This thing is unbelievable!! The sound and playability absolutely stomp my Martin D-41 in every way. Deeper warmer lows, smoother mids, and much crisper and vibrant highs, all with greater sustain and clarity. Also just has a much more elegant and contemporary look. Plus, the beveled cutaway actually gives me use above the 14th fret all the way up which is a lovely bonus. Considering selling the Martin immediately because I honestly have no use for it after picking up this gem. Solid 10 /10
@@MichaelDiegel it’s epic…I must say tho I sold mine as it was too much pressure having a guitar that expensive and felt I couldn’t enjoy it…I now have a 714ce and it’s the best guitar I have ever played. It makes my Gibson J45 sound broken 😂
The K14ce gets 5 stars for a KOA guitar to sound that good up and down the neck right out of the case being brand new, normally takes a few years for the KOA to sound like that. GOOD JOB.
I bought a K14ce last November and returned it 8 days later. Tone was to my liking (mostly). Playability and build quality were excellent. But there were dead spots on 6 and 5 strings in G# and A. Intonation wasn't any better than a _much_ less expensive instrument. Some natural resonance caused Bs on the 4 and 2 strings to "beat" despite endless tuning. Never heard that before on any instrument. Restringing didn't help. Called Taylor for advice and tech said to take it to a repair center (90 mins away in my case) or call the dealer who sold it. Called the dealer who sagely advised "Well, Koa is an investment and in a few years the instrument will open up and sound better." I couldn't past paying that much for good looks, poor performance, and a vague promise of improvement in the future. On the other hand, Chris, it was a lovely demo. I've learned to play your finger-style tune from this video. Thanks!
Sounds like you had the dry winter blues and in need of a truss rod adjustment or worse case, neck reset, which is another Main reason for owning one. It can happen we’re talking wood here!
Its the way "I" like guitars to sound, I find most taylor's a little to bright for my tastes the hi E is a little to overstated still but it might be Chris's style or music selection. Full credit to Taylor/ Andy with keeping them at the top of the game. 5 and half with all the features is a steal, a future classic
I agree but I find a simple change in string brand to fix the overstated unwound strings. Elixir are great strings but can be jangly and bright depending on the tone woods (they do sound good on cedar tops). I went the taboo route and installed Martin Authentic LS2.0. Low notes are crystal and hi notes are bell like. Give them a try.
I have this guitar and 814ce, and I find that “silent” satin finish does make rustling noise with the clothes sliding on it while the gloss finish of 814ce does not. I like Taylor guitars but this “silent” does not reflect the fact.
Gorgeous guitar but personally after playing a k14 myself they look better than they sound. They sound great don’t get me wrong, but so do their 2017 models and older. The notes do ring out clearer and in tune up and down the fretboard but again we are not talking about night and day differences here. It’s subtle, it’s that extra 2 to 3%. Either way I commend Andy and company for going back to the drawing board.
We have one arriving in May or June! You can call or Pre-Order here: www.alamomusic.com/pre-order-taylor-guitars-2018-builders-edition-k14ce-with-v-class-bracing/
Thanks for all your well-thought-out and informative videos. I think this guitar sounds absolutely fantastic. However, when you play the G on the 6th string, it’s a bit sharp and when you play the the open 6th E it seems in tune. I had the same issue when I tried out a 914ce V-Braced one here in Vienna, Austria. Is this a common issue? Thanks!
In my case it’s always been a matter of a tensed hand so I work on relaxing my grip. I tend to play acoustic and realize that I have tents hands so that if I should switch to an electric I appear to go sharp on lowG.
Honestly doesn’t sound any better than Taylor’s cheaper offerings in the 2k-3k price range….and while what you said make sense scientifically there has never been a problem with x bracing and intonation so it kinda solved a problem that never even existed. With all that said as far as looks go it’s absolutely gorgeous and justify’s it’s price tag on looks.
try heavier strings and a set up. keep in mind these are not Martin guitars nor are they trying to be. they are meant to cut through a mix.. I have an 814ce and it is loud... no buzzing. I use 12's on it. I also have a Martin D28v. It is a warmer midrange sounding guitar. The Taylor has crisper highs... but still has a round bottom.
Imagine a world where you play a grand auditorium shaped koa back and sides guitar and complain about a lack of bass lol. Get an Indian rosewood dreadnought if that’s the case, just don’t start talking about how it doesn’t have as much clarity and dynamic range. Apples and oranges
Elijah Tarin My comment is on X-bracing vs V-bracing regardless of tone woods. I understand tone woods . My current guitars include a 2006 Taylor 810 BTO Brazilian B/S w/Adirondack top, 2009 816CE limited Cocobolo B/S w/Sitka Spruce top and 2013 Taylor 814CE w/Rosewood B/S w/Sitka Spruce top.
Don’t buy one, after owning one for a few months I’ve grown to absolutely hate Taylor guitars and the V brace gimmicks, all it does it cut the low end, it doesn’t add sustain or projection, the intonation if better is not noticeable, my 224ce sounds far better... I’m sick I paid $5000.00 for this thing... if anyone wants one I’ll take $4200.00 for it, it’s in mint condition...
