Two other differences. The layered rosewood veneers on the 214ce are rosewood on the outside and sapele on the inside, both outside and inside veneers are rosewood on the 214ce dlx, with both having an inner core of poplar. The truss rod cover is plastic on the 214ce, and rosewood on the 214ce dlx, with small diamond fretboard inlay on the 214ce dlx and dot inlay on the 214ce. Beside the all gloss finish on the 214ce dlx vs satin back and sides on the 214ce, perhaps the difference in the layered rosewood makes the dlx sound brighter with more clarity and sustain? IMHO P.S. others have complained about Tony playing the same pieces in his comparison videos. I find listening to the same music extremely helpful in hearing the differences.
My truss rod cover is black plastic on my 214ce DLX that I just bought at Guitar Center last night that I watched them take out of the box. Came with the hard case too. Must be a different year because the inlays on this one are slotted diamond shaped instead of diamond shaped.
Just bought a 214 CE Lefty. Waiting for it to arrive now. The DLX sounds a bit warmer, but I'm sure the standard 214 will be fine. We'll see! Thanks for the comparison demo. Nicely done.
Think the regular 214 sounds a bit more open but at the same time a tad harsh on the high frequency. Which actually some people might prefer.the deluxe seems a bit more warmer tone. Wow the finish does make a difference!
I had to choose between the two at Guitar Center. I chose the standard because to me it sounds more open and smoother than the DLX. The DLX kind of mutes the sound as its played. Some people prefer super clarity in the sound but I feel that a little less sounds more natural. All in all I believe Taylor's are the best Acoustic guitars out there. I have 612 ce as well and just love them both. Taylor guitars have never disappointed me and manage to stay in tune really well. I use the 612 ce-N at church and the sound is so smooth and clear and I use the 214 standard at home because of its mellow and inviting tone. Love Taylor Guitars
played both when shopping...went w the deluxe because it sounded better plugged in w the E2 system. if the deluxe came with an nongloss back I would have gone with that. more vibration that you loose bc of the laminate instead of solid wood.
Originally wanted the standard, but ended up purchasing the deluxe for a couple reasons: I didn’t want the Koa edition of the standard, which was the only kind available at every store we visited. I also wanted the hard shell case over the gig bag. And finally, the deluxe just sounds a little fuller in sound. They both sound absolutely beautiful though.
Interesting... I got standard one over a year ago because to me it sounded more open and resonant than the dlx but I tried a koa dlx earlier this year that totally blew me away.
I think the sound difference is more from the layered woods used on the sides and back not the finish. The DLX is Rosewood/Poplar/Rosewood and the STD is Rosewood/Poplar/Sapale.
Tim Breaseale Agreed. I'm actually really surprised that he didn't comment on that. On the standard the rosewood might be more of a cosmetic thing. While on the Deluxe, the inside as you mention is also rosewood, which gives it more of a rosewoody sound. I own the deluxe myself and highly recomend it.
+Tim Breaseale Personally I think the sound of the Standard is MUCH better sounding. It sounds crisper & very distinct. The DLX sounds muddy especially when playing the bass notes.
There is no difference. The industry just uses different terms for the same thing. Usually it's a 3 layer process as for these Taylors. The standard 214 is (Rosewood/Poplar/Rosewood). The deluxe is (Rosewood/Rosewood/Rosewood). Only really trained people can tell the difference in sound from solid wood to a layered. I am not that good and can't really tell the difference. Just a side note, if you plan on taking a guitar out and about in different temperatures and humidity to bang around, I would go with a layered guitar. They have good "climate-resilient construction". I hope this helps Ryan Lion
The 214 standard has a slighter brighter chimey sound, the deluxe has a warmer, smoother sound. I have the Deluxe, but there is no bad choice, both great, and i love having the hardshell case and better pickup on mine.
Great video, IMO more "comparison" videos need to be in this style ..... same song, same riffs, same rhythmic strumming and a continual switching back and forth of the instruments being reviewed. Well done and thanks. I just bought a 214CE DLX in sunburst, it's beautiful. This Taylor provides crisp highs and bright lows and it's an amazing guitar for the price.
I was listening with good headphones and I think the DLX has more bass note sound, the 214 is brighter and brings out middles and highs better. The deluxe really hits the mids and lows stronger and it does lead to a bigger more full and well rounded sound.
Better or worse is virtually impossible to say here as they each have a distinctly difference voice and both sound good. It would really boil down to personal preference, which is almost always the case when choosing between two very nice sounding instruments of comparable quality. They both sound pretty good and I could choose either one over the other depending on the situation / venue / setting I was going to be playing in.
