The Taylor 314ce Studio Natural brings premium all-solid-wood construction and professional Taylor performance to a more accessible price point. Combining a solid torrefied spruce top with solid sapele back and sides, it produces a clear, balanced acoustic voice with warm lows, a punchy midrange and excellent note definition.

Taylor’s versatile Grand Auditorium body makes the 314ce Studio equally comfortable handling fingerstyle arrangements, confident strumming, vocal accompaniment and live performance. V-Class bracing enhances volume, sustain and harmonic consistency, while the slightly narrower neck and chamfered body edges provide an exceptionally comfortable playing experience.

Completed with Taylor Expression System 2 electronics and an elegant full-body gloss Natural finish, the 314ce Studio is an outstanding choice for players seeking their first premium all-solid Taylor or a dependable professional electro-acoustic guitar.

At A Glance

Specification	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	314ce Studio
Series	Taylor 300 Series
Finish	Natural
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Top Wood	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Sides	Solid sapele
Bracing	Taylor V-Class bracing
Neck	Neo-tropical mahogany
Fingerboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Cutaway	Venetian
Condition	Brand new
Main Appeal	Accessible all-solid Taylor tone with enhanced playing comfort
Best For	Live performance, recording, songwriting, fingerstyle and strumming
Skill Level	Intermediate, advanced and professional players

What’s Included?

• Taylor 314ce Studio Natural electro-acoustic guitar
• Burgundy plush-lined tan Taylor structured gig bag

Why Choose the Taylor 314ce Studio?

Premium All-Solid-Wood Construction

The Taylor 314ce Studio uses solid timber for its top, back and sides, giving it greater tonal depth, resonance and dynamic response than a guitar with layered body construction.

Its solid sapele body produces a strong, focused midrange with warm low frequencies and clear upper-frequency presence. The sound remains articulate when playing complex chords and provides enough projection for both acoustic practice and performance.

Because the entire body is made from solid wood, the guitar’s acoustic character can also continue to develop as the instrument is regularly played.

Solid Torrefied Spruce Top

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

Torrefaction uses carefully controlled heat to reduce moisture within the timber and alter its cellular structure. This gives the top additional warmth, openness and responsiveness, helping the guitar deliver some of the mature character normally associated with an older, well-played acoustic.

The torrefied spruce top provides:

• Clear projection
• Excellent dynamic range
• Warmth and played-in sweetness
• Strong note separation
• Sensitivity to lighter fingerstyle playing
• Sufficient headroom for confident strumming

It responds quickly to the player’s touch without becoming harsh when played more firmly.

Solid Sapele Back and Sides

Sapele produces a balanced and consistent response across the frequency spectrum.

It shares some characteristics with mahogany, including a punchy midrange and warm, woody character, while offering slightly more presence in the upper frequencies. This helps the 314ce Studio retain clarity when accompanying vocals or performing alongside other instruments.

Sapele’s focused overtone response also prevents complex chord voicings from becoming blurred, making the guitar particularly effective for recording and full-band performances.

Versatile Grand Auditorium Body

Taylor’s Grand Auditorium is a highly adaptable mid-sized acoustic body shape.

It provides more projection and low-frequency depth than a smaller Grand Concert while remaining comfortable and balanced compared with a larger dreadnought. The shape responds well to a broad range of playing techniques, making it an excellent choice for musicians who do not want to be limited to one particular style.

The 314ce Studio is well suited to:

• Fingerstyle arrangements
• Open-chord accompaniment
• Flatpicking
• Contemporary acoustic pop
• Folk and country
• Worship music
• Singer-songwriter performances
• Live band arrangements
• Studio recording
• General songwriting

Its balanced frequency response allows individual notes to remain clear while chords sound full and supportive.

Taylor V-Class Bracing

The 314ce Studio features Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing architecture.

Traditional acoustic bracing designs often require a compromise between soundboard flexibility and structural stiffness. V-Class bracing changes the internal support pattern to help increase volume and sustain while improving the harmonic relationship between notes.

This contributes to:

• Strong acoustic projection
• Longer note sustain
• Improved pitch consistency
• Clearer chord voicings
• Better note separation
• A balanced response across the fingerboard

The result is a guitar that sounds confident and organised whether it is being played acoustically, recorded with microphones or used during a live performance.

Comfort-Enhancing Chamfered Body Edges

The 314ce Studio uses softened, chamfered body edges rather than conventional body binding.

These subtly angled edges reduce the pressure created where the guitar rests against the player’s picking arm and body. This makes the instrument feel particularly comfortable during longer practice sessions, recording sessions and live performances.

