When it comes to acoustic guitar manufacturers, Taylor is a legend. With a nuanced, often-bright tone and what feels like room-filling sustain. Professional musicians, discerning hobbyists and novice guitar players alike prefer the Taylor brand.
That said, if someone asks you to choose the best Taylor guitar, it's hard to pick just one. In this article, we've brought together six of the best. And since even Taylor's more affordable guitars have the brand's signature tone and build quality, we've included a Taylor for every price range. If you're looking for a quality acoustic (or acoustic-electric) guitar, you can't go wrong with one of these instruments.
The Reviews: Taylor's 14 Best Acoustic Guitars
Make | Model | Rating | Price | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Taylor | 614CE Builder's Edition | Cell | ||
Taylor | GS Mini-E (Koa) | |||
Taylor | PS14CE | Cell | ||
Taylor | Baby Taylor BT1 | |||
Taylor | 224CE-K | Cell | ||
Taylor | 214CE |
Review of our Top Picks
Taylor 614CE Builder's Edition
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Review
While all Taylors are high quality guitar models, their Builder's Edition models are a cut above. The 614CE combines Taylor's new V-Class bracing with uniquely beautiful tonewoods--it has a torrefied Sitka spruce top and figured bigleaf maple back and sides.
The guitar has a bright sound with projection and a little bite. It also comes with Taylor's revolutionary Expression System 2 electronics, which faithfully reproduce this guitar's sound for audiences of every size.
Our Star Rating
We think this is the best of Taylor's Builder's Edition guitars. It has a beautiful and nuanced tone with stunning aesthetics to match, so we give it five out of five stars. It's a bit expensive, but if you can spare the cost, it's worth checking out.
Taylor 614CE -- Best Appointments
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If you like the 614CE Builder's Edition but are looking for a more affordable Taylor acoustic guitar, the 614CE is worth a look. Its looks alone make it a standout -- the grand auditorium body, Brown Sugar Stain finish, and figured maple back and sides make it a head-turner. It also features sparkling inlays and West African ebony binding for extra visual appeal.
But the bold sound of the 614CE is also something you need to hear to believe. This grand auditorium guitar is made with Taylor's V-class bracing, a new alternative to X bracing that maximizes both stiffness and free vibration of the solid spruce top. And of course, the unusual choice of maple back and sides imparts crispness and note definition that will make your playing stand out.
Our Star Rating
We think this great-looking Taylor acoustic guitar has the best appointments on the list, and we give it 4.5 out of five stars.
Taylor 414CE-R -- Best for Solo Performers
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As a 400 Series guitar, the 414CE-R is the perfect guitar for players looking for a great-sounding instrument at a more affordable price. And like most Taylor acoustic guitars, it's a grand auditorium cutaway model. Notably, the 414CE-R is one of the more affordable guitars made with Taylor's V-class bracing.
If you're looking for an acoustic guitar made with the classic combination of solid Sitka spruce and solid rosewood, this is a great acoustic guitar for you. Rosewood has a more defined low end than mahogany, but its sparkling and defined highs make it a great choice for those who want both nuance and clarity.
And like most high-end Taylors, this one features an ebony fretboard and incredibly natural-sounding ES-2 electronics. A gloss finish sets it apart and shows off the grain of the wood.
Our Star Rating
We think this is the best Taylor acoustic guitar for players who perform solo, and we give it 4.5 out of five stars.
Taylor 514CE -- Best Cedar-Top Guitar
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Most players know that Taylor acoustic guitars are known for their bright, sparkling tones. Some players see this as an advantage, while others prefer an acoustic guitar whose tone is a little darker. If that's you, you might find that the 514CE is the Taylor guitar for you. (Notably, Taylor also makes a nylon-string version that's one of the few nylon-stringed guitars they make.)
Though the 514CE has the same ebony fretboard and bridge and tropical mahogany neck of most grand auditorium acoustic-electric guitars, its Western red cedar top and mahogany back and sides set it apart tonally.
