Taylor guitars are exceptional. If you are looking for the best acoustic-electric guitar available for your budget, these are the best models that the market offers. In the following article, we are going to put two Taylor models against each other, Taylor 414ce and Taylor 814ce. Between the two models, Taylor 814ce is quite more expensive compared to Taylor 414ce. Does it mean that Taylor 814ce is much better? Does Taylor 414ce make the best value out of the bucks? We are going to see below.
Design
Coming from the same series, Taylor 414ce and Taylor 814ce come with some similarities in design. They are about the same size. In a glance, they may look quite alike, as they both feature a Grand Auditorium body shape with the Venetian single cutaway design. Even so, they actually have different bracing patterns. Taylor 414ce has a forward-shifted bracing pattern whereas Taylor 814ce has the customized Advanced Performance bracing pattern. In addition, they are also constructed of different woods. Taylor 414ce is made from Ovangkol, whereas Taylor 814ce utilizes Rosewood. In many ways, Ovangkol and Rosewood can be quite similar, but we are going to see the differences later. Taylor 814ce’s Rosewood pickguard and Ebony truss rod cover appear more stylish and elegant compared to Taylor 414ce’s tortoise pickguard and black plastic truss rod. Furthermore, Taylor 814ce boasts premium Element fretboard inlays and gloss peghead finish. Both models are packed with nickel tuners and the Expression System 2 electronics. Both Taylor 414ce and Taylor 814ce are rugged and durable. (Have a look : Taylor 314ce Vs 814ce)
Performance
Ovangkol has many similarities to Rosewood, and this allows Taylor 414ce to sound exceptional. It sounds great. The notes are all full and accurate. The overall tone sounds warm, and is actually warmer than Taylor 814ce. However, there are indeed benefits unique to Rosewood. Taylor 814ce, with the Rosewood body, has some noticeable distinctive superior features in the audio reproduction. Rosewood guitars can be much more resonant and accurate than the Ovangkol alternatives, and, combined with the special bracing design, Taylor 814ce is capable of delivering deeper, crisper, and cleaner sounds. The guitar projects every note more fully and solidly. Plugged in, you can also notice that Taylor 814ce sounds slightly better than Taylor 414ce.
Taylor 414ce Vs 814ce
| Taylor 414ce | Taylor 814ce | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor Guitars | Taylor Guitars |
| Key features | - Solid Sitka Spruce Top - Solid Ovangkol Back/Sides - Grand Auditorium - Cutaway; ES - Hardshell Case Included | cf-type-acoustic-electric-guitar, cf-vendor-taylor, Guitar Clearance, reverbsync-shipping-profile:Standard Ground Shipping Over 39.99, reverbsync:off |
| 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 a much better guitar. It looks more lavish, and the sound quality is indeed at a higher level. But, if you really want to save some bucks, you can go with Taylor 414ce, which is already an excellent guitar for the price.