If you are looking for the best entry-level acoustic electric guitar, there is no way to go wrong with Taylor’s guitars. The company’s products have always been considered as of premium quality; they make the golden standards for any other acoustic electric guitar. For an entry-level Taylor guitar, you can put Taylor 114ce and Taylor 214ce into your consideration list. Of course, between these two models, Taylor 214ce is a little bit pricier over Taylor 114ce. So, what does the higher price bring into the deal? Will Taylor 214ce make the best value for the money, or is Taylor 114ce actually sufficient already for beginners? Find the answer below!
The Similarities
As a matter of fact, Taylor 114ce and Taylor 214ce greatly resemble each other. Both are basically designed in pretty much the same way. Both Taylor 114ce and Taylor 214ce come with the Grand Auditorium body shape, which makes them able quite versatile for different purposes. Due to the slimness, they are also very comfortable to play with regardless of your physicality. They have the forward shifted scalloped X bracing pattern. Both models have 25-1/2” scale length and 1-11/16” nut width. Both models come with a solid Sitka Spruce top, Sapele neck, and Ebony fingerboard. In terms of playability, Taylor 114ce and Taylor 214ce are very identical to each other. They both also come equipped with the Expression System 2 preamp, which is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup featuring three sophisticatedly positioned and calibrated pickup sensors for an exceptional dynamic range, more than ever before. (Read also : Taylor 214ce Vs 214ce DLX)
Finish, Back & Side Wood
The first difference that you can immediately notice is the finish. Taylor 114ce comes with a satin finish on the top surface. On the other hand, Taylor 214ce features a gloss finish, making it appear more classy and elegant. It certainly looks better. The gloss finish also adds a little bit protection against minor scratches.
The more subtle yet more important difference is the wood material for the back and sides. Taylor 114ce comes with Sapele laminate back and sides, whereas Taylor 214ce boasts Rosewood laminate back and sides. While they may sound similar at first, Rosewood is generally considered as a better guitar wood than Sapele. Rosewood delivers warmer and fuller sounds than Sapele.
Taylor 114ce Vs 214ce
| Taylor 114ce | Taylor 214ce | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor | Taylor |
| Key features | Body Body type: Taylor Grand Auditorium Cutaway: Single Top wood: Solid Sitka spruce Back & sides: Layered sapele Bracing pattern: Taylor Standard II Bracing (Forward Shift Pattern) | - Number of Strings: 6, Number of Frets: 20 - Neck Width: 1-11/16" - Bracing: Forward Shifted Pattern - Fretboard Inlay: 6mm Dots - Nut & Saddle: Nubone Nut/Tusq Saddle, Tuners: Die-Cast Chrome |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 5.0 out of 5 stars | 4.2 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
Both guitars are great. Yet, we recommend you to choose Taylor 214ce. With just a relatively marginal price increment, it offers a gloss finish and Rosewood back and sides, providing slightly improved tonal qualities.