Mahogany has a somewhat "fuzzy" tone compared to rosewood and maple, making it a great choice for guitarists who like a wave of warm sound. Cedar is also darker and warmer in tone than spruce, although its wonderful responsiveness makes it ideal for fingerpickers. Of course, it is also equipped with the ES-2 electronics that make Taylor guitars such a great choice for the stage.
Our Star Rating
We think this is the best Taylor acoustic guitar with a cedar top on the list, and we give it four out of five stars
Taylor 314CE -- Best Non-Traditional Tonewood
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Taylor guitars tend to be especially expensive, especially for those with solid backs and sides instead of backs and sides made of layered wood. But if you're looking for a relatively affordable all-solid instrument, the 314CE is a great option. The back and sides are made of solid Sapele, a relatively inexpensive wood that's sometimes billed as a mahogany alternative. However, it is a little brighter in terms of tone.
Though sapele may not appeal to guitarists who prefer more traditional tonewoods, the 314CE nonetheless has many of the appointments found on the best Taylor guitars. An ebony fingerboard and bridge, quality tuners, and high-end electronics make it a great, highly playable instrument for performers and couch guitarists alike.
Our Star Rating
We think this is among the best Taylor guitars made with somewhat unusual tonewoods, and we give it four out of five stars.
Taylor 110E -- Best for Smaller Hands
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The name of this Taylor acoustic guitar is a little misleading -- you might think that it's a cheap instrument for beginners. And while it's one of Taylor's more affordable acoustic guitar models, it's an outstanding and highly playable instrument as well.
The 110E has a dreadnought body and no-frills aesthetic that's sure to appeal to fans of Martin guitars. Its scalloped bracing gives it plenty of resonance without sacrificing sustain. The fact that the back and sides are made of layered wood is a little surprising -- at this upper-midrange price point, many guitar companies offer all-solid guitars.
Still, this versatile guitar shouldn't be overlooked. The walnut back and sides add an earthy warmth to the brightness of the Sitka spruce top. And like many Taylor guitars, this one comes with the Expression System 2 electronics system for easy live sound. If you like Taylor guitars and are looking for a dreadnought to add to your guitar collection, this is a great instrument to consider.
Our Star Rating
Thanks to its narrower nut width, we think this dreadnought guitar is one of the best acoustic guitars for players with smaller hands. We give it four out of five stars.
Taylor 114E -- Best Value
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For many players, the best Taylor guitar is one that plays beautifully and offers a balanced full tone. But as you may have discovered, most of the higher-priced Taylor acoustic guitars feature extravagant inlays, upgraded binding, and other premium features. The 114E gives you famous Taylor playability without the more expensive bells and whistles.
The 114E is a full-size guitar, but the grand auditorium build has a slim waist that makes it playable even for smaller guitarists. And even though it's one of the more affordable Taylor acoustic guitars, high-end features like a west African ebony fingerboard and bridge make it an excellent value.
And of course, like all Taylor guitars, it has a beautifully resonant solid top that only opens up with time. The layered walnut back and sides give you a tone that's fuller and more natural than the laminated wood commonly used on cheaper guitars.
Our Star Rating
This Taylor model offers you the signature tone of the grand auditorium body shape without expensive add-ons. We think it offers the best value on the list, and we give it four out of five stars.
Baby Taylor BT2 -- Best for Smaller Players
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The Baby Taylor enjoys great popularity partially because Taylor Swift has said that she wrote many of her songs on her own Baby Taylor. And if you want a smaller Taylor guitar whose sound is less bright, the mahogany BT2 is a great choice. Like all Taylor guitars, it has a solid top. Its layered sapele back and sides sound somewhat similar to mahogany while still keeping costs down.
It's important to note that the 3/4-size BT2 does not come with electronics. However, if you'd prefer to perform with it, you can find the BT2e, an acoustic-electric version of the BT2.
