The Taylor 214ce Special Edition Honey Sunburst combines the versatility and playing comfort of Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body with a distinctive vintage-inspired finish and the rich visual appeal of Indian rosewood.

A solid torrefied spruce top delivers clear projection, punchy mids and a touch of mature, played-in warmth. Layered Indian rosewood back and sides provide a stable, attractive body with deep colouring and a balanced tonal foundation.

Its slender Taylor neck and narrower 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut create a relaxed fretting experience, making this an inviting instrument for developing players, experienced guitarists and electric players moving to acoustic. Taylor Expression System 2 electronics provide dependable amplified performance for live shows, rehearsals and direct recording.

With its Honey Sunburst top, white binding and classic faux-tortoiseshell pickguard, this Special Edition offers a distinctive alternative to the standard natural-finished 214ce.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	214ce Special Edition Honeyburst
Series	200 Series
Guitar Type	Electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Top	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Sides	Layered Indian rosewood
Bracing	Taylor C-Class
Neck	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Fretboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¹¹⁄₁₆ inches
Cutaway	Venetian
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Colour	Honey Sunburst
Main Appeal	Versatile Taylor performance with distinctive rosewood styling
Best For	Strumming, fingerstyle, songwriting, recording and live performance
Skill Level	Beginner to advanced
Condition	Brand new

Why Choose the Taylor 214ce Special Edition?

Solid Torrefied Spruce Top

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

This specialised roasting treatment alters the moisture content and internal structure of the wood, giving the top some of the warmth, sweetness and responsiveness associated with an older, regularly played acoustic guitar.

The spruce retains excellent projection and dynamic range, responding clearly to delicate fingerstyle playing while providing enough headroom for confident strumming.

Layered Indian Rosewood Back and Sides

The back and sides use layered Indian rosewood, giving the guitar an elegant appearance with deep brown colouring and naturally varied grain.

Its layered construction provides useful structural stability, making the guitar well suited to regular transport, rehearsals, stage work and changing environments.

The rosewood body supports the clear, balanced voice of the solid spruce top while contributing a polished and premium visual character.

Taylor C-Class Bracing

Taylor’s C-Class bracing is designed to increase acoustic volume, sustain and low-frequency presence.

Its asymmetrical structure supports the soundboard while allowing it to vibrate efficiently. This helps the guitar produce a fuller response without losing the balance and clarity expected from a Grand Auditorium.

The result is a confident acoustic voice that works equally well for solo playing and accompaniment.

Versatile Grand Auditorium Body

The Grand Auditorium is Taylor’s flagship all-purpose body shape.

Its lower bout provides enough air movement for warm rhythm playing, while the defined waist helps keep the midrange clear and controlled. The guitar also responds quickly to lighter picking and fingerstyle technique.

This makes the 214ce Special Edition suitable for:

• Singer-songwriter accompaniment
• Fingerstyle arrangements
• Flatpicking
• Contemporary worship music
• Pop, folk and rock
• Home and studio recording
• Amplified live performance

Comfortable Taylor Neck

The Neo-Tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s smooth Standard Carve profile.

Its narrower 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut creates compact string spacing that can make chords and stretches feel more manageable. This is especially useful for players with smaller hands and electric guitarists adjusting to steel-string acoustic playing.

A matte neck finish supports smooth movement along the West African Crelicam ebony fretboard.

Venetian Cutaway

The softly curved Venetian cutaway provides easier access to the upper frets.

Players can explore higher chord voicings, melodic lines and lead passages without the body restricting the fretting hand.

Its rounded shape also complements the balanced proportions of the Grand Auditorium body.

Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics

The Taylor Expression System 2 uses three calibrated sensors positioned behind the saddle.

This arrangement responds to the natural movement of the strings and saddle, helping retain more of the guitar’s dynamics and acoustic character when amplified.

Convenient controls provide adjustment over:

• Volume
• Bass
• Treble

The guitar can be connected to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, audio interface or suitable acoustic DI box.

Honey Sunburst Finish

The Honey Sunburst top gives this Special Edition model an immediately recognisable appearance.

Warm amber colouring through the centre gradually darkens towards the edges, framing the spruce grain and complementing the darker Indian rosewood body.

A matte finish gives the guitar an understated, natural feel without the highly reflective appearance of a full-gloss instrument.

Classic Taylor Appointments

The design combines the exclusive top finish with clean, traditional detailing.

Appointments include:

• White body binding
• White three-ring rosette
• Faux-pearl dot fretboard inlays
• Faux-tortoiseshell pickguard
• Chrome tuning machines
• West African Crelicam ebony fretboard and bridge

These details create a refined appearance without distracting from the Honey Sunburst top.

Why Choose a Grand Auditorium Electro-Acoustic Guitar?

A Grand Auditorium offers a useful middle ground between compact fingerstyle guitars and larger rhythm-focused body shapes.

It provides enough projection and bass response for strumming while remaining balanced and comfortable enough for detailed picking.

Adding onboard electronics makes the instrument suitable for:

• Home practice
• Rehearsals
• Open-mic performances
• Full-band shows
• Worship settings
• Direct recording
• Acoustic amplification

For players who want one guitar to cover several musical roles, the Grand Auditorium is an exceptionally practical choice.

Why Choose Torrefied Spruce and Layered Rosewood?

This construction combines authentic solid-top acoustic response with the stability and visual appeal of a layered body.

The torrefied spruce top contributes:

• Clear projection
• Punchy midrange response
• Dynamic sensitivity
• Mature warmth
• Strong chord definition

The layered Indian rosewood body contributes:

• Attractive natural grain
• Deep, classic colouring
• Structural stability
• A balanced tonal foundation
• Reliable everyday performance

Together, these materials create an approachable and versatile instrument for practice, performance and recording.

Who Is the Taylor 214ce Special Edition For?

Singers and Songwriters

Its balanced tone supports vocals without producing excessive bass or an overly sharp treble response.

Developing Guitarists

The comfortable neck and versatile sound make this an instrument that can continue serving a player as their technique and musical ambitions progress.

Electric Guitarists Moving to Acoustic

The slender profile, compact nut width and cutaway body provide a familiar and manageable playing experience.

Live Performers

Expression System 2 electronics offer straightforward amplification and accessible onboard tone adjustment.

Recording Musicians

The clear attack and controlled body response work well with microphones and direct recording equipment.

Fingerstyle Players

The Grand Auditorium body responds quickly to a lighter touch while maintaining useful note separation.

Rhythm Guitarists

The torrefied spruce top provides enough projection and dynamic range for confident accompaniment.

Players Seeking Distinctive Styling

The Honey Sunburst finish offers a warmer and more traditional visual identity than the standard natural-finished 214ce.

What’s Included?

• Taylor 214ce Special Edition Honeyburst electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor tan structured gig bag

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

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

Our checks cover the finish, neck, frets, bridge, tuning machines, electronics and general playability. The Expression System 2 pickup and onboard controls are tested to confirm dependable operation.

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	Grand Auditorium
Cutaway	Venetian
Colour	Honey Sunburst
Bracing System	Taylor C-Class
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Side Wood	Layered Indian rosewood
Back Configuration	Two-piece layered construction
Top Finish	Matte
Back and Side Finish	Matte
Body Binding	White
Rosette	White three-ring design
Pickguard	Faux tortoiseshell
Armrest	None

Neck and Fretboard

Specification	Details
Neck Wood	Neo-Tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Matte
Fretboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fretboard Inlays	Faux-pearl 4mm dots
Fretboard Binding	None
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¹¹⁄₁₆ inches

Peghead and Hardware

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Paddle
Peghead Veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Finish	Matte
Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony
Nut	White NuBone
Saddle	White Micarta
Bridge Pins	Black ABS
Tuning Machines	Die-cast chrome with chrome buttons
Strap Pin	Chrome
End Pin	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS coated phosphor bronze light, .012–.053

Electronics

Specification	Details
Pickup System	Taylor Expression System 2
Pickup Position	Behind the saddle
Controls	Volume, bass and treble
Control Location	Upper side of the body
Output	Standard ¼-inch instrument connection

Power Requirements

The Taylor Expression System 2 is powered by one 9V battery.

