#1
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Talk me into (or out of) an 814ce
Hey guys, new member here, first post
I'm seriously considering an 814ce. I am really digging the sounds of the 2014 models I've played. I am a worship leader, playing quite a bit throughout the week, at church, practice, as well as other events in the community. I'm thinking the 814ce will be the best guitar for me, but I was looking for some opinions. I currently run either a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe (ovangkol b&s) or a Martin 000-MMV with a LR Baggs Lyric through a Venue DI. The Gibson has been my tried and true but sometimes over powering I feel in a band setting. The Martin has fantastic tone and clarity, but the battery life of the Lyric is really troublesome. I try to unplug it when I'm done with a set, but sometimes things just don't work out that way. I usually have to change out the battery a couple times before a string change. So my question is, in this price range and my use is the 814ce the one? What other options are there for me to consider? I owned a 114ce at one point and loved the playability of it, but the quality of tone wasn't what I was looking for. I don't love the ES2, but I feel with the Venue I can dial it in to my tastes. Probably purchasing through Sweetwater unless I can find one I like used, pretty cool I can see each one they have for sale in detail. Thanks in advanced! |
#2
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Welcome to the forum.
I thought I wanted a 2014 814ce when they were coming out. After playing one, I ended up with a 2013 314ce with the ES1v3. I liked it almost as well unplugged, and I liked it better plugged in. I don't think you could go wrong with either one, but it's worth trying both. Good luck in your search.
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Alvarez: DY61 Huss and Dalton: DS Crossroads, 00-SP Kenny Hill: Heritage, Performance Larrivee: CS09 Matt Thomas Limited Taylor: 314ce, 356e, Baritone 8 Timberline: T60HGc |
#3
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Welcome to the forum.
As a worship leader you're more likely to be strumming than picking. If that's the case I'd look closely at the 816 and leave the 814 for pickers. Either way you won't be disappointed. My 816 ce picks just fine, and a friends 814 ce strums just fine. They have the same neck and the actions are similar, just a little more volume and bass response from the 816. |
#4
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If I were in your shoes, I would find a used Taylor GA8 and install a K&K mini. I realize that the bracing will differ a little, but it's worth a shot.
You can buy a used GA8 (same tonewoods as a 814ce but without the inlay, fancy binding, cutaway, and questionable electronics) for about $1500 on the used market, and install a K&K mini (these run about $100 give or take), and you'll have an EXCELLENT strummer with an absolute solid pickup system for well under $2k (you may need to buy a preamp or at least use an active direct box). Or, you can spend the extra $1500 and get a cutaway, some inlay, white maple binding (which looks like plastic to me from a few feet away), and the ES2 pickups which have questionable reviews. Heck, if I had a $3500 budget for a guitar, and if I was a worship leader I'd buy a used GA8 AND a used GC5 or GC7 (for fingerpicking songs or learning songs while sitting on the couch), put K&K minis in both, and buy a couple of active direct boxes. You would be set! |
#5
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I think you should go for it. I had an 11' and loved it. To me they are the best looking and best built guitars being built today.
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2021 Taylor 114e 2020 Martin 000-18 2020 Martin LXME |
#6
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Ive never played an 814ce. They might be fabulous guitars.
I just looked up the price on Sweetwater though. For that price you might be able to get a used Goodall. Something to consider.
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A few of my early attempts at recording: https://www.youtube.com/user/wcap07/featured |
#7
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I can talk you into something else. A Collings OM for the same price or a Huss & Dalton. It will change your life!
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Blackbird Lucky 13 revoiced Collings D1 - Sitka (baked) / Mahogany Lowden F35 - Alpine Spruce / Madagascar Rosewood Schenk Ophirio - Engelmann / Koa |
#8
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Personally my fave lately is the the new 416 and 616 CE's..As you'll see below I have a 914ce (fancier version of the 814 is all) and an older 614CE (which although many complain about maple being too bright i say 'No way...awesome sounding guitars" especially over time and the new Maple series is absolutely unbelievable. I too am not a fan of the ES 2 but thoroughly like the ES 1.3 version pickups quite a bit (10-13/14ish models) so is the 814 an awesome guitar? Yes. Would it e my first choice if i was playing a variety especially a lot of strumming? Not necessarily. That 416 was incredible as it now also sports a slightly glossier / thicker finish as well. Truth be told if I was going to add another to my arsenal of Taylors those would be two choices.
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The current New Lefty's: https://images2.imgbox.com/96/10/6F6KBwdB_o.jpg 2019 Taylor 614CE NAMM Special Edition https://images2.imgbox.com/fa/77/cBleTW2l_o.jpeg https://thumbs2.imgbox.com/e3/50/Mmhxidw9_t.jpg |
#9
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Im not a Taylor person ( being upfront )
But of all the Taylors Ive ever played the 814 model impressed me the most - I'd say get the newer revoiced model a great all round guitar - If you want a Taylor -id say that's the model.
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--------------------------------- Wood things with Strings ! |
#10
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I like my 2014 814ce...
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Steve Taylor 514ce FLTD, Sitka/Tasmanian Blackwood from Ted at LA Guitar Sales Taylor 618e 1st Edition, Sitka/maple (2015) Taylor 814ce, Sitka/Rosewood (2014) Taylor 526ce, all Mahogany (2014) Baby Taylor, mahogany (2014) Taylor 210ce (2014) (on consignment) PRS S2 Custom semi-hollow body Fender Blacktop Stratocaster Gibson Les Paul Studio Pro 120th Gibson SG Classic 120th |
#11
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Not a Taylor guy anymore, but if I was, the new 814ce would be high on my list. I would wait until I could try the newly redesigned 614ce though - I'd be thrilled if they sound as much better as early hype is suggesting. I love the looks as well as idea behind using domestic hardwoods.
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Some might call me a "Webber Guitars enthusiast". |
#12
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I used to love these. I agree that, if you're good with a slightly larger guitar, the 816CEhas sounded consistently fuller and richer to me. That being said, my favorite Taylor these days is the all-mahogany 5 series, and if you have a chance to play a 524 or 526, I'd be very curious as to how you feel about them. I find them to be warm, yet "shimmery".
However, you certainly won't be making a bad choice, by far, if you really like the 8 series.
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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!) |
#13
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I think the 814 is a very nice guitar. One of the better Taylors I think. But my favorite Taylors have to be the cedar topped 5 series as well. But there are a ton of great guitars at that price range that are as good or better, depending on what you need it to do.
Another thought would be to change out the Lyric pickup to something else in the Martin 000-mmv that you already have and love.
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Yairi Virtuoso Maple Martin D18 kit build Alvarez PD-85SC AV Bedell TB-28G Guild GAD M20 NA Michael Kelly V65 SP Tacoma PM20 Alvarez AP70 |
#14
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I went with the new 816ce over the 814ce.... a little larger lower bout... Added a touch of low end overtone... Both are fantastic all around instruments...
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#15
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It's worth noting that the 816ce is built for mediums and the 814ce ships with lights. I had a few GS's and they didn't sound great with light strings. Just another thing to consider - it wasn't a problem for me as I prefer mediums, but might be an issue if someone likes lights.
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Some might call me a "Webber Guitars enthusiast". |