[SOLVED!] Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: A Head-to-Head of Two Taylor Grand Auditoriums

Regarding Grand Auditorium, it would be a mistake not to talk about Taylor 114ce and 214ce as well as the Taylor 114ce vs 214ce comparison. It is tough to tell which guitar is superior since they have many common points so it is usually up to the player to make the decision. Continue reading to ensure that you don’t regret your choice.

Taylor 114ce and 214ce Overview

Both guitars are a cutaway acoustic-electric Grand Auditorium from Taylor. The first numeral of the model number simply means that the Taylor 114ce belongs to the Taylor 100 Series, while the 214ce belongs to the 200 Series.

The main difference between these series is the wood choice. Although they both have Sitka Spruce top, the 114ce has layered walnut back and sides, while the 214ce has Hawaiian koa for the back and sides. The former has Varnish finish, while the latter has a glossy top and Satin finish for the back and sides.

Taylor 114ce and 214ce both have Venetian cutaway to easily access the upper frets. They also have the dynamic Expression System 2 pickups that deliver the natural acoustic tone of these guitars even when plugged. They share a lot of things, so how is the Taylor 114ce differ from the 214ce?

Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Specifications Comparison

Having to choose between two of Taylor’s acoustic-electric guitars is intimidating. Which is why it’s very important to compare their specifications first. Below is a comprehensive table that details some critical specifications of the Taylor 114ce and the 214ce.

Specifications	Taylor 114ce	Taylor 214ce
Scale Length	25-1/2-inch	25-1/2-inch
Bracing	Forward Shifted Pattern X-bracing	X-bracing
Pickguard	Black	Tortoiseshell
Number of frets	20	20
Body Dimension (lxwxd)	20 x 16 x 4 5/8 – inch	20 x 16 x 4 5/8 – inch
Binding	Black	White
Finish	Varnish	Gloss top, Satin
Gig Bag	Protective Gig Bag	Hardshell Gig Bag

Looking closely, Taylor 114ce and 214ce only differ in three things: binding, pickguard, and the hue of the tonewoods. The 214ce appears to be a little brighter than the Taylor 114ce. If you can’t decide which among the two by just merely looking at the specifications, maybe their playability and sound comparison could help.

Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Playability

Of course, both guitars have Taylor quality and they are both great and reliable. Taylor 114ce has double varnish giving it additional protection and great feel to the touch. The ebony fretboard and the bolt-on neck is very stable, making it very comfortable to play.

Additionally, the forward-shifted bracing pattern makes the guitar sturdy and more intact. The neck is smooth with relatively low friction, so it’s perfect for strumming, flatpicking, fingerpicking, and other playing styles.

The Taylor 214ce is a powerhouse. It’s designed to be played for longer hours and will stay in tune even when used daily. It has an adjustable truss rod that helps you lower the action to make it closer to an electric guitar. The neck is glossed, so you can play fast without any sticking of the hands.

Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Sound

While they seem break even in terms of design and playability, what about the sound? Though they have the same Sitka Spruce top, they have different layered back and sides. So, there’ll be a slight difference between these two.

Taylor 114ce, with the walnut back and sides, has a warmer tone with more emphasis on the mid-range. It’s a compact sound that will reveal the natural amplified sound, thanks to the Expression System 2 onboard.

The Taylor 214ce with the layered Koa back and sides offers more clarity, with punchy lows, and crisp and clear highs. When played unplugged, it’s cheerful and beautiful. Yet, because of its electronics, 214ce is an all-around powerful when connected to an amp. Whether playing for a small crowd or to an auditorium, the Taylor 214ce is always up for the challenge.

It’s worth noting, however, that through time, both the walnut and koa will tend to become warmer and softer. Watch this YouTube video so you’ll know how they sound before buying one of them:

Taylor 114ce vs 214ce: Price

Now, it’s inevitable that there’s also a price comparison. And, while they are both playable with great sound quality, Taylor 214ce is more expensive than the 114ce. Koa isn’t a cheap tonewood, which can be found in some limited-edition guitars. On the flip side, the walnut is a common alternative to koa and is mostly found in more affordable guitars. So, there you have it, the reason why the 214ce is more expensive than the 114ce.

Conclusion

Honestly, the Taylor 114ce vs 214ce is a tie. There’s no significant difference between the two, except, of course, the pickguard, the back and side materials, and the price. They are both playable and they sound great. Although they may have different tonal characteristics at first, through time, both koa and walnut will produce warm and softer tones.

In general, it’s safe to pick either of the two. But, it’s always wise to try them before buying. Try as many guitars before buying, even if they are not Taylor. If you don’t know how to play yet, ask someone to play for you and you will listen. The more you’ll play and listen to the guitar sound, the more concrete your decision is whether to choose Taylor 114ce or the 214ce.

However, if you’re short on budget, just go for the Taylor 114ce. Why will you spend more when you can get the Taylor sound and playability from the cheaper one? In the end, it’s always your choice. Whether you choose one over the other, you know they are both good acoustic-electric guitars.