Our Star Rating
We think this is the best Taylor guitar for smaller players, and we give it four out of five stars.
Taylor GS Mini-E (Koa)
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If you're in search of a smaller acoustic guitar but want all the features of a full-sized Taylor, the GS Mini-E is an excellent choice.
This smaller guitar has a solid koa top and layered koa back and sides, giving it a tone that's bright yet warm and a truly remarkable aesthetic. And unlike many mini guitars, this one comes with an under-saddle pickup, making it easy to play plugged in when you need to.
Our Star Rating
Of the guitars on the list, we think this is the best smaller or travel-sized guitar. Because of its versatility and affordability, we give it four out of five stars.
Taylor PS14CE
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As part of Taylor's Presentation Series, this guitar has a look that you won't forget. Its sinker redwood top and cocobolo back and sides give it an incredible sustain and balanced tone, and its elaborate abalone inlays give it a truly unique aesthetic.
It comes with Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics for unparalleled live playability. While it's very high price and rarity mean it's not a choice for everyone; this guitar is an excellent selection for anyone who can access it.
Our Star Rating
This guitar is an incredible find and has a stunning tone. Because of its price and rarity, we think it's Taylor's best high-end guitar. We give it five out of five stars.
Taylor Baby Taylor BT1
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As the most affordable option on the list, this guitar is an excellent choice for those who want Taylor quality on a budget. The baby Taylor is a 3/4 size guitar, making it an excellent choice for smaller people or for those who wish for a nice-sounding travel guitar.
Its solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides give it a balanced tone that's on the bright side.
Our Star Rating
Because of its affordability and smaller size, we think this guitar is the best beginner option on the list. We give it four out of five stars.
Taylor Guitars 224CE-K
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If you like exotic tonewoods with unique finishes, this is a guitar worth checking out. It has a solid koa top and layered koa back and sides, but its unique shaded finish brings out the grain and makes the 224CE-K a standout instrument.
Its understated elegance pairs well with its full sound, and it comes equipped with Taylor's ES 2 electronics. Its subtle fretboard inlays and rosette make it an excellent choice for the player who prefers a guitar with just enough abalone.
Our Star Rating
This guitar is fairly affordable for a Taylor, and we think it has the best finish on the list. We give it four out of five stars.
Taylor 214CE
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If you want the classic Taylor look with no frills, the 214CE is an excellent choice. This guitar is essentially the same build as the one listed above, but it has a classic tonewood configuration of spruce and rosewood.
With a natural finish and dot inlays, it has an understated look that many guitarists prefer. It comes with the Expression 2 system, but it sounds excellent, played unplugged, too.
Our Star Rating
Because it combines the features and aesthetics that many acoustic guitarists love, we think this is the best classic looking and sounding guitar on the list. We give it four out of five stars.
Taylor 814CE -- Most Comfortable to Play
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The 814CE is among Taylor's most exceptional guitars. This grand auditorium instrument offers some of the best playability on the market. The body itself offers rich sound without being cumbersome to handle, and the Venetian cutaway gives you easy access to the whole fretboard. And the combination of a satin-finished neck, radiused ebony fretboard, and extra comfortable armrest makes it a joy to play.
Rosewood acoustic guitars are becoming increasingly rare, and the solid rosewood back and sides of the 814CE make it among the best Taylor acoustic guitar options. The sound quality is further helped along by V-class bracing. Inobtrusive tone controls and top-notch electronics make it both a visual and sonic standout on stage.
Our Star Rating
We think the radiused armrest makes this the best Taylor acoustic guitar if you value playing comfort. We give it four out of five stars.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Your Taylor
Taylor continues to pioneer new technologies in guitar building. From their new V-class bracing to the innovative Expression System pickups found in acoustic-electric, the company is continually releasing guitars that shape the field of music. If you're considering purchasing a Taylor, these are some of the features to pay attention to.
