2015 914ce FE

[Maximus]

So, I went to my local Taylor dealer and got a chance to try out the new 914ce First Edition

It is Niiiiiiiiiice! ;0)

First, it is beautiful to behold. The abalone purfling is STUNNING on the body and the entire guitar just looks classy. I was most pleasantly surprised at how good the armrest feels. It really makes a difference on the comfort and feel of the guitar.

The tone? Amazing!  Comparing it to my 2013 814ce, there was definitely more bass and a fuller sound, compared to the more "sparkly" 2013 814 sound. It also responded quite nicely to finger-style.

I think Taylor has ANOTHER winner here.  Now, all I need to do is decide if the "herd" can be thinned to make room for one more addition. ;0) 

[Frettingflyer]

Thinning herd, there is the hard part. It looks like you have a very nice herd, so where to begin? Good luck!

[TaylorGirl]

Thinning herd, there is the hard part. It looks like you have a very nice herd, so where to begin? Good luck!

I agree. That's a tough decision. You have such a nice stable, you may have to just add another.

[Guitarsan]

Folks who've played them have universally raved so far. Still a bit too much bling for my tastes..... but better than the previous model....

[Strumming Fool]

I imagine the 914 sounds pretty similar to the redesigned 814 - same woods, same bracing, same finish...just different aesthetics. The few new 814s I've test-driven have all sounded good - a bit more vintage in sound, but very good. How much different can the 914 sound with the same basic build, same standard carve neck, etc.? I'm fairly certain that armrest, backstrap and paua inlay do little to raise the bar in sound and playability.

I wish that Taylor would introduce more variety to their base rosewood offerings or perhaps offer fewer iterations of Sitka/rosewood guitars. It was a bit different in the day when the 900s were defined by engelmann spruce tops, the 800s by sitka spruce tops, and the 700s by cedar tops. Today it seems to be more a matter of wood grading for aesthetics only, along with the different trim packages. It's a bit repetitive to me.

Just rambling here...to each his/her own.

[Frettingflyer]

Thank you SF, I have wondered why they don't distinguish more between the 700-900 series as well. I for one would like to see the old Englemann, Sitka and Cedar options, but I guess there isn't that much Englemann available.

[Earl]

It was a bit different in the day when the 900s were defined by engelmann spruce tops, the 800s by sitka spruce tops, and the 700s by cedar tops. Today it seems to be more a matter of wood grading for aesthetics only, along with the different trim packages. It's a bit repetitive to me.

I concur with this.  I'm not really seeing the point of having three different rosewood / sitka version, and the only difference appears to be the level of bling.

[Maximus]

I concur with this.  I'm not really seeing the point of having three different rosewood / sitka version, and the only difference appears to be the level of bling.

To be fair, the 700 series is still using the older, original "Forward Shifted Pattern with Relief Rout" bracing, and not the newer "Advanced Performance with Relief Rout" found in the redesigned 800 and now 900 series.

Also, the 700 series does not have the thinner 3.5 Gloss finish found in the 800 and 900 series. The 700 series has the standard gloss finish.
Other than that, it's all just bling.

[guitarsrsoawesome]

You guys make an interesting point which begs the question, why are they doing it?  Sitka for the 7, 8 and 9 series instead of the division they used to have.  There must be a reason.  One might think availability or cost, but it seems like there's plenty of cedar out there for tops, and I'm not aware of any Englemann or Adirondack shortages.  What gives?

[Strumming Fool]

Actually both Engelmann and Adirondack are in shorter supply than cedar from what I've read over the years. Not sure about European spruce, which could be more expensive to import versus the domestic alternatives....

[Redwood Tree]

After all these years , The major change has taken place , The Powers influnce is all over this one. I like it !  Question ... Do the 1st edetion 914's get Adirondack bracing ?  I'll be watching these, I haven't have the chance to try one yet , It may be some time before. Heck I just tried the new 614ce a few days ago, and approve!.
 I love 900's beacuse they have an added quality of sound, Every time. 

[K-G]

Beautiful!

I'm personally a sucker for the Engelmann top.  Ever since I started trying, collecting, testing, ... I always end up choosing the Engelmann over any other I had the chance to try out (not that I have tried everything....).  My current 3 guitar collection all have Engelmann tops (1 Martin and 2 Taylors, one is a 914ce L7).

The crarity and definition just can't be beat!