The design provides a practical playing benefit while maintaining the clean, understated appearance of the Studio series.

Slightly Narrower Neck Width

The 1 11/16-inch nut width is slightly narrower than the 1¾-inch width found on many premium Taylor acoustic guitars.

This reduces the distance across the fingerboard and can make chord shapes, stretches and barre chords feel more manageable. It is especially useful for:

• Electric guitarists moving to acoustic guitar
• Players with smaller hands
• Musicians who prefer a modern neck feel
• Rhythm players performing extended sets
• Anyone who finds a wider acoustic neck uncomfortable

The neo-tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s familiar Standard Carve profile, delivering an approachable feel without becoming excessively thin.

Venetian Cutaway

The softly rounded Venetian cutaway provides convenient access to the upper frets.

This makes the 314ce Studio suitable for melodic lead playing, extended chord voicings and arrangements that move beyond the traditional open-position range. Its smooth shape also complements the clean and contemporary styling of the Grand Auditorium body.

Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics

The Taylor Expression System 2 is designed to capture more of the guitar’s natural dynamic response than a conventional undersaddle piezo system.

Three individually calibrated sensors are positioned behind the saddle, allowing them to respond to the movement of the saddle and strings without relying entirely on direct downward pressure.

The system provides discreet onboard controls for:

• Volume
• Bass
• Treble

These controls allow the amplified sound to be adapted for different acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, audio interfaces and performance environments.

The ES2 is equally useful for:

• Live acoustic performances
• Full-band arrangements
• Rehearsals
• Worship settings
• Direct recording
• Open-mic performances
• Singer-songwriter sets

Elegant Full-Gloss Natural Finish

The full-body gloss finish gives the 314ce Studio a polished and premium appearance while allowing the natural grain of the torrefied spruce and sapele to remain clearly visible.

Its understated appointments include:

• Natural full-gloss body
• Faux tortoiseshell pickguard
• Three-ring black rosette
• Faux pearl dot fingerboard inlays
• West African Crelicam ebony peghead veneer
• Nickel Taylor tuning machines
• West African Crelicam ebony bridge

The overall design feels refined and professional without adding unnecessary decoration.

Why Choose an All-Solid Grand Auditorium Guitar?

An all-solid Grand Auditorium guitar provides a balance of tonal richness, playing comfort and musical versatility.

Solid tonewoods respond more freely to string vibration than layered construction, allowing the body to produce greater harmonic detail and a more dynamic response. The sound can also mature as the wood responds to regular playing.

Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body complements this construction by offering:

• Balanced bass, middle and treble frequencies
• Comfortable mid-sized proportions
• Strong acoustic projection
• Responsive fingerstyle performance
• Sufficient headroom for strumming
• Clear note separation
• Broad cross-genre versatility
• Convenient upper-fret access

This makes the 314ce Studio an excellent choice for players who need one premium electro-acoustic guitar to cover several musical roles.

Who Is the Taylor 314ce Studio For?

Players Upgrading to Their First All-Solid Guitar

The 314ce Studio provides an accessible route into Taylor’s premium all-solid range.

Players upgrading from an entry-level or layered-body acoustic will notice greater resonance, projection, dynamic sensitivity and tonal complexity.

Singer-Songwriters

The focused sapele midrange supports vocals without becoming overly bass-heavy or excessively bright. Chords remain warm and full while leaving space for the singer.

Fingerstyle Guitarists

The Grand Auditorium body responds sensitively to a lighter touch, while V-Class bracing helps individual notes sustain and remain harmonically clear.

The slightly narrower fingerboard may also appeal to players who prefer compact string spacing, although dedicated fingerstyle players wanting maximum spacing may prefer a 1¾-inch nut.

Rhythm Players

The torrefied spruce top provides enough dynamic headroom for confident strumming, while the sapele body keeps the midrange strong and articulate.

The chamfered body edges also reduce arm pressure during extended chord-based performances.

Performing Musicians

The ES2 electronics, comfortable body shape and durable professional construction make the 314ce Studio a dependable stage instrument.

Its focused midrange helps it remain present within a band mix without requiring excessive equalisation.

Studio Musicians

The guitar’s controlled overtone response and balanced frequency range make it easy to position within a recorded arrangement.

It can be recorded with microphones, connected directly through the ES2 system or captured using a blend of both signals.

Electric Guitarists Adding a Premium Acoustic

The slightly narrower nut width, comfortable Taylor neck and upper-fret access provide a familiar transition for players who primarily use electric guitars.

