NGD 614e Prototype

[Maple422]

This is my first NGD post.

I did not see this one coming. A buddy of mine were looking at a K28e that was available at a good price. After playing the Koa, beautiful as it was, I was unimpressed, seemed very mellow, almost quiet, especially for a GO sized guitar. After putting the Koa down, something that was the opposite of the K28, in every respect, caught my eye.  I do have a weakness for maple guitars and there was a very beautiful, clean and refined 614e hang on the wall. Picking it up I noticed it's lightness and playing it, the guitar sang! It turns out this is a prototype for the future 600 line, with similar specs as the new 800 series, new bracing, ES2, thinner gloss finish, etc. What is different about this guitar is the maple is cut straight, not to highlight the flame in the wood. I'm not sure if this will be the spec, or if anything like this will see the light of day in the future, but I now have a terrific guitar.

[ntotoro]

Interesting. I wonder if being straight-cut gives it a bit softer low-end... ?

Very cool guitar and I dig the "understated" look. It doesn't jump out at you as a 6xx and will certainly leave people asking what it is.

Nick

[TaylorMate]

If the sound is as beautiful as its looks than you got a really superb guitar! Congratulations.

[TaylorGirl]

Wow, that is gorgeous. I love everything about it, from the woods to the appointments. I can see why that caught your eye and then to sound good to you....it was just meant to be. Enjoy it! Thanks for sharing.

[Edward]

Wow, that is nice!  Unusual for maple to be cut that straight, but I like it ...almost like the alter-ego of straight-grained rosewood, in both aesthetics as well as tone
In any event, it's a great look: clean, stark, dramatic in its contrasting hues!  And like you, I have personally found koa uninspiring to play, but somehow (oddly!) found myself owning three maple Taylors.  Weird, really, as I never saw it coming.  But as you found in yours, the tone caught my ear, and the rest is, as they say, history

The proto is cool, too. Looks like that's the direction the Powers team is headed.  Enjoy it!!

Edward

[Strumming Fool]

What a beauty! Love the simplicity and elegance - would like to know how the sound differs from the current 614. Is the difference discernable as it is on the 2013 vs the 2014 814?

In any case, congratulations - enjoy!!

[michaelw]

whoa

from the specs & your description, it looks like you've got
one that sounds as good, or better, than it looks

very cool

the inlays looks like modified T5 artist fretmarkers, which are a bit more
elaborate than the previous 600 leaf inlays that were used for 20 years -
if these inlays are used on the upcoming standard 600 series, the twisted oval
fretmarkers on the current 600s will have been one of the shortest inlay runs

congrats & thanks for sharing the pics

[shorty]

VERY Nice Maple422!

Certainly one of a kind... Goes to show things will always be changing at Taylor..LOVE IT! The inlays are very nice and I actually like the straighter maple grain!

[Lizzy]

Stunning guitar, congrats! It really has a classy look. Enjoy!

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Congrats. You don't see maple like that very often.

[Maple422]

- would like to know how the sound differs from the current 614. Is the difference discernable as it is on the 2013 vs the 2014 814?

I can't A/B it with a current 614 but I will do that with my 1996 GC (422) with Maple sides and back, not exactly apples to apples, disregarding the many years it's had to open up and to be played in. This new one seems very lively, lots of sustain, when you're done playing, it's still ringing while you put her down!

As far as Koa goes, I have played many wonderful Koa guitars, just not this particular one.

[Cindy]

Classy, elegant, and refined all rolled into one. Congratulations!

[darylcrisp]

very very nice!

love the wood grain and how the binding pops on this one.

love to hear a soundclip here if possible

thanks for posting
d

[BathTimeStrummer]

That's awesome. I totally dig the "spruce-like" cut of the maple. Is it typical maple in terms of articulation?

[michaelw]

That's awesome. I totally dig the "spruce-like" cut of the maple...

+1
it reminds me, somewhat, of a boucher spruce goose (spruce top, sides & back)

i wouldn't mind having a spruce top with the
grain structure of the maple on your 614e proto

looks to be just under 3 grain lines, or so, per inch ... sweet