I have the 214ce plus, it is without doubt the best acoustic guitar I've ever owned or played ( my friend owns a 1976 Gibson Hummingbird). It is not cheap for a beginner or those that can't afford the price, but it is truly a beautifully made guitar and I would buy another Taylor in a heartbeat.
I’m researching this guitar for friend who is a beginner. Can’t think of a sweeter intro to the acoustic guitar world than this Taylor. The only question is which of the three 214ce variants to get!
Great video. Thanks for uploading! I went into Guitar Center and tried about 10 guitars and as soon as I picked this up and played it for 5 seconds I was sold. I didn't pick it up that day but it's still on my mind and I'm about to pull the trigger.
I bought a 714ce about a year ago. I now play it more than all my other guitars put together, so I agree a Taylor Grand Auditorium style is a must have at whatever price point you're comfortable with.
I went to look at a Gibson j45 today but the store had sold out. I happened to pick up a 214ce and I was unexpectedly blown away. Also surprised by the price. And now I can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you for this awesome review. I think, as you say, it spoke to me… And I’m going to go back and buy it. 👍🏻
That's basically the story of Taylor. You weren't looking for one but when you tried it, it hit you and you gotta have one. Happened to me when I was play testing a ton of guitars over a few weeks, and this 214ce is arriving in a couple days now!
After forty years of starts and stops with trying to learn guitar, I got serious about it last summer. Lots of help from online teachers and I’m also taking private lessons. I’m really enjoying the guitar though I still have a long way to go. I had a milestone birthday this year and my wife wanted to get me a nice guitar. I thought I wanted a Martin. A good friend that’s a fabulous guitarist steered my towards Sweetwater to buy a guitar. I told them my price range and he suggested the Taylor 214ce. I absolutely love this guitar! I’ve had several advanced guitar players that have played it and had nothing but praise for it. Tone, playability, finish, everything is perfect. I play it for hours at a stretch and while I don’t have others to compare, I don’t know that I’d find a guitar I like better than my 214. I think for the price, the 214ce is hard to beat.
Congratulations - they are a great guitar and comparable to quite a few guitars at higher prices in my experience. And thank you for the comment. Have fun with it and the never-ending learning, I"ve been playing for over 40 years and still learning myself.
Same boat, a lot of starting to learn then life gets in the way. Retired now so giving it a serious go now. I've delt with Sweetwater for years, they are great to deal with.
Just got my 214ce DLX last Sunday. Wanted to upgrade and tried this one out and it sounds, plays and looks great. This guitar is going to make me learn, practice and play so much better. Sort of my inspiration to really focus on learning and becoming a guitar (good) player. Love it so far!
Now this is two years later and I can tell you they still have that guitar. I just ordered the 214ce-K. The Koa back and sides and the guy asked if I wanted the sunburst model. So yours is still made today also. In the states at Sweetwater, they are about $899 on sale. The Koa model was $200 more at Sweetwater. At Guitar Center the Koa model on sale was $1699. That’s ridiculous. Buy your guitars from Sweetwater.
Yes indeed I do still have this guitar 😊 good information about shopping for the guitars. I do like Sweetwater, my interactions with them have been great. However I am personally of the opinion that acoustic guitars each have their own personality within the same model so I buy acoustics I can sit down and play before buying. Ideally I’d live within an hour’s drive of Sweetwater, the videos I’ve seen of going there to choose a guitar have been great. Unfortunately I live much too far away for that. So I really recommend buying local and finding a guitar that really speaks to you. This particular 214 was about the 6th one I tried at various stores and really sang for me when I played it. I’m not a sunburst fan, I prefer a plain top, but the sound is way more important to me. That said there really are no bad Taylor’s. Thanks for watching.
You had 599 thumbs 👍 for this informative video, now you have 600. I’ve been playing consistently a little over 2 years now and got my Taylor 214 ce dlx last week. It plays like a dream! I also tried out a few at a guitar store, including a Taylor 100 series that played just fine too. At first wanted to get the smaller Grand concert, but I found out the Grand Auditorium wasn’t too big for me so I pulled the trigger and am so glad I did! I also have a Martin Jr Streetmaster (which I like a lot) and a small body Yamaha (an ok guitar for a low price), all acoustic electrics. But the Taylor is my favorite. Thanks for posting this great video…
@@hectoraguirre320thanks for watching - it’s a Grand Auditorium shape wich is just slightly smaller than a dreadnaught and has a narrower waist, but would probably still fit snuggly in a dreadnaught case.
Great long term review! I find it amazing you still love the guitar after 10 years! It still looks and sounds amazing! I purchased my 214 CE DLX limited edition quilted sapele back/sides a year back. Similar story to yours. I walked into a local shop while on vacation and picked up a few guitars to kill some time. This Taylor was stunning, easy to play, and sounded better than most others. I walked out, and within an hour or so; I was taking it home. I still love this guitar and hopefully for years to come.
I’ve owned my 214ce for 10 years, and I love it. I actually went out recently and tried many new guitars, including Taylor’s. Not a single one, including guitars in the $3,000-4,000 range, sounded better than my 214ce. Yours sounds beautiful as well. Just like mine.
Yeah, I found the same thing - tried a few of the higher end Taylors, Martins and Gibsons in that 3000 to 5000 range and didn't feel any jealousy at all. Thanks for watching and sharing your story
I just bought the same guitar yesterday!! I had the same experience in the guitar store. It was a used model. Once I tried it, I knew I had to have it. Thank you for your video!
Thanks for the video. Last week I ordered a new Lowden F23-C. I'd played one previously. It came in the post and I was underwhelmed. It's going back. I have been thinking about getting an 'O' model Lowden as well, however I played a 214ce in a store yesterday and was blown away. I need to go back and play it more but am moving away from feeling like I'll need to pay Lowden money, although I've gone into this process without a budget not because I have a lot of money but because having the right guitar is really important to me and my motivation to practice. I am coming from a bashed up Yamaha F310 so lots of things are an upgrade! I found the 214ce wonderfully resonant with good balance, tone and projection. Martins sound really flat by comparison. I feel pretty 'in tune' with the Taylor and think I may end up with one!
I find guitars like Martins, and especially the dreadnaughts, are great for strumming the heck out of a song and works well for many singer/songwriters. But for my style of playing something like the Taylor 214 gives me more ability to do fingerstyle and lines. It was funny that a friend with a Taylor 300 series (dreadnaught) tried my guitar and was really surprised how nice it is. Have you tried a Morgan? They have some models that are very nice too.
Loved the review! Just bought a used 214ce koa. 2018. Went in to the local guitar store and saw it. Played it. Surprise! Two weeks later, bought it. Been playing a bedell. The Taylor has a much cleaner sound. I just love it.
Had the same problem. Walked in to a guitar shop with $800 budget - was going to choose between a Taylor Academy guitar or a higher end Yamaha or a Seagull. Was experiencing a little analysis paralysis so I started playing all the other guitars and ukuleles in the shop. Played all the high end Taylors that were totally beyond my budget and then I played a 214 CE plus and it sounded just as good or better than all the higher end guitars. Keep in mind, I'm upgrading from a $300 yamaha guitar. I kept circling back to this 214 CE and it would not leave me alone. Eventually I had to give up, called the missus and surprisingly she didn't put up a fight and I brought the guitar home for twice my budget. No regets. One guitar to rule them all. This would be it, at least for me.
I purchased my Taylor 214ce and knew I was taking a gamble, but I also had faith in Taylor. I had played several 214s in the past and they were all great. I did luck out and my Taylor is an awesome one. I purchased it in 2020 and I'm still playing her. All Taylors do have a particular unique tone that's in every model.
Congrats on finding the cream of the crop. All guitars can have variations in sound and feel with it. A take a bit of trial and error to find the right one, but when you do…
Was looking for a guitar In 2014 and strummed the 110e blew my socks off and knew I had to have it. What you said about how acoustics love to be played was beautiful.
Love this story; same for me. I walked into a music store, played several guitars, and took home 214ce a little over 10 years ago. Itis my gt-to guitar. Nuff said.
Thank you so much for beautiful review. I can see and feel that you really admire the guitar. And yes, Taylor has Taylor sounds. There is no better guitar or guitar brand than others, yet chemistry between you and your guitar is one of best I ever seen.
Own one bought it 2 yrs ago and loving it, it’s a swiss army knife. I own a Martin D16e and they are 2 different guitars . People hate taylors because it sounds good for the price like what you said its on a different level.
Thanks for watching and the comment. Many people tend to dislike a successful thing. But there’s no denying Taylor makes very good guitars for almost any budget.
Thank you good sir. You have convinced me to buy a 214ce. Even though it might be a little different than yours, I hope that it will bring me a similar amount of joy. Cheers!
Thanks for watching Stefan. What I suggest it to try a few copies of the same guitar - wood is a weird and mysterious material. I actually played several of the 214s in various shops before I came across this one. Not my favourite finish (I like a plain top) but the sound and playability spoke to me with this particular guitar. So try a few to find "the one' and you'll have a friend for life 🤗
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I would heed your advice if I could. I am however a lefty, so not many dealers stock more than a few guitars in their shops which I can play. I live in southeastern Europe, the situation is much different than in North America. My best bet is to do as much research as possible, order an instrument from overseas and then hope for the best. I do however seem to be quite sure that I won't be disappointed with this one. Thank you for the wonderful advice, nevertheless.
@@stefanukic3708 Many locations in North America are like that too, getting to a place with bigger guitar shops can be like driving to Germany for you. lol Luckily Taylors are pretty consistent, if the action is a little high and if you're comfortable adjusting the truss rod or know a person or shop that can do that then it's a very simple fix. Play it a lot or even lean it against a speaker playing music a lot can really open up the tone on any acoustic guitar. I trust you'll have a great time with the Taylor
Loved your review, it was honest and unpretentious. You picked up the guitar and it connected with you, and shock horror it has laminate back and sides! So what, you make music with it. Good on you.
The Taylor 214ce is the first serious guitar I purchased. I still have it too. I tweaked it a bit to fine tune it and improve playability. I think it has gotten better with age. Mine is about 12 years old. I think it sounds better now thatn when I first got it. I own several guitars. 2 Epiphones, 2 Taylors, 1 Recording King 000 12 fret. They are all solid wood guitars except the 214ce but it sounds awesome too. My brother got me interested in guitars. He played a lot and was writing and recording music. When he passed away I inherited one of his guitars (Fender Strat) and it went from there.... lol You are 100% correct, Taylors have their own sound. It seems brighter and more crisp. I think they sound awesome. TY for the review. I can tell you enjoy your 214ce and you play it well. Enjoy, TY MH
It's true that acoustic guitars in particular do improve with age - and especially playing. I heard an explanation that "it takes a guitar 10 years to stop thinking it's a tree and start being an instrument." I had a Takamine that was about 15 years old when I got the Taylor - it was sounding really nice, and not just "sounds nice for a budget guitar." Thanks for watching and for sharing your guitar story.
