The Taylor Gold Label 514e Blacktop combines bold, old-school styling with the warm, powerful and heritage-inspired sound of Taylor’s Gold Label Collection.

Its torrefied solid Sitka spruce top is paired with solid Neo-Tropical mahogany back and sides, creating a woody, focused voice with clear fundamental notes, controlled overtones and a strong midrange presence. Taylor’s larger Super Auditorium body adds impressive bass depth, projection and dynamic range while retaining the balance and versatility associated with the company’s Grand Auditorium design.

Fanned V-Class bracing with a Tonal Rout gives the guitar greater warmth, power and sustain, while the long-tenon Action Control Neck supports excellent resonance and straightforward string-height adjustment. LR Baggs Element VTC electronics provide dependable amplified performance without interrupting the guitar’s clean, vintage-influenced appearance.

Finished with a striking gloss black top and cream detailing the Gold Label 514e Blacktop is an expressive professional instrument for songwriting, recording, accompaniment and live performance.

 

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	Gold Label 514e Blacktop
Series	500 Series
Collection	Gold Label
Guitar Type	Electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Super Auditorium
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Top	Torrefied solid Sitka spruce
Back and Sides	Solid Neo-Tropical mahogany
Bracing	Fanned V-Class with Tonal Rout
Neck	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Fretboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¾ inches
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC
Finish	Gloss Blacktop
Main Appeal	Warm heritage-inspired tone with powerful Super Auditorium projection
Best For	Songwriting, vocal accompaniment, strumming, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate, advanced and professional
Condition	Brand new

Why Choose the Taylor Gold Label 514e Blacktop?

Warm, Heritage-Inspired Taylor Tone

The Gold Label Collection explores a warmer, deeper and more traditional side of Taylor acoustic guitar design.

The 514e Blacktop retains the accuracy, balance and comfortable playability associated with Taylor while introducing a rounder, woodier and more mature tonal character.

Its sound places greater emphasis on warmth, fundamental note strength and natural acoustic power, making it an appealing choice for musicians who enjoy vintage-influenced guitars but still want modern construction and dependable playability.

Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce Top

The solid Sitka spruce soundboard undergoes Taylor’s controlled torrefaction process.

Torrefaction carefully alters the moisture content and cellular structure of the spruce, helping the top produce some of the warmth, sweetness and responsiveness associated with an older, well-played instrument.

The soundboard retains the versatility and dynamic range of Sitka spruce while offering a more relaxed, seasoned response. Light fingerstyle passages sound expressive and developed, while stronger strumming produces clear projection without becoming harsh.

Solid Neo-Tropical Mahogany Back and Sides

Solid Neo-Tropical mahogany gives the Gold Label 514e Blacktop its strong, woody tonal foundation.

Mahogany emphasises the fundamental note and produces fewer complex overtones than rosewood. This helps chords remain organised, single notes stay clearly defined and the midrange project with warmth and authority.

Its controlled character works especially well for recording and vocal accompaniment, where an excessively complex acoustic sound can compete with other instruments or the singer.

Super Auditorium Body Shape

Taylor’s Super Auditorium is a larger interpretation of the company’s popular Grand Auditorium body.

The lower bout is slightly wider and the body is marginally longer, allowing the guitar to move more air and produce additional low-frequency power. The result is a deeper, warmer and more authoritative voice without moving into the bulk or tonal looseness of some traditional Jumbo designs.

The shaped waist retains balance and definition through the middle frequencies, helping the guitar respond equally well to rhythm work, fingerstyle playing and flatpicking.

Fanned V-Class Bracing

The Gold Label 514e Blacktop uses Taylor’s Fanned V-Class bracing architecture.

Its braces spread outward beneath the soundboard, controlling the top while allowing it to generate substantial acoustic volume and sustain. This design supports the warm, open and powerful response that defines the Gold Label Collection.

It maintains the projection and note-to-note consistency associated with V-Class construction while introducing a deeper and more traditional tonal character.

Tonal Rout

A carefully positioned Tonal Rout alters the flexibility of the soundboard around the internal bracing.

This allows selected areas of the top to move more freely, contributing additional low-end depth, resonance and acoustic responsiveness.

Together with the larger Super Auditorium body, the Tonal Rout helps the 514e Blacktop produce a broad, room-filling voice with impressive dynamic range.

