Taylor Guitars 414-C

Solid wood all around. Spruce top. Ovangkol sides and back. Ebony fretboard and bridge. Mohogany neck. Rosewood peghead cover. Included hard shell case.

Had to order the 414ce without the installed electronics. Wanted the cutaway and figured I'd install after market electronics, if ever. Good call since I haven't had the need for electronics. Probably never will. The dealer guaranteed I'd like it and it arrived quicker than expected. Very happy with it.

Without hesitation, I must say that I found the Taylor 400 series to be the best sounding guitars ON THE MARKET. Period. The 414 just has this great sound that is part Taylor brightness and part dry warmth that I only noticed distinctly with the 400 series. A great balanced guitar. For me, the standard by which all others AT ANY PRICE are compared.

The action is perfect. I like the wider neck. The fit is perfect. Simple elegant look without many frills. Comfortable to play. Great "curves" that are easier to play around than dreads. Not a flaw that I can find. The look of ovangkol takes some getting used to. Mine is quite dark, almost looks like walnut. I didn't buy it on appearance, but the darker wood with the binding has really grown on me. This thing was made less than a year ago and yet it feels like a classic. I've found prettier guitars, but none that sound better.

I keep it humidified in the case, so shouldn't be any problems, but I don't take this one around like a beater, that's for sure.

I've talked to them once. Very nice.

Without exaggeration, it's the best model of guitar I've ever played at any price. To me, it's the standard. When I looked for guitars, I tried most of the major and minor brands and, regardless of price, I found nothing as good as the 414 on sound as the tone is unique in it's warmth and brightness, very balanced. It's also easy to play and the grand auditorium shape is easy and comfortable to play around. There are prettier guitars, but I don't think it gets much better than this.