Kimo Andrews My comment was a bit harsh, sometimes I play it and it doesn’t sound great, sometimes it sounds amazing. I think it’s because it’s so expensive I really expect perfection. It’s actually a really great guitar. And now that I’ve found a high quality wood pickguard for it I’m happier. Taylor really made me mad with complete lack of support on such a premium product, they wouldn’t sell me a pickguard unless I had a specific cheaper model and seemed bothered about me asking, even though I have nearly $10,000 registered products of theirs...
@@robertw1871 I get it... and I think it is that quandary of does a $5,000 guitar sound any better than a $2,000 guitar? Probably not in my hands... I don't think I would get a pickguard because i am not going to be able to sell the thing... if i scratch it a little... well that's what happens to a guitar that gets played. It'll have to be somebody else's problem after I am gone. It does make me feel more comfortable that you are enjoying it.
Kimo Andrews The reason I put the pickguard on it is because the silent satin finish wears to a gloss shine extremely easily and it was bugging me, so it wasn’t for pick scratches. I had the guard custom made from high end rosewood, it might detract from the value, but I don’t think it will. Does is sound better than a 2k guitar, I’d say absolutely yes, it’s not a huge difference but it’s noticeable and you can easily hear it when recording, the mic picks up the difference in a big way. It also plays better than nearly everything else I’ve tried. My main guitar that I beat up is a mahogany GS Mini, probably Taylor’s best guitar dollar for dollar IMHO...
This thing is unbelievable!! The sound and playability absolutely stomp my Martin D-41 in every way. Deeper warmer lows, smoother mids, and much crisper and vibrant highs, all with greater sustain and clarity. Also just has a much more elegant and contemporary look. Plus, the beveled cutaway actually gives me use above the 14th fret all the way up which is a lovely bonus. Considering selling the Martin immediately because I honestly have no use for it after picking up this gem. Solid 10 /10
I have had mine for a while now and can’t get enough of it...literally as perfect as an instrument can be in my opinion 😍👍🏼
How is it plugged into an amplifier?
@@MichaelDiegel it’s epic…I must say tho I sold mine as it was too much pressure having a guitar that expensive and felt I couldn’t enjoy it…I now have a 714ce and it’s the best guitar I have ever played. It makes my Gibson J45 sound broken 😂
The K14ce gets 5 stars for a KOA guitar to sound that good up and down the neck right out of the case being brand new, normally takes a few years for the KOA to sound like that. GOOD JOB.
I bought a K14ce last November and returned it 8 days later. Tone was to my liking (mostly). Playability and build quality were excellent. But there were dead spots on 6 and 5 strings in G# and A. Intonation wasn't any better than a _much_ less expensive instrument. Some natural resonance caused Bs on the 4 and 2 strings to "beat" despite endless tuning. Never heard that before on any instrument. Restringing didn't help. Called Taylor for advice and tech said to take it to a repair center (90 mins away in my case) or call the dealer who sold it. Called the dealer who sagely advised "Well, Koa is an investment and in a few years the instrument will open up and sound better." I couldn't past paying that much for good looks, poor performance, and a vague promise of improvement in the future.
On the other hand, Chris, it was a lovely demo. I've learned to play your finger-style tune from this video. Thanks!
How about the 914ce 2018 vclass?
Sounds like you had the dry winter blues and in need of a truss rod adjustment or worse case, neck reset, which is another Main reason for owning one. It can happen we’re talking wood here!
stunning guitar! and as always, best review on youtube!
That sounded totally Awesome what a guitar (that specific one in your hand) and great job on your playing and recording quality.
As always....nice demo Chris :-)
Public Service announcement. He starts playing the guitar at 6:19
Its the way "I" like guitars to sound, I find most taylor's a little to bright for my tastes the hi E is a little to overstated still but it might be Chris's style or music selection. Full credit to Taylor/ Andy with keeping them at the top of the game. 5 and half with all the features is a steal, a future classic
Very insightful. Thanks for tuning in, Doc!
I agree but I find a simple change in string brand to fix the overstated unwound strings. Elixir are great strings but can be jangly and bright depending on the tone woods (they do sound good on cedar tops). I went the taboo route and installed Martin Authentic LS2.0. Low notes are crystal and hi notes are bell like. Give them a try.
I have this guitar and 814ce, and I find that “silent” satin finish does make rustling noise with the clothes sliding on it while the gloss finish of 814ce does not. I like Taylor guitars but this “silent” does not reflect the fact.
Have you tried playing naked? That seems to work best with the satin finish.
I hate picky people Just Like Me, don’t you?!!!
@@skateborg I like where you’re headed there, fella grinner!!!
There are a few appointments I prefer on my 914, but would love to own this one day
Gorgeous guitar but personally after playing a k14 myself they look better than they sound. They sound great don’t get me wrong, but so do their 2017 models and older. The notes do ring out clearer and in tune up and down the fretboard but again we are not talking about night and day differences here. It’s subtle, it’s that extra 2 to 3%. Either way I commend Andy and company for going back to the drawing board.
