Taylor 724ce VS 814ce: What are the differences?
Primarily tonewood and looks.
The difference between the Koa in the 724ce and the Spruce/Rosewood in the 814ce is significant, both from a tone and aesthetic perspective. For some, Koa is a bit of an acquired taste (brighter and snappier sound), so if you want to "step out" with something more unique, the 724 might be the way to go. The 814ce is the more traditional, solid all-around Taylor choice. We like both and there are certainly no quality issues to speak of.
| Specification | Taylor 724ce | Taylor 814ce |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Grand Auditorium with Venetian Cutaway | Grand Auditorium with Venetian Cutaway |
| Top Wood | Hawaiian Koa | Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides Wood | Hawaiian Koa | Indian Rosewood |
| Bracing | V-Class | V-Class |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany | Tropical Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Material | West African Ebony | West African Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Fountain | Mother-of-Pearl Element |
| Binding | Indian Rosewood/Maple | Non-figured Maple |
| Electronics | Taylor Expression System 2 (ES-2) | Taylor Expression System 2 (ES-2) |
| Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.5 inches | 25.5 inches |
| Nut Width | 1.75 inches | 1.75 inches |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Black Tusq/Micarta | Black Graphite/Micarta |
| Tuning Machines | Taylor Closed Gear, 18:1 ratio | Taylor Smoked Nickel |
| Bridge Material | West African Ebony | West African Ebony |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
| Additional Features | Koa provides a unique tonal balance, evolving sound over time | Classic spruce-rosewood combination for traditional sound |
| String Type | Steel | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Color | Natural | Natural |
| Radius | 15 inches | 15 inches |
| Strings | D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053 | D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze, .012-.053 |
The Koa in the 724ce gives you a more brisk tone and unique look. It's an acquired taste for some. Image via Barnett Music Exchange
The 814ce is one of the nicest acoustic guitars money can buy, and a more traditional take with Spruce and Rosewood, compared to the Koa in the 724ce. Image via The Acoustic Centre
6 Comparison Points for the 724ce and 814ce
Body Shape and Design
Both the 724ce and 814ce employ Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body shape with a Venetian cutaway, which is a more comfortable design to hold, especially sitting down (smaller than a dreadnought). This also gives the guitar a somewhat brighter tone profile. This design suits a wide range of genres, though keep in mind the tone is typically brighter than a traditional dreadnought.
Tonewoods
724ce: Uses Hawaiian Koa for the top, back, and sides. Koa is a very unique tonewood with a treble-ish snap, bold midrange, and warm low-end. Its sound will also mature over time.
814ce: Uses a more traditional combination of a Sitka Spruce top and Indian Rosewood back/sides. Spruce accommodates a pretty wide frequency range, while Rosewood will help push out a little more low-end.
Bracing
Both guitars are built with Taylor’s V-Class bracing, enhancing volume, sustain, and intonation. It's worth reading up on. This construction allows for a stiffer and more flexible top (both at the same time is kind of odd but it's true), improving the overall tonal balance and response.
Electronics
Both models use Taylor's in-house electronics, the Expression System 2 (ES-2) which is a behind-the-saddle pickup that produces a very clear and faithful projection of the guitar's natural sound. This system includes a master volume, 2-band EQ, and a phase switch for feedback suppression.
Aesthetics and Finish
Koa is darker and more of a unique look as opposed to the traditional natural finish on the 814ce. So the 724ce has a darker and warmer look, given the Koa. A satin finish warms things up even more. The 814ce has a gloss finish over the natural look.
Playability and Sound
724ce: The Koa in the 724 is a more articulate sound, with a little more snap, especially if you're fingerpicking. It's less of a strumming acoustic, but can still handle rhythm styles, if called upon to do so.
814ce: Like I mentioned earlier, the Spruce and Rosewood combination is very common in a lot of acoustic guitars, but especially Taylor. The bright-leaning tone comes primarily from the slimmer body cut, but overall the 814 is a very balanced acoustic.
Which Taylor is the better value?
All of this comes down to how you feel about the Koa in the 724ce. Either you like it or you don't want to fool with it. Personally, I like the 814ce's more traditional look and sound, but that's just a preference, which is all this decision comes down to. For what it's worth, the 724ce will save you a little bit of money (check the price tracker below).
Compare Acoustic Guitars
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Taylor 724ce and 814ce Price Tracker
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
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Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics & Price Trackers
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