Taylor 214ce Longterm Review 

Do you own or are considering getting a Taylor 214ce? I would love to hear from you here in the comments. What other guitars are you considering?

You had 599 thumbs 👍 for this informative video, now you have 600. I’ve been playing consistently a little over 2 years now and got my Taylor 214 ce dlx last week. It plays like a dream! I also tried out a few at a guitar store, including a Taylor 100 series that played just fine too. At first wanted to get the smaller Grand concert, but I found out the Grand Auditorium wasn’t too big for me so I pulled the trigger and am so glad I did! I also have a Martin Jr Streetmaster (which I like a lot) and a small body Yamaha (an ok guitar for a low price), all acoustic electrics. But the Taylor is my favorite. Thanks for posting this great video…

I bought a 714ce about a year ago. I now play it more than all my other guitars put together, so I agree a Taylor Grand Auditorium style is a must have at whatever price point you're comfortable with.

Just picked up my 214CE one today! Not the plus. They didnt have it. PHENOMENAL sound. So worth it.

After forty years of starts and stops with trying to learn guitar, I got serious about it last summer. Lots of help from online teachers and I’m also taking private lessons. I’m really enjoying the guitar though I still have a long way to go. I had a milestone birthday this year and my wife wanted to get me a nice guitar. I thought I wanted a Martin. A good friend that’s a fabulous guitarist steered my towards Sweetwater to buy a guitar. I told them my price range and he suggested the Taylor 214ce. I absolutely love this guitar! I’ve had several advanced guitar players that have played it and had nothing but praise for it. Tone, playability, finish, everything is perfect. I play it for hours at a stretch and while I don’t have others to compare, I don’t know that I’d find a guitar I like better than my 214. I think for the price, the 214ce is hard to beat.

I purchased my Taylor 214ce and knew I was taking a gamble, but I also had faith in Taylor. I had played several 214s in the past and they were all great. I did luck out and my Taylor is an awesome one. I purchased it in 2020 and I'm still playing her. All Taylors do have a particular unique tone that's in every model.

Have been playing 316ce X-Bracing for 5 years now. It's a dream with beautiful LOW Action. I decided to buy a 614ce V-Bracing for that MAPLE sound. It sounds great, but I'm fighting with it. Looks like my 316 is gonna remain my go-to all-around guitar... at least for now. All Taylors are not the same... you're right about playing the guitar before taking it home.

Your affection for your guitar makes me want to get one. I’m beginning my guitar journey. I went to guitar stores and tried about 20. I keep circling back to the Yamaha AC3 ($899) and Taylor 214ce ($1199). I’m leaning towards the AC3 but still undecided. Thoughts from you and others are welcome. Thanks for the post.

I have 214CE Plus and I love it so much.

Just got my 214ce DLX last Sunday. Wanted to upgrade and tried this one out and it sounds, plays and looks great. This guitar is going to make me learn, practice and play so much better. Sort of my inspiration to really focus on learning and becoming a guitar (good) player. Love it so far!

I just bought the same guitar yesterday!! I had the same experience in the guitar store. It was a used model. Once I tried it, I knew I had to have it. Thank you for your video!

Was looking for a guitar In 2014 and strummed the 110e blew my socks off and knew I had to have it. What you said about how acoustics love to be played was beautiful.

I went to look at a Gibson j45 today but the store had sold out. I happened to pick up a 214ce and I was unexpectedly blown away. Also surprised by the price. And now I can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you for this awesome review. I think, as you say, it spoke to me… And I’m going to go back and buy it. 👍🏻

I just bought this guitar today! Beautiful review!

Great video. Thanks for uploading! I went into Guitar Center and tried about 10 guitars and as soon as I picked this up and played it for 5 seconds I was sold. I didn't pick it up that day but it's still on my mind and I'm about to pull the trigger.

