It is not overrated to say that Taylor’s acoustic electric guitar models are among the very best in the world. In fact, Taylor’s acoustic electric guitar models are considered as the number one choice in the United States. They have such superior tonal qualities when being played unplugged, yet their performance also excels when plugged. Now, we are going to put two Taylor guitars into comparison, Taylor 314ce and Taylor 814ce. A lot of people have questioned whether Taylor 814ce is really much better than Taylor 314ce. This is because Taylor 814ce is much more expensive than Taylor 314ce. So, is that true?
Design and Construction
Taylor 314ce and Taylor 814ce are similar in a sense that both are grand auditorium acoustic electric guitars. Both also feature the ES cutaway with a forward shifted X bracing pattern. As the effect, both Taylor 314ce and Taylor 814ce have great playability. They both can be played conveniently and easily regardless of whether you have a large or small physicality. Both are full-size with 25-1/2” scale length. Despite the similarities, there are certainly differences. The first difference that you can immediately notice is that Taylor 314ce comes with gloss finish on the top, while Taylor 814ce has gloss finish on all the top, back, and sides. Hence, it certainly looks better and more luxurious.
These two guitars also make use of different materials. Taylor 314ce comes with a solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Sapele back and sides. On the other hand, Taylor 814ce also comes with a solid Sitka Spruce top, but it is paired with Indian Rosewood back and sides. For your information, Indian Rosewood is not only more expensive than Sapele; it is also rarer and sounds better.
Performance
Since these two models feature different materials, they certainly sound different as well. Taylor 314ce has always been regarded as an excellent entry-level guitar. It sounds great, and, for the price, it is indeed a very good value. However, despite Taylor 314ce being a great guitar, Taylor 814ce is much, much better. The tonal qualities are more distinctive. It sounds richer and fuller. Finally, you should also consider that a newer guitar usually comes with a newer pickup system. Taylor 814ce comes with an improved and refined expression system.
Taylor 314ce Vs 814ce
| Taylor 314ce | Taylor 814ce | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor Guitars | Taylor Guitars |
| Key features | - Solid Sitka Spruce Top - Solid Sapele Back/Sides - Grand Auditorium - Cutaway; ES - Hardshell Case Included | - indian rosewood back and sides - sitka spruce top - Taylor ES Electronics - ebony fretboard - 25-1/2-inch scale |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.8 out of 5 stars | 4.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Decision
Taylor 814ce is indeed an awesome guitar. It is worth the money, as it sounds significantly better. It also has gloss finish on top, back, and sides. On the other hand, Taylor 314ce serves as a great budget alternative. It doesn’t sound as great as Taylor 814ce, but, for the price, it is already a huge value.