Taylor Acoustic 214ce Review: A Blend of Brightness and Depth
- The 214ce is described as an excellent all-around guitar suitable for various settings, from casual jams and small group worship sessions to more formal performances. Its balanced tone and reliable construction make it a dependable choice for musicians looking for a versatile instrument.
The Taylor Acoustic 214ce is a remarkable instrument that blends the bright, clear tone characteristic of Taylor guitars with a deeper, more resonant low end. This review delves into the unique features and qualities of this guitar, drawing insights from Zachery Smith’s detailed evaluation.
Upper-End Clarity and Enhanced Low End
One of the standout features of the Taylor 214ce is its balance between high-end clarity and rich low-end resonance. Smith notes that while the guitar maintains the bright, clear tone typical of Taylor instruments, it also delivers a substantial low end. This duality allows the vibrations to be felt against the body, providing a tactile playing experience that enhances musical expression. This guitar’s tonal quality lends itself well to various genres, including bluegrass and jazz, showcasing its versatility.
Exceptional Playability
Straight out of the box, the Taylor 214ce impresses with its playability. Smith highlights the guitar’s action, noting that it does not require additional tweaking or setup by a luthier. This is a significant advantage, especially for musicians who may not have easy access to professional setup services. The guitar’s neck and intonation are meticulously crafted, ensuring that it plays well across all frets without the need for immediate adjustments.
Superior Construction and Materials
The construction of the Taylor 214ce reflects a commitment to quality and detail. It features a Sitka spruce top, layered rosewood back and sides, and a tropical mahogany neck with a West African Crelicam ebony fretboard. These materials contribute to the guitar’s distinctive sound, with rosewood providing deeper tones and the mahogany neck adding warmth. The matte finish allows the wood grain to be appreciated in fine detail, adding to the guitar’s aesthetic appeal.
Practical Innovations
Taylor has incorporated several practical innovations into the 214ce. The Venetian cutaway allows for easier access to higher frets, making it suitable for lead playing and complex chord voicings. The solid tuners ensure stable tuning, crucial for maintaining sound quality during performances. Additionally, the inpin system for battery changes is a thoughtful feature, allowing quick and hassle-free replacement without detuning the guitar.
Versatility and Reliability
The 214ce is described as an excellent all-around guitar suitable for various settings, from casual jams and small group worship sessions to more formal performances. Its balanced tone and reliable construction make it a dependable choice for musicians looking for a versatile instrument. Smith emphasizes its suitability for live performances, noting its robust sound that works well with audio equipment, ensuring a full, rich output without additional adjustments.
Conclusion
The Taylor Acoustic 214ce stands out as a guitar that combines Taylor’s signature brightness with a satisfying low end. Its superior construction, practical features, and exceptional playability make it an excellent choice for musicians of all levels. Whether used in a worship setting, a bluegrass session, or a casual jam, the 214ce offers a reliable, high-quality playing experience that is sure to inspire.
May this review guide you in finding an instrument that not only enhances your musical journey but also brings glory to our Creator through every strum and note.
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Zach was raised in a small town in East Texas, but moved to Nashville at the age of 19 to accept the lead guitarist role for well-known Gospel group, "The Crabb Family" (www.thecrabbfamily.com). With an annual live audience attendance of approx. 800,000, he was touring all over the U.S., Ireland, Canada, and the Bahamas. Later, he started playing/leading guitar sessions, producing records, as well as maintaining an active tour schedule. Zach went on to become the Worship Ministry Director/Lead Guitarist at Cornerstone Church (www.sacornerstone.org) in San Antonio, TX. Hagee Ministries is one of the largest of its kind in the world, with over 22,000 active members and an annual Live/TV/internet audience reaching well into the millions worldwide. Zachery is now the lead guitarist/vocalist for the band Unspoken (www.UnspokenMusic.com), a session guitarist, and worship leader alongside his wife Amanda. Zach, Amanda, and their 4 children currently live in Nashville, TN. Notable accomplishments: • Over 25 Grand Ole Opry appearances as lead guitarist for performing artists