I have a '99 414ce and want an 814ce

[DBCooper]

First post.

I lucked into a really nicely setup 414ce at GC.  I just got lucky with it, knowing very little about Taylor guitars (I own two Martin acoustics, also).  I absolutely love the 414ce....to the point that I may sell the 000-28H I own and purchase an 814ce.  In saying that, I look through the line (of Taylors) and the 814ce just looks like the one I want.  My main question is.....if I already love the 414ce, is it a given I'll love the 814ce?  They seem to be apportioned, similarly, but with different woods.  On the occasions I play plugged in (Marshall AD50 with a LR Baggs preamp), the Fishman is OK.  Will the ES1 be "better"?  ES2 even better than that?  I'm not a professional musician, but I do play with friends from time to time.

The 414ce plays just fine tuned down 1/2 and sometimes whole step (Jackson Browne acoustic stuff).  I'm using Elixir M's.  I'm assuming the 814ce would be similar, but again....I know very little about these guitars. 

Thanks for your input, in advance.

[Strumming Fool]

Welcome DB-

I assume that your 414 has ovangkol back and sides. Ovangkol has similar tonal properties as rosewood, but it has more of a midrange boost versus rosewood's midrange scoop. The 814 is Taylor's flagship guitar, and would be a step up in aesthetics and other features that might make it more player friendly. I have played  a few and they are good all-around performers. The 814 should have a bigger voice than your 000-28 due to its slightly larger size. You'll hear varying views on the ES. I prefer the ES1.3 to the ES2. You might consider an 814 without the ES so you can have a good after market pickup installed (like LR Baggs). They are less invasive, and the installation is reversible should something better come along... hope this helps!

[Marty C]

I am careful to share an opinion since I only own the 814.

Most of my playing has been in church settings.  Taylor’s are very popular in this setting.  However I thought them overly bright for my taste.  I, like you, own several Martins.  For my playing style and the tone I like to hear, I just never took a shine to Taylor.  However, I was in the market for something different.

I purchased this in January and played every Taylor in the store before I chose  this one.  I never played anything above  314, until that day.  This 814ce DLX v-brace was much more full than any other I played.  I never thought I would spend this much for a guitar, but I love the way it played and the tone I was getting from it.   I also played some Martin’s in that range as well.  This 814 just had a fuller sound than any other and was a joy to play.

It did take me a while to get used to the ES-2.  Man it is sensitive.  Picks up every little flaw in my fingering and picking.  I went through about 4 string types and several preamps to find the right plugged in tone.  In the end, I found it sounded best plugged direct into my mixer with a cut in the midrange.   No preamp needed. 

I don’t feel like I  did very much to answer your question.  However I do really like this Taylor and would buy this again.  Honesty haven’t played my Martins much since January, But I don’t own a Martin in that range either.   

I think you need to go somewhere and play a lot of guitars to help you make that decision.

[DBCooper]

My reply is to both of you.....and thanks.  I guess I'm asking.....why not a 514? 614? 714?  In looking at the trim on these models, the 814 seems to best mimic the 414.....which I've grown to love, in a short timeframe.  I don't have anywhere I can play all these models (my local GC has ONE 414ce....and no models higher in the line).

I have a '99 D-28 that is a BOOM BOX.  It'll never be replaced, and I'm not looking for THAT sound from the new guitar.  I just don't play many songs that the short(er) scale intrigues me (000).  Hence my search.

[zeebow]

the 814ce is seen as many (including bob taylor) as the flagship and sweet spot of the Taylor lineup. But to answer you question, just because you like the 1999 414ce does not mean you will will like the new 814ce.

Your guitar has had plenty of time to age. The new V class bracing on the 814ce also will make a unique tone, compared to your X braced 414ce.

I’ve never quite bonded with any 814ce, especially after diving into the world of custom Taylors. I personally am biased toward Cocobolo Taylors, they have an amazing tonal response and sustain for days. But I’m also biased towards smaller body guitars

it really depends on what you’re looking for, how you play. the greatest advice we can give you, is to try them all!

personally, if i wanted a Grand Auditorium shape, id buy a 814ce NAMM limited lutz/cocobolo, but that’s  because i’m unapologetic in love with lutz and cocobolo!!

[Marty C]

I have D16GT which is mahogany.  It is loud and like you, I will keep it always.  I also have a 000 (spruce and mahogany) and a GP (all mahogany).   

