Taylor Guitars 314-CE

Just picked this one up at local Guitar Center, $899 used but NOT A SCRATCH ON IT. Thought it was a mistake as the posted list for a new one is around $1500 or so. And a nice Taylor case to boot. Sweet.
Has the Fishman electronics package w/ EQ, single cutaway....I gotta believe it's the standard configuration for this guitar. I'm guessing it's less than a year old.

Typical Taylor sound....bright and lively. My prior Taylors(Big Baby, 214) just sounded too thin and tinny. Finally I've got one that has a bottom end and therefore a decent balance of sound. I think it'd great, but I haven't plugged in as of yet(need to get an acoustic amp to do it right I'm told).

Nice fast, thin neck and great action. Ebony fretboard, natch. Very little fret buzz and just enough relief in the neck to keep it there(prob.could back off the truss rod just a bit but right now I'm not bothering it).

I have a very light touch so I don't suspect a problem here. But Tayler's rep. is good and I'll trust the other reviewers' opinions on this one.

Never had to contact them.

I'm a bedroom picker, don't gig but will play with friends on occasion. Played on and off for about 35 years, mainstream stuff and NO alternate tunings(what's with that anyway?). If stolen I'd buy another(esp. at this price) for sure. I'd give it a 10 except that it's just not at that level of perfection...sound is fairly balanced but could be richer(more midrange) and perhaps project a bit more. But I expect to pay over 2 kilodollars to get there. Even at list price this is a great buy!

This is a 2004 Taylor 314 CE with the Expression System included. Made in California... solid top.. bass, treble and volume control on the neat little knobs that are quite smooth. African Mahogany sides and back.. Beautiful grain with that neat little bear claw flaw that gives it character. Simple, yet beautiful.

I play mostly singer-songwriter style music that incorporates fingerpicking, light strumming and occasionally heavy strumming.. think Jason Mraz mixed with John Mayer, Dave Matthews and Stevie Ray Vaughan.... I'm currently running it through a Roland Keyboard Amp... The guitar is not noisy, but when around other microphones, it has a tendency to slightly feedback... nothing a soundhole cover can't fix... On the Roland, the sound is brilliant, with great lows and brilliant, poppy highs, but through other amps, the tone is comprimised... plugging straight in to the system is recommended with the expression system, but it is better to run through an amp if you don't good subwoofers, because on the crappy speakers I always end up playing through, my highs are nice but my lows are non existant.

The action on this guitar is great... imagine pushing down on a limp fishing line... okay.. fun right? Good. Thats not a good way to describe the action at all. It's fast okay?? I love it... the people at Taylor really take their time on these instruments...

Of course this guitar will withstand alot, but the problem is in your head... one scratch on this gitfiddle, and you'll be crying... it hurts... i have two barely noticable divots on my top and headstock and everytime i see them i want to cry.

Wood and Steel is neat. I like the company... When I registered the guitar they were helpful and let me know when my guitar was made. Neato!

Ive been playing for 2 years and decided I'd trade in my crap to get something nice.. that will give me inspiration... well i've found it for sure! I would have asked if they had a buy one get one half off sale when i bought this... i would have forked out the cash. If I lost it i wouldn't buy it again... i'd go with a higher series.. not because i dont love it... but because I want to give Taylor the best business i have. Other guitars are cool, but my Taylor is the poop.

2004 Taylor 314CE 6 String Grand Auditorium with Expression System: gloss Sitka Spruce top, satin African Mahogany back and sides, 25.5 inch scale with a 1.75 inch nut width. I actually prefer the satin back and sides to the gloss finish of the more expensive Taylors.