AH! PLEASE compare them plugged in! I NEED to hear the difference in the expression systems! Or at least can I get input from someone who has knowledge of this!?
I bought my 214ceDLX in 2018 and I noticed a difference (although a minor one) mine has only a MOP inlay around the sound hole. If I have any complaint it is that the bridge saddle is cut in such a way that the action cannot be made any lower. Other than that I am very satisfied with the guitar.
Yes Tim is correct....! Taylor changed the inner layer from Sapale to Rosewood with the deluxe 214. While it might be a better value with the deluxe I had a chance to play several of each at Guitar Center....the non-deluxe models were not as loud, resonant or as complex as the regular 214 and seemed muted. There were 3 examples of each model we played. This was agreed on by everyone. The Sapale inner layer seemed to have the tonal qualities mixed of rosewood and the punch of mahogany. Go figure...
I tried several guitars at my local store, a couple of Martins, three Taylor's and a couple of Gibsons. As I'm partly disabled body depth was an issue which crossed of the Gibsons, dreadnaught body and huge depth! The Martins were nice but as an electric guitarist I found the necks too thick! I ended up with the 214 CE SB DLX. A fabulous instrument tremendous depth of tone both at the bass end as well as the treble! When I hit it hard boy does it ring out load! Nearly as load as a dreadnaught but with a more subtle tone, like the difference between load singing and shouting! Can't recommend the 214 DLX highly enough BUT always remember the best guitar is the one that suits YOU it may well not be the one you chose from an Internet review!
The Gibson J45 has a shorter radius (12 inches) and shorter scale (24.5) than most other comparable acoustic guitars, including the Taylor that you bought, which I believe has a 15 inch radius and 25.5 inch scale. This is one reason why the J45 is very popular and highly thought of as a very comfortable guitar to play. The J45 also has a slim taper neck, another comfortable feature. as far as depth of the body goes, I think the J45 and the Taylor are very similar to be almost a non-issue.
Great video! Thanks for the comparison. I could not decide between the two, but I think I am going to go with the deluxe. This was very helpful! Kudos.
The 214ce sounds a little fuller when it comes to fingerpicking (probably due to the lack of finish on the back and sides) but the 214 DLX has a really nice sound on those big open chords.
He forgot to mention the deluxe has layered rosewood inside and outside the guitar, while the standard has mahogany inside the guitar and rosewood on the outside. I don't know what they use for the middle layer.
214 ce is listed on Taylors website as having "laminate" with rosewood and poplar, the deluxe is listed as having a layered rosewood back and sides, which in my opinion would make the tone more like regular rosewood. You can only see this by using the compare models feature on their website.
they both sound pretty similar, but there is a subtle difference in the bottom range. the delux version has a more rich and consistent lows and mid lows, wich gives a nice sustain, while the non delux version sounds a little more harsh compared to the other.
I have played both of these back to back and can say they sound very different in person. the dlx sounds like it should cost another 500 or so. The dlx is closer to the 314ce in sound quality. I picked up the deluxe sunburnt and am very happy with it.
Here's one difference.. When you jump up to the 300 series the nut width goes up to 1-3/4"... I was interested in the 314 since it has solid back and sides, but I prefer the 1-11/16" nut so I went with the 214.
I've played both. I found the 314ce to be a slightly better all around instrument. It was a bit louder and rang out with sweetness and had a bit more 'growl' in the low end. I still really really liked the 214 deluxe. Very balanced, warm, with lots of rich overtones. No 'wolf' tones - excellent intonation. Also a great guitar. It would be a true blessing to own either.
Just purchased a 214ceDLX. Played it against high end Taylor’s, Martins, Collings, Bourgeois, Maton’s. It’s truly amazing how how good it sounds. It was between this and the Bourgeois country boy as far as sound. but the crazy part is the Bourgeois was a Dreadnought and the Taylor keeps up in bass response yet had better string separation. I purchased off of sound and feel, no pretentious BS, no worry about price, I already have 5k plus customs (4 of them), I needed a player. I left with the Taylor 214ceDLX.
Very good video by a true guitar guy. I own the 214ce standard. The deluxe, in my opinion, isn't worth the extra cash. Buy the standard and find strings that'll make it sound however you like. Both are great choices.
Thanks for making this video, it helped me make my decision last week to get the 214-DLX. Love it. Question, you play a few different tunes to test guitars. Do y'all have a list of the songs or, preferably, a lesson video on how to play them? Thanks again.
Thanks, both lovely guitars, not much in it, think im after a slightly brighter sound so the standard seems good choice. what were the names of the 3 tracks you played in this, would love to learn them? thanks.
