Taylor 324ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar - Shaded Edgeburst Reviews

This is my first introduction to owning a Taylor guitar and I am beyond satisfied. The tone is incredible, the playability excellent, and the build quality outstanding. I love the armrest, it really makes playing so much more comfortable. You can't go wrong with this one.

Was researching various Taylor guitars and decided on the 324 Builders Edition. Made the purchase through Sweetwater as I like to see exactly what I'm buying, and the photos available for each item are great. With slight variances in the wood grain, each guitar is slightly different. Guitar arrived perfect, well packaged, and playable right out of the box (I did wait a day to acclimate.) Would recommend. Love it.

This is an amazing guitar! Once I saw it wanted to touch it, once I touched it I could not believe how smooth the neck felt as I played a few chords, once I played it the sound of it exceed anything I've played! Needless to say this lady has found a permanent home! The look, feel, and sound of this instrument is exquisite!

I played through all 3 models and this one stood out to me. The tones sat right in the middle between really bright and really dark. Since I already own a Taylor with a Sitka spruce top, I wanted something with a different tonal characteristic- and this delivered. Everything about this guitar was obviously very meticulously thought out. It's really hard to put down!

I was nervous about buying an acoustic guitar online. But since this 324ce builder's edition wasn't available in any of my local stores, I was left with no choice. And all I can say is that yes, the Taylor 324ce builder's edition really is as nice as it sounds on the videos.

The guitar has a rare combination of warmth and clarity that I've never had in an acoustic guitar before --- I've had warm sounding guitars that tended toward a muddy sound, and I've had clear sounding guitars that felt cold. This guitar has both. Right out of the box this guitar felt like an old friend, perfectly set up and intonated. All of my other acoustics have spruce tops and I selected this one because I wanted a different sounding instrument. The mahogany top on this one delivers that different tone I was looking for, in a playable, comfortable and articulate package.

This is my first Taylor and the only regret I have is that I waited this long to buy one.

10/10 would buy this again. It's gorgeous in every way.

Seems like the more I play the guitar the better it gets thanks Ryan for the deal you give me would very highly recommend this guitar to a friend thanks again to everyone at Sweetwater.

I highly recommend this fabulous instrument. It has a sound all its own and even smells oh so nice. I have to thank my sweetwater representative David M for his countless help over the years and guidance. A top notch experience. Thank you sweetwater.

I purchased the Taylor Builder's edition several years back and have to say that quality, appearance and playability are just as described. I love playing it, but I have never used it in any onstage performance. The main reason is the electric part of the guitar. The output is weak compared to all the acoustic-electric guitars I have; it requires a strong preamp to boost the line output. If you play in a band that performs in a noisy club requiring the band to be loud the guitar cannot hold its own. If you block the hole to reduce feedback, you may be able to play some rhythm. If you need to project playing a hot lead line you will not be heard. If you play with an acoustic performing group, you will be fine. Again, the smooth sounding acoustic projection from the hole is fantastic, but playing electric is not. I do have to says that as the guitar ages the sweeter it sounds. I have done a little recording were everyone has their own track and then adjusted and blended, it sounds great.

Taylor guitars are top of the food chain and this guitar will be no different. But my main reason for writing this review is my sales rep Patrick Cobley. He has always taken great care of me. He truly wants to make his customers happy and get them into the right gear that works best for them. If you are looking for someone that is professional and truly cares about his customers then contact Patrick Cobley.

Really can't say enough about how pleased I was with the purchase experience from Sweetwater. My sales engineer, Connor answered all my questions and clearly set expectations up front as well as ensuring that the setup was done to my preferences. I was kept up-to-date throughout the order/shipping process and they even ensured that I received the guitar on the specific day of the week I requested. Would I order another guitar from Sweetwater? Absolutely no hesitation!

Now...the guitar. It really is a work of art. Not a single blemish to be found and the workmanship really makes this instrument a joy to hold. I really appreciate the intentional and sustainable approach that Taylor brought to the design of this guitar. The sounds are rich and inviting, delivering wonderfully satisfying and mesmerizing tones.

If you're looking to break into Taylor's Builder Edition line, this is a great place to start that journey.

