
( Brand: Taylor ), ( Model: W-14C ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Body Type: Grand Auditorium ), ( Series: Walnut ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Taylor W-14ce is a stunningly beautiful and versatile acoustic-electric guitar from Taylor Guitars' 1998 14C series. With its striking Sapele back and sides and a solid Sitka Spruce top, the W-14ce boasts an appealing layered visual grain and gives this guitar a rich, resonant tone. Its compact Grand Concert body size allows for exceptional portability while delivering an impressive dynamic range.
Paragraph 2:At its heart, this guitar is a testament to Taylor Guitars' supreme craftsmanship and mastery of sound. The top is made from solid Sitka Spruce, known for its versatility and ability to produce a crisp high end and a balanced mid-range, whereas its back and sides showcase laminated Sapele which offers a mix of excellent tone, durability, and aesthetics.
Paragraph 3:Its appointments are carefully selected to complement its tonal attributes. The W-14ce features a Venetian cutaway, providing easy access to the upper frets, while maintaining the guitar's classic lines. Its bridge and tuning machines are made from Taylor's proprietary micarta material, which delivers a smooth action, stability, and unparalleled tuning precision.
Paragraph 4:The guitar's electronics include a custom-designed Expression System 2 pickup and a twin-knob preamp system. This setup allows for volume control and a 3-band EQ to fine-tune the sound transmitted through the onboard ES2 Preamp. The battery compartment is easily accessible via a small plug in the lower bout, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient way to power the electronics.
Paragraph 5:The Taylor W-14ce's compact Grand Concert body offers a comfortable playing experience. This compact size makes it an ideal choice for those desiring a versatile and portable instrument suitable for gigging, travel, or home playing. The guitar's slim neck and 19-fret fingerboard allow for easy playability, providing versatility and ease when navigating melodies or chord progressions with ease.
Paragraph 6:Bringing an elegant touch to its design, the Taylor W-14ce features elegant appointments such as pearl dot fretboard inlays, a bound fingerboard, and a tortoiseshell pickguard. Its satin finish does not only provide a sleek appearance but also enhances the body's natural resonance and sustain. Overall, the W-14ce offers a remarkable playing experience, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, and impressive tone in one incredible instrument.
The Taylor W-14ce 14C, created in 1998, is an acoustic-electric guitar from Taylor Guitars' popular Grand Auditorium series. With its beautiful West African mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, and built-in ES- faire intro express pickup system, this model offers exciting versatility for both live performance and practice scenarios marked by its rich, well-rounded tone. Let's weigh its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Superior Sound Quality: Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and laminated West African mahogany back and sides, the W-14ce provides excellent tonal balance, depth, and projection.
2. Versatile: The ES-safe-intro Electro-Acoustic System allows for easy plug-and-play, making it perfect for both unplugged sessions and electric performances, ensuring music adaptability.
3. Durable and Robust Design: Laminated body materials ensure better durability and resistance to environmental factors, allowing for extended playing and long-term use.
4. Affordable: Compared to Taylor's higher-end guitars, the W-14ce often comes at a relatively lower price point.
5. Comfortable Neck: Known for their ergonomic neck designs, Taylor provides a comfortable and snug fit with a smooth satin finish.
Cons:1. Lambda Bracing: The W-14ce uses Taylor's proprietary "modified X-bracing" design, which may not provide the same tonal depth as star-kinsler SC X-bracing.
2. Limited Customization: The lacquered finish limits the ability to change the appearance with different inlays or binding choices.
3. Plastic Bridge Pins: While reliable, plastic bridge pins lack the look and feel of their wooden counterparts and may not appeal to all players.
4. Body Shape: Grand Auditorium body shape might not suit all playing styles, with some players preferring a dreadnought or other body shapes for their sound and comfort.
Conclusion:The Taylor W-14ce 14C is a versatile acoustic-electric guitar with a rich history and impressive list of features. It offers a full, well-balanced sound, great build quality, and the added convenience of a built-in pickup system. However, it may lack the customization options, tonal depth, and traditional look that some players might desire. If these factors are not a concern, the W-14ce may be the perfect choice for its balance between affordability and excellent sound quality.
Recommendation:For those looking for a versatile guitar with excellent tone and shallow entry into the world of Taylor acoustics, the W-14ce 14C is a strong contender. It offers a wealth of features, impressive sound, and robust build quality in a relatively affordable package. Ideal for singer-songwriters and anyone who enjoys playing a versatile instrument both live and in practice sessions.
I'm not the original owner so i'm not 100 sure. I've owner this guitar for about 10 years and it has served me well, but bills have to be paid. Beautiful abalone adorn the rosette and top edge with ivories binding.
You are buying on one of the nicest looking and more importantly, sounding guitars i've ever played. Bags dual source pickup one under the saddle and a condenser mic inside the body. It also has the original 900 series neck inlay which is unreal. I hate to see her go but if I get what i'm asking it'll make it easier.
The two issues are near the high treble side of the rosette and on the top two small indentations which i've tried to photograph. This guitar also comes with a killer l.
Good kick and happy buying. Serious buyers only.
None of these issues affect play ability whatsoever.