Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition vs. Standard 814ce: Does Adirondack Beat Sitka?

[@hughnguyen1772]

I bought my Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition (BE) guitar at Alamo Music Center (AMC) and chatted with Cooper during the purchase. AMC sale service is absolutely first class; and the 814ce BE is a fantastic guitar. The upgrades and extra touches that Taylor put in the 814ce BE totally justify the $500 extra. I see some comments complaining about the dark stained rosewood of the 814ce BE; that is all about personal preference IMO. To me, the dark back and sides in contrast with the lighter color top along with the glossy finished body, satin finished neck, and rustic gold tunners give the 814ce BE a blended modern-antique look and make this guitar stand out among other guitars. The beveled arm rest is an excellent touch. The andirondack pruce top produces heavenly pleasant sound. Taylor really hit a home run with this 814ce BE model. I think the 814ce BE's sustain and tones are more toward that of the 914ce, and I would love to hear a comparison between these two guitars.

[@mikenoonan6036]

GREATEST LINE- "Times have changed...have fun with your GS Mini"--LOL - Great job as always Guys!

[@ronmoore1219]

Thank you, gentlemen. Those two guitars certainly represent Taylor’s excellence. The Builder’s Edition was bolder and clearer to me. Deeper bass and bolder trebles. More clear to my ears. Certainly worth the $500 higher price tag. If I was in the market for an 814, that bump would he an easy decision to make.

[@rebelliousraven]

No, dont change the songs. I love what you play and being able to truly do a side by side comparison (and i just love to hear it). The slow finger pick song is the first thing my son played for me ❤

[@benjamindubois9867]

I appreciate the way both of you play! I like hearing Chris play the same thing in order to hear differences in guitar tone, tonewoods, etc. Plus Chris's playing has wonderful chords and is very melodical. But at the same time I love hearing Cooper play because he is incredibly talented. I wish Cooper would give lessons online because I'd definitely sign up. Both of you guys are awesome in your own way.

[@jsonjsoff]

Chris been hitting the practice sessions. Noticeable technique improvements. Or maybe these models are just that easy to play. Anyways, great work.

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I bought a 814ce. Beautiful tone. The store (no name) told me it was a Builders Edition. A call to Taylor confirmed it was not. I returned it and ordered a 614ce Builders Edition WHB. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@jonathandepue629]

I have a 2019 814CE DLX as my main guitar. If they had this 814CE BE when I got the DLX, I may have gone with it, but I actually like the look of the antique silver tuners and maple binding a bit more than the antique gold and ebony. I also don't typically like burst staining on acoustics. I'd have to play them side by side to see if any of the other changes like the Adi top and neck profile would make me take the BE over the DLX. As always great video Chris and Cooper!

[@mikew9788]

I have a 2018 814ce dlx and I love it, I don't think I would trade it for this builders edition, love the maple binding and the fingerboard on mine is sick. Stripes the whole length of the fingerboard was the reason I picked it

[@tealy124]

Thank you for this comparison! It helped me to decide to buy an 814ce BE. It's a fantastic guitar and I'm very happy with it.

[@thekenandmisty]

I have played an 814 ce before and to me it was indeed the perfect guitar. It actually went against what we always say, "It's not gonna make you a better player." This guitar made me feel like a better player when i played it. I still walked out with a martin d-28. Because that's what i came in for and it did not dissapoint when i played it. But the taylor 814 ce was for sure moved to the top of my list for my next buy. I feel like if you are just looking for that martin sound, like i was, that would be the only reason to pick it over this Taylor. And after watching this, the builders edition will most likely be the one. After i try it out for myself of course. you guys are terrific, i could just sit and hear you talk guitars all day long. thank you for this channel. edit - on a side note, i did go straight home and put diaddario xs coated strings on my martin. very good choice by taylor to ship with these imo.

[@johnlord1399]

Great review, gents! I gotta say those are both exquisite guitars, and it's easy to see why the 814 has been Taylor's flagship for years, although I expect the BE GPs will give the 814 a run for its money over the long haul. I mean, the price difference alone would warrant giving a 717 a shot! (Plus the 517 and 717 BEs are Silent Satin.) In other words, Taylor is its own worst competition. But you're right, in that if I was in the market for an 814, the BE option would be hard to resist!

