Taylor guitars are considered as the best choices available on the market whenever one is looking for an acoustic electric guitar. Now, if you are looking for a good grand auditorium model, there is a big chance that you are now considering to purchase either Taylor 114ce or Taylor 314ce. This is because these two models share many things in common. Even so, Taylor 314ce is quite considerably more expensive compared to Taylor 114ce. So, what are the differences between them? Which is the one that will make the best bang for the bucks?
Design
As mentioned above, both Taylor 114ce and Taylor 314ce are grand auditorium guitars. They are quite flexible and versatile for different genres and purposes. They are also relatively slim and compact, allowing any guitarist to play them conveniently regardless of the physicality. Overall, they are about the same size, though Taylor 314ce is a little bit heavier than Taylor 114ce. Both have the scale length of 25-1/2”. They also have a single cutaway design for easier access to the frets. However, you should keep in mind that Taylor 314ce comes with a slightly wider neck. It has 1-3/4” TUSQ nut width, as opposed to Taylor 114ce’s 1-11/16” TUSQ nut width. So, Taylor 114ce can be a little bit easier to play. Also, the bracing patterns are a little bit different from each other. Taylor 114ce comes with a forward-shifted X-bracing standard pattern, whilst Taylor 314ce comes with a forward-shifted X-bracing scalloped pattern.
See also : Taylor 114ce Vs 110ce.
Construction and Sound
At first, the two seem to be identical: Sitka Spruce tops, Mahogany necks, Ebony bridges and fingerboards, TUSQ saddles and nuts, and closed-gear tuners. However, you should notice that Taylor 114ce has laminate Sapele back and sides, whereas Taylor 314ce features solid Sapele back and sides. They sound different. With solid woods, Taylor 314ce sound much better. The sound is richer, warmer, and fuller. It also comes with a gloss finish on the top surface, making it appear cool and elegant as well as giving a degree of protection against minor scratches. Meanwhile, Taylor 114ce sound decent, but not as great as Taylor 314ce. Taylor 114ce comes with a satin finish. Although laminate woods are generally more durable than solid woods, you should not abuse Taylor 114ce anyway because the top is still solid.
Taylor 114ce Vs 314ce
| Taylor 114ce | Taylor 314ce | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor | Taylor Guitars |
| Key features | Body Body type: Taylor Grand Auditorium Cutaway: Single Top wood: Solid Sitka | - Solid Sitka Spruce Top - Solid Sapele Back/Sides - Grand Auditorium - Cutaway; ES - Hardshell Case Included |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 5.0 out of 5 stars | 4.8 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
If you are fine with the slightly wider neck, you can go with Taylor 314ce. The sound is much better. The looks are also better, thanks to the gloss finish. Taylor 114ce makes a good alternative if you absolutely prefer to play with a narrower neck or you really need to save some bucks.