Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural Gloss Reviews
What does the future look like for builders who work with old-growth tonewoods? Taylor Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers wrestled with these questions in earnest. The global supply of centuries-old old-growth wood dwindles with each passing year, and builders like Andy are increasingly pressed to find cuts large enough for a 1-piece guitar top. The Taylor team rose to this meet the challenge with the 814ce Builder’s Edition. This new instrument pairs an 814ce’s unbeatable playability and looks with a top crafted from four pieces of old-growth Adirondack spruce. Adirondack spruce is rich in terms of sound and history, having been the go-to acoustic top wood long before Taylor was even founded. Old-growth Adirondack is also incredibly strong, lightweight, and focused. Between the top’s age and the Adirondack’s massive natural vibrational capacity and headroom, what results is a lively resonance that will border on mystical for discerning tonewood enthusiasts.
Earn $225 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $94/month with 48 month financing*
$225 Earn $225.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
As low as $94/month
with 48 month financing*
See all payment options
Customer Reviews
Customer Added Media
Share Your Thoughts
Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased.
Questions about the 814ceBE?
Or call us at (800) 222-4700
Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it.
Highest Rated Reviews
Taylor 814 ce Builders Edition.
Simply, the finest acoustic I have ever owned, and at 67 years old and many acoustics and electric guitars over the years, that is an astute statement!!!!!
Exceeded all my expectations
This is one awesome guitar. The build quality is top notch. The looks impressive. The playing comfort is better than anything I ever played. The sound is exactly what I was looking for. The setup was nice. The packaging was top notch and the follow up from my sales representative was much appreciated. Sweetwater is my favorite online music supplier. Thanks for everything
Beautiful sounding guitar and beautiful to look at
An amazing sounding guitar…the fit and finish is phenomenal. I couldn't be happier. This is a guitar of a lifetime that will certainly be passed down through generations.
Amazing
Only had for about a month now but it's everything I ever expected and then some plays like a dream sounds amazing if you're thinking about it stop thinking and get it you won't regret it
My new favorite
This is it. I found my guitar. It's perfect for me. Everything about it is what I've wanted.
Amazing Guitar!
I've been interested in the 814CE ever since Taylor added the arm carve. This is one of those guitars that I put in the "Someday, if dreams come true" list. That day finally came and I was ready to buy the 814CE. I then saw the Builder's Edition and Ed Nystrom took the time to tell me all about the differences. Since this guitar represents my ultimate goal for an acoustic, I realized that I might as well go a step further and get the Builder's Edition. And I'm really glad that I did!
The guitar is a joy to play and has a beautiful sound. Its arm bevel lets me play for hours in comfort. On top of all that, it's gorgeous to look at. I haven't had any desire to pick up my electric guitars since I received this and I'm finding myself getting lost playing this for hours on end.
Thank you Ed and Sweetwater!
My dream guitar
Heard so much about this guitar I want to buy one..I just recently bought Martin 000-20 @ mckenzie river guitar I t has a high action
.I want to sell this..do u accept trade in.. bought it last augst
Outstanding guitar
The sound that comes out of this guitar is incredible. It's loud, bright, and with a great low end punch that is not overwhelming so the guitar doesn't lose any overtones. It's so smooth and plays so well. Holds playing with really low action very well with minimal buzz. The setup from Sweetwater was great. I had this guitar Plek'd also and I'm happy with how it turned out. Feel it was worth it. I own a Taylor 224ce also which is a great guitar but the sound this guitar makes is just in another level. If you are having any doubts you can quell them. If you like the sound of modern acoustic that bring a nice bright punchy well rounded sound then this is the guitar for you. Playability unmatched. Thanks Sweetwater!
814 builder's ed. Taylor
Very happy with my purchase an amazing guitar
Played Like A Dream Right of the Case
My 814 CE Builders Edition played like a dream right out of the case. The setup and the action of the guitar ware perfect. This guitar is a real beauty and looks great. The finishes and details on the guitar are high quality and and befitting of a Builders Edition . The rosewood back and sides and old wood Adirondack top give the guitar a balanced sound (low, mids and high) and the sustain is unbelievable. The guitar is pleasure to hold and to play.
Amazing and Wonderful!
I own a number of really wonderful guitars but this one is a new and special favorite. All the great comfort and playability of a Taylor Builder's Edition with the clarity and resonance of the spruce/rosewood combination. Deep yet balanced bass and the mids do not get lost. The highs are chimey reminding me of my PRS in the electric realm. I wanted a guitar the I could finger pick or just go for it with and I got it. I think the top really contributes to the crispness in the sound. I can't wait to see how this guitar sounds as it opens up with age.
If you are considering and 814ce, I would suggest throwing in the extra bucks and getting the Builder's Edition. The comfort level translates to hours more playing time and for me that is worth the extra dollars.
Addition to my 8 January 24 review
I wrote a review on 8 January 24 complaining of fret buzz. I finally took it in and it had 3 high frets. Frets have been leveled and it plays fine. Just something I wouldn't expect from a Taylor, especially a builders edition. Doesn't say much for Taylor's quality control or Sweeetwater's inspection.
Disappointed
Received my 814 Builders edition and was disappointed right away. Fret buzzing. I had planned on putting heavier strings on it and did and it took away the buzzing but the action was too high, tried adjusting the neck and the buzzing started again. Went back to the original 12-53s but had to adjust the neck so the low E at 12th is .014 which according to specs should be about .010. The guitar is beautiful and sounds good unplugged but hate having the action so high. Will take it in to get it set up I guess. Thought about having sweetwater do it when I ordered it but figured since it was a builders edition it would be fine...wrong. Do not care much for the ES2 system.
So not worth it
This is not knock on Sweetwater, who have been wonderful to work with. But the Taylor Builders Edision is nothing but disappointing. My 314ce sounds and plays so much better. I even had the 814ce Plecked by Sweetwater. The nut digs into your finger, fret sprout, and sounds like a New low end guitar. My 314ce sounds so much better. Same strings and new. Shame on you Taylor! You got my my $ Plus so I guess you win and I lose. Maybe shame on me. Stupid purchase.