Sounds so nice... holy shit 😬😢🤗🎼🎸🎶🎵🫠
Racking my brain here, and I can't figure out what tune you are picking at 7:18
What was the song he started playing at 7:18?
Looked at ordering today... new orders might not be in until August/September........crazy
We have one arriving in May or June! You can call or Pre-Order here: www.alamomusic.com/pre-order-taylor-guitars-2018-builders-edition-k14ce-with-v-class-bracing/
Thanks for all your well-thought-out and informative videos. I think this guitar sounds absolutely fantastic. However, when you play the G on the 6th string, it’s a bit sharp and when you play the the open 6th E it seems in tune. I had the same issue when I tried out a 914ce V-Braced one here in Vienna, Austria. Is this a common issue?
Thanks!
My $1k Breedlove does this too, I normally nudge it down if I play in G.
In my case it’s always been a matter of a tensed hand so I work on relaxing my grip. I tend to play acoustic and realize that I have tents hands so that if I should switch to an electric I appear to go sharp on lowG.
Great video. I’m torn between this one and the 914ce ... they’re comparable in pricing but what’s your take?
Did you end up picking one of them?
914ce anyday
I have both and a martin D-41. The K14ce stomps both of them in my honest opinion.
Dream guitar right here 😍
Is K14ce really limited edition? Like 914ce LTD for instance....Or did you mean builder's edition?
Shallow sounding in person
its acoustic or acoustic electric?
Klien Villaruel acoustic electric
Honestly doesn’t sound any better than Taylor’s cheaper offerings in the 2k-3k price range….and while what you said make sense scientifically there has never been a problem with x bracing and intonation so it kinda solved a problem that never even existed. With all that said as far as looks go it’s absolutely gorgeous and justify’s it’s price tag on looks.
so lovely ...
Still waiting on mine.....Maybe July or August. ...😳
Is not sow silen! Cus when you pass the tip of your finger on it the mic cach it.
Ive got one and they sound thin and buzzy
You may need it looking at if the action is to low. That’s what it seems to me.
try heavier strings and a set up. keep in mind these are not Martin guitars nor are they trying to be. they are meant to cut through a mix.. I have an 814ce and it is loud... no buzzing. I use 12's on it. I also have a Martin D28v. It is a warmer midrange sounding guitar. The Taylor has crisper highs... but still has a round bottom.
I disagree on the added bass comment. Not to my ears. I prefer the X-bracing. V-bracing is lacking IMO. New is not always better.
Imagine a world where you play a grand auditorium shaped koa back and sides guitar and complain about a lack of bass lol. Get an Indian rosewood dreadnought if that’s the case, just don’t start talking about how it doesn’t have as much clarity and dynamic range. Apples and oranges
Elijah Tarin My comment is on X-bracing vs V-bracing regardless of tone woods. I understand tone woods . My current guitars include a 2006 Taylor 810 BTO Brazilian B/S w/Adirondack top, 2009 816CE limited Cocobolo B/S w/Sitka Spruce top and 2013 Taylor 814CE w/Rosewood B/S w/Sitka Spruce top.
Beautiful, but lacks of bass...
Don’t buy one, after owning one for a few months I’ve grown to absolutely hate Taylor guitars and the V brace gimmicks, all it does it cut the low end, it doesn’t add sustain or projection, the intonation if better is not noticeable, my 224ce sounds far better... I’m sick I paid $5000.00 for this thing... if anyone wants one I’ll take $4200.00 for it, it’s in mint condition...
it is nice to get an unbiased review... thank you. I am still thinking about getting a K24 because I am in love with the looks.
Kimo Andrews My comment was a bit harsh, sometimes I play it and it doesn’t sound great, sometimes it sounds amazing. I think it’s because it’s so expensive I really expect perfection. It’s actually a really great guitar. And now that I’ve found a high quality wood pickguard for it I’m happier. Taylor really made me mad with complete lack of support on such a premium product, they wouldn’t sell me a pickguard unless I had a specific cheaper model and seemed bothered about me asking, even though I have nearly $10,000 registered products of theirs...
@@robertw1871 I get it... and I think it is that quandary of does a $5,000 guitar sound any better than a $2,000 guitar? Probably not in my hands... I don't think I would get a pickguard because i am not going to be able to sell the thing... if i scratch it a little... well that's what happens to a guitar that gets played. It'll have to be somebody else's problem after I am gone. It does make me feel more comfortable that you are enjoying it.
Kimo Andrews The reason I put the pickguard on it is because the silent satin finish wears to a gloss shine extremely easily and it was bugging me, so it wasn’t for pick scratches. I had the guard custom made from high end rosewood, it might detract from the value, but I don’t think it will. Does is sound better than a 2k guitar, I’d say absolutely yes, it’s not a huge difference but it’s noticeable and you can easily hear it when recording, the mic picks up the difference in a big way. It also plays better than nearly everything else I’ve tried. My main guitar that I beat up is a mahogany GS Mini, probably Taylor’s best guitar dollar for dollar IMHO...
@@robertw1871 you just sold another one for taylor... they should thank you
How can people afford this guitar? Its my dream to own one. It’s just a beautiful sounding and looking guitar. K14ce, damn