Have been messing around to find a great sounding and playable guitar for live shows for years !!! I came accross this model and have finally put to rest the search ( for a little while ) lol.. For a Mahogony top small body guitar this sounds amazing !! The low tones could be a little better but adjustments can be made on your eq, The top end is perfect not to bright and thin sounding like most spruce tops iv'e had and that includes Martins and spruce top Taylors. The playability is the best i've experienced in 30 yrs of performing it's like having a Porche in your hands with it's sleek look and style as well as the comfort of the beveled edge you will be supprised how light the guitar is as well..
Cons : I actually only have one con for this guitar and that is the E2 pickup system.. It's sounds terrible!! sounds super thin, metallic, like playing an old steel guitar your found in your granfathers garage... Was noticing the same sound with other Taylors as well since Taylor moved to the E2 from the Fishman... I spent hundreds of dollars on guitar pedels to try and help but finally was suggested by my guitar tech to install an Boss Anthem SL pickup system and wow what a difference !! I've had numorous of musicians that have attending my shows and ask me what kind of guitar i was playing cause they were so supprised on how good it sounded.. The pedels i added were the Boss Align Series Equalizer, Boss Align Series Session, Boss Align Series Reverb, and finallay the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I ,

I have never had a guitar feel and play so comfortably from the first time I picked it up. The sound is amazing, I have two martins that I haven't played since I purchased this. My sales person Ryan was great he had answers for all my questions. I am one very happy customer.

Absolutely the finest instrument I've purchased to date. Wonderful sound and playability. Enjoy creating music nearly every day. Thank you Sweetwater and Logan!!!

Really nice guitar. The guitar has a wonderful tone. I find it visually pleasing. Maybe best of all, I discovered all the talk about the builder's edition features isn't just sales hype.. It is extremely comfortable to hold and play. I don't want to put it down. It is not a particularly loud guitar when played acoustically but with a mahogany top I wasn't expecting it to be. I have absolutely no regrets about buying this guitar.

As always, Ty and all the good people at Sweetwater made the purchase easy.

This is a work of art. It's hard to even describe what it feels like to play this guitar but it's absolutely stunning. The grand auditorium body style works wonders to make this guitar sound beautiful. Sweetwater's customer service has made sure this will be the only place I purchase anything guitar related.

I am fortunate enough that this is my third Builder's Edition Taylor. I have wanted a all "hog" guitar for awhile. Looking for that dryer darker sound. This guitar matched my needs perfectly. With all the playability of the Builder's Edition and the depth of mahogany. One of the guilty pleasures of the BEs is that they are the ultimate couch guitar. I could not believe I could add this guitar to my collection for this price.

I have never purchased an acoustic guitar on line (1st electric was last year from SW) and I was a bit worried but I did my homework. I played a 324 years ago and liked it better than every Martin and other Taylor, Gibson, Yamaha etc that I played regardless of price, so I knew eventually I would want one of these. Then I saw this. A new wood from urban trees? Not for me I said knowing that all our blew over last storm in my neighborhood. But still this is Taylor right? I was not disappointed. I have a 214ce that I bought used years ago but knew it was not professional enough. This was pricey but I figured 3K was the starting point of a "real" acoustic. I just got it yesterday and once I started playing it I could not put it down. It plays like butter, the tomes are balanced but not super loud which is OK once you plug it in. I have not yet that's how good it sounds. The intonation is so spot on I have never played any acoustic that was this perfect. The tuners are frigging amazingly accurate. The feel and finish are stella and you can literally feel the vibrations while you play. Now I have to relearn how to keep my hand of the top so I don't kill the sound :).

I also like the smaller sized body since I am not a large dude. Really its only been one night but this thing is the *****! Thank you Alan Carter! I only wish Taylor had done their Baby promo a couple days earlier :( Still not sad!!

Been wanting a builder's edition for some time. But my local guitar shop didn't have one and didn't seem interested in trying to get one in. I watched the video on Sweetwater and was impressed with how each instrument goes through actual hands on inspections by real musicians. I really was hesitant about buying a higher end guitar online. Carlos Ortiz was my sales engineer and he was very patient and put my fears at ease. He worked so well with me and I got this beautiful 324ce builder edition. It was shipped so fast. I received it on Christmas Eve. After letting it sit for a day I finally opened it on Christmas. Wow. The tone is so balanced. It works equally well strumming or finger picking. The only negative is it could use a little more work on the action. It's not bad but I feel it can actually be made even better with a proper setup. I'm going to have a local Taylor approved Luther in my area do a set up. I will follow up after it's completed. Right now I just can't stand to let it out of my sight. Lol. I recommend this urban ash guitar and Carlos from Sweetwater. You won't go wrong with either.

