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  #1  
Old 04-23-2018, 08:03 AM
JackB1 JackB1 is offline
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Default Which Taylor CE model for under $1500?

Ok, so I am settled on a Taylor Grand Auditorium model and my budget tops out at $1500. Which one should I get? I am considering these:

-new 214ce with Koa b/s ($800)
-new 214ce dlx w/ rosewood b/s ($1050)
-new 214ce dlx w/ koa b/s ($1100)
-new 224ce dlx all Koa ($1200)
-used 2013 314ce ($1100)

I already have a hardshell case and the only major difference between the 214ce dlx and the regular model is the gloss on the back and sides. They both have the ES2 system.

Also, I have never tried a 214ce dlx with koa b/s. Will it differ from rosewood in tone?

How different will the all solid wood 314ce sound from the 314s? The 314 is so plain looking with no visual upgrades. The 214ce dlx actually looks nicer than the 314ce. If I opt for a used 314ce, I probably have to buy online and that carries risk and I have to hope I get a good one.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:24 AM
troystory92 troystory92 is offline
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I really think you should play all of the models you have mentioned side by side. That's the only way YOU will know what is best for you.

With that said, I see you have a 114ce. If I already owned a layered b/s Taylor, I would want to jump a series and get an all solid wood guitar, the 314ce.

I very much enjoyed the 314ce I played but opted for a 214ce-k dlx. For my purposes, the 214ce-k dlx fit perfectly. I play alot of groove rock/beach reggae and the layered koa, vs the sapele on the 314, sounded much brighter and louder. That along with the durability of the layered b/s helped me pick the 214ce-k dlx.

Furthermore, I bought the Koa b/s online and compared it directly with the rosewood 214ce dlx when it arrived. I, personally, preferred the look and sound of the koa b/s.

I think the layered b/s of the 100/200/dlx series, with the arched back, will project more than the 314. The sapele is similar to mahogany and sounds much "woodier" than the layered woods. Still sounds great but that was the major difference I heard.

YMMV

Best of luck!
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:33 AM
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Default Which Taylor

First, let me say that I'm not a fan of the current Taylor sound, or the ES2 system.

Having said that, I would encourage you to save a bit more and shoot for the 300 series or higher and get into an all solid wood guitar.

Another option is used. You could certainly get into a nicer guitar in that price range used.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:36 AM
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Go with a 314 or 324. You might be surprised how far you'll $$$ will go with Ted at LA Guitar Sales https://www.laguitarsales.com or John at Shoreline Music https://shorelinemusic.com when shopping for Taylors....
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:39 AM
PorkPieGuy PorkPieGuy is offline
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If you really, really, really need a cutaway, ignore me. If you don't, consider this:


Buy a used Taylor straight-acoustic series guitar (GA5, GA7, or GA8), and then put a K&K in it for about $100

I'd buy one of those GA5 WAAAY with a K&K WAAAAY before I'd go with a laminated 200-series. Premium woods, non-striped ebony fingerboard, limited bling, hard case, solid guitar.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:46 AM
Athens Athens is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy View Post
If you really, really, really need a cutaway, ignore me. If you don't, consider this:


Buy a used Taylor straight-acoustic series guitar (GA5, GA7, or GA8), and then put a K&K in it for about $100

I'd buy one of those GA5 WAAAY with a K&K WAAAAY before I'd go with a laminated 200-series. Premium woods, non-striped ebony fingerboard, limited bling, hard case, solid guitar.
Great idea! You might also look at DN3's and similar. GC has a few of those too and you can use the trial period to see if you like the guitar before you add the K&K.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RP View Post
Go with a 314 or 324. You might be surprised how far you'll $$$ will go with Ted at LA Guitar Sales https://www.laguitarsales.com or John at Shoreline Music https://shorelinemusic.com when shopping for Taylors....
Can confirm. Just purchased a 312ce 12-fret from John @ Shoreline. Cut me a VERY generous deal.
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Old 04-23-2018, 08:53 AM
JackB1 JackB1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RP View Post
Go with a 314 or 324. You might be surprised how far you'll $$$ will go with Ted at LA Guitar Sales https://www.laguitarsales.com or John at Shoreline Music https://shorelinemusic.com when shopping for Taylors....
A new 314 is $1800. I don't think Ted or John will take $300 off that price.
But yes I would buy a new 314 for $1500 if that was possible
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:18 AM
JackB1 JackB1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RP View Post
Go with a 314 or 324. You might be surprised how far you'll $$$ will go with Ted at LA Guitar Sales https://www.laguitarsales.com or John at Shoreline Music https://shorelinemusic.com when shopping for Taylors....
Thanks for the tip! John cut me a nice deal on a new 314ce.
Super excited about finally getting a new and not used Taylor and a
all solid wood one to boot!

NGD, here we come!!! (or better yet, NTGD)
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:42 AM
VTexan VTexan is offline
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Default Buy Used

My all-wood 314ce was in mint shape when I bought it for hundreds less than what you're willing to pay.
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Old 04-23-2018, 10:49 AM
BT55 BT55 is offline
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Default Which Taylor CE model for under $1500?

If you are open to pre-owned guitars you can find 3, 4 and 5 series Taylor’s in your price range. Now you’re into all wood series guitars that are an improvement over the solid/laminate 1&2 series.

Take your time and play as many guitars as you can before you buy anything.
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  #12  
Old 04-23-2018, 11:17 AM
JackB1 JackB1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTexan View Post
My all-wood 314ce was in mint shape when I bought it for hundreds less than what you're willing to pay.
I'm too picky to buy used and I like having the Taylor warranty as well.
I have had bad luck buying used recently. I don't trust anyone else to take as good a care of it as me
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Old 04-23-2018, 12:58 PM
ii Cybershot ii ii Cybershot ii is offline
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100% go with a 300 series or higher on the used market.

Also your signature says you already have a 114 and a 214?
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Old 04-23-2018, 01:00 PM
3notes 3notes is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JackB1 View Post
Thanks for the tip! John cut me a nice deal on a new 314ce.
Super excited about finally getting a new and not used Taylor and a
all solid wood one to boot!

NGD, here we come!!! (or better yet, NTGD)
That's just great. Most MSRP's are very large but there are many dealers who give a generous discount. It allows you to step up in quality, as is stated here by JackB1.

Hope it sounds as nice as it looks. Enjoy the tones.....
What does the guitar have for woods.??
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Old 04-23-2018, 03:06 PM
JackB1 JackB1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTexan View Post
My all-wood 314ce was in mint shape when I bought it for hundreds less than what you're willing to pay.
Guess you got lucky then. Where did you get it?
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