Okay - I heard that 10 Years After lick.......My Man....I love it, most people do not know who Alvin Lee was.... Thank You, Boy it is great to hear that again!!!! Yeah I am going for the 414ce Special Edition . Not because I don't like the 214ce, it is a "Sweet Instrument" but because when I picked up the 414ce special, it knocked my socksssss off!. Bang. A lot more money but I'll have that that guitar forevah....It is like a Stratavarious (not sure if I spelled that correctly) anyway the 414ce is simply mind-blowing and like you I finger pick a lot. Thank you for your great video here, really liked it, it's honest.... and terrific playing on your part.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I picked up the 214ce last week and reply liked it, had been wanting to find a place where I could get time to play it, found it. The same place coincidentally that had the 414 behind glass and locked. So like Oliver Twist I asked the man, please more sir may I play that one behind the window... being able to play them beside each other and back to back was the clincher. Anyway again thanks for the "I'd Love to Change The World" lick I guess it's only us older guys that have given that a listen. 10 Yrs After was a great collection of talented folks, heard their music when I was in the Navy back in the day. Still have it on iTunes.. Be well
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Just checked out your channel, very nice, I'm a Blues Guy myself. Thank you for the reviews and that Epiphone is terrific. Best wishes....
I got a 214ce dlx in December 2019. Same thing.. i picked it up and played it, and before i even plugged it in i wanted it. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides. Been playing it to death, and it's opening up nicely. I love it. Mine was 1300 bucks.
Your affection for your guitar makes me want to get one. I’m beginning my guitar journey. I went to guitar stores and tried about 20. I keep circling back to the Yamaha AC3 ($899) and Taylor 214ce ($1199). I’m leaning towards the AC3 but still undecided. Thoughts from you and others are welcome. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for watching. I'm not familiar with the Yamaha, although I have played other Yamaha models. I suspect either would be a great choice for your exploration of guitar. Of course personally I'm more partial to the Taylor which has a perfect neck for my tastes. The Yamaha would also give you an extra $300 for taking lessons :-D
I just got a Taylor 214ce rosewood satin finish. Man, out of all the guitars i played in the store, this one blew me away. Even more so than the Taylor 210 ce, (+$100 more) which has a fuller body, more like a classic dreadnaught shape. The shape of this one lends itself to the acoustics, it has a very direct and bright sound, the bass isn't overpowering, it's crisp, clear, and honestly I'm in love with it. The acoustics unplugged just keep ringing and reverberating for a long time after you strum, it's like playing in a cathedral church. Music to my ears... Also worth noting- I did a side-by-side comparison of the Koa model which was also $100 more... the Rosewood sounded SO much better. It didn't even sound like the same guitar. I've been playing a fender acoustic from the 70's that was passed onto me for about 10+ years, and this is just mind-blowing in comparison!!
I went to the shop to have my faith fixed. Played a Taylor 214ce k while there and fell in love. Needless to say one is on the way to me!!!I wish I'd shopped around in the first place and played the Taylor
Thanks for your honest review. I bought a 214ce-K in early January and have been playing it daily. I played it in the guitar room at Long & McQuade for over an hour and it was love. Nice to hear from someone who has owned a Taylor for 10 years. I have a 1973 Guild D-35 which I bought in '74. I picked up the Guild again a couple of years ago after not playing for a while. I felt I wasn't getting the sound I wanted from the Guild, and that's when I found the Taylor. It's such a a joy to play.
Great video. I own a 214ce-cf-dlx for 3 years now... I really like it and I'm usually not a Taylor fanboy. Something about htat specific guitar spoke to me... I was picturing myself playing it on the coach on Saturday morning...so I brought it home. Not a big fan of the ES2 pickup but it is what it is... it plays great and survived 3 Quebec winters without ajustments... still plays like a dream. This little taylor suits my voice when i try to sing... if you are a bad singer like me...sometimes a big loud dreadnought won't do :) As for the price, it depends where you stand... it's for sure cheaper than a 814ce but it was not really cheap either. I like the hard shell case and since I'm planning to keep this guitar for a long time... I'm ok with the price. I aslo got a cheap use martin x serie with a totally different that I also like... it was cheaper. Depends what you are looking for...
Thanks for sharing your guitar's story David - I totally agree with you, except for the ES2 pickup. But then my prior guitar was a Takamine so there that LOL.
This is one of my fav body shapes. Taylor guitars have their own sound, it's not like a Martin or a Gibson (which I also love). This one sounds very very warm, and has a sparkle dancing around. As you say, the 100 and 200 are very nice models, you get a lot of quality without having to spend a fortune. I played a 214ce once, my guitar teacher had one. It was the second time I played a small body guitar, I had learned and played with dreadnoughts until then. I used to own a nice Tanglewood, but with time I realised despite I liked the D sound, the shape was too bulky and big for me. After trying a Sigma 00015m style I got hooked, and the 214ce got me in love. I never had enough money for a Taylor though, and since I also loved the 00015m Martin, I decided to save for a Sigma. I bought the 000mc15e, the CW version. It has been around 4 months with me now and it sounds better and better every day. It was about 500 dollars, one of my best purchases. Thanks for sharing :) hugs from Spain!
Thanks for watching and good hunting. I always suggest trying a few different guitars of the same model when trying acoustics, the differences can be startling.
I own 2 Taylor's and they're both 214's one is the Koa wood one that was $1599 when I bought it now its $1799 so it went up and I love it.The thing is I originally played a spruce top and I think a rosewood layered back and sides and it just screamed beautiful tone unplugged and played beautifully.After the Koa which I love I couldn't stop thinking about the spruce but couldn't make up my mind which wood I wanted on the back.Rosewood or a Koa back. Rosewood was $999 Koa was $1099 or $200 more.Both come with a taylor gig bag that looks like a quality case,but both were similar hardware.I then noticed the Sapele back and sides that was limited edition that came with a hardshell case for 1499 with upgraded inlays and a bonus when purchased a free taylor barstool,a $149 value. So 300 more than the Koa back with a hardshell case that sells for $199. Still waiting for delivery of the Sapele.Cant wait.
Have been playing 316ce X-Bracing for 5 years now. It's a dream with beautiful LOW Action. I decided to buy a 614ce V-Bracing for that MAPLE sound. It sounds great, but I'm fighting with it. Looks like my 316 is gonna remain my go-to all-around guitar... at least for now. All Taylors are not the same... you're right about playing the guitar before taking it home.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker The store where I bought the 614 did shave the saddle a tiny bit... he's afraid to go any further. They don't believe me that the action (on my 316) is that LOW... although they sold me that guitar too (5 years ago). 🤣I was able to find a luthier in the place where I live, thanks to Google, which surpirsed me. I thought I'd have to travel to the next major city. I'm going to wait a bit... I'm able to get most chords, it's just some of those exotic baar-chords and also hammer-ons with the pinky, things like that frustrate me. I'll let you know what happens eventually. Thanks for the tip.
Great video. Next month I will have the chance to try out the GS mini mahogony and the newer 112ce. But i'm also thinking of the Martin djr. I wish Taylor made a GS mini in 1 3/4" nut, It seems the perfect size for me otherwise. I also subscribed to you, I could listen to you play fingerstyle all day!
I own a Taylor 214ce Plus. Great guitar in that price range. I've compared it to Martin, Fender, and Gibson. It was the easiest to play and frankly, I like the Taylor sound and versatility. It compared to the Martin SC-13e, which is a really cool guitar, but I opted to save $350. and I liked the sound a little bit better .. there are just Taylor haters out there that don't understand those of us that like Taylors.
I have tried a Cole Clark - they are wonderful, but the one's I really liked were quite a bit more - $700 to a $1000 more. But I'd certainly play one if it came my way. (PS - sorry for the late response, and thank you for commenting.)
Just got one, and I am loving it. GSmini for travel, the 214 for home. I have had numerous guitars over the years, the 214 sounds better than any of them.
you gotta good channel. I thought to let you know your video helped me to make my decision, and so I bought the 114ce-SB, yes brother, the SB, SUNBURST like yours but it’s more a caramel sunburst. But I got it off Sweetwater for $1000. I love it man. Taylor is considering it a special edition too but not a limited edition. Idk but it sounds really good with a Sitka Spruce top. It’s also a satin finish…I did hear Taylor’s tops are super thin but yours hasn’t cracked so…Like I said, you helped me to decide. Thanks man!
I played a 224ce, all Koa, about two months ago that was just like butter. I've only been playing for a couple of years (I'll be 70 in July), but the 224 was really smooth. I currently play a Taylor GT Urban Ash for the most part, and a Tanglewood Mahogany if I need amplification. Taylors suit me.
They stop thinking they´re a part of a tree and become the instrument. Words of the century ! congratulations ! a nice video. I am just looking for a guitar, maybe a lakewood, a gibson g200 or a taylor... that takes time.
I can't decide between a Japanese made Yamaha AC5R or a made in Mexico Taylor 224ce-k dlx. Both facilities do excellent work. The Yamaha has mahogany binding and an all solid wood build, they have it available in mahogany (AC5M) or rosewood (AC5R) both with a sitka spruce top. The Yamaha has excellent electronics too. The Taylor is beautiful, but at a little higher price than the Yamaha it has laminated back and sides, plastic binding and plastic bridge pins. I'm looking for shops in my area that have both in stock to try each out and see excatly how they sound and feel. Your 214ce sounds beautiful! I'm sure your playing has a lot to do with that as well, very nice.
Play them both - that's the true deciding factor; some guitars will sing for you and some will play notes. If possible, play multiple copies of each because even in the same model different guitars will feel ever so slightly different. Any good guitar store will let you do that. An acoustic guitar is one thing I'd never buy sight unseen. Thanks for watching and I hope you find the best guitar for you.
I really like the looks of this guitar and how it sounds on its own, but I have a major issue with the sound coming from the ES2. Sounds too harsh and metallic and definitely changes the natural sound of the guitar. I own an old Ibanez PF5ECE-NT-14-01 and I never had any issue like this with its Fishman pickup. Sound is too bad I took it back to the store for consignment. To my surprise, all other Taylor guitars at the store with this same system sound all the same.