I can tell you first hand the 214DLX is a unbelievably great guitar for the $1399 (sweet water) I have played a lot of taylors all the way up to $4k and honestly bang for the buck in the 214dlx....looks like a 42k guitar sounds and plays like a $4k guitar and looks very classy and stunning...pull the trigger.
dcaudio1 Agreed! I got it too for the same reasons. I used to have 410/810 310 etc well hard times financially...now with this I got way more than I paid for. I got the 150e 12 as well awesome pair.
Taylor 214ce DLX has installed the Expression System, not the Expression System 2, right? On the bridge, there aren't the 3 screws near the saddle. If possible, I would need a clarification about it. Thank you!
+Acoustic Letter wtf is the expression system 2 standard?! Taylor produce es-t, es1 and es2 right? This guitar gas the es1 inside, i Don't understand why everyone talk about es2.
+Acoustic Letter Thanks for the reply. I apologize, but I still do not understand. ES2 standard does not appear on the official Taylor website. ES2 should be just that: www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/electronics/expression-system-2 Not the one installed on the 214ce DLX
I agree with Cross J. I was interested in the 214ce DLX, but, it sounds asleep and tired compared to the standard 214ce which is clearer in definition. As an electro acoustic it's a pity that the onboard electrics are not being used as well for part of the demonstration as, you cannot assess the difference when both are just played acoustically. and the DLX has apparently a superior pick up/electronics in it.
First impression listening to fingerpicking and plectrum single not playing, the DLX sounds a bit muted and quieter than the standard. Perhaps the glos is containing some of the dynamics of the top. This "muting" sounds barely audible in strumming chords. In strumming, the DLX does sound like you can hear the higher strings a bit more, a little brighter than the standard. There is certainly a slight difference in sound character between these 2. But it is so subtle, you would have a hell of a time picking which is which. ---- I would say the best reason to pick one or the other is for the pickup system. That is where the differences will actually come through.
Rafael Matiazo I own a Taylor 210ce-K DLX (layered koa instead of rosewood) and it is made in Mexico. The guy at my guitar shop told me the 200 series is all made in Mexico.
would a guitar that is arched back liked this one that has. no back bracing would be a little lessdurable compared to guitars that has flat back and have a back bracing?
What strings are on this guitar? You often talk about all the features of each model. But seldom talk about the brands or gauge of strings..what difference it makes. I’d really appreciate your comments on it
Yep DLX for me. A wee bit brighter and it sounded like it sung better, a bit nicer sustain. Can't believe that's just down to satin v's gloss on the back and sides. Could the strings be making a difference too here? Yep I also agree with Justan Chan, it would be interesting to hear any guitar v's itself to see if there is any difference, but it would be really good to do one soon on one of these guitars v's itself. You'd need to re-string them so we can't complain about string age making a difference! :P
I know I might be a bit late, but at around 2- 3minutes with the fingerstyle playing, can anyone tell me some artists or songs that use this style? I'd love to learn some!
Someone please explain something to me. In the older videos, during the intro where he says to sign up to the Acoustic letter, he has another tattoo than in the actual review, meaning it was recorded much later. So much later that it's been like that for a while until a few months ago. How is that possible Acoustic Letter?
Patrick Williams When you reach a certain level, you are allowed to add clips before and after your videos for current relevant content, links to newer videos, etc.
I love my 214ce DLX....the only downfall is trying to open the battery compartment. I cannot do it with my fingers or thumb. I actually use the end of a plastic pen to open. Anyone else have this problem?
I tried the ce & the deluxe against each other in a guitar store yesterday, the deluxe seemed to me to be the easy winner, I didn't even care for the ce, but I just ordered a deluxe.
They are both better in different styles of picking. The standard sounds more mellow when finger picking. The DLX sounds better when picked with a pick. Overall though, for my ear, I would have to give the nudge to the DLX.
justun chan The gloss itself may not, however it's possible that they are different finish techniques. The satin could be thinner than the gloss (or vise versa), or it could be different finishes entirely (polyester vs polyurethane). I bring up that last one because they do have different types of satin finishes, too. The 1 series and 2 series both have a "waxier" satin finish on the neck, while the 3 series and up uses a nicer, more close-pored satin finish.
necrojoe thinner is usually better, for example the new 800's series from Taylor boasts the 3.5mil gloss, the thinnest Taylor has ever done. Oh well, not to mention two guitars never sound alike anyways, you might even hear a difference between a 214 and a 214 lol
justun chan Very true. The 600 series now, too, and I think the 900 is next. The 100 and 200's though are made in Mexico (I believe), so I wouldn't expect them to follow these cutting-edge techniques for a while!
