Thanks for the review Tony! Tony and his remarkable beard take our new 814ce through an assortment of playing styles and hits the high points of the new design including our thin finish, new bracing and the Expression System 2.
Not sure I like that rosewood pickguard, though it does go well with the beard. Like all the other cosmetic upgrades/touches though. As for the new bracing pattern, the results sound pretty good but I wish Taylor would settle on one bracing pattern and roll it out across the entire acoustic line - we've had far too many seemingly arbitrary bracing tweaks from Taylor over the last few years
I saw a guy busking last week with this guitar plugged in and oh my God, everything was beautiful. Looked great, sounded sublime. Just gorgeous, it didn't matter that he was playing on the street - there's just no comparison between hearing a guitar on RUclips and hearing the real thing. Would love to see a comparison vid of the 814ce 2014 vs. the 814ce 2013 though, just to see how much Taylor have really improved the sound
This is my dreamy! I have a 214ce and I love its sound. But asap I'll buy a 814ce. God will make my dream come true . The problem is everything here in Brazil is really expensive :(
I've been playing this guitar for a few weeks now, and although I absolutely LOVE the natural sound of the guitar, I'm not crazy about the new ES2 pickup system. To my ear it produces very strong, punchy low-mid frequencies (which is awesome), but the highs are a bit empty--the bright sparkle is lacking. I think this is the best sounding piezo pickup I have ever heard, but I wish they had some sort of mic that you could blend in to capture the highs better. I wouldn't call the sound "natural"--more processed and poppy. When played unplugged it is one of the nicest sounding guitars I have ever heard, but as soon as you plug it in it seems to lose its character.
I'd really like to hear a Taylor 814ce ES2 Custom Edition, the custom edition has upgrades like Adirondack bracing, bone nut and saddle, and Gotoh tuners. Maybe you guys could get a hold of one lol.
Hi everyone... I really want to hear how it sound plugged.... i had an 414CE, and when a pass my arm over the body the mics capture every single sound of my arms... i wanna know if with this one the same thing happens?! thanks!
Jim A I think he is saying/asking: Hi, i got a Martin HD 28. If I were to buy a Taylor, which clearly is better than my guitar, then what would you recommend?
I think what he wanted to ask was "I have a Martin hd 28 , and if I would buy a Taylor which would be better than my guitar, what would you recommend me buying?"
Love Taylor guitars and as soon as I make my first million I'm gonna try to afford another one beside the T-5 that i'll be paying for, for the next hundred years...lol
The moment he plays it i can already tell the difference, the sound is so much thicker and heavier like cranking the engine of a sports car. Tone is so rich and clear too but its $3000 :(
To me, this is Taylor's version of the Martin M-36. And an extremely formidable alternative at that. But for the same reason I wouldn't own an M-36, I wouldn't own this 814ce. Of all the new 800's, I'm most impressed with the 812ce 12-fret. I wish I could spend a month with one, playing side-by-side a 00-28.
Michael Lachine The reason is, while a "Swiss Army Knife" guitar does a lot of things well, it does none of them EXCEPTIONALLY well. But I must add, if I had to chose between the two, I'd choose the 814 because its intended application is a bit more specific than the M36. And while the M36 might be beautifully balanced, for that very reason it lacks a particular character. I'd rather own 4 or 5 acoustic guitars, each with their own character, than just one that tries to exhibit the character of many. I'll also add, the 814 might be the best live stage guitar I've ever heard (for its intended mix). And if you noticed my avatar, you know that's a lot for me to admit.
Good answer. You seem to know your stuff so if you don't mind me asking, what acoustic pickup would you recommend for under $1000 for someone who wants to start playing solo acoustic fingerstyle live? I play stuff like Don Ross, Tommy Emmanuel, and Chet Atkins.
