The Taylor 214ce Rosewood is the most recommended acoustic-electric guitar in the $1000 range.
It achieves a stress-free playability, thanks to its production in a high-precision factory.
It possesses a balanced standard tone that can accommodate any playing style. However, its modern and clear tone might not be suitable for old-school blues.
While there are several variation models available, the standard model offers the best cost-effectiveness.****
In the United States, the Taylor brand is said to have surpassed even Gibson and Martin in acoustic guitar sales. This review focuses on the Taylor 214ce Rosewood, a cost-effective model made in Mexico. Although Koa wood was adopted for a while due to CITES regulations, the much-anticipated rosewood specification made a comeback in 2020!
The body size is the Grand Auditorium (GA), Taylor’s most popular and highly rated design, introduced by founder Bob Taylor in 1994.
It resonates well with various playing techniques, from delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming.
This combination is similar to Martin’s Style 28, making it a standard in acoustic guitars. The rosewood offers a rich yet defined bass, and the clear and expansive treble is characteristic.
The 214ce Rosewood is known for its clear sound, making it especially suitable for pick playing. It can handle a wide range of genres, from band performances to solo acts, accompanying singing, or instrumental.
The guitar is equipped with Taylor’s original ES2 pickup. Unlike typical piezo pickups, it offers a very natural resonance. This excellent acoustic-electric sound quality is one of the reasons for Taylor’s high reputation. It also has the same feedback resistance as piezo. The controls are simple, with volume, bass, and treble adjustments.
The Taylor 200 series is manufactured in their own Mexican factory. The main reason for not being made in the USA is to reduce labor costs. However, the manufacturing process is computer-controlled, ensuring consistent quality with little variation between individual guitars.
The nut width is 42.8mm (1-11/16 inches), making the neck easier to grip, especially for those with smaller hands, women, and electric guitar players. The American-made 314ce has a nut width of 44.45mm (1 3/4 inches). The nut and saddle are also well-adjusted, making the strings easy to press.
The sides and back are made of a three-layer structure (layered) of rosewood/poplar/rosewood. This makes the natural resonance of the guitar and the body’s sound a bit subdued. However, as an electric acoustic, it stands out in its price range.
Both the acoustic and electric sounds are beautifully modern. It might not be suitable for those looking for a vintage or bluesy sound with warmth and punch in the midrange.
For an electric acoustic, you can reduce the treble to achieve a slightly sweeter sound if desired.
Well, this is a matter of personal preference, so if you don’t intend to use it for that kind of genre, you don’t need to worry about it.
| Feature | 214ce Rosewood | 214ce Rosewood Plus | 214ce Rosewood DLX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | GA | GA | GA |
| Top | Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce | Sitka Spruce |
| Side/Back | Layered Rosewood | Layered Rosewood | Layered Rosewood |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony | Ebony |
| Nut/Saddle | Nubone / Micarta | Nubone / Micarta | Nubone / Micarta |
| Scale | 25.5″ (648mm) | 25.5″ (648mm) | 25.5″ (648mm) |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16″ (42.8mm) | 1 11/16″ (42.8mm) | 1 11/16″ (42.8mm) |
| Electronics | ES2 | ES2 | ES2 |
| Neck | Tropical Mahogany | Tropical Mahogany | Sapele |
| Peg | Die-cast Chrome | Taylor Nickel | Taylor Polished Bronze |
| Binding | White | Black | White |
| Fretboard Inlay | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | 4mm Dot Italian Acrylic | Small Diamond |
| Body Finish | Satin | Gloss | Gloss |
| Case | Taylor Gig Bag | Aero Case | Taylor Deluxe Hard Shell |
| Color | Natural | Natural | Natural/Sunburst |
| Market Price | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,599 |
There are three grades for the Taylor 214ce Rosewood: standard (referred to as “no mark” for convenience), Plus, and DLX. The body, scale, nut width, and other sizes are the same, with differences mainly in appearance, the included case, and price. The glossy finish requires more work, hence the higher price.
The standard 214ce comes with a decent gig bag. If you don’t have a preference for the case, the standard 214ce offers excellent value for money.
The 214ce Rosewood offers:
Recommended for:
