Taylor Guitars 514-CE

Cedar-topped, mahogany body w/cutaway, on board Fishman Prefix. See other reviews or visit Taylor's (excellent) website for details. Comes with superb Taylor plywood case. I found the early (i.e., 1980's) Taylor cases to be very disappointing considering the quality of the instruments they protected. It's been a long while since I purchased a new Taylor so I can't say when they started shipping instruments in this particular case design, but I can say you'll have to move way up to something like a Calton to do better. I don't care where they manufacture them, I just like the results! Taylor's now come strung w/Elixers which is probably a good move considering most acoustics hang around the store for a while and get played by many grubby hands, but I don't like to trade the brilliance of fresh conventional bronze-wound strings for the extra life. Elixers are cool, but just not for me.

My style incorporates fingerpicking and flat picking and if I could have only one (acoustic) guitar this would be it. I love cedar tops because of their open sound and articulation, and also prefer the brighter sound of mahogany. This guitar responds beautifully to a slightly more gentle touch but can be made bluesy/edgy by digging in. I don't consider it a great strumming guitar, but it's a pickers dream. My first few scratch recordings indicate that it should mic up nicely too. If you're expecting the traditional mellow spruce/rosewood sound look elsewhere. If you want something with clarity and balance that will cut through the mix you'll probably like the 514ce. The Fishman Electronics work well, but I don't play much "electric acoustic" and am not overly qualified to compare this setup to others. I will say that the mic sounds very good at low volumes, and the piezo pickup sounds, unfortunately, like a piezo pickup. That's not knocking Taylor or Fishman, that's just par for the course.

No surprises here. Fit and finish are near flawless - a Taylor trademark. I'm not loyal to any single brand, but I must say that it's apparent that Taylor has taken great pain to refine it's manufacturing process to a point where they can crank out extraordinary (for the price) and totally consistant guitars. I wouldn't consider purchasing something like a Martin sight unseen and unplayed, but it would be a very low risk with a Taylor. To nitpick, the bridge isn't perfect. It has one little dent and a couple tiny chips around a couple of peg holes. You have to look very closely though. The setup was great out of the box, and I loved the fretwork; beautifully crowned medium frets polished to perfection. Intonation is world class and makes me glad I had no choice but to get the cutaway. It's plenty accurate to play all the way up the board. IMO Taylors are an electric guitar player's dream acoustic. Except for the heavier strings, it's easy to forget you're playing an acoustic. And part of the beauty of this guitar is easier string bending on the shortened scale. (Didn't I hear someone say "Blues"?)

It's as durable as a quality acoustic can/should be. The finish seems much harder than most. It's totally resisted a few accidental jabs from a (steel) thumb pick. Also, Taylor claims that their current finish (and I forget what it's called) is immune to finish checking. Taylor's new three piece neck construction and radical neck-to-body joint is a great example of their forward thinking. At first I freaked when I saw the fingered joint between the neck and headstock, but in thinking about it, it makes good sense structurally and ecologically. The new shim-adjustable neck/body joint is awesome and is further proof that innovation is common at Taylor. I love these people because they don't rest on their laurels. Instead they keep on building a better mousetrap!

I own several Taylors and have dealt with various personnel over the past 15 years. They're all knowledgeable, helpful, and extremely responsive. Most companies talk alot about quality and customer service but don't really give much support, but a call to Taylor produces action. Another great company that puts a ton of effort into support is Mackie. Other manufacturers should learn from these guys.

I've been playing at the semi-pro level for over thirty years and own over a dozen guitars, electrics and acoustics. I know music and I know manufacturing, and I swear by Taylor Guitars. I have and will continue to buy others, but I think Taylor is a cut above in many ways and gives far more bang for the buck than other high-end, mass- produced guitars. Should I ever get wind that Taylor has any intentions of going public or selling, I'll run out and scoop-up as many of their guitars as I can find before anyone has an opportunity to ruin a very good thing. The only other guitar I considered before buying this one was a Martin 000-28. Over three months and many road trips I played half a dozen of them, but came back to Taylor. Consistancy, tone, superior playability, innovative design, superb support, fair price. I wish all decisions were so easy.

Purchased in Denmark Street, London.
Made in USA. Solid Cedar top with Mahogony back and sides.
Fishman Blender Pick up system that works really well.
3 way eq with Volume, Notch and Frequency controls to reduce feedback problems.
Cutaway body for easy access to higher frets.
Gold plated Grover tuners.
Superb Taylor case that should protect this Guitar very well.

