Taylor 814ce Builder’s Edition: A Masterclass in Preservation

The development of Taylor’s 814ce Builder’s Edition marks the arrival of not only an exquisite acoustic-electric guitar but also a new chapter in environmentally conscious craftsmanship. Its rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard yield shimmering, distinctive tones. But its most interesting feature? The 4-piece top, comprised of old-growth Adirondack spruce. Join Don Carr to learn more about Taylor’s innovative approach to constructing this spectacular instrument. Take a listen!

#Sweetwater #Taylor #814ce #BuildersEdition #Demo

[michael_caz_nyc]

I went to 3 guitar-shops, tried 5 different-makers, played 22 Acoustic's and purchased a Taylor 414ce-R (which was phenomenal) = even sounded & played better vs. several guitars that cost more money. True N.Y. story. I fall in love with it, every-time I play it.

[RU-HDD--HVN]

True story: I was talking to Bob Taylor at the NAMM show back some years ago when they were relatively new to the masses. I said to Bob "I don't know what it is about your guitars that make them so appealing to play but they just He said to me flatly but a little sheepishly too "I do but I'm not telling anyone". I laughed and thought what a perfect answer from such a perfect guitar builder.

I had a similar encounter with Hartley Peavey while at the factory training week in Meridian Mississippi in the early 80s. I said to him "what do you say to people who think the quality of your products weren't that good back in the days when you first started making amps"? He said right out and plainly "Well, how good did you play when you first started playing music"? "You got better didn't Oh you gotta just love simple logic don't you? Of course the simplest answers are usually the best, right? Both Bob and Hartley were very kind in their answer such as they did.

[Swany]

What a beautiful sound. Nice design too💯

[MetFan]

Really nice acoustic I need to get one of these

[Zildjian_DW]

That's a really beautiful instrument. I have a Taylor and the sound is amazing. Nothing really compares to the quality of the build when it comes to Taylor. Their build process eliminates the human error factor. The laser scanning and machine work is spot on.

[shaneparkermusic]

I have a 814 ce and honestly I prefer that over the builder's edition. I wanted the gotoh 510 tuners but at the end of the day the standard 814 sounds way better and its a solid sitka spruce top

[michaelwatson]

I love my 2003 Taylor 714-ES ver. 1 (original owner)! I’ve always regretted not buying the 814 though! I’m not too sure about this 4-piece top however. Seems more like a cost cutting design change for sure!

[MrHeliosoul]

Holy smokes! Now that's what I'm talking about.

[justinm.]

😮 would I be able to get this with the tobacco sunburst on the top wood?

[goodtimejohnny]

All mahogany body for me. Well balanced tone. Other tone woods sound way to bright to me. It all depends on your own ears though.

[federicoines]

Very nice looking guitar no doubt Sounds good unpluuged ES2 is the only problem it has a very muddy sound muffled especiaally if you used churos effects I still prefer the ES 1 or I wish no pick up so can put LR baggs on it

[SmacklePop_]

$4500 !!!! Seriously !!!! That's just...OUCH...Divorce Material rt😮

[Man_Cave]

I beg to differ. The highest level of craftsmanship would have had a one piece top and pure black ebony fingerboard with Brazilian rosewood back and sides.

[mattnelson]

I have to agree, 4500 is way too much. Taylor's are just not that great. Breedlove makes a better quality, hand sculpted sound optimization bracing, USA made and sounding guitar at a much better price point. My favorite is the Redwood/East Indian Rosewood combo. Just letting you know. I have purchased 3 Taylors and all 3 went back.

[vgyvgoiy]

The ending sounds like that one Styx song.. forgot the name of it.

[HBSuccess]

4 piece top = cheaper to build. And a LOT cheaper at scale. The rest of the marketing hype may also have merit but this was a financial decision as much as a “save the planet” decision. If buyers accept it here in Taylor’s priciest model you’ll see 4 pc tops become the standard up and down the range. Then you’ll see Martin, Gibson, et Al doing the same thing. Mark my words.

[anwaypradhan]

Nice smoky design and features but gotta add more interesting and advanced features to it.

[Dream-Academy]

The way you strum actually makes it sound worse than it is. You kinda wash over the strings....

[dr.stevenpennym.d.]

I just ordered mine today and I should receive it Friday. No I did not buy it from you guys. I wouldn’t buy anything from you people.

[DanielC__]

It’s a bad medium to judge sound quality. Video’s never do the resonance proper but this sounds thin to my ears. I have a 1962 Martin D28 that sounds incredible and superior to this but I want a Taylor to expand my arsenal especially with the Expression electronics. Unfortunately if this sounds similar live to what I’m hearing now I won’t be buying this builders edition.