What Does V-Class Bracing Sound Like? Review of New Taylor 314ce V-Class Acoustic Electric Guitar

Studio, stage, concert hall... this guitar excels in any space, for any purpose! Taylor's new 314ce Grand Auditorium with V-Class bracing has all the volume, tone, and projection one would expect from this world-class guitar builder. Play A Note, Change Your Life!
Taylor 314ce V-Class → www.alamomusic...
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[@murlyn2]

I can attest that this guitar is absolutely amazing. Additionally, the intonation is spot on. The sustain and the bell like tones are perfect.

[@robpetry84]

Man I gotta say, I went in for a new guitar today and walked out with this exact model. The 314ce V class. I have owned a few different acoustics over the years. A taylor 110, a seagull, and a rosewood Dean. It sounds so much better in a room than anything in its price range. It is worth every penny in my opinion. Sounds incredible in my living room too!!

[@KerminSR]

I did a side by side with the 314ce and a Martin D18 and it was no contest. I’ve wanted a Martin dreadnaught ever since I started playing guitar, and I had to choose the Taylor for the tone and playability. Martin has the heritage, and that means a lot. I ultimately had to go with the better guitar.

[@beetlebum7163]

Just did the exact same thing. Went on a 6 month research mission to find the right guitar. I assumed early on that I would end up with a Martin, but just bought my 314ce today. Playability and tone were the big factors. Total surprise to me.

[@ComicKish]

I made the decision to get this after the guitar being five minutes in my hands didint want any 200 models

[@R.L.Humpert]

I want a Martin too. I keep saying I will get a Martin and I end up going with a Taylor. But 3 Taylor’s I think is enough I need to branch out haha. I am going to get a Martin next round. I know Breedlove makes some nice guitars too tho. Hmmm

[@brunomillalaf8553]

I got the d18 and I just can’t get used to the neck. Wishing I got the taylor instead

[@Wistbacka]

I went into my local store with a $1000 budget for a Yamaha LL-series. But also looked around a bit. I knew from youtube videos, that really I would like a Taylor, but will probably never afford one. BUT! On my way out, I briefly sat down with both a 312CE and 314CE. I left empty handed and now need to increase my budget somehow with and additional 1000 dollars... (I recently spent 2000 dollars on a new digital piano too, thus I am a bit strapped for cash). But omg the sound from the 314CE was heavenly! There is no other option now.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

You must be broke if you think that’s expensive

[@keithmahorney6533]

I played one at our local Guitar Center. To be real honest, It just blows me away. That is how good this 314 ce is. For the money, you can't beat this setup. I plan to own one soon. By the way the one I was playing sold 15 min after I played it. Demand is strong I would say. Alamo does a great job on these reviews. Thanks Alamo.

[@Wistbacka]

Same! I had 5 min before store closed to try 312 vs 314 and was sold in those 2.5 minutes. The tone, response and neck/fretboard was amazing!

[@bernardthefourth]

I walked out with one of these after spending many hours trying out guitars. Love it!

[@turbo0589]

Man the neck on this beauty is just a wonder to play on. Really makes playing so much easier and smoother

[@-Wreckanize-]

Just bought my 314ce V brace today. Love it.

[@AlamoMusic]

Glad you like it!

[@-Wreckanize-]

@@AlamoMusic Thanks for responding. Would you recommend getting it set up? Or is it good out of the box usually?

[@KnuckleCuts]

@@-Wreckanize- I usually get brand new guitars setup, but see how you like it out of the box

[@JPjuniour]

What made u want to get the 314ce?

[@-Wreckanize-]

@@JPjuniour Solid wood construction. Also, though I didn't know it at the time, the wider neck. When I played the 214ce, I loved the neck (it has a slimmer neck) and it felt so comfortable, and wished the 314ce came with a slimmer neck. So I bought the 314ce anyway, and now I love it. It spaces out my fingers, so no finger crowding. Just took a little to get used to. Also, the case, it's a nice case, 200 bucks, so you have to reduce the price of the 314ce by 200 because of the case being included (if comparing with the 214), then it was a no brainer.

[@drewkingson]

Whenever I play a v-class Taylor in the store , or even in my studio they sound muffled compared to my x-braced Taylors. Not louder - softer, and the intonation issue goes back to Bach and tempered tuning - the further apart notes are the further apart they are from true in tune - no kind of bracing pattern can change that. Taylor guitars have impeccable intonation whether x or v braced, but if you want a full, rich sound - find an x-braced

[@douglcartwright]

Great review and demo as always. What would be good to see is a back-to-back comparison with the original 314ce in order to hear the differences that you described the V-Class bracing provides in this model. I haven't gone back to look at your previous reviews on the higher-end models with V-Class to see if that is what you did for those models -- however, it would be good to hear it as well for the 314ce. Additionally, would love to see a similar review for the new 324ce V-Class. Thanks again!

