As taylor Guitars gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, they are launching special editions, including the Legacy models that pay tribute to Bob Taylor’s most iconic acoustic designs.The brand is committed to innovation with the Next Generation series, featuring standout elements like the Action Control neck, scalloped V-Class bracing, and the new Claria acoustic pickup system.
Among the Next Generation offerings, the Builder’s Edition 514ce stands out as a particularly captivating model. The 514ce has long been a favorite within the Taylor lineup, cherished by many musicians, including myself.Its classic combination of solid mahogany back and sides paired with a red cedar top produces a warm, articulate tone that suits virtually any genre.
The Grand Auditorium body shape, complemented by a Venetian cutaway and built-in electronics, enhances its versatility for stage performances. Positioned within the mid-range of Taylor’s American offerings, the 514ce strikes a balance between affordability and aesthetics, making it an excellent all-purpose instrument.
The Next Generation Builder’s Edition 514ce aims to elevate the playing experience, building on significant advancements made in recent years. In 2018, Andy Powers reimagined the 514ce with V-Class bracing. Taylor continually experiments with new tonewoods, and in 2022, they updated the 500 Series with sustainably sourced Urban Ironbark and a torrefied Sitka spruce top.
For their 50th anniversary, Taylor selected the 514ce as a historic model, marking the 30th anniversary of the beloved Grand Auditorium body style. They honored its legacy with a special edition featuring classic specs, including X-bracing and a return to the conventional mahogany-and-cedar tonewood pairing.
Having played a Taylor 514ce more than any other acoustic since acquiring a 1998 model in 2008, I felt compelled to review both the 514ce Urban Ironbark and the Legacy 514ce. The Next Generation 514ce is now offered in a standard edition with traditional mahogany and cedar, and also a luxurious Builder’s Edition available in either natural or Kona Burst finish, featuring a Sitka spruce top with Shamel Ash back and sides. I was eager to experience the Builder’s Edition in Kona Burst.
A Fresh Look
At first glance, the 514ce presents itself as the most visually striking version yet. The deep sunburst top with a glossy finish and Firestripe pickguard is truly eye-catching. The large faux pearl Compass inlays on the fretboard and peghead add a touch of elegance.Antique chrome hardware complements the design, even tho the classic golden hardware of earlier models might have been a more fitting choice.
The single-ring faux pearl rosette may not impress as much as the three-ring abalone rosette found on classic 514ce models,but it still contributes to the overall beauty of the guitar. While it may not surpass the allure of my 1998 model, it certainly offers a fresh aesthetic with a modern twist.
Timeless Tone Meets Modern Craftsmanship
The signature 514 tone is instantly evident in this Next Generation model, which is a positive aspect.While it differs slightly from the traditional mahogany and cedar combination, the Shamel Ash and Sitka spruce blend produces a similarly rich sound: earthy with a subtle dryness. It’s reassuring to know that the shamel Ash is sustainably sourced thru Taylor’s Urban Wood Initiative.
Although I appreciate the benefits of V-Class bracing,such as enhanced sustain and tuning stability,I have occasionally felt that something was lacking compared to the classic X-braced designs. Perhaps the V bracing made the top a bit rigid, resulting in a slightly stiffer sound.
However, this guitar resonates beautifully right from the start. It may not have the same warmth in the lower frequencies as some of the newer Gold Label Taylors I’ve encountered,but it closely resembles the original 514 tone that I have come to adore.The scalloped bracing may have allowed the top to flex more freely, producing a more inviting tone while retaining the precise note clarity characteristic of V-class.
Exceptional playability
This is where the Builder’s Edition 514ce truly excels. Every note resonates beautifully, from the lowest to the highest on each string. The neck and frets feel incredibly smooth, inviting exploration, and the intonation is precise across the board.Chords come together effortlessly, while individual notes ring true with rich overtones.
As a Builder’s Edition model, the body features beveled edges under the strumming arm and on the cutaway, enhancing comfort while playing and making it easier to reach and hold notes in the upper fret range.
I found the factory action to be agreeable and stable, but the ability to adjust string height via Taylor’s Action Control Neck was a convenient feature.You can access the adjustment screw through the sound hole to set the string height to your liking. However, it would be beneficial if Taylor included a tool for this adjustment, as seen in their demo videos. Irrespective, I wish all my acoustics had beveled edges and an Action Control Neck.
Amplified with Claria
However, the new preamp is where the magic lies. When tested through a Circa 74, it delivered a vibrant sound with plenty of power and a noticeable brightness compared to standard undersaddle pickups.The controls include volume, tone, and a convenient Mid-Contour feature. I set the volume high, adjusted the tone to the center, and focused on the mids.
Rolling back the Mid-Contour scoops the mids, creating a mellow sound perfect for strumming simple chord progressions, like Bob Seger’s “Night Moves.” Pushing it forward enhances articulation, making it ideal for fingerstyle passages that need to stand out.
The Mid-contour control is conveniently located near the fretboard side of the sound hole, allowing for easy adjustments during performances. However, the downside is that there isn’t enough space to add a magnetic pickup for my usual dual-signal setup. The good news is that I typically use a sound hole pickup to enhance string clarity, and the Claria system provides ample brightness, especially when utilizing the Mid-Contour feature.
Taylor’s next Generation innovations are impressive. I appreciate the acoustic tone enhancement from the scalloped V-bracing, the precise adjustability of the Action Control Neck, and the dynamic performance capabilities of the Claria Pickup System. Having these features on a visually stunning, classic-sounding, and modern-playing instrument like the 514ce is a significant achievement.
Out of all the 514ce models I’ve played, I can confidently say this is the one I would choose to take on stage right now. Hats off to Taylor for creating a gorgeous modern iteration of my all-time favorite.
Watch On
SPECIFICATIONS
BE 514ce
CONTACT taylorguitars.com
PRICE $3,499 street price, hardshell case included
NUT WIDTH 1.75″, black Tusq
NECK Neo-tropical mahogany, long-tenon, standard carve, satin finish, faux pearl Compass inlays
FRETBOARD West African ebony, 25.5″ scale
FRETS 20
TUNERS Gotoh 510 Antique Chrome
BODY Solid Shamel ash back & sides, solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped V-class bracing
BRIDGE West African ebony with compensated white Micarta saddle
ELECTRONICS Claria Pickup System with Volume, Tone, and Mid-Contour controls mounted in sound hole
POWER 9V battery
FACTORY STRINGS D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light gauges .012 – .053
WEIGHT 4.5 lbs (as tested)
BUILT USA
PRO A stunning, contemporary interpretation of the classic 514 with exceptional playability and comfort. Warm and articulate acoustic tone; dynamic, customizable amplified sound
CON None, even though it would be beneficial if Taylor included a tool for adjusting the Action Control Neck
