Sell 2008 914ce and buy 2021 V class 914ce - thoughts?

[Guitarfan12]

Is the new style worth the upgrade in sound and looks?  Opinions welcome.  Thank you.

[Frettingflyer]

Maybe play them side by side first? I own a couple of V-class and a few non. I still love the sound of my “older” guitars and would not say it is automatically worth the “upgrade”. It really depends on what you like to play and the sound you are looking for. I would be worried that there would be regret later.
Now, having said all that, I really like the V-class bracing. The sustain is just forever, which you can use but which also has required me to mute sometimes when I didn’t have to before. Playing up the neck is more in tune, I think the hype was right about that. My K24ce BE is my favorite Taylor these days, but other wood combos still sound better for certain songs.
Last word of caution, I did play a 914ce V-class that didn’t thrill me, but believe it was a one off as all the other V-class I have played I enjoyed.
You asked for thoughts, might not be much help, but be careful to be sure.

[SoCalSurf]

Depending on how much you may get for the 2008 model, you may consider keeping it and getting a 2021 version as well. But if it is a financial issue and you need to sell the 2008 to buy the 2021, all I can say is that Taylor's v-class bracing has generated considerable debate but I am on the side that the newer bracing is absolutely remarkable. I have not owned a 914, but the two v-class guitars I have bought-- the 517e Grand Pacific and the K24ce-- are incredible. It's not to take away the sound or value of Taylor's x-braced guitars, but there is something about this new approach that, for my ear, has hit the sweet spot. My recently purchased K24ce is perhaps the best overall guitar I have ever played.

Of course, when you come here, expect to be talked into buying more guitars, no matter what model you are considering. 

Best of luck with your decision, and I am confident you will get some good feedback here.

[Earl]

I will take the slightly contrarian opinion here.  I have not been terribly impressed by any V-class guitar of the dozen or so that I have tried, and certainly not enough to buy one.  They are quite nice to be sure, but for my ear and playing style, I simply don't get what the fuss is about.  You gain more "in-tuneness" up the neck (that has been consistently reported) but most people also comment on the relative lack of bass.  I guess that bass is more important to me.  One of the big selling points when they first came out was for studio musicians, where getting better in-tune performance up the neck can save overdubs.

Restating the problem, you would be trading a premium well-aged X-braced guitar that you know well for an unknown new version with V-bracing.  I'm very much a bird in the hand kinda guy.  The only way that trade would be considered would require sitting quietly and play both of them side-by-side for an hour in the store.  Then you will know.  You did ask for opinions......

[prezmc]

I've only ever played one 914ce, and it was V-Class.  It sounded nice, but I can't really compare it to an older one.  The v-class opinions are all over, and you really need to try before you buy.  I've now played a 914ce, 814ce, and 714ce - all 2019 or 2020 v-class models. The 714ce was to clear winner for my preference (but those 914s are beautiful!).  None of them are boomy in bass, but more even handed than other rosewood guitars I've played.  The 714ce also has a slightly more mellow or smooth high end than the 814/914s I played. 

In general, I've preferred the v-class bracing sound.  The comments about sustain, etc all seem pretty true to me. And I like it.  They seem to do it playing light or heavy. and there is a life to the sound.  It's fun.

[Strumming Fool]

Wow, tough decision. Here are my thoughts: IMO, pros for the V-class 914 are pretty much what Fretting Flyer and SoCalSurf said including the newer 914 aesthetics vs. the 2008 treatment. The cons for the 914 V class is that it will never sound like your older guitar, because it will always be, well, newer and need to be broken in. If you love the sound of your old 914, you should keep it, and maybe think about saving up for the 914 V class. 

[Edward]

Welcome aboard, guitarfan ...good to have you here!

A new bracing, style, or model is exactly that: new, but not necessarily an upgrade.  Skip the reviews, the youtube vids, the netpinions, or whatever anyone else ever said about this or that make, model, or "upgrade." 