I play mostly flatpick stuff and this Guitar sounds absolutely stunning! Obviously doesn't have vast volume when not plugged in but is more than adequate and I played the Guitar unplugged in the store many many times and knew that I was in love long before plugging in. When I did eventually plug in I just fell deeper in love!
I either play the Guitar unplugged or DI into my HD Recorder and I (and everyone who visits)love the angelic sound of this instrument.
The low end booms and the high end is crystal clear and everythoing in between is equally as stunning! It is so rich.

The set up was perfect straight out of the Store.
The tag on the Guitar in the Store said simply "Pick me Up" and when I did I knew why they put that tag there. The action was quite (low) and superb. It was so playable I could not believe it! It aapeared to increase my speed without me making any more effort, wonderful!
I could not and have not found any faults with the build or the finish and I have had it for three weeks now.

Everything looks solid. I haven't played out with it yet but that will come soon and I am very confident about the build of this Guitar.

Only time will tell but it feels solid enough. Strap buttons are superb.

I would depend on this Guitar and I would play a gig without back-up.

Limited Lifetime warrenty.

I really wouldn't know about customer support. I haven't had to use it.

I have been playing for 7 Years. I have a Tanglewood Odissey acoustic (lower end Ovation copy) and an Epi Riviera and a LP Custom (3 Pick-up) is on its way.

However, it will have to work hard and be top notch to replace this as my number 1 Guitar. (Although I do favour Acoustic over Electric for sound and style).

I played lots of High End Guitars including various Martins (Vintage and New), and Gibson Acoustics, but nothing got near this Taylor.

If it were lost or stolen I would buy another instantly! (In spite of the cost).

I love everything about this Guitar, especially the Playability and the Sound.

Unless it is stolen this Guitar will be with me for life. Even my wife (who usually ignores my playing because she hears so much of it) stopped in her tracks and said "wow! that sounds good". This is the highest compliment I can give this Guitar!

2000 USA. You know the story. Fishman Onboard Blender. Solid Cedar Top, Mahogany back and sides.

This is a great guitar if you play plugged in especially with electrics and loud stage volume. The notch filter is great and the ability to blend from full line out to full inlet mic is amazing when you switch from loud electric to acoustic set with piano and cello. Also bought a climate case (mandolin music in NY-incredible place and service) which has provided useful in traveling and taking care of this great guitar. Came with Taylor's delux case, wonderful hard case, you can kill someone with it and not affect the guitar inside one bit.

Great sound plugged in or not. Play through crate acoustic but mostly through countryman DI straight to board for that authentic acoustic sound. Sound is clean and quiet, no humbars or pics ever. Has a bright beautiful sound, great tones when finger picked. There are tons of ways to tweak the EQ especially with the mic and pickup blendage. The only complaint is that it is not as boomy as some other guitars if you are not plugged in, but that's not what this guitar was made for.

Action is great, adjustable truss rod is great plus (Vintage Martins never had that and that is why they sound just a tad bit off sometimes). the intonation is perfect. There were no flaws of any kind. Have had NO problems with the Fishman electronics.

Guitar does well in day to day use, the hardships of riding in a trailor or trunk. If you gig and play hard, you will get scratches, go cry me a river. this does not affect the quality of sound that it produces. strap buttons are solid, had to find a strap that would fit however so if you're particular about what strap you have, A. you're an idiot and B. you might have to search a bit. the only reason i have a back up is for string breakage only. this guitar will NOT flame out on you if you are kind to it.

Are there better people on earth than the good folks at taylor? I called to request some additional info about their company (Just for fun on one of those "sick days") and talked with a lady there for about 10 minutes and 4 days later received all kinds of good stuff in the mail.

Been playing for 7 years. As a profession for 3. This guitar is a keeper. I will buy other guitars (Taylors) probably the Koa (did you see hootie playing this beautiful guitar) and drop a fishman in it too when I have 10 grand just hanging around. For now it's the only acoustic I need or want.

The best thing is it's natural excellent sound. You can have great electronics but if it's not pushing pure acoustic sound you will still have a crappy sound (tak anyone?). With the fishman in it you have great electronics pushing GREAT sound. And on top of all that you have a beautiful guitar not too ornately designed and a wonderful company behind it.

