Taylor 214

Purchased at Sam Ash for $500.00 after trade in. I wanted a new Acoustic to upgrade from the Dean I was playing.

I was out to buy a Gibson or Martin only because of the popularity of them. So I had to have one as my upgrade. I hated the high action shop setup on Martins and really didn't think they sounded that great or felt that great. I don't care to wait 20 years for the D-28 to "mature". I actually like the Gibson 45 WM guitar better than their other higher priced guitars. It had a great base sound and was comfortable but too pricy for me at $1200+. So not being impressed with my so call "idol" guitars I went to the 2 best guitar makers, in my opinion, being Taylor and Larrivee. Larrivee. made in Canada, are really nice affordable guitars. I just happened to like my Taylor I bought but it was a hard decision over the 2 brands.

Solid construction, very simple. Bright sound with lovely projection. Low action, maybe too low for some, not me and my small hands. My big 3 are sound, playability and intonation. All have been exceeded with the 214.

Nothing. Exactly what I wanted across the board.

It's the cheapest solid body Taylor makes. No laminate should allow the spruce/Cedar top and mahogany sides and back to "mature" nicely as the Martin owners would say. Ebony fingerboard is smooth. The tuners are not Grovers or Taylor specific tuners you see on higher priced models but they are solid and hold tuning just fine. I was initially scared by the no brand on the tuners like so many cheap guitars have but you notice quickly that they are "tight". I was going to take the Grovers off my Dean and swap them but there is no need to do that as the factory installed ones are fine. If you loose tuning you probably don't know how to string your 214 correctly.

Construction seems ok as far as the bracing on the inside of the guitar. No glue or seems showing. everything is flush. The aesthetics are plain and simple which is great, allowing us poor people to afford such a great guitar for a minimal price. It has everything necassary for a great guitar and one that you can play anywhere. Sure, everyone want's a $3000.00 guitar with bells and whistles but you are honestly just paying for just that, "bells and whistles". I have played every type of guitar I can get my hands on since shopping for my "next" guitar and there seems to be a leveling off of performance around the $600-1200 price range. They don't really get better in my opinion over that price. They do look a whole lot better though.

I just wanted a guitar I can trust to give me playability, great sound and the ability to hold tune. Thus, with continued practice and dedication I can acheive my goals and enjoy not fighting with my insrument. If you are looking for those simple qualities go for any Taylor and you will be very happy. I've been making music for 18 years and poor practice habits makes any great guitar sound bad, so don't blame the Taylor company if you stink. You play the guitar it doesn't play for you. The Taylor Company has justified their integrity with their product, unlike other BIG NAME brands.

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

I purchased this instrument at Sam Ash Music in California, back in September of 2003. I paid $749 plus tax. I originally chose this instrument for 4 reasons: It was the first guitar in the Taylor line that came with a hardshell case. It was completely made of solid woods. I liked the shape of the body, much like a classical style body, but only bigger. Lastly, the metal fret dividers are mounted inside of the fret board (unlike the 3-series and beyond)(new versions only).

I love the tone of the guitar, of which Taylor guitars are known for. The Craftsmanship is good but not perfect. The playability is excellent. The case that came with the guitar is awesome! I have owned a number of guitar cases in my life, but so far, this takes the cake!

There are no major craftmanship defects. However, I found 4 minor defects to the guitar: The sticker inside the sound hole is off centered (there is a pencil mark on the wood underneath the corner of the sticker). The paint is chipping on the metel fret dividers. The 2-dot 12th fret indicator is off centered (one is higher than the other). And lastly, Taylor guitars claims that the bridge pins are tusk, but it looks and feels exactly like plastic.

The construction of the guitar is great, but the attention to detail part isn't all that.

I like my Taylor 214. The little defects does not interfere with the playability or the tone of the guitar. However, if I wanted to re-sell the guitar, I probably won't get much for it. But that's o.k., I don't plan to sell it anyways. This guitar is great for fingerpicking. If you love to strum the guitar, this guitar probably isn't for you.

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

I purchased the taylor 214 at Senseney Music store In Wichita, Ks. The Taylor 214 Comes with Hardshell case for $748.00 plus tax.

The 214 is made in U.S.A. in California, It is a very warm toned guitar with the solid Sapelle, back and sides. The Resonance is wonderful with the high and lows coming through. The Grand Auditorium Shape makes it easy to play without a guitar stap while sitting or kicking back.

The Guitar does not have any real flaws that I could find. I really don't have anything negative to say about this guitar.

The Taylor 214 Is made of Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany Neck, solid Sapelle ( African Mohogany ) Back and Sides. This is truly and Exceptional Guitar The Contruction is nearly Flawless ( Nothing I Can Find ) The Satin finish lets you see and feel the grain and texture of the wood it is Truly a Great Guitar at an affordable price!

The Bottom line is that my Wife had a Taylor 214 before me and it drove me crazy!!! So I had to get me one of my own!!!

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

Senseney Music Store Wichita, Ks. Had bought a baby taylor for my grandson and was looking to purchase a Big Baby for my wife but Ended up with a much nicer model. The 214 was $760 with a hardcase included in price.

The Construction of the Guitar is incredible no flaws that I could find. The Sapelle Sides and Back ( African Mohogany ) make it a very warm toned guitar, with a Sitka Spruce top satin finish make it beautiful guitar.

The only this that I don't like about this Guitar is that is is my Wife's Guitar!

The Construction of the Guitar is incredible no flaws that I could find. It is Built almost Identical to the 314 except for Nut width. Pearloid dots, and Satin finish throughout. The Sapelle Sides and Back ( African Mohogany ) make it a very warm toned guitar, with a Sitka Spruce top satin finish make it beautiful guitar.

Bottom Line is that as soon as Senseney Music has anouther one in about a Week, It will be mine!! All Mine!!!

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