FWIW, I have learned many many moons ago to never sell one piece of gear that I genuinely like for another that is the better unit.  Amps, pedals, and of course, guitars.  I've been lured by that Siren, and never again will succumb to what others call "better," regardless of who says it.  The simple fact is the most important fact: only you can decide what feels, sounds, and works best for you.  Be that an Academy dread or a luthier-built custom unicorn.  So yes, the V-bracing has been touted as an improvement, but will you agree? 

So while the ol' mantra of "try before you buy" definitely applies, I personally take it one step further with critical gear: buy what you think may potentially be awesome, and compare it with what ya got in your space, on your time, and over time.  Especially the latter since time spent with gear is the true test of worth. I know not everyone can buy two pricey guitars and decide to sell back the lesser, but this is what I've personally learned.  And if I can't afford to own both for a time to honestly evaluate, I won't buy because losing a genuinely good piece of gear for the bright and shiny of the day is a painful lesson to learn.  IME, anywho

Edward

[prezmc]

...luthier-built custom unicorn.

Edward

ROFL. That's quote of the day 

[Edward]

I'll be here all week.... (rimshot)
...and for some, that's cause to empty the room, LOL! 

Edward

[Guitarfan12]

You guys are outstanding. Thank you very much for the opinions, which is exactly what I asked for. I will definitely have to try them side by side and see how I like it. My 2008 914ce is an incredible guitar but I got sucked into thinking I should upgrade to V-class. In addition I was going back and forth on the different look between the two. The 2021 has darker purfling and less sparkle from the abalone inlay of 2008... but it has the V-class and still looks sharp.  Just cosmetics, I know.

I have the 914ce, a 615ce, a GS mini, and a Big Baby. I am in the market for a K24ce and have been considering the upgrade of the 914ce as stated above. Can't get enough of the Taylor sound and beautiful Taylor wood on these models. Having Indian Rosewood, Maple, and Koa in my collection is not too bad. Thank you all again.

[Edward]

Nice guitars there, sir, especially the 615.  Not many Taylor jumbos out there; very cool!  FWIW, an acquaintance of mine has had his 914 for maybe around 10 years now, plays it avidly, and flat-out loves it.  I, likewise, feel his is a superb-sounding guitar that holds its own against whatever is current today, Taylor or otherwise.  Enjoy your fine stable, man! 

Edward 

[tdavis]

It may just be my old ears...but I have yet to play a single V-Class Taylor that sounds anywhere near as full and rich as a pre-V model. To me..no matter what the hype Taylor has stripped their guitars of even the minimal bass response that their guitars have had, and with the V-bracing has caused them to be even more mid-and-treble centric than they were previously.

Chris McKee of Alamo Music in San Antonio has a video comparing the his old personal 914ce to one of the new V-Class models...and you can tell that, no matter what he says, he knows his old one sounds louder, fuller and much richer than the new one. It's a fact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hte7qZiYPLI

Granted, the new inlays and decorations look great on the newer models...but no way would I sell my "opened up" 914ce for one of the new models.

[Strumming Fool]

Wise choice, Guitarfan! As is often the case for me, trying out new guitars can be a lot of fun, but the real question is whether that new guitar gives me something that I don't already have at home. The answer is "no" more often than not. You may want to try out V bracing in a different tonewood combination  - maybe a  514 or a 326 for example. Anyway, enjoy your wonderful Taylors!

[Frettingflyer]

Very nice stable of guitars you have there. I would suggest trying the V bracing in the K24ce, mine is a BE but it is definitely my favorite guitar and the one I grab the most. Like you, I have a variety of tone woods and pick what soots the music, or my mood, but the all koa, just wow. Enjoy the search in any event, and like SF said, you may find that your herd is better than what you try, most often happens for me these days and really helps the budget!

[prezmc]

The K14ce BE is an awesome guitar.  Although, when I first got it, I was a little unimpressed with the sound.  About a year after buying and playing, it changed.  Noticeably. First time I really experienced the sound of a guitar change so dramatically - and it's great.  I was warned when I got it that koa would do that.