Introduction
Taylor Guitars is one of the most respected and renowned acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world. Based in California, the company has been crafting premium acoustic guitars since 1974. Taylor is known for innovation, consistent quality, and a diverse lineup of guitar shapes and tonewoods.
The Taylor 614ce is the flagship model within Taylor’s Grand Auditorium series. First introduced in the late 1990s, the Grand Auditorium shape combines the volume and projection of a dreadnought with the comfortable playability of a smaller body. It quickly became Taylor’s most popular shape.
The 614ce represents the very best Taylor has to offer in a Grand Auditorium guitar. It features premium tonewoods, including solid Sitka spruce on top and figured maple back and sides. The 614ce employs Taylor’s proprietary V-Class bracing system, which improves volume, sustain, and intonation. It also comes equipped with Taylor’s ES2 pickup system, making this an extremely stage-friendly acoustic-electric.
With its exquisite looks, elite-level components, and top-tier craftsmanship, the 614ce firmly occupies a spot at the pinnacle of the acoustic guitar world. This review will take an in-depth look at everything that makes the Taylor 614ce such an exceptional instrument.
Taylor 614ce Specs & Features
The Taylor 614ce showcases premium tonewoods and thoughtful design in Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium body shape. This comfortable middle ground between a dreadnought and concert-sized guitar offers a balanced, versatile sound.
The back and sides are crafted from figured maple, which provides a clear, focused tone with articulate bass and snappy highs. The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, which gives the 614ce headroom and dynamic range.
At the heart of the guitar is Taylor’s V-Class bracing system. This patented design boosts volume and sustain while keeping the tone balanced across the tonal spectrum. It allows the maple and spruce to really sing.
The 614ce also comes equipped with Taylor’s ES2 pickup system, which utilizes behind-the-saddle sensors to capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. The onboard preamp provides volume control, treble and bass adjustment so you can dial in your amplified tone.
With its impressive woods and electronics, the 614ce is ready to shine whether you’re playing coffeehouse gigs or big stages. The specs back up Taylor’s reputation for blending innovation and craftsmanship.
Taylor 614ce Sound & Tone
The Taylor 614ce is renowned for its balanced, articulate sound across the tonal spectrum. When strummed or fingerpicked, the 614ce produces a rich, warm acoustic tone from its combination of maple back and sides with a Sitka spruce top. The maple provides a focused midrange punch and crisp treble, while the spruce contributes headroom and resonance in the low end.
The Grand Auditorium body shape also lends itself well to versatility, capable of both intricate fingerstyle playing and energetic flatpicking or strumming. Players can coax a diverse range of tones from the 614ce to suit anything from intimate folk performances to driving rock rhythms.
When plugged in, the ES2 electronics faithfully reproduce the 614ce’s acclaimed acoustic tone. There is enough headroom in the preamp to handle aggressive strumming without distortion or feedback. The onboard tone controls allow easy EQ shaping, while the tuner mute function is handy for silent tuning between songs. Overall, the 614ce’s amplified performance makes it an exceptional on-stage guitar suitable for any gigging or recording scenario.
Taylor 614ce Playability
The Taylor 614ce features a smooth and comfortable 25.5" scale neck that most players will find very playable. The neck has a slim C-shaped profile that feels great in the hand. It’s not overly chunky but still substantial enough for solid grip and control.
The action on the 614ce is set very low from the factory, optimized for speed and ease of fretting. Notes ring out clearly even with light touch and minimal pressure required along the fretboard. Intonation up and down the neck is spot on thanks to Taylor’s precision nut and bridge setup.
The fretboard itself is made from dark ebony which provides a great contrast to the spruce top. The ebony feels smooth to the touch and allows for very comfortable chord changes and lead playing. The fretwork from Taylor is impeccable with nicely rounded fret ends to avoid sharp edges.