Connecting an instrument cable activates the preamp, so the cable should be removed when the guitar is not being used to help preserve battery life.

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

Taylor 214ce Special Edition Compared with the Standard 214ce

Both models use Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body, a solid torrefied spruce top, C-Class bracing, a comfortable neck and ES2 electronics.

The main differences are the body wood and visual presentation.

The Honeyburst Special Edition offers:

• Layered Indian rosewood back and sides
• Exclusive Honey Sunburst top
• White body binding
• Classic faux-tortoiseshell pickguard
• Distinctive Special Edition styling

The standard 214ce uses layered walnut and a more understated natural appearance.

Choose the standard model for a clean and contemporary Taylor design. Choose the Special Edition for the darker appearance of rosewood and the vintage-inspired Honey Sunburst finish.

Taylor 214ce Special Edition Compared with the 214ce Plus

The 214ce Plus shares the same versatile Grand Auditorium concept but adds an elevated transport solution and alternative finish options.

The Honeyburst Special Edition focuses on distinctive styling and traditional visual character, while retaining the core comfort and amplified performance of the 200 Series.

Choose the 214ce Plus for its upgraded portable package. Choose the Honeyburst Special Edition when its finish and rosewood appearance are the main attraction.

Taylor 214ce Special Edition Compared with an All-Solid Rosewood Guitar

The 214ce Special Edition uses a solid spruce top with layered rosewood back and sides.

An all-solid rosewood guitar generally offers greater harmonic complexity, bass extension and tonal development as the instrument matures. It will also usually sit at a higher price point.

The layered construction of the 214ce provides additional resistance to environmental changes and helps make Taylor’s playing experience more accessible.

Choose an all-solid instrument when maximum acoustic complexity is the priority. Choose the 214ce Special Edition for an excellent balance of sound, stability, styling and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taylor 214ce Special Edition suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. Its balanced Grand Auditorium body and responsive solid top make it suitable for fingerstyle patterns, melodic arrangements and lighter picking.

Can it handle strong strumming?

Yes. Torrefied spruce provides clear projection and useful dynamic headroom, while C-Class bracing adds volume and low-frequency support.

Is this an all-solid guitar?

The soundboard is solid torrefied spruce. The Indian rosewood back and sides use layered construction.

What does torrefaction do to the spruce?

Torrefaction gives the top a warmer, sweeter and more mature response while retaining the clarity and projection associated with spruce.

What is the benefit of the narrower nut?

The 1¹¹⁄₁₆-inch nut creates compact string spacing, which many players find comfortable for chords, stretches and general-purpose playing.

Can the guitar be connected directly to a PA system?

Yes. The ES2 system can connect to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, audio interface or suitable acoustic DI box.

Is it suitable for alternative tunings?

Yes. Its full scale and balanced response work well with many open and altered tunings. A professional setup may be beneficial after a permanent change in string gauge or tension.

Is it suitable for professional recording?

Yes. It can be recorded with studio microphones or connected directly to an audio interface through the 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. A suitable acoustic-guitar humidification system may be required during dry conditions.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor 214ce Special Edition Honeyburst is an excellent all-purpose electro-acoustic that combines comfortable playability, dependable amplified performance and distinctive vintage-inspired styling.

Its torrefied spruce top produces clear projection with added warmth, while the layered Indian rosewood body gives the guitar an elegant appearance and practical everyday stability. C-Class bracing strengthens the low end and sustain without compromising the balanced character of the Grand Auditorium body.

The narrower nut and smooth Taylor neck make the guitar inviting for developing players and experienced musicians alike, while ES2 electronics ensure it is ready for rehearsals, recording and live performance.

For players seeking a versatile Taylor with a more traditional visual character than the standard 214ce, this Honey Sunburst Special Edition is a superb choice.

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.