Thanks for listening and commenting. I can appreciate your thoughts on the ES2 system- I find it works well to bring out finger style playing, but as you said perhaps a bit harsh for strumming. I had a Takamine before this guitar and it was “the master of quack” having that particularly harsh “quacking” sound when you strum. There was a DI box I played through on one stage that worked really well with the Taylor - should have grabbed a pic of it so I could find one for myself.
I recently joined the Taylor family😁. Started playing when i was 12 (45 now). Played in various bands and owned all sorts of equipment. When I got married 15 years ago, I sold off most of my gear to fund my new family lol. About 6 years ago I sold my last guitar that wasn't that great and it just didn't inspire me to practice or play. I haven't owned an instrument during that time and had completely lost my love for playing music. Recently I took my son into GC to look at keyboards. Well I got the itch to play the guitar. Went into their acoustic cave and picked up a few, still just feeling uninspired and kind of sad that I just didn't want to play anymore. Then i grabbed a Taylor 214ce just because it wasn't locked up. All of a sudden the tone and resonance just completely reached into my soul and shook it around. I felt something different and more alive. I then tried the 114ce and felt the same thing. Well I came home and just couldn't stop thinking and daydreaming about how nice both of the mid-lower end Taylors were, and that they're within reach of my slim budget. About a week went by and now im constantly thinking about how badly I want to start playing again and thinking of what i needed to do to save up $900. Then I found a local private seller with a brand new 114CE-SB (sunburst). He basically gave it to me for $400. I've owned it for a week now and havent skipped a day and have been so motivated and inspired to keep practicing that it's like i never took any time off. Finger callouses are back and I'm confident that I'll only keep improving as I've regained my passion for playing because my new Taylor just makes playing so enjoyable.
I bought mine two years ago and after a year in rainy north west England the top moved and the action became quite high. The shop in Wigan said it was a "wet guitar" but offered no remedy. I took it to my local luthier and he built a jig for new shims and now it's fine. I wouldn't buy another one because of our climate here in England but apart from that it does play great and sounds really good acoustic and amplified. I agree that the tops are a little too thin and I reckon that contributed to the top moving. I have a number of solid top acoustics such as Gibson, Simon and Patrick, Martin and in forty years never had this problem.
Wow, that’s really unfortunate. Most of us wind up with humidifiers to keep guitars from drying out (I don’t use one, I figure a guitar just has to get tough here in one of the driest places on earth), but it sounds like a DEhumidifier is needed in England. Thank you for sharing your story. And thanks for watching.
I wonder which Takamine you had? I've had a 1980 EF360 SC for about 20 years and it still sounds amazing, but needs a neck reset, so got a Yamaha A3R ARE, which sounds fantastic too, but slightly harder to play fingerstyle due to nut width and rounded fretboard. Been looking at the 214 CE for a while now due to the playability factor. Just gives me the space I need for the fingerstyle I've recently gotten into. I'm gonna need to save and get one asap. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for watching. Can't rember the whole model number but I do know it was a G series. And yes, it was the ease of doing fingerstyle that convinced me to get my Taylor. Good luck
Thanks for watching and for the comment - to me playability is first, and I won’t sacrifice that for “great sound.” It’s a real bonus that this guitar sounds great as well as plays super well.
That's some wonderful playing and a handsome instrument. I quite like where the knobs are located. Thanks for sharing with us. I can really get behind the romantic outlook you shared on acoustic instruments. Rock on!
Thank you for your great review on the Taylor 214ce! I absolutely agree with your opinion I feel your deep love for this beautiful Taylor 214ce x Ive got one and it makes me happy Again, thank you bro, keep on playing and God bless you 🎸 P.S. which brand and gauge do you use, because it sounds great! I use Elixir Phosphor Bronze 0.11
Really great review! I just bought a used 310e sunburst. I prefer the sunburst because the others look too plain to me. I agree that the 210 and 214 sound really great for the price... especially compared to almost any other brand in it's price range... even solid wood ones oddly. I think the 210 I have sounds as good as some higher end Taylor and Martin guitars... but there are some I may like as much or more...all just have different tones not necessarily better. I had a K22 Taylor at my house for a couple of months worth $5k and didn't like it at all... but again some others I love. I have a Martin guitar that has way more bass which I like for some things but the Taylor sits right in the middle in tone which I like too... just way different.
Congrats on the 310e. I agree, each model has their own sound which may or may not suit your own playing style and preferences. I remember the first time I tried a Taylor about 25 years ago it was worth $3200 CAD back then and was amazing. But others in that price range since then were good but not amazing to me. Not to say they wouldn't suit someone else extremely well.
I've just purchased the 214ce-QS DLX LTD... it's a beauty and affordable (bonus - it was on sale!). Like you say, I could spend 3 or 4 times the amount on a higher end model that "sounds better" (all subjective of course), but my skills as a guitarist are hobbyist level at best so I really couldn't justify spending crazy amounts.
Maybe it's just that particular guitar , I've traveled with a couple of my Taylor's for years in all kinds of conditions and so good so far . Keep my fingers crossed 🤞 😂 ....Great soundings, Taylor, by the way !!!!
Thanks for watching and your comments. I’ve seen a couple of Taylors with cracked tops. Mine isn’t and I don’t take particularly good care of it. I think one thing is that this particular area has supper low humidity. My guitar has settled into it, but I fear if I took it to the coast it could crack up because of that change.
I have a 214 CE deluxe red. I love it. It’s very comfortable to play and sounds great. My wife plays a martin gpc 13 ce and they sound good when we play together… we’ll she sounds good. I’m still learning. But I love my Taylor
After years of abandoned guitar playing I am on the eye about 114ce. My current guitar is a classical one. But I need a guitar with a good playability and narrow neck because I have small fingers and I get terrible pain. Should I go for it? Thanks and loved the review!
Thanks for watching and commenting. As with buying I highly recommend playing one first - go to the music store you shop at and try one. Sit and play it for a while. Try a couple of them - each one is an individual, I tried quite a few 214s and finally this one just walking into a shop I occasionally went into. But then I had a decent guitar at home already and I'm a little pickier than when I was less experienced.
Amazing sound. I am looking for my first acoustic. I am looking in Martin Djr, Martin Road 10 PRS T40 and the Taylor 214 CE-K. Yours has a warmth that I liked a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Great review! 😺I have one of these and I was wondering what strings you use or which strings you have found that you like to use for your style of playing? I'm using D'Addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings now. Thanks!
I also use the same strings and gauge. They're fantastic! Especially with the tones of these Taylors. I find that they also stay in tune better than the phosphor or 80/20's. Not sure why that is but it's pretty awesome.
Well those hands and fingers are going to make anything sound great, but I do agree with you on Taylor. I bought an Academy 12 last year and can already tell you that it is a fine guitar tonally. Yes, a very plain looking instrument- but very playable and has amazing tone for a $600 guitar. I've had guitars costing 3 times as much that don't sound as good even if they "looked" better. Now I'm on the hunt for either an all-solid or GA body like this one. This 10 year old guitar just goes to show that it is all about the player and the top- which Bob Taylor himself says 90% of which contributes to the overall tone.
Thank you for the comment - my hands and fingers really appreciate it :D Yes, even on the budget side Taylor builds some pretty impressive guitars. Thanks for sharing your story. Have you found it improving with age?
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I think it has but I've only had it for a year. I totally agree though that acoustic guitars love to be played. Your Taylor sounds absolutely fabulous with 10 years of conditioning. What kind of strings have you found you like on the 214?
Go play each of them, and play multiple ones of the same models - each acoustic guitar is different. In general, I’d go with Martin for songs that I strum and the Taylor for fingerpicking. To me those are strengths of each, but of course each can do either very well.
Great guitar! 10 years ago materials, they don't make 'em like that anymore. Agree with your perception on price. Purchasing a high end $2,000 to $5,000 not really worth it. Had a couple of Taylors and have enjoyed them much. Have a Taylor GS min, and Guild. I will be adding a Taylor 214 ce deluxe soon.
Thanks for the comment - I would say that for those who buy $2000 + Taylors they really enjoy them, but for my money if the guitar speaks to you no matter what the cost, it's worth it (if you can afford it) and that's more important to me. A lot of people look at the price of the 214 and say "ouch." That's why there are lots of $200 to $500 guitars for sale and why I owned a few of those before. I've been thinking about getting a Taylor GS mini myself, love the size and the sound is great.
Hey Rick, thanks for watching. I haven't noticed much change in my Taylor so far, but I had a Takamine that had laminated sides and after a couple of decades it had developed an absolutely wonderful tone. I'm sure the Taylor is changing, but I've been primarily playing electrics and it does take playing to develop the harmonics that are so lovely in older guitars.
Just my opinion but the Taylor guitar’s just do not have enough bottom for me. Fabulous guitars and the best playability straight out of the box by far is Taylor. I just need the dread boom for my style of music.
Thanks for watching and your comment. Luckily there’s guitars aplenty - and I’ve heard that same comment from a good friend. Personally I really play more fingerstyle than strum so the Taylor works well for my style. But yes if I had lots of extra cash I’d be out looking for a vintage Martin, maybe a Gibson Songbird, or maybe even get a luthier to build me one. And of course an extra Taylor or three 🤣 What is your current guitar of choice?
@@HardwiredMusicMaker i personally have a couple of dreads and a small body. Martin D-10e, Seagull S6 Original and a Breedlove concert size. I am in the market for something else now. My favorite artist is John Prine, so finger style yes, but he has that bottom end on his Travis picking style.
@@toddcagle4245 Nice collection - some great choices, thanks for sharing. Have you tried a Morgan guitar? I've played a few and they are very sweet, and seem much less likely to have issues with the top going from climate to climate than the Taylors. Of course there's other great ones to try, the better Gibsons are really nice, Larivee is played by people I know. The new PRS acoustics I've played are up there too.
Hi Flemmy, thanks for watching and asking your question. I've only found I had intonation problems on acoustics with really old strings or the "wrong" strings. There was a brand I loved the sound of but intonation was always out, so I went back to a tried-and-true band (D'Addario for me) and it cured the problem immediately. Change your strings with a major brand and hopefully your guitar will be back to it's perfectly intonated self. Another issue, and this probably doesn't apply to you but thought I'd mention it for others: Some players press the strings so hard it throws the strings out of tune and it gets worse as they go up the neck. Learning to play with only enough pressure on the fret to make a clean sound is the cure for that.
