Note: Each guitar has unique visual traits due to differences in wood grain. Guitars ordered through this website or found in stores may feature minor visual variations from the ones pictured here.
Note: Each guitar has unique visual traits due to differences in wood grain. Guitars ordered through this website or found in stores may feature minor visual variations from the ones pictured here.
The 814ce has long been considered Taylor's flagship acoustic-electric guitar thanks to its mix of lush tone, playing comfort and all-purpose musical appeal. Here, we're thrilled to present the next evolution of this classic model: the Builder's Edition 814ce. For this version, we've kept the solid Indian rosewood back and sides and paired them with a four-piece Adirondack spruce top, a combo that yields an enticing blend of low-end warmth, treble-range clarity and remarkable power, with our V-Class bracing inside to draw out more of the blooming overtones and rich sustain that players love. A handful of comfort-focused enhancements, such as a beveled armrest and cutaway and a subtle body taper, elevate the relaxed, accommodating feel of the Grand Auditorium body, while a striking full-body gloss finish and Kona burst for the back and sides raise this model's visual profile. Whether you're looking for an all-purpose musical workhorse or an heirloom-quality guitar to augment your collection, the Builder's Edition 814ce makes a compelling case as the most quintessentially "Taylor" guitar we've ever built.
Features
The Quintessential Taylor Guitar, Evolved
Indian rosewood, powerful Adirondack spruce, V-Class bracing and a host of comfort-enhancing features elevate our flagship Grand Auditorium guitar to new heights.
Grand Auditorium
Our flagship shape offers comfort and cross-genre utility, with a clear, balanced tone suited for both fingerstyle and strumming.
Our beveled cutaway design provides a more player-friendly feel for guitarists who utilize every inch of the fretboard. It features a compound design with a smoothened edge along the corner of the body between the end of the cutaway and the neck heel, providing a more comfortable feel for the fretting hand.
Our patented V-Class bracing is a revolutionary new pattern — a new sonic engine — that marks a major shift away from traditional steel-string bracing patterns.
Will Taylor make a left handed builder’s edition 814ce with sinker redwood/ Honduran rosewood?
Tim W.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, this model is not available left handed.
Recommend strings?
Best answerBo S.Taylor Guitars staff
D'Addario XS lights (012"-053")
Is there any guitar care product for this guitar?
james830121
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
<a href="https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/guitar-care/taylorsense-guitar-health-monitoring-system" target="_blank">https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/guitar-care/taylorsense-guitar-health-monitoring-system</a> this is available through our retailers.
Hi I own this guitar was looking to upgrade the tuners to taylor luxury gold gotoh can these be done as straight swap?
Simey
Best answerBo S.Taylor Guitars staff
Yes. You should be able to install the Gotoh Luxury tuners without modification.
Can this be ordered in a silent satin finish throughout?
Brian P.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, no. Builder's Edition models are not modifiable.
Show all 36 questions
What is the gear ratio of the Gotoh tuners?
Mark S.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
The six string Gotoh 510's are 21:1
Are the frets lower than the standard editions?
Norman B.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
We use the same size frets for all of our acoustic models.
Are the Gotoh tuners nickel or brass?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Antique Gold.
what is the nut width?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
1 3/4"
What wood is the top bracing made of, and is it scalloped?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
It is Sitka Spruce and is scalloped.
What color are the tuners on 814ce builder addition?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Antique Gold
What kind of gloss is this? Is it Gloss 4.5?
David P.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Yes, UV cured gloss, 4.5.
Can you buy a non-cutaway?
Jeff W.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
The model is only available with a cutaway.
Does the BE 814ce have binding around the body, if so what wood? Or is it without binding as in low end models and covered up with the dark burst?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
The Builder's Edition models have our unique, ultra comfortable chamfered edges. Rather than binding, it has Rosewood and Maple Purfling trim.
Does it come in left handed version?
TC175
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, no.
Does the BE 814ce have veneer on the back of the head like the 600s do?
Calvin P.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
No
Where is taylor guitar made, here in US or abroad?