[@climber7565]

Oh oh hahaha, I am guilty of criticizing you for always playing the same tune (S) in your demos. Thank you for explaining that choice. Your playing is really beautiful indeed, and I can appreciate the need to do this thus to expose the guitar's potential and cons. It is appreciatable indeed, it is just that often I visit your channel for more than knowledge. I found your demo's also entertaining. I teach myself to play so, you may have guessed it, I pick up some playing ideas from you both too.

[@bravo4adventure988]

I had a chance to play a standard 814ce at Five Star Guitars in Beaverton, OR. What a beautiful playing, sounding, and looking instrument. A far better guitar than I can justify buying at my skill level (still going to tho). Been wondering what the differences were between the standard and Builders Edition for a while. Now I know. Thanks guys!

[@mikewilkins2030]

Same here! Which one you gonna go with?

[@leoscomputerandguitarrevie978]

More bass response and clarity in the highs on the Builders edition. Both are very nice guitars and sound very good. Would be interesting to hear one of the older 814ce with the Advanced Performance Bracing, and compare it to these. But those are probably hard to find right now.

[@williamellisor5486]

I love being on you guys' mailing list. For years now I've watched your videos. I'll get a chance to visit San Antonio soon and your store is high on my tourist agenda. It'd be awesome to see Chris or Cooper there. I suppose y'all will be off shooting a vid when I straggle in. But I am looking forward to seeing the shop!

[@charlesbranch4120]

Thank you, Chris, Cooper, Josh, and all... I dived into "discover the guitar" for the 800 series at Taylor's site, and looking at this series, you've got me thinking about the new 812e in what would be a custom shop version of this 814ce Builder's Edition. I could do without the e as well, since electronic amplification systems are continually being improved. (L.R. Baggs HiFi is, like the 814ce BE, a new model. Cole Clark's PG3 system preamp was redesigned a year or two ago, too.) Interesting that Taylor is willing to modify the 1-3/4 nut width to 1-11/16, as I encountered that Q&A, but I've known for some time that they will build whatever your heart desires, though your brain and billfold might object.

[@boomersdelightvv7201]

I watched the interview with Andy that y’all had. And I picked up on a comment that Andy made that caught your attention. He said that the builders edition 814ce was wider than the other 814ce. And I think I can hear it in the base?? Chris and Coop, how about a video comparing the body size of the two?? Chris mentioned he thought the highs were brighter, but maybe the lower bases make them sound that way.

[@eyeeyethai9113]

Your body language and playing of each guitar makes it obvious that you prefer and put more feel into playing the Builders edition so it is hard to judge. There is a difference in tone with the builder being more crisp but that is partly due to the above.

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

excellent review. Really nice playing, very nice comparison, thanks

[@PaulGAckerman]

I agree with Josh. From the first note of the builder's edition I heard the bassiness. The builder's edition also seems more resonate to me. Both sound lovely.

[@TheWhatisright]

Well done. Love this video.

[@NavyCombatCorpsman]

As if I could ever afford either one of those, but I do love them. Not too much to choose from here in Corpus.

[@Mossydc]

I prefer a less glossy look. Recently purchased a 724ce and really like the satin finish. Too shiny looks a little plastic too me.

[@samueldib9546]

Than you guys.. amazing comparison !!

[@lorigilmore5521]

The builders edition is just so mellow and sweet. Deep bass, warm mids. Just lovely. They are both amazing though. And out of my price range. Your version of Amazing Grace is just so sweet on that BE.

[@steveschnur1728]

The Adirondack spruce sounds too harsh for my ears. Think I might go for the 814ce. Thanks for the video!

[@arkadyromanov7803]

Did not expect the blade runner reference but I'm into it. Also Chris don't worry about the whole "same song" thing. It's a good idea. Also very honest playing that leaves in the minor errors is respectable. The guitars? Oh yeah. Both great but the builders was just flat better. Richer, rounded, mids more bold and the top end snipped just before it got too harsh. Top end on the base 814 sounded good, but thinner than the builders.

[@jimdoner3443]

The 814ce has a little bit better bite to it, at first I thought the 18:41 B.E. just sounded a little bit smoother , but after listening several times it just seems to be lacking as much bite.

