Deluxe Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition
Taylor has expanded its premium acoustic guitar collection Builder's Edition with the model called Builder's Edition 814ce, which targets more demanding players who not only want superior sound quality but also a deluxe design. This includes lavish inlays made from select materials, all-solid construction, impeccable craftmanship, a top-notch sound system and, of course, an American pedigree. The manufacturer also said that Taylor models made in the USA, including the recently redesigned 400 series, are now fitted with premium D'Addario XS Phosphor Bronze strings. Guitars made in Mexico will receive these strings during the summer.
The classic version of the 814ce has been a flagship in Taylor's portfolio for a long time, thanks to its combination of open bright tone, playing comfort and versatile musical use. These were also the reasons why the brand's guitar makers kept the solid Indian rosewood back and sides on the Builder's Edition, this time pairing them with a four-piece top made from select Adirondack spruce, ensuring transparency and clarity in the treble, warm low range response and powerful projection.
Rich harmonic components, sensitive dynamic response and the necessary sustain are further supported by the patented V-Class internal bracing system. Superior playing comfort is ensured by a bevelled armrest and more comfortable access to higher positions is provided by a bevelled cutaway (again with a rounded edge). The ergonomic body design is completed by the popular Grand Auditorium shape with a slightly lower profile.
The mahogany neck received a satin finish and the West African ebony fingerboard carries twenty medium-thick frets. The inlays, the rosette and the headstock are made of abalone, genuine mother-of-pearl and Crelicam ebony and the Tusq nut is 44 mm wide. The bridge pins are decorated with green abalone dots, the compensated saddle is made of micarta and the tuning is handled by the renowned Gotoh 510 tuning machines covered in a layer of Antique Gold chrome.
The instrument, with a 25.5-inch scale, uses the active preamplifier Taylor Expression System 2 connected to three pickup sensors located in the space behind the saddle. The module provides three potentiometers (volume, bass, treble) recessed directly into the upper bout and the preamp is powered by a single 9V battery stored in a plastic shaft, which is part of the output jack.
The Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition comes in a transparent Kona Burst lacquer with a gloss finish. The official price of this series is around 4 500 dollars including a deluxe hard case.
"The Builder's Edition collection offers players an aesthetically beautiful and extremely ergonomic playing experience," says Andy Powers, Taylor's Chief Designer, President and CEO. "We're happy to finally welcome Taylor's beloved flagship model, the 814ce, to new heights of craftsmanship and performance."
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