Looking for an acoustic guitar that offers a perfect balance of affordability and quality? If so, the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great option to consider.
Editor’s Note:The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a popular choice among guitarists of all levels, thanks to its excellent sound quality, playability, and affordability. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar, exploring its features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s the right guitar for you.
After analyzing dozens of acoustic guitars and digging through countless reviews, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways
| Taylor 314 | |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Grand Auditorium |
| Top Wood | Sitka Spruce |
| Back and Sides Wood | Sapele |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Wood | Ebony |
| Electronics | ES2 |
Transition to main article topics
Now that we’ve covered the key differences between the Taylor 314 and other acoustic guitars, let’s take a closer look at its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
1. Body shape
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar features a Grand Auditorium body shape. This body shape is known for its versatility, providing a balanced sound that is well-suited for a variety of playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking. The Grand Auditorium body shape is also known for its comfortable playing position, making it a great choice for guitarists of all levels.
- Facet 1: Projection and Volume
The Grand Auditorium body shape provides excellent projection and volume, making it a great choice for playing in large spaces or with a band. The larger body size also helps to produce a richer, fuller sound.
- Facet 2: Comfort and Playability
The Grand Auditorium body shape is designed to be comfortable to play, even for extended periods of time. The cutaway design provides easy access to the higher frets, and the slightly narrower waist makes it easier to reach around the guitar.
- Facet 3: Versatility
The Grand Auditorium body shape is versatile and can be used for a variety of playing styles. It is a great choice for strumming, fingerpicking, and flatpicking. The balanced sound also makes it a good choice for recording.
- Facet 4: Comparison to Other Body Shapes
The Grand Auditorium body shape is larger than the Concert body shape, but smaller than the Dreadnought body shape. It offers a good balance between projection and comfort, making it a good choice for guitarists who want a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of playing styles.
Overall, the Grand Auditorium body shape is a great choice for guitarists who are looking for a versatile, comfortable, and great-sounding acoustic guitar. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a particularly good example of this body shape, offering excellent sound quality, playability, and affordability.
2. Top wood
Sitka spruce is a type of spruce tree that is native to North America. It is a strong and lightweight wood with a beautiful grain pattern. Sitka spruce is often used for the soundboards of acoustic guitars because it produces a bright, clear sound with excellent projection.
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar features a Sitka spruce top. This gives the guitar a bright, articulate sound that is perfect for strumming and fingerpicking. The Sitka spruce top also helps to project the guitar’s sound, making it a good choice for playing in large spaces or with a band.
- Facet 1: Brightness and Clarity
Sitka spruce is known for its bright and clear sound. This makes it a good choice for guitarists who want a guitar that will cut through the mix. The bright sound of Sitka spruce is also well-suited for fingerpicking, as it allows the individual notes to be heard clearly. - Facet 2: Projection
Sitka spruce is a strong and lightweight wood, which gives it excellent projection. This means that the guitar will produce a loud sound, even without amplification. The projection of Sitka spruce makes it a good choice for playing in large spaces or with a band. - Facet 3: Durability
Sitka spruce is a durable wood that is resistant to warping and cracking. This makes it a good choice for guitars that will be played regularly or in harsh conditions. The durability of Sitka spruce also makes it a good investment, as it will last for many years. - Facet 4: Comparison to Other Top Woods
Sitka spruce is one of the most popular woods used for acoustic guitar soundboards. It is known for its bright, clear sound and excellent projection. Other popular top woods include cedar and mahogany. Cedar produces a warmer, more mellow sound than Sitka spruce, while mahogany produces a darker, richer sound.
Overall, Sitka spruce is a great choice for the top wood of an acoustic guitar. It produces a bright, clear sound with excellent projection and durability. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great example of a guitar that uses Sitka spruce to its full potential.
3. Back and sides wood
The back and sides of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar are made from sapele, a type of wood that is native to West Africa. Sapele is a strong and durable wood with a beautiful grain pattern that is similar to mahogany. It produces a warm, rich sound with excellent projection.