Michael Lachine Mike, thanks for the compliment. When you say "acoustic pickup," I assume you mean ann acoustic-electric guitar (that is, an acoustic guitar with a built-in electric pickup). Generally, I would recommend demoing as many 000/OM bodies as you can get your hands on, both over and under $1K. Both short scale and long scale. And both those with and without a built-in pickup. Demo them plugged in and unplugged. Side-by-side as well as in a mix. A good local dealer would be happy to pick and strum along with you. If he/she can accompany you on dred, banjo, or mandolin, even better. If they have the time to spare, they'll welcome the opportunity. Wouldn't anyone who lives and breaths stringed instruments? To that end, go mid-week at a time when the store first opens so you're not competing for attention. Resist the allure of making an impulse buy. After spending a good hour or more in an acoustic room, go home and let the memory of the tone marinate, and do some homework about the models you've played to understand the design differences between them (i.e tonewoods, bracing, materials etc.). A good local dealer would be happy to see you return a few times over the course of two or three weeks to play something as many times as you'd like. Never be apologetic for being indecisive. A good local dealer will never want you to get buyers remorse. A 000/OM A-E under $1k? Start with a Martin 000RS, or a Taylor 200 Series in both the GC and GA body, or a Yamaha A Series concert body, just to name three brands. But don't stop there, not even after you think you've decided. The more different brands you play, the more you'll appreciate the brand you're leaning towards. If you're looking for a model with all solid woods, be prepared to pay more than $1K in most cases. Yamaha's A Series, however, are all solid for under $1K and, therefore, an excellent value. Keep in mind, the best guitar your purposes may not have a built-in pickup. Don't let that dissuade you. Depending on your intended use and application for the guitar, there are a many excellent aftermarket pickups that your local dealer can install for you.The selection of choices is as wide as the section of guitars themselves. Finally, look for a message from me. I'd like to share an "insider's" haggling tip, but I'd make some folks mad if I did so in a public forum.
Wow, a lot of great info there. I appreciate all the tips sir! Although I am in the market for a new guitar, (acoustic or acoustic/electric) what I wanted to get some information on was what you refer to as aftermarket pickups such as certain types of Fishman, LR. Baggs, K&K, or really anything. I'd be interested in hearing what you'd recommend for the best sound for my style of playing in your personal experience. Thanks again!
This is one amazing guitar and you did a fine demonstration. Thanks for sharing. At this price, however, I would have to give up anywhere from four to eight of my guitars estimating about an average trade-in value of about $400-$1000 on each one. I seriously doubt the Taylor 814ce is worth that much, considering the fact that just about all of my domestic and imported Guilds play and sound just as good if not better.
Do you feel there is enough difference between the 2013 and 2014 version to justify buying a new guitar if a person as the 2013? I mean, the 814 was king for a long time and always got rave reviews. Should I feel that anything before the '14 is subpar now?
Taylor makes some nice guitars, but they have some quirks that bug me. Even the top end models have "tusq" nuts and saddles rather than bone. And they insist on screwing that strap button into the eck heel\! The \last\ place I want any knobs or protrusions attached to my acoustic is to any part of the neck.
Strange! you never see/hear a Taylor Electric/acoustic being reviewed through an amp,I mean, this is an electric acoustic. My Taylor GS8 with Expression System sounds FANTASTIC unplugged but sounds horrible plugged in to one of the Best acoustic amps in the world. What's going on here,where's the amp/pa.What's with the Mic! We won't be expecting a reply
I've never been a huge fan of this guitar. I prefer so many more models that this one. I just probably dont like the sound. I also dont like 914 either. All the other Taylor models have something more to them. I am not saying they are bad guitars though, to my ears they are just nkt right.
Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... always the same guitars! C'mon guys! Why don't you compare Martin with a top of the line acoustic Ibanez (artwood series) are you afraid of a us $700 vs us $3200 guitar match? That would be cool. You guys should talk about fenders, yamaha (the best ones anyway), Gianninis, etc. That would be so much better than talking always about the same guitars over and over again...
Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... always the same guitars! C'mon guys! Why don't you compare Martin with a top of the line acoustic Ibanez (artwood series) are you afraid of a us $700 vs us $3200 guitar match? That would be cool. You guys should talk about fenders, yamaha (the best ones anyway), Gianninis, etc. That would be so much better than talking always about the same guitars over and over again...
francisco alvarado I didnt say that...there's several good acoustic brands like Guild, yamaha and many others... The problem is that you cannot compare a japanese ibanez for like 1000$ to a Taylor for more than three thousand...especially ibanez guitars just suck because of the way too thick tops...i've played many of them...they just can't compete
Then you make my point, regardless that you think Ibanez sucks, these guys here should talk about those wonderful Yamahas, Guilds and whatever other brands you, or anybody else, consider worthy to compare to the triunvirat here. I can assure you a good Yamaha can actually sound better than a Taylor or Martin for a third the price. My take is that an Artwood by Ibanez can beat a d18. Just my opinion dude, and one last thing, if you hate ibanez that much, why have you played so many of them?
