Introduction
Taylor Guitars is renowned for making some of the most finely crafted acoustic guitars in the world. Founded in California in 1974, the company has built its reputation on attention to detail, innovative design, and the use of premium tonewoods. The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is one of their flagship acoustic-electric models, featuring an exquisite Hawaiian koa body and top-tier appointments.
Koa is a tonewood prized for its visual beauty and tonal qualities. The Hawaiian koa used on the 224ce-K DLX comes from sustainably managed forests and is selected for its stunning grain patterns and figuring. Beyond just aesthetics, koa’s dense construction and balanced resonance contributes to the guitar’s warm, focused sound.
In this in-depth review, we’ll be taking a close look at everything that makes the Taylor 224ce-K DLX special. We’ll break down the specs, construction details, electronics, sound profile, playability, and more. We’ll also discuss how it compares to similar models in Taylor’s lineup and whether it represents a solid value for players seeking a high-end acoustic-electric. Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or just starting out, read on for the complete low-down on this exceptional Hawaiian koa Taylor.
What does the "K" mean in Taylor 224ce-K DLX?
The "K" designation in the Taylor 224ce-K DLX model name refers to the solid Hawaiian Koa wood used for the top, back, and sides of this guitar. Koa is a species of tree native to Hawaii that produces beautifully figured wood prized for musical instruments.
Koa has a warm, rounded tone with excellent midrange presence and projection. The wood’s varying grain patterns and colors create a stunning visual flair. For centuries, koa was the preferred tonewood for ukuleles and other Hawaiian instruments before becoming popular for steel-string and classical guitars.
Taylor Guitars sustainably sources its koa from partner suppliers in Hawaii. The wood is harvested from private forestlands and sawmills using responsible forestry practices. Taylor is committed to maintaining the future of Hawaiian koa through ethical procurement and building lasting partnerships in the state.
The unique look and legacy of koa wood paired with Taylor’s meticulous craftsmanship makes the 224ce-K DLX a special instrument. The "K" moniker denotes both the quality of the koa wood and the Hawaiian roots of this exceptional tonewood.
Build Quality and Craftsmanship
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is proudly handcrafted at Taylor’s state-of-the-art factory in El Cajon, California. All of Taylor’s US-made guitars like the 224ce-K DLX go through an extensive quality control process with multiple inspections by Taylor’s skilled luthiers at each stage of production.
Attention to detail is paramount, with precision machining and hand-finishing ensuring each guitar meets Taylor’s strict standards. The company closely monitors factors like moisture levels and wood integrity to guarantee consistency. This results in impeccable craftsmanship that Taylor is renowned for.
Compared to their imported line of guitars, Taylor’s American-made models utilize superior tonewoods, high-end appointments, and advanced production techniques. While the imported models offer good value, the US-built guitars represent the pinnacle of Taylor’s expertise, with the 224ce-K DLX exemplifying the company’s pursuit of perfection.
Body Shape and Design
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX features Taylor’s popular Grand Auditorium body shape. This mid-sized body strikes a balance between the boom and projection of a dreadnought and the balanced articulation of a smaller concert-shaped guitar.
The Grand Auditorium body measures 15 inches across the lower bout, 16 inches across the waist, and 4 5/16 inches deep. This provides enough internal air space for balanced and energetic tone, while still being comfortably manageable on the player’s lap. The slimmer waist contributes to playing comfort.
The top, back, and sides of the 224ce-K DLX are constructed from solid Hawaiian koa wood. Koa is prized for its attractive visual grain patterns as well as its tonal properties. The solid koa construction allows the top to vibrate and resonate freely for full-bodied tone.
The guitar also has a Venetian cutaway, an elegant cutaway design that provides easy access to the upper frets while preserving the integrity of the guitar’s internal bracing structure. This is especially useful for lead playing styles that require fretting high up on the neck. The cutaway does not inhibit the guitar’s projection or volume.
Electronics and Hardware
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX comes equipped with Taylor’s Expression System 2 (ES2) to amplify its acoustic tone. The ES2 uses three uniquely positioned and calibrated pickup sensors to capture the guitar’s dynamic sound profile. The pickup information is sent through an analog class A preamp with basic tone shaping controls for volume, bass, mid, and treble.
This preamp delivers a natural amplification of the guitar’s inherent acoustic sound, without excessive coloring or unnatural EQ boosting. The ES2 is known for its authentic and balanced reproduction of everything from single-note runs to full strumming chords.
Other hardware appointments on the 224ce-K DLX include quality die-cast tuning machines that hold tune reliably. The nut and saddle are made from Tusq, an engineered composite material chosen for its ability to transfer string vibration optimally. The frets are medium in size and crafted from nickel alloy for smooth playability.
Overall, the electronics and hardware complement the craftsmanship of the guitar beautifully, providing amplified tone and tuning stability to match the quality of the Hawaiian koa build. Players can feel confident plugging this Taylor in at gigs, sessions, or practices while retaining the full character of its acoustic voice.
Neck Profile and Playability
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX features a tropical mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. The neck has a smooth and slim profile that makes it very comfortable and playable.
The fretboard radius measures 15" which allows for lower action and less fret buzz compared to more vintage-style radiused necks. The nut width is 1 3/4" which provides ample space between strings without being too wide. This results in a very playable neck that feels fast and smooth during lead lines and intricate fingerpicking patterns.
The neck joint and heel are smoothly cut for excellent upper fret access. Even high up on the neck you can easily reach all 24 frets comfortably. The ebony fretboard is highly durable and has a rich, dark aesthetic that pairs nicely with the koa body.
Overall the neck carves and dimensions create a very playable instrument. It feels great for a variety of techniques from strumming to fingerstyle thanks to the slim profile, quality nut and fretboard, and unhindered access across the entire fretboard. Players who value comfort and high-end playability will appreciate the 224ce-K DLX’s neck design.
