Apologies, Peachlander, I just saw the questions in this welcome.
The 618 FE is not as articulate as the 614ce, nor as crisp, but was still a fine instrument. Once the 614ce PP (Adi bracing &
Gotoh 510 21:1 tuners) opened up, though, it was the clear winner. The 618 was sold and is now replaced by something very new to the world at large and to Taylor -- a pet project of yours truly, the GA 12th fret. Want low end power on demand, a very easy player that you can both fingerpick and beat on? The GA 12th fret as I'm building them is the answer to your prayers,
an the future of acoustic guitars. Seriously.
Welcome to the Forum. I wish I knew about Taylor guitars back in 1983. Cool you could join this forum as it sounds like you've been a fan for a long time and now somewhat an expert as well. I have the 616CE with Adirondack bracing and love it. Love the finish and how the maple turned out too. I'm curious about your 618E First Edition. It's in maple in the larger body similar to like a Gibson SJ-200 body size? How do you find the 618E sounds in comparison to your 614CE? Maybe, too many questions for opening introductions. Again, welcome to the Forum.