[@justincrocker1159]

@D K nice. I've heard the v class lacks the bass response of the original x bracing. Have you found that to be true?

[@justincrocker1159]

@D K yep I just purchased mine lol. It is absolutely incredible videos do no do it justice

[@richardc.kornegay2713]

@@justincrocker1159 I hear that also

[@acepetreski]

I have the same guitar (non V class) but anyway, the best guitar in this price range. Simply amazing!

[@adamloo85]

I've only been playing for 5 months and am fortunate to be able to afford one of these. If you can grab one, you won't be disappointed!

[@KaibaTopDueling]

I had this four months now I’m enjoying the no dead notes on the spots and the most excelled Guitars the newest innovation.

[@Cordyceps-e7k]

Who is here because of the last of us part 2? By the way the guitar that joel gave to ellie was taylor 314ce

[@christinah2579]

I am :)

[@AlamoMusic]

That's a darn good guitar!

[@ccg4713]

I’m here because of the Last of Us 2 lol

[@khimaros]

You can get a perfect replicate of Ellie’s 314ce from PlayStation Gear, pre-orders until the end of July. $300 premium over a standard 314ce and only ships within the US but you could easily reason they will retain that extra outlay. I reached out to Sony about international shipping and it was a resounding no....

[@PinxPer17]

same lol

[@MustangDesudiroz]

The only Taylor I need! It looks the best and sounds the best. $2k is worth every cent

[@mzmudy]

Excellent discussion and your most beautiful demo! Very nicely done!

[@VisualparanormalChannel]

I totally trust Chris and his evaluations of guitars. I know he is very knowledgeable and an excellent player besides.

[@marcscordato4385]

I’ve played the V Class it’s everything Taylor claims it to be but in the end the difference are subtle. I don’t feel the need to trade in my X braced 324 for a New V Class one having said that I would happy to purchase a V class guitar.

[@AlamoMusic]

We would be more than happy to discuss this with you! Please send us your information and Chris will reach out.

[@curtc6765]

Thanks for sharing! I'm in the market for a 314 and have been wondering if I should buy the X or V bracing. No V-Class 314s local so can't compare myself. All the other V-Class guitar models I've seen sound worse than the X version IMO...too thin and not enough "chaos". I thought this trend would destroy the 314. However, in the 314 the V bracing may actually be an improvement. Sounds like there's more overtones and the tone in general seems to be more colorful compared to the more woody X-braced version. Good stuff

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

I think the chaos as you call it is what V bracing is eliminating by allowing true intonation everywhere on the fretboard. I think in a year or so people will think guitars w/o the chaos or sour notes mixed in as Chris called it, will be widely accepted and desired over the old models that lack intonation at all points...imho....i played this one at my local music shop and loved it. Am getting for sure.

[@fpm_j2_12_muhammadkhuluqin4]

@@jimgodofbiscuits i wanna ask u something... i've been wondering if i sould buy V brace or X brace. My question is which one is better, the 314ce with V or X brace?

[@ParaBellum2024]

Very good demo. The guitar sounds great. I can appreciate the idea of different overtones compared with traditional bracing, but I don't understand how it can improve the intonation. I suppose this would only become apparent when playing the guitar (and comparing it with others).

[@SamHopkinsSAH]

This review is stellar 👏👏👏

[@donny5429]

8:32 gotta make this my ringtone

[@terrytaillard4588]

Sure wish Chris had done a side by side with an X brace 314. I heard that comparison on another channel and the X brace ate the V brace alive.

[@synberg]

What is the name of the song you play fingerstyle on all these videos? I'm referring to the one that starts at 8:15.

[@0AriasEn]

Have you founded the name?

[@khimaros]

Someone please, I’d love to know too.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Hey Alamo Music Center - do you have any more 314ce's with the X-Bracing? = Deeper Bass and less banjo-sounding. I'm ready to purchase one with the X-Brace.

[@1funkybasslady]

If you can find an X-braced Taylor grab it while you can! It looks like Taylor is ultimately going to convert all its models to V-bracing. 😩

[@JB-hq9yj]

This does not sound like a banjo. Stop being dramatic.

[@dadgadfolkmusic200]

You can see some KZbin videos comparing the old 314CE X bracing vs. the new V bracing. The old C X bracing sounds a whole lot better, fuller and with a much better bass response.

[@timvibes]

Buy an Eastman AC122-1CE instead. Same tonewoods for under $800. All solid wood! Taylor can't beat this price point for almost identical sound quality.

[@superblindeye1]

I am very interested in this guitar. I have heard that if the humidity isn't just right, that the neck will split. Is this true? If so, what is the best way to keep your guitar humidified?

[@AlamoMusic]

Buy a humidifier.