Stephen Steen already did man! Wanna check out how the thing sounds? Search francisco alvarado guitar and wait till the video gets to the tommy emmanuel blues. You can hear the snarl of the guitar!
Thanks for the review Tony! Tony and his remarkable beard take our new 814ce through an assortment of playing styles and hits the high points of the new design including our thin finish, new bracing and the Expression System 2.
Not sure I like that rosewood pickguard, though it does go well with the beard. Like all the other cosmetic upgrades/touches though. As for the new bracing pattern, the results sound pretty good but I wish Taylor would settle on one bracing pattern and roll it out across the entire acoustic line - we've had far too many seemingly arbitrary bracing tweaks from Taylor over the last few years
Sweet!
Do you feel a difference between the 814ce model and 614ce model?
i love this instrument
another great sounding taylor! Do you know if they are making a new GS mini anytime soon?
I saw a guy busking last week with this guitar plugged in and oh my God, everything was beautiful. Looked great, sounded sublime. Just gorgeous, it didn't matter that he was playing on the street - there's just no comparison between hearing a guitar on RUclips and hearing the real thing. Would love to see a comparison vid of the 814ce 2014 vs. the 814ce 2013 though, just to see how much Taylor have really improved the sound
That is one sweet sounding Taylor!
Tony - the finish is NOT 3.5 millimeters thick! It's 3.5 mils - 3.5 thousandths of an inch! 3.5 millimeters would be over 1/8" thick!!
Okay
thank you tony!
Hoorah for Taylor, the guitars are getting better and better now. A newer Taylor being better than an older Taylor.
This guitar looks gorgeous and sounds awesome!! Thanks for the reviews and comparison.-Kai
My friend has that guitar, but doesn't have the "mother of pearl" element on the headstock; does that mean he has the 2nd edition???
That's it buddy. Just 200 of them received the element inlay on the headstock
It sounds like your friend has the regular production 814ce.
This is my dreamy! I have a 214ce and I love its sound. But asap I'll buy a 814ce. God will make my dream come true . The problem is everything here in Brazil is really expensive :(
where can I purchase a 2014 1st edition 814ce?
I've been looking everywhere for one.
A review of the new 812ce would be great too.
I don't think the 2014 version has yet been released - just the 814ce and 816ce.
Can you pls compare the new expression-system to the old one?
That would be great!
Very nice!
This is literally a perfect guitar.
Is the fingerpicking part he does at 2:33 a song, or is it his composition?
***** Thank you!
nice playing man
Damn that thing sounds fantastic. Very even. Now I know why my recordings can't touch pro recordings, the gear.
the 2nd song you played i love. what is it?
Whats the first tune he plays? I am new to this music
arturfil If you mean the one at 0:24 it's called "Big Sandy River" the one at 2:35 is "Last Steam Engine Train" the tab for both are on his website
I've been playing this guitar for a few weeks now, and although I absolutely LOVE the natural sound of the guitar, I'm not crazy about the new ES2 pickup system. To my ear it produces very strong, punchy low-mid frequencies (which is awesome), but the highs are a bit empty--the bright sparkle is lacking. I think this is the best sounding piezo pickup I have ever heard, but I wish they had some sort of mic that you could blend in to capture the highs better. I wouldn't call the sound "natural"--more processed and poppy. When played unplugged it is one of the nicest sounding guitars I have ever heard, but as soon as you plug it in it seems to lose its character.
I'd really like to hear a Taylor 814ce ES2 Custom Edition, the custom edition has upgrades like Adirondack bracing, bone nut and saddle, and Gotoh tuners. Maybe you guys could get a hold of one lol.
Pretty strong words from Tony who is, to me at least, can't hide that he is a Martin guy. Sounds awesome!
es2拾音器好吗？原声和拾音差别大吗？
You said this guitar isn't your personal most favorite, so what is your personal favorite, out of curiosity?
