I have a 414ce of 2001 vintage. Even among other Taylors and other 414's, it spoke to me in the shop during a quick business trip. After playing it for just a few minutes I pulled out the credit card and placed it on hold. Not willing to trust it to the airlines, I finally retrieved it a few weeks later during the next car trip to that town. The first impression still held true. Over the years I have let many people play it at jams and guitar camps. Seasoned pro players have said things like, "After hearing that guitar, I should probably reconsider Taylors". One pro even seemed to prefer it over his signature model from another manufacturer, and only reluctantly gave it back later that evening. Another friend always pesters me about trading his very nice Martin HD-28 even up for my 414ce, but I won't fall for it. Every time I see him he asks if I am ready to trade. I just smile and shake my head.
The ovangkol wood on mine is fairly figured and roughly the color of honey stained oak (many similar ovangkol guitars are plainer). I call it "koa lite" or "poor man's koa" since it resembles a fairly plain grade of koa. I primarily fingerpick with natural nails, but also strum quite a bit with heavy picks and a fairly strong strum. Lately I have been using medium gauge strings to help with lowered Hawaiian Slack-Key tunings, and the tone is even louder and richer with the heavier strings driving the top just a bit harder. My 414 holds its own in almost any application, including bluegrass jams, and is one of my favorite all-around guitars with great tone and excellent playability. You won't go wrong with a 414.