Benjie
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
The Builder's Edition 814ce is manufactured in El Cajon, California.
what is the action height at the 14th fret ?
David D.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
12th fret, 5-6/64 at the low E. 3-4/64" at the high E.
Is this possibly the best guitar Taylor have ever made?
Bazza
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Quite possibly, Barry. At least in my personal opinion.
Do you no longer equip your guitars with elixir strings? If so, what is the reason?
JohnHenry
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
GT, AD, as well as 300 series and higher, are now equipped with D'Addario XS strings. These are the string we currently prefer for our guitars.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-dPpPuc4RE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-dPpPuc4RE</a>
what is the radius of the fingerboard?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
15"
what is the best strings for this guitar, medium or light?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
D'Addario XS lights (012"-053")
what material are your fingerboard inlays made from?
gary t.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Mother of pearl.
Is it possible to get torrified adi?
D V.
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, no.
Are then any plans to make a 12fret builders edition guitar in any of the series models?
Bazza
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
No plans as of yet.
I purchased the 814ce DLX because it had custom features that the normal 814's did not have making it unique. Then Taylor incorporated the DLX features into the normal 814ce line rendering my unique 814ce DLX a normal 814ce. Will they eventually do the same with the Builder's Edition 814ce?
Mark D.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
So far, there have been no changes to any of the Builder's Editions since being released and there are no plans to update specs on the 814ce BE either.
The 800 DLX had an armrest, Adi bracing and Gotoh tuners as upgrades. The standard model got an armrest when the DLX was discontinued but didn't get Adi bracing or Gotohs.
what is the difference between an 814 and 812?
Dan R.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
These guitars have different body sizes. The 812 is a Grand Concert and the 814 is a Grand Auditorium.
Can you get short scale
Can you get 1 11/16 neck width?
Gina R.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, there aren't any "modify a model" options available on this model.
Can this be ordered with a 1 11/16 inch nut width?
David S.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, that's not an available option on this model.
Where are the 814ce guitars made?
DonPyle
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
El Cajon, California, USA
Is it possible to order one without a pickguard?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, no.
I thought builder editions do not have pick guards. The photo shows a pick guard. Is there a change in policy?
John R.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
This one is a little different than other Builder's Editions with glossy finish and a pickguard installed.
Is a tobacco sunburst finish an option on this 814ce BE?
Best answerJosh M.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, no.
Does this model have the silent satin finish like the other Builders Editions? Or does it have a gloss finish?
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
This one has glossy finish.
Left handed model available?
Eve W.
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
Sorry, none of the Builder's Editions with cutaways are being made left handed.
What do you mean by 4 piece top?
Best answerGlen W.Taylor Guitars staff
Traditionally, acoustic tops are typically 2 pieces, bookmatched and joined in the middle. Guitar grade trees large enough to make two piece tops are getting harder and harder to come by, so these models are being made with 4 piece Adirondack spruce tops.
Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
from 17 ratings
My Retirement Guitar (a few years early)
5 out of 5 starsFaroshuffle
This has been my unicorn in acoustics guitars. I was able to make my dream come true in February of 2026. I gifted myself the Builder’s Edition 814ce from Sweetwater. This is the last acoustic guitar I will ever buy! My retirement guitar! My legacy guitar. My heirloom to pass to my son. The first time I played an 814ce, I fell in love with it! Seeing and feeling the Builder’s Edition, like I said, my dream guitar! Action is beautiful right out of the box! Fit and finish is perfection. Sound is what a great acoustic guitar should sound like! If you’re on the fence, don’t be! I don’t regret it!
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
Mostly electric player
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
This is the one...
5 out of 5 starsRick L
For about a month I went back and forth between the 810e Legacy and the 814ce BE. Finally made a choice and chose the 814ce BE. Arrived, unboxed and opened the case and just looked at it. One beautiful piece of artwork. Tuned and a slight action adjustment and started strumming. Was a bit surprised as she wasnt as loud as my older 91 810 and rightfull so. I had to remind myself different guitar different bodyshape. Dreadnaught for years and now a GA. She sounded wonderful but she had a surprise waiting for me. Next church service I finally got to play her through my amp. The sustain it has, the clarity of each note was simple Taylor perfection. Even my wife told me how amazing it sounded. I ended the service with a huge smile on my face. It played and sounded perfect. I was told I would love it and it would sound incredible and they were not wrong. One amazing guitar...