I just bought one as well, not the sunburst version though, im wondering, since it's s layered back and sides, has your guitar "opened" up at all ? I've heard they typically don't as much as a solid wood guitar
Thanks for watching and for the question. The top will certainly open up with age and it's the primary source of sound for the guitar. As well, I had a Takamine years ago that was layered wood and it was opening up wonderfully after 15 years of constant playing.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker good point about the solid top, im 64 now and I don't know about playing it another 15 yrs lol I have an epiphone masterbuilt that's all solid wood, its probably 20 yrs old and it's marvelous too
@@jimharris3889 No problem, I'm not fussy about strings, I've always found the D'Addario 80/20s amzn.to/3UzyPwz work just fine for my playing. I've tried lots of string but never found enough advantage for extra expense. On my Takamine I used to use Bluegrass strings - heavy bottom, light top - but this guitar doesn't need the extra bass.
Do you pick with your nails or your finger tips. I have issues with using my nails maybe I am just doing it wrong. I might order one from guitar center as some dont have models you can play. They one close to me doesnt have one.
I mostly use nails unless I'm doing some manual work and break a few of them. There are many guitarists that get along fine with just the fingertip flesh. The biggest thing with using nails is to consistently keep them the right shape - something I personally have trouble doing so it sometimes sounds a bit rough.
Good to hear the review of guitar after 10 years.. This was my first option for some time till the Martin SC-13E new body shape came.. Well, I dont own a martin but the reviews looked good.. Thanks
I have a problem with intonation on my 214ce. It becomes noticable on only the 3rd fret and gets sharp. It only gets worse further up the neck.. I find that disappointing, at this price point. But there is very little about that, being mentioned.
Hi Anthony, thank you for sharing that with us. I have yet to see that issue on a Taylor so I’m wondering if it’s the strings. I know that the one time I ever had acoustic guitar intonation issues it was immediately resolved by replacing the strings. But if changing to a different brand doesn’t cure that I know I’d be immediately reaching out to Taylor - from what I’ve heard they have very good service. I hope you can get that resolved soon.
I like Taylors sound but I havent actually played one. I think you are right as acoustics should be tried out by your self because each one has a unique sound. electric guitars sound similar to each other. Not acoustics.
Thank you for watching and the comment. I use D’Addario acoustic light (11s). Ive tried lots of “fancy strings” but didn’t notice enough difference to be worth the difference in price. These aren’t the cheapest but just above cheap.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker sounds awesome. I’ll try that gauge 11. I’ve been using 10 gauge for 3months on mine but, this time I’ll try the 11 gauge. Thank you and enjoy playing .👌
Im considering the 214ce plus or gs mini, but im unsure about all the different gs mini tops i really like the spruce sound. Also im a beginner i would say and im not sure what would benefit me more in the long run a smaller or fullsize guitar. Any tips?
I'm all for physically trying several examples of each guitar because with acoustics even the same model guitars from the same company with the same specs can respond differently. I played several different 214ce's from the time they were released to the time I found this one. They were good but this one was special. It can be a subtle difference because Taylor and other makers do know how to make great guitars, it's just how the particular woods in each guitar act and interact that makes a guitar special. Hope you find that special guitar.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker thank you for answering :) its hard to try those guitars where i live cause no local retailer carries taylor guitars, but maybe i'll if there are any shops in close cities. Thanks again loved your playing by the way, great review!
Just bought a 214CE-K and breaking it in. Sounds great but a little hard on the fingers. I have 3 other guitars and it just seems a bit harder on the fingers for some reason. Hoping it gets easier as I break it in. What strings have you used on yours?
Congratulations and thank you for the comment. It probably just needs a little bit of adjustment on the truss rod in the neck. There are lots of videos on RUclips on how to adjust the neck of a guitar - or you can take it to the store you bought it at (if that's where you bought it) and have them adjust it. If you bought it privately you can find lots of techs at stores who can do that, or even a mechanically inclined friend who plays guitar can probably do that. As for strings I typically use D'Addarios light. I'm not too fussy on strings for acoustic, but I do prefer light strings - easier to play and a little more treble for fingerstyle playing.
I may have the best 214 story of them all about a year ago I got on marketplace just to kill time and theirs a just listed 214 for sale about 1/2 an hour from me 450 with case so I googled a 214 for a average used price and immediately messaged him apparently a girl he knew had it given to her she never played it for 10 years she gives it to him and he didn't need an acoustic I think I probably broke every traffic law there is getting over there it a brand new 13 year old guitar in pristine condition and I love it I have a Martin ooo-15sm and a Yairi dy91 so it's like comparing apple's to orange's one solid mahogany the other kia but build sound and playability are the same
Problem? Cracks? yeah it dried out plain and simple. All solid tops need humidification in the dry months. Humidity packs are a great investment. Just bought a few yr old 214ce satin flamed Koa back used/nos/return(?) - said used on tag - it was def unplayed & looked like a leftover…..$700. Felt like I robbed it! Easy to work on, simple neck adjustments. No expensive neck resets. Great electronics.
ive just pick up my new tailor 214ce SB DLX, and i'm happy )) i've paid 1190 euro include delivery)). Yeah, i likes more the natural color, but it cost 1650 )). i dont care about the color when ive saved 450 euro ))
@@HardwiredMusicMaker yeah! thank you so much! I still think about all solid guitar, but this is the next level and 1200 euro plus, if talk about taylors, or may be yamaha FGX5 or yamaha A5R, thats about 500 euro plus ))
@@ekrasavin There are some really good Yamahas, but I was not excited when I played those guitars. They're playable, but the Taylor you have - to my ears anyways - sounds substantially better and as long as the top is solid, as it is on the Taylor, the sides don't make that big a difference if they're laminated or solid until you get up another 1000 in price.
Yes, I did - I've tried quite a few like those and from different series and there's certainly differences in the complexity of the sound. And of course some of each are better, and some not so good. If I could have afforded four times as much guitar I probably would have - but for the money this one stood right out.
Thanks for watching. E = electric which means it has a pickup for stage use. C = Cutaway so it has a cutaway shoulder for reaching higher frets easier. CE is a Cutaway Electric.
I've been using D'Addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings on it. I used to use the Bluegrass mixed light top and heavy bottom on my old Takamine, but they didn't sound right on this guitar.
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you own or are considering getting a Taylor 214ce? I would love to hear from you here in the comments. What other guitars are you considering?
I have the 214ce plus, it is without doubt the best acoustic guitar I've ever owned or played ( my friend owns a 1976 Gibson Hummingbird). It is not cheap for a beginner or those that can't afford the price, but it is truly a beautifully made guitar and I would buy another Taylor in a heartbeat.
@@davidd2453 nice guitar, and thank you for the comment
@Josie Emery Hi Josie - thanks for watching and for your guitar story. I hope you get a chance to try out the Taylor.
@Josie Emery You'll have to come back and take some time here - although Calgary's changed quite a bit since then, had half the population we do now.
I’m researching this guitar for friend who is a beginner. Can’t think of a sweeter intro to the acoustic guitar world than this Taylor. The only question is which of the three 214ce variants to get!
Just picked up my 214CE one today! Not the plus. They didnt have it. PHENOMENAL sound. So worth it.
Congrats, that’s awaome
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Thanks sir!
Have lots of fun with it
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I will!
Great video. Thanks for uploading! I went into Guitar Center and tried about 10 guitars and as soon as I picked this up and played it for 5 seconds I was sold. I didn't pick it up that day but it's still on my mind and I'm about to pull the trigger.
Thanks for watching- let me know when you pick up that guitar. 😎
Just bought one 2 weeks ago £1100, it sounds amazing and plays amazing,I’ve got two gs mini,s as well a koa e and a normal one,such a great make.😊
Congrats on the new Taylor, glad you're liking it - they are so good. And thanks for watching.
I bought a 714ce about a year ago. I now play it more than all my other guitars put together, so I agree a Taylor Grand Auditorium style is a must have at whatever price point you're comfortable with.
The 714ce definitely a sweet guitar. Thanks for the comment
I went to look at a Gibson j45 today but the store had sold out. I happened to pick up a 214ce and I was unexpectedly blown away. Also surprised by the price. And now I can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you for this awesome review. I think, as you say, it spoke to me… And I’m going to go back and buy it. 👍🏻
Thanks for watching - sounds like you made a good find.
That's basically the story of Taylor. You weren't looking for one but when you tried it, it hit you and you gotta have one. Happened to me when I was play testing a ton of guitars over a few weeks, and this 214ce is arriving in a couple days now!
@@JonahNelson7 Congrats and thanks for commenting
Just purchased a Taylor 214CE Plus and I love it!
Congratulations- and thanks for watching
After forty years of starts and stops with trying to learn guitar, I got serious about it last summer. Lots of help from online teachers and I’m also taking private lessons. I’m really enjoying the guitar though I still have a long way to go. I had a milestone birthday this year and my wife wanted to get me a nice guitar. I thought I wanted a Martin. A good friend that’s a fabulous guitarist steered my towards Sweetwater to buy a guitar. I told them my price range and he suggested the Taylor 214ce. I absolutely love this guitar! I’ve had several advanced guitar players that have played it and had nothing but praise for it. Tone, playability, finish, everything is perfect. I play it for hours at a stretch and while I don’t have others to compare, I don’t know that I’d find a guitar I like better than my 214. I think for the price, the 214ce is hard to beat.
Congratulations - they are a great guitar and comparable to quite a few guitars at higher prices in my experience. And thank you for the comment. Have fun with it and the never-ending learning, I"ve been playing for over 40 years and still learning myself.
Same boat, a lot of starting to learn then life gets in the way. Retired now so giving it a serious go now. I've delt with Sweetwater for years, they are great to deal with.
That guitar sounds beautiful in your hands! Wonderful playing.
Thank you Mike, I appreciate the comment
Just got my 214ce DLX last Sunday. Wanted to upgrade and tried this one out and it sounds, plays and looks great. This guitar is going to make me learn, practice and play so much better. Sort of my inspiration to really focus on learning and becoming a guitar (good) player. Love it so far!
Congratulations on the new guitar and thanks for the comment
Now this is two years later and I can tell you they still have that guitar. I just ordered the 214ce-K. The Koa back and sides and the guy asked if I wanted the sunburst model. So yours is still made today also. In the states at Sweetwater, they are about $899 on sale. The Koa model was $200 more at Sweetwater. At Guitar Center the Koa model on sale was $1699. That’s ridiculous. Buy your guitars from Sweetwater.
Yes indeed I do still have this guitar 😊 good information about shopping for the guitars.