The use of sapele for the back and sides of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar gives the guitar a number of advantages. First, sapele is a very strong and durable wood, which makes the guitar less likely to be damaged or warped. Second, sapele produces a warm, rich sound with excellent projection, which makes the guitar ideal for playing in a variety of settings. Third, sapele is a relatively affordable wood, which makes the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar a great value for the price.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of using sapele for the back and sides of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Strength and durability | Sapele is a very strong and durable wood, which makes the guitar less likely to be damaged or warped. |
| Warm, rich sound |
Sapele produces a warm, rich sound with excellent projection, which makes the guitar ideal for playing in a variety of settings. |
| Affordability | Sapele is a relatively affordable wood, which makes the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar a great value for the price. |
Overall, the use of sapele for the back and sides of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great choice. It gives the guitar a number of advantages, including strength, durability, sound quality, and affordability.
4. Neck wood
Mahogany is a type of wood that is native to the Americas. It is a strong and durable wood with a beautiful grain pattern. Mahogany is often used for the necks of acoustic guitars because it provides a warm, rich sound and excellent sustain.
- Facet 1: Warm, Rich Sound
Mahogany is known for its warm, rich sound. This makes it a good choice for guitars that will be used for playing blues, jazz, and other genres that require a warm, mellow sound.
- Facet 2: Excellent Sustain
Mahogany has excellent sustain, which means that notes will ring out for a long time after they are picked. This makes it a good choice for guitars that will be used for playing lead guitar or for playing in a band.
- Facet 3: Durability
Mahogany is a strong and durable wood, which makes it a good choice for guitars that will be played regularly or in harsh conditions. The durability of mahogany also makes it a good investment, as it will last for many years.
- Facet 4: Comparison to Other Neck Woods
Mahogany is one of the most popular woods used for acoustic guitar necks. Other popular neck woods include maple and rosewood. Maple produces a brighter sound than mahogany, while rosewood produces a darker sound. Ultimately, the best neck wood for you will depend on your personal preferences.
Overall, mahogany is a great choice for the neck of an acoustic guitar. It provides a warm, rich sound, excellent sustain, and durability. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great example of a guitar that uses mahogany for the neck.
5. Fretboard wood
Ebony is a type of wood that is native to Africa and Asia. It is a very dense and hard wood with a beautiful black or dark brown color. Ebony is often used for the fretboards of acoustic guitars because it is very durable and provides a smooth, fast playing surface.
- Facet 1: Durability
Ebony is one of the most durable woods available, which makes it a great choice for fretboards. It is very resistant to wear and tear, and it will not easily scratch or dent. This makes it a good choice for guitars that will be played regularly or in harsh conditions.
- Facet 2: Smooth, Fast Playing Surface
Ebony has a very smooth and fast playing surface. This makes it easy to play fast runs and solos, and it also helps to reduce finger fatigue. The smooth playing surface of ebony also makes it a good choice for guitars that will be used for recording.
- Facet 3: Appearance
Ebony is a very beautiful wood with a deep black or dark brown color. This gives guitars with ebony fretboards a very elegant and sophisticated look. The beauty of ebony also makes it a good choice for guitars that will be used on stage or in other public settings.
- Facet 4: Cost
Ebony is a relatively expensive wood, which can make guitars with ebony fretboards more expensive than guitars with fretboards made from other materials. However, the durability and beauty of ebony make it a worthwhile investment for many guitarists.
Overall, ebony is a great choice for the fretboard of an acoustic guitar. It provides a durable, smooth, and beautiful playing surface that is perfect for a variety of playing styles. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great example of a guitar that uses ebony for the fretboard.
6. Electronics
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar features the ES2 electronics system. This system consists of a pickup and preamp that are designed to amplify the guitar’s natural sound. The ES2 system is known for its natural sound and feedback resistance.
- Facet 1: Natural Sound
The ES2 system is designed to amplify the guitar’s natural sound without adding any coloration. This makes it a good choice for guitarists who want to preserve the natural sound of their guitar.
- Facet 2: Feedback Resistance
The ES2 system is also known for its feedback resistance. This makes it a good choice for guitarists who play in loud environments or who use a lot of gain.
- Facet 3: Controls
The ES2 system features a volume control, a tone control, and a phase switch. This gives guitarists a lot of control over the sound of their amplified guitar.
- Facet 4: Installation
The ES2 system is installed inside the guitar, which makes it very discreet. This is a good choice for guitarists who want to preserve the natural look of their guitar.
Overall, the ES2 electronics system is a great choice for guitarists who want to amplify the natural sound of their Taylor 314 acoustic guitar. The system is known for its natural sound, feedback resistance, and versatility.
7. Scale length
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar has a scale length of 25.5 inches. This means that the distance from the nut to the bridge is 25.5 inches. The scale length is an important factor in determining the sound and playability of a guitar.