I recently joined the Taylor family😁. Started playing when i was 12 (45 now). Played in various bands and owned all sorts of equipment. When I got married 15 years ago, I sold off most of my gear to fund my new family lol. About 6 years ago I sold my last guitar that wasn't that great and it just didn't inspire me to practice or play. I haven't owned an instrument during that time and had completely lost my love for playing music. Recently I took my son into GC to look at keyboards. Well I got the itch to play the guitar. Went into their acoustic cave and picked up a few, still just feeling uninspired and kind of sad that I just didn't want to play anymore. Then i grabbed a Taylor 214ce just because it wasn't locked up. All of a sudden the tone and resonance just completely reached into my soul and shook it around. I felt something different and more alive. I then tried the 114ce and felt the same thing. Well I came home and just couldn't stop thinking and daydreaming about how nice both of the mid-lower end Taylors were, and that they're within reach of my slim budget. About a week went by and now im constantly thinking about how badly I want to start playing again and thinking of what i needed to do to save up $900. Then I found a local private seller with a brand new 114CE-SB (sunburst). He basically gave it to me for $400. I've owned it for a week now and havent skipped a day and have been so motivated and inspired to keep practicing that it's like i never took any time off. Finger callouses are back and I'm confident that I'll only keep improving as I've regained my passion for playing because my new Taylor just makes playing so enjoyable.

That guitar sounds beautiful in your hands! Wonderful playing.

Love this story; same for me. I walked into a music store, played several guitars, and took home 214ce a little over 10 years ago. Itis my gt-to guitar. Nuff said.

I just got my Taylor 224ce dlx Koa and just by holding it in my hands and trying it out I knew she was coming home with me,I just can't put it down.

Thanks for the video. Last week I ordered a new Lowden F23-C. I'd played one previously. It came in the post and I was underwhelmed. It's going back. I have been thinking about getting an 'O' model Lowden as well, however I played a 214ce in a store yesterday and was blown away. I need to go back and play it more but am moving away from feeling like I'll need to pay Lowden money, although I've gone into this process without a budget not because I have a lot of money but because having the right guitar is really important to me and my motivation to practice. I am coming from a bashed up Yamaha F310 so lots of things are an upgrade! I found the 214ce wonderfully resonant with good balance, tone and projection. Martins sound really flat by comparison. I feel pretty 'in tune' with the Taylor and think I may end up with one!

I just got a Taylor 214ce rosewood satin finish. Man, out of all the guitars i played in the store, this one blew me away. Even more so than the Taylor 210 ce, (+$100 more) which has a fuller body, more like a classic dreadnaught shape. The shape of this one lends itself to the acoustics, it has a very direct and bright sound, the bass isn't overpowering, it's crisp, clear, and honestly I'm in love with it. The acoustics unplugged just keep ringing and reverberating for a long time after you strum, it's like playing in a cathedral church. Music to my ears... Also worth noting- I did a side-by-side comparison of the Koa model which was also $100 more... the Rosewood sounded SO much better. It didn't even sound like the same guitar. I've been playing a fender acoustic from the 70's that was passed onto me for about 10+ years, and this is just mind-blowing in comparison!!

Had the same problem. Walked in to a guitar shop with $800 budget - was going to choose between a Taylor Academy guitar or a higher end Yamaha or a Seagull. Was experiencing a little analysis paralysis so I started playing all the other guitars and ukuleles in the shop. Played all the high end Taylors that were totally beyond my budget and then I played a 214 CE plus and it sounded just as good or better than all the higher end guitars. Keep in mind, I'm upgrading from a $300 yamaha guitar. I kept circling back to this 214 CE and it would not leave me alone. Eventually I had to give up, called the missus and surprisingly she didn't put up a fight and I brought the guitar home for twice my budget. No regets. One guitar to rule them all. This would be it, at least for me.

Loved the review! Just bought a used 214ce koa. 2018. Went in to the local guitar store and saw it. Played it. Surprise! Two weeks later, bought it. Been playing a bedell. The Taylor has a much cleaner sound. I just love it.

Great long term review! I find it amazing you still love the guitar after 10 years! It still looks and sounds amazing! I purchased my 214 CE DLX limited edition quilted sapele back/sides a year back. Similar story to yours. I walked into a local shop while on vacation and picked up a few guitars to kill some time. This Taylor was stunning, easy to play, and sounded better than most others. I walked out, and within an hour or so; I was taking it home. I still love this guitar and hopefully for years to come.

Just bought 214ce plus ,it my third Taylor,,have a mini and a 110 ,all acoustic, electric, love all Taylor's

I got a 214ce dlx in December 2019. Same thing.. i picked it up and played it, and before i even plugged it in i wanted it. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides. Been playing it to death, and it's opening up nicely. I love it. Mine was 1300 bucks.

Own one bought it 2 yrs ago and loving it, it’s a swiss army knife. I own a Martin D16e and they are 2 different guitars . People hate taylors because it sounds good for the price like what you said its on a different level.

Thank you so much for beautiful review. I can see and feel that you really admire the guitar. And yes, Taylor has Taylor sounds. There is no better guitar or guitar brand than others, yet chemistry between you and your guitar is one of best I ever seen.

This is one of my fav body shapes. Taylor guitars have their own sound, it's not like a Martin or a Gibson (which I also love). This one sounds very very warm, and has a sparkle dancing around. As you say, the 100 and 200 are very nice models, you get a lot of quality without having to spend a fortune. I played a 214ce once, my guitar teacher had one. It was the second time I played a small body guitar, I had learned and played with dreadnoughts until then. I used to own a nice Tanglewood, but with time I realised despite I liked the D sound, the shape was too bulky and big for me. After trying a Sigma 00015m style I got hooked, and the 214ce got me in love. I never had enough money for a Taylor though, and since I also loved the 00015m Martin, I decided to save for a Sigma. I bought the 000mc15e, the CW version. It has been around 4 months with me now and it sounds better and better every day. It was about 500 dollars, one of my best purchases. Thanks for sharing :) hugs from Spain!

You are a legitimately good player man

Thank you good sir. You have convinced me to buy a 214ce. Even though it might be a little different than yours, I hope that it will bring me a similar amount of joy. Cheers!

I went to the shop to have my faith fixed. Played a Taylor 214ce k while there and fell in love. Needless to say one is on the way to me!!!I wish I'd shopped around in the first place and played the Taylor

Loved your review, it was honest and unpretentious. You picked up the guitar and it connected with you, and shock horror it has laminate back and sides! So what, you make music with it. Good on you.

Great video. I own a 214ce-cf-dlx for 3 years now... I really like it and I'm usually not a Taylor fanboy. Something about htat specific guitar spoke to me... I was picturing myself playing it on the coach on Saturday morning...so I brought it home. Not a big fan of the ES2 pickup but it is what it is... it plays great and survived 3 Quebec winters without ajustments... still plays like a dream. This little taylor suits my voice when i try to sing... if you are a bad singer like me...sometimes a big loud dreadnought won't do :) As for the price, it depends where you stand... it's for sure cheaper than a 814ce but it was not really cheap either. I like the hard shell case and since I'm planning to keep this guitar for a long time... I'm ok with the price. I aslo got a cheap use martin x serie with a totally different that I also like... it was cheaper. Depends what you are looking for...

Just purchased a Taylor 214CE Plus and I love it!

Just got one, and I am loving it. GSmini for travel, the 214 for home. I have had numerous guitars over the years, the 214 sounds better than any of them.

The Taylor 214ce is the first serious guitar I purchased. I still have it too. I tweaked it a bit to fine tune it and improve playability. I think it has gotten better with age. Mine is about 12 years old. I think it sounds better now thatn when I first got it. I own several guitars. 2 Epiphones, 2 Taylors, 1 Recording King 000 12 fret. They are all solid wood guitars except the 214ce but it sounds awesome too. My brother got me interested in guitars. He played a lot and was writing and recording music. When he passed away I inherited one of his guitars (Fender Strat) and it went from there.... lol You are 100% correct, Taylors have their own sound. It seems brighter and more crisp. I think they sound awesome. TY for the review. I can tell you enjoy your 214ce and you play it well. Enjoy, TY MH

Own this guitar but not the cutaway....it's fantastic !!! 214 e sb deluxe

I played the 114 today and it sounded amazing.

Thanks for your honest review. I bought a 214ce-K in early January and have been playing it daily. I played it in the guitar room at Long & McQuade for over an hour and it was love. Nice to hear from someone who has owned a Taylor for 10 years. I have a 1973 Guild D-35 which I bought in '74. I picked up the Guild again a couple of years ago after not playing for a while. I felt I wasn't getting the sound I wanted from the Guild, and that's when I found the Taylor. It's such a a joy to play.

I played a 224ce, all Koa, about two months ago that was just like butter. I've only been playing for a couple of years (I'll be 70 in July), but the 224 was really smooth. I currently play a Taylor GT Urban Ash for the most part, and a Tanglewood Mahogany if I need amplification. Taylors suit me.

I own a Taylor 214ce Plus. Great guitar in that price range. I've compared it to Martin, Fender, and Gibson. It was the easiest to play and frankly, I like the Taylor sound and versatility. It compared to the Martin SC-13e, which is a really cool guitar, but I opted to save $350. and I liked the sound a little bit better .. there are just Taylor haters out there that don't understand those of us that like Taylors.

Great video. Next month I will have the chance to try out the GS mini mahogony and the newer 112ce. But i'm also thinking of the Martin djr. I wish Taylor made a GS mini in 1 3/4" nut, It seems the perfect size for me otherwise. I also subscribed to you, I could listen to you play fingerstyle all day!

The playability of this guitars is amazing ! Like a well set up electric ⚡️ guitar .

Okay - I heard that 10 Years After lick.......My Man....I love it, most people do not know who Alvin Lee was.... Thank You, Boy it is great to hear that again!!!! Yeah I am going for the 414ce Special Edition . Not because I don't like the 214ce, it is a "Sweet Instrument" but because when I picked up the 414ce special, it knocked my socksssss off!. Bang. A lot more money but I'll have that that guitar forevah....It is like a Stratavarious (not sure if I spelled that correctly) anyway the 414ce is simply mind-blowing and like you I finger pick a lot. Thank you for your great video here, really liked it, it's honest.... and terrific playing on your part.

I can't decide between a Japanese made Yamaha AC5R or a made in Mexico Taylor 224ce-k dlx. Both facilities do excellent work. The Yamaha has mahogany binding and an all solid wood build, they have it available in mahogany (AC5M) or rosewood (AC5R) both with a sitka spruce top. The Yamaha has excellent electronics too. The Taylor is beautiful, but at a little higher price than the Yamaha it has laminated back and sides, plastic binding and plastic bridge pins. I'm looking for shops in my area that have both in stock to try each out and see excatly how they sound and feel. Your 214ce sounds beautiful! I'm sure your playing has a lot to do with that as well, very nice.

The music you make sounds fun to play! Really great video. Thank you

wow amazing demo , Thanks

Thank you for your great review on the Taylor 214ce! I absolutely agree with your opinion I feel your deep love for this beautiful Taylor 214ce x Ive got one and it makes me happy Again, thank you bro, keep on playing and God bless you 🎸 P.S. which brand and gauge do you use, because it sounds great! I use Elixir Phosphor Bronze 0.11

I own 2 Taylor's and they're both 214's one is the Koa wood one that was $1599 when I bought it now its $1799 so it went up and I love it.The thing is I originally played a spruce top and I think a rosewood layered back and sides and it just screamed beautiful tone unplugged and played beautifully.After the Koa which I love I couldn't stop thinking about the spruce but couldn't make up my mind which wood I wanted on the back.Rosewood or a Koa back. Rosewood was $999 Koa was $1099 or $200 more.Both come with a taylor gig bag that looks like a quality case,but both were similar hardware.I then noticed the Sapele back and sides that was limited edition that came with a hardshell case for 1499 with upgraded inlays and a bonus when purchased a free taylor barstool,a $149 value. So 300 more than the Koa back with a hardshell case that sells for $199. Still waiting for delivery of the Sapele.Cant wait.

