Taylor 214ce or Martin Road Series?

[acbert]

I have the opportunity to purchase either a Taylor 214ce or a Martin Road Series for the exact same price.  I'm a big taylor fan in general.  What's making me consider the Martin Road Series is the all solid wood (sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides) vs. layered rosewood back and sides on the 214ce.

I'm interested in your thoughts.  The Martin would seem to be a better deal considering all solid wood and I'd have to move into the 300 series to get all solid wood with a Taylor which would add signifcant $$$ 

Any build quality issues I should consider or anything else?  What am I not thinking about?

[Prizen]

Don't let the layered wood of the 214 put you off. Is the fender on your car made from aluminum, or plastic?

[Earl]

I concur.  Get the one that SOUNDS best and plays best for you.  If it happens to be the 214, then relax and enjoy the fact that laminated back & sides are less finicky about humidity than solid wood.  (The solid top still requires attention to humidity, so don't just ignore it).  Lots of fans of the 214's around here.

[a1terrier]

+1 for 214CE
I bought a 214CE Koa special edition, full gloss, es2 and hard case 18 months ago. Fabulous guitar. Tried it against more expensive all solids but it just sounded right to me. Think this model is now available all the time now. Might be worth a look if you like Koa that is.

[TaylorGirl]

I'd get the one that sounds best to you, but also consider feel and playability. Which one speaks to you, but also feels good in your hands. Don't discount because of laminate b&s. The 200 series is highly respected and looks fabulous. Personally, I'd go with the 214ce. The NT neck is a big plus too.

[George]

I'd get the one that sounds best to you, but also consider feel and playability. Which one speaks to you, but also feels good in your hands. Don't discount because of laminate b&s. The 200 series is highly respected and looks fabulous. Personally, I'd go with the 214ce. The NT neck is a big plus too.

I agree with this and the other comments, particularly the playability offered by the wonderful Taylor neck.  Of course there's prestige associated with solid wood, but I wouldn't let that put me off the layered option if it feels/plays/looks better.

[Frettingflyer]

I'd get the one that sounds best to you, but also consider feel and playability. Which one speaks to you, but also feels good in your hands. Don't discount because of laminate b&s. The 200 series is highly respected and looks fabulous. Personally, I'd go with the 214ce. The NT neck is a big plus too.

Add my name to this idea. I once stumbled on a 214ce ltd that blew away all the Taylors, Martins and breedloves in the room that day. I may be wrong, but without back bracing the Taylor is probably lighter too, as well as being more tolerant of temperature and humidity concerns. If that guitar had had a wider neck it would have replaced the gs mini I was traveling with.
Buy with your ears, hands and then the eyes.
Good luck and let us know how the story ends.

[azslacker]

Hopefully you are shopping where you can play both, side by side. Not familiar with that Martin. Looks like they are price the same as a std. 214ce, not the deluxe. If shopping online, I'd know the Taylor will be "right". The Martin does have a hard case which is a plus. I prefer Taylor's ES system over the Martin's Fishman model. Taylor's slinky feeling NT neck can't be beat. PM me and I'll put you on to a Rosewood Deluxe 214ce new, with a slight blem for the same price as std. model. It's available online from my favorite local dealer.

[AmericanEagle]

Taylor 214ce all the way.

[acbert]

Thanks for the input everyone!!!   I just assumed all solid wood is preferable to laminate.  Sounds like I need go find both models and compare.  Thanks again!!!!!!