[@n.g.9705]

7:42

[@smilingskull7827]

Guitar sounds beautiful

[@jocika022]

it is true that V is more precise, but everyone must ask themselves what was sacrificed. In my opinion the warmth of the woody tone (typical of Martin). The problem is that Taylor X already had a bright tone, and this new V has even more. Precise, focus ... but cold. Ok, i am "sofa player" and i need "time machine". For professional player V is solution. Maybe.

[@sundialsoft]

Sounds lovely. I'm researching for my 70'th birthday gift. I have sold most of my guitars (only a couple to go) so it's time for a really good one. Need a guitar which is true when using a capo.

[@robpetry84]

I just picked up this model today. The 314ce v class. I have owned a seagull, a taylor 110, a rosewood Dean, and I can say this guitar blew my mind. The notes are true all over the fretboard and it sounds so much bigger in my living room than any other acoustic I've played. You won't regret it.

[@pacocurtis5155]

Heading to Sweetwater in Fort Wayne IN next week to pick up my 70th birthday gift as well. You guessed it, a Taylor 314 CE. Played several guitars at their store last week and knew the moment I played it that this was the one.

[@bogdangrund3913]

Hello there. I truly love Taylor guitar and pickups as well but there is something that I would love to be changed for myself. Does Taylor have a pickup with installed microphone+piezo? Honestly, I don’t fancy the way ES2 Picks all the percussion sounds. So is there a solution ?

[@KaibaTopDueling]

First time owning this newly improved versions I experienced first phase of low volume when plugged into the pedals but somehow had to reset to clean mode to get the reverb.

[@adam_michael540]

What are you saying here? First phase of low volume?

[@KaibaTopDueling]

@@adam_michael540 I said my volume was deactivated the first time the instrument was plugged into the pedals to experiments the delay phase then it can’t be heard twenty feet in the room. Now everything is reset.

[@eduardoduque8717]

Any thoughts on this guitar vs the 414ce-R vs a 224ce-k dlx special edition? I know the pricing from the 224ce-k to 414ce-r is a wide range but really trying to figure what the right long term investment is for someone who is a beginner and primarily wants to learn to play worship songs with family and small groups. I have this saying “if you don’t buy nice you’re gonna but twice” and so really looking for a long term investment on a guitar that’ll stay in the family a long time. Thanks. Also awesome videos! I’ve learned a lot from them.

[@scottf2199]

Love it! And love that arrangement of Amazing Grace at the end....where can I get this arrangement

[@AlamoMusic]

I don't have tab for it but it is a somewhat simplified arrangment of Doyle Dyke's arrangment, without the intro. -Chris McKee

[@TomasEagleMusic]

you play brilliantly

[@noelzhu1986]

just bought one today

[@ralex3697]

Amazing Grace Amazing guitar

[@mars-lpv3458]

How well is it with singing while playing? One man acoustic gig?

[@richardc.kornegay2713]

Excuse me, the 50's Vintera White Blond. Will chk for your review.

[@amac8487]

Just received mine 3 days ago and it’s jeopardizing my relationship with girl… I can’t put the damn thing down!!! 😂😂

[@whnsususus]

this or Ibanez ae900?

[@eliasgonzalezl]

Hi Chris, I moved from Texas to Seattle, totally different weather! would you still recommend a humidifier for this guitar?

[@guitardude4700]

Nice review. Thanks

[@telefan2]

hey Chris, do you know it Taylor are planning to extend the V bracing to other models is the grand concert model? I can't find any information?

[@AlamoMusic]

Yes, they are going to adapt the bracing to other models. Andy did a great interview on the Acoustic Letter with Tony Polecastro where he discusses this. In essence they can adapt the V bracing to other models and for different sounds, much like we do with x bracing now. It is a blank canvas and as they adapt it to these other bodies it will change to strengthen the inherent qualities of those guitars. - Chris McKee

[@telefan2]

Thanks Chris, I appreciate you speedy reply, love your demos and details. Keep up the good work :) from Liverpool UK.

[@naturaldisaster6991]

Damn I wish I had the money to buy one of these, I would definitely get the Last of Us version, but either way it's such a nice guitar

[@sandesh.sange.moktan]

Please somebody buy this to me its been 3 years still can’t manage to get one

[@slash2jimi]

Finally. I’ve been waiting to purchase this guitar because I don’t wanna spend that much money on a guitar I haven’t herd and there’s only one other video that’s shitty that’s shows the V-Class 314ce

[@chewwahooi5810]

My 10yr old 314 x braced sounds Better and warmer to my ear . I may be wrong.

[@pariahgaming365]

Gosh, as much as I’ve considered Martins, to me, nothing compares to the sound of a Taylor. It’s crisp, loud yet tamed in a very pleasant way. To me, Martins just sound muffled in comparison.

[@psu10w]

what gauge strings do the 314ce come in?