Extremely comfortable. Great tone. I have several other vey high end acoustics and the sound and feel of this simply better.
"Urban Ash"- who knew? Awesome

Just a dream to play plugged into a sound system, or not. Beautiful instrument.

This is a wonderful instrument. It has an extremely balanced tone, with rich and smooth evenness across the sound spectrum. I find that this guitar in particular is suited for accompanying voice (especially tenor and female) as well as recording. It isn't so bass heavy nor treble heavy that I have to eq much post recording. It is flawlessly built and the satin finish is now my preferred type of finish on acoustic guitars from this point on.

I am really drawn to the use of ecological practices/ materials, and it is cool to see these shamel ash trees as I drive through LA knowing they may be used to make instruments one day! I like to support companies that think beyond the "now" and Taylor has a history of environmentalism and forward thinking building techniques. I fundamentally believe that this choice of wood is out of consideration for tone and impact, I really think this wood has a remarkable frequency response.

I have played many great acoustics, and this guitar has the "woodiness" of my 1965 Martin D-28, but also has a clarity that distinctly makes it a "Taylor". I can't wait to see what happens as it ages. It really is a joy to play. I did purchase a normal 324ce at first, and I can confidently say that this guitar does indeed have more "depth" and richness in sound. Also, I don't know if I can ever go back to non contoured edged guitars. It is surprising how much more comfortable it is to hold.

Shout out to Ryan Clapper for helping me find this instrument!

Since it's introduction I have been eying this beauty. With Sweeetwater's great financing terms I decided it was time. What a perfect decision I made. I am loving everything about this guitar from the unique warm sound to the fit, finish and playability. Definitely my new favorite. All the hype is real. If you are contemplating getting one of these, don't hesitate any longer. You won't regret it.

It's everything that I was hoping it would be. I was looking for a guitar like this with great sound and the extra sweet features like the armrest.

Guitar is amazing. Just get one. I can't explain it.

I have had this 324ce for a couple of weeks now and just can't believe the warmth and beauty of the tone each time I play it. Love the matte finish and it is so comfortable to hold. I have a 914ce and love it, but this one has a somewhat darker tone that I really love to fingerpick on and it is great for some acoustic blues. Both are total delights to play. I can't really say which I like better. The 914 has the bling and an amazing sustain, but there is something about the 324 that is special. They will both be staying with me!! Love these Taylors.

I've always wanted a high end guitar. I finally got one with my Builders Edition 324ce. The tonal quality of this guitar is truly incredible. The comfort of the chamfered edges is amazing. The look of this deep, dark stain is quite the sight to behold.

When sitting alone and relishing in the amazing sound this acoustic guitar puts out, I'm in perpetual joy. Then when I plug it in to hear it amplified, I'm constantly struggling to get the same quality of sound through the sound system.

I've tweaked, adjusted and have spent a long time trying to make this beautiful guitar sound as good as it does unplugged… not possible with this internal pick-up that Taylor designed for it.

I don't get it. Maybe my ear is too picky? There is no midrange.

But I found a solution. It is an acoustic modeler eq for acoustic guitars. Some might think this may take away from the amazing Taylor craft, but if my axe doesn't sound as good plugged in as when it's unplugged, then I feel it best to find an eq device to equal and even enhance the guitar.

All in all, the guitar is a dream to hold in my hands and even more so to play!

So I purchased a guitar originally from a store named something center lol .They sold me a floor model with nicks and scratches on it that i didnt realize were there due to lighting in store. Oh yeah they also sold it a demo model to me at new price. So i was super unhappy and took it back. So i called sweetwater and got ahold of a sales guy named Shelby S. . He spent days helping me pick the right guitar for me even though i was so undecided. He was very patient. In the end we ordered a guitar the taylor 324 but it was taking so long to get to me due to manufacturing shortages. Well i got a hold of him again and He offered this guitar to me and I just got it in. Now im no pro guitarist actually far from it but the comfort and durability and the sound of this guitar is phenomenal. Wow im blown away. I am so happy with my purchase. Even though i had to change my guitar in middle of order to this one everyone was patient and so kind in helping me. I will never shop at any other center store again .sweetwater is the place for me........