[@charlottesimonin2551]

Loved both but the Builders edition carried more to me in the high register. I then to like more base sound so the ce was reaching me equally.

[@LoriGraceAz]

I just finally bought the 814CE a couple months ago and now the BE comes out! I can't say I'd give up the 814 up for it unless I could recoup the full cost. The 814 is still the dream guitar to have, and I have 4 other awesome Martin guitars at that. I'll just have to pass unless someone is willing to take the 814 off my hands for cost.

[@gosman949]

how does your 814 compare with your Martins?

[@LoriGraceAz]

@@gosman949 There's a reason Martin and Taylor have their own devoted fans. I've always preferred Martins for their deeper tones, but the 814 has taken my breath away as about as perfect a guitar can be in tone, comfort, easy of use. I honestly am glad that I own both Martin and Taylor as they each have their place in what I'm trying to play. All excel on stage as well.

[@Filippo_S]

Frankly speaking I prefer a lot more the normal vs be edition, seems to have way more harmonics, be sometimes sounds a little boxy

[@gosman949]

@@Filippo_S impossible to determine that through the KZbin mix!

[@ektalon1]

Two beautiful-looking and sounding guitars. My first thought was that you guys are playing with yourselves. Sorry if that is a bit crass. Soundwise, I thought the Builders Edition was louder in the bass, but that it may be due to Chris's stronger attack. To the extent that I noted other differences in sound, I actually preferred the standard 814ce, but again I wondered if it was due to Chris or the guitar. Very similar. Thanks for your efforts.

[@lownote7135]

I just placed an order from you guys for one of these! I should have it next week. I can't wait! Like a kid on Christmas Eve.

[@scouser2230]

Chris and Cooper, as the Buiders Edition (BE) has a four piece Adirondack top, as opposed to the regular 814 C model having a two piece Sitka top, are you concerned that the BE has two more possible points of weakness over time?

[@rickwebermusic]

I don't believe that will be an issue, since wood glue bonds stronger than natural wood fibers once cured.

[@hughnguyen1772]

I visited Taylor factory the other year and saw a guitar made from scrap woods out of wooden pallets, hence, that pallet wood guitar’s top probably had more than 4 pieces and sounded amazing; and it looked as it was made yesterday even though it was at least 20 years old. Your worries about 4 piece top is unfounded.

[@NexusDL12]

Great job demonstrating the differences. I would like to see Taylor make a 12 fret short scale 812BE. Maybe next year?

[@climber7565]

I was wondering about those guitar stands you featured behind you? I was thinking of getting a few for some of my guitars. I am always skeptical about the guitar's safety and how it affects a guitar's next longevity and strength when hanging the guitar for a long period of time. Would you please make a demo video about those stands?

[@dalefuller5507]

Yeah I like the way they look too but you have to think that they're hung by the neck in the store so I don't think there be too much of an issue but then again I don't own one but I do own Hercules stand and it is a hung by the neck I have a double guitar stand one for my electric and one for my acoustic and I haven't noticed any difference I've been using them now for about 3 years

[@gerardmaguire4495]

Thanks men. Very informative.

[@texhaines9957]

The Adirondack top makes a difference in tone to my ear. I like it compared to standard. Thanks Chris and Cooper.

[@russellr1509]

Interesting how different they are , always love those Tunes you play Chris.

[@pelatonrider]

To be honest, you guys are splitting hairs. I played them both, for quite a while. After switching back and forth, I found myself having to look down to see which one I was playing. I think the tonal differences imho is negligible. What I couldn’t get past was the look of the BE. Too dark, what is the point of having a beautiful rosewood guitar if you are going to black out most of the grain. Save your money and get the 814 CE

[@shaneparkermusic86]

I disagree. I'll say it's not a HUGE difference but enough to notice. I've played them both and the builders is brighter and has more volume.the clarity of the BE is amazing. Every guitar is different though so you may have played one that didn't sound much different. I personally played a BE I wasn't super impressed with. However when you find the right one, it's amazing!

[@shaneparkermusic86]

Just traded my 814 for a builders edition and I am super happy with it! I can see the cuts though, y'all need glasses 🤣 love the channel guys!

