I have bought same model guitars over the years. I also travel almost every week for work and usually check out the local guitar shops. Some, like the Tone Shop in Addison, TX have a large selection of Taylor's and often a few of the same model. I was there last week. I played two 914ce and actually called the owner over to ask what the difference was between them. One was warm, smooth and even and the other was brighter with a lot of presence and even a little edge. Not only were they they same but they had the same strings. So what's the difference. Mostly wood and a maybe a little bit in the construction. The overall condition, tightness and size of wood fibers, grain spacing... is not controllable. You get what mother nature gives. That's why every now an then you hear or find a guitar you fall in love with, everything aligns to produce the sound you like.