Experienced Players Seeking an Everyday Taylor

The 314ce Studio offers professional tone and playability in a clean, practical package. It is well suited to rehearsals, regular performances, songwriting and studio work without relying on elaborate decorative appointments.

How Does the Taylor 314ce Studio Compare?

Taylor 314ce Studio vs Taylor 314ce Next Generation

Both guitars use all-solid sapele back and sides and Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body, but they offer different specifications.

The 314ce Studio features:

• Solid torrefied spruce top
• Standard V-Class bracing
• Taylor Expression System 2 electronics
• Traditional Taylor neck construction
• Narrower 1 11/16-inch nut
• Chamfered body edges
• Full-gloss body
• Simplified appointments

The 314ce Next Generation features:

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Scalloped V-Class bracing
• Taylor Action Control Neck
• Claria acoustic electronics
• Wider 1¾-inch nut
• Bound body and fingerboard
• Upgraded decorative appointments

Choose the 314ce Studio for torrefied warmth, compact neck dimensions, enhanced body comfort and outstanding all-solid value.

Choose the Next Generation 314ce for Taylor’s latest neck-adjustment system, new Claria electronics and a more premium appointment package.

Taylor 314ce Studio vs Taylor 214ce

The principal difference is the body construction.

The 314ce Studio uses solid wood for the top, back and sides, creating a richer and more responsive acoustic voice with greater tonal development over time.

The 214ce combines a solid top with layered back and sides. This provides excellent environmental stability and Taylor playability at a more accessible price.

Choose the 214ce for a dependable, versatile Taylor with layered-body durability. Choose the 314ce Studio for greater resonance, tonal complexity and all-solid performance.

Taylor 314ce Studio vs Taylor 314ce Studio SEB

The Natural and SEB versions share the same fundamental construction, body shape, tonewoods, bracing, neck dimensions and electronics.

The principal difference is appearance. The Natural model highlights the grain and colour of the torrefied spruce top, while the SEB model features Taylor’s Shaded Edgeburst finish for a darker, more traditional visual character.

Choose according to your preferred finish, as both offer the same core playing and tonal experience.

Taylor 314ce Studio vs a Traditional Dreadnought

A traditional dreadnought generally produces a larger, more bass-forward sound with a strong rhythm response.

The 314ce Studio Grand Auditorium delivers a more balanced frequency range and a more comfortable body shape. It is particularly useful for players who regularly alternate between fingerstyle, strumming and melodic playing.

Choose a dreadnought for maximum bass and traditional rhythm power. Choose the 314ce Studio for greater balance, comfort and versatility.

Understanding the Torrefied Spruce and Sapele Sound

Torrefied spruce and sapele create a clear, warm and highly usable tonal combination.

The spruce top provides projection, dynamic range and treble clarity. Taylor’s torrefaction process adds warmth, sweetness and a more open response, helping the guitar sound less stiff than a typical new spruce-topped instrument.

Sapele contributes:

• Punchy midrange presence
• Warm, controlled low frequencies
• Clear upper-frequency detail
• Consistent response across the strings
• Strong note definition
• Controlled harmonic overtones

This combination is particularly effective for vocal accompaniment, live performance and recording. The guitar sounds full enough to perform alone but remains focused enough to fit naturally alongside other instruments.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before dispatch or collection, this guitar will be carefully checked by the Fair Deal Music team.

Our assessment includes:

• General cosmetic inspection
• Neck and fingerboard inspection
• String-height and playing-action check
• Fret and intonation assessment
• Bridge, saddle and nut inspection
• Tuning-machine and hardware check
• Expression System 2 electronics test
• Volume, bass and treble control test
• Output-socket test
• Final playability assessment

This helps ensure that your new Taylor arrives ready to play and enjoy.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Model	Taylor 314ce Studio
Series	Taylor 300 Series
Number of Strings	6
Orientation	Right-handed
Colour	Natural
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Cutaway	Venetian
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Solid torrefied spruce
Back and Side Wood	Solid sapele
Back Configuration	Two-piece, no wedge
Bracing	Taylor V-Class bracing
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss
Body Edges	Chamfered
Body Binding	None
Rosette	Three-ring black plastic
Pickguard	Faux tortoiseshell
Armrest	None

Neck and Fingerboard

Specification	Details
Neck Wood	Neo-tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Taylor Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Satin
Fingerboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Faux pearl 4mm dots
Fingerboard Binding	None
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1 11/16 inches

Peghead

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Taylor paddle
Peghead Veneer	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Inlay	None
Peghead Finish	Satin
Peghead Binding	None
Tuning Machines	Taylor nickel with nickel buttons

Hardware and Factory Setup

Specification	Details
Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony
Nut	White NuBone
Saddle	White Micarta
Bridge Pins	Black ABS plastic
Strap Pin	Nickel
End Pin	Black
Factory Strings	D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light
Factory String Gauge	.012–.053

Power Requirements

The Taylor Expression System 2 electronics are powered by one 9-volt battery installed in the guitar’s end-pin battery compartment.

