After playing this guitar for 7 months now, I am updating my earlier assessment of the 714ce v class. This guitar has aged a bit and the sustain in the low end has really come in. I now consider this one of the best guitars I have every owned. Also the edges seem more round which helps with the right arm resting on the top edge of the guitar. If you get the chance, play one of these. Thanks again Chris for this fine review. Keith
The 714ce has always been one of my favorite guitars of all time, especially when they had the cedar tops on them. I think the V- Brace one is brighter and sounds amazing,but I still like the 2017 model , they are both wonderful guitars. ( Good Video)
The 2017 is more dynamic and forgiving when played soft or hard. The 2018 sounds nice and mellow when played soft but a little harsh when played harder. I believe this tonal difference is because the x braced top on the 2017 is not so stiff where the bridge meets the top. I also believe thats why the 2018 has a composite nut to tone down the harshness. I wonder what the 2018 would sound like with a traditional nut.
This is the first comparison between x-braced and v-braced on youtube where I actually like the v-braced more. In other youtube videos to my ear the x-braced taylor always won. Now I'm thinking it was maybe a matter of recording.
Really like the 714ce, can't wait to try out the 2018 714ce v-class, BTW, I also really like the demo music he played in every video, now it's stuck in my head, need the guitar scores....
I can’t tell on the video but when I played it live the V was far clearer sounding, I’ve played a lot of guitars but I noticed it immediately... Seems to be a few people saying the X sounds better, maybe the mic needs to be moved to capture the V sound, my ears aren’t in front of the sound hole, but for sure when you’re actually holding it there is an instantly noticeable improvement in note definition with the V... maybe the onboard pickup would make the difference more noticeable than an separate mic...
I own the new V braced 714ce and after playing it for one day I can tell you it is just unbelievable. It has the same balance as the previous 714ce but the tone is improved. Sustain is just amazing and I strongly recommend you play one if you get a chance.
To me the brightness has been toned down every so slightly in the Vclass. The difference is like changing strings when only half 'used up' so you hear a difference but its not that overwhelming. Personally i like what i hear.....i have 3 Taylor acoustics....all are from the custom shop (one was a personal custom order). So all my Taylors, even though they are x-braced have a less bright tone which is what i preferred.
I hear the 2017 and think so what a beautiful sound, then hear the 2018 a am blown away, both are wonderful but I prefer the 2018 and only in comparison could I guess one sound “better” than the other. I would be thrilled with either. Thinking of selling my 654ltd and Gs mini to trade up.
I love the 2017 x braced tone. The V braced one is nice but the x braced holds the edge in power and presence. The comparison segment beginning at 8:42 displays a strong difference between the two guitars. The X braced tone is far richer in that segment.
Completely disagree that V models have more bass than X models, particularly the forward shifted X. There may be other new attributes but an increase in bass is not one. V braces run right through and stiffen the middle of the lower bout where bass frequencies resonate the most. A decrease in bass is the most frequent criticism of V models I read in Taylor discussion forums.
Steven Hom I have to agree. I went into a local guitar shop that sales specifically Taylor’s and played several Taylor V class and wasn’t impressed. I’ve owned an 814ce, I currently own a 2014 12fret 812e, and I have a 2017 714ce western sunburst. The 814ce was a great sounding guitar but I never warmed up to it, the 812e 12 fret is the sweetest sounding guitar I’ve ever owned with tons of resonance and bass, my 2017 714ce is one fabulous guitar that rings and has an incredible low end. I played a V class 714ce at the local guitar shop and I just did not like the sound as it sounded a little too tinny sounding. I also played the new round shoulder Taylor Grand Pacific and was disappointed with its sound and I was hoping it would be a competitor with the Martin dreads. I would like to believe that the V class is a new breakthrough but I’m just not hearing it. Maybe it’s just me. I also own three Martin guitars two dreads and 000-28 which have opened up and sound great but my Taylor 2017 714ce always seems to get more attention, maybe I got lucky and got one of those exceptionally built guitars that you get once in a blue moon!!
Quite a difference between them. I do like the V-brace and will make one my next instrument. While watching this video, something I really noticed was the lack of interaction with the audience while playing. He looks like he's just amazed with the movements his fingers are making. I picked up my first guitar at age 5, back in 1956. When I got serious about practicing and playing, I sat in front of the TV with the sound turned off, forcing myself to not watch the fretboard, but to learn it by touch and sound. Just a little tip from an old dude. I've had many, many guitars pass through my hands, most of them acoustics. Now I have a Taylor and look forward to getting a second one.
