Taylor Guitar Review of the 114e with Zachery Smith of Christian Band Unspoken

[@neilsteffler2019]

Great demo

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@smandez2023]

The 314 does have some great girthy warmth going on being all-solid wood. Kinda crazy how surprising the 114 is, actually sounds a hair better than the 214 to my ears. Cool review tho brother ❤

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Right on

[@patrick7171]

Hey thanks for the recommendation the great comparison of the Taylor models! The 114e is definitely the bang for the buck and sounds very nice. Would you also recommend the 114e, if you can get the 214ce Plus for a similar price? I'm currently testing the Taylor 114e and Taylor 214ce Plus. The 214ce has a wider range and sounds clearer and more pronounced than the 114e. But maybe a bit too balanced and perfect. The 114e is a little muddier in comparison but has somehow more character and warmth. Perhaps I just need to learn to use this instruments better. But I would be interested to hear what would be your choice if you could get them for the same price?

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Both the Taylor 114e and the Taylor 214ce are exceptional acoustic-electric guitars from Taylor Guitars. They offer excellent tone, playability, and durability, making them popular choices among experienced guitarists and beginners alike. However, there are some key differences between the two models that justify the higher price tag of the 214ce. Construction and Materials The most significant difference between the two guitars lies in their construction and materials. The 114e features a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and Indian rosewood fingerboard. These materials are known for their warm, rich tone and excellent stability. The 214ce, on the other hand, upgrades to a solid American mahogany back and sides, which provides a more balanced and articulate sound with a wider dynamic range. Mahogany is also more resistant to humidity changes, making it a more durable choice for musicians who travel frequently or perform in varying climates. Tonality and Sound The difference in materials translates into distinct tonal characteristics. The 114e produces a warm, mellow tone with a balanced midrange and a gentle bass response. It's well-suited for fingerpicking and strumming styles, especially those that emphasize a softer, more intimate sound. The 214ce, with its mahogany back and sides, offers a more balanced and articulate tone with a wider dynamic range. The bass response is fuller and more prominent, while the highs are crisper and more defined. This makes the 214ce more versatile, capable of handling a wider range of playing styles and genres. Electronics and Pickup System Both the 114e and the 214ce feature Taylor's Expression System 2 (ES2) electronics, which provide crystal-clear amplification and a natural-sounding tone. The ES2 includes a proprietary pickup system that utilizes a three-dimensional sensing grid under the saddle to capture the subtle nuances of the acoustic guitar's vibration. This provides a more accurate representation of the guitar's sound when plugged in, eliminating the harshness and artificial sounds that can sometimes occur with traditional piezo pickups. Price and Value The 214ce commands a premium price over the 114e, primarily due to the upgraded materials and electronics. However, the additional cost is justified if you prioritize a more balanced, articulate tone with a wider dynamic range. The mahogany back and sides also enhance the guitar's durability and resistance to humidity changes, making it a better choice for musicians who travel or perform in different environments. Ultimately, the decision between the Taylor 114e and the Taylor 214ce depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value a warm, mellow tone and prioritize exceptional playability, the 114e is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a more balanced, articulate tone with a wider dynamic range and are willing to invest in a more durable instrument, the 214ce is worth the extra cost.

[@yatsen251]

I have 114e, at least so far I can't tell the difference between series 1 to 3, their sounds are very similar.

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Thank you for contributing your thoughts!

[@scratch1200s]

Man, I want that 314, but I need to keep taking my guitar lessons before I can justify an upgrade to a 314. Regardless, I’m happy enough with my 114e.

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Keep at those lessons! You'll be ready for a 314 soon.

[@scratch1200s]

@ amen to that!

[@gabrielobrien21]

Those Ear Trumpet mic look cool but are some of the worst mics you can use on acoustic guitar. You want any decent small diaphragm condenser mic 10-12" away from the treble side of the upper bout. That's how this brand records their guitars - cause it's how I told them to do it.

[@TheWorshipLeader]

Hey Gabriel! Our engineer has recorded some of the biggest names in music and he was very pleased with the Ear Trumpet Labs microphone. 🤷🏽 Cheers.