I've been playing guitars since 1973. Acoustic and electric. I was in a folk rock group in the Philippines back in the 70s and as a solo I've played James Taylor, Jim Croce songs and now, a little bit of everything including Country as I've gigging since I moved to the United States in 1980 and also play music at church. My first and second guitar were made from Jackfruit wood. I liked the sound of second one. It was a classical guitar. My third guitar which I used to play with my group, was a 12-string Gibson copy custom made by a friend of mine who belongs to a family of guitar makers in the Philippines, "Lumanog". I brought it here with me in 1980 but unfortunately after a while, the finish cracked as the finish is not for the kind of weather we have here. I sent it back to my friend to get it refinished but it did the same after a while. I realized that I may just have to get it refinished somewhere sometime locally. My first bought guitar here in the United States was an Ovation 12-string followed by a Takamine EN-10 and an Ibanez but then about 13 years ago, after I sold these guitars, I switched to a Rainsong WS1000 and a Composite Acoustics Ca X (pre Peavey). I love these guitars! I never thought I would go back to a wood guitar again. I ended up with a Yamaha SLG200S two years ago from Sweetwater and I loved it too. I've always thought that Martins and Taylors are just overrated but now I finally decided to get this 324ce Builder's Edition from my salesman Nick Lamendola. I would not say that it sounds better than my graphite guitars, it's different, and I really love it too. The only thing is now I have to deal with having to maintain the right humidity on it but above all, I'm glad I got it!

I purchased this Guitar hoping to have a different playing experience than I have with my Taylor 812 CE Deluxe. Don't get me wrong, I love my 812 Deluxe, it's an incredible guitar, and I've owned it for 3 years and plan to keep it forever, but the 324 builders edition is unique in its own way! I'm finding myself playing in a different way and getting creative. I love the unique sounds coming from this masterpiece of a guitar!
I would have paid $1-$2000 more for this guitar knowing how great it is.
...an incredible price. This guitar is stunning!!
The service from Sweetwater Guitar was excellent! It was very easy for me to order, I loved It when they emailed me pictures of the guitar so I could look at them while I was waiting for it to arrive. They always go the extra mile to make it an unforgettable experience.
The guitar arrived in perfect condition. It played great right out of the box.
A follow up phone call from them after my guitar arrived was also greatly appreciated.
I will purchase all my guitars from them in the future. Thank you again Sweetwater for your incredible service.

I have had the guitar for a few days now and have been thoroughly enjoying it. I played one at the NAMM 2020 and I was immediately hooked. Now that I have been able to play for a few days in a quiet environment I can say the 324buikder edition is truly AWESOME. This guitar excels particularly well in low tunings, e.g. open C, C+2 (first string tuned to D), or Cm (1st string tuned to Eb)--it has this dark and intriguing voice from the bass strings and clear, liquid treble. When you fingerpick the sound is sweet and clear; and when you strum, the sound is smooth and rounded. I have had several Taylors (714ce, 514ce, 324e, GS Cedar/Rosewood, and a 314 Ltd), and this one is unique--it sings differently than you normal spruce or cedar top guitars. I know the mahogany is supposed to smooth things out but I suspect it has a lot to do with the combination of the back and side urban ash. The look, what can I tell ya, is simple and elegant at the same time. Try playing one. Just be prepared that you may want one.

Absolutely love this guitar. It truly melts into your body when you play it, it's just so soft. The tone of this guitar is incredibly warm and yet bright and full of life. I truly love it.

This guitar is the finest acoustic guitar I have ever played. I have a Martin D35, several Guilds, 2 Andrew Whites and various other acoustics, and played a few other very expensive guitars, but this one has some indescribable magic mojo that pours out of it so effortlessly. Not to say these other guitars aren't great, they are, but there is something else in play here. It is a subtly beautiful guitar - very understated. The matte finish lets the wood be wood without a fancy finish, the bevels help you play better without you even noticing it, the tuners are sweet and smooth, but when you start to play it, it sings like another voice you never knew you had in you: intonation, perfect; playability like butter..., I am blown away. Yeah, yeah, yeah, builder's edition, v-bracing, urban ash, mahogany top. Well whatever the formula is, this is it. I'm sorry I could only give it 5 stars. Thanks Andy.

The Good: This guitar has a good warm but sparkling tone. Highs are definitely there and they are sweet, but they do not overshadow the nice mids and lows. It's a pretty "woody' sounding guitar that I do not always hear in a Taylor. Super comfortable to play with the beveled edges and of course a Taylor neck is always great.

The Not So Good: I have never been a fan of the Expression System (1 or 2) and this one not disappoint! I find it brash and harsh on the high end ... pretty much unusable. However, I knew that I would detest it going in, and so I. immediately shipped the guitar off to Nashville for a custom installed ES replacement bridge piezo and internal mic system that utilizes the ES control knobs and changes nothing appearance-wise (not going to reveal brand names).

