614ce compared to K14ce BE, any thoughts or experience?

[Jaybee]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but a long time Taylor owner. I bought my first one in 1993, a 410-rw which I still have and love, 29yrs later.

I have a 614ce that I love. It's from a Wildwood custom run with an Engelmann spruce top and the most insanely flamed maple I've ever seen on any acoustic guitar. It's incredible sounding and a blast to play.

I have my eye on a K14ce BE and am wondering if anyone has experience with these two models? The 614 has a unique sound: balanced across the tonal range, very articulate with incredible overtones, and very touch sensitive to pick or fingers. I would describe the sound like a tight drum, especially in the lower registers, where the 714/324 are like looser drums -a bigger, softer, less articulate sound. It's about as different from my 324ce and 714ce as you could get, and those two are pretty different from each other.

From what I've read of the K14, it seems like it may be in similar sonic territory as the 614. I'm wondering if koa, being a hardwood similar to maple, may sound too similar the maple/spruce pairing. Of course, the K14 is a builder's edition so that comes into play as a big difference also.

I really like the K14 but don't want to end up with a guitar that's sonically very similar to one I already have. Any thoughts much appreciated! - John

[Frettingflyer]

Welcome to the forum Jaybee. I had a K14ce BE but have not owned a 614ce. That said, yours sounds pretty special, and pics would be nice:)
I am wondering about the vintage of the 614ce as Taylor really re-voiced the 614 with Andy Powers onboard and I have played both. All that said, I don’t recall any 614 I played being too close to the K14ce BE. I found the K14 very responsive to fingers, which is primarily how I play. I also didn’t care for it as much with a pick, but we all have our own ears and it is a fantastic guitar.
Do you get a trial period? Tough call unplayed for sure. Good luck, hopefully someone will show up who has owned both.

[Strumming Fool]

The day I decided to order a 614 was the day I played a 614 in comparison with several other guitars including a K14BE. The 614 blew them all away. The K14BE sounded thin and "cheap" compared with the 614. You've described the tone of the 614 quite well  - I agree with your comments. If you're looking for a guitar that would have a different vibe from your 614, I suggest you try a K24, which is all Koa. I love both my 614 and my K24 as they offer much different but equally satisfying sounds. Hope this helps!

[Frettingflyer]

The day I decided to order a 614 was the day I played a 614 in comparison with several other guitars including a K14BE. The 614 blew them all away. The K14BE sounded thin and "cheap" compared with the 614. You've described the tone of the 614 quite well  - I agree with your comments. If you're looking for a guitar that would have a different vibe from your 614, I suggest you try a K24, which is all Koa. I love both my 614 and my K24 as they offer much different but equally satisfying sounds. Hope this helps!

I actually sold my K14ce BE after buying the K24ce BE because I liked it so much better, but it made the K14 sound thin. Again, we all hear differently so this is subjective and both are great guitars, but like SF I would look at the all KOA models…

[Guitar Cowboy]

I also happen to have both a Maple and Koa Taylor in my stable. In my case it’s a 618 and a K26.I do not think you need to worry about tonal redundancy. I would also suggest comparing the Koa topped K24 with the spruce topped K14. My K26 took a bit of time to open up, but it opened up nicely. I don’t think I will ever part with either one of them.

[Jaybee]

Thanks for the input everyone, very helpful! I definitely need to get out and play a few of these.

Here's a back shot of my 614. It's a 2017, appears to have the reconfigured internal bracing. Crazy flame on the back and sides!

[Strumming Fool]

Thanks for the input everyone, very helpful! I definitely need to get out and play a few of these.

Here's a back shot of my 614. It's a 2017, appears to have the reconfigured internal bracing. Crazy flame on the back and sides!

That is beautiful flame figuring indeed! Here's my 2019 614: