Acoustic Guitar
Taylor 214Ce
Strumtrove Review
The Taylor 214ce remains one of the best mid-range acoustic-electric guitars available, combining solid-top tone, Taylor's renowned playability, and top-tier electronics in a package that's ideal for gigging musicians, songwriters, and serious hobbyists alike.
Taylor 214Ce
- Reviewed against 53 other instruments & gear
- Site average rating: 4.5/5
- Price & availability confirmed at retailer
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- Solid Sitka spruce top for bright, dynamic tone
- Layered rosewood back and sides for warmth and projection
- Grand Auditorium body shape with Venetian cutaway
- Taylor ES2 behind-the-saddle pickup system
- Slim mahogany neck with 25.5-inch scale length
- Ebony fretboard and bridge for smooth string response
- Gloss finish on top, satin finish on back/sides
Taylor 214Ce Specifications
Pros
- ✓ Excellent plugged-in tone thanks to ES2 electronics
- ✓ Comfortable, fast-playing neck
- ✓ Versatile Grand Auditorium shape suits strumming and fingerstyle
- ✓ Solid top offers tonal growth over time
- ✓ Cutaway allows easy upper-fret access
- ✓ Strong resale value and Taylor build quality
Cons
- ✕ Layered back/sides don't resonate quite like all-solid instruments
- ✕ No hardshell case included standard
- ✕ Price is higher than typical beginner-tier guitars
- ✕ Satin back can show fingerprints/oils over time
The Taylor 214ce is a workhorse Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar from Taylor's respected 200 Series, built for players who want genuine Taylor tone and playability without a premium price tag. Its solid Sitka spruce top delivers the bright, articulate attack Taylor is known for, while layered rosewood back and sides add warmth and low-end depth that belies its entry-level position in the lineup. The Venetian cutaway design opens up upper-fret access, making it a favorite among gigging musicians and fingerstyle players alike. Onboard, the 214ce features Taylor's proprietary ES2 (Expression System 2) electronics, a behind-the-saddle pickup system that translates the guitar's natural acoustic voice to the PA or amp with impressive fidelity and minimal quack. This makes the 214ce just as home in the studio as it is on a live stage. The neck is a comfortable, slim mahogany profile with a 25.5-inch scale length, giving it fast, effortless playability that appeals to both beginners stepping up and experienced players wanting a dependable stage guitar. Built in Taylor's El Cajon, California facility, the 214ce benefits from the same quality control and attention to detail found in Taylor's higher-end models, just with more cost-effective materials and a satin-finished back and sides. It's a guitar that punches well above its price point, offering the tone, comfort, and electronics of instruments costing significantly more, making it one of the most recommended acoustic-electrics in its class.
Customer reviews
I've owned three acoustics before this and the 214ce blows them all away, especially plugged in. The ES2 system sounds incredibly natural through my PA.
Beautiful tone and super comfortable neck. Only wish it came with a better case for the price point, but that's a small complaint.
Reliable, loud, and the cutaway makes soloing so much easier. This guitar has never let me down on stage.
Upgraded from a beginner guitar and the difference is night and day. The solid spruce top really opens up after a few months of playing.