The 814 does have a good bass to it and much more projection than my GP or 000.   Not sure if it is the V brace  or the rosewood - or both.   It seems to fit right in the middle between the D16GT and the 000.   Good for just about anything I play.   The close at hand treble,  bass and volume helps to make the transition between strum/flat pick to finger style. 

Can’t help you much with regards to the 514, 614, 714.  I rarely see those guitars at any stores I frequent.   Maybe you have to take a road trip if you are really serious about this.  You need to do your own comparison.  Not sure who the premier Taylor dealer is that is closest to your area.  I have never seen all those models at a GC.  They seem to have Gs, Academy, 100, 200, 300 and then jump to 800. 

Good luck and have fun in the journey! 

[jjrpilot-admin]

I'll echo what Zeebow said above. I would suggest that you play any 814ce you want and play your 414ce next to it compare.

Your 414ce is X braced whereas the new 814ce would be V braced. Both are great!  IMO, the X braced seems to have a little more warmth and low end, whereas the 814ce V braced guitar will be a smidgen brighter but the upper end will be crystal clear everywhere.

Both are great but again, I'd advise you play yours against any new option. You might be surprised.

Keep us posted and have fun! 

[Strumming Fool]

My reply is to both of you.....and thanks.  I guess I'm asking.....why not a 514? 614? 714?  In looking at the trim on these models, the 814 seems to best mimic the 414.....which I've grown to love, in a short timeframe.  I don't have anywhere I can play all these models (my local GC has ONE 414ce....and no models higher in the line).

I have a '99 D-28 that is a BOOM BOX.  It'll never be replaced, and I'm not looking for THAT sound from the new guitar.  I just don't play many songs that the short(er) scale intrigues me (000).  Hence my search.

Indeed why not? Rosewood is not the only tonewood. If you're looking for a different sound from your ovangkol and rosewood, I would highly recommend a 614 as having the greatest contrast. I own one and it has a standout tone from all my other guitars. The mahogany  514 would be my second choice in that your ovangkol possesses some of the same properties of mahogany and rosewood. However, if you really love rosewood, the 714 is a delightful alternative to the 814. I personally prefer its wood-rich aesthetics, and the lutz spruce top has a tone similar to old growth adirondack spruce.

[DBCooper]

Again...thanks to all who've replied. Much appreciated.

I've been clear as mud.  I'm not necessarily (or, even probably), looking at a new 814.  In fact, I'd love to find one that was older.....but with acceptable electronics already onboard.  I can get on in this configuration for $2K-$2.5K, easily. 

That's gonna make it harder to try a few of them.

[Strumming Fool]

Again...thanks to all who've replied. Much appreciated.

I've been clear as mud.  I'm not necessarily (or, even probably), looking at a new 814.  In fact, I'd love to find one that was older.....but with acceptable electronics already onboard.  I can get on in this configuration for $2K-$2.5K, easily. 

That's gonna make it harder to try a few of them.

Yes, trying them out would be difficult, but as you've probably discovered, there are lots of used 814ce's for sale online  in your price range, ranging from 1999 to 2017. Good luck in your search.

[DBCooper]

What year did ES1 become std on the 814?  I think I read ES2 came about it 2014.

[Strumming Fool]

I believe that the ES1 first hit the market between 2002-2003. Taylor continued revisions on it from that time to at least 2013. The third and last version of the ES1 was IMO the best, and superior to the ES2. That version was in guitars dated from 2010 to 2013. Hope that helps!

[DBCooper]

That's great to learn.  Looks like I'm interested in one from that timeframe ('10-'13).  '14 + is OK too.

I very much appreciate all the shared info.

[Frettingflyer]

I was able to upgrade from ES1.0 to ES1.3 for not much money. You could check if the parts are still available and it would greatly expand your available choices.

[Bo]

Good luck with your search DB.  I think you would find that an 814ce feels somewhat similar in your hands to a 414ce, at least as far as size, weight and scale length are concerned.  I have never owned an 814ce, but I have had a 414ce FLTD (Ovangkol) and I currently own a 914ce V-Class which has Rosewood B&S and is pretty similar to the 814ce.  Both are very versatile guitars and work great as strummers and for fingerstyle.  Where I think you will find their biggest difference is in tone.  The 414ce is quite mid focused, while the 914ce is more articulate across all six strings with a bigger top and bottom end.

I'm still trying to bond with the 914.  Don't get me wrong though, it is an incredible guitar that looks and sounds amazing.  Unlike you (and many others), I find myself drawn to short scale guitars.  I have a Custom GC that I dearly love and also some Gibsons and a Martin CS 000.  They are all short scales and all keepers.

Keep that tone search alive!