Getting a mellower tone from a Taylor 414

[MakingMusic]

I know a lot of good suggestions have focused on changing strings, and even your picks, but from my experience, different strings and picks can only "fine tune" your tone. They cannot fundamentally change the essence of your instrument. You cannot turn a guitar that has dominent highs (bright, chimey, and orchestral) into a warm, mellow and smooth instrument. Not going to happen. You can certainly tinker with the tone as many have suggested but in the end, "it is what it is".

What you have described is the basic Taylor sound. I happen to like it and enjoy playing my Taylor 914ce but when I want mellow and smokey, I move to a different guitar. Different woods, different temperment, and maybe a different builder.

You really should consider buying a second guitar. If that's not possible, you should try some of the suggestions others have made but understand that there are trade-offs when trying to have a single "all-purpose" guitar.

[gmel555]

After two decades of ownership it's understandable you want to "solve" this instead of just selling (I agree). Strings might get you there but I'd try different saddle material(s) from whatever is in there now. In my experience it can have significant impact on tone in sometimes unexpected ways (good and bad). Not expensive and worth a try I think to save a long time "friend"...and you can always pop the old one back in. If nothing works, I'd try to keep it and get a second if you can swing it. Those memories are hard to replace and your ear might change again, or at the very least, you might enjoy have tonal alternatives.

[Shortfinger]

Never too old for a second marriage.

[wrench68]

This worked for me to achieve exactly what the OP asks for. And it is easily reversible and non-destructive.

Cut a sliver of manila folder material and slide it in between the front face of the saddle and the front wall of the saddle slot. I find this knocks down the highest overtones without affecting the fundamentals very much. You'll need a little clearance in the saddle slot; the manila material is about .0105" thick.

If it doesn't work or you don't like it, pull it back out. No harm no foul.

[Bookstorecowboy]

I will try it. I like the sound of the guitar now but further mellowness would be nice.

[Bookstorecowboy]

I could not fit the folder slice in the front face of the saddle, but I put it in the bottom and it does seem to tame some of the frequencies that are too sharp or sparkly. Thank you.

I love the Santa Cruz strings but they are very expensive, so I will try these ones next, as suggested by AGF members:

GHS Silk and Bronze
D’Addario Silk and Steel
Elixir Polywebs
Newtone roundwound 12/54

The guitar is sounding very good now in any case.

Originally Posted by wrench68

This worked for me to achieve exactly what the OP asks for. And it is easily reversible and non-destructive.

Cut a sliver of manila folder material and slide it in between the front face of the saddle and the front wall of the saddle slot. I find this knocks down the highest overtones without affecting the fundamentals very much. You'll need a little clearance in the saddle slot; the manila material is about .0105" thick.

If it doesn't work or you don't like it, pull it back out. No harm no foul.

[mawmow]

Did you try coated strings ?
Based on my non scientific experience,
I would go from least muffled to most muffled :
Dr Dragon Skin
Elixir NANOweb
D'Addario EXP
Elixir POLYweb

[Bookstorecowboy]

Originally Posted by mawmow

Did you try coated strings ?
Based on my non scientific experience,
I would go from least muffled to most muffled :
Dr Dragon Skin
Elixir NANOweb
D'Addario EXP
Elixir POLYweb

No but I tried the Nano strings on a guitar at the guitar store and I thought they sounded amazingly bright, actually. I might try the Polywebs later.

[hifivic]

I'm sorry but you have a nice guitar that you're emotionally attached to.....be done with it and pay a whole 36.00 a year for 2 sets of Santa Cruze low tension strings! Don't shortchange your ears!

[Cuki79]

I had the exact same problem... tried countless strings and end up selling my 414Ce (2011), and play Martins. (I went through Gibson between both)

[mawmow]

Originally Posted by Bookstorecowboy

No but I tried the Nano strings on a guitar at the guitar store and I thought they sounded amazingly bright, actually. I might try the Polywebs later.

I forgot to name the Martin Retro Monel...

[Bookstorecowboy]

I am using the Optima Silk & Steel now. The guitar sounds great.

My shipment of the other strings has been delayed for months "because Covid." But should arrive this week.

[robrick]

I have owned many Taylor guitars and have read about the "bright" tone on them for years, so yes, change strings, put strings that are "warmer" than Elixers.

Having said that, Taylor is addressing this by making guitars with mahogany tops that go a long way to creating a warmer, less bright tone. I have two now that sound great and go a long way toward taming that bright tone.

[Sax Player Guy]

Originally Posted by robrick

I have owned many Taylor guitars and have read about the "bright" tone on them for years, so yes, change strings, put strings that are "warmer" than Elixers.

Having said that, Taylor is addressing this by making guitars with mahogany tops that go a long way do creating a warmer, less bright tone. I have two now that sound great and go a long way toward taming that bright tone.

I am one of those who I thought was "not a Taylor guy." Maybe it's genetic, like having that gene that makes cilantro taste like soap. Anyhow, I was in a music store 2 or or 3 weeks ago to get some reeds, and I spotted a Taylor 327 (slope shoulder, mahogany top) and gave it a try. Man, it sounded like some old, mellow folky guitar that had been hiding in Grandpa's attic for the last fifty years. I loved it, and it was so easy to play. If you love Taylors but want that more mellow sound, give their 327 a try.