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
The Best of the best!
5 out of 5 starsRobert W.
Just received mine last week. Fit, and finish is nothing short of what Is to be expected. Strikingly gorgeous guitar, and the sound is amazing! Nothing beats an Adirondak top!
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
I'm a professional musician
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
The Forever Taylor
5 out of 5 starsCecil S
I could not have imagined this guitar being as good as it is. It’s just perfect in every sense of the word.
I love that when I play this LITERAL WORK OF ART, I don’t feel like I’m going to hurt it. And I don’t need to over play it to get it to do what I want it to do.
Much like an electric guitar, this guitar is ultra responsive to even the slightest changes and movements in my playing, which has made for massive increases in my playing confidence.
A real heirloom that will be passed down to my children when I’m gone a long time from now and hopefully be appreciated as much or even more than I do now.
Save your money and buy this. You won’t regret a thing.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
Once I found the one I couldn't put it down!
5 out of 5 starsShane P.
The 814 CE builders edition is probably the best guitar I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It took some time to find the right one though. I played a couple that did not impress me but once I found the right one I couldn't put it down. It's comfortable, sounds amazing and projects very well. Even with heavy strumming the clarity is incredible. I highly recommend this guitar. If you're not impressed, try another one. Not every guitar will sound the same even if it's the same model. I'm so happy I didn't give up on this guitar because WOW!
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
The Best Instrument of Any Kind I’ve Ever Owned
5 out of 5 starsJae Heron
Owning this guitar is akin to a religious experience, and I’ve had it just long enough to be sure of the feeling. Playing it, I hear harmonics a barely knew existed; my other guitars just don’t resonate them.
My first time playing an 800-series was almost a decade ago, and it’s taken me that long to feel as if I could afford this guitar—and more importantly that my playing was up to it.
This isn’t a beginner’s instrument by a mile. It is to playing like handling a Ferrari is to driving. The responsiveness and range are sublime, and every position behind every fret is sensitive. You can hear *tiny* differences while playing an 814.
I have owned, and still own, some incredible instruments. My Taylor is far and above the best I’ve ever had. Thank you, Taylor.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
I'm a professional musician
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
A Dream of a Guitar
5 out of 5 starsJaeHeron
During my lifetime, I’ve played hundreds of guitars, including just about every series of Taylor. The first time I played a Taylor 800-series was nine years ago, and at the time there was no way I could afford it. The truth is you don’t need an 814ce to sound good or to make good music; you need hard work, talent, and any reasonable instrument to do that. But all those years ago I knew that, given the first real opportunity, I’d be getting the best Taylor I could.
Recently I’ve had the great fortune and privilege to own a Builder’s Edition. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Playing it is a dream.
An 814 won’t make you a good guitarist, but if you’re a good guitarist, it’ll be a dream.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
Awesome but won't play itself
5 out of 5 starsDaffy
I know it's expensive and that's a drag because this quality should be more accessible. If you can or choose to make the investment, this instrument is an inspiring joy to play. Context : I conducted a reasonably encyclopedic review of high end acoustics.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
5 out of 5 starsZoom zoom
I had absolutely zero complaints about this guitar .
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
I nearly didn't buy this...