Deluxe sounds like it has a little more sustain but worth the extra 400-500 dollars? Nah not even with the hard case. You can get a nice hard case for 100-150 dollars. Just my opinion. Both great guitars though
I bought DLX a few day ago and I feel like pain my fingers when the playing this. and then I feel like the fred is different size. 214ce has thinner and Dlx has more thick. so im confusion about this and should I go back to 214ce standare?
do not go back to the standard. the standard 214ce's back and side are layered rosewood which means only the outside is rosewood, the inside is actually sapele. on the dlx the inside and the outside is actually rosewood
Not DLX sounds better. the DLX sounds muffled not warmer. If someone wants a warmer sound they should change the strings not apply more poly based finish on its entire body.
Sounds good, though cannot keep up with a dreadnaught. I am 5.9 smallish hands and find the neck profile a bit too flat and small for comfort esp if playing long, bar chords and fingerstyle. I have a Yamaha A series guitar with a much better neck profile. The top dents very easily My hard case slowly closed as I was taking out the guitar and the lock caused a 2cm dent/ scratch Plugged is good but a bit piezoey which needs some equalisation Otherwise is fine- I have mine for 4 years Still play my yamaha live as easier to play and great preamp( yamaha is much softer acoustically)
Two other differences. The layered rosewood veneers on the 214ce are rosewood on the outside and sapele on the inside, both outside and inside veneers are rosewood on the 214ce dlx, with both having an inner core of poplar. The truss rod cover is plastic on the 214ce, and rosewood on the 214ce dlx, with small diamond fretboard inlay on the 214ce dlx and dot inlay on the 214ce. Beside the all gloss finish on the 214ce dlx vs satin back and sides on the 214ce, perhaps the difference in the layered rosewood makes the dlx sound brighter with more clarity and sustain? IMHO P.S. others have complained about Tony playing the same pieces in his comparison videos. I find listening to the same music extremely helpful in hearing the differences.
My truss rod cover is black plastic on my 214ce DLX that I just bought at Guitar Center last night that I watched them take out of the box. Came with the hard case too. Must be a different year because the inlays on this one are slotted diamond shaped instead of diamond shaped.
These guitars sound nearly identical. In a blind test you wouldn't know the difference. It's all in folk's minds.
This was probably many years ago (7) the case . 2023 they are made of layered rosewood in the same way .
@@adambreska4490First thing I did was to change the truss cover to a wood 🪵 one from Taylor. Got it in the US 😂, so …it’s been a bit pricey .
Just bought a 214 CE Lefty. Waiting for it to arrive now. The DLX sounds a bit warmer, but I'm sure the standard 214 will be fine. We'll see! Thanks for the comparison demo. Nicely done.
Think the regular 214 sounds a bit more open but at the same time a tad harsh on the high frequency. Which actually some people might prefer.the deluxe seems a bit more warmer tone. Wow the finish does make a difference!
The deluxe has a much rounder tone, but damn the standard is in your face! Can’t go wrong either way.
I had to choose between the two at Guitar Center. I chose the standard because to me it sounds more open and smoother than the DLX. The DLX kind of mutes the sound as its played. Some people prefer super clarity in the sound but I feel that a little less sounds more natural. All in all I believe Taylor's are the best Acoustic guitars out there. I have 612 ce as well and just love them both. Taylor guitars have never disappointed me and manage to stay in tune really well. I use the 612 ce-N at church and the sound is so smooth and clear and I use the 214 standard at home because of its mellow and inviting tone. Love Taylor Guitars
I actually like the 214 standard's sound...
+Cross J +1
agree
Agreed, it sounds a little bit brighter
played both when shopping...went w the deluxe because it sounded better plugged in w the E2 system. if the deluxe came with an nongloss back I would have gone with that. more vibration that you loose bc of the laminate instead of solid wood.
@@ChrisP-th2qw, take some 1500 grit or 2000 grit sandpaper and you can take away that gloss without damaging the wood.
Originally wanted the standard, but ended up purchasing the deluxe for a couple reasons: I didn’t want the Koa edition of the standard, which was the only kind available at every store we visited. I also wanted the hard shell case over the gig bag. And finally, the deluxe just sounds a little fuller in sound. They both sound absolutely beautiful though.
Interesting... I got standard one over a year ago because to me it sounded more open and resonant than the dlx but I tried a koa dlx earlier this year that totally blew me away.
EveningCrow Makes sense. Everyone’s taste in sound is different
I think the sound difference is more from the layered woods used on the sides and back not the finish. The DLX is Rosewood/Poplar/Rosewood and the STD is Rosewood/Poplar/Sapale.