I play mostly finger style jazz/folk and lots of Beatles on the acoustic and this guitar is unbelievable! The sound is very clear and perfectly balanced. I tried almost every guitar in the humidor and instantly fell in love with the 314CE. I even prefer it to the high-end Taylors. In the Leo Kottke song "Twilight Time" there's a B7 chord on the four low strings and this guitar sounds very similar to Kottke's. I've never heard such clarity on the low strings - now I know why he plays them. The only thing I don't care for is the strummed sound with a pick - a bit metallic or something - not very warm. I also tend to have a pretty heavy strum that suits a jumbo better so that's not surprising. I think the brightness that makes it such a great finger-style guitar is the reason it is too bright strummed.

The action on the 314CE is so good - not too high but not so low as to get fret buzz - that it practically sold the guitar without even hearing it. Different people will prefer different necks but this neck fits my hand like a glove. I could actually play better on this guitar because it was so much more comfortable than my old Ovation and even the other Martins and Gibsons in the shop. As I mentioned earlier, I actually prefer the satin finish on the back and sides and I don't like lots of inlays and things on guitars. The workmanship on this intrument is flawless - you'd never guess that it is Taylor's entry level guitar.

Seems solid enough for me and it has withstood my twin two-year olds. I haven't played out in years so I can't really comment on its durability. I haven't played it outdoors because I read about the humidity problems with Taylors. I live near the Texas Gulf Coast so I'm more concerned with too much moisture.

I was so concerned about the humidity issue that I called Taylor the day after I bought the guitar and asked them to recommend a humidification system in case my air conditioner were to dry it out. They were extremely friendly and helpful on the phone and sent me their recommended humidification system for free!

I've played acoutic guitar off and on for 30 years but played mostly electric until recently (when I bought the Taylor). My wife and I saw Rhett Butler (www.rhettbutler.org) open for Eric Johnson (www.ericjohnson.com) on Eric's acoustic tour and my wife loved Rhett's tone. She asked what kind of guitar he had and I told her that it was a Taylor. She said that I should get one of those. I had always loved the sound of my Ovation (laugh if you want but Al DiMeola plays one too!) but I hated the neck. I hate going to guitar stores but I went to Guitar Center one day and tried them out. I played everything else in the humidor just for fun and I had no intention of buying anything when I walked in. I wasn't that taken by the high-end Taylors but from the moment I played that 314CE I knew I had to take it home. It was truly love at first play. I knew I was probably paying too much because Guitar Center tends to be a rip-off but I just couldn't let go of it. I've played it almost every night for 6 months and I love it more every day. I actually ordered a Peterson VSAM tuner just so I could make it sound as good as possible. If anything happened to it I would replace it immediately. I owe Rhett Butler a big "Thank You" for convincing my wife that I needed a new guitar!

Taylor 314ce from 2002, made in USA in Southern California. 20 frets (medium, stainless steel, perfectly mounted and finished), a solid sitka spruce top and solid sapele (african mahogany) bottom and sides, a solid one-piece mahogany neck, with the TM Taylor "jigsaw" joint between the headstock and the main part of the neck, the "old" Fishman Prefix Piezo System, with a four-band equalizer and the volume control, a natural gloss finish on the top and a satin finish on bottom and sides, a grand-auditorium shape, very comfortable, with the venetian (rounded) cutaway I greatly prefer to the florentine one, dark ebony fretboard (flawless, with dot inlays) and bridge, a TUSQ nut and saddle, and chrome-plated Grover Rotomatic tuners. It gets a 10 just because it has all solid woods, a quality electronics system, its a great looking guitar, built with quality (flawless), and has awesome components.

I play a lot of modern acoustic rock, and play a lot of shows with a full-size band. The sound is quite a bit brighter than a dread, especially amplified. This really works well with a full band because the sound cuts through the mix easily without sounding brittle. Acousticly, this guitar is really fun to play. It is percussive and punchy, a very clear and balenced guitar. It has that sound that can only be obtained by a solid wood guitar. I have never played a laminate acoustic that has the sparkle or rich overtones a solid wood guitar has. To add to that, those of you who know fine acoustic guitars know that they "open up" as they get older and play more. They get louder, overtones become richer as the grain "opens" as the finish becomes more brittle. This guitar has started opening, and sounds better all the time.

