Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: 129Jayman on June 06, 2015, 10:07:53 AM
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I keep going back and forth in my head between a 214 ce or a 314? I like the x14 shape and I have not or do not see myself plugging into an amp but you never know.
The other thing that holds me back is figured wood. I have seen some beautiful wood on some 214s and some oh hum wood too. I would have to see the guitar in person before buying so ordering one probably would not work.
Jay
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Both are good choices, so pick the one that speaks to you. Here's some food for thought based upon my recent experiences with amplification. My two oldest Taylors did not have factory installed electronics. All my other Taylors have either ES1 or ES2. Both systems sound great and are easy to use. Having said that, I had an LR Baggs Lyric pickup installed in each of my older Taylors. It also sounds great and is easy to use (in both solo and ensemble settings). The Lyric installation is totally non-invasive and easily reversed if you opt for no pick-up or something different at a later time. In fact, I like the Lyric so much that I've opted for no ES on my next custom Taylor with the intention of having an LR Baggs Lyric installed instead. So again, pick the one that speaks to you, and don't worry too much about the electronics....
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Thanks for weighing in. I wish there were a store that had a boat load of Taylors to chose from. In West Michigan there are shops that carry them but they have maybe 3-4 in the 200 - 300 series range. Frustrating. The Guitar Center has usually one 214 ce and maybe a 210 and then the models go up from there. My favorite local shop has one but the wood on it is very drab. I do wood working for a living and I have an appreciation for pretty grain. I have seen some rosewood guitars that are stunning and some that should be used for crate material. That being said,I really don't want to order one. I want to pick out the one that sounds good and has great wood.
Jay
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You mentioned West MI. I don't know where you live, but you should plan a visit to Elderly Instruments in Lansing. Definitely worth the drive. They always have a pretty good selection of new and used Taylors. It's been my local store since 1974. If you've never been there before, you're missing out. Take your checkbook, though. I'm warning you. They also have a huge selection of other high end guitars and are big into Martin. Be sure to work with a sales associate. They have stock on the floor, but can also bring out additional guitars that are in inventory. You just need to ask.
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Thanks Taylor Girl. I will have to plan a Saturday trip there. I have hear many good things about Elderly Instruments.
Jay
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A trip to Elderly is a pilgrimage to the holy land for guitarists. A must-do. Whenever I get to Michigan to visit family (Ann Arbor) I always leave some time for a side trip to Elderly.
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I keep going back and forth in my head between a 214 ce or a 314?
Everyone hears differently but when I was deciding, the 314 (GA3 at the time) sounded way better to me than the 214. I can't describe it other than to say it just sounded richer. I bought the GA3 and added a Baggs M1A. I do a lot of plugged in playing (mostly open mics) and the M1A is as "plug and play" as it gets. Doesn't sound as acoustic as a K&K or a UST would but it's pretty much feedback-proof and the typical open mic audience doesn't care about the sound anyway!
6/9 update: I played a 210e DLX at GC yesterday. Two things I noticed: the gloss finished was gorgeous and it sounded better than previous 200 series I've played.
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Hi jay,
Remember there's a difference in nut width between the 200 series and 300-up. Try them both as some find the difference negligible while for others it's a deal breaker.
I would not worry one whit about electronics if you're not already in the need for a pickup. It is simply too easy to add and there are soooo many options, and arguably better ones ahead as technology improves for when you are ready to plug in. Focus on getting the guitar that sounds and feels "right" to you as tone and feel are your primary concerns. Which leads me to also suggest you not be swayed by figured wood. All IMHO, of course. Post pics of your victory here! 😀
Edward
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There is definitely a big difference in the neck. Not just the width, but the "texture." the wood on the necks of the 200's is rougher, or "pitted" for the lack of a better term, and the 300's are smoother.
If you look around you can get a used 300 series for the same price as a new 200 series. If electronics aren't your thing, just skip it and add your own later if you change your mind.
While some may downplay the importance of looks/figuring of the wood, it's probably safe to say that you'll notice more of a difference in the appearance of a guitar than you will in the tone of two of the same model guitar. In other words, the wood may look a lot different but the sound may not be.
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Thanks for the replies. You have given me some good things to consider.
I think for my next birthday, I am turning 50 this year, to treat myself to a nice guitar. I have my Lil' GS Mini and I believe that it is time for a nice full size Taylor. Maybe on the 3rd of July we will make the trip to Elderly. We will see.
Jay
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Thanks for the replies. You have given me some good things to consider.
I think for my next birthday, I am turning 50 this year, to treat myself to a nice guitar. I have my Lil' GS Mini and I believe that it is time for a nice full size Taylor. Maybe on the 3rd of July we will make the trip to Elderly. We will see.
Jay
You won't regret the trip to Elderly. Have plenty of time and your wallet.
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Good luck on you quest for a new guitar. I have easily as much fun searching as finding and as playing, it's just the first step!
Going to Elderly for a birthday guitar, esp. on such a momentous birthday, sounds like a great thing to look forward to. Enjoy!
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Great way to spend a B-Day, Jay! And don't forget that some of the best bang-for-buck guitars will be on the used rack. Take your time, take it all in one by one, and enjoy the hunt! :)
...and remember to post your victory pics here!! :D
Edward
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I keep going back and forth in my head between a 214 ce or a 314?