+TheBuefurd I believe, Tony's most favorite ac. guitar is Martin D-35. If nothing has changed since Feb. 2014. :)
Could you compare 814ce 2014 to a prior year 814ce,but with the same new elixer hd pb strings please? Thanks.
What song/riff are you playing at 2:33?
Hi everyone...
I really want to hear how it sound plugged....
i had an 414CE, and when a pass my arm over the body the mics capture every single sound of my arms...
i wanna know if with this one the same thing happens?!
thanks!
hi i got a Martin Hd 28 if i should buy a taylor who is clealy better than my what would you then recommend?
What are you saying? And what are you asking?
Jim A I think he is saying/asking: Hi, i got a Martin HD 28. If I were to buy a Taylor, which clearly is better than my guitar, then what would you recommend?
I think what he wanted to ask was "I have a Martin hd 28 , and if I would buy a Taylor which would be better than my guitar, what would you recommend me buying?"
What's the name of the first song he plays?
i wish I knew as well..
Love Taylor guitars and as soon as I make my first million I'm gonna try to afford another one beside the T-5 that i'll be paying for, for the next hundred years...lol
Sounds like that signature Taylor brightness is gone.
That's why I prefer this over most Taylors.
The moment he plays it i can already tell the difference, the sound is so much thicker and heavier like cranking the engine of a sports car. Tone is so rich and clear too but its $3000 :(
Eric Fam save up and get it
To me, this is Taylor's version of the Martin M-36. And an extremely formidable alternative at that. But for the same reason I wouldn't own an M-36, I wouldn't own this 814ce.
Of all the new 800's, I'm most impressed with the 812ce 12-fret. I wish I could spend a month with one, playing side-by-side a 00-28.
What's the reason?
Michael Lachine The reason is, while a "Swiss Army Knife" guitar does a lot of things well, it does none of them EXCEPTIONALLY well. But I must add, if I had to chose between the two, I'd choose the 814 because its intended application is a bit more specific than the M36. And while the M36 might be beautifully balanced, for that very reason it lacks a particular character. I'd rather own 4 or 5 acoustic guitars, each with their own character, than just one that tries to exhibit the character of many. I'll also add, the 814 might be the best live stage guitar I've ever heard (for its intended mix). And if you noticed my avatar, you know that's a lot for me to admit.
Good answer. You seem to know your stuff so if you don't mind me asking, what acoustic pickup would you recommend for under $1000 for someone who wants to start playing solo acoustic fingerstyle live? I play stuff like Don Ross, Tommy Emmanuel, and Chet Atkins.
Michael Lachine Mike, thanks for the compliment. When you say "acoustic pickup," I assume you mean ann acoustic-electric guitar (that is, an acoustic guitar with a built-in electric pickup).
Generally, I would recommend demoing as many 000/OM bodies as you can get your hands on, both over and under $1K. Both short scale and long scale. And both those with and without a built-in pickup. Demo them plugged in and unplugged. Side-by-side as well as in a mix. A good local dealer would be happy to pick and strum along with you. If he/she can accompany you on dred, banjo, or mandolin, even better. If they have the time to spare, they'll welcome the opportunity. Wouldn't anyone who lives and breaths stringed instruments? To that end, go mid-week at a time when the store first opens so you're not competing for attention. Resist the allure of making an impulse buy. After spending a good hour or more in an acoustic room, go home and let the memory of the tone marinate, and do some homework about the models you've played to understand the design differences between them (i.e tonewoods, bracing, materials etc.). A good local dealer would be happy to see you return a few times over the course of two or three weeks to play something as many times as you'd like. Never be apologetic for being indecisive. A good local dealer will never want you to get buyers remorse.
A 000/OM A-E under $1k? Start with a Martin 000RS, or a Taylor 200 Series in both the GC and GA body, or a Yamaha A Series concert body, just to name three brands. But don't stop there, not even after you think you've decided. The more different brands you play, the more you'll appreciate the brand you're leaning towards. If you're looking for a model with all solid woods, be prepared to pay more than $1K in most cases. Yamaha's A Series, however, are all solid for under $1K and, therefore, an excellent value.
Keep in mind, the best guitar your purposes may not have a built-in pickup. Don't let that dissuade you. Depending on your intended use and application for the guitar, there are a many excellent aftermarket pickups that your local dealer can install for you.The selection of choices is as wide as the section of guitars themselves.