Amplified, the Fishman Prefix Plus is a great preamp, really the workhorse of the acoustic world. There are quite a bit of very usuable sounds that can be obtained from this instrument through the preamp. I really lovethe sound of this guitar. If you want to get an idea of how the Prefix Plus sounds like, listen to Dave Matthews Band live. He uses the Prefix live, and it sounds great. Just proof that this electronics system is a great-sounding little unit. Gets a 10 because it makes me want to play, even when I'm feeling lazy.

The 314's size is great for playing sitting or standing. Sometimes a dread is just too big. The cutaway is perfect, and unlike many acoustics you can accually use it. I've played quite a bit of lead on this guitar, something that is not easy to do on all acoustics. As far as action and playability, this guitar was perfect when I bought it. The ebony fretboard is great to play on, it looks so clean and flawless. The stainless steel frets are sweet. They are going on all my guitars from now on, all my Gibsons already have them thanks to this guitar. If you've never played a stainless-steel fretted guitar, do it, its worth it, you might find your new best friend. The action is low, and if you've never played a Taylor, only play one if you can get enough money to buy one, because it's what you will be wanting. I have Les Paul Standards, Fender American Strats, and have even had PRS's at one time, and this guitar's playability beats them all. My playing - I'm not joking - has improved a lot since I got it (that is, October 2003). This, not to mention the wonderful tactile sensation I feel when I put my fingers on the ebony of the fretboard. I play with more style, more attitude. I can just spank this guitar and it sounds great. Intonation is awesome. I can barre a chord at the 14th fret and it sounds great, oh yeah, and I'm pretty picky about tuning. Nothing sounds worse than an out-of-tune guitar.

Gets a 10 because its more fun to play than my older PRS's, and set up better too.

This guitar has a gloss top and satin-finished sides and back. The finishes are durable. The Grovers are great tuners, this guitar does not go out of tune easily, usually it will stay in tune for weeks. the finish is what I'd say is perfect, and "tough", both on the top and on the bottom and the sides. It surely will last. This is not a cheap guitar, but it certainly isn't an expensive one compared to some of the higher-line Taylors and Martins, or other boutique makes. This is a working guitar, and even though it might be about $900-$1000 than what most recreational guitarists whould want to spend, I thrash this guitar. It has it's share of dings and nicks, has been dropped and taken on countless trailers across warm country roads and it still plays as strong (and sounds even better) than the day I bought it. I have a Taylor 810LTD that I love to play at home, and thats also a remarkable guitar, but the 314ce is my workhorse, it goes on the road everywhere with me. It gets a 9 because its not dead yet, and its not going anywhere soon.

I havn't done many modifications to this guitar, but I have removed the pickguard and replaced it with a clear one. Taylor has awesome customer service (probably the best of the corperate guitar companies) and they sent a clear pickguard, in a padded envelope, with instructions how to mount it like a pro for FREE. I'd like to see Fender do that, even though they have way more money than Taylor. Also, as a note, when I called to get the pickguard, I got an answering machine, and left my number and request, and they called me back in no more than 15 minutes. I dont know of many companies that would call back so quickly for someone looking for a freebee. Way to go Taylor, much more of my money is going into more Taylors!

Like I said before, I play mordern acoustic rock (a la Dave Matthews). I have a very percussive playing style (a la Dave Matthews) Dave plays Taylors, and now I see why. I have been playing for about 12 years, since I was 8. At first I wanted to be a rocker, you know, play Metallica and Slayer. Then I grew up after listening to more acoustic stuff. I guess I got tired of the scooped sound and sought more soulful sounding music. I now own Les Pauls, Fenders, Taylors, a Martin, an Explorer, and have owned PRS's. I play my electrics through Marshall vinatge 45 reissue halfstacks and a Mesa Heartbreaker. I love fine gear, and this guitar takes a blue ribbon from me. This guitar makes me want to play, and has helped me appreatite playing acoustic guitar more overnight. If you are considering this guitar, just buy it, its worth the price. It makes your Fender acoustic look like a Yugo. A Taylor is a Porsche. It gets a 10 because I love this guitar. Long live Taylor, Amen.

usual configuration...ebony fretboard, solid glossed top, satin finish back and sides, fishman electronics, and so on. 2001 model.
If "features" means that its component parts are as they ought to be, than it has features galore.

