Taylor 114ce-S Acoustic Guitar Review Warm Tones and Exceptional Playability

Description

A Comfortable and Versatile Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Testing the Taylor 114ce-S Acoustic-electric Guitar has been nothing short of a delightful experience. This Grand Auditorium body style guitar strikes a fine balance between sound quality, playability, and overall design. From the moment I picked it up, the Natural Sapele finish caught my eye with its understated elegance, showcasing the craftsmanship Taylor is known for. While it ticks many boxes for both beginners and seasoned players, there are a few nuances worth discussing.

Design and Build Quality

The build of this guitar is incredibly well thought out. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, the guitar delivers an impressive resonance that only improves with time. The sapele back and sides add a warm and balanced tone, making it ideal for genres ranging from folk to pop. The maple neck is smooth and comfortable, making transitions between chords feel effortless.

One thing I appreciated was the Grand Auditorium body style. It has a slightly narrower waist compared to a dreadnought, giving it a sleeker look and a more ergonomic feel when playing seated. The ebony fretboard felt luxurious under my fingers, and it handled bends and slides with ease. While it’s not the lightest instrument out there at 16 pounds, the weight adds to its solid and durable feel.

Sound and Performance

The sound is where this guitar truly shines. The combination of the spruce and sapele tonewoods offers a balanced tonal spectrum. The highs are crisp without being harsh, and the lows are rich without overwhelming the mids. Whether I was fingerpicking or strumming, the guitar maintained clarity and depth.

Plugging it into an amp using the Taylor ES2 electronics was an entirely different experience. The pickup system faithfully captured the natural acoustic tone of the guitar. Unlike some pickups that sound tinny or artificial, this system managed to preserve the warmth that I loved when playing unplugged. Adjusting the onboard controls was straightforward, and I didn’t encounter any issues with feedback even at higher volumes.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional Tonewoods: The Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides deliver a warm, balanced sound perfect for various styles.
• Onboard Electronics: The ES2 electronics accurately reproduce the guitar’s natural tone when amplified.
• Comfortable Playability: The sleek maple neck and Grand Auditorium body style ensure comfort during extended playing sessions.
• Durable Build: The high-quality materials make it a long-lasting instrument.

Adverse Aspects

No product is without its flaws, and this guitar is no exception. While I genuinely enjoyed using it, there are a few areas that could use some improvement:

• Weight: At 16 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than other models in its class, which might be less ideal for traveling musicians.
• Battery Dependency: The 9V battery required for the electronics is standard but can be inconvenient if it runs out mid-performance.
• Price Point: Though this guitar offers great value, it might be a bit of a stretch for beginners on a tight budget.

Competing Products

In the world of acoustic-electric guitars, there are several competitors worth noting. For instance, the Yamaha FGX800C is another popular choice. It offers a solid spruce top and a similar tonal balance but lacks the refinement of the Taylor ES2 electronics. On the other hand, the Martin DX1AE delivers great sound but trades off some of the comfort and playability that make this Taylor model stand out.

Where this guitar excels is in its craftsmanship and tonal clarity. The maple neck and ebony fretboard provide a tactile experience that feels premium compared to the laminated materials used in some competitors. However, brands like Seagull often offer lower-priced alternatives that, while not as refined, can still be a good option for budget-conscious buyers.

Cost-Effectiveness

While this guitar is not the cheapest option available, it delivers exceptional value for its price. The quality of the materials, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the ES2 electronics make it a worthwhile investment for players who prioritize sound and build quality. Compared to other guitars in its class, the Taylor 114ce-S provides a superior price to quality ratio, justifying its cost for those who are serious about their music.

Who Is It For?

This guitar is an ideal choice for intermediate players looking to upgrade from an entry-level instrument. It’s also perfect for performing musicians who need reliable onboard electronics for live settings. Beginners with some extra cash to spend might find it a bit overwhelming, but they’ll certainly grow into it over time.

Testing the Taylor 114ce-S Acoustic-electric Guitar has been an enriching experience. It’s a fantastic instrument that delivers both in terms of sound and playability, though it does come with certain caveats. Whether you’re strumming chords at home or performing on stage, this guitar will undoubtedly make an impression.

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