The last time I picked up a taylor it spoke to me it sead get a Bangor loved your vido cli

They stop thinking they´re a part of a tree and become the instrument. Words of the century ! congratulations ! a nice video. I am just looking for a guitar, maybe a lakewood, a gibson g200 or a taylor... that takes time.

I've just purchased the 214ce-QS DLX LTD... it's a beauty and affordable (bonus - it was on sale!). Like you say, I could spend 3 or 4 times the amount on a higher end model that "sounds better" (all subjective of course), but my skills as a guitarist are hobbyist level at best so I really couldn't justify spending crazy amounts.

That’s super nice man. I like that it’s more the satin finish vs a gloss.

I have a 214 CE deluxe red. I love it. It’s very comfortable to play and sounds great. My wife plays a martin gpc 13 ce and they sound good when we play together… we’ll she sounds good. I’m still learning. But I love my Taylor

I bought mine two years ago and after a year in rainy north west England the top moved and the action became quite high. The shop in Wigan said it was a "wet guitar" but offered no remedy. I took it to my local luthier and he built a jig for new shims and now it's fine. I wouldn't buy another one because of our climate here in England but apart from that it does play great and sounds really good acoustic and amplified. I agree that the tops are a little too thin and I reckon that contributed to the top moving. I have a number of solid top acoustics such as Gibson, Simon and Patrick, Martin and in forty years never had this problem.

Nice review. I bought a used gs mini Koa and love it. Was looking at the same model for a bigger guitar, will have to go and try it at a Music Store.

Like me some Ten Years After. Nice!

Maybe it's just that particular guitar , I've traveled with a couple of my Taylor's for years in all kinds of conditions and so good so far . Keep my fingers crossed 🤞 😂 ....Great soundings, Taylor, by the way !!!!

I wonder which Takamine you had? I've had a 1980 EF360 SC for about 20 years and it still sounds amazing, but needs a neck reset, so got a Yamaha A3R ARE, which sounds fantastic too, but slightly harder to play fingerstyle due to nut width and rounded fretboard. Been looking at the 214 CE for a while now due to the playability factor. Just gives me the space I need for the fingerstyle I've recently gotten into. I'm gonna need to save and get one asap. Thanks for the review!

That's some wonderful playing and a handsome instrument. I quite like where the knobs are located. Thanks for sharing with us. I can really get behind the romantic outlook you shared on acoustic instruments. Rock on!

Well those hands and fingers are going to make anything sound great, but I do agree with you on Taylor. I bought an Academy 12 last year and can already tell you that it is a fine guitar tonally. Yes, a very plain looking instrument- but very playable and has amazing tone for a $600 guitar. I've had guitars costing 3 times as much that don't sound as good even if they "looked" better. Now I'm on the hunt for either an all-solid or GA body like this one. This 10 year old guitar just goes to show that it is all about the player and the top- which Bob Taylor himself says 90% of which contributes to the overall tone.

Really great review! I just bought a used 310e sunburst. I prefer the sunburst because the others look too plain to me. I agree that the 210 and 214 sound really great for the price... especially compared to almost any other brand in it's price range... even solid wood ones oddly. I think the 210 I have sounds as good as some higher end Taylor and Martin guitars... but there are some I may like as much or more...all just have different tones not necessarily better. I had a K22 Taylor at my house for a couple of months worth $5k and didn't like it at all... but again some others I love. I have a Martin guitar that has way more bass which I like for some things but the Taylor sits right in the middle in tone which I like too... just way different.

Excepcional description

Just my opinion but the Taylor guitar’s just do not have enough bottom for me. Fabulous guitars and the best playability straight out of the box by far is Taylor. I just need the dread boom for my style of music.

Great review. I love my214 c

Great guitar! 10 years ago materials, they don't make 'em like that anymore. Agree with your perception on price. Purchasing a high end $2,000 to $5,000 not really worth it. Had a couple of Taylors and have enjoyed them much. Have a Taylor GS min, and Guild. I will be adding a Taylor 214 ce deluxe soon.

From all the 214CE videos I watched, yours sounds the best. Which makes me wonder, what kind of strings are you using?