Beautiful American made Grand Auditorium size soild mahogany sides and back with solid cedar top. Abalone soundhole rosette, gold grover tuners, ebony fretboard and saddle. Venetian cutaway for easy access to the upper reaches of the perfectly attenuated neck. I ordered mine special with the Fishman matrix instead of the blender so as not to have some hideous knobs hanging out of the rich tonewood. 1 11/16 wide neck makes for fast and accurate finger placement. Visually stunning as well as excellent playability. Came with deluxe hard shell case. Wow what a case. softer than my kitty!

This guitar is perfectly suited to my style (fingerstyle) and I played many brands and many other taylors but kept coming back to the 514c. A rich full bright sound if your strings are relatively new. Otherwise, the cedar top makes it sound like a vintage guitar. This guitar is so accurate that you can produce perfect harmonics anywhere on this neck and have them ring loud and clear. I have the sound of this fine instument ingrained in my soul. No other guitar has done that to me.

Action was a little high from the factory but the tech at the store I purchased it from fixed me right up free of charge. Now it plays like the wind! Perfectly bookmatched top, sides and back. Top drawer throughout.

My only problem with this instrument is the leather strap taylor makes doesn't go on the jack easily and comes off even easier. I have almost dropped this nearly perfect instrument several times due to this. other than that I feel no heasitation to play to my limits, which the guitar is more than capable of handling.

Excellent. What a great group of people at Taylor. Too bad they are building a case factory in Mexico. What next, limiteds being built by Indonesia? Don't go Nike on us guys... I wouldn't want to have to buy a purely american instrument from another luthier. That would be the only reason I wouldn't buy a Taylor again---if they move operations out of the States. And I bet Taylors won't cost a thin dime less with mexican cases. Whatcha gunna do with all them pesos, Bob?

I have been playing fingerstyle guitar for 25+ years. I also own a Taylor JKSM that is a truely amazing instument. If either one was lost or stolen I would buy another the same day, then track down the thief, lock him in a room and play Britney Spears songs until his death by vomiting. There is nothing I don't love about my Taylors. My favorite feature is when you just pick it up, hit that first note and hear the voice of angels singing back to you! I compared this to some very high end guitars- Santa Cruz, Collings, Breedlove, Larivee, That M company and the 514c was the one for me. The only thing I wish it had was one of those cool new inlays Taylor does on the backs.

Acoustic cutaway body, mahagony body & neck, cedar top, gold plated tuners, Fishman blender with piezo and mic pickups. Action is fast with absolutely no buzz. The Fishman blender really works well, I've played this guitar through several amps (Fender Champ 12, Velocette 1x10 Combo, Park G10R, Crate GFX15) and it sounds great with all amps I've tried, although I prefer the Velocette for its clean Class A sound.

I played this guitar several times at the store prior to taking the big leap. There were several other makes and Taylor models there. I seemed to always migrate back to this particular guitar. It sounds wonderful, bright clear highs, deep rich lows and everything in between. I play several styles (wannabe finger style, flat pick, folk, etc.) and this guitar sounds fantastic for the styles I aspire to. Playing through an amplifier is almost a religious experience. I recently attended a finger pick workshop put on by Pat Kirkley (finger style champion), who was playing a Taylor 514 and I now know what this guitar can sound!

Setup was aboslutely perfect, right off the shelf. Finish was perfect. The action is fast, the neck is comfortable and takes a cappo well. I did replace the standard strings with Elixir light gauge strings shortly after purchase, and I'm never going back to any other strings. I have learned that Taylor now delivers their product with these strings. This is a good move. I visited several stores who stock Taylors. Some of the Taylor guitars there had some really 'dead' strings, and these Taylors souded quite dead as a result. Not too good for sales. The longer lifetime of the Elixirs would better represent the tonal quality of any quitar, especially those receiving public abuse in guitar stores.

I don't play in public, so I suppose I don't really know how well this guitar would stand up to the day-to-day abuse of playing gigs. I guess it would. This is a solid guitar.... Outside of my home and autos, this instrument is the most expensive item I own, so I probably wouldn't subject it to any undue abuse to test the reliability. I was initially somewhat concerned when reading the owners manual, Taylor went into great depth and detail about the effects of excessive dry/wet environments etc. The owners manual showed some really dreadful pictures of their product when exposed to long periods of excessive extremes of humidity/lack of humidity. In retrospect, this information was great, Taylor products are high quality instruments, and by taking the time and effort to educate their customers is only going to ensure a long life. I live in NC, where the summers are quite humid and winters are reasonably mild. I did purchase a humidifier to insert into the sound hole while stored (BTW, it is always in the case when I'm not actually playing it) I have never played it outside and never plan to, so hopefully I won't suffer any dreadful effects of long term wet/dry storage. Along this line, the supplied case is a work of art, the case fits the guitar perfectly, has numerous latches, and the lid seal looks very tight and robust. Storing the guitar in its case should shield the guitar from environmental swings well (all but heating from direct exposure to sun light).

