Taylor 1997 422r vs. Taylor 2004 314 CE Limited Tasmanian Blackwood

[taraorion]

I have the opportunity to purchase either. They will be online purchases, so the option to play them are of course out. Can anyone direct me on what they feel is the "better" guitar or points on interest on either.

[ctkarslake]

I'd have to say be sure you are aware of the difference in body shape/size and how it affects the tone correspondingly before you purchase.  Personally, I would gravitate to the '97 422r just because I would prefer an older guitar than a newer one BUT the 314 with blackwood could be a very interesting score as well.  In general terms the 314 would have a "bigger, fuller" sound and the 422 would occupy a more limited "sonic space".  The Grand Concert shape is preferred by many since it is more limited and lets other instruments come through the mix better, esp. vocals.  If you are more interested in the guitar's voice only, say for strumming, the Grand Auditorium may be better choice since they tend to have a fuller sound all around.  Hope that helps a bit.

[taraorion]

I went with the 422R.....I am a fingerpicker, so it made the most sense. It's good to have options and I hope to keep collecting and playing. Thanks for your input, it was greatly appreciated.

[kohara]

Hard to go wrong with rosewood.

[InsideOut]

The 422 will have a 1 11/16" nut and a pinless bridge.  The 314 will have a 1 3/4" nut and a standard bridge.  I think the 422 was all satin back then, and the 314 has a gloss top.  The 422 case is probably a plastic SKB and the 314 is probably a black Chinese factory wood case with the now rarely mentioned monkey-butt-fur case.  It has probably stopped shedding by now.