Taylor 814ce Review: Taylor’s Flagship Model Mixes Outstanding Sound With Upscale Style

California brand Taylor is one of the world's largest high-end acoustic guitar manufacturers, thanks in large part to the success of their flagship 800 series. While they're certainly not cheap, these top-of-the-line acoustics are renowned for their bright, balanced sound, premium construction, and refined style. 

The 814ce retains that character in Taylor's signature grand auditorium body while also adding a cutaway and pickup for greater versatility. Let's run through the details and find out what puts the 814ce among the best electro-acoustic guitars available. 

Body and Neck

The 814ce, like all 800 series models, features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with a solid Indian rosewood back and sides. The combination of Sitka spruce and rosewood is one of the most popular tone wood pairings for acoustic guitars across all manufacturers; the spruce (particularly Sitka) offers bright, chiming highs that can cut through a mix, while the rosewood balances it out by adding warmth and depth to the sound.

The neck is constructed from tropical mahogany and topped with a Cameroonian ebony fretboard. Ebony is snappier than rosewood with an added punch, though it retains some extra warmth in comparison to maple fretboards.

The 814ce, like many new Taylor models, comes equipped with the company's upgraded V-class internal bracing. This novel shape allows the guitar's soundboard to resonate more, increasing sustain and preserving intonation up the neck better than traditional X-shaped bracing.

Hardware

As you might expect with a flagship guitar, the 814ce comes outfitted with premium hardware and a few extra touches. The tuners are Taylor's standard nickel set, with a black graphite nut and Micarta saddle at the other end of the scale.

The body, back, neck, and headstock of the instrument are all bound with pale maple, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark figured rosewood and ebony. An abalone rosette adorns the sound hole for a splash of added character.

However, the most important piece of hardware here may be the ES-2 pickup tucked away underneath the saddle. Included on Taylor's top acoustic-electric models, this pickup offers outstanding dynamic expression with plenty of control — knobs are located on the upper bout next to the neck.

Sound

When you first pick up an 814ce, you'll probably notice the lively, shimmering tones. This guitar can certainly stand out in a mix; at times the sound nearly resembles a 12-string. The overall tonal response is well-balanced, with plenty of bass to balance out the high register.

This guitar also offers an incredible amount of sustain, thanks in part to the V-class bracing. That's great news for fingerstyle players and hybrid pickers who love to let strings ring out as they play. When combined with the grand auditorium body shape, it makes the 814ce one of the most versatile acoustic models around — it can handle styles from singer-songwriter strumming to country hybrid picking with aplomb.

The ES-2 system is another massive plus. While many cheap piezo pickups stifle the guitar's dynamic range or color the sound with a tinny, electric feel, the ES-2 preserves the 814ce's acoustic character even at high levels. It makes this the rare acoustic that you can gig with as easily as you can practice on.

Conclusion

Taylor's 814ce takes a classic acoustic tonewood combo and imbues it with a sound that's unmistakably Taylor. The crystal-clear presence here is unusual for such a large acoustic, and the sustain is among the best in its class. The electric capability and high-class style are just cherries on top.

Summary

Players in the market for a top-of-the-line acoustic guitar will love the Taylor 814ce. The California manufacturer's flagship model delivers their classic bright and focused sound with a luxurious complement of added features and beautiful styling.

The 814ce pairs a Sitka spruce top with an Indian rosewood back and sides — a classic acoustic pairing that provides both clear, shimmering trebles and warm, vintage low-end tones. A West African ebony fretboard sits atop the mahogany neck, offering a mix of snappy response and smooth warmth.

Beyond the vintage Taylor acoustic voicing, the 814ce's ES-2 pickup is another major plus: it conveys the guitar's acoustic tone without any of the dampening or compression that cheaper piezo pickups add. For a more in-depth look on the 814ce, make sure to check out our full review [INSERT LINK to full review].

Chart Summary

A premium electro-acoustic that delivers outstanding sound and style for advanced players.