Taylor 314ce Guitar Review

Our honest opinion on the Taylor 314 ce Acoustic Guitar

The Taylor 314 CE is one of the most popular guitars from Taylor’s 300 series, and for good reason.

This guitar is a perfect example of Taylor’s attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and innovation. The 314 CE is a versatile guitar that can be used for a wide variety of genres, from fingerstyle to strumming, and it has become a go-to choice for many professional musicians.

One of the standout features of the 314 CE is its build quality. The guitar is made from solid Sitka spruce on the top, and solid sapele on the back and sides. This combination of tonewoods provides a balanced tone with clear highs, strong mids, and full lows. The Sitka spruce top also gives the guitar excellent projection and sustain, making it an ideal choice for solo playing or accompanying a band.

The guitar’s neck is made from tropical mahogany, which provides a warm and rich tone. It’s also reinforced with Taylor’s patented NT neck system, which ensures the guitar stays in tune and prevents any warping or twisting over time. The 314 CE’s neck is also topped with an ebony fretboard, which gives the guitar a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

Another great feature of the 314 CE is its electronics.

The guitar comes equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2, which uses three pickup sensors to capture the full range of the guitar’s tonal capabilities. The ES2 is designed to deliver a natural and dynamic sound, whether the guitar is plugged into an amplifier or a PA system.

In terms of playability, the 314 CE is a joy to play.

The guitar’s slim profile neck makes it easy to play complex chord progressions and fast leads, while the cutaway design provides easy access to the higher frets. The guitar’s overall weight is also balanced, making it comfortable to play for long periods of time.

The 314 CE is also an aesthetically beautiful guitar.

Its satin finish and natural wood grain provide a classic and understated look. The guitar’s ebony bridge and headstock overlay add a touch of elegance, while the mother-of-pearl dot inlays provide a subtle yet eye-catching detail.

In addition to its impressive features, the 314 CE is also an environmentally conscious guitar.

Taylor is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing of its tonewoods. The company works with forest stewards to ensure that the wood used in their guitars is responsibly harvested and replanted, and they also use eco-friendly finishes and packaging materials.

In conclusion, the Taylor 314 CE is a great guitar for any musician looking for a high-quality, versatile, and aesthetically beautiful instrument. Its solid build quality, excellent electronics, and easy playability make it a reliable choice for live performance, studio recording, and personal practice. And, with Taylor’s commitment to sustainability, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting an ethical and environmentally conscious company.

Pros:

• Solid build quality with high-quality tonewoods
• Versatile guitar that can be used for a wide range of genres
• Excellent electronics with Taylor’s Expression System 2
• Comfortable and easy to play
• Aesthetically beautiful with understated elegance
• Environmentally conscious with Taylor’s commitment to sustainability

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some other guitars in its class
• Satin finish may not be preferred by some players who prefer a glossier finish
• Cutaway design may not be preferred by some players who prefer a more traditional look
• May not be the best choice for players who prefer a brighter or more treble-heavy tone
• The slim profile neck may not be preferred by players who prefer a thicker or more rounded neck shape.

If you are looking for something a little different there are several other guitars that can be considered comparable to the Taylor 314 CE in terms of quality, price, and features. Here are a few examples:

1. Martin D-15M: This guitar is a solid wood, all-mahogany dreadnought from Martin’s 15 series. It has a warm, midrange-focused tone and a comfortable neck profile. While it doesn’t have electronics, it is a high-quality acoustic guitar that can be a good option for players who don’t need amplification.
2. Gibson J-15: This is a solid wood, all-walnut dreadnought from Gibson’s J series. It has a bright, balanced tone and a comfortable round neck profile. It also comes equipped with Fishman electronics for amplified performance.
3. Yamaha LL16: This is a solid wood, all-rosewood dreadnought from Yamaha’s L series. It has a rich, full tone and a comfortable neck profile. It also comes equipped with the SRT Zero Impact pickup system for natural-sounding amplified performance.
4. Guild D-140CE: This is a solid wood, all-mahogany dreadnought from Guild’s Westerly collection. It has a warm, balanced tone and a comfortable neck profile. It also comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system for amplified performance.
5. Taylor 314ce V-Class: This is an updated version of the 314 CE, with Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing system for improved sustain and resonance. It also features an updated neck profile and a gloss finish. It is more expensive than the original 314 CE, but offers enhanced features and improved performance.

These guitars offer a range of tonal options, design features, and price points to suit different preferences and budgets. It’s important for players to try out different guitars and find one that feels and sounds the best for their individual needs.