounding and my cousin agreed. This is just the reality of acoustics. Some sound better than others and you have to use your ears regardless of the tag price. The 114 is not the sweetest GA shape in terms of sound. It can be a little rough around the tonal edges at time. But it sounded better than the 2 grand Gibsons we played.
OVERALL OPINION
I think we got it out the door for 8 hundred plus tax and such. Pretty ridiculous deal if you ask me. Needed some minor truss adjustment. Nothing serious. Actually it's a great guitar in terms of build. Every bit as good as my favorite taylor, which is a 526 ltd. This guitar is a value all its own. I can't figure out how Taylor can afford to make something like this for well under a grand. Props to them.
Back & Sides - Sapele Laminate
Top - Sitka Spruce
Soundhole Rosette - Plastic
Neck - Tropical American Mahogany
Fretboard - Indian Rosewood
Fretboard Inlay - Large Pearl Dots
Headstock Overlay - Indian Rosewood
Binding - Black Plastic
Bridge - Indian Rosewood
Nut & Saddle - Tusq
Tuning Machines - Enclosed, Die-Cast Chrome Plated
Truss Rod - Adjustable
Neck Width at Nut - 1 11/16 Inches
Number of Frets - 20
Fretboard Radius - 15 Inches
Bracing - Standard II (Forward Shifted Pattern W/Relief Rout)
Finish - Varnish
Color - Natural
Cutaway - Venetian
UTILIZATION
I took my cousin guitar shopping for his first acoustic the other day. He had a grand to spend. Wanted something good because he already knows how to play and asked me to help him pick out his first "real acoustic."
I noticed the 114ce was tagged at about $900. Immediately I also noticed how nice it felt. In fact, I own a few very nice Taylors and was surprised how similar this "low end" model felt. To be honest if I closed my eyes, I probably wouldn't be able to feel the difference. Sure, woods being used are different. But this 114 has the same construction and electronics system as an 814ce for goodness sake. That's pretty funny to me. Yes I am aware that the lower end ones have a different laminate finish. And that's all fair and good.
Anyway this thing plays great, and that was the primary reason we picked it over the other guitars in this price range. It feels incredible for a cheaper guitar.
SOUNDS
I won't lie. It is a bit brighter and more harsh than say, a 514ce model. However I will say that I put it up against a 314 model and I actually felt the 114 was better sounding and my cousin agreed. This is just the reality of acoustics. Some sound better than others and you have to use your ears regardless of the tag price. The 114 is not the sweetest GA shape in terms of sound. It can be a little rough around the tonal edges at time. But it sounded better than the 2 grand Gibsons we played.
OVERALL OPINION
I think we got it out the door for 8 hundred plus tax and such. Pretty ridiculous deal if you ask me. Needed some minor truss adjustment. Nothing serious. Actually it's a great guitar in terms of build. Every bit as good as my favorite taylor, which is a 526 ltd. This guitar is a value all its own. I can't figure out how Taylor can afford to make something like this for well under a grand. Props to them.