I do like Sweetwater, my interactions with them have been great. However I am personally of the opinion that acoustic guitars each have their own personality within the same model so I buy acoustics I can sit down and play before buying.
Ideally I’d live within an hour’s drive of Sweetwater, the videos I’ve seen of going there to choose a guitar have been great. Unfortunately I live much too far away for that.
So I really recommend buying local and finding a guitar that really speaks to you. This particular 214 was about the 6th one I tried at various stores and really sang for me when I played it. I’m not a sunburst fan, I prefer a plain top, but the sound is way more important to me. That said there really are no bad Taylor’s.
Thanks for watching.
You had 599 thumbs 👍 for this informative video, now you have 600. I’ve been playing consistently a little over 2 years now and got my Taylor 214 ce dlx last week. It plays like a dream! I also tried out a few at a guitar store, including a Taylor 100 series that played just fine too. At first wanted to get the smaller Grand concert, but I found out the Grand Auditorium wasn’t too big for me so I pulled the trigger and am so glad I did! I also have a Martin Jr Streetmaster (which I like a lot) and a small body Yamaha (an ok guitar for a low price), all acoustic electrics. But the Taylor is my favorite. Thanks for posting this great video…
Congratulations on the new guitar and thank you so much for the like and comments.
Is it smaller than something like a dreadnought
@@hectoraguirre320thanks for watching - it’s a Grand Auditorium shape wich is just slightly smaller than a dreadnaught and has a narrower waist, but would probably still fit snuggly in a dreadnaught case.
Great long term review! I find it amazing you still love the guitar after 10 years! It still looks and sounds amazing! I purchased my 214 CE DLX limited edition quilted sapele back/sides a year back. Similar story to yours. I walked into a local shop while on vacation and picked up a few guitars to kill some time. This Taylor was stunning, easy to play, and sounded better than most others. I walked out, and within an hour or so; I was taking it home. I still love this guitar and hopefully for years to come.
I love when a guitar finds you and insists on being taken home😎 thanks for watching and sharing your story
I’ve owned my 214ce for 10 years, and I love it. I actually went out recently and tried many new guitars, including Taylor’s. Not a single one, including guitars in the $3,000-4,000 range, sounded better than my 214ce. Yours sounds beautiful as well. Just like mine.
Yeah, I found the same thing - tried a few of the higher end Taylors, Martins and Gibsons in that 3000 to 5000 range and didn't feel any jealousy at all. Thanks for watching and sharing your story
I have a 114ce-sb and love it! Enjoyed your video
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you have a great guitar
I just bought this guitar today! Beautiful review!
Congratulations- and thank you for the kind words
I just bought the same guitar yesterday!! I had the same experience in the guitar store. It was a used model. Once I tried it, I knew I had to have it.
Thank you for your video!
Congratulations on the guitar find and thank you for watching. What style of music do you play?
Thanks for the video. Last week I ordered a new Lowden F23-C. I'd played one previously. It came in the post and I was underwhelmed. It's going back. I have been thinking about getting an 'O' model Lowden as well, however I played a 214ce in a store yesterday and was blown away. I need to go back and play it more but am moving away from feeling like I'll need to pay Lowden money, although I've gone into this process without a budget not because I have a lot of money but because having the right guitar is really important to me and my motivation to practice. I am coming from a bashed up Yamaha F310 so lots of things are an upgrade!
I found the 214ce wonderfully resonant with good balance, tone and projection. Martins sound really flat by comparison. I feel pretty 'in tune' with the Taylor and think I may end up with one!
I find guitars like Martins, and especially the dreadnaughts, are great for strumming the heck out of a song and works well for many singer/songwriters. But for my style of playing something like the Taylor 214 gives me more ability to do fingerstyle and lines. It was funny that a friend with a Taylor 300 series (dreadnaught) tried my guitar and was really surprised how nice it is. Have you tried a Morgan? They have some models that are very nice too.
Loved the review! Just bought a used 214ce koa. 2018. Went in to the local guitar store and saw it. Played it. Surprise! Two weeks later, bought it. Been playing a bedell. The Taylor has a much cleaner sound. I just love it.
Thanks for the watching and for the comment - glad you're enjoying the new (to you) guitar.
Had the same problem. Walked in to a guitar shop with $800 budget - was going to choose between a Taylor Academy guitar or a higher end Yamaha or a Seagull. Was experiencing a little analysis paralysis so I started playing all the other guitars and ukuleles in the shop. Played all the high end Taylors that were totally beyond my budget and then I played a 214 CE plus and it sounded just as good or better than all the higher end guitars. Keep in mind, I'm upgrading from a $300 yamaha guitar. I kept circling back to this 214 CE and it would not leave me alone. Eventually I had to give up, called the missus and surprisingly she didn't put up a fight and I brought the guitar home for twice my budget. No regets. One guitar to rule them all. This would be it, at least for me.
Congratulations and kudos to your missus for her support.
Yes. Better than the more expensive Taylor’s. Especially plugged in
I purchased my Taylor 214ce and knew I was taking a gamble, but I also had faith in Taylor. I had played several 214s in the past and they were all great. I did luck out and my Taylor is an awesome one. I purchased it in 2020 and I'm still playing her. All Taylors do have a particular unique tone that's in every model.
Congrats on finding the cream of the crop. All guitars can have variations in sound and feel with it. A take a bit of trial and error to find the right one, but when you do…
Was looking for a guitar In 2014 and strummed the 110e blew my socks off and knew I had to have it. What you said about how acoustics love to be played was beautiful.
Congratulations and thank you for watching
Just bought 214ce plus ,it my third Taylor,,have a mini and a 110 ,all acoustic, electric, love all Taylor's
Congratulations, and thank you for watching as well as sharing.
Love this story; same for me. I walked into a music store, played several guitars, and took home 214ce a little over 10 years ago. Itis my gt-to guitar. Nuff said.
Thanks for watching. Yes, I think the best guitars want you to take them home.
Thank you so much for beautiful review. I can see and feel that you really admire the guitar. And yes, Taylor has Taylor sounds. There is no better guitar or guitar brand than others, yet chemistry between you and your guitar is one of best I ever seen.
Thank you for the kind words and for watching the review.
Own one bought it 2 yrs ago and loving it, it’s a swiss army knife. I own a Martin D16e and they are 2 different guitars . People hate taylors because it sounds good for the price like what you said its on a different level.
Thanks for watching and the comment. Many people tend to dislike a successful thing. But there’s no denying Taylor makes very good guitars for almost any budget.
Thank you good sir. You have convinced me to buy a 214ce. Even though it might be a little different than yours, I hope that it will bring me a similar amount of joy. Cheers!
Thanks for watching Stefan. What I suggest it to try a few copies of the same guitar - wood is a weird and mysterious material. I actually played several of the 214s in various shops before I came across this one. Not my favourite finish (I like a plain top) but the sound and playability spoke to me with this particular guitar. So try a few to find "the one' and you'll have a friend for life 🤗
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I would heed your advice if I could. I am however a lefty, so not many dealers stock more than a few guitars in their shops which I can play. I live in southeastern Europe, the situation is much different than in North America. My best bet is to do as much research as possible, order an instrument from overseas and then hope for the best. I do however seem to be quite sure that I won't be disappointed with this one. Thank you for the wonderful advice, nevertheless.
@@stefanukic3708 Many locations in North America are like that too, getting to a place with bigger guitar shops can be like driving to Germany for you. lol
Luckily Taylors are pretty consistent, if the action is a little high and if you're comfortable adjusting the truss rod or know a person or shop that can do that then it's a very simple fix. Play it a lot or even lean it against a speaker playing music a lot can really open up the tone on any acoustic guitar.
I trust you'll have a great time with the Taylor
Loved your review, it was honest and unpretentious. You picked up the guitar and it connected with you, and shock horror it has laminate back and sides! So what, you make music with it. Good on you.
Thank you for the comments and for watching the video
The Taylor 214ce is the first serious guitar I purchased. I still have it too. I tweaked it a bit to fine tune it and improve playability. I think it has gotten better with age. Mine is about 12 years old. I think it sounds better now thatn when I first got it. I own several guitars. 2 Epiphones, 2 Taylors, 1 Recording King 000 12 fret. They are all solid wood guitars except the 214ce but it sounds awesome too. My brother got me interested in guitars. He played a lot and was writing and recording music. When he passed away I inherited one of his guitars (Fender Strat) and it went from there.... lol
You are 100% correct, Taylors have their own sound. It seems brighter and more crisp. I think they sound awesome.
TY for the review. I can tell you enjoy your 214ce and you play it well. Enjoy, TY MH
It's true that acoustic guitars in particular do improve with age - and especially playing. I heard an explanation that "it takes a guitar 10 years to stop thinking it's a tree and start being an instrument." I had a Takamine that was about 15 years old when I got the Taylor - it was sounding really nice, and not just "sounds nice for a budget guitar."
Thanks for watching and for sharing your guitar story.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker You are welcome. Try some John Pearse 600L strings too. Had real good luck with these and sound great.
@@markhansen8078 I'll take a look for those strings and give them a try.
Okay - I heard that 10 Years After lick.......My Man....I love it, most people do not know who Alvin Lee was.... Thank You, Boy it is great to hear that again!!!! Yeah I am going for the 414ce Special Edition . Not because I don't like the 214ce, it is a "Sweet Instrument" but because when I picked up the 414ce special, it knocked my socksssss off!. Bang. A lot more money but I'll have that that guitar forevah....It is like a Stratavarious (not sure if I spelled that correctly) anyway the 414ce is simply mind-blowing and like you I finger pick a lot. Thank you for your great video here, really liked it, it's honest.... and terrific playing on your part.
Glad you enjoyed that lick - and indeed, the 414ce is a great instrument. Have fun with it.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I picked up the 214ce last week and reply liked it, had been wanting to find a place where I could get time to play it, found it. The same place coincidentally that had the 414 behind glass and locked. So like Oliver Twist I asked the man, please more sir may I play that one behind the window... being able to play them beside each other and back to back was the clincher. Anyway again thanks for the "I'd Love to Change The World" lick I guess it's only us older guys that have given that a listen.
10 Yrs After was a great collection of talented folks, heard their music when I was in the Navy back in the day. Still have it on iTunes.. Be well
@@hanaleibay6648 You too
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Just checked out your channel, very nice, I'm a Blues Guy myself. Thank you for the reviews and that Epiphone is terrific. Best wishes....
