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Taylor 314 CE
Acoustic Guitar |
Taylor 314 CE Acoustic Guitar
For those of you that happen to own a Taylor or have played them, you will probably agree with everything I’m about to say. If however you’ve yet to experience these wonderful instruments all I can say is be prepared for an acoustical treat if you do pick one up. The kind people at the Electric Factory in Melbourne who distribute Taylor sent me a 314CE to review which is part of the 300 series of solid timber guitars. Although Taylor has many models above the 300 series that feature more elaborate timbers, electronics and inlay work, the 314CE is the grand auditorium size acoustic/electric that features impeccable construction and a tone and playability to die for. As soon as you pick up a Taylor guitar, you know you are picking up quality and the 314CE is no exception. It is of solid construction and ready to gig, record or just play as a good guitar should. The top features Sitka spruce with Sapele back & sides and bound in a black fiber as well as a Tropical American mahogany neck with an Ebony fingerboard. Taylor use a unique method of attaching the neck to the body ensuring maximum strength and durability.
The 314CE in a player’s hands feels extremely comfortable and solid. The neck produces one of the finest actions I’ve seen on an acoustic straight out of the case. It is slick and well spaced which will suit flatpickers or finger players and the Grover machines will keep things in tune very well. All Taylor guitars are supplied with Elixir strings, which are Bronze with a polyweb coating and last a lot longer before they dull on you. While they are a bit more expensive than standard acoustic strings, they do actually last longer and sound better than standard Bronze strings. I usually kill acoustic strings in a day or two but these ones on the 314CE seemed to stay bright a lot longer in the time I had the guitar. Impressive indeed!
The 314CE is equipped with a Fishman "Prefix Plus" pickup system that allows amplification through an amp or PA system with total control at the player’s fingertips. The on-board Preamp is powered by a 9-volt battery and features 3-band EQ, notch filter, phase inversion and mid frequency adjustments with an overall volume control. This pickup will work well in most situations and has plenty of control ensuring true replication of the acoustic tone of the guitar.
Acoustically the 314CE sounds clear, punchy and very even right across the Fretboard. The detail to attention in the construction of these guitars allows things to happen naturally and you’ll find yourself doing things on these guitars that you haven’t done before. Using a capo proved to be no problem as the intonation on these guitars is impeccable. There is enough projection to cut through any situation be it recording or live applications, the versatility is certainly evident. There are 8 models in the 300 series including Jumbo’s, Dreadnought’s and 12-strings and many options from there, so finding the right guitar for you won’t be a problem. It is a serious investment, one you would think for life and Taylor understand this by offering a lifetime warranty on construction.
Overall I think the 314CE starts where a lot of other manufacturers finish and as a functional acoustic/electric it’s up there with anything in it’s price category. Being American, it means shelling out a few more spondoola’s because of the poor Aussie dollar but think about what you are getting. The only way to see what the fuss is all about is to physically get out and try one. They do have a wide choice in both laminated and solid timber guitars available to suit most budgets. If you’re in the hunt for a serious acoustic with tone to boot then the Taylor range could be right up your alley.
For further information on the Taylor range, you can either check out the website www.taylorguitars.com or give the distributor a call to find out your nearest dealer. It will be an experience not to be missed.
QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
BANG-FOR-YOUR-BUCK
OVERALL