WOW. Really, WOW. I tend to be hyper critical of guitar tones but this thing is amazing. Bright, full, even tones with enough treble to let you know you're playing a fingerstyle/concert guitar and not a dreadnought. If you want a cannon with strings get a gibson jumbo or a martin d-35. This guitar blends with higher voices very nicely.
I wish I had a complaint to balance my gushing but I honestly can't think of any.

The guitar is exactly as described. Comparing apples to apples all the workmanship is perfect and correct for the model. I'm not that crazy about the satin finish on the neck and back but it's well done and the Taylor line has a lot of different price points. Unlike some other guitar companies, the workmanship on taylors is constant at all $ levels, only the wood, cosmetics and "bells and Whistles" change. There don't seem to be any "Friday afternoon" Taylors.

Gigged the guitar a lot for the last 2 1/2 years and there have been no problems. Stays in tune in a lot of different environments. The satin finish is scratch prone but oh well. The gloss top really keeps this from having a buget vibe and gives it a "pro" look. I have gigged it frequently w/o a backup but prefer to keep something else handy.

Not much contact with them but they do send a newsletter to customers which is a nice touch.

I've been palying for 20 years and have usually used Martins or other full sized guitars. I had no idea what I was really missing. I do a lot of acoustic shows and after I got the taylor I sold all my steel six string acoustics except a seagull f-6 folk I keep as a string breaker (it was a gift from my wife so it stays)and returned a Martin d-35 that was on long term loan from a relative. This is the last in a long line of acoustics and I couldn't be happier.

Made in 1999 (as I can guess from the serial nr.) in the US.
As for the features, you can take a look at <www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/model.aspx?model=314-CE>.

Anyway, just to point out the main ones, it has got:

* 20 frets (medium, stainless steel, *perfectly* mounted and finished)
* a solid sitka spruce top and solid sapele (african mahogany) bottom and sides
* a solid one-piece mahogany neck, with the TM Taylor "jigsaw" joint between the headstock and the main part of the neck
* the "old" Fishman Prefix Piezo System, with a four-band equalizer and the volume control
* a natural gloss finish on the top (the wood of which, by the way, is incredibly "textured", as regards the fibers of the cut; and is beginning to darken to an astonishing reddish tone) and a satin finish on bottom and sides
* a grand-auditorium shape, very comfortable, with the venetian (rounded) cutaway I greatly prefer to the florentine one
* ebony fretboard (with dot inlays) and bridge
* TUSQ (that is, synthetic bone) nut and saddle
* chrome-plated Grover Rotomatic tuners, absolutely perfect
* dimensions (I quote from the Taylor website): body width
16 Inches X body depth 4 5/8 Inches X body length 20 Inches, with an overall length of 41 Inches. Furthermore, a scale of 25 1/2 Inches with a neck width of 1 3/4 Inches at nut
* obviously, the original hardshell case, quite strong

Everything considered, I think it has got every feature one could desire, without going too far into the realm of "heavy adornment" (which I personally dislike, since I do play guitars and not collect them, and I tend to think to guitars as "tools"). This is why I give a sound 10

I play jazz and blues. I use this "tool" mainly for fingerpicking and flatpicking stuff. I think it is *the* thing. Period.