Sound and Tone
The all-solid Hawaiian koa construction of the Taylor 224ce-K DLX contributes to its rich, balanced, and nuanced acoustic tone. The koa top brings a sweet, crystalline high-end and impressive sustain. The koa back and sides provide a warm low-end, pleasant overtones, and a focused midrange. Together, the koa top and back/sides create a nicely rounded tone profile.
The Grand Auditorium body shape also plays an important role in the 224ce-K DLX’s acoustic voice. Its controlled and balanced projection allows the guitar’s complex harmonic overtones to shine through without overwhelming the fundamental notes. This results in excellent clarity across all registers of the guitar. Single notes, chords, and strumming all ring out with a clean, focused character.
The 224ce-K DLX is also equipped with Taylor’s ES2 pickup system and preamp, which accurately reproduces the guitar’s acoustic tone when plugged in. The amplified tones retain the koa’s warmth and shimmer, making this an extremely versatile guitar for live performances or studio work. The EQ controls allow easy tone shaping as needed for different scenarios. Overall, the 224ce-K DLX sounds just as rich and responsive when plugged in as it does acoustically.
Taylor vs Martin Bracing: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to acoustic guitars, the bracing system inside the body plays a crucial role in the instrument’s sound, projection, and structural integrity. Two of the most well-known bracing patterns are the X-bracing used by Taylor Guitars and the traditional X-bracing used by Martin Guitars. Here’s an overview of how these two bracing systems differ and their impacts:
Taylor’s X-Bracing
Taylor uses their own proprietary X-bracing pattern that they’ve developed and refined over decades of guitar-making. The braces inside the guitar body form an "X" shape and are strategically positioned to provide strength while allowing the wood top to vibrate freely.
Compared to traditional X-bracing, Taylor’s system is known for providing excellent balance across the tonal spectrum along with added projection and volume. The design gives their guitars clear articulation and note separation even when strummed hard. Structurally, it provides integrity while minimizing damping on the vibrating top.
Martin’s Traditional X-Bracing
Martin’s X-bracing hews more closely to the bracing patterns originally used when guitars transitioned from bowl-backed designs to flat-tops. The braces form an X with less dramatic angles compared to Taylor’s pattern.
The traditional X-brace provides excellent structural support and stability. Tonally, it emphasizes warmth and richness in the low mids and bass frequencies. The tradeoff is that traditional X-bracing can reduce volume and projection while adding a bit more compression to the sound compared to newer bracing innovations.
Summary of Impacts
While there are many factors that make up a guitar’s sound, the bracing approach plays a key role. Taylor’s X-brace priortizes openness, clarity and volume while Martin’s traditional X-brace provides organic warmth and intimacy. For the Taylor 224ce-K DLX, Taylor’s bracing helps allow the koa wood’s natural tone to shine with vibrant highs and clear note articulation.
Is the Taylor 224ce-K DLX the Loudest Taylor Guitar?
There are many factors that contribute to an acoustic guitar’s loudness and projection besides just the model or body shape. Wood types and densities, bracing patterns, and other construction details all play a role in how much volume an acoustic can put out. So how does the 224ce-K DLX stack up against other Taylor acoustics in terms of sheer loudness?
The Hawaiian koa wood gives the 224ce-K DLX an advantage when it comes to projection. Koa is a dense, stiff wood that helps reflect soundwaves outward rather than absorbing them. This contributes to the guitar’s punchy midrange and clear treble notes that cut through the mix. The koa’s acoustic properties combined with Taylor’s customized bracing result in impressive sustain and volume.
That said, the Grand Auditorium body of the 224ce-K DLX places some limits on its potential loudness compared to Taylor’s bigger dreadnought models. The GA shape aims for a balanced tone that stays controlled when played hard, rather than unleashing a booming, bass-heavy roar. So while the 224ce-K DLX has excellent projection for its body size, some Taylor dreadnoughts like the 810e or 914ce may be capable of higher raw acoustic volume.
The key is that more volume doesn’t automatically mean better. The 224ce-K DLX strikes a great balance between loudness and musicality. Its clear, rich voice cuts through without overpowering. For those needing a guitar to hold its own in jam sessions or live performance without sacrificing nuance, the 224ce-K DLX hits the sweet spot. Loudness potential is just one factor among many when finding the right Taylor for your needs and playing style.
Value and Cost
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX carries a premium price tag, with current street prices typically ranging from $2,999 to $3,499 USD. This puts it firmly in the high-end bracket for an acoustic-electric guitar. However, the pricing is justified based on the quality of materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and Taylor’s reputation as a top-tier guitar manufacturer.
The all-solid Hawaiian koa wood construction plays a major role in the cost. Koa is relatively rare and expensive compared to more common tonewoods like mahogany or rosewood. Its figured patterns and rich coloring also add to the expense. Beyond the koa, other premium appointments like the tropical mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, and mother-of-pearl inlays contribute to the overall build cost.
When you factor in the American-made build quality, including Taylor’s proprietary bracing system, the price starts to make sense. Their El-Cajon factory employs master luthiers and state-of-the-art CNC machining for a high degree of quality control. Attention to detail is paramount, from the wood selection to final setup.
Finally, the Taylor brand name carries prestige in the guitar world, which adds monetary value. Savvy acoustic players know Taylor makes some of the best mass-produced guitars around. The company has built a reputation for innovation and consistently high standards over decades in the business.
For serious players shopping in this upper price echelon, the 224ce-K DLX is reasonably priced considering everything that goes into it. While not inexpensive, it delivers outstanding performance, tone, and craftsmanship per dollar. Ultimately, it comes down to budget and determining if the expense is justified for your needs.