@@hanaleibay6648 Thank you, and thank you for joining the gang
I just got my Taylor 224ce dlx Koa and just by holding it in my hands and trying it out I knew she was coming home with me,I just can't put it down.
Congratulations - wonderful guitars, and thank you for the comment.
I got a 214ce dlx in December 2019. Same thing.. i picked it up and played it, and before i even plugged it in i wanted it. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides. Been playing it to death, and it's opening up nicely. I love it. Mine was 1300 bucks.
Thanks for the comment and congrats, they are great guitars
Your affection for your guitar makes me want to get one. I’m beginning my guitar journey. I went to guitar stores and tried about 20. I keep circling back to the Yamaha AC3 ($899) and Taylor 214ce ($1199). I’m leaning towards the AC3 but still undecided. Thoughts from you and others are welcome. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for watching. I'm not familiar with the Yamaha, although I have played other Yamaha models. I suspect either would be a great choice for your exploration of guitar. Of course personally I'm more partial to the Taylor which has a perfect neck for my tastes. The Yamaha would also give you an extra $300 for taking lessons :-D
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Thanks for your valuable input. $300 for lessons; good point. 🎸👍
The music you make sounds fun to play! Really great video. Thank you
Glad you enjoy it!
I have 214CE Plus and I love it so much.
That’s great, I’m glad you enjoy it. Thanks for watching and commenting
I played the 114 today and it sounded amazing.
Taylor does make a very playable guitar. Thanks for watching
I just got a Taylor 214ce rosewood satin finish. Man, out of all the guitars i played in the store, this one blew me away. Even more so than the Taylor 210 ce, (+$100 more) which has a fuller body, more like a classic dreadnaught shape. The shape of this one lends itself to the acoustics, it has a very direct and bright sound, the bass isn't overpowering, it's crisp, clear, and honestly I'm in love with it. The acoustics unplugged just keep ringing and reverberating for a long time after you strum, it's like playing in a cathedral church. Music to my ears... Also worth noting- I did a side-by-side comparison of the Koa model which was also $100 more... the Rosewood sounded SO much better. It didn't even sound like the same guitar. I've been playing a fender acoustic from the 70's that was passed onto me for about 10+ years, and this is just mind-blowing in comparison!!
Thanks for sharing that great experience Chris - sounds like a winner to me.
I went to the shop to have my faith fixed. Played a Taylor 214ce k while there and fell in love. Needless to say one is on the way to me!!!I wish I'd shopped around in the first place and played the Taylor
Great story, thanks for watching and sharing your adventure - and congrats on the new Taylor.
Thanks for your honest review. I bought a 214ce-K in early January and have been playing it daily. I played it in the guitar room at Long & McQuade for over an hour and it was love. Nice to hear from someone who has owned a Taylor for 10 years. I have a 1973 Guild D-35 which I bought in '74. I picked up the Guild again a couple of years ago after not playing for a while. I felt I wasn't getting the sound I wanted from the Guild, and that's when I found the Taylor. It's such a a joy to play.
Thank you for the comment - and thank you for sharing your find, That's wonderful - the Koa top looks so great on those.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Actually, the 214ce-K has a Sitka spruce top with layered Koa back and sides.
@@visionandvoice LOL - and I knew that but my fingers apparently didn't
@@HardwiredMusicMaker :-)
Great video. I own a 214ce-cf-dlx for 3 years now... I really like it and I'm usually not a Taylor fanboy. Something about htat specific guitar spoke to me... I was picturing myself playing it on the coach on Saturday morning...so I brought it home. Not a big fan of the ES2 pickup but it is what it is... it plays great and survived 3 Quebec winters without ajustments... still plays like a dream. This little taylor suits my voice when i try to sing... if you are a bad singer like me...sometimes a big loud dreadnought won't do :) As for the price, it depends where you stand... it's for sure cheaper than a 814ce but it was not really cheap either. I like the hard shell case and since I'm planning to keep this guitar for a long time... I'm ok with the price. I aslo got a cheap use martin x serie with a totally different that I also like... it was cheaper. Depends what you are looking for...
Thanks for sharing your guitar's story David - I totally agree with you, except for the ES2 pickup. But then my prior guitar was a Takamine so there that LOL.
This is one of my fav body shapes. Taylor guitars have their own sound, it's not like a Martin or a Gibson (which I also love). This one sounds very very warm, and has a sparkle dancing around. As you say, the 100 and 200 are very nice models, you get a lot of quality without having to spend a fortune. I played a 214ce once, my guitar teacher had one. It was the second time I played a small body guitar, I had learned and played with dreadnoughts until then. I used to own a nice Tanglewood, but with time I realised despite I liked the D sound, the shape was too bulky and big for me. After trying a Sigma 00015m style I got hooked, and the 214ce got me in love. I never had enough money for a Taylor though, and since I also loved the 00015m Martin, I decided to save for a Sigma. I bought the 000mc15e, the CW version. It has been around 4 months with me now and it sounds better and better every day. It was about 500 dollars, one of my best purchases. Thanks for sharing :) hugs from Spain!
Thanks for watching and sharing your find.
Nice review. I bought a used gs mini Koa and love it. Was looking at the same model for a bigger guitar, will have to go and try it at a Music Store.
Thanks for watching and good hunting. I always suggest trying a few different guitars of the same model when trying acoustics, the differences can be startling.
You are a legitimately good player man
Thank you so much
wow amazing demo , Thanks
Thank you for the comment and for watching - very appreciated
Own this guitar but not the cutaway....it's fantastic !!! 214 e sb deluxe
Hey Keith, thanks for watching and sharing
Same. Had it for a yr or so. Love It.
I own 2 Taylor's and they're both 214's one is the Koa wood one that was $1599 when I bought it now its $1799 so it went up and I love it.The thing is I originally played a spruce top and I think a rosewood layered back and sides and it just screamed beautiful tone unplugged and played beautifully.After the Koa which I love I couldn't stop thinking about the spruce but couldn't make up my mind which wood I wanted on the back.Rosewood or a Koa back.
Rosewood was $999 Koa was $1099 or $200 more.Both come with a taylor gig bag that looks like a quality case,but both were similar hardware.I then noticed the Sapele back and sides that was limited edition that came with a hardshell case for 1499 with upgraded inlays and a bonus when purchased a free taylor barstool,a $149 value.
So 300 more than the Koa back with a hardshell case that sells for $199.
Still waiting for delivery of the Sapele.Cant wait.
Sounds fantastic - congrats. Thanks for watching and commenting
Have been playing 316ce X-Bracing for 5 years now. It's a dream with beautiful LOW Action. I decided to buy a 614ce V-Bracing for that MAPLE sound. It sounds great, but I'm fighting with it. Looks like my 316 is gonna remain my go-to all-around guitar... at least for now. All Taylors are not the same... you're right about playing the guitar before taking it home.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Have you tried taking the 614 to a luthier to have the action dialed in?
@@HardwiredMusicMaker The store where I bought the 614 did shave the saddle a tiny bit... he's afraid to go any further. They don't believe me that the action (on my 316) is that LOW... although they sold me that guitar too (5 years ago). 🤣I was able to find a luthier in the place where I live, thanks to Google, which surpirsed me. I thought I'd have to travel to the next major city. I'm going to wait a bit... I'm able to get most chords, it's just some of those exotic baar-chords and also hammer-ons with the pinky, things like that frustrate me. I'll let you know what happens eventually. Thanks for the tip.
Great video. Next month I will have the chance to try out the GS mini mahogony and the newer 112ce. But i'm also thinking of the Martin djr. I wish Taylor made a GS mini in 1 3/4" nut, It seems the perfect size for me otherwise. I also subscribed to you, I could listen to you play fingerstyle all day!
Thanks for watching, and your comment, much appreciated. Hope you find the right guitar
I own a Taylor 214ce Plus. Great guitar in that price range. I've compared it to Martin, Fender, and Gibson. It was the easiest to play and frankly, I like the Taylor sound and versatility. It compared to the Martin SC-13e, which is a really cool guitar, but I opted to save $350. and I liked the sound a little bit better .. there are just Taylor haters out there that don't understand those of us that like Taylors.
Yeah, I couldn't find any other guitar for similar or even 50% more that I liked better. Thanks for commenting
Should have tried a Cole Clark
I have tried a Cole Clark - they are wonderful, but the one's I really liked were quite a bit more - $700 to a $1000 more. But I'd certainly play one if it came my way. (PS - sorry for the late response, and thank you for commenting.)
What's the difference between the plus and the deluxe?
Got mine for 600.00 I'd say it was worth the price
Just got one, and I am loving it. GSmini for travel, the 214 for home. I have had numerous guitars over the years, the 214 sounds better than any of them.
Absolutely, when you find a good guitar it's a good guitar!
That’s super nice man. I like that it’s more the satin finish vs a gloss.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment
you gotta good channel. I thought to let you know your video helped me to make my decision, and so I bought the 114ce-SB, yes brother, the SB, SUNBURST like yours but it’s more a caramel sunburst. But I got it off Sweetwater for $1000. I love it man. Taylor is considering it a special edition too but not a limited edition. Idk but it sounds really good with a Sitka Spruce top. It’s also a satin finish…I did hear Taylor’s tops are super thin but yours hasn’t cracked so…Like I said, you helped me to decide.
Thanks man!
@@jayman1338 That's awesome, thanks for sharing
I played a 224ce, all Koa, about two months ago that was just like butter. I've only been playing for a couple of years (I'll be 70 in July), but the 224 was really smooth. I currently play a Taylor GT Urban Ash for the most part, and a Tanglewood Mahogany if I need amplification. Taylors suit me.
Thank you for watching and your story. Yes, Taylor suits many of us😎
Thank you for watching and your story. Yes, Taylor suits many of us😎
They stop thinking they´re a part of a tree and become the instrument. Words of the century ! congratulations ! a nice video. I am just looking for a guitar, maybe a lakewood, a gibson g200 or a taylor... that takes time.
Thanks for watching and commenting. And good luck with the guitar hunt - I'm sure you'll find something you'll really enjoy
I can't decide between a Japanese made Yamaha AC5R or a made in Mexico Taylor 224ce-k dlx. Both facilities do excellent work. The Yamaha has mahogany binding and an all solid wood build, they have it available in mahogany (AC5M) or rosewood (AC5R) both with a sitka spruce top. The Yamaha has excellent electronics too. The Taylor is beautiful, but at a little higher price than the Yamaha it has laminated back and sides, plastic binding and plastic bridge pins. I'm looking for shops in my area that have both in stock to try each out and see excatly how they sound and feel. Your 214ce sounds beautiful! I'm sure your playing has a lot to do with that as well, very nice.