If I just wanted to be pedantic, I should say it is more on the "bright" and "hollow" side of the tonal spectrum, and it has not that much of sound presence: that is, more or less the opposite of what I would have preferred. In other words: it could be said to confirm what somebody has told of Taylors, i.e. that they are kinda "dull" instruments, with little "personality". The point is that I eventually love it *just* for this little bit of "dullness", or "lack of personality", it has got: which allows me to put what I like into it, and correspondingly to take what I like from it, without having to be too much "stuck" to a specific tonal personality, which - should it be too present - could drive me more heavily than I wanted to "soundscapes" I might not be in the mood of exploring. I'm not sure I've been able to explain myself, but... ;)

Anyway: acoustically it nevertheless has a great voice: great definition and very focused, it shines in harmonic work. When amplified, it surely is nice too: though it doesn't drive me crazy. Both on the purely acoustic side and on the amlified one, I think there's better stuff out there: but we also have to remind we're talking about a $ 1800-2000 guitar, which puts itself in the "entry level of a famous and very authoritative maker" - if I can speak this way - sector of the market.

As for intonation: perfect, all over the neck. Period. I have just said it has not a "boomy" voice at all: but, if I play the 12-th fret harmonics, I can hear these bell-like sound project themselves from the guitar into the room, and remain there forever. Fantastic.
And the same note, no matter where and on which string you play it, is always firmly the same. Once more: fantastic.

Everything considered, then, I'd say 9 to 9.5

Since I bought it second-hand from a luthier, I have no idea of what it was set up like at the factory.

Anyway, the luthier has consigned it to me set up to a **perfect** level.

Action: incredible. Who says Taylors actually are electric guitars disguised as acoustics is **completely right** ;)
My playing - I'm not joking - has improved a lot since I got it (that is, october 2003). This, not to mention the wonderful tactile sensation I feel when I put my fingers on the ebony of the fretboard.

As regards the other items: yes, there are a couple of minor (but, really: very very minor) flaws, but I don't care. Everything is quickly forgotten when I take it out of the case, put in a stand and sit there, in a wordless state of admiration in front of it, watching the top... which is too beautiful for words, and seems to become even more gorgeous as days go by =)

Everything considered, I'd say 10

Heh... I don't know. But I suspect it is quite fragile. For example: my luthier has told me Taylors are among the most fragile instruments as for the humidity-dryness issue and the possibility of developing cracks. So, be careful, you all.

Hardware: the Grovers are first class and work to the highest of levels: smooth as silk, precise as Swiss-made clocks, I think they will last forever, even if I suspect they will begin to tarnish, one day or another. Luckily enough for me, I admit I haven't to use it very much... since this 314CE seems to stay tuned forever ;D

The strap buttons seems to be solid: but I use to play sitting down, so it doesn't really matter. By the way, I like the fact they have put the jack in the bottom strap button: a solution I find much more classy than opening a "second hole" in the side ;)

The finish: I'd say perfect, and "tough", both on the top and on the bottom and the sides. It surely will last.

No: I don't think I would gig without a backup. I repeat: it seems so delicate and fragile to me... I tend to handle it, so to speak, "with my hands in white gloves". I think I would take a backup with me...

Everything considered, then, I'd say 9 to 9.5, in consideration of the fact that it tends to resemble a high-end guitar, even on the side of the "idiosyncracies".

I have no idea.

I have been playing from 1977, beginning with classical. I suspended in 1979 because of a serious personal problem with my teacher of that time. I took up guitar again in 1989, and "messed about" (just limiting to doing some "fingers gym" with Sagreras, Abloniz and Carulli) till 1999 with my very first (and cheap) spanish classical. In 1999, all of a sudden, things have gone as if the previous ten years would have "precipitated" in some new chemical compound: and I've suddenly begun to take harmony out of the guitar, and to play harmonic progressions which at last begun to make some sense. From that moment, events have assumed, so to speak, the shape of an "avalanche"... and now, five years after, I feel a daily need of putting my hand on something with six strings attached, even if only for half an hour.

I bought this 314 CE last october, and I can say with no doubt it has been one of my best strikes ever. This "tool" is perfect for me, it suits "as a glove" to my style and to my body.

