Description
PRELOVED Taylor 214ce-K Deluxe
Excellent preloved condition. Includes Taylor hardshell case and ES2 electronics.
This Taylor 214ce-K Deluxe is a particularly beautiful example of one of Taylor's most popular Grand Auditorium acoustic-electrics. It combines a solid Sitka spruce top with layered Hawaiian koa back and sides, Taylor's comfortable neck feel, a Venetian cutaway and the Expression System 2 pickup.
What really stands out on this particular guitar is the koa. The back and sides have exceptionally attractive figuring, genuinely one of the better-looking examples we've seen on a 214ce-K Deluxe. As with all natural timber, every guitar is different, and this one has definitely come out particularly well.
Condition is equally impressive. It shows very little evidence of previous use and we'd comfortably describe it as excellent preloved condition. The Taylor hardshell case is included.
Beautifully Figured Hawaiian Koa
The 214ce-K Deluxe pairs a solid Sitka spruce soundboard with layered Hawaiian koa back and sides.
It's important to make the distinction that the koa back and sides are Taylor's layered construction rather than solid koa. This provides greater stability while still allowing the natural koa exterior to give each guitar its own appearance.
And this particular one is a beauty.
The figuring across the back and sides is unusually attractive for a 200 Series guitar, with plenty of natural movement and variation through the grain. If you're comparing several 214ce-K models, this is one we'd recommend seeing in person.
Solid Sitka Spruce Top
While the koa provides much of the visual appeal, the solid Sitka spruce top plays a major role in the sound.
It's a classic combination for a versatile acoustic, delivering clarity, projection and a strong fundamental response that works equally well for strumming, flatpicking and fingerstyle playing.
The spruce and koa combination gives the 214ce-K Deluxe plenty of the clear, articulate character players associate with Taylor.
Taylor Grand Auditorium Body
The Grand Auditorium has become Taylor's signature body shape for good reason.
It sits between a smaller-bodied acoustic and a traditional dreadnought, providing enough body and low-end response for strumming while retaining the definition and balance needed for fingerstyle playing.
The Venetian cutaway also provides easy access to the upper frets without making the guitar feel oversized or cumbersome.
For someone looking for one acoustic to cover a wide range of playing styles, the 214ce format is extremely easy to recommend.
Expression System 2 Electronics
The guitar is equipped with Taylor's Expression System 2, or ES2, pickup system.
Rather than positioning the pickup directly underneath the saddle, the ES2 uses three individually calibrated pickup sensors positioned behind the saddle. The system is designed to capture more of the guitar's natural dynamic response when amplified.
Simple onboard Volume, Bass and Treble controls make it easy to adjust your plugged-in sound without having a large preamp panel cut into the side of the guitar.
For gigs, rehearsals, recording or plugging directly into a PA, it's a very practical system.
Deluxe Appointments
The Deluxe version takes the familiar 214ce platform and gives it a more upmarket presentation.
The 214ce-K Deluxe features a full-gloss body, attractive fingerboard inlays and a Taylor hardshell case.
Combined with the particularly attractive koa on this individual guitar, it feels noticeably more special than the standard 200 Series presentation.
Excellent Preloved Condition
This guitar presents in excellent condition.
There are very few signs that it has been played, and it has clearly been looked after by its previous owner.
As always with a preloved guitar, please have a close look through our photos for the exact condition, but we'd have no hesitation describing this one as an exceptionally clean example.
The Taylor hardshell case is included.
Key Features & Specifications
- Taylor 214ce-K Deluxe
- Grand Auditorium body
- Venetian cutaway
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Beautifully figured layered Hawaiian koa back and sides
- Full-gloss body finish
- Taylor neck design
- Ebony fingerboard
- 25.5" scale length
- 1 11/16" nut width
- Fingerboard inlays
- Decorative soundhole rosette
- Taylor Expression System 2 electronics
- Volume, Bass and Treble controls
- Taylor bridge
- Chrome tuning machines
- Taylor hardshell case included
- Excellent preloved condition
- Very little evidence of previous use
What Does It Sound Like?
The 214ce-K Deluxe is a versatile acoustic rather than a guitar built around one particular playing style.
There's plenty of clarity for fingerpicked passages, but the Grand Auditorium body has enough size and projection to handle strumming comfortably.
The spruce top contributes a crisp attack and definition, while the overall Taylor voicing keeps individual notes clear when you're playing larger chords.
It's the sort of guitar that can comfortably move between home playing, recording and live performance without requiring a particularly specialised approach.
Who Is It For?
This is an excellent choice for someone wanting a quality Taylor acoustic-electric without moving into the considerably more expensive all-solid Taylor ranges.
It's particularly appealing if you want:
- Taylor's Grand Auditorium body shape
- A solid spruce top
- The visual character of Hawaiian koa
- A comfortable modern neck
- Reliable built-in electronics
- A proper hardshell case
- A guitar suitable for both strumming and fingerstyle
- Something equally at home on stage or at home
And if appearance matters, the figuring on this particular guitar gives you another good reason to consider this one over another 214ce-K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taylor 214ce-K Deluxe solid koa?
No. The top is solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are layered Hawaiian koa. This construction gives you the beautiful appearance of natural Hawaiian koa while maintaining the stability of Taylor's layered construction.
Is this different from a standard Taylor 214ce?
Yes. The Deluxe specification adds upgraded cosmetic appointments, a full-gloss body and a Taylor hardshell case, while the K designation refers to the use of Hawaiian koa for the outer layers of the back and sides.
Does it have a pickup?
Yes. It features Taylor's Expression System 2 acoustic electronics, so it's ready to plug directly into an acoustic amp, PA system or recording setup.
Is the case included?
Yes. A Taylor hardshell case is included.
What condition is it in?
We'd describe it as excellent preloved condition. It shows very little evidence of previous use and has been very well looked after.
Is the koa figuring the same on every 214ce-K?
No. Natural timber varies considerably from guitar to guitar. That's one of the reasons this particular instrument caught our attention. The koa figuring on the back and sides is one of the nicest we've seen on a 214ce-K Deluxe.
Is the 214ce-K Deluxe good for fingerstyle?
Yes. The balanced Grand Auditorium body and clear Taylor voicing work particularly well for fingerstyle, while still having enough body and projection for strumming.
Our Take
We've seen plenty of Taylor 214ce models over the years, and they're popular for good reason. They're comfortable, versatile and give you a lot of what people associate with the Taylor playing experience without having to move into the higher-priced American-made ranges.
This particular guitar stands out.
The koa on the back and sides has some seriously beautiful figuring, among the best we've seen on one of these, and that's something you simply can't specify from a catalogue. Some pieces of timber are just more visually interesting than others.
Combine that with its excellent condition, ES2 pickup system and included Taylor hardshell case, and this is a particularly nice preloved example.
Visit us at Colemans Music in South Melbourne to see and play it for yourself, or shop online with fast shipping Australia-wide.
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