The fretboard inlays on the 614ce are simple and elegant. The inlays follow Taylor’s standard 6-inline fretboard dots, with a double dot at the 12th fret. The inlays are understated but do the job in terms of marking position along the neck.
Overall the neck shape, low action, and quality fretboard of the Taylor 614ce make this an exceptionally easy guitar to play. It accommodates both rhythm and lead playing equally well. The comfort level inspires the player to pick up and play the 614ce for hours on end.
Taylor 614ce Aesthetics
The Taylor 614ce is a visually striking guitar available in several premium finish options that highlight the intricate detail and appointments.
Some of the most popular color choices for the 614ce include:
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Wild Honey Burst – A rich, warm-colored sunburst finish with deep orange and amber hues. The darker edges contrast with the spruce top for a dramatic look.
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Cocobolo – Made from exotic cocobolo back and sides, this model has an elegant brownish-red coloration with darker figuring. The cocobolo grain patterns make each guitar unique.
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Koa – Crafted from gorgeous Hawaiian koa wood, this model has a blonde top over curly koa back and sides with a warm amber burst. The figuring in the koa is eye-catching.
The level of detail on the 614ce is exceptional, from the intricate wooden rosette and maple binding to the stylish fretboard inlays. The headstock features the Taylor logo engraved into a veneer of the body wood. Chrome tuning machines, bridge pins, and strap buttons add a touch of elegance.
The guitar comes with Taylor’s deluxe hardshell case, providing sturdy protection for travel and storage. The case has a plush interior to cradle the instrument and keep it secure. Its latches, handles, and molded exterior ensure the 614ce arrives safely wherever you take it.
Overall, the Taylor 614ce is one of the most refined and ornate acoustic guitars available, crafted with care and attention that is evident in its visual beauty. The range of premium finish options let players choose a look that inspires.
Taylor 614ce Price & Value
The Taylor 614ce carries a premium price tag, though one that’s well in line with its status as Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium model.
The current MSRP for a new Taylor 614ce is $4,299. However, most authorized Taylor dealers sell it for around $3,500 brand new. This positions the 614ce in the upper tier of premium acoustic-electric guitars.
On the used market, expect to pay $2,500-3,000 for a 614ce in excellent condition with a few years of light play. Well-cared for vintage examples from the late 1990s and early 2000s tend to trade hands in the $2,000-2,500 range.
Given Taylor’s reputation and collector interest, the 614ce holds its value remarkably well on the secondary market. Many players view it as an investment-grade instrument that is likely to appreciate steadily in value over decades of ownership.
The 614ce’s all-solid tonewoods and ornate appointments mean it costs a good deal more than Taylor’s lower-priced 100 and 200 Series models. However, it’s very competitively priced compared to similar flagship guitars from Martin, Gibson, Larrivée and other premium brands.
Overall, the Taylor 614ce represents a major investment. But its consistently high resale value makes this a lower-risk proposition for those seeking long-term playability and financial return.
Who is the Taylor 614ce Best For?
The Taylor 614ce is an extremely versatile guitar that can cater to players of various skill levels and playing styles. Here’s a look at who this guitar is best suited for:
Playing Styles
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Fingerstyle – The balanced tone and articulation of the 614ce makes it an exceptional choice for fingerstyle playing. The notes ring out clearly and the bass response allows for warm accompaniment.
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Strumming – With its dynamic range and full-bodied voice, the 614ce works very well for rhythmic strumming patterns. The guitar projects nicely when strummed, ideal for singer-songwriters.
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Flatpicking – The crisp treble and cut of the maple back and sides gives the 614ce the clarity needed for flatpicking lead lines. The notes have definition for fast single-note runs.
Skill Levels
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Beginner to Intermediate – The 614ce has a comfortable neck profile and low action that makes it accessible for developing players. The tone is inspiring even for early players.
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Intermediate to Advanced – The guitar has the tonal nuance and playability for more advanced techniques. The immaculate intonation and resonance rewards refined playing.