Finally, look for a message from me. I'd like to share an "insider's" haggling tip, but I'd make some folks mad if I did so in a public forum.
Wow, a lot of great info there. I appreciate all the tips sir! Although I am in the market for a new guitar, (acoustic or acoustic/electric) what I wanted to get some information on was what you refer to as aftermarket pickups such as certain types of Fishman, LR. Baggs, K&K, or really anything. I'd be interested in hearing what you'd recommend for the best sound for my style of playing in your personal experience. Thanks again!
This is one amazing guitar and you did a fine demonstration. Thanks for sharing. At this price, however, I would have to give up anywhere from four to eight of my guitars estimating about an average trade-in value of about $400-$1000 on each one. I seriously doubt the Taylor 814ce is worth that much, considering the fact that just about all of my domestic and imported Guilds play and sound just as good if not better.
Do you feel there is enough difference between the 2013 and 2014 version to justify buying a new guitar if a person as the 2013? I mean, the 814 was king for a long time and always got rave reviews. Should I feel that anything before the '14 is subpar now?
90's 814's are the best sounding since they don't have a NT neck. 2014 is better sounding then 2000+ but not worth if you have one already.
anyone know a way cheaper guitar that can make that type of bass ??
2:35
here's a cool guitar. it's not my favorite, but it's pretty cool. here's how it sounds....
Hmm.. Going back and forth between this and the 614ce video the 614 seems superior in every way imo.
He's like a mountain man
Taylor makes some nice guitars, but they have some quirks that bug me.
Even the top end models have "tusq" nuts and saddles rather than bone.
And they insist on screwing that strap button into the
eck heel\!
The \last\ place I want any knobs or protrusions attached to my acoustic is to any part of the neck.
Strange! you never see/hear a Taylor Electric/acoustic being reviewed through an amp,I mean, this is an electric acoustic. My Taylor GS8 with Expression System sounds FANTASTIC unplugged but sounds horrible plugged in to one of the Best acoustic amps in the world. What's going on here,where's the amp/pa.What's with the Mic! We won't be expecting a reply
I've never been a huge fan of this guitar. I prefer so many more models that this one. I just probably dont like the sound. I also dont like 914 either. All the other Taylor models have something more to them. I am not saying they are bad guitars though, to my ears they are just nkt right.
3600 canadian
All guitars' sdound in your clips are same. You have better to change the room where you are or microphon.
Just played one at Sam Ash...not impressed...they shouldn't have changed it
Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... always the same guitars! C'mon guys! Why don't you compare Martin with a top of the line acoustic Ibanez (artwood series) are you afraid of a us $700 vs us $3200 guitar match? That would be cool. You guys should talk about fenders, yamaha (the best ones anyway), Gianninis, etc. That would be so much better than talking always about the same guitars over and over again...
shave
Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... Taylor, Martin, Gibson... always the same guitars! C'mon guys! Why don't you compare Martin with a top of the line acoustic Ibanez (artwood series) are you afraid of a us $700 vs us $3200 guitar match? That would be cool. You guys should talk about fenders, yamaha (the best ones anyway), Gianninis, etc. That would be so much better than talking always about the same guitars over and over again...
Ibanez guitars suck....fender doesn't make any good acoustics either...
Such a blinkered comment my friend! So you think you can only find three worthy guitar brands in the whole world? Don't be so narrow minded dude.
francisco alvarado I didnt say that...there's several good acoustic brands like Guild, yamaha and many others...
The problem is that you cannot compare a japanese ibanez for like 1000$ to a Taylor for more than three thousand...especially ibanez guitars just suck because of the way too thick tops...i've played many of them...they just can't compete
Then you make my point, regardless that you think Ibanez sucks, these guys here should talk about those wonderful Yamahas, Guilds and whatever other brands you, or anybody else, consider worthy to compare to the triunvirat here. I can assure you a good Yamaha can actually sound better than a Taylor or Martin for a third the price. My take is that an Artwood by Ibanez can beat a d18. Just my opinion dude, and one last thing, if you hate ibanez that much, why have you played so many of them?
Stephen Steen already did man! Wanna check out how the thing sounds? Search francisco alvarado guitar and wait till the video gets to the tommy emmanuel blues. You can hear the snarl of the guitar!