Action Control Neck

Taylor’s Action Control Neck uses a long-tenon joint that creates a substantial connection between the neck and body.

The extended joint improves the transfer of vibration through the instrument, contributing greater warmth, resonance and sustain.

Its patented adjustment system also allows an experienced technician to alter the string height without reshaping the saddle or carrying out invasive neck work. This makes it easier to maintain comfortable playability as the guitar settles, travels between environments or adapts to a musician’s preferences.

LR Baggs Element VTC Electronics

The LR Baggs Element VTC system provides a natural and dependable amplified sound for professional performance and recording.

Its undersaddle pickup follows the movement of the saddle and soundboard, capturing the guitar’s attack, warmth and dynamic response. Discreet controls positioned inside the soundhole provide quick access to volume and tone.

The clean control layout preserves the traditional appearance of the body while allowing useful adjustment during rehearsals, performances and recording sessions.

Powerful but Controlled Bass Response

The Super Auditorium body develops significantly more low-end depth than a smaller acoustic body, but the strong fundamental focus of mahogany helps keep the response controlled.

Bass notes sound deep and authoritative without overwhelming the midrange. Chords retain definition, and individual strings remain clear even when using open voicings or lower tunings.

This makes the 514e Blacktop particularly effective for solo performers who need one guitar to provide a complete acoustic foundation.

Strong Midrange Presence

Mahogany produces a clear and potent middle-frequency response that helps the guitar remain present in a full arrangement.

Rather than relying on excessive treble brightness or bass boom, the 514e Blacktop projects through its warm and focused midrange. This allows it to support vocals, keyboards, percussion and other guitars while retaining its own musical identity.

Bold Blacktop Appearance

The gloss black soundboard gives the 514e an unmistakable stage presence.

Its dark finish creates a strong contrast against the cream-coloured binding, rosette and Crest inlays. A firestripe pickguard adds further vintage-inspired character, while the natural mahogany body keeps the overall presentation warm and organic.

The result feels distinctive and confident without becoming overly ornate.

Refined Gold Label Appointments

The Gold Label 514e Blacktop uses a coordinated range of appointments inspired by traditional acoustic guitar styling.

Details include:

• Cream body binding
• Cream and black single-ring rosette
• Cream Crest fretboard inlays
• Matching Crest peghead inlay
• West African Crelicam ebony fretboard
• Honduran rosewood Curve Wing bridge
• Nickel Taylor tuning machines
• Bronze end pin

These features give the instrument a premium neo-vintage appearance that complements its warm acoustic voice.

What Is the Taylor Gold Label Collection?

The Gold Label Collection combines heritage-inspired acoustic tone with Taylor’s modern approach to playability and construction.

These guitars are designed to produce a deeper, warmer and more open response than many players traditionally associate with Taylor. Their sound draws inspiration from highly regarded vintage flat-top guitars without simply recreating an older instrument.

Key Gold Label design features include:

• Super Auditorium body construction
• Fanned V-Class bracing
• Tonal Rout soundboard voicing
• Long-tenon Action Control Neck
• Warm, fundamental-focused tone
• Vintage-inspired cosmetic appointments
• Modern Taylor neck comfort
• Professional acoustic electronics

The Gold Label 514e Blacktop applies these developments to the classic combination of spruce and mahogany.

Why Choose a Super Auditorium Guitar?

The Super Auditorium builds on the balance and versatility of Taylor’s Grand Auditorium while adding greater depth and acoustic power.

Its slightly increased dimensions produce:

• Deeper bass response
• Greater natural projection
• Rounder treble frequencies
• Increased dynamic range
• More authority during strumming
• A fuller sound beneath vocals

The defined waist prevents the guitar from becoming excessively loose or bass-heavy, allowing it to remain suitable for varied playing techniques.

It is an excellent option for players who want more power than a Grand Auditorium but do not want the physical dimensions or strongly scooped character of some Jumbo guitars.

Why Choose Spruce and Mahogany?

Spruce and mahogany form one of the most useful and versatile tonewood combinations in acoustic guitar making.

The spruce soundboard provides clarity, projection and dynamic range. Mahogany back and sides add a warm, dry and woody response with strong midrange focus.

