Taylor guitars have been trusted by many guitarists for a long time. When one is asking about the best acoustic electric guitar available on the market, there are many who would answer with a Taylor guitar. There is one model from the company that is very popular as a mid-range acoustic electric guitar on the market, which is Taylor 414ce. It is definitely not the most inexpensive option available, but there are also pricier models. People generally consider Taylor 414ce as a good value for the money. So, how good is Taylor 414ce actually? Is it worth your money? Find out below!
Design
Taylor 414ce is a full-size acoustic electric guitar that sports Taylor’s signature body shape, Grand Auditorium. The guitar is not too bulky at all, making it quite easy and convenient to handle. Near the upper frets, you can see a Venetian-style cutaway that looks very sweet and elegant. Unlike a regular cutaway, a Venetian cutaway is characterized by the soft, round lines and the sloping peak. Besides enhancing the look, the Venetian cutaway also allows easy access to the upper registers, thus enhancing the playability. In addition, any cutaway also has some effect to a guitar’s sound, generally causing the whole to sound brighter. So, this is one factor to why Taylor 414ce sounds bright.
The top is certainly Sitka Spruce, whereas the body is Ovangkol. Although Ovangkol is not as popular Rosewood or Mahogany, Ovangkol is actually a very good tonewood. It has a wide spectrum of lows and highs, with fuller midrange and more treble response. The top and body have a very good gloss finish. The guitar definitely looks elegant and premium, and the gloss layer adds a degree of resistance against scratches. On the top of the guitar, there is also a stylish tortoise pickguard to protect the delicate surface as you play.Taylor 414ce is equipped with the Expression System 2 electronics – which feature a breakthrough behind-the-saddle design, Tusq Nut and Micarta Saddle, and Nickel tuners.
| Price | Features |
|---|---|
| - Solid Sitka Spruce Top - Solid Ovangkol Back/Sides - Grand Auditorium - Cutaway; ES - Hardshell Case Included |
Performance
One great thing that you can immediately notice when playing this acoustic electric guitar is the great playability. It is easy to play. Then, the sound is pristine. The action is interestingly very low. The sound is very crisp and clean. It is indeed bright, but the sound is soft and sweet rather than sharp and piercing. Some people consider the overall tone as balanced. If compared to other Taylor models, they are perhaps true. Taylor 414ce indeed has more warmth and bass response than many of its siblings, though not very much.
The electronics are decent. They capture and reproduce the tonal characters of Taylor 414ce very well. The build quality is great; you can feel that the guitar is truly solid and rugged.
Specifications of Taylor 414ce
Highlights
• Body Depth: 4 5/8″
• Body Width: 16″
• Body Length: 20″
• Scale Length: 25-1/2″
• Number of Frets: 20
• Nut & Saddle: Tusq Nut/Micarta Saddle
• Bracing: Performance and Relief Rout
• Pickguard: Tortoise
• Truss Rod Cover: Black Plastic
• Tuners: Taylor Nickel
• Strings: Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light
• Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell
Body
• Top: Sitka Spruce
• Body / Side : Ovangkol
• Top Finish: Gloss
• Back/Side Finish: Gloss
• Binding: White
• Back Config: Two-Piece with No Wedge
• Rosette Material: Plastic
• Rosette Size: Three Ring
Neck
• Neck/Heel: Tropical Mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Type of Neck Joint: Scarf
• Neck Finish: Satin
• Neck Width: 1-3/4″
• Fretboard Inlay: 4mm Italian Acrylic Dots
• Heel Length: 3-1/2″
Electronics
• Electronics: Expression System 2
Pros of Taylor 414ce
– Great, sweet sound; the sound is bright, clean, and crisp
– Nice Venetian Cutaway that looks good and makes easy access to the frets
– Solid build quality, tortoise pickguard
– Decent electronics and pickups
Price of Taylor 414ce
Check the best price of Taylor 414ce here!