Taylor 314ce

This is a Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar with a cutaway, and Taylor's celebrated Expression System electronics. It is finished in natural, with a spruce top, sapele body and mahogany neck. believe it came strung with Elixir strings

Primarily a singer, I've been playing guitar for about 10 years, been in a band (drummer!), and have continued to record and play with other musicians on a non-professional basis. My styles range from folk to hard rock, with heavy power-pop leanings -- Big Star, not Green Day.



I bought this guitar at Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks, CA for about $1700. I had outgrown my Martin DCX1E and was looking for an upscale acoustic guitar.

This guitar is a perfect summary of all of Taylor's strengths. It plays extremely comfortably, the sound is bright with much depth and projection, the fretboard and neck are as creamy on the left hand as they can be, and the string spacing are perfect for both fingerstyle and flatpicking. The Expression System electronics are a knockout live, sounding crisp and much more organic than any other piezo or magnetic pickup.

I find the cut of the Grand Auditorium shape more appealing than a dreadnought or a jumbo, reducing play fatigue yet still retaining volume and body. And the guitar comes with a very plush Taylor case with the softest interior I've seen on a case, and lots of storage

The particular guitar I bought has a "knot" on the top, a white streak that mars the figure of the guitar's top. I've seen this on other Taylors of this price range, and while the sound and feel still convinced me to go with it, I don't consider this cosmetic flaw a great thing for a guitar of this price. And this is a Taylor, known for bright and sparkly sounds rather than woody warmth. If you want a boomy bass and a very old-time woody sound, this guitar may not be a good match for you. However, since I prefer a more modern, rock-ish acoustic sound with good treble cut, the Taylor sound works for me.

Superb, except for the cosmetic flaw above. The neck is beautiful, as are the sapele back and sides, which have a satin finish that feels very snug to the player.

I'd dare say this was my dream acoustic guitar. It's one of those guitars that can improve your playing due to their superior design and build, an instrument that will last you a lifetime. If you like its basic sonic character, you won't need another acoustic guitar.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar from Strings and Things in Memphis, TN for $1349.00.

This guitar has an incredible, full sound. I liked the Grand Auditorium design, but the Taylor was the first one I played. The look and beautiful finish on this guitar made it stand out. There were other Taylors, Takamines, Ovations, and Martins in the store, but after playing them all, I came back to the 314ce because I just loved the sound. Also, it was equipped with a Fishman Stereo Blender preamp. I understand that most 314ce's came with the Fishman Prefix Plus prior to the new Expression System Taylor is now using.

The saddle tended to saw the recommended .010 gauge strings in half when I played vigorously. Switching to .013 strings solved the problem.

Mahogany sides and back, Sitka Spruce top. What can I say? It's a Taylor.

This a beautiful, great sounding guitar. I wish I had another just like it with the Expression System Taylor uses now.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Had a Martin DCME on layaway at another shop, and found this 314CE at Sigler Music. Had played a 314CE before, but this one just felt way too familiar. Cancelled my Martin, and paid $1300 cash.

Fishman electronics are state of the art, and this guitar plays like something costing twice as much. My first Taylor, but not my last.

So far, the only problem is not having enough time to play it.

It's a Taylor, period. Their reputation for fit, finish, and quality of construction is not a myth....they earned it.

They are expensive, and not advertized much. There are also other great manufacturers out there in similar price ranges. However, if you find a Taylor that speaks to you the way this one did me, buy it...........right then.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com