Now, it TOTALLY is the best of all worlds ... super comfortable to play and sounds like a million bucks. I wish Taylor would sell these guitars stock with no pick-up system as an easy-to-acquire option (not custom order). I am sure I am not alone on this.

This is such an awesome guitar. What can I even say to describe it. The sound and appearance is amazing. I can't describe in words how great this

Got my new Taylor 324 ce-v Builder just in time for christmas. I had order a 524 cev and after a long wait and additional slide to delivery date from the factory I decided to switch and pickup this in stock 324 cev builder. I have to saay I'm very pleased with this guitar and love how nice it sounds and plays. The Builder Edition contouring of the body and neck makes this guitar a joy to hold and play. Very smooth sound with outstanding sustain. I own a 324 cev which has the spruce top and compared with this Mahogony top I found a wonderful smooth tone form the 324 that complements my playing when I play with a lighter strumming style. Taylor build quality and new v-brace intonation makes this guitar a great purchase and welcome addition. I will keep it for years and hand it down to my son.

Just bought a new Taylor 324CE Builder's Edition from Sweetwater and I love it. It's smooth and snappy!

I had put a honeymoon review on here before I even plugged the guitar in. While I was initially blown away once I plugged it in all I could hear is high end thin metallic sounds. EQ'ing only made it soulless once I removed the harshness. I then tried nearly every Taylor in my area and realized I am just not a Taylor guy. I have an older 214ce that is much warmer than all the ones I tried but is not a high end acoustic. I am not here to bash Taylor as they are a reputable company who makes excellent guitars that many people adore, just not for me. Once I heard that harshness plugged in I could not unhear it. It may just be me but I eventually found a beautiful Martin D35 that sounds exactly how I expect an acoustic to sound. Again they make great guitars just not my style.

This is a wonderful instrument. A definite upgrade from the Ovations I've been playing forever. Great action, great neck feel & great tone. That being said, for $ you would think that the fit & finish would be better. There's a lot of buzz on the bottom 5 frets (nothing that a truss rod adjustment can't fix). I'm disappointed with the finish on the body which feels like it wasn't prepped properly before the clear coat was applied. There's a lot of high spots. Also, the neck heel is not smooth as if it wasn't sanded completely. I've had $200.00 guitars with better quality finishes. Maybe this is typical of Taylors, but since this is my first one I don't know. The finish is the reason for the 3 stars otherwise it would be 5.

I've had this guitar for nearly two months. Acoustically it is flawless. Very light weight, very well built, very beautiful and plays like a dream. Now, the bad part. Taylor may think that their Expression System 2 pickup system is something to write home about, but it is not. It is too sensitive. It literally picks up EVERYTHING and magnifies it to the point of completely degrading the sound (not what you would expect from $ guitar!!). Pick on the strings sounds like running your fingers down a chalkboard....same thing with a fingerpicking style....every motion on the wound strings sounds like a screech and I have adjusted the pickups as instructed by Taylor's website....the problem is by the time you get the screeching down to almost inaudible, you have no volume. I use a 40 watt Peavy Vyper 2 amp, plenty of power....I have changed out the bridge pins from brass back to wood which helped a little and have replaced strings with D'Addario flat wound strings to try to eliminate some of the screech and while that has helped some, the sound is still there. I know there are aftermarket pickups that will fit right in with the existing hardware (Mi Si Align XT for example), but why should I have to spend another 200 to make a $... guitar sound good when plugged in. I do love the playability of the guitar, it is very forgiving on the wrists and fingers, but I would strongly recommend avoiding the Taylor ES2 pickup system. I have some decisions to make as to whether or not I am going to retrofit the guitar with an after market pickup system or just cut my losses and trade it in for a Martin, Washburn, or maybe even a Takamine. Decisions, decisions. But, before I cut away, I will give all the kudos to Sweetwater. I have purchased 4 guitars from them and have not been disappointed in least with their attentiveness, professionalism and attention after the sale with follow-up calls and e-mails. Will say that they are probably the best online music company in the business and well deserved!!

Taylor makes great guitars, but I believe they have hurt the brand by this ES2 system. I have read other reviews on blogs and social media that have had the same experience as I do. My suggestion is that you find a Taylor at a local shop and play it plugged in before you shell out the greenbacks.

Regards

George

Absolutely beautiful guitar...but it lacks clarity. Feels great in hand.