[@adamnewman8556]

Light gauge 12 to 53

[@Pharesm]

I listened to this video, because that's on my list of Taylor guitars that are in my price range - I have to say, the 324CE V Mahogany/Blackwood model had a much fuller tone, but couldn't match the twinkle of the high frequencies on this one... is there a guitar that sits right in between these two? Or basically mahogany sound with twinkle? I suspect an all mahogany guitar is probably best as a 12 string...

[@kevinabernardo]

Builder I would love to know this as well

[@R.L.Humpert]

The guys at Driftwood guitars tell me you all are just trying to kiss Taylor’s ass to sell more guitars and that the 324ce is just a v class gimmick. I know you and coop are very knowledgeable and Driftwood I’m sure is just envious of your store and Taylor brand. But I just wondered again your thoughts about their comments and the v class bracing as they say it’s crap. I disagree as well as you but what is their deal? I think Taylor makes the best guitar on the market at least when it comes to factory style guitars. I know some of these companies make very few guitars and they are done very well but wow they are so pompous. Love love your videos but honestly do you truly like the v class as well as the x bracing? Thanks!

[@phanhuyduc2395]

Come on Yamaha make as good factory guitar for half price. From X bracing to V bracing is a totally system change but here he only talk about the pros, but none of the cons. If V bracing is that good, all of other guitar company copy it already.

[@R.L.Humpert]

Taylor has the sole rights to v bracing. The other companies cannot copy it yet unless Taylor allows it. As well v bracing does have a loud sustain and more vibrant sound. X bracing sounds great as well just saying this is not some gimmick. I have a lot of guitars and the v bracing does pop out.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

@@R.L.Humpert so Taylor copied the X brace from Martin but does not allow other copy them ? Nice story. But they dont need to worry anyway. V bracing is just a market ploy, Taylor with a V bracing still sound like a Taylor, with a little more substain, but even more bright, as if Taylor is not bright enough. If V bracing make Taylor sounds warmer, I would buy it in a heartbeat. But no.

[@R.L.Humpert]

@@phanhuyduc2395 bro you need to take some medicine to chill out. We get it you don’t like Taylor guitars. I do. I like Martin as well and several other brands. Taylor to me is as good as any of the brands out there and I own 3 Taylor’s. My next guitar is going to be a Martin. I don’t know why you’re so defensive. If you don’t like Taylor then that’s fine relax a little.

[@dongaynor4334]

I love mine

[@wesleycwagner]

Sure lots of the random overtones are gone, but seems a little like the guitar needs to blow it's nose...

[@a-meteo7778]

Mind at 6:24 :)

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Let me guess.... Moving a couple of sticks is going to cost more....

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

No

[@fpm_j2_12_muhammadkhuluqin4]

IMHO, the v bracing is better to play with finger picking than strumming.

[@enarcisojrdiosdado6308]

You get less bass

[@mouselim72]

Chris, the way you sung the praises of the V bracing totally condemn all the x bracing but of course, you'll say that it's all subjective which makes your review pointless then. I do like Taylors (good QC and action etc) and I also think that the V bracing is good but not that much. Better volume yes but less sustain. It's not that great as you make it. Please be truthful.

[@richardc.kornegay2713]

I am agreeing with you but I haven't played thr new one yet

[@MrArchie765]

Gotta love Chris McGee, great demos, but maybe a little verbose!!!

[@vinayjangam627]

last of us 2 :)

[@ianmason5266]

Just bought one didn't like it got a refund and Taylor 214ce Mexican prefer that more easy to play and I think sounds better

[@gustavopaulette3496]

You must be a racist

[@jeffconnolly980]

This is not a totally accurate sound these taylor guitars will get a much better sound in time. If you like it now just give it a year of playing

[@josephliptak]

Hey Bob Taylor, no way in hell am I going to pay $2000 for a guitar with satin back and sides which not only make a guitar look cheap, but it feels cheaper too. Secondly, for a penny less than $2000, that guitar should have real mahogany wood back and sides along with a matching gloss finish to go with the top. Don't fall for the hype kids, this is a $7-$800 guitar disguised as a $2000 guitar. Taylor needs to stop their bullshit and give me close to $2000 worth of guitar if I'm going to shell out $2k of my hard earned money.

[@MustangDesudiroz]

woah I thought its all ready all god cuz its all solid :( I

[@VyasAnand]

Joseph Liptak then don’t

[@VisualparanormalChannel]

Anand Vyas if anything the less “gloss” on the top of the guitar the more true is the resonance of the wood. It doesn’t look “cheap” but as they say beauty and I guess sound are both in the eyes and ears of the beholder.

[@VyasAnand]

Visual Paranormal Investigations I didn’t say that - I said the 80/20 strings sound awful on this mid range guitar. It’s not subjective

[@VyasAnand]

Visual Paranormal Investigations when compared to my Collings OMH2 - it’s downright cheap looking