(snip) I bought the GA3 and added a Baggs M1A. I do a lot of plugged in playing (mostly open mics) and the M1A is as "plug and play" as it gets. Doesn't sound as acoustic as a K&K or a UST would but it's pretty much feedback-proof and the typical open mic audience doesn't care about the sound anyway! (snip)
The Baggs M1A is my go-to pickup. It sounds very acoustic to me - more than most USTs save for the Baggs Element. The M1 sounds to me like sort of a quality studio-recorded acoustic guitar, if that makes sense. Can you tell I'm a Baggs fan? :)
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So we are off to Elderly!
Jay
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(snip) I bought the GA3 and added a Baggs M1A. I do a lot of plugged in playing (mostly open mics) and the M1A is as "plug and play" as it gets. Doesn't sound as acoustic as a K&K or a UST would but it's pretty much feedback-proof and the typical open mic audience doesn't care about the sound anyway! (snip)
The Baggs M1A is my go-to pickup. It sounds very acoustic to me - more than most USTs save for the Baggs Element. The M1 sounds to me like sort of a quality studio-recorded acoustic guitar, if that makes sense. Can you tell I'm a Baggs fan? :)
I have an Element so that's what I was thinking of UST-wise when I made the comparison. In fact, I'm thinking of putting it in my GA3 just to see how it sounds compared to the M1A.
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(snip) I bought the GA3 and added a Baggs M1A. I do a lot of plugged in playing (mostly open mics) and the M1A is as "plug and play" as it gets. Doesn't sound as acoustic as a K&K or a UST would but it's pretty much feedback-proof and the typical open mic audience doesn't care about the sound anyway! (snip)
The Baggs M1A is my go-to pickup. It sounds very acoustic to me - more than most USTs save for the Baggs Element. The M1 sounds to me like sort of a quality studio-recorded acoustic guitar, if that makes sense. Can you tell I'm a Baggs fan? :)
I have an Element so that's what I was thinking of UST-wise when I made the comparison. In fact, I'm thinking of putting it in my GA3 just to see how it sounds compared to the M1A.
Ah...that makes sense :) I was thinking of some of the quackers I've had in the past.
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Well I looked at a lot of guitars today and decided on a 214 CE. On my current budget (wife and I are building a house), I did not want to blow the budget to bad. If I played for money, things would be different. I will post pictures asap.
Thanks for all the help!
Jay
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Well I looked at a lot of guitars today and decided on a 214 CE. On my current budget (wife and I are building a house), I did not want to blow the budget to bad. If I played for money, things would be different. I will post pictures asap.
Thanks for all the help!
Jay
Happy to hear you found what you were looking for. Looking forward to the pics. Did you go to Elderly? If so, what did you think?
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I thought Elderly was very nice. They really love Martin and Fender guitars there. There was a nice selection of Taylors but not as many as I had hoped to see.
We had visited Gruhn Guitars in Nashville back in April. To me that is a guitar store of guitar stores. There is only one problem with Gruhn though, it's a day's drive away😆
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They have a huge history with Martin. One of their biggest dealers. I hope you worked with someone, because not all their stock is on the floor. Too much to do so. Also, you have to remember just how many different instruments they carry....not just guitars. I think their selection of Taylor's is pretty darned good. I played a spruce/walnut Ltd GC there that I loved....had to walk away, though. The people there are helpful, but laid back....no pressure. Stan (the owner) wants you to feel you are just jammin' in his living room. Their history is with used/vintage (elderly) instruments, so they have a good selection of those and a good knowledge of them. You can't beat the group of luthiers there either. They are the only ones who touch my instruments. Great folks!
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I noticed that the customers all seemed to be at ease while browsing the inventory. I came really close to buying a 214 ce, koa deluxe. I realized that in a couple of years I will most likely upgrade and the extra $300 would not be a wise investment at this time.
Jay
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Happy early birthday to me.
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff486/33jayman/IMAG0434_zpseq8xn8cs.jpg) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/33jayman/media/IMAG0434_zpseq8xn8cs.jpg.html)
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff486/33jayman/IMAG0432_zpsztgc6chl.jpg) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/33jayman/media/IMAG0432_zpsztgc6chl.jpg.html)
(http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff486/33jayman/IMAG0433_zpsox7xlfar.jpg) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/33jayman/media/IMAG0433_zpsox7xlfar.jpg.html)
She is purdy and she sound and plays nice.
Jay
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Congrats Jay.....it's very nice. Love the grain on the b/s. Again, happy you found the one that you wanted. BTW, Elderly has the Pick N' Gliders at the store, did you happen to try one there? They use them on the floor for customers. They also sell them.
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Oh...... I did and I didn't even realize what I was sitting on until I read your post. Yeah. It was nice now that I think about it. All the player stools were in use when I was checking out a couple guitars and I did try one but I was so focused on the guitars I wasn't paying attention to what I was sitting on. :-\
Jay
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Oh...... I did and I didn't even realize what I was sitting on until I read your post. Yeah. It was nice now that I think about it. All the player stools were in use when I was checking out a couple guitars and I did try one but I was so focused on the guitars I wasn't paying attention to what I was sitting on. :-\
Jay
Sounds like another trip to Elderly is in order ;D.
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Congrats Jayman-
She's a looker!
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Very nice! Love my 214, too.
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The grain is beautiful. I'm sure it plays great and sounds great, too.