Taylor 414 or 814?

[biotechmgr]

I am considering a new purchase and asking input from Taylor players. 414 or 814? Both have rosewood back and sides, 1000 $ difference. Looking to change from a 314, just not fully happy with sapele which feels tight and constrained, though less so with going to Al bronze strings which project more. Mostly flatpicking for this one.
Thanks for your experiences.

[blue4now]

More bling on the 800 I guess

[sakar12]

More bling and better wood. I don't regret my 814ce dlx.

[zmf]

Is there anything different these days in the two besides bling? There used to be, but is there now?

[letterk]

When I was shopping last month I played both the 814 and 414. Bling aside, I thought the 814 played easier and sounded better.

[EZYPIKINS]

More money, gotta be better.

[Jilusaco]

I got 2 414ce and an 810 Ltd. I think mostly bling. All though the 814 could be peach you just have to play them side by side. Take a friend then you can A B them back and forth. Let them help you decide. My experience is some guitars just talk to you regardless of what # they are.

[RP]

I've owned both a 414 and an 814 although not at the same time. The 814 had a warmer tone and a smoother, more refined feel. Whether that's worth $1000 is something only the buyer can answer...

[Mark Stone]

The 814 would have more "bling" and a better wood grade, however if you're using your instrument practically (gigging? playing in a band or at church?) it's best to play them side by side to gauge tone and feel. If you're a collector or hobbyist, I'd spend the extra K and get the 814 -- mine is the finest guitar, in every regard, I've ever owned.

[btaylor]

The standard 414 has Ovangkol back and sides with less bling. The 814 has Rosewood back and sides with more bling. They offer the 414 in Rosewood also...is is the 414ce-R model number. I have played a few 414 models and really liked them. I have owned a 2015 814ce and it was a wonderful guitar. For me, it's sound was a notch above the 414, although the 414 is a great guitar. I think you have to play each and decide if the cost difference is worth it. I sold my 814ce for my GP 717 after playing them side by side. Selling the 814 stung...great guitar! Good luck!

[Jilusaco]

One of my 414ce is a 2007 Koa the other is a new V brace 414ce-R I put a bone saddle in it and it's quite impressive. It projects better than my 2002 Cocobolo 810. Don't know if it's the V brace or the bone saddle. I also have a 717e GP and it is cat daddy. No bling but it booms and is a real pleasure to play I dig pretty hard with the pick and my buddies ask me to turn it down when we play unplugged. It is my go to unplugged guitar. If Andy is responsible for it he hit the mark. Again I always spend some time playing guitars with a buddy at the shops and almost never buy on the same day. If it feels right the second trip it probably is.

[TedBPhx]

While the brick and mortars were shutdown I ordered a Taylor 414ce from GC. Got a mini hog on the BOGO also. GC desperately gave a 6 month return period assuming guitar sales were going to tank. They guessed wrong. Did not like the Ovangkol. The retails opened back up for curbside and the web showed me which locals had what in stock. Traded up for a 414ce-R. Meh. Exchanged it in for an 814ce. Then, in for a penny, got the 814ce Dlx. This is a significantly better guitar than the 414. Better quality woods - tighter grain spruce with silking, darker Rosewood. The thin finish contributes a lot to the 814’s finger picking response. Yeah, the 814s are worth the extra grand or so.

[AmericanEagle]

414, less money and just about as good

[blue4now]

I had a 712 that just didn’t wow me. My 412 is a better sounding guitar to me

[mikealpine]

Another vote for the 814. Compared once to an R 414, it was no contest. The 414 sounded kind of tubby and lifeless. The 814 was rich and full.