I really don’t hear much difference. I bought the western sunburst 714ce in 2017 and it’s a fantastic sounding and great to play guitar. I have a Martin 00028, Martin D-41, Martin D-28 and a Taylor 814ce 12 fret and out of those acoustic’s I probably play the 714ce more than the others, not that I don’t love my others but this 714ce has really started to open up. I’ve played several of the Taylor v- class bracing guitars at different guitar stores and I really don’t hear much difference.
I really do think the 2017 has more character and a more dynamic guitar. I think the V in person is a lot better to show details that we dont hear on even a decent recording such as this. Love your song choices on this one. you played some different stuff. You think I could find a decent used 714 x for around 2000? maybe 2200? I hate to buy a used taylor but as long as it was taken care of it might be warmed up quite nicely for me.
I don't think its a secret these guitars are expensive lol. The video is meant to showcase the tonal differences between the two guitars not provide a buying guide.
Tells you to watch other videos on in-depth explanation on the V-class bracing, proceeds to give you an in-depth explanation on the V-class bracing. It's been introduced pretty long ago, and explaining it is starting to sound like a broken record. Just get on with an otherwise wonderful comparison.
Get a Cort if you want to play guitar and sing. You won't hear any harshness of sound that you bear from these expensive guitars. I do own Taylor and Martin guitars.
After playing this guitar for 7 months now, I am updating my earlier assessment of the 714ce v class. This guitar has aged a bit and the sustain in the low end has really come in. I now consider this one of the best guitars I have every owned. Also the edges seem more round which helps with the right arm resting on the top edge of the guitar. If you get the chance, play one of these.
Thanks again Chris for this fine review.
Keith
The 714ce has always been one of my favorite guitars of all time, especially when they had the cedar tops on them. I think the V- Brace one is brighter and sounds amazing,but I still like the 2017 model , they are both wonderful guitars. ( Good Video)
Great explanation of the intonation factor. Absolutely correct. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to adjust tuning for that very reason
The 2017 is more dynamic and forgiving when played soft or hard. The 2018 sounds nice and mellow when played soft but a little harsh when played harder. I believe this tonal difference is because the x braced top on the 2017 is not so stiff where the bridge meets the top. I also believe thats why the 2018 has a composite nut to tone down the harshness. I wonder what the 2018 would sound like with a traditional nut.
I actually prefer the tone of the 2017 x-braced 714...
me to !! sounds louder
This is the first comparison between x-braced and v-braced on youtube where I actually like the v-braced more. In other youtube videos to my ear the x-braced taylor always won. Now I'm thinking it was maybe a matter of recording.
Really like the 714ce, can't wait to try out the 2018 714ce v-class, BTW, I also really like the demo music he played in every video, now it's stuck in my head, need the guitar scores....
I can’t tell on the video but when I played it live the V was far clearer sounding, I’ve played a lot of guitars but I noticed it immediately... Seems to be a few people saying the X sounds better, maybe the mic needs to be moved to capture the V sound, my ears aren’t in front of the sound hole, but for sure when you’re actually holding it there is an instantly noticeable improvement in note definition with the V... maybe the onboard pickup would make the difference more noticeable than an separate mic...
I own the new V braced 714ce and after playing it for one day I can tell you it is just unbelievable. It has the same balance as the previous 714ce but the tone is improved. Sustain is just amazing and I strongly recommend you play one if you get a chance.
Thanks for the comment!
I love both but my ears prefer the V braced ;-) Great demo, THX
To me the brightness has been toned down every so slightly in the Vclass. The difference is like changing strings when only half 'used up' so you hear a difference but its not that overwhelming. Personally i like what i hear.....i have 3 Taylor acoustics....all are from the custom shop (one was a personal custom order). So all my Taylors, even though they are x-braced have a less bright tone which is what i preferred.
All the notes seem more homogeneous with the V brace. No harshness and better balance
My dream guitar
I still prefer the X bracing. It has more growl and fuller sound than the V bracing.
