Taylor 414ce

[nickw22]

I am wondering if someone that owns or previously a 414ce could tell me how they like it? Is it better sounding than a 314ce? or compared to the 500 series? The shop in my town that sells Taylor's does not have a 414ce in stock and it might be a little while before they come in. I am going to be purchasing a new Taylor (which will be my first one) or possibly used if I can find a good deal (any suggestions?). Anyways I read up about the 414ce and it said it is probably one of the most well rounded guitars (rythm, finger picking, etc.). I like to play rhythm and  finger pick. After reading about the different tones that the different woods create the ovanjkol sounds like it would be good for almost any style. Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks!

[TaylorGirl]

I have a 414 and absolutely love it.  I'm primarily a fingerstyle player, but when I want to strum, it's very impressive.  Nice all-around guitar.  The ovangkol is beautiful too! 

[Nomad]

At the last Road Show I attended, the Taylor Rep referred to Ovangkol as "the secret weapon", explaining that, tonally, it fits a niche between Rosewood and Mahogany. It's a great sounding wood that not too many manufacturers are using. With regards to a guitar made from one would sounding "better" than that made of another wood, he explained that it's not "better", it's just "different".

[nickw22]

Right on. Thanks for the responses. Do you know if there is much difference between the cedar top Fall Ltd or the Spruce top? There is a cedar top one at the shop down the street but I really wanted to see how the spruce top was. I just don't know when they are going to get one in. I guess they are just waiting for their orders through the NAMM convention.

[Tugboat]

I have a GA4 and I love it. I like it better than the 314ce I played. It sounds smoother for lack of a better term with a bit more low end. Fantastic guitar.

[Strumming Fool]

Right on. Thanks for the responses. Do you know if there is much difference between the cedar top Fall Ltd or the Spruce top? There is a cedar top one at the shop down the street but I really wanted to see how the spruce top was.

Check out the cedar topped limited - it may not have ovangkol back and sides (can't remember a fall ltd with a cedar top and ovangkol back and sides), but it may be a great value for the money. To add to others' comments, I have never played a standard 414  (spruce top) that I didn't like. Ovangkol is a fantastic tonewood!

[Cindy]

This is Taylor's image of how tonal woods compare. Ovangkol typically has a little more of the lows and highs, and its mid-range is accentuated. Sapele doesn't have quite the bass or treble, and the tone from low to high is more even (not accentuated in the mids like ovangkol). That said, I've heard some amazing sapele guitars. There are slight variances even between identical models where one might offer slightly more bass, treble, or mids than another. If you aren't able to play the guitar before purchasing it, you might want to ask the sales associate if he/she can pick out one that best matches your tonal preferences (more noticeable bass or treble, etc.).

[Nomad]

Interesting that the only other wood with a similar bass response to Ovangkol is Rosewood.

I like Ovangkol a lot.

[mgap]

When you look at at the chart, it shows Ovangkol with great low end, hits the highs well, and pushes the mids stronger than rosewood.  Looks like a Mahogany that goes lower and higher.  If that makes any sense.   

[joerogrz]

Well I guess I'll be saving up for a 400 or 700 series now... Would the rosewood laminate be similar to rosewood or would the laminates all sound the same regardless of wood type?

[Strumming Fool]

Well I guess I'll be saving up for a 400 or 700 series now... Would the rosewood laminate be similar to rosewood or would the laminates all sound the same regardless of wood type?

the second choice...as a rule.

[Captain Jim]

I tried a lot of guitars before deciding on my 814ce.  The one that came closest, for my taste, was the 414ce.  I think that is a truly remarkable and versatile guitar.  In the end, I was swayed by the tobacco sunburst and that gorgeous curly maple binding... a feast for the eyes as well as the ears (and my wife encouraged me, with the understanding that this is going to be "another lifetime guitar"... her words, not mine  ).

All that said, you should vote with your ears, eyes, fingers, and heart.  The 414ce is a great guitar.

Good luck with your decision.

Captain Jim

[Scriptor]

Looking at the tone chart, I think my Sitka/Walnut 414ce LTD has already done the "dash dash dash" thing over to the left ... the bass response is really nice on that guitar ... 

[zeebow]

I have a 2010 414ce, don't regret it. tight low end, warm mids and clear highs.

I hate that it has matte back and sides. but to be honest, it still looks great. sounds awesome that you won't pay too much attention.

it's a great bang for the buck, to me it sounded more well rounded than the 314ce, which sounded muddy in comparison

[theguitarguru]

I went to tryout Taylor guitars about couple months ago with 2 other friends. One of them liked the 414ce better than the 814ce...