Tim Breaseale Really excellent point. I wasn't under the impression that finish was anything other than a cosmetic touch.
Tim Breaseale Agreed. I'm actually really surprised that he didn't comment on that. On the standard the rosewood might be more of a cosmetic thing. While on the Deluxe, the inside as you mention is also rosewood, which gives it more of a rosewoody sound. I own the deluxe myself and highly recomend it.
+Tim Breaseale Personally I think the sound of the Standard is MUCH better sounding. It sounds crisper & very distinct. The DLX sounds muddy especially when playing the bass notes.
+Tim Breaseale what is the different between laminated wood and layered woods, your help would be appreciated : )
There is no difference. The industry just uses different terms for the same thing. Usually it's a 3 layer process as for these Taylors. The standard 214 is (Rosewood/Poplar/Rosewood). The deluxe is (Rosewood/Rosewood/Rosewood). Only really trained people can tell the difference in sound from solid wood to a layered. I am not that good and can't really tell the difference. Just a side note, if you plan on taking a guitar out and about in different temperatures and humidity to bang around, I would go with a layered guitar. They have good "climate-resilient construction". I hope this helps Ryan Lion
The 214 standard has a slighter brighter chimey sound, the deluxe has a warmer, smoother sound. I have the Deluxe, but there is no bad choice, both great, and i love having the hardshell case and better pickup on mine.
I personally like them both but the 214ce standard has a more natural sound.
Awesome! I've been looking for a comparison of these two for quite some time now. :D
Great video, IMO more "comparison" videos need to be in this style ..... same song, same riffs, same rhythmic strumming and a continual switching back and forth of the instruments being reviewed. Well done and thanks. I just bought a 214CE DLX in sunburst, it's beautiful. This Taylor provides crisp highs and bright lows and it's an amazing guitar for the price.
I was listening with good headphones and I think the DLX has more bass note sound, the 214 is brighter and brings out middles and highs better. The deluxe really hits the mids and lows stronger and it does lead to a bigger more full and well rounded sound.
Better or worse is virtually impossible to say here as they each have a distinctly difference voice and both sound good. It would really boil down to personal preference, which is almost always the case when choosing between two very nice sounding instruments of comparable quality. They both sound pretty good and I could choose either one over the other depending on the situation / venue / setting I was going to be playing in.
AH! PLEASE compare them plugged in! I NEED to hear the difference in the expression systems! Or at least can I get input from someone who has knowledge of this!?
CodyAlushin The deluxe has the expression system thats in all the high end models.
I bought my 214ceDLX in 2018 and I noticed a difference (although a minor one) mine has only a MOP inlay around the sound hole.
If I have any complaint it is that the bridge saddle is cut in such a way that the action cannot be made any lower.
Other than that I am very satisfied with the guitar.
Yes it can: take out the saddle and reduce the height by sanding down the back of it. Reduces the action whilst retaining the intonation.
Yes Tim is correct....! Taylor changed the inner layer from Sapale to Rosewood with the deluxe 214. While it might be a better value with the deluxe I had a chance to play several of each at Guitar Center....the non-deluxe models were not as loud, resonant or as complex as the regular 214 and seemed muted. There were 3 examples of each model we played. This was agreed on by everyone. The Sapale inner layer seemed to have the tonal qualities mixed of rosewood and the punch of mahogany. Go figure...
We use the same Mic and settings for all the videos.... Neumann KM184 EQ flat.
I believe the DLX has a inside layer wood of rosewood while the standard is sapele
I think I will go for the deluxe
I recently purchased a Taylor 214ce plus. This is a gem of a guitar
Deluxe definitely had more pronounced and defined tone. The clarity of each string could be heard with a little more tonal complexity to my ears.
I like the Deluxe. It has some upper mids and top end that I really like.
I tried several guitars at my local store, a couple of Martins, three Taylor's and a couple of Gibsons. As I'm partly disabled body depth was an issue which crossed of the Gibsons, dreadnaught body and huge depth! The Martins were nice but as an electric guitarist I found the necks too thick! I ended up with the 214 CE SB DLX. A fabulous instrument tremendous depth of tone both at the bass end as well as the treble! When I hit it hard boy does it ring out load! Nearly as load as a dreadnaught but with a more subtle tone, like the difference between load singing and shouting! Can't recommend the 214 DLX highly enough BUT always remember the best guitar is the one that suits YOU it may well not be the one you chose from an Internet review!
