OK shinksma....color me "green" (envy..lol). I have had the pleasure of playing the 214ce QM...sigh..I was instantly infatuated. One build aspect of GS-Mini's, the braceless arched back is shared by the 100 and 200 series; I'm fairly certain that design characteristic is responsible for the incredible volume obtained from the relatively small Mini's and the "quality" of the 100 and 200 voices. I have played the 300's and 400's, and perhaps due to my aged hearing, I actually prefer the perceived clarity of the arch-back models.
I have not had the opportunity to play any of the 600 series, but I await the experience with 'bated breath'...I am all over being committed to the 214ce QM as my next Taylor...butttt, I am not really a fan of the 'ce' models...give me the full GA (x14) or GS (x16) (heck I'll even take a dread or a GO :-), w/o the electronics. Perhaps I am too much of a purist for the built in electronics, but if I was a "true purist" I would insist on the "Battleship"...go figure. I am disconcerted, however, vis-a-vis the "layered" vs. solid Maple B/S as I do not have enough experience/exposure to the nuances. Having recently read that Taylor's middle ply in the lam is poplar...dashed my "perception" that they used all the same tonewood(s), thus their term "layered" turns out out to be just marketing :-( ... 1 demerit for Taylor ...I am now diligently researching the qualities of poplar as a tonewood. Having been a carpenter/cabinetmaker/arborist, annddd, a North Georgia resident for ages, I am intimately familiar with poplar. Trivia: the name is associated with its' tendency to "pop" when it burns, thus not even good firewood unless you use a wood burning stove. Poplar is deciduous (hardwood), but relatively soft, and is used a lot for cabinet interiors and shelving for same. It's relatively stable, but I am not sure how I feel about it as a component of my acoustic guitar.
This is basically academic...the voice of an instrument is a function of multiple variables, either it sound's like what you want to hear or it doesn't. I mentioned a study earlier in this thread, which after many trials, allowed me to consistently chose Maple (Claro Walnut, darn near a tie) as possessing the tonal characteristics I most appreciate. Maple has been used for centuries as a primary wood for stringed instruments, think Antonio Stradivarius :-); it is the most 'transparent' of the tonewoods, accentuating the primary tonal characteristics without the overtones and having a rapid note decay. This (to my ear) yields a 'cleaner' more distinct balanced spectrum; no overpowering basses, teeth clenching highs, or "scooped" midranges. But I would be loathe to imply this is what all acoustic guitars should sound like...beauty is in the eye (ear?).
Ok, now having once again overstayed my welcome, I do have a communal request. With all the talent on this forum, I humbly request feedback on experience with the 600 series, especially as it relates to the instrument of discussion, the 214ce QM; and I know that I can be accused of comparing apples to chocolate, but since it is mostly subjective, that is the type of input I seek. If I were a rich man (da de da, da de da da - Fiddler on the Roof :-), I would just plan on getting both, but I am wondering whether to go for the 214QM... ASAP, orrr, be content with my Koa Mini and assorted hog, rw, nato, etc., dreads until I can pop for a 600...I don't expect a definitive answer on that question, just personal hands' on experience/opinions. Also, since I mentioned it, I would also like any feedback from folks with both the 600's and an appreciation for the Maple character, and experience with the Koa line; I have not been able to get a good "ear's on" experience of a Maple vs Koa listen. The Koa research has also intrigued me as it characteristics, while supposedly "warmer" than the Maple (the only 'lack', albeit a small aspect in the Maple spectrum), are implied to accentuate a similar 'voice'. I have not had enough time on my new Mini to form an opinion...it needs different strings than OEM, I think, and it needs to be played in...I incurred "Saturday Night Palsy" Christmas night and still don't have sufficient use of my left hand (just when i thought it was safe to go back in the water :-(, to even hold appropriately, much less put fingers to strings on, any of my guitars.
Thanks to all who take the time to read this, and my most grateful laudations to any who put forth the effort to address my interests.
Best to everyone of the nice folk (what the hell, best to the not so nice too...lol) of this forum.
Ladds Banks
