
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: PROTOGA ), ( Part Type: Guitar ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Body Type: Grand Auditorium ), ( Model Year: 2016 )
The Taylor 414ce Prototype Rosewood/Sitka MY Ekangas Es2 (6130-PROT-GrpCE) is a masterful fusion of tonal brilliance and sleek modern design, created as a collaborative effort between Taylor Guitars and legendary guitar maker Andy Powers and luthier Paul Breaugh. This limited-edition guitar is a part of the 2016 Proto Type series, which highlights the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship.
The body of the 414ce Prototype Rosewood/Sitka MY Ekangas Es2 boasts an elegant layered Egyptian mahogany back and sides with a stunning solid Sitka spruce top adorned with ivoroid binding. This beautiful pairing results in a rich, warm, and articulate tone with impressive clarity and projection. The four-inch-deep body is Taylor's popular "Grand Concert" shape, making it perfect for versatile fingerstyle playing and dynamic strumming.
The neck on this exquisite instrument boasts a sleek Sitka spruce/tropical mahogany laminate neck design, featuring a dark East Indian rosewood fretboard and 20 X-braced frets. A 14-inch compound-radius (20.16 inches at the nut, 16 inches at the 12th fret) adds increased comfort and ease for players moving up and down the neck. The neck's satin finish provides a silky, comfortable feel in your hands.
The Taylor ES2 electronics system ensures an authentic acoustic tone when plugged in, with a clear, balanced sound that accurately represents the guitar's natural acoustic qualities. The sleek pared-down design features a Volume control, a Tone control, and a toggle switch for picking between the guitar's beautiful live-sounding preamp, which can be powered by a 9V battery or the guitar's own offset voltage.
The guitar's hardware appointments are both elegant and functional, including an ivoroid-bound original Taylor nickel-plated tuning machines, a tortoiseshell pickguard, crafted bones nut, and your choice of a chrome Appl BOX Premium bridge or a Tusq bridge with an artistic custom finial.
With its stunning looks, impressive tonal qualities, and innovative electronics, the Taylor 414ce Prototype Rosewood/Sitka MY Ekangas Es2 (6130-PROT-GrpCE) is an excellent choice for the discerning player looking to add a masterwork to their collection. Limited to a small production run, this guitar is sure to be a treasured companion in the studio, on the stage, or simply during your favorite quiet nights of strumming.
The Taylor 414ce Prototype Rosewood/Sitka EN-XT (6130-PRO Really Nice Wood) is a high-end acoustic-electric guitar that showcases Taylor's renowned craftsmanship and innovation. In deciding if this instrument is a good investment for you, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros:1. Exceptional Sound Quality: Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and layered Indian rosewood back and sides, the guitar boasts clear, balanced, and rich tone that's a favorite among acoustic guitar enthusiasts.
2. Playability: The 414ce Prototype's neck boasts a Sapele laminate body with a Venetian cutaway and offers excellent playability, making it comfortable for players with various playing styles and preferences.
3. Versatile: Equipped with Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics, it offers a volume control and a cutaway design, granting you the flexibility to play acoustically while providing the convenience of amplified performances when the situation calls for it.
4. Finish and Design: With Taylor's proprietary es2 pickup, there's no need for soundhole mounted preamps, resulting in a cleaner and more aesthetic appearance. The guitar's finish (EN-XT in this case) is a beautiful gloss-coated, clear-edged finish that protects and enhances the natural beauty of the woods.
5. durability: Layered Indian rosewood used in the back and sides adds durability and scratch resistance, making it an ideal choice for those with an active gigging lifestyle.
6. Consistent Quality: Taylor guitars are known for their consistent quality, giving potential buyers the peace of mind that they're investing in a well-built and reliable instrument.
Cons:1. Price: The Taylor 414ce Prototype comes with a hefty price tag making it a significant investment for most guitarists.
2. Size: With the Venetian cutaway, this model has a larger body size, which may be unwieldy for some, particularly for those with smaller body frames or for those seeking a more compact guitar.
3. Preference of Materials: Some players may prefer different tonewood combinations or have aesthetics that don't align with this particular offering from Taylor.
In conclusion, the Taylor 414ce Prototype Rosewood/Sitka EN-XT (6130-PRO) is an excellent choice for professional and enthusiast musicians seeking a premium acoustic-electric guitar with exceptional tone, playability, versatility, and durability. Given its high-end features, this guitar comes with a hefty price, but its outstanding performance and reliable construction make it a top contender for those willing to invest in a truly superior instrument. If the price point doesn't discourage you, the Taylor 414ce Prototype is an inspiring and powerful option that will serve you well for many years to come.
This was the prototype for new rosewood 414CE. This guitar has some light buffing scratches on the back see pic. Includes original hard case.
Rosewood back and sides with a sitka spruce top. Es2 pickup system.