The Gibson J45 has a shorter radius (12 inches) and shorter scale (24.5) than most other comparable acoustic guitars, including the Taylor that you bought, which I believe has a 15 inch radius and 25.5 inch scale. This is one reason why the J45 is very popular and highly thought of as a very comfortable guitar to play. The J45 also has a slim taper neck, another comfortable feature. as far as depth of the body goes, I think the J45 and the Taylor are very similar to be almost a non-issue.
Standard, Bluegrass DLX, Praise and worship ! haha Awesome review
I use my 214ce plus for worship and it plays great.
The DLX also has diamond inlays on the fingerboard instead of dot inlays.
Great video! Thanks for the comparison. I could not decide between the two, but I think I am going to go with the deluxe. This was very helpful! Kudos.
The 214ce sounds a little fuller when it comes to fingerpicking (probably due to the lack of finish on the back and sides) but the 214 DLX has a really nice sound on those big open chords.
I concur, the gloss finish seems to project a warmer tone.
He forgot to mention the deluxe has layered rosewood inside and outside the guitar, while the standard has mahogany inside the guitar and rosewood on the outside. I don't know what they use for the middle layer.
Got a 214 dlx ...I just picked it up at guitar center. Bought it 10 minutes later.
Didn’t need to try anything else. No regerts. 😉👍
deluxe has all laminated rosewood back and sides, where 214 has laminated sapele sandwiched with rosewood.
214 ce is listed on Taylors website as having "laminate" with rosewood and poplar, the deluxe is listed as having a layered rosewood back and sides, which in my opinion would make the tone more like regular rosewood. You can only see this by using the compare models feature on their website.
deluxe is brighter to me
That's what I got.
they both sound pretty similar, but there is a subtle difference in the bottom range. the delux version has a more rich and consistent lows and mid lows, wich gives a nice sustain, while the non delux version sounds a little more harsh compared to the other.
I have played both of these back to back and can say they sound very different in person. the dlx sounds like it should cost another 500 or so. The dlx is closer to the 314ce in sound quality. I picked up the deluxe sunburnt and am very happy with it.
Great comparison, thank you!
I would love to see a comparison between the Taylor 214CE DLX and the Taylor 314CE. Is it really that different. Thanks for all of your great vidoes.
Here's one difference.. When you jump up to the 300 series the nut width goes up to 1-3/4"... I was interested in the 314 since it has solid back and sides, but I prefer the 1-11/16" nut so I went with the 214.
I've played both. I found the 314ce to be a slightly better all around instrument. It was a bit louder and rang out with sweetness and had a bit more 'growl' in the low end. I still really really liked the 214 deluxe. Very balanced, warm, with lots of rich overtones. No 'wolf' tones - excellent intonation. Also a great guitar. It would be a true blessing to own either.
I was expecting this si much! Thanks
Just purchased a 214ceDLX. Played it against high end Taylor’s, Martins, Collings, Bourgeois, Maton’s. It’s truly amazing how how good it sounds. It was between this and the Bourgeois country boy as far as sound. but the crazy part is the Bourgeois was a Dreadnought and the Taylor keeps up in bass response yet had better string separation. I purchased off of sound and feel, no pretentious BS, no worry about price, I already have 5k plus customs (4 of them), I needed a player. I left with the Taylor 214ceDLX.
Very good video by a true guitar guy. I own the 214ce standard. The deluxe, in my opinion, isn't worth the extra cash. Buy the standard and find strings that'll make it sound however you like. Both are great choices.
Nice demos. Deluxe sounds a little brighter to me
Thanks for making this video, it helped me make my decision last week to get the 214-DLX. Love it.
Question, you play a few different tunes to test guitars. Do y'all have a list of the songs or, preferably, a lesson video on how to play them?
Thanks again.
Thanks, both lovely guitars, not much in it, think im after a slightly brighter sound so the standard seems good choice. what were the names of the 3 tracks you played in this, would love to learn them? thanks.
I can tell you first hand the 214DLX is a unbelievably great guitar for the $1399 (sweet water) I have played a lot of taylors all the way up to $4k and honestly bang for the buck in the 214dlx....looks like a 42k guitar sounds and plays like a $4k guitar and looks very classy and stunning...pull the trigger.
dcaudio1 Agreed! I got it too for the same reasons. I used to have 410/810 310 etc well hard times financially...now with this I got way more than I paid for. I got the 150e 12 as well awesome pair.
would have liked to hear them both plug
ged in to hear the different pick up in each model..
BTW....you get a hard case & not a gig bag with the 214ce DLX. Also upgraded ES2 & all gloss. The price difference is $200.00.
