Taylor 114

[Jukie]

Was looking at a Taylor 114 yesterday. The thing that struck me was it hasno back bracing. The salesman says this is because of the way the back is made. How does this type of (non) bracing perform?

[Jersey tuning]

I believe the strength of the back cones from the arch that is built into the laminated layers

[Earl]

One of the ways that Taylor keeps the price of the 114, 214, GS Mini, and the Baby's down is by using the pressed curved laminated back, which is strong enough not to requires bracing.  Less bracing, less labor involved.

[Edward]

Hey Jukie,

Welcome aboard ...good to have you here! 

With regard to the back, you've got good answers already.  But if I may also add I owned a 210 with said arched back, as well as currently own a BT from '99, and all I can say is it's a strong design that contributes to excellent tone.  Your best bet is to ignore the construction and simply compare that 114's tone and playability with other guitars and let your ears and hands be the judge

Edward

[cpmusic]

The arched-back design has actually been around for a long time. Guild was a pioneer, if I'm not mistaken, and they have used it for some of their more expensive models.

[Jersey tuning]

The arched-back design has actually been around for a long time. Guild was a pioneer, if I'm not mistaken, and they have used it for some of their more expensive models.

Long time indeed. As in Stradivarii, Guarnieri, etc--all with arched back

[HAPPYDAN]

Was looking at a Taylor 114 yesterday. The thing that struck me was it hasno back bracing. The salesman says this is because of the way the back is made. How does this type of (non) bracing perform?

Can't say anything about the bracing, but I picked up a 114ce last summer and it sounds and plays great, especially for a lower-end Taylor. I wouldn't focus excessively on the construction techniques; I have 3 Taylors and enjoy them all. I honestly have never played a Taylor I didn't like, but in the higher end, wood combinations and other variations can produce a wide range of different tonal qualities. My 114ce has a good, balanced "all-around" sound, with good intonation and playability. The electronics are pretty good, too, but requires a considerable amount of knob-fiddling to get a true acoustic sound. But - that being said - and this comes from a professional luthier - you should buy the best guitar you can afford right up front. Otherwise you'll be trading up for years.