I hear the 2017 and think so what a beautiful sound, then hear the 2018 a am
blown away, both are wonderful but I prefer the 2018 and only in comparison could I guess one sound “better” than the other. I would be thrilled with either. Thinking of selling my 654ltd and Gs mini to trade up.
I love the 2017 x braced tone. The V braced one is nice but the x braced holds the edge in power and presence. The comparison segment beginning at 8:42 displays a strong difference between the two guitars. The X braced tone is far richer in that segment.
I played a 2017 714ce today and was very surprised by the volume - as load and melodious as my 2014 810e....quite remarkable...
Completely disagree that V models have more bass than X models, particularly the forward shifted X. There may be other new attributes but an increase in bass is not one. V braces run right through and stiffen the middle of the lower bout where bass frequencies resonate the most. A decrease in bass is the most frequent criticism of V models I read in Taylor discussion forums.
Steven Hom I have to agree. I went into a local guitar shop that sales specifically Taylor’s and played several Taylor V class and wasn’t impressed. I’ve owned an 814ce, I currently own a 2014 12fret 812e, and I have a 2017 714ce western sunburst. The 814ce was a great sounding guitar but I never warmed up to it, the 812e 12 fret is the sweetest sounding guitar I’ve ever owned with tons of resonance and bass, my 2017 714ce is one fabulous guitar that rings and has an incredible low end. I played a V class 714ce at the local guitar shop and I just did not like the sound as it sounded a little too tinny sounding. I also played the new round shoulder Taylor Grand Pacific and was disappointed with its sound and I was hoping it would be a competitor with the Martin dreads. I would like to believe that the V class is a new breakthrough but I’m just not hearing it. Maybe it’s just me. I also own three Martin guitars two dreads and 000-28 which have opened up and sound great but my Taylor 2017 714ce always seems to get more attention, maybe I got lucky and got one of those exceptionally built guitars that you get once in a blue moon!!
Quite a difference between them. I do like the V-brace and will make one my next instrument.
While watching this video, something I really noticed was the lack of interaction with the audience while playing. He looks like he's just amazed with the movements his fingers are making.
I picked up my first guitar at age 5, back in 1956. When I got serious about practicing and playing, I sat in front of the TV with the sound turned off, forcing myself to not watch the fretboard, but to learn it by touch and sound.
Just a little tip from an old dude. I've had many, many guitars pass through my hands, most of them acoustics. Now I have a Taylor and look forward to getting a second one.
There’s no audience. He’s in a studio.
Oh man, was interested in a v-brace taylor until I heard this.
I really don’t hear much difference. I bought the western sunburst 714ce in 2017 and it’s a fantastic sounding and great to play guitar. I have a Martin 00028, Martin D-41, Martin D-28 and a Taylor 814ce 12 fret and out of those acoustic’s I probably play the 714ce more than the others, not that I don’t love my others but this 714ce has really started to open up.
I’ve played several of the Taylor v- class bracing guitars at different guitar stores and I really don’t hear much difference.
I really do think the 2017 has more character and a more dynamic guitar. I think the V in person is a lot better to show details that we dont hear on even a decent recording such as this. Love your song choices on this one. you played some different stuff. You think I could find a decent used 714 x for around 2000? maybe 2200? I hate to buy a used taylor but as long as it was taken care of it might be warmed up quite nicely for me.
Thank you! This cements my decision!
No problem! :)
unreal difference the 2018 just blows it away
Like the difference between fantastic and amazing
7:53 8:19
Sorry, man. The X-braced 2017 is clearly the winner here.
I have a 2018 814ce deluxe that I paid four grand for, that's something that they won't tell you in these videos ,for some reason it's a big secret.
I don't think its a secret these guitars are expensive lol. The video is meant to showcase the tonal differences between the two guitars not provide a buying guide.
Some fingerstyle songs make me want to weep, some make me intensely happy. Weird stuff.
What size strings are on these V-brace guitars?
Andrew M the Taylor website says Elixir lights on the 14 series V class
Tells you to watch other videos on in-depth explanation on the V-class bracing, proceeds to give you an in-depth explanation on the V-class bracing.
It's been introduced pretty long ago, and explaining it is starting to sound like a broken record. Just get on with an otherwise wonderful comparison.
Get a Cort if you want to play guitar and sing. You won't hear any harshness of sound that you bear from these expensive guitars. I do own Taylor and Martin guitars.