I haven't dealt with the company in regards to this 514CE, but I did contact Taylor about one of their locally sponsored workshops. Not only did Taylor (Amy) contact me immediately with a response, they contacted the professional musician conducting the workshop (Pat Kirkley, a fantastic finger style guitarist), and he contacted me as well! Wow! I almost felt like I was one of their co-workers. This is quite a different response (i.e., no response) than I've received from other manufacturers (e.g., Ibanez, Trace Elliot).

I've been playing for more than three decades, over the years, I've owned many guitars (Fender, Alverez, Guild, Ibanez, JB Player, Peavy, no name pawn shop brands, home made guitars). I sampled many other brands (Martin, Tacoma, Yamaha, Fender acoustic, Gibson acoustic, Ovation, etc.) prior to deciding on this Taylor. No other guitar 'spoke to me' like this Taylor. Many of the brands I tried sounded good, but this guitar was made for me, and I don't think I will ever master guitar playing to the point where any possible limitations of the 514 will hamper my growth.

1. It's a Taylor!! USA Cedar Top, Fishman Blender System, Gold Plated Tunners, Thin fast neck, Taylor hardshell case, Does not have a kitchen sink, but what would I do with it if it did?

2. It's a Taylor!!! It sounds....... If you've never plyed one I can't tell you. It sounds like an extremely well recorded gutiar w/out the studio. fretted notes sustained over a 1 min. Amazing Lows are clear, the highs sing smoothly. the sound is Bill Gates Rich. Yes I love this gutiar. Dislikes.... I only have one:)

Great right out of the Box, almost in tune. This was shipped to Spain!! 1 Flaw,a small chip in lacquer about 1/2 size of a pencil eraser, I knew this when I bought it(slightly damaged). Have to look to notice it, no biggie. Everything else Top Shelf Still a ten.

I'll let you know, but from what I herd, If I don't use it for batting practice I go to go. This is a really Light gutiar, Probably play for hours and not realize it, in fact I did and I did'nt

Purchased from AMS. Took 1 and 1/2 weeks to recieve (Spain) Not to Shabby:) Did'nt look at the warranty, woork great, If I break it then it's on me. Have'nt had to call Taylor so I don't Know, I've heard there very good!

$1400.00 for an Acoustic I would put up against competition, even another Taylor!!!! If Lost I have to Buy another, Can I afford that? No, but I could'nt afford not to. Bought It on Faith, Amen... Playing for 17yrs. and I've bought alot of shit gutiars, Acoustic and Electric, Save your money and buy Big first time out, You won't regret it!!

This is a Grand Auditorium model Taylor accoustic with Spruce Top and Mahogany back and sides. This particular model has a cutaway near the bottom making those lower frets easier to reach. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony with mother of pearl "snowflake" inlays. Grover tuners and a Fishman onboard preamp are also big features for this guitar. It came with a wonderful hardshell case that hugs the guitar very well.
The Fishman system has Treble, Bass, and Mid controls, a switch that allows you to control the balance between the microphone and the pickup, a "notch" feature, as well as a volume control. It came with a 9-volt battery and the whole panel swings outward to allow easy replacement.
This guitar was made in 1998 or 99 in California.

This guitar is extremely bright when you use a pick, but the sound is not overly tinny. It has a nice bottom-end and resonates wondefully when strummed hard. Plugged in, the sound is still top-notch. Unlike my old "in the whole" pickup on a cheap Ovation, this guitar has a true accoustic sound even when plugged into a Fender amplifier. The equilizers allow quite a bit of control over the sound, but I haven't had a lot of time to play with the "pickup/microphone" blend. I usually leave it at 50/50.
To make a long story short, this guitar has the best sound of anything I played, including some pricey Martins. It's not the flashiest looking guitar, but it delivers the goods in the sound department. Very full, very warm, very bright sound. Great for fingerpicking or flatpicking--I tend to do more of the later. This guitar deserves the highest marks here!