Together, they produce:

• Clearly defined chords
• Strong fundamental notes
• Warm midrange projection
• Controlled harmonic overtones
• Good response to light and strong playing
• A balanced sound for microphones
• A supportive voice beneath vocals

Torrefaction gives the spruce top additional warmth and maturity, complementing the naturally focused character of the mahogany body.

Who Is the Taylor Gold Label 514e Blacktop For?

Singers and Songwriters

The guitar’s warm, controlled midrange provides a strong foundation beneath vocals without producing excessive harmonic clutter.

Rhythm Guitarists

The larger body and torrefied spruce top respond confidently to strumming, while the mahogany construction keeps complex chords organised.

Recording Musicians

Its strong fundamental focus and controlled overtones make it easier to place within a studio mix than an excessively bright or harmonically dense acoustic guitar.

Solo Performers

The Super Auditorium body produces enough bass, volume and projection to create a full acoustic sound without support from additional instruments.

Live Guitarists

LR Baggs electronics and the guitar’s clear midrange response make it suitable for amplified performances in a wide variety of venues.

Folk, Americana and Roots Players

The warm, woody voice and vintage-inspired response complement styles built around open chords, vocal storytelling and organic acoustic textures.

Players Seeking a Warmer Taylor

The Gold Label 514e is particularly suited to musicians who appreciate Taylor’s playability but want a deeper, rounder and more traditional acoustic voice.

Musicians Wanting a Statement Finish

The Blacktop treatment offers a distinctive alternative to natural and sunburst acoustic finishes while retaining an understated professional appearance.

What’s Included?

• Taylor Gold Label 514e Blacktop electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor Gold Label Deluxe Hardshell Case in British Cocoa

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every guitar is carefully inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before collection or dispatch.

Our assessment covers the finish, neck, frets, bridge, tuning machines, electronics and overall playability. The LR Baggs pickup and soundhole-mounted controls are tested to confirm dependable amplified performance.

Any adjustment required before the instrument leaves us will be completed by our experienced team so that it arrives ready to play and enjoy.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Number of Strings	6
Orientation	Right-handed
Body Shape	Super Auditorium
Cutaway	Non-cutaway
Top Colour	Black
Bracing System	Fanned V-Class with Tonal Rout
Electronics	LR Baggs Element VTC

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Torrefied solid Sitka spruce
Back and Side Wood	Solid Neo-Tropical mahogany
Back Configuration	Two-piece without centre wedge
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss
Body Binding	Cream
Rosette	Cream and black single ring
Pickguard	Firestripe
Armrest	None

Neck and Fretboard

Specification	Details
Neck Construction	Taylor Action Control Neck
Neck Wood	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Satin
Fretboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard Binding	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard Inlays	Cream Crest
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¾ inches

Peghead and Hardware

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Paddle
Peghead Veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Inlay	Cream Crest
Peghead Binding	None
Peghead Finish	Gloss
Bridge	Honduran rosewood Curve Wing
Nut	White TUSQ
Saddle	White Micarta
Bridge Pins	Indian rosewood
Tuning Machines	Taylor nickel with nickel buttons
Strap Pin	Black
End Pin	Bronze
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS coated phosphor bronze light, .012–.053

Electronics

Specification	Details
Pickup System	LR Baggs Element VTC
Pickup Type	Undersaddle
Controls	Volume and tone
Control Location	Inside the soundhole
Output	Standard ¼-inch instrument connection

Power Requirements

The LR Baggs Element VTC electronics require a 9V battery.

Connecting an instrument cable activates the pickup system, so the cable should be disconnected when the guitar is not being used to preserve battery life.

Keeping a spare 9V battery available is recommended for performances, rehearsals and important recording sessions.

Gold Label 514e Blacktop Compared with the Natural Gold Label 514e

Both versions share the same Super Auditorium body, torrefied spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, Fanned V-Class bracing, Action Control Neck and LR Baggs electronics.

Their core acoustic performance and playing experience are closely related. The principal difference is the visual treatment.

The natural version places greater emphasis on the visible grain and colouring of the spruce soundboard. The Blacktop version offers a bolder, more contemporary appearance with strong contrast between the black top and cream detailing.

