K24ce vs 814ce

[Strummer62]

Today i went to a guitar shop to look for a new guitar. I am very interested in a new 814ce. Over the last few weeks I played several and the one they had in the shop today sounded perfect to me but…… there was also a used k24ce for sale. V class 2018. Stunning guitar, near mint  gotoh’s, deluxe case etc. etc. Soundwise they both sounded perfect to me. Pricewise they are equal.  Now I can’t descide. Budget wise I would never buy a new k24ce. What are your thoughts? Buy a new 814ce or go for the 2018 k24ce?

[DennisG]

Two thoughts:  1) only your ears and aesthetic sensibility can decide which one you prefer.  Given that you love the sound of both of them, it comes down to how you feel about the appointments.  I have my opinion, but I'm not going to express it (cough cough 814) because it means nothing in terms of what you might like;  and 2) you'll get a lifetime warranty on a new 814.  You'll get bupkis on the K24.

[Earl]

FWIW I own a 2007 all-koa 424 LTD and I love it.  That is the last remaining nice wood guitar that I still own.  When I bought my 615ce at a Road Show, I had my wife bring the K16 (koa/spruce GS) to compare to the maple/spruce.  The jumbo sounded really good too.  You will be OK either way since you have played both and judge them to be equal.  So it comes down to an 800 in rosewood or the koa, both in a GA size.  I happen to own several koa instruments and no rosewood ones at the moment, if that helps.  But I am heavily into Hawaiian music and koa makes sense for that.  Plus it is beautiful visually.

[Edward]

Hey Strummer,

I'd go back there, grab both and one guitar stand, and go back and forth.  Seriously spend time with em.  It's a significant investment, both monetarily as well as emotionally.  As Dennis said, new gets you the lifetime warranty which is good, but not "enough" a perk if your gut, fingers, and ears gravitate toward the used.  And the Koa always has "its thing" going on with its own sonic character, and of course the beauty of the wood, not to mention the benefit of having a few years under its belt which to me is an excellent trait!  I love the Gotohs, but that's $100 upgrade you can put on any guitar.  And a "deluxe" case means nothing to me.

Yup, go back and claim both (so no one takes it) and sit and play for a while.   With more time, no rush, you'll feel yourself tipping toward one of them. 

Edward

[Strummer62]

Thank you for your comments.

[Guitars44me]

Hey Strummer,

I'd go back there, grab both and one guitar stand, and go back and forth.  Seriously spend time with em.  It's a significant investment, both monetarily as well as emotionally.  As Dennis said, new gets you the lifetime warranty which is good, but not "enough" a perk if your gut, fingers, and ears gravitate toward the used.  And the Koa always has "its thing" going on with its own sonic character, and of course the beauty of the wood, not to mention the benefit of having a few years under its belt which to me is an excellent trait!  I love the Gotohs, but that's $100 upgrade you can put on any guitar.  And a "deluxe" case means nothing to me.

Yup, go back and claim both (so no one takes it) and sit and play for a while.   With more time, no rush, you'll feel yourself tipping toward one of them. 

Edward

Yep!  And I suggest taking a friend who will play while you listen from in front. Often the sound is quite different from the front.  I would be inclined to go for the Koa if all else is equal.  Koa takes time to get all the way open and it may not be there yet, but it is well on the way, I expect.

Have FUN playing and deciding

Cheers

Paul

[Strummer62]

Went back to the store today to try the 814CE and the k24ce once more.
Seemed that there was no longer a problem for me because the k24 was already sold.
So no dilemma anymore for me, however……. There was also a very very nice 814ce builders edition. Compared the  814ce and the 814ce builders edition and the builders edition sounded better to my ears.
I got a pretty nice deal and took her home. Me very happy.

[Edward]

Well that ended well ...outstanding and congrats!

Edward

[TaylorGirl]

It was meant to be, congratulations!
We do need to see pictures.