The factory setup on the guitar was superb. Action was so low it was almost spooky for an accoustic, but there wasn't even a hint of buzzing. It's so easy to play, I sometimes think I'm playing an electric. The finish and craftsmanship were flawless, which was one of the biggest selling points for the guitar. I know Taylor spends a lot of money on quality-control and this guitar is living proof. When plugged in, the whole rig is extremely quiet and in the confines of my living room I haven't had big problems with unwanted feedback. Overall, the Taylor reputation seems well earned.

I've only owned this guitar for three weeks. Its so light, I'd almost be afraid to haul it around to those godawful smoky clubs I see people playing it. The Grover tuners are extremely sturdy, I haven't had a problem with the finish, the strap buttons look steady, and the electronics seem to be working fine. Some people seem to have had some problems with the Fishman system, but mine seems fine at the moment. I suppose time will tell. At this point this guitar appears to be very sturdy and could withstand normal use for years without fail.

Haven't had to deal with them. The guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects.

I've been playing guitar for seven years and this is the absolute prize of my collection. It's the accoustic guitar I dreamed of for years when I was suffering through inferior equipment. If it was stolen or lost I'd cry like a baby, but I couldn't afford to buy another one of these things. It's not very fancy on the outside, but it has the tone to justify its price-tag. It compares very favorably to Martins, high end Ovations, Alvarez, Yamaha--I think this guitar is the best for the money. I spent weeks playing high-end accoustics before I decided on this one. It just stood out among its peers.
I don't play live, but I've been immersing myself in the expensive hobby of home-recording. This guitar has everything I'll ever need in terms of an accoustic sound. It's the last accoustic I ever planned to buy and I'm thrilled to death with its performance. If you have the dough, buy Taylor. You won't regret it.

I have a Taylor 514 cutaway with a fishman pickup/mic blender system. It is a Grand Auditorium and has a cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The finish is gloss and has a venitian cutaway. It came with a hard case. The guitar case is very durable and roomy. I love the guitar but I really am not happy with the pickup system. When I first got the guitar I had to have the whole system replaced. It worked great in the store then when I got it home it just plain didn't work. The dealer had to get another system sent from the company. Then when they put that one in the high E didn't sound through the amplifier. Now the E plays but is still slightly softer than the rest of the strings. It is possible that I am just very unlucky but I have a friend who has also had problems with fishman pickups on a taylor. The pickup does have a lot of great features. It has a pickup and a mic. It has a blender so you can have more pickup less mic, more mic less pickup, or all of one or the other. It has a notch for feedback (that is a God sent playing live!!!), a phase switch, and a 3band eq. You can get anykind of sound out of it. Anywhere from thin and twangy to thick and spicy.

Aside from the pickup this is the best acoustic guitar I have ever played!!!! I played probably close to 100 differnt models and makes of guitars when I was looking for an acoustic. I play blues and I also play a lot of folk/ folk rock. I needed a guitar that sounded good finger picked and flat picked. It has a full rich sound when strummed and it is very warm and resonant when fingerpicked. I think this guitar even sounds better than some of the more expensive taylors. The cedar top is what gives the guitar that full, warm sound. To my knowledge that is the only taylor with a cedar top.

Everything was great from the factory except for the pickup system. The only complaint I have about the guitar itself is the the finish scratches VERY easy. Imagine bringin home the guitar of your dreams then looking down the first time you sit down and play it and seeing pick scratches all over it. I have myself convinced that it adds character. (kinda like the hole in Willie Nelson's guitar) but if you buy this guitar make sure you have a pickgaurd unless you are only a finger picker. Some of the models don't come with pickgaurds *GET ONE*!!! Mine did but during a rousing version of "all along the watchtower," I managed to scratch the top of the guitar. But other than the finish it was great.

I have had my Taylor for a couple of years now and it has held up great so far. This is the only acoustic guitar I bring with me to gigs and I take my guitar with me everywhere I go. I would recomend a humidfier. Taylor preaches humidity in their monthly newsletter and it is a good idea to get a humidifier to put in the case if you don't have a climate controlled guitar room.

I have had no problem with Taylor with the problems I had with the pickup. The dealer orded the new pickup and it was in and installed in about 2 weeks.

Other than some problems with the pickup, the easily scratched finish is the only flaw I see with this guitar. I HIGHLY recomend this guitar, and am VERY glad I bought it. I would buy one again in a heartbeat! The sound of this guitar can't be beat. It has a full sound when strumed or fingerpicked, and is easy to play lead on. I have compared this guitar to several high quality guitars on the market. When I was looking for an acoustic guitar I was deciding between a tackimine, or a Martin, or Taylor. When I played the 514-ce it beat the other two hands down.