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Professional – With stage-ready electronics and premium appointment details, the 614ce meets the demands of working guitarists. The guitar is a go-to for pros.
The 614ce’s versatility makes it a guitar that can grow with players over years of development. From beginners to experts, it’s an instrument that excels across playing styles and skill levels. The Taylor tone and craftsmanship make it rewarding for any guitarist to play.
How the 614ce Compares to Other Taylor Guitars
As Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium model, the 614ce represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s acoustic guitar engineering and craftsmanship. It stands above other Taylor Grand Auditorium guitars in several key areas:
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Tonewoods – The 614ce uses premium maple back and sides paired with a solid Sitka spruce top. This combination produces a rich, complex tone not found on Taylor’s lower-priced Grand Auditorium models like the 514ce or 214ce.
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Bracing – The 614ce utilizes Taylor’s proprietary V-Class bracing system, which allows the top more freedom of movement, resulting in greater volume, sustain, and harmonic content versus non-V-Class models.
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Appointments – Visual appointments on the 614ce, like abalone binding and fretboard inlays, exceed those found on most other Taylor Grand Auditoriums. These premium aesthetic details match the 614ce’s elite sound and playability.
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Electronics – The 614ce comes equipped with Taylor’s high-end ES2 pickup system, providing exceptionally natural amplified tone. Lower Taylor models often use simpler onboard preamp systems.
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Craftsmanship – As Taylor’s most expensive Grand Auditorium guitar, the 614ce receives extra attention to detail during construction. This results in superior playability right out of the case.
While other Grand Auditorium Taylors like the 414ce and 214ce offer good value, none can truly match the exquisite tone, premium aesthetics, and top-tier craftsmanship of the flagship 614ce. It stands in a class of its own within Taylor’s acoustic guitar lineup.
Conclusion
The Taylor 614ce is truly the flagship of Taylor’s Grand Auditorium line, showcasing the very best of Taylor’s craftsmanship and tonewood selection. After reviewing all of its features and qualities, it’s clear why the 614ce commands such a premium price point and retains excellent value over time.
For guitarists seeking the ultimate Taylor experience, the 614ce delivers on all fronts. The tonewood combination of maple back and sides with a Sitka spruce top produces a wonderfully balanced, articulate tone across the tonal spectrum. The V-Class bracing unlocks added volume and sustain while preserving the 614ce’s balanced voice. Visually, the Wild Honey Burst and other high-gloss finish options make for a stunning instrument worthy of a collector.
The playability also hits the mark for Taylor, with their signature neck shape and low action that make fretting effortless. The cutaway provides unfettered access to higher frets, and the ES2 electronics reproduce the 614ce’s natural acoustic tone with grace and feedback resistance.
In terms of downsides, the 614ce doesn’t have many. The price tag is quite high, especially for intermediate players. And compared to Taylor’s higher-end 800 and 900 Series, it may leave some tone snobs wanting even more refinement and complexity. But for most players, the 614ce is about as good as it gets for Taylor’s Grand Auditorium shape.
If your budget allows, and you play a diverse range of styles, the Taylor 614ce could be the last acoustic you’ll ever need. Its tonal balance, playability and versatility put it in a class of its own. For discerning players who appreciate high-end craftsmanship and tone, the 614ce is a guitar you need to experience firsthand to fully appreciate.
Video Demo
To see the Taylor 614ce in action and hear it’s impressive tone, check out this video demo from Acoustic Letter:
In this detailed demo, you can hear the 614ce played both acoustically and plugged in. The video highlights the guitar’s clear and balanced tone across the tonal spectrum, from bright treble to deep low end. Both fingerstyle and strumming passages demonstrate the 614ce’s versatility. The demo also shows off the guitar’s easy playability, as the reviewer is able to smoothly play up and down the neck. Overall, this video gives an excellent overview of the 614ce’s impressive sound and playing experience. Watching it will give you a great sense of what makes this guitar one of Taylor’s flagship models.