Play them both - that's the true deciding factor; some guitars will sing for you and some will play notes. If possible, play multiple copies of each because even in the same model different guitars will feel ever so slightly different. Any good guitar store will let you do that. An acoustic guitar is one thing I'd never buy sight unseen.
Thanks for watching and I hope you find the best guitar for you.
Did you decide? If so, which one.
I really like the looks of this guitar and how it sounds on its own, but I have a major issue with the sound coming from the ES2. Sounds too harsh and metallic and definitely changes the natural sound of the guitar. I own an old Ibanez PF5ECE-NT-14-01 and I never had any issue like this with its Fishman pickup. Sound is too bad I took it back to the store for consignment. To my surprise, all other Taylor guitars at the store with this same system sound all the same.
Thanks for listening and commenting. I can appreciate your thoughts on the ES2 system- I find it works well to bring out finger style playing, but as you said perhaps a bit harsh for strumming. I had a Takamine before this guitar and it was “the master of quack” having that particularly harsh “quacking” sound when you strum. There was a DI box I played through on one stage that worked really well with the Taylor - should have grabbed a pic of it so I could find one for myself.
I recently joined the Taylor family😁. Started playing when i was 12 (45 now). Played in various bands and owned all sorts of equipment. When I got married 15 years ago, I sold off most of my gear to fund my new family lol. About 6 years ago I sold my last guitar that wasn't that great and it just didn't inspire me to practice or play. I haven't owned an instrument during that time and had completely lost my love for playing music. Recently I took my son into GC to look at keyboards. Well I got the itch to play the guitar. Went into their acoustic cave and picked up a few, still just feeling uninspired and kind of sad that I just didn't want to play anymore. Then i grabbed a Taylor 214ce just because it wasn't locked up. All of a sudden the tone and resonance just completely reached into my soul and shook it around. I felt something different and more alive. I then tried the 114ce and felt the same thing. Well I came home and just couldn't stop thinking and daydreaming about how nice both of the mid-lower end Taylors were, and that they're within reach of my slim budget. About a week went by and now im constantly thinking about how badly I want to start playing again and thinking of what i needed to do to save up $900. Then I found a local private seller with a brand new 114CE-SB (sunburst). He basically gave it to me for $400. I've owned it for a week now and havent skipped a day and have been so motivated and inspired to keep practicing that it's like i never took any time off. Finger callouses are back and I'm confident that I'll only keep improving as I've regained my passion for playing because my new Taylor just makes playing so enjoyable.
Great story and welcome to the fam - thanks for sharing
I bought mine two years ago and after a year in rainy north west England the top moved and the action became quite high. The shop in Wigan said it was a "wet guitar" but offered no remedy. I took it to my local luthier and he built a jig for new shims and now it's fine. I wouldn't buy another one because of our climate here in England but apart from that it does play great and sounds really good acoustic and amplified. I agree that the tops are a little too thin and I reckon that contributed to the top moving. I have a number of solid top acoustics such as Gibson, Simon and Patrick, Martin and in forty years never had this problem.
Wow, that’s really unfortunate. Most of us wind up with humidifiers to keep guitars from drying out (I don’t use one, I figure a guitar just has to get tough here in one of the driest places on earth), but it sounds like a DEhumidifier is needed in England. Thank you for sharing your story.
And thanks for watching.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker yes I bought a Taylor digital hygrometer and also a dehumidifier which I empty every day.
@@davidmurphy4844 yes, I can imagine you would.
I wonder which Takamine you had? I've had a 1980 EF360 SC for about 20 years and it still sounds amazing, but needs a neck reset, so got a Yamaha A3R ARE, which sounds fantastic too, but slightly harder to play fingerstyle due to nut width and rounded fretboard. Been looking at the 214 CE for a while now due to the playability factor. Just gives me the space I need for the fingerstyle I've recently gotten into. I'm gonna need to save and get one asap. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for watching. Can't rember the whole model number but I do know it was a G series. And yes, it was the ease of doing fingerstyle that convinced me to get my Taylor. Good luck
The playability of this guitars is amazing ! Like a well set up electric ⚡️ guitar .
Thanks for watching and for the comment - to me playability is first, and I won’t sacrifice that for “great sound.” It’s a real bonus that this guitar sounds great as well as plays super well.
That's some wonderful playing and a handsome instrument. I quite like where the knobs are located. Thanks for sharing with us. I can really get behind the romantic outlook you shared on acoustic instruments. Rock on!
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed the video
Thank you for your great review on the Taylor 214ce!
I absolutely agree with your opinion
I feel your deep love for this beautiful Taylor 214ce x
Ive got one and it makes me happy
Again, thank you bro, keep on playing and God bless you 🎸
P.S. which brand and gauge do you use, because it sounds great!
I use Elixir Phosphor Bronze 0.11
Thanks for watching and commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Light (11s).
Really great review! I just bought a used 310e sunburst. I prefer the sunburst because the others look too plain to me. I agree that the 210 and 214 sound really great for the price... especially compared to almost any other brand in it's price range... even solid wood ones oddly. I think the 210 I have sounds as good as some higher end Taylor and Martin guitars... but there are some I may like as much or more...all just have different tones not necessarily better. I had a K22 Taylor at my house for a couple of months worth $5k and didn't like it at all... but again some others I love. I have a Martin guitar that has way more bass which I like for some things but the Taylor sits right in the middle in tone which I like too... just way different.
Congrats on the 310e. I agree, each model has their own sound which may or may not suit your own playing style and preferences.
I remember the first time I tried a Taylor about 25 years ago it was worth $3200 CAD back then and was amazing. But others in that price range since then were good but not amazing to me. Not to say they wouldn't suit someone else extremely well.
@@neildspeers totally agree!
I've just purchased the 214ce-QS DLX LTD... it's a beauty and affordable (bonus - it was on sale!). Like you say, I could spend 3 or 4 times the amount on a higher end model that "sounds better" (all subjective of course), but my skills as a guitarist are hobbyist level at best so I really couldn't justify spending crazy amounts.
Congrats on the new guitar, and thank you for watching and commenting
Maybe it's just that particular guitar , I've traveled with a couple of my Taylor's for years in all kinds of conditions and so good so far . Keep my fingers crossed 🤞 😂 ....Great soundings, Taylor, by the way !!!!
Thanks for watching and your comments. I’ve seen a couple of Taylors with cracked tops. Mine isn’t and I don’t take particularly good care of it. I think one thing is that this particular area has supper low humidity. My guitar has settled into it, but I fear if I took it to the coast it could crack up because of that change.
I have a 214 CE deluxe red. I love it. It’s very comfortable to play and sounds great. My wife plays a martin gpc 13 ce and they sound good when we play together… we’ll she sounds good. I’m still learning. But I love my Taylor
Thanks for sharing - that sounds like a fun duo
Great review. I love my214 c
Thank you for watching and sharing
After years of abandoned guitar playing I am on the eye about 114ce. My current guitar is a classical one. But I need a guitar with a good playability and narrow neck because I have small fingers and I get terrible pain. Should I go for it? Thanks and loved the review!
Thanks for watching and commenting. As with buying I highly recommend playing one first - go to the music store you shop at and try one. Sit and play it for a while. Try a couple of them - each one is an individual, I tried quite a few 214s and finally this one just walking into a shop I occasionally went into. But then I had a decent guitar at home already and I'm a little pickier than when I was less experienced.
Amazing sound. I am looking for my first acoustic. I am looking in Martin Djr, Martin Road 10 PRS T40 and the Taylor 214 CE-K. Yours has a warmth that I liked a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching - and good luck with your guitar hunt.
Great review! 😺I have one of these and I was wondering what strings you use or which strings you have found that you like to use for your style of playing? I'm using D'Addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings now. Thanks!
Thank you for the comment, and I use the same strings
I also use the same strings and gauge. They're fantastic! Especially with the tones of these Taylors. I find that they also stay in tune better than the phosphor or 80/20's. Not sure why that is but it's pretty awesome.
@@AZstu324 We have a D'Addario Nickle Bronze Fan Club Going 😉 Thanks for the comment
The last time I picked up a taylor it spoke to me it sead get a Bangor loved your vido cli
Glad it found a good home with you😎
From all the 214CE videos I watched, yours sounds the best. Which makes me wonder, what kind of strings are you using?
Thanks for the comment on my sound. Strings are pretty basic D’Addario Phosphor Bronze lights, 12-52.
Well those hands and fingers are going to make anything sound great, but I do agree with you on Taylor. I bought an Academy 12 last year and can already tell you that it is a fine guitar tonally. Yes, a very plain looking instrument- but very playable and has amazing tone for a $600 guitar. I've had guitars costing 3 times as much that don't sound as good even if they "looked" better. Now I'm on the hunt for either an all-solid or GA body like this one. This 10 year old guitar just goes to show that it is all about the player and the top- which Bob Taylor himself says 90% of which contributes to the overall tone.
Thank you for the comment - my hands and fingers really appreciate it :D
Yes, even on the budget side Taylor builds some pretty impressive guitars. Thanks for sharing your story. Have you found it improving with age?
@@HardwiredMusicMaker I think it has but I've only had it for a year. I totally agree though that acoustic guitars love to be played. Your Taylor sounds absolutely fabulous with 10 years of conditioning. What kind of strings have you found you like on the 214?
I am considering a 214ce Plus or the Martin GPC-11. Not sure which one will suit me better as a low intermediate player :)
Go play each of them, and play multiple ones of the same models - each acoustic guitar is different. In general, I’d go with Martin for songs that I strum and the Taylor for fingerpicking. To me those are strengths of each, but of course each can do either very well.
Great guitar! 10 years ago materials, they don't make 'em like that anymore. Agree with your perception on price. Purchasing a high end $2,000 to $5,000 not really worth it. Had a couple of Taylors and have enjoyed them much. Have a Taylor GS min, and Guild. I will be adding a Taylor 214 ce deluxe soon.
Thanks for the comment - I would say that for those who buy $2000 + Taylors they really enjoy them, but for my money if the guitar speaks to you no matter what the cost, it's worth it (if you can afford it) and that's more important to me. A lot of people look at the price of the 214 and say "ouch." That's why there are lots of $200 to $500 guitars for sale and why I owned a few of those before.
I've been thinking about getting a Taylor GS mini myself, love the size and the sound is great.
Excellent review! Forgive me if I missed it somewhere but may I ask which string brand and gauge you use on this one?