I like Taylors sound but I havent actually played one. I think you are right as acoustics should be tried out by your self because each one has a unique sound. electric guitars sound similar to each other. Not acoustics.

Great review! 😺I have one of these and I was wondering what strings you use or which strings you have found that you like to use for your style of playing? I'm using D'Addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings now. Thanks!

Just got my 214ce-SB DLX. Does anyone have any intonation issues?

Do guitars with solid tops but laminated B&S also change in tone over time?

Can u play the nilon one please , this taylor sounds good

Amazing sound. I am looking for my first acoustic. I am looking in Martin Djr, Martin Road 10 PRS T40 and the Taylor 214 CE-K. Yours has a warmth that I liked a lot. Thanks for sharing.

I stole mine when I bought it used for 600.00 out the door. It rivals my 3 series. But because it has electronics it's a more versatile guitar

Good to hear the review of guitar after 10 years.. This was my first option for some time till the Martin SC-13E new body shape came.. Well, I dont own a martin but the reviews looked good.. Thanks

After years of abandoned guitar playing I am on the eye about 114ce. My current guitar is a classical one. But I need a guitar with a good playability and narrow neck because I have small fingers and I get terrible pain. Should I go for it? Thanks and loved the review!

Problem? Cracks? yeah it dried out plain and simple. All solid tops need humidification in the dry months. Humidity packs are a great investment. Just bought a few yr old 214ce satin flamed Koa back used/nos/return(?) - said used on tag - it was def unplayed & looked like a leftover…..$700. Felt like I robbed it! Easy to work on, simple neck adjustments. No expensive neck resets. Great electronics.

Elizabeth Cotton played freight train with all cowboy chords

Excellent review! Forgive me if I missed it somewhere but may I ask which string brand and gauge you use on this one?

I have a problem with intonation on my 214ce. It becomes noticable on only the 3rd fret and gets sharp. It only gets worse further up the neck.. I find that disappointing, at this price point. But there is very little about that, being mentioned.

what is the difference between the e and the ce ?

I really like the looks of this guitar and how it sounds on its own, but I have a major issue with the sound coming from the ES2. Sounds too harsh and metallic and definitely changes the natural sound of the guitar. I own an old Ibanez PF5ECE-NT-14-01 and I never had any issue like this with its Fishman pickup. Sound is too bad I took it back to the store for consignment. To my surprise, all other Taylor guitars at the store with this same system sound all the same.

I just bought one as well, not the sunburst version though, im wondering, since it's s layered back and sides, has your guitar "opened" up at all ? I've heard they typically don't as much as a solid wood guitar

ive just pick up my new tailor 214ce SB DLX, and i'm happy )) i've paid 1190 euro include delivery)). Yeah, i likes more the natural color, but it cost 1650 )). i dont care about the color when ive saved 450 euro ))

Do you pick with your nails or your finger tips. I have issues with using my nails maybe I am just doing it wrong. I might order one from guitar center as some dont have models you can play. They one close to me doesnt have one.

Have you tried the 310 or 314 to know if the tone is much different or better than the 210 or 214?

Just bought a 214CE-K and breaking it in. Sounds great but a little hard on the fingers. I have 3 other guitars and it just seems a bit harder on the fingers for some reason. Hoping it gets easier as I break it in. What strings have you used on yours?

Subscribed... 👍

I love Taylor sound most of all. What could be wrong with their sound? They have gentle but present lows, crispy mids and crystalline highs, all in the same instrument and all in every Taylor instrument. So what?

What strings are you using?

What gauge are you using? sounded really great.

Taylor's make amateur players sound good - Good players sound great - and Great players sound phenomenal. You sound phenomenal. 😊

thanks for the video, that taylor is made in usa or mexico?

Im considering the 214ce plus or gs mini, but im unsure about all the different gs mini tops i really like the spruce sound. Also im a beginner i would say and im not sure what would benefit me more in the long run a smaller or fullsize guitar. Any tips?

What strings would you recommend for this guitar?

Is it a deluxe or a standard 214ce?

What strings do you have on your 214ce?