- Tonal Impact
A longer scale length results in a brighter, more articulate sound, while a shorter scale length results in a warmer, more mellow sound. The 25.5-inch scale length of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar gives it a good balance of brightness and warmth.
- Playability
A longer scale length can be more difficult to play, especially for players with smaller hands. However, the 25.5-inch scale length of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is comfortable for most players.
- String Tension
A longer scale length results in higher string tension. This can make the guitar more difficult to bend and vibrato, but it can also improve sustain.
- Comparison to Other Scale Lengths
The 25.5-inch scale length is a common scale length for acoustic guitars. Other common scale lengths include 24.75 inches and 25.25 inches. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s scale length is a good choice for players who want a guitar that is versatile and easy to play.
Overall, the 25.5-inch scale length of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar gives it a good balance of sound, playability, and string tension. This makes it a great choice for a wide range of players.
8. Nut width
The nut width of a guitar is the distance between the two innermost strings at the nut. It is an important factor in determining the playability of a guitar, especially for fingerstyle players. A wider nut width provides more space for the fingers to move around, making it easier to play complex chords and fingerpicking patterns. A narrower nut width can be more comfortable for players with smaller hands, but it can also make it more difficult to play certain chords.
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar has a nut width of 1.6875 inches. This is a relatively standard nut width for acoustic guitars, and it provides a good balance of playability and comfort for most players. Players with larger hands may find the 1.6875-inch nut width to be a bit narrow, but it should be comfortable for most players with average-sized hands.
The nut width of a guitar is a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, the best nut width for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to play your best.
Table: Nut Width Comparison
| Guitar | Nut Width |
|---|---|
| Taylor 314 | 1.6875 inches |
| Martin D-28 | 1.75 inches |
| Gibson J-45 | 1.695 inches |
9. String spacing
String spacing is an important factor to consider when choosing an acoustic guitar. It refers to the distance between the strings at the bridge. The string spacing on the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is 2.25 inches. This is a relatively standard string spacing for acoustic guitars, and it provides a good balance of comfort and playability for most players.
- Fingerstyle Playing
A wider string spacing can be beneficial for fingerstyle players, as it provides more room for the fingers to move around. This can make it easier to play complex chords and fingerpicking patterns.
- Flatpicking
A narrower string spacing can be beneficial for flatpicking, as it makes it easier to pick individual strings without accidentally hitting other strings.
- Hand Size
Players with larger hands may prefer a wider string spacing, while players with smaller hands may prefer a narrower string spacing.
- Comparison to Other Guitars
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s string spacing of 2.25 inches is comparable to other popular acoustic guitars, such as the Martin D-28 and the Gibson J-45.
Ultimately, the best string spacing for you is a matter of personal preference. However, the 2.25-inch string spacing on the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a good starting point for most players.
10. Weight
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar weighs in at 4.5 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight guitar. This is a significant factor to consider, as the weight of a guitar can have a big impact on its playability and comfort.
- Comfort
A lighter guitar is easier to hold and play for long periods of time, which is especially important for players who perform live or practice for extended periods. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s weight of 4.5 pounds makes it a comfortable guitar to play, even for players with smaller frames.
- Portability
A lighter guitar is also easier to transport, which is important for players who travel with their guitar or who play in multiple locations. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s weight of 4.5 pounds makes it a great choice for players who need a guitar that is both portable and comfortable to play.
- Sound
The weight of a guitar can also have an impact on its sound. Heavier guitars tend to have a fuller, richer sound, while lighter guitars tend to have a brighter, more articulate sound. The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s weight of 4.5 pounds gives it a good balance of warmth and brightness.
- Comparison to Other Guitars
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s weight of 4.5 pounds is comparable to other popular acoustic guitars in its class. For example, the Martin D-28 weighs 4.6 pounds, and the Gibson J-45 weighs 4.7 pounds.
Overall, the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s weight of 4.5 pounds is a significant advantage. It makes the guitar comfortable to play, easy to transport, and gives it a well-balanced sound.
11. Price
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is priced at $1,299. This price point makes it a mid-range guitar that is affordable for many players, while still offering excellent quality and performance.
- Affordability
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is priced at $1,299, which is less expensive than many other Taylor guitars. This makes it a great option for players who are looking for a high-quality guitar without breaking the bank.
- Value
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar offers excellent value for the price. It is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and it produces a beautiful sound. This makes it a great choice for players who are looking for a guitar that will last for many years.