Thanks for watching. We used the Earnie Ball Earthwound 80/30 light acoustic guitar strings for it.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Thank you!
Can u play the nilon one please , this taylor sounds good
Thanks for watching and the comment, I'll have to see what I can do about playing the nylon string one
Do guitars with solid tops but laminated B&S also change in tone over time?
Hey Rick, thanks for watching. I haven't noticed much change in my Taylor so far, but I had a Takamine that had laminated sides and after a couple of decades it had developed an absolutely wonderful tone. I'm sure the Taylor is changing, but I've been primarily playing electrics and it does take playing to develop the harmonics that are so lovely in older guitars.
Just my opinion but the Taylor guitar’s just do not have enough bottom for me. Fabulous guitars and the best playability straight out of the box by far is Taylor. I just need the dread boom for my style of music.
Thanks for watching and your comment. Luckily there’s guitars aplenty - and I’ve heard that same comment from a good friend. Personally I really play more fingerstyle than strum so the Taylor works well for my style. But yes if I had lots of extra cash I’d be out looking for a vintage Martin, maybe a Gibson Songbird, or maybe even get a luthier to build me one. And of course an extra Taylor or three 🤣
What is your current guitar of choice?
@@HardwiredMusicMaker i personally have a couple of dreads and a small body. Martin D-10e, Seagull S6 Original and a Breedlove concert size. I am in the market for something else now. My favorite artist is John Prine, so finger style yes, but he has that bottom end on his Travis picking style.
@@toddcagle4245 Nice collection - some great choices, thanks for sharing.
Have you tried a Morgan guitar? I've played a few and they are very sweet, and seem much less likely to have issues with the top going from climate to climate than the Taylors.
Of course there's other great ones to try, the better Gibsons are really nice, Larivee is played by people I know. The new PRS acoustics I've played are up there too.
Like me some Ten Years After. Nice!
Thanks for the comment
Just got my 214ce-SB DLX. Does anyone have any intonation issues?
Hi Flemmy, thanks for watching and asking your question.
I've only found I had intonation problems on acoustics with really old strings or the "wrong" strings. There was a brand I loved the sound of but intonation was always out, so I went back to a tried-and-true band (D'Addario for me) and it cured the problem immediately. Change your strings with a major brand and hopefully your guitar will be back to it's perfectly intonated self.
Another issue, and this probably doesn't apply to you but thought I'd mention it for others: Some players press the strings so hard it throws the strings out of tune and it gets worse as they go up the neck. Learning to play with only enough pressure on the fret to make a clean sound is the cure for that.
I just bought one as well, not the sunburst version though, im wondering, since it's s layered back and sides, has your guitar "opened" up at all ? I've heard they typically don't as much as a solid wood guitar
Thanks for watching and for the question. The top will certainly open up with age and it's the primary source of sound for the guitar. As well, I had a Takamine years ago that was layered wood and it was opening up wonderfully after 15 years of constant playing.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker good point about the solid top, im 64 now and I don't know about playing it another 15 yrs lol I have an epiphone masterbuilt that's all solid wood, its probably 20 yrs old and it's marvelous too
@@HardwiredMusicMaker what strings have you decided to stick with on your guitar if you don't mind me asking?
@@jimharris3889 No problem, I'm not fussy about strings, I've always found the D'Addario 80/20s amzn.to/3UzyPwz work just fine for my playing. I've tried lots of string but never found enough advantage for extra expense. On my Takamine I used to use Bluegrass strings - heavy bottom, light top - but this guitar doesn't need the extra bass.
Taylor's make amateur players sound good - Good players sound great - and Great players sound phenomenal. You sound phenomenal. 😊
Thank you for the comment - and for watching.
Do you pick with your nails or your finger tips. I have issues with using my nails maybe I am just doing it wrong. I might order one from guitar center as some dont have models you can play. They one close to me doesnt have one.
I mostly use nails unless I'm doing some manual work and break a few of them. There are many guitarists that get along fine with just the fingertip flesh. The biggest thing with using nails is to consistently keep them the right shape - something I personally have trouble doing so it sometimes sounds a bit rough.
Good to hear the review of guitar after 10 years.. This was my first option for some time till the Martin SC-13E new body shape came.. Well, I dont own a martin but the reviews looked good.. Thanks
Thanks for the comment - glad you enjoyed the video
I have a problem with intonation on my 214ce. It becomes noticable on only the 3rd fret and gets sharp. It only gets worse further up the neck.. I find that disappointing, at this price point. But there is very little about that, being mentioned.
Hi Anthony, thank you for sharing that with us. I have yet to see that issue on a Taylor so I’m wondering if it’s the strings. I know that the one time I ever had acoustic guitar intonation issues it was immediately resolved by replacing the strings. But if changing to a different brand doesn’t cure that I know I’d be immediately reaching out to Taylor - from what I’ve heard they have very good service. I hope you can get that resolved soon.
I like Taylors sound but I havent actually played one. I think you are right as acoustics should be tried out by your self because each one has a unique sound. electric guitars sound similar to each other. Not acoustics.
Thank you for watching and your comment
What gauge are you using? sounded really great.
Thank you for watching and the comment. I use D’Addario acoustic light (11s). Ive tried lots of “fancy strings” but didn’t notice enough difference to be worth the difference in price. These aren’t the cheapest but just above cheap.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker sounds awesome. I’ll try that gauge 11. I’ve been using 10 gauge for 3months on mine but, this time I’ll try the 11 gauge. Thank you and enjoy playing .👌
Elizabeth Cotton played freight train with all cowboy chords
Yes she did - and wonderfully too. I took that upper chord from a version by Chet Atkins. Thanks for watching and your comment
Im considering the 214ce plus or gs mini, but im unsure about all the different gs mini tops i really like the spruce sound. Also im a beginner i would say and im not sure what would benefit me more in the long run a smaller or fullsize guitar.
Any tips?
I'm all for physically trying several examples of each guitar because with acoustics even the same model guitars from the same company with the same specs can respond differently. I played several different 214ce's from the time they were released to the time I found this one. They were good but this one was special. It can be a subtle difference because Taylor and other makers do know how to make great guitars, it's just how the particular woods in each guitar act and interact that makes a guitar special. Hope you find that special guitar.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker thank you for answering :) its hard to try those guitars where i live cause no local retailer carries taylor guitars, but maybe i'll if there are any shops in close cities.
Thanks again loved your playing by the way, great review!
Excepcional description
Thanks for watching
Just bought a 214CE-K and breaking it in. Sounds great but a little hard on the fingers. I have 3 other guitars and it just seems a bit harder on the fingers for some reason. Hoping it gets easier as I break it in. What strings have you used on yours?
Congratulations and thank you for the comment. It probably just needs a little bit of adjustment on the truss rod in the neck. There are lots of videos on RUclips on how to adjust the neck of a guitar - or you can take it to the store you bought it at (if that's where you bought it) and have them adjust it. If you bought it privately you can find lots of techs at stores who can do that, or even a mechanically inclined friend who plays guitar can probably do that. As for strings I typically use D'Addarios light. I'm not too fussy on strings for acoustic, but I do prefer light strings - easier to play and a little more treble for fingerstyle playing.
@@HardwiredMusicMaker Thanks for the suggestion. I adjusted the truss rod and it does seem to be a lot better, thanks again!
@@mitchellcastell5348 Glad to be of help, enjoy playing your guitar and have a great long-weekend
I may have the best 214 story of them all about a year ago I got on marketplace just to kill time and theirs a just listed 214 for sale about 1/2 an hour from me 450 with case so I googled a 214 for a average used price and immediately messaged him apparently a girl he knew had it given to her she never played it for 10 years she gives it to him and he didn't need an acoustic I think I probably broke every traffic law there is getting over there it a brand new 13 year old guitar in pristine condition and I love it I have a Martin ooo-15sm and a Yairi dy91 so it's like comparing apple's to orange's one solid mahogany the other kia but build sound and playability are the same
Ps also a fan of the satin neck
Haha - that's was an awesome score. Well done and thanks for sharing that story
Problem? Cracks? yeah it dried out plain and simple. All solid tops need humidification in the dry months. Humidity packs are a great investment.
Just bought a few yr old 214ce satin flamed Koa back used/nos/return(?) - said used on tag - it was def unplayed & looked like a leftover…..$700. Felt like I robbed it!
Easy to work on, simple neck adjustments. No expensive neck resets.
Great electronics.
Nice find - congratulations
ive just pick up my new tailor 214ce SB DLX, and i'm happy )) i've paid 1190 euro include delivery)). Yeah, i likes more the natural color, but it cost 1650 )). i dont care about the color when ive saved 450 euro ))
Congratulations on the new guitar, I know what you mean about the cost versus looks :- )
@@HardwiredMusicMaker yeah! thank you so much! I still think about all solid guitar, but this is the next level and 1200 euro plus, if talk about taylors, or may be yamaha FGX5 or yamaha A5R, thats about 500 euro plus ))
@@ekrasavin There are some really good Yamahas, but I was not excited when I played those guitars. They're playable, but the Taylor you have - to my ears anyways - sounds substantially better and as long as the top is solid, as it is on the Taylor, the sides don't make that big a difference if they're laminated or solid until you get up another 1000 in price.
@@HardwiredMusicMakeri really appreciate for your opinon. Wish you good day!
You have a good day as well
Have you tried the 310 or 314 to know if the tone is much different or better than the 210 or 214?
Yes, I did - I've tried quite a few like those and from different series and there's certainly differences in the complexity of the sound. And of course some of each are better, and some not so good. If I could have afforded four times as much guitar I probably would have - but for the money this one stood right out.
what is the difference between the e and the ce ?
Thanks for watching. E = electric which means it has a pickup for stage use. C = Cutaway so it has a cutaway shoulder for reaching higher frets easier. CE is a Cutaway Electric.
I stole mine when I bought it used for 600.00 out the door. It rivals my 3 series. But because it has electronics it's a more versatile guitar
Congrats on the find, and thanks for watching
thanks for the video, that taylor is made in usa or mexico?
You're welcome and thanks for watching. To the best of my knowledge the 214 has a solid top and laminated sides and back and that hasn't been changed.
your guitar its not solid wood? @@HardwiredMusicMaker
No - only the top. And despite what many believe laminate sides and back has some advantages and can still sound great.
What strings are you using?
I've been using D'Addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings on it. I used to use the Bluegrass mixed light top and heavy bottom on my old Takamine, but they didn't sound right on this guitar.
После этого видео я окончательно влюбился в Тейлор
Thanks for watching