[@Euthymia2020]

I despise these things being so expensive and out of my budget but than again it makes me rethink what I think about thinking about money

[@MikeHoodenpyle]

I like the BE a little better. Would really like to hear it in person. Also, love the arrangement of Amazing Grace.

[@bcan77]

I have a Taylor 816ce that I love but would trade for the 814 builders. Unfortunately, I’m quite the distance away

[@kotla671]

How does it compare to the 818e? Does size matter anymore - the full size Grand Orchestra sounds dynamic but I’m sure an in person comparison would be best. Can anyone describe the difference between the 818e and this new Builders Edition 814ce? THANKS!

[@rmzzz76]

My god that guitar is beautiful. It's a shame it doesn't sound any better than it does. Also... Just read the Wood & Steel article on "four piece tops", once again the company putting spin on things, positioning what are in reality just cost savings measures as conservation efforts... Then charging what they do. If savings were past on to the customer here, I'd feel differently. I despise Taylor the company for the constant stream of PR and marketing bs the flows from them. I honestly do not hate their product. I don't think for the asking price it's great product, but that's subjective. What isn't is their behavior.... Also, still the thin sounding V-Class bracing. Wondering how long this will continue before they pull a Coke Classic with bracing and bring back the X. We all know that's going to happen. It must be a real struggle when your entire market angle is "innovation" on a product like the acoustic guitar that peaked 80 or so years ago. I do try to give them a break and see some value in some their innovations, but there's a lot of marketing over value going on. Innovations by other traditional builders often get ignored. Want to go sustainable? Richlite is an excellent material for fretboards and bridges, made from recycled materials. C.F. Martin were the first to use it. You don't need to cut a tree down to use it, but that's not good enough for Taylor and they downplay any innovation coming from other companies. Between being Master Luthier for Taylor, Andy Powers managed to launch his own "boutique" company for electrics. Have not tried one yet, but couldn't help notice how he's basically just producing his own interpretation of what Yamaha innovated with on the Revstar, specifically the Revstar Bixby model... That's a mass produced guitar, which is entirely different from a small luthier, but no one knows who's actually building the Powers Electric guitars. If I pay $5k for boutique built electric, usually the name on the headstock is also the last name of the person who did all the work to bring it into this world. Is Andy Powers actually building anything by hand to sell to the public. I'm highly doubtful of that.

[@scottbogfoot]

@Alamo music center, I'm thinking of getting a 816ce builder's edition. Do you know if Taylor is going to update the 816ce builder's edition the same way they did the 814. I want a deeper sound then the GA. But I want something really special too(for the price they are) and would be disappointed if they update the 816ce builder's edition after I buy one. 😄 any information would be appreciated! Cheers from Newfoundland

[@rzh3443]

Through headphones, good ones, the BE has more projection, buy frequency response is very similar. If you have the extra bucks buy the BE.

[@Ve8g]

The is a huge, very big différence ! The BE is more bassy, more clear and more mellow, define in the medium.

[@pietroborgogno717]

Hi guys, could someone please tell me the name of the bluegrass song played during the demo? Thank you !

[@paulheartsongs]

What guitar is played in the intro of your videos? 😊

[@ahill209]

Builder's Edition 100%. More clarity. More bass. When they are played side-by-side, it's like someone put a mute on the bass of the stock 814ce. Then again, I'm a Martin guy and I like a fuller sound.

[@davidshaw5979]

to my ear there seems little more sustain and brightness from the 814ceBE , just my ear.

[@RyanChu45]

what shampoo do you use?

[@AlamoMusic]

I use JVN products… - cooper

[@jimdoner3443]

I guess the only thing I see as an upgrade is the neck bevel

[@CarloSikkink]

15:37 SITKA 16:23 ADI

[@jimdoner3443]

They both sound really good thou

[@gregmelville2051]

Don't listen to the noise of people criticizing the same song thing. You really ought to post a tutorial on those Masters Golf Tourney theme songs you play. I'd pay for said tabs/tutorials.

[@moisesperez4605]

Guys, I am blind I want to find out if you guys can let me know, which Guitar does he play first, the builders edition, and then, in the second one he pays the basic 814. Let me know please.

[@ianwhitelaw921]

Hi there he plays the 814ce first then the 814ce builders edition next ❤

[@joenice529]

I have a custom shop 00028 wit adi top sounds great but I hate the neck and is to wide for me this may be my ticket I would trade my Martin if they gave me a good deal….