5 out of 5 starsNelmsteen
I went to GuitarGuitar in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne to buy a 614ce, as I unfortunately had to sell mine. While the store manager was picking up the case for the 614ce in the back, I tried the 814ce Builders Edition and it was the worst (well best, depending what way you look at it) thing I could have done. The guitar is amazing. As soon as I started to play I knew I wasn't buying the 614, as amazing a guitar it is, I just felt this one the one for me. I feel like it makes you sound better than you actually are. It's such an expressive and bright guitar. It sounds absolutely beautiful. It's stunning to look at. The quality of craftsmanship is outstanding. Even if you don't want to buy one I'd urge anyone to give it a go. You'll understand why I bought one. The extra accompaniments of the Builders Edition really do add to the guitar as well. It is quite frankly the best guitar I've ever owned.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
Describe Yourself
I've been playing for a while now
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
Show all 17 reviews
A work of art
5 out of 5 starsHughN
I bought my Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition guitar from Alamo Music Center (AMC) and I am absolutely satisfied with AMC and my 814ce BE guitar. The volume, sustain, and tone of this 814ce BE guitar are phenomenal and on par with those of much bigger body guitars. Adirondack spuce top in combination with Indian Rosewood back and side in this 814ce BE model is an excellent design by Taylor team. Kudos to Taylor team for hitting a home run with this 814ce BE model. This guitar looks like a work of art and sounds like a dream that make me want to keep playing it. And it is the most comfortable guitar that I have ever played with.
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
Possibly the ultimate acoustic guitar
5 out of 5 starsBazza
Absolutely stunning guitar build quality impossible to better no matter how much you spend on a guitar.Playability the best you can get an absolute dream to play with the bevelled arm rest and the chamfered neck can’t think of a guitar that comes close other then other Taylor builders edition (obviously) .if there is such a thing as the ultimate acoustic guitar this is probably it.Absolutely worth every penny/dollar especially with the upgrade top just sounds amazing.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
Describe Yourself
I've been playing for a while now
Absolutely stunning
5 out of 5 starsBazza
Absolutely stunning guitar the build quality is off the scale completely faultless.You couldn't find a better built guitar then this one for no amount of money the playability is mind blowing just like the rest of the builders edition are.The sound is amazing sets the Taylor bar even higher with the upgraded top wood..If there's a more perfect guitar out there I don't know of it.
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
Describe Yourself
I've been playing for a while now
Stunning in every way
5 out of 5 starsHarri
Best Acoustic Guitar I have ever seen let alone heard or played. Goes without saying...it would be incredibly delightful to perform with.
How I Use It
Studio/Recording
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I'm a professional musician
Describe Yourself
I play both acoustic and electric
Great Guitar
5 out of 5 starsKim B.
Taylor’s 814ce Builder’s Edition is a beautiful guitar. It’s easy to play, has a wonderful sound an is a work of art.
From the solid wood top, back and sides, binding, neck and detailed construction of the guitar to the Expression system for plugged in sound, this guitar is beautiful. The edge arm bevel and beveled cutaway make it comfortable and easy to play.
I am totally satisfied with my decision to purchase.
Thanks,
KB
How I Use It
Home/Recreational
How I Use It
Stage/Live Performance
Describe Yourself
I've played for many years
Describe Yourself
Mostly acoustic player
THE TAYLOR OF ALL TAYLOR GUITARS!
5 out of 5 starsTommy K.
I recently bought a Builder’s Edition 816ce. I played every guitar in the store and nothing played anywhere near as good. I wasn’t even planning on getting a guitar but I had to have it. (I’m a Sony Music Songwriter in Nashville so it’s my tool kit) Then 3 days ago the new Builder’s Edition 814ce came out. I just swung by to play it out of curiosity. I was stunned. It played even better than the BE 816ce. I thought maybe it was just in my head so the next day I brought my guitar in and played them both. No comparison! I bought it that day.
I’m not sure I’ve ever played a better guitar than the new Builder’s Edition 814ce. It might be one of the most gorgeous guitars I’ve ever seen in person, but it actually plays and sounds even better. The depth and yet the outpouring of tone and frequency is like nothing else. I will also say, the ES2 system in Taylors isn’t always the best plugged in, but I plugged it in in-store and nothing was lost…still amazing.
I don’t know, maybe I just found a special one, but it is special! I’ll be using it to play the Bluedbird Cafe next weekend. And honestly, I’m now dead set on finding a way to become a Taylor artist. I pretty much already am, albeit unofficially and in my own mind.
#Taylorguitars #Singer/Songwriter