Should it be stolen, or go lost, I - there's no doubt - would buy another one. Maybe a 414/514/614/714/814/914, still CE, though still Taylor.

2003 314CE Grand Auditorium model, Solid spruce top, Sapele back/sides, Ebony fretboard/bridge, Gloss top, Satin back/sides, Chrome Taylor tuners, Fishman Stereo Blender electronics, beautiful Taylor hardcase. Neck very comfortable to play. The action on mine was perfect. It plays like butter.

Sound is awesome! Rich and full, clear ringing highs with nice sustain and nice low end not overly boomy. The grand auditorium body is a finger picker's delight and very comfortable to hold. The Fishman microphone blender tends to feedsback too much under certain settings and playing environment. I keep it mostly on the Piezo side to prevent the feedback.

Action was on target from the factory. Nice and easy playing with a comfortable neck size. I didn't have to sand down the saddle or adjust the neck to get suitable playing action. The finish was flawless and the top was nicely bookmatched. It would be nice to see gold hardware as standard on this model.

Should hold up for years and years of play. Very well constructed and durable.

The best customer support! The people at Taylor are very helpful and courteous. They truly care about their customers. I have been able to get parts directly from them with ease.

Overall a fabulous guitar. No fancy inlays or frills. Just pure great sound and high quality construction from all solid woods. You can't go wrong with a Taylor.

let me first plug my friends at Jim's music in Irvine.... by far the nicest and most knowledgable staff around. best taylor dealer in so. cal. special thanks to Tom Sebastian. Taylor 314ce acoustic electric with active fishman prefix stereo blender electronics. mine is a 2003 model. guitar is 100% SOLID WOOD! no laminents here. top is sitka spruce and back and sides are sapele, which i understand is a tropical wood. satin finish on the back and sides, gloss on the top. ebony bridge and fretboard. perfectly smooth grover tuners and a DELUXE taylor hardshell.... these cases are a work of art in themselves. taylor takes no short cuts anywhere, they cover all the bases.

ok, this guitar has the grand auditorium body stlye. slightly larger and deeper than the 312ce grand concert, but more comfortible and easy to play than the 310 dreadnought. i actually owned both of those guitars prior to this one. the 312ce is a fingerpicker's delight, the 310 is a strummer's delight. the 314ce combines the best of both of those guitars into one. fingerpicked notes are clear and balanced with nice projection. strummed lightly or with a medium attack, the guitar shimmers with beautiful clear highs and tight balanced bottom end. the fishman blender system allows for a nice balance of piezo and mic sound. i've never been a "plugged in" acoustic fan, but this electronic system does a suitible job of making you guitar sound "acoustic" through a p.a. system. i tried Martin's grand auditorium version for comparison at the store and it really didn't come close in feel or sound. in my opinion, there are no better sounding acoustic guitars out there.

the action is low and comfortible to play. the guitar is built to the highest quality standards. i've tried to find flaws on all three taylors i've owned... haven't yet. the luthiers at Taylor are obviously very pridefull in their work. they don't treat any of the 300 series guitars as "entry level" instruments. everything on this guitar is without flaw or blemish.

seems like a really tough guitar. i baby my guitars, it won't see any real abuse in my hands. i think Taylor's lifetime guarantee speaks volumes for how well they expect their guitars to perform.

i've contacted taylor once and got next day response. they do really value their customers. the web-site is jam packed with all kinds of valuable info. on care for you guitar, detailed explainations about types of wood, how to tips, ect. very informative.

this guitar makes you want to play. i'm a singer / songwriter, and for me, this is the best sounding, nicest playing guitar i've owned. it is the combination of all the best features of both of the 312ce and 310 i owned before. i don't think anyone would ever be disapointed with any Taylor product.

My 314-CE was manufactured in 2003. As previous reviewers have stated, "you know the features." I was looking for a cut-away acoustic; actually, I was looking at a brand my brother, who has performed professionally, recommended. However, a colleague who is in a folk duo suggested Taylor. I play whatever kind of music I can learn, though I tend toward old time rhythm and blues and folk rock. I had a chance to compare the Taylor to the other brand, and the Taylor just felt SO good. It was everything I wanted--and it came with a terrific case!