[@Drosemusic37]

I prefer the CE. The BE sounded to me like a Taylor Martin hybrid, while the CE sounds like a fully realized Taylor. I’d prefer a Martin over the BE. I want a Taylor for being a Taylor and a Martin for being a Martin

[@Drosemusic37]

If I want a Martin Taylor hybrid, I’ll just put some Elixers on a Martin 😂

[@Purple_Pixel]

To my ears the standard 814 sounds better but I love the look of the builders edition. I hate the sound of the 414 (too bright) and wish they would market this in a bare bones version as the 414 instead.

[@Tigerex966]

4 piece top would be more fragile wouldn't it be?

[@pelatonrider]

I bought the 814CE fyi

[@aussiecue]

They both sound great. The master has more of a Martin sound. But based on the four piece top I would not buy one. It would suck forever having to make excuses for it just like you guys did. If it was a two piece I would be all over it.

[@bosatsu76]

If one were willing to reach really deep into their pocket and buy the one best and last guitar of their lives... Which one would it be... Assumption... Taylor 300 series is better than a 200, and a 700 is better than a 500... Assumption... Much of this is an actual better sound produced and playablility... But at some point, the sound perfection is reached, and the rest is bling and purfling... Question... Where is that price point... I am a decent finger picker, and love the Taylor sound... Strumming is not all that attractive to me anymore except in a Flamenco type way...

[@scouser2230]

The Adirondack top sounds slightly brighter in tone to me.

[@Anton-ji4td]

The BE sounds more alive and clearer to the Std model.

[@philzlz]

I watched the video while playing the gs mini and had to laugh

[@Invictus13666]

You could’ve said nicer things about the Taylor. Clearly you’re in the tank for Taylor.

[@garychen483]

Why does Chris McKee remind me of another finger style guitarist?? Are they brothers???

[@mikepaschal2260]

Buying this guitar this month, just gotta find someone that will sell me one cheaper than 4500 😂 someone gimme a discount!!!

[@hughnguyen1772]

I’m pretty sure Alamo Music Center (AMC) sale people can work out a deal for you. I got mine at AMC for less than MSRP plus free shipping and no sale tax.

[@lanceriffle4841]

Ffor what the 800 series sells for they all should be adi. Their is no comparison. You can hear the difference even on an iphone.

[@MADRE-GUY]

The original sounds incredible better.. the ya hoo builders edition isn’t better it’s just difference is better he older model no heard the difference and in a live actual use the older sound better

[@richurro20]

I must be going deaf cause I cant really tell a difference.

[@boudicca7181]

Why do you guys feature Taylor so much?

[@MrDPR]

I took an almost instant dislike to a matte finish on an acoustic.

[@jimdoner3443]

Those Gotohs are just too ugly , im sure they are a great tuner but like the bridge it isnt a pleasing look to the eye

[@jimdoner3443]

Not a fan of the Taylors with the builders condition

[@matt8291]

And once again, us lefties are out of luck if we want the BE.

[@Stringbean421]

The moment he said four piece top was the moment I stopped watching and run a mile from any four piece top guitar. Sorry Taylor, I've read online that you've started doing this now. Bad move in my opinion.

[@jeffgerboth6101]

You guys are dangerous to listen to. I just upgraded my 214 to an 814BE after watching this video.

[@davidc1334]

4 piece = I absolutely will not buy. Negates the benefit of the better top

[@playandsinger]

Regular one sounds better

[@traceanthony]

Expensive as heck BE and Taylor doesn't even put a solid piece of adalirondack - they use the scraps from other guitars instead and then try to virtue signal selling the wokeness of 'being sustainable'. No way. I'll stick with Martin and Gibson, plus they both sound better than Taylor anyway imo. Love your guys' videos, btw.

[@donvangorden3978]

A guitar that costs 4.5K. Beautiful and worthy but who the heck would take this instrument out of their home - ever??

[@alvinacejo8536]

I personally wouldn’t bring it to a gig. I only bring mine to play for worship service 👍🏻

[@tomaszsobczak5004]

I DO NOT RECOMMEND TAYLOR GUITARS ...NO RESPECT FOR THE CUSTOMER