- Comparison to Other Guitars
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is priced similarly to other guitars in its class. For example, the Martin D-28 Standard Series guitar is priced at $1,499, and the Gibson J-45 Standard guitar is priced at $1,399.
- Conclusion
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is an excellent choice for players who are looking for a high-quality, affordable guitar. It offers a great balance of price, performance, and value.
12. Warranty
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This means that Taylor Guitars will repair or replace any defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the guitar. This warranty is one of the best in the industry, and it demonstrates Taylor’s commitment to building high-quality guitars.
- Peace of mind
A limited lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that your guitar is covered in the event of any defects. This is especially important for a guitar that you plan to keep for many years.
- Value
A limited lifetime warranty adds value to your guitar. It shows that the guitar is well-made and that the manufacturer is confident in its quality.
- Resale value
A guitar with a limited lifetime warranty will have a higher resale value than a guitar without a warranty. This is because buyers know that they are getting a quality guitar that is backed by the manufacturer.
- Comparison to other guitars
Many other high-quality acoustic guitars come
with limited lifetime warranties. This includes guitars from Martin, Gibson, and Yamaha.
Overall, the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar’s limited lifetime warranty is a valuable feature that gives you peace of mind, adds value to your guitar, and increases its resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Taylor 314 Acoustic Guitar
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a popular choice among guitarists of all levels, thanks to its excellent sound quality, playability, and affordability. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this guitar:
Question 1: What are the key features of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar?
Answer: The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar features a Grand Auditorium body shape, a Sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, a mahogany neck, an ebony fretboard, and the ES2 electronics system.
Question 2: What type of music is the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar best suited for?
Answer: The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of genres, including folk, rock, blues, and country.
Question 3: How does the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar compare to other guitars in its price range?
Answer: The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar offers an excellent value for the price, providing a combination of high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and sound quality that is comparable to guitars that cost significantly more.
Question 4: Is the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar a good choice for beginners?
Answer: Yes, the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a good choice for beginners. It is easy to play, has a comfortable body shape, and produces a great sound.
Question 5: What are the pros and cons of the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar?
Answer: The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar offers a number of advantages, including its excellent sound quality, playability, versatility, and value for the price. However, it is not as loud as some other guitars in its class, and it may not be the best choice for players who prefer a brighter sound.
Question 6: Where can I buy a Taylor 314 acoustic guitar?
Answer: Taylor 314 acoustic guitars can be purchased from a variety of music stores and online retailers. You can also find used Taylor 314 acoustic guitars for sale on websites like Reverb and eBay.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great choice for guitarists of all levels, offering a combination of excellent sound quality, playability, versatility, and value for the price.
Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar, please visit the Taylor Guitars website or your local music store.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Taylor 314 Acoustic Guitar
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a versatile and great-sounding instrument that can be used for a variety of genres. However, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of your guitar and make it sound its best.
Tip 1: Use the right strings. The type of strings you use can have a big impact on the sound of your guitar. For the Taylor 314, we recommend using light to medium gauge strings with a phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze winding. These strings will give you a good balance of warmth, brightness, and projection.
Tip 2: Get a good setup. A proper setup can make a big difference in the playability and sound of your guitar. A qualified guitar technician can adjust the action, intonation, and truss rod to optimize your guitar for your playing style.
Tip 3: Experiment with different picking techniques. The way you pick the strings can affect the sound of your guitar. Try using different picks, such as a thin pick for a brighter sound or a thick pick for a warmer sound. You can also try using different picking patterns to create different sounds.
Tip 4: Use a capo. A capo is a small device that can be placed on the neck of your guitar to change the key of the song you are playing. This can be a great way to add variety to your playing or to make it easier to play certain songs.
Tip 5: Take care of your guitar. Your Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a valuable instrument, so it is important to take good care of it. This includes storing it in a cool, dry place, cleaning it regularly, and getting it serviced by a qualified guitar technician on a regular basis.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits: By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Taylor 314 acoustic guitar and make it sound its best for many years to come.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: If you have any questions about the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar or need help with any of these tips, please consult the Taylor Guitars website or your local music store.
Conclusion
The Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a versatile and well-crafted instrument that is suitable for a variety of playing styles and genres. It offers a balanced sound with excellent projection and clarity, making it a great choice for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Taylor 314 acoustic guitar is a great choice for players who are looking for a high-quality guitar that will last for many years to come.
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