Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Which Acoustic Guitar Reigns?
Choosing the right acoustic guitar can feel overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re considering a Taylor, you’ve already made a great choice. But which one is right for you?
Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison: the Taylor 114ce vs 214ce. We’ll explore their unique features, tonewoods, and overall performance to help you determine which guitar best suits your needs and playing style.
Both the 114ce and 214ce are popular choices, known for their playability and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the differences between these two models is crucial. Let’s get started and find your perfect Taylor!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | taylor 114ce | 214ce |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Dreadnought | Grand Auditorium |
| Top Wood | Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides Wood | Layered Sapele | Layered Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Sapele | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Wood | Ebony | Ebony |
| Electronics | ES2 | ES2 |
| Scale Length | 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Bracing | Taylor Standard II | Taylor Standard II |
| Cutaway | Venetian | Venetian |
| Binding | Black | White |
| Tuners | Taylor Chrome | Taylor Chrome |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Body Wood
- Taylor 114ce: Features a layered walnut back and sides, paired with a solid Sitka spruce top. This combination offers a balanced tone with good projection, making it a versatile choice for various playing styles. The layered construction can be more resistant to humidity changes.
- 214ce: Boasts layered rosewood back and sides, also with a solid Sitka spruce top. Rosewood provides a richer, warmer tone compared to walnut, with enhanced low-end frequencies. The layered construction maintains stability.
- Winner: 214ce
Top Wood
- Taylor 114ce: Both guitars share a solid Sitka spruce top. This wood is known for its clarity and responsiveness, contributing to a bright and articulate sound. It provides good projection and versatility across different playing styles.
- 214ce: Both guitars share a solid Sitka spruce top. This wood is known for its clarity and responsiveness, contributing to a bright and articulate sound. It provides good projection and versatility across different playing styles.
- Winner: Tie
Electronics
- Taylor 114ce: Equipped with Taylor’s ES2 (Expression System 2) electronics. This system features a behind-the-saddle pickup design, delivering a natural and amplified acoustic sound. It offers volume, treble, and bass controls.
- 214ce: Also features Taylor’s ES2 (Expression System 2) electronics. The ES2 system is consistent across both models, providing the same natural and amplified acoustic sound with the same controls.
- Winner: Tie
Bracing
- Taylor 114ce: Utilizes Taylor’s standard bracing pattern designed for optimal sound projection and tonal balance with the walnut body. This bracing contributes to the overall clarity and responsiveness of the guitar.
- 214ce: Uses Taylor’s standard bracing pattern, optimized for the rosewood body, influencing the guitar’s rich, warm tone and sustain. The bracing is a key factor in the guitar’s overall sound characteristics.
- Winner: Tie
Neck Wood
- Taylor 114ce: Features a Sapele neck, known for its stability and resistance to warping. Sapele offers a comfortable feel and contributes to the guitar’s overall sustain.
- 214ce: Features a Mahogany neck, often associated with a slightly warmer tone compared to Sapele. It also provides excellent stability and a comfortable playing experience.
- Winner: 214ce
Fretboard Material
- Taylor 114ce: The fretboard is made of Ebony, providing a smooth and durable playing surface. Ebony contributes to the guitar’s overall brightness and articulation.
- 214ce: Also uses an Ebony fretboard, offering a consistent feel and contributing to the guitar’s brightness and note clarity.
- Winner: Tie
Binding and Inlays
- Taylor 114ce: Typically features black binding and dot inlays, providing a clean and understated aesthetic. This contributes to the instrument’s overall visual appeal without being overly ornate.
- 214ce: Often includes white binding and a more elaborate inlays, such as the “Italian Acrylic” fretboard inlays. This gives the 214ce a more premium look.
- Winner: 214ce
Price Point
- Taylor 114ce: Generally positioned at a more accessible price point, making it a great option for beginner to intermediate players. It offers excellent value for its quality and features.
- 214ce: Sits at a higher price point compared to the 114ce, reflecting the use of higher-grade materials (rosewood) and enhanced aesthetics.
- Winner: 114ce
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | taylor 114ce |
| Tone Quality (Rosewood Preference) | 214ce |
| Aesthetics | 214ce |
| Durability | tie |
| Playability | tie |
What They Have in Common
- Body Shape: Both guitars feature a comfortable and versatile body shape, suitable for various playing styles. This enhances playability and overall user experience.
- Electronics: Both guitars are equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup system, providing a high-quality amplified acoustic sound. This ensures consistent performance on stage or in the studio.
- Scale Length: Both models share a standard 25.5-inch scale length, contributing to familiar string tension and playability for most guitarists. This allows for easy transition between guitars.
- Fretboard Material: Both guitars have an ebony fretboard, which contributes to a smooth playing surface and clear note articulation. Ebony is also known for its durability.
- Cutaway: Both guitars feature a Venetian cutaway, allowing easy access to the higher frets. This is beneficial for soloing and playing higher up the neck.
Taylor 114ce Vs 214ce Buying Guide
Sound Quality and Tone
The Taylor 114ce and 214ce both offer excellent sound quality, but with distinct tonal characteristics. The 114ce, featuring layered sapele back and sides, often produces a brighter, more focused sound. This makes it ideal for fingerpicking and intricate playing styles. The 214ce, with its layered rosewood back and sides, tends to have a warmer, richer tone with enhanced sustain. It’s well-suited for a broader range of musical genres, especially those requiring a full, balanced sound.
Build Quality and Materials
Both guitars are built with Taylor’s renowned craftsmanship, but the materials used contribute to their differences. The 114ce utilizes layered sapele for the back and sides, paired with a solid Sitka spruce top, offering durability and affordability. The 214ce steps up with layered rosewood back and sides, also with a solid Sitka spruce top. Rosewood offers a more premium look and richer sound, but it also increases the overall price point. Both feature Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics.
Playability and Comfort
Taylor guitars are known for their comfortable playability, and both the 114ce and 214ce are no exception. The 114ce typically has a slightly thinner neck profile, which can appeal to players with smaller hands or those who prefer faster action. The 214ce shares a similar comfortable feel, but the slightly different body shape and weight might be more appealing to some. Both guitars provide easy access to the higher frets, making them suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Features and Electronics
Both guitars come equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup system, delivering excellent amplified acoustic sound. The ES2 system accurately captures the guitar’s natural tone, making it ideal for live performances and recording. The 114ce offers a streamlined approach, focusing on essential features. The 214ce often includes additional aesthetic touches, such as a gloss finish and upgraded inlays, enhancing its visual appeal. Both are ready for the stage.
Value for Money
Considering the price difference, both guitars offer excellent value for money within their respective categories. The 114ce provides an accessible entry point into the world of Taylor guitars, offering exceptional playability and sound quality at a more budget-friendly price. The 214ce represents a step up in terms of materials and aesthetic details, offering a richer sound and a more premium feel. Evaluate your budget and tonal preferences carefully to determine which offers the better value for *you*.
Aesthetics and Design
While both guitars share the iconic Taylor design, there are subtle differences in their aesthetics. The 114ce often features a matte finish, contributing to a more understated look. The 214ce typically boasts a gloss finish, enhancing the beauty of the rosewood back and sides. The inlays, binding, and rosette designs also vary, with the 214ce often featuring more elaborate details. The choice often comes down to personal preference.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy taylor 114ce If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable Taylor guitar.
- You prefer the sound and feel of Sapele back and sides.
- You want a durable guitar suitable for travel or frequent use.
- You are a beginner or intermediate player seeking a quality instrument.
Buy 214ce If…
- You prefer the richer tonal qualities of layered rosewood.
- You desire a guitar with upgraded aesthetic features.
- You are willing to invest in a slightly more premium instrument.
- You value the enhanced projection and sustain offered by the rosewood back and sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Taylor 114ce and 214ce?
The primary difference lies in the back and side materials. The 114ce uses layered sapele, while the 214ce employs layered rosewood. This difference significantly impacts the guitar’s tone, with rosewood offering a richer, warmer sound compared to sapele’s brighter tone. This impacts the overall sound and price.
Which guitar is better for fingerstyle playing?
Both guitars are suitable for fingerstyle, but the 114ce’s brighter, more focused sound might be preferred by some fingerstyle players. Its clarity allows individual notes to stand out well. The 214ce’s warmer tone can also work beautifully, depending on the desired tonal characteristics and style of fingerstyle.
Does the 214ce sound significantly better than the 114ce?
“Better” is subjective. The 214ce generally offers a richer, more complex tone due to the rosewood back and sides. However, the 114ce’s sapele construction provides a clear and articulate sound. It’s best to compare the two to determine which sound you like better. The difference can be significant depending on your style.
Are both guitars suitable for beginners?
Yes, both the 114ce and 214ce are excellent choices for beginners. Their comfortable playability, quality construction, and good sound make them easy to learn on. The 114ce might be a more budget-friendly option to start with, while the 214ce offers a slightly upgraded experience.
What about the electronics – are they the same?
Yes, both guitars come equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup system. The ES2 provides a natural and accurate amplified acoustic sound, making both guitars great for live performances and recording. The ES2 is well-regarded for its sound quality and ease of use.
Which guitar holds its value better?
Both guitars are Taylor guitars, known for holding their value well. However, the 214ce, with its higher-grade materials, might retain its value slightly better over time. This is due to the higher initial price point and the use of rosewood. However, proper care and maintenance are crucial.
Is the neck size/profile different on either guitar?
The neck profiles are generally similar, designed for comfortable playability. Some players might find slight differences in feel, but the overall design is geared toward ease of play. Both guitars are known for their comfortable necks and smooth action, making them enjoyable to play.
Final Verdict
Both the Taylor 114ce and 214ce are exceptional acoustic guitars, each offering unique strengths. The 114ce provides an excellent balance of affordability and quality, ideal for beginners and experienced players alike. The 214ce elevates the experience with a richer tone and premium materials. For those seeking a warmer sound and enhanced aesthetics, the 214ce is the winner.
Winner: Taylor 214ce