The guitar can be played normally as an acoustic instrument without battery power. A functioning battery is required when connecting the ES2 system to an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixing desk, direct box or audio interface.

Remove the instrument cable from the guitar after use to prevent unnecessary battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Taylor 314ce Studio made from all-solid wood?

Yes. It features a solid torrefied spruce top with solid sapele back and sides.

What does the Studio designation mean?

The Studio designation identifies a streamlined Taylor model designed to deliver premium tone and professional playability at a more accessible price.

The 314ce Studio retains all-solid construction, V-Class bracing and ES2 electronics while using simplified appointments and comfort-enhancing chamfered body edges.

What does torrefied spruce sound like?

Torrefied spruce retains the clarity, projection and dynamic range associated with spruce while adding warmth, openness and a more played-in response.

What does sapele sound like?

Sapele produces a balanced tone with a punchy midrange, warm low frequencies and clear upper-frequency presence. Its focused character helps chords and individual notes remain defined.

Is the Taylor 314ce Studio suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The Grand Auditorium body provides the balance and sensitivity needed for fingerstyle arrangements, while V-Class bracing supports sustain and note separation.

Is it suitable for strumming?

Yes. The torrefied spruce top offers strong projection and sufficient headroom for confident rhythm playing. The sapele body also keeps the midrange clear during heavier chord work.

What is the benefit of the chamfered body edges?

The softened edges reduce pressure where the body rests against the player’s arm and torso, improving comfort during longer playing sessions.

Is the narrower nut width easier to play?

Many players find the 1 11/16-inch nut comfortable because it reduces the distance across the fingerboard. It can be particularly suitable for electric guitarists, rhythm players and musicians with smaller hands.

What is Taylor V-Class bracing?

V-Class bracing is Taylor’s internal soundboard-support system. It is designed to increase acoustic volume and sustain while improving pitch consistency and harmonic clarity.

Can the 314ce Studio be used professionally?

Yes. Its all-solid construction, V-Class bracing, comfortable neck and ES2 electronics make it suitable for professional recording, touring, rehearsal and live performance.

Is the Taylor 314ce Studio suitable for recording?

Yes. The focused sapele midrange and controlled overtone response help the guitar fit naturally within a recorded mix.

It can be captured with microphones, recorded directly through the ES2 output or recorded using a combination of both signals.

Does the ES2 system include a tuner?

No. The ES2 provides volume, bass and treble controls. A separate clip-on, pedal or external tuner can be used.

Can the 314ce Studio handle alternate tunings?

Yes. Its 25½-inch scale provides good tension and definition for many commonly used alternate tunings.

A professional setup may be beneficial when permanently using substantially lower tunings, heavier strings or a significantly different playing action.

Is the 314ce Studio suitable for beginners?

It is comfortable and approachable enough for a committed beginner, but its premium all-solid construction and professional features are most likely to appeal to intermediate, advanced and working musicians.

It would also make an excellent long-term first guitar for a player who wants an instrument they will not quickly outgrow.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor 314ce Studio Natural is one of the strongest-value all-solid electro-acoustic guitars in Taylor’s current range.

Its torrefied spruce top adds warmth and a more mature response, while the solid sapele body provides the focused midrange, balance and definition needed for live performance and recording. Taylor’s Grand Auditorium shape handles fingerstyle, strumming and vocal accompaniment equally well, making this a genuine all-purpose instrument.

The chamfered body edges and narrower nut width provide meaningful comfort benefits, particularly for electric guitarists, rhythm players and musicians who find wider acoustic necks tiring. V-Class bracing delivers excellent sustain and harmonic clarity, while the ES2 system provides dependable amplified performance.

For players seeking premium Taylor build quality, all-solid tonewoods and professional versatility without paying for more elaborate decorative appointments, the 314ce Studio is an exceptional 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 acoustic guitar, electric guitar, amplifier, keyboard, drum kit or studio equipment, our team can offer a fair, no-obligation valuation and help you put the value towards your next purchase.

Contact our team or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in options.