Choose the natural model for a traditional wood-focused presentation. Choose the Blacktop for a more distinctive and commanding stage appearance.

Gold Label 514e Blacktop Compared with the Gold Label 814e

Both models use Taylor’s Super Auditorium platform, Fanned V-Class bracing and Action Control Neck.

The main difference is the tonewood combination.

The 514e Blacktop uses mahogany back and sides, producing:

• Strong fundamental notes
• Woody midrange warmth
• Controlled overtones
• Direct chord definition
• A dry and focused acoustic character

The Gold Label 814e uses rosewood back and sides, producing:

• Deeper bass extension
• Greater treble sparkle
• More complex harmonic overtones
• A broader and more polished frequency range

Choose the 514e for warmth, focus and a strong midrange voice. Choose the 814e for greater harmonic complexity and extended bass and treble detail.

Gold Label 514e Blacktop Compared with a Grand Auditorium

A standard Grand Auditorium provides a slightly more compact body, focused balance and familiar Taylor versatility.

The Super Auditorium is longer and wider through the lower bout, producing greater bass response, power and dynamic range. Its voice is rounder and more heritage-influenced while retaining useful note separation.

Choose a Grand Auditorium for a more compact, modern all-purpose response. Choose the Gold Label 514e for greater warmth, depth and acoustic authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gold Label 514e Blacktop suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. Its strong fundamental response and clear note separation work well for fingerstyle technique, although its larger body also provides considerably more power than a compact fingerstyle guitar.

Can it handle powerful strumming?

Yes. The torrefied Sitka spruce top provides useful dynamic range and projection, while the Super Auditorium body produces a strong and authoritative rhythm sound.

Does the black finish change the tone?

The finish is carefully applied to protect the soundboard while allowing it to respond freely. The tone is primarily shaped by the solid woods, body design, internal bracing and construction.

What does torrefied spruce sound like?

Torrefied spruce retains the clarity and projection of Sitka spruce while adding a warmer, sweeter and more mature response.

Does the Super Auditorium feel much larger than a Grand Auditorium?

It is slightly longer and wider through the lower bout, but it retains a shaped waist and balanced proportions. Players accustomed to a Grand Auditorium should find the transition manageable.

Can the guitar connect directly to a PA system?

Yes. The LR Baggs electronics can be connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, recording interface or suitable acoustic DI box.

Is the Action Control Neck intended for home adjustment?

The system makes string-height adjustment faster and less invasive, but accurate setup work should be completed by an experienced guitar technician.

Is it suitable for alternative tunings?

Yes. Its 25½-inch scale, substantial bass response and clear fundamentals make it a strong choice for many open and alternative tunings. A professional setup may be beneficial when permanently changing string gauge or tension.

Does mahogany sound less complex than rosewood?

Mahogany generally produces fewer surrounding overtones and places more emphasis on the fundamental note. This creates a direct, warm and focused sound rather than an inferior one.

Is the guitar suitable for professional recording?

Yes. Its controlled overtones and strong midrange make it particularly easy to position within a recording. It can be captured with studio microphones or recorded through its onboard electronics.

How should the guitar be stored?

Keep it in a stable environment away from radiators, direct sunlight, cold draughts and rapid changes in humidity. An appropriate guitar humidification system may be required during dry conditions.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor Gold Label 514e Blacktop is an outstanding professional electro-acoustic for players who want Taylor playability with a warmer, deeper and more heritage-inspired voice.

Its torrefied Sitka spruce and solid mahogany construction produces a woody, focused sound with powerful mids and excellent chord definition. The Super Auditorium body adds impressive low-end depth and projection, while Fanned V-Class bracing gives the guitar excellent sustain and dynamic range.

The Action Control Neck introduces valuable long-term adjustability, and the LR Baggs Element VTC system provides dependable amplified performance without compromising the traditional visual design.

Finished with its bold gloss black top and contrasting cream appointments, the Gold Label 514e Blacktop sounds mature, feels inviting and offers a genuinely distinctive alternative to a conventional modern acoustic guitar.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Flexible finance options available, subject to status
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We’re always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you’re moving on an instrument you no longer use or putting its value towards your next upgrade, our experienced team can provide a fair, no-obligation valuation and guide you through the process.

Contact Fair Deal Music or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in and discover how much you could save on your next instrument.