Taylor 214ce DLX has installed the Expression System, not the Expression System 2, right?
On the bridge, there aren't the 3 screws near the saddle.
If possible, I would need a clarification about it.
Thank you!
+Paolo Farnedi The 214ce DLX has the ES2 system standard....
+Acoustic Letter wtf is the expression system 2 standard?! Taylor produce es-t, es1 and es2 right? This guitar gas the es1 inside, i Don't understand why everyone talk about es2.
+Acoustic Letter
Thanks for the reply.
I apologize, but I still do not understand.
ES2 standard does not appear on the official Taylor website.
ES2 should be just that:
www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/electronics/expression-system-2
Not the one installed on the 214ce DLX
+Paolo Farnedi , He means that the ES2 system is a standard feature in the 214ce "Deluxe" series
+Chris Graham Thank you! I have a 214ce DLX built in 2014, and on the guitar is installed ES1. Is ES2 became standard feature from 2015?
The Deluxe is brighter, tighter. It would definitely cut through better in a multiple instrument scenario.
I agree with Cross J. I was interested in the 214ce DLX, but, it sounds asleep and tired compared to the standard 214ce which is clearer in definition. As an electro acoustic it's a pity that the onboard electrics are not being used as well for part of the demonstration as, you cannot assess the difference when both are just played acoustically. and the DLX has apparently a superior pick up/electronics in it.
I love the 214 standard
First impression listening to fingerpicking and plectrum single not playing, the DLX sounds a bit muted and quieter than the standard. Perhaps the glos is containing some of the dynamics of the top.
This "muting" sounds barely audible in strumming chords.
In strumming, the DLX does sound like you can hear the higher strings a bit more, a little brighter than the standard.
There is certainly a slight difference in sound character between these 2. But it is so subtle, you would have a hell of a time picking which is which.
----
I would say the best reason to pick one or the other is for the pickup system. That is where the differences will actually come through.
2:31 what song is this i heard him use it in all his covers
The standard is noticeably louder to my ears. The deluxe is warmer. The finish seems to be rounding out the tone and making it more “polite.”
Im at a tie. Its either the Taylor 322e Mahogany Top Grand Concert or the 214CE Dlx
Deluxe is way better and looks better and less money. Lol I have the deluxe and it's great
The 214ce has layered rosewood and sapele (on inside) back and sides while the Deluxe is all rosewood
+Joe Burnford nope.
from what i hear in this video and from personal experience the DLX has more articulation, with a warmer tone as well.
I dont like gloss finishes so I'd prefer the ce over the deluxe because of that alone and would immediately remove the gloss on the top.
Acoustic Letter Team, please let me know where are Taylor 214ce and 214dlx made ? USA or Mexico ?
Rafael Matiazo I own a Taylor 210ce-K DLX (layered koa instead of rosewood) and it is made in Mexico. The guy at my guitar shop told me the 200 series is all made in Mexico.
Thank you for this.
On my little notebook I could not hear a difference between them. If there is a difference in the sounds it is very slight.
Could you do a comparison between the Black, Natural, and Sunburst finish on the Deluxe models?
Just bought the 214CE for 1799 Canadian and it’s the best guitar I have ever owned!
Dlx?
would a guitar that is arched back liked this one that has. no back bracing would be a little lessdurable compared to guitars that has flat back and have a back bracing?
What strings are on this guitar? You often talk about all the features of each model. But seldom talk about the brands or gauge of strings..what difference it makes. I’d really appreciate your comments on it
Probably Elixir strings for brightness and longevity
I'm a beginner but to my head the deluxe seemed to sustain an reverb more. I liked th deluxe m
Wow. I really wasn't expecting them to be so different...
Yep DLX for me. A wee bit brighter and it sounded like it sung better, a bit nicer sustain. Can't believe that's just down to satin v's gloss on the back and sides. Could the strings be making a difference too here? Yep I also agree with Justan Chan, it would be interesting to hear any guitar v's itself to see if there is any difference, but it would be really good to do one soon on one of these guitars v's itself. You'd need to re-string them so we can't complain about string age making a difference! :P
The DLX sounds brighter when picking, and more pronounced. Yet, when playing chords it just has more depth, but isn't any brighter.
It would be great if you could review the non-cutaway.
I know I might be a bit late, but at around 2- 3minutes with the fingerstyle playing, can anyone tell me some artists or songs that use this style? I'd love to learn some!
I have a early 214 andit came with a hard case. Prices have gone up now and you don't get the case.
Sorry but the 214 ce standard has also a ES2 like the dlx
Deluxe has more solid compact tone. As I hear, Thanks for playing!
