Taylor 114 ce versus 214 ce

open strings · #1 05-09-2008, 09:18 AM

I'm considering both of these Taylors as a gift for my son, and aside from different bracing (214 has "Standard II"... 114 has "Scalloped X Brace") the Side wood (rosewood laminate vs. Sapele laminate) and some different binding color and position markers, I wonder if there's much difference to justify the higher price of the 214. Is sitka supposed to be a higher grade? Thanks for any input!

vti814ce · #2 05-09-2008, 09:22 AM

The biggest differences IMO are the gloss top of the 214, which I think looks nicer, and then tonally whether you prefer the sound of the spruce RW laminate or the spruce sapele laminate? I think they sound similar, although, IMO the 214 sounds warmer, I dont think there would be a big diff. in top woods other than visual. One mans opinion, I think the 214 is worth it, that said, the 114 would be a great guitar to get as well!

Sammy

open strings · #3 05-09-2008, 12:34 PM

that helps...thanks...go Steelers

Choir Director · #4 05-09-2008, 01:40 PM

I went through the same choice, cost vs quality.
When I picked up th 114 it just didn't feel right. The 214 did.
I gues it's a matter of preference.
I bought a 214ce and the top is matte not gloss.
A big part of the decision for me was the 114 is made in Mexico...the 214 in the USA.
Good Luck!

lohanette · #5 05-09-2008, 05:19 PM

214ce comes with a case.
114ce gig bag.

trek1500 · #6 06-01-2008, 04:35 PM

I just sprung for a new 214 ce and am very pleased with it! After checking out numerous guitars..everything from Martins, Larivees, Seagull and Breedlove over many months..I found myself coming back to the Taylor. Although not a solid wood guitar it still felt and sounded pretty dang good for the money and that is what made me make the decision..how it felt..how it sounded to me and how it looked. It's a great guitar for the money and you get a really nice hardshell case with it which makes a big difference! It's a lifelong keeper..

vti814ce · #7 06-01-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choir Director

I went through the same choice, cost vs quality.
When I picked up th 114 it just didn't feel right. The 214 did.
I gues it's a matter of preference.
I bought a 214ce and the top is matte not gloss.
A big part of the decision for me was the 114 is made in Mexico...the 214 in the USA.
Good Luck!

What's matte? Im not an expert on the 08 114 or 214's, but the ones i have looked at, at GC were satin 114 and a glossy 214. Is that what you are refering too? I assumed it had the same high gloss finish as my 814 and 514 have?

Sammy

sjino · #8 06-02-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choir Director

A big part of the decision for me was the 114 is made in Mexico...the 214 in the USA.
Good Luck!

When did this happen? Does anyone know when Taylor shifted guitar production to Mexico, and which models are affected? I know their cases have been made in Mexico (and possibly some Baby Taylors?) but I didn't realize they were making guitars there. This surprises me.

myke232 · #9 06-02-2008, 02:07 PM

IMO a great reason to go with the 214 over the 114 is the hardshell case. In my opinion you need one, and they cost about $100 so there you go. I recently got a 214e.

Also, both the 100's and 200's are made in Mexico, but the factory is like 1/2 hour from the USA factory. Basically, it's the same thing, doesn't really matter... (for the lower end ones I mean, if I were spending 3k then it better be USA...)

trek1500 · #10 06-04-2008, 05:04 PM

I have to agree the hardshell case is a very nice perk! It's much nicer than any generic out there that I've seen and is custom molded to your guitar. A true bargain!

Choir Director · #11 06-04-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vti814ce

What's matte? Im not an expert on the 08 114 or 214's, but the ones i have looked at, at GC were satin 114 and a glossy 214. Is that what you are refering too? I assumed it had the same high gloss finish as my 814 and 514 have?

Sammy

Sorry, matte is a technical term we use at work for what I should have said is "satin finish"
My 214ce has a satin finsh not a gloss finish. I haven't seen a 214 with a gloss.

jmo · #12 06-04-2008, 08:55 PM

Hi...thought I would add my two-sense here as I just returned to my music shop today to exhange the 114 for the 214 (not ce) and ended up getting the 210. The 214 and the 210 had the brightness of the 114, but the 214 and 210 also had a richness that the 114 didn't have...I ended up with the 210 dreadnaught because it's sound was yet a bit fuller than the 214 (althought the 214 was more comfortable to play). I guess it's a matter of personal taste, but I think the 214 and 210 sound better. I had to pay extra for my case though- the 114 came with the gig bag but the 210 didn't come with the case according to the guy at the shop- hmmmm...do they standardly come with the case?