Taylor 414 vs 814 Question

[mpholt]

Hi all,
   This is a topic I know has been discussed often enough. I've read various conversations regarding the subject, but wanted to run a few questions by you.

I know this varies between guitars, but typically, how does the bass response of an 814 compare to a 414?

I'm looking for a great all-around, lifetime guitar. That's versatile enough to allow me to play music from worship to Jack Johnson and more singer-songwriter music to just general classic guitar songs and fingerstyle if I build into it. Basically, a great all-around guitar that I can also play more lower key, introspective music such as Jack when I'm in the mood. So need a decent bass response for those type of songs.

I have the option for a new 414 ce or for a very small price jump, a lightly used 814ce that is also from 2011. I realize that's a very good deal, but want to buy the best guitar for my purposes and not just the money. Also, not a fan of the visual bling on the 814, at least the rosette, as I like a more understated look.

Thanks for your help!

[Steve]

One of the only Taylors I like more than the 414ce is the 416ce.

I wouldn't hesitate to go for a 414ce over an 814ce...

[jjrpilot-admin]

Hi mpholt!  Great to have you here! 

You're looking at the same style of guitar both with spruce tops but with either a Rosewood back and sides or with Ovangkol back and sides.

Both rosewood and ovangkol sound very similar.  Rosewood will have just a touch more bass to it than ovangkol will though.  Both are solid guitars.  If you need solid bass, I'd suggest the 814 over the 414...just my .02 cents. 

[Fire]

In general, rosewood guitars would have more bass response than ovangkol. I would highly recommend going for a new (or used) 2011 Fall Limited 414ce Spruce/Rosewood. I see them still available at some Taylor dealers such as Wildwood Music and Wildwood Guitars.

They are priced lower than the 814ce and slightly higher than the stock 414ce. They come with CV bracing, diamond fret markers, and gold tuners. Other than that, not as much bling as the 814ce to fit your criteria.

I used to own a 416ce Fall Limited rosewood but had to sell it for the same reasons you are wanting one. Too much bass and volume that tends to overwhelm my voice.

[DennisG]

Hi mpholt,

And welcome to the forum.  I play 414s almost every week at my local shop, and I've never heard one I thought sounded nearly as full or as balanced as an 814.  But, like beauty, tone is in the eye (and ear) of the beholder.

[kmhaynes]

As a former 414 owner who has played several 814s, I will say that 814 Rosewood will have a more focused bass, slightly richer sounding than the 414.  But unless you have an 814 playing next to a 414, you probably would not notice that much of a difference.  Both will have the same sitka top, so the back and sides will only color the tone a bit, IMO.  With the price difference, a 414 would give you a great Taylor, plus lots of strings, a strap, a capo, a tuner -- all that other necessary stuff!

The only reason I might recommend the 814 over the 414 is if you were doing serious recording, and you specifically want the classic Rosewood tone.  But the 414 will record fine as well.

[shaberd]

do you have the option to play them both?

[mgap]

Just a question concerning the 414 LTD, is it the quality of rosewood that they would use in the 800 series?

[Steve]

Just a question concerning the 414 LTD, is it the quality of rosewood that they would use in the 800 series?

When discussing the "quality" of the woods, what you're really discussing is the aesthetics of the wood. Rosewood used on an 800 Series, generally speaking, will be more pleasing to the eye. The grain is likely to be straighter and the color will be darker and more uniform.

Structurally, they're no different...

[mgap]

Just a question concerning the 414 LTD, is it the quality of rosewood that they would use in the 800 series?

When discussing the "quality" of the woods, what you're really discussing is the aesthetics of the wood. Rosewood used on an 800 Series, generally speaking, will be more pleasing to the eye. The grain is likely to be straighter and the color will be darker and more uniform.

Structurally, they're no different...

So I assume your also talking sound wise no difference.

[pottski]

I've always preferred the sound of ovangkol to that of rosewood, so I would choose the new 414ce. There might be a little more bass response in the 814ce because of the rosewood, but I think if that was an issue, you could try to find a 416ce. The GS body style should add a little bass to the 400 series guitar. If you really don't like the bling on the 814ce, you'd probably regret getting it in the long run. My first criteria for selecting a guitar is always sound, but in the end if you don't like the way a guitar looks, you may not want to play it as much.

I personally like the bling of the bling of the 800 series but really wanted an ovangkol guitar, so I went the BTO route. That option may not be as expensive as you'd think so you might want to consider that as well. I'm interested to see what you end up with. Good luck in your search!

[Steve]

So I assume your also talking sound wise no difference.

With regards to just the Rosewood, no, there's no discernable difference...

[Fire]

Just a question concerning the 414 LTD, is it the quality of rosewood that they would use in the 800 series?

Speaking on behalf of my current 814ce and the 416ce-LTD that I used to own, I think the 814ce back and sides looked visually more appealing. Grains are tighter, shades are more contrasted, colors are richer and fuller further enhanced by the gloss finish.  Tonally, as expected, the GS was louder and bassier while the GA has more balance and clarity.

Here are pictures of both so you be the better judge:

2011 814ce TBurst



2011 814ce TBurst



2011 416ce Fall Limited Rosewood



2011 416ce Fall Limited Rosewood

[Cindy]

Just a question concerning the 414 LTD, is it the quality of rosewood that they would use in the 800 series?

When discussing the "quality" of the woods, what you're really discussing is the aesthetics of the wood. Rosewood used on an 800 Series, generally speaking, will be more pleasing to the eye. The grain is likely to be straighter and the color will be darker and more uniform.

Structurally, they're no different...

Personally I like the looks of the rosewood used on the non-800/900 series guitars as opposed to the tight, straight grain of the higher grade rosewood.

[mpholt]

Thanks for the replies all! Lot's of good aspects that have been helping me in the decision...

I actually had bought the 414ce recently, and have been really enjoying playing it. Just came across a great deal on a near mint 2011 814ce that would allow me to purchase it for less than the price of a new 414ce LTD. So while I still could exchange the 414 wanted to make sure it was the best bet for me and my particular taste long term.

Also considered the 416, but from what I had been reading heard that it leaned more towards strumming and less towards fingerstyle than the 414ce and wanted to make sure the guitar was versatile as the majority of the time (especially initially at least, I won't be playing in front of others).

Regarding the 814, it sounds like it may have a little more bass, but also may be a bit muddier.  In terms of strumming, for instance in playing live in a Worship setting, would one be heavily favored over the other?




Thanks again,
Matt