When I was in the store, another customer about my age was playing guitars. I joked about my playing skills (I don't play because I'm good; I play because I'm having fun), but he said that once I got the Taylor, I would want to play more, and it would make me a better player. He was right. The acoustic sound is phenomenal. I enjoy just playing arpeggios and strumming. There is a tendency to get some nasty feedback when I plug it in to an amp, but my amps are low-end Peaveys designed for an electric guitar and a bass. The Taylor sounds better through the bass amp than the guitar amp; when I use the guitar amp, I play "clean" rather than "lead." Also, I 've never been shown how to set all the controls, so I play around a lot with adjustments on both the guitar and amps. It may not be pretty, but it is fun.

As I said earlier, this guitar feels so good. If I've been playing my electric, the strings seem stiff and hard on the Taylor when I switch; but really, the action, etc., was fine out of the box. I've never had it set up. The top has a couple of spots some people might consider flaws--pale "bubbles" in the grain. Personally, I find it attractive.

I expect to give this guitar to my son when the time comes. I don't perform, so I guess I won't be using it on a gig. By coincidence, I'm watcdhing Ruthie Foster on "Austin City Limits" as I submit this report, and she seems to be playing a 314-CE (or another Taylor in-distinguishable from the 314-CE).

I've contacted Taylor several times with questions, and the company's response has always been friendly and prompt. In fact, they welcomed me to the Taylor family a few weeks after I bought my guitar. "Wood and Steel" and the on-line messages are great. In fact, I asked about obtaining a copy of one oftheir ads, and they sent me six poster-quality reprints.

I'm a hobbyist: I sarted playing 35 years ago, but hadn't really played for the last 25. My wife and kids bought me a Fernandez Retrorocket (a fantastic guitar) two years ago, and since then, if I don't play, I get irregular ;)The 314-CE was swort of a spontaneous purchase, but one I haven't regretted. I've been looking for a travel guitar, and the Baby Taylors are my first. I would definitely recommend Taylors in general and the 314-CE in particular.

This is a 2003 Made-in-USA Taylor 314CE. 20 frets with all-solid wood (sapele back/sides and spruce top). It has the Fishman Prefix EQ preamp with Treble/Bass and a parametric midrange. The back and sides are a satin/natural finish and the top is a gloss finish. The guitar is a 25-1/2 inch scale and came with a HEAVY Taylor case and humidifier

I play a weird mix of blues/progressive 70's/ and modern eclectic; the 314CE feeds back badly through a guitar amp, but is more well-behaved through a directional PA system with acoustic guitars in mind. The Fishman piezo is dead quiet - but a tad boomy on picking (compared to a microphone)

The sound is phenomenal. I was looking at Martin D16's, but the Taylor sounds better and doesn't have a "plastic" fretboard for the same of less money!

The 314CE responds well to different picking/muting styles - I play mostly finger-picking and flat-picking and the guitar responds nicely to either method. It could be louder (compared to say an Ovation) but the tone is superb.

The guitar is outstanding in every respect. If there are flaws, I haven't seen them yet. No sawdust, rough wood, poor bookmatching, anything!

The guitar is well-protected in a brick-outhouse case. The components are comparable to anything in it's price range and slightly higher. I would have no problem using it as my only working guitar. My only reservations are about the material (I'm not familiar with sapele) and I haven't dealt directly with Taylor.

Can't say - this is a 2003 model and I haven't dealt with the company. Heresay has been positive.

I've played for 28 years but this is my first really nice acoustic. Previous acoustics included Sigma and Takamine 6 and 12-strings. They didn't stand the test of time very well and I'm hoping that the Taylor will age more gracefully than those acoustics. I primarily play electrics (ALL kinds) and am pleased with the playability of the Taylor.