Tonewoods
In your search for the best Taylor guitar, you'll find that you can choose from a range of tonewood combinations. While you'll see models with classic tonewood combinations like spruce and rosewood, you'll also notice that Taylor has several guitars made with exotic woods.
Taylor is a company that knows how to balance looks and functionality. For instance, many higher-end Taylors are made with Hawaiian koa, a beautifully figured wood with impressive brightness and a warm, sweet midrange.
Some special-edition Taylors are made with cocobolo, a rare tropical wood that's similar to koa. This is a wood that both looks and sounds like koa, but it has an expanded low end perfect for players who prefer a slightly darker tone.
Because of their appearance and tones, these woods tend to be used on more expensive Taylors. However, on guitars with more traditional tonewood configurations, Taylors still manage to stand out.
If you've been playing guitar for a while, you know that spruce is a commonly-used wood for guitar tops. And while some manufacturers don't clarify the type of spruce used, Taylor offers a variety of spruce types. Many of their guitars are made with Sitka spruce, an extraordinarily versatile top material that's a favourite of founder Bob Taylor.
However, Sitka spruce isn't the only spruce worth considering. Taylor offers a few varieties of spruce, letting players choose one that's best suited to their preferred tone. Engelmann spruce has an expanded midrange that sounds a lot like an older Sitka top guitar. And if you're a player who likes a guitar with impressive volume and projection capabilities, their guitars topped with Lutz spruce are worth a look.
Bracing
For decades, X bracing has been the standard when it comes to the internal bracing of acoustic guitars. This bracing style gets its name from the "X" it forms on the interior of the guitar, and it supports powerful projection while also offering lasting structural support to the guitar itself.
However, in recent years, Taylor has invented an entirely new style of bracing, called V-Class bracing. This bracing style, like X bracing, supports the guitar top and keeps it from warping. However, since it offers the guitar top more freedom to vibrate, this results in a sound that's characterized by longer sustain, louder volume, and a smoother overall tone. The guitars are otherwise identical, so you'll be able to hear the difference.
Electronics
Through extensive research, Taylor engineers found that the traditional under-saddle pickup has quite a few disadvantages. These pickups often aren't entirely faithful to the guitar's tone, mainly because of their location because of the compression of the string tension.
Taylor's Expression System pickups are located behind the saddle and work much like a microphone. If you're someone who frequently plays live, you may want to choose one of Taylor's acoustic-electric models. The pickup system captures your guitar's tone like a microphone, but you won't need to deal with background noise and other issues that come with playing into a mic.
Overall Value
Some manufacturers, including Martin, tend to make straightforward guitars without a lot of embellishment. Others, like Taylor, offer both more straightforward, player-oriented models as well as those with more elaborate aesthetic features.
For instance, some of Taylor's more expensive models have dazzling custom abalone inlays and exotic-looking finishes. Thus, when you shop for yours, don't be discouraged if some models are out of your price range. A more expensive Taylor isn't always going to be a better-sounding guitar than a less expensive instrument.
When comparing prices, be sure to thoroughly read specs to determine how much of the price is due to aesthetics. Some of Taylor's unique edition guitars are tonal wonders as well as works of art. But if you're on a budget, you can still find a guitar that suits your playing style without breaking the bank.
In Conclusion
Because of Taylor's quality, we don't think you can go wrong with any guitar on the list. However, we believe the best choice on the list is the 614CE Builder's Edition. This guitar combines all-solid construction with Taylor's incredible V-Class bracing for a tremendous and versatile sound, and its unique appointments mean it's an unforgettable playing experience.
That said, we think the 214CE is a great runner-up. The 214CE has Taylor's signature tone and is more affordable, making it easier to play a Taylor even on a budget. And whether you choose one from the list or a different guitar, and Taylor is sure to have the build quality and impressive tone that countless guitarists have come to love.
