Hi All,
If you were to purchase a New Taylor 414ce, would you select the Ovangkol or the Rosewood model? The difference in cost is a couple of hundred dollars.
I've played both and can't decide which is "better" given the + and - below.
There are two comparison videos linked below in case you are curious:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ULqXdRle6Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlt9Ur1yj8
Thoughts on Rosewood:
+Sitka/EIR is a classic tonewood pair
-Lower quality Rosewood (cosmetically) on the 400 series?
+More overtones/bass?
Thoughts on Ovangkol:
-Less traditional tonewood pair
+Ovangkol supply may lead to better wood selection?
+More mids to cut through a mix, but
-Less low end?
Also of cosmetic consideration: the inlay pattern on the Rosewood model is more ornate (Renaissance or Victorian, depending on whether Standard or Guitar Center Custom model) compared to diamond inlays on the Ovangkol. Personally, I am not a fan of ornate inlays that appear to be gaudy to me.
I'm curious to see your votes and hear your opinions.