What does the future look like for builders who work with old-growth tonewoods? Taylor Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers wrestled with these questions in earnest. The global supply of centuries-old old-growth wood dwindles with each passing year, and builders like Andy are increasingly pressed to find cuts large enough for a 1-piece guitar top. The Taylor team rose to this meet the challenge with the 814ce Builder’s Edition. This new instrument pairs an 814ce’s unbeatable playability and looks with a top crafted from four pieces of old-growth Adirondack spruce. Adirondack spruce is rich in terms of sound and history, having been the go-to acoustic top wood long before Taylor was even founded. Old-growth Adirondack is also incredibly strong, lightweight, and focused. Between the top’s age and the Adirondack’s massive natural vibrational capacity and headroom, what results is a lively resonance that will border on mystical for discerning tonewood enthusiasts.
Taylor 814ce Builder’s Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar Features:
Showpiece acoustic-electric guitar with 4-piece old-growth Adirondack spruce top
Grand Auditorium body shape delivers outstanding comfort and versatile, focused tone
4-piece Adirondack spruce top rings with the age-tinged resonance of old-growth wood
Indian rosewood back and sides fuel rich clarity with strikingly few overtones — a natural match for Adirondack spruce
Comfortable mahogany neck with signature Taylor neck carve, finished with satin
Crelicam ebony fingerboard with 20 frets, adorned with inlays
Gotoh tuners, black TUSQ nut, and ebony bridge pins yield enhanced tone with luxury looks
Deluxe binding and appointments include hardwood purfling and a rosewood pickguard
Premium gloss finish highlights rigorous details, a first for Builder’s Edition acoustics
ES2 electronics offers a natural amplification sound for plugging in
