I just did this, went in to buy a 214e dlx and walked out with a 114ce cause it sounded magical. I compared the 214e dlx, 214ce-k, 214ce, 114e, Urban ash and a few others. The 114ce sounded the best. Sometimes one guitar has something the others don't I think this one was exceptional but not all 114ce's sound like it.
It really depends if you play above the 12th fret. I utilize the whole fretboard so for that I need the cutaway. If I didn’t I would take the non cutaway sound-wise.
Thanks for the video, really helped me decide which one to buy. It was the 114e for all the reasons that you said, plus, (IMO) it just sounds better to the ear.
I wonder if they had different backs and sides? looked a bit different- I'm probably picking up a 214 natural this weekend, no pickup unfortunately, and made in 09 so not the nice pre 2005 ones, seems like I enjoy the fuller sound too... never had a cutaway and i love the look, but i do a lot of palm muting playing too sometimes so I like the dready kind of boom it can give. but I do feel for someone who sings light, like me, that maybe the cutaway wil help you to sing over the guitar easier, with less bass? PS im getting the 214 natural for only 450... and the 214e (2001) went for $650 here locally in AZ but I missed it! another guy wants $675 for a 214ce and its cracked down the middle. doesnt look super major butttttt you know
Hi Greg, I hear a difference that cutaway has more crisp sounds. I have a (Taylor 224ce-K-DLX Special Edition) Taylor brand series 114ce is the 1st entry level layered wood of Grand Auditorium, 214ce is upgraded level layered wood of Grand Auditorium, 224ce is more upgraded, 300&400 series are the best Value, 614ce and 814ce are the best overall. Maybe you can try 214ce or 214e next time.
Hello, Thank you very much for this comparison of guitars. The Taylor 114 E is better in the highs. The Taylor 114 CE Cuteway is better in the bass. But overall, even if for the shape I prefer the cuteway, I find that the Taylor E has a softer, more discreet sound. I think for the Taylor CE you have to have a more frank, more voluntary attack on the strings. For ballad melodies, for me the Taylor E is more suitable. For melodies with more rhythms and more lively, the Taylor CE is more suitable The choice is difficult ... Again sorry for my text, I don't speak English well. Thanks again for your great videos. Best regards.
Thank you for your video, I appreciate your effort and very nice playing. I do want to mention that for me, you tend to strum too much by the bridge of the guitar. You should strum an acoustic guitar over the sound hole more. Watch your video and you can see that you are behind the thick part of the pick guard when your strum. Your style washes out the sound and pushes more treble. Which is why players typically pick closer tot he bridge as your do to make the picking cut through, but strumming sounds much richer over the sound hole. Also you should mention that the cut away version has Sapele back and sides and the non-cutaway is Walnut. I can see the difference in the beginning when you briefly show the backs.
Hey thanks for checking out the video. As for strumming it's fully intentional. Strumming off the soundhole gives more balanced tone. Over the soundhole playing creates more bass and makes things muddy. Out of curiosity what are your credentials. Have you released any Cd's or are there any recordings people could check out. You come across as an authority in this field.
Greg Michael No CDs or recordings. Just many years on the road playing behind other more important people. I hear you on the strumming style and sound you prefer to create. It truly is in the ear of the listener. Thanks again for your video, the playing and the response. It’s all good stuff.