Whats the first song you play at 2:10?
Thanks a lot.
Someone please explain something to me. In the older videos, during the intro where he says to sign up to the Acoustic letter, he has another tattoo than in the actual review, meaning it was recorded much later. So much later that it's been like that for a while until a few months ago. How is that possible Acoustic Letter?
Patrick Williams When you reach a certain level, you are allowed to add clips before and after your videos for current relevant content, links to newer videos, etc.
necrojoe Thanks I've been so confused
is there a tab for the song at 2.55 ?
To my ear the DLX has a bit more low-end, which I really like
These guitars sound nearly identical. In a blind test you wouldn't know the difference. It's all in folk's minds.
I love my 214ce DLX....the only downfall is trying to open the battery compartment. I cannot do it with my fingers or thumb. I actually use the end of a plastic pen to open. Anyone else have this problem?
Jim Rylander yep I noticed this too. worried too much force might cause harm .
but Is the deluxe really worth and extra 500.00
I tried the ce & the deluxe against each other in a guitar store yesterday, the deluxe seemed to me to be the easy winner, I didn't even care for the ce, but I just ordered a deluxe.
Want to see 214ce SB dlx review
It's the same exact thing as the 214ce DLX. Only difference is the fact that it has a sunburst
Which mic is it ? thanks
dlx is warmer..standard is brighter will cut better through a live band mix
Most important was show the difference with the pick up.
They are both better in different styles of picking. The standard sounds more mellow when finger picking. The DLX sounds better when picked with a pick. Overall though, for my ear, I would have to give the nudge to the DLX.
pickin4you I agree with this as well
DLX might just come with a higher grade spruce top, higher grade rosewood. etc. I don't think gloss makes a noticeable difference in sound
justun chan The gloss itself may not, however it's possible that they are different finish techniques. The satin could be thinner than the gloss (or vise versa), or it could be different finishes entirely (polyester vs polyurethane). I bring up that last one because they do have different types of satin finishes, too. The 1 series and 2 series both have a "waxier" satin finish on the neck, while the 3 series and up uses a nicer, more close-pored satin finish.
necrojoe thinner is usually better, for example the new 800's series from Taylor boasts the 3.5mil gloss, the thinnest Taylor has ever done. Oh well, not to mention two guitars never sound alike anyways, you might even hear a difference between a 214 and a 214 lol
justun chan Very true. The 600 series now, too, and I think the 900 is next. The 100 and 200's though are made in Mexico (I believe), so I wouldn't expect them to follow these cutting-edge techniques for a while!
justun chan more to do with quality control if same guitar sound noticeably difference
hello acoustic letter, How different dlx standard and dlx sb and dlx blk song? which one is better? are they same?
I believe what you're asking is really just a difference of the finish..... build specs should be the same on all of those guitars.
Compare a Zager EZ-play with a taylor
Deluxe sounds like it has a little more sustain but worth the extra 400-500 dollars? Nah not even with the hard case. You can get a nice hard case for 100-150 dollars. Just my opinion. Both great guitars though
DLX sounds a bit heavier and solid. 214ce ( great guitar) sounds a bit thinner. Imo.
the dlx, sounds a bit deeper.
I bought DLX a few day ago and I feel like pain my fingers when the playing this. and then I feel like the fred is different size. 214ce has thinner and Dlx has more thick. so im confusion about this and should I go back to 214ce standare?
do not go back to the standard. the standard 214ce's back and side are layered rosewood which means only the outside is rosewood, the inside is actually sapele. on the dlx the inside and the outside is actually rosewood
+luis navarro thanks
Not DLX sounds better. the DLX sounds muffled not warmer. If someone wants a warmer sound they should change the strings not apply more poly based finish on its entire body.
Sounds good, though cannot keep up with a dreadnaught. I am 5.9 smallish hands and find the neck profile a bit too flat and small for comfort esp if playing long, bar chords and fingerstyle.
I have a Yamaha A series guitar with a much better neck profile.
The top dents very easily
My hard case slowly closed as I was taking out the guitar and the lock caused a 2cm dent/ scratch
Plugged is good but a bit piezoey which needs some equalisation
Otherwise is fine- I have mine for 4 years
Still play my yamaha live as easier to play and great preamp( yamaha is much softer acoustically)
I have the Dlx e version
Hey what should I get the Taylor 210 or 214
Depends on your playing style.... the 210 is obviously a larger guitar compared to the 214....
Acoustic Letter oh Allright thanks
I have 2K to spend, will this last me for a long time?
this costs way less
214 dlx has a slight fuller sound but you def overrated that.... Not 700 more in sound