Taylor 214ce VS 314ce: Which one is a better value?
Our pick: Taylor 214ce
Although we hate to criticize any Taylor acoustic, in this comparison, we have to give the edge to the 214ce in terms of value. It's significantly cheaper than the 314ce, yet it delivers a more balanced tone that we prefer because the 314ce can sound overly bright to our ears. While the 314ce is a high-quality guitar, we don't think it offers enough of an improvement over the 214ce to justify the price difference.
This might be a bit of a flawed comparison, because the Taylor 314ce is dramatically more expensive than the 214ce (check the price guide for updated numbers). So to make a value assessment, the 314ce would have to put on a heck of a show to make the upgrade worthwhile.
We'd argue that, for most people, it's not worth it.
The 314ce doesn't add enough for us to cough up the extra cash. As always, you'll need to make the call for yourself, but we'll give you all the tools in our Taylor 214ce VS 314ce comparison.
The 314ce doesn't do enough for us to cough up the extra cash.
Taylor 214ce VS 314ce comparison table
This tables lets you compare basic specs and pricing for the 214ce and 314ce. We've added a couple more guitars that are in a similar price range.
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Acoustic | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor 214ce | n/a | |
 | Taylor 314ce | n/a | |
 | Takamine Legacy | n/a | |
 | Godin ACS-SA Slim | n/a |
Compare more acoustic guitars
We've only listed four acoustic guitars in the above table, but we have a lot more in our database. If you want to compare other acoustics, you can launch the search box to look for something else and add it to our comparison bar.
What are the tone differences?
Both of these guitars are bright, but the 314ce is really bright.
Again, it's not a bad guitar by any means, but for our taste it's just a little too brisk, especially for strumming.
The V-class bracing does give it more sustain and more natural volume, but the 214ce is a tame tone that's still bright, but sounds a little more balanced and capable on the strumming side.
Detailed Spec Breakdown
The layered Rosewood in the 214ce back and sides is a downgrade from the solid Sapele in the 314ce. But, note that all the layers are Rosewood which is better than if you had a top layer of Rosewood with bottom layers of something cheaper. Other notable differences include the bracing, finish, and nut width.
 | 214ce | 314ce |
|---|---|---|
String type | Steel | Steel |
Body shape | Grand auditorium | Grand auditorium |
Color | Natural | Natural |
Finish | Satin | Gloss |
Top wood | Solid Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
Back and sides | Layered rosewood | Solid sapele |
Body bracing | Forward shifted X-bracing | V-class bracing with relief route |
Neck wood | Tropical Mahogany | Tropical Mahogany |
Radius | 15" | Not listed |
Scale length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
Nut width | 1.6875" | 1.75" |
Electronics | Taylor ES-2 Expression System | Taylor ES-2 Expression System |
Strings | Elixir Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053 | Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light |
Body dimensions | Not listed | Length: 20" x Width: 16" x Depth: 4.62" |
Price Comparison for 214ce and 314ce
These tables give you live pricing for the 214ce and 314ce. Keep in mind that even with live pricing, the cost can vary, depending on where and when you look. Also note that this table does not include the Plus, Deluxe, or nylon string versions of these guitars, which are priced differently. If you're browsing around, be careful not to get them confused.
Price updated Tue, October 03rd, 2023.
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Major differences and deciding factors
The three most significant differences between these two guitars include the following:
Cell | Taylor 214ce | Taylor 314ce |
Tone profile | Bright, balanced | Very bright |
Bracing | Traditional X-bracing | V-class bracing |
Back/sides tonewood | Layered Rosewood | Solid Sapele |
The V-class bracing is a major upgrade, and it gives you really tight guitar construction, yet with added volume and sustain. Guitars that have more tension in their construction typically struggle with sustain and tend to have less natural volume. Though with the 314ce's bracing, sustain and volume are actually improved while the construction gets tighter.
These three differences are the biggest considerations when comparing these two guitars.
Minor differences
Minor differences include the finishes of the guitars and nut width. Per the nut width, the 314ce has a slightly wider neck.
Why you might prefer the Taylor 214ce over the 314ce
The main reason we recommend the 214ce over the 314ce is the difference in price. If you're making that jump, you're not getting enough to warrant the added expense.
In fact, you could get the 214ce and another awesome acoustic guitar with the money you've saved, which was around $1100 at the time of publishing this piece.
You also might prefer the 214ce if you're looking for a guitar that isn't quite so bright, that you might want to use for strumming and lead acoustic styles or fingerpicking.
Conclusion
Hopefully this comparison has been helpful to you.
Remember to always take your own situation into consideration and use it to balance our advice. Because while we like the 214ce, we can't account for all the variables that might be involved with your guitar needs or preferences.
We just believe that the Taylor 214ce will make the most sense for the highest number of people.
If you disagree or have questions, leave them in the comments section below.
As always, we appreciate you reading our content and supporting us.
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Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Roundups
Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Price Guides
Thanks for this thoughtful review. I recently bought a 214 CE plus, and I love it. I was thinking about whether I should upgrade right away, so I went back and played several guitars, in the 3, 4 and 5 series. My thought was, if I’m gonna do it I should do it now. But after spending an hour and a half playing the different guitars, I concluded that I liked the 214 best, definitely over the 314, and maybe over a couple of the others. To my ear it is better balanced overall, a bit fuller. A beautiful instrument.
Hey, Rob – thanks for sharing. And I agree. Save the money and still walk away with a great guitar.
The difference is $1100, not $2000. I tried out the 214ce koa deluxe and the 314 ce. I liked them both immensely but had difficulty deciding which to buy. Both sound great with an edge to the 314 ce for fullness. I could not decide so I bought both! I am quite pleased. The 214ce koa deluxe is absolutely gorgeous and has a fantastic sound. Fortunately, the shop I purchased at had them both on sale and there is no sales tax in that state. I am a happy customer.
Joe – I apologize. Dumb mistake on my part. Thank you for pointing this out.
I made the corrections.
Though my contention still stays the same and would recommend the 214 in most cases, but I agree they are both fantastic and, ultimately, difficult to choose between.
Bobby,
Thanks for writing back. I got back to playing guitar after hardly playing for years. I had my old guitars restrung. After visiting Nashville for the first time, I was inspired to play again. I bought the American Telecaster II in Dark Knight and am thrilled with it. I had no intention of buying an acoustic. I picked up the Taylor 214ce and knew that I had to have it. I bought the Koa Deluxe and it is great. The 214 is a fabulous guitar. I will keep playing it along with the 314ce.
Dang, Joe. You’ve been buyin’ up guitars at a serious pace. 🤘🏻
Thanks so much for sharing you experience. Great to have input from someone who has played both of these guitars.