The Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce elevates Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium with premium tonewoods, refined ergonomic features and exceptional attention to detail.

A four-piece solid Adirondack spruce top gives the guitar outstanding power, dynamic range and headroom, while solid Indian rosewood back and sides deliver deep bass, clear trebles and a rich, harmonically complex response. Taylor’s V-Class bracing adds impressive sustain, projection and pitch accuracy, making the guitar equally rewarding for delicate fingerstyle work, confident strumming and detailed studio recording.

A bevelled armrest, compound bevelled cutaway, subtly tapered body and rounded edges provide the enhanced comfort expected from Taylor’s Builder’s Edition range. Taylor Expression System 2 electronics complete a premium electro-acoustic guitar built for serious performance, recording and long-term ownership.

This is the original pre–Next Generation Builder’s Edition 814ce specification, featuring Taylor’s established adjustable neck joint, standard V-Class bracing and Expression System 2 electronics.

At A Glance

Specification	Details
Brand	Taylor
Model	Builder’s Edition 814ce
Series	Taylor 800 Series
Collection	Builder’s Edition
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic guitar
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Top Wood	Four-piece solid Adirondack spruce
Back and Sides	Solid Indian rosewood
Bracing	Taylor V-Class bracing
Neck Wood	Neo-tropical mahogany
Fingerboard	West African Crelicam ebony
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Cutaway	Compound bevelled cutaway
Finish	Full gloss with Kona edgeburst back and sides
Condition	Brand new
Main Appeal	Flagship Taylor tone with exceptional power and ergonomic comfort
Best For	Professional performance, studio recording, fingerstyle, strumming and songwriting
Skill Level	Advanced and professional players

What’s Included?

• Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce electro-acoustic guitar
• Taylor Deluxe hardshell case

Why Choose the Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce?

Taylor’s Flagship Grand Auditorium, Refined

The 814ce has long represented the defining Taylor acoustic-guitar experience, combining premium spruce and rosewood construction with the versatility of the Grand Auditorium body.

The Builder’s Edition model takes that established formula further with an Adirondack spruce soundboard, comfort-enhancing body contours, premium hardware and an elevated finish specification.

It retains the clear, balanced response associated with the 814ce while adding greater power, headroom and physical playing comfort.

Four-Piece Adirondack Spruce Top

Rather than using the Sitka spruce commonly associated with the standard 814ce, this Builder’s Edition model features a four-piece Adirondack spruce top.

Adirondack spruce is valued for its strength, dynamic range and exceptionally high volume ceiling. It can respond clearly to a light touch while retaining focus and definition when driven with a firm pick attack.

Its tonal benefits include:

• Powerful acoustic projection
• Exceptional dynamic headroom
• Clear and immediate note response
• Strong fundamental definition
• Excellent performance under heavy strumming
• Detailed response for fingerstyle playing
• A sound that can continue to open with regular use

The four-piece construction allows Taylor to use carefully selected sections of high-quality Adirondack spruce while maintaining consistent stiffness and tonal performance across the soundboard.

Solid Indian Rosewood Back and Sides

Solid Indian rosewood gives the Builder’s Edition 814ce a broad, polished and harmonically rich acoustic voice.

Rosewood is known for its deep low frequencies, pristine treble response and slightly relaxed midrange. This creates space around individual notes and allows harmonics to bloom naturally after the initial attack.

The combination of rosewood and Adirondack spruce produces:

• Deep and controlled bass
• Clear, sparkling trebles
• Long sustain
• Rich harmonic overtones
• Strong projection
• Excellent note separation
• A wide and spacious tonal character

This makes the guitar particularly effective for solo acoustic performance and studio recording, where its full frequency range and fine detail can be clearly heard.

Taylor V-Class Bracing

The soundboard is supported by Taylor’s V-Class bracing architecture.

V-Class bracing is designed to balance the flexibility required for volume with the longitudinal stiffness needed for sustain and accurate pitch. This helps notes remain focused and harmonically organised across the fingerboard.

The result is:

• Strong acoustic volume
• Long, musical sustain
• Improved note-to-note consistency
• Clearer chord voicings
• Accurate intonation across the neck
• Better definition in altered tunings
• A controlled response under a strong attack

The Builder’s Edition 814ce therefore retains clarity even when its powerful Adirondack spruce top is driven firmly.

Bevelled Armrest

The armrest bevel softens the edge of the lower bass-side bout where the player’s picking arm contacts the guitar.

This reduces pressure against the forearm and makes the instrument more comfortable during longer practice sessions, recording dates and live performances.

The bevel is integrated cleanly into the guitar’s design, providing a practical ergonomic benefit without disrupting the elegant appearance of the Grand Auditorium body.

Compound Bevelled Cutaway

The cutaway features a smoothly contoured bevel between the body and neck heel.

This creates more space for the fretting hand when accessing the upper register and removes the sharper edge found on a conventional cutaway. Lead lines, extended chord voicings and melodic passages further up the neck feel noticeably more comfortable.

The compound bevelled cutaway is especially useful for players who regularly use the full range of the fingerboard.

Subtle Body Taper and Rounded Edges

Taylor incorporates a subtle body taper and softened edges into the Builder’s Edition design.

These details help the guitar sit more naturally against the player’s body and reduce the boxy feeling sometimes associated with full-sized acoustic guitars.

The Grand Auditorium is already known for its approachable proportions, but these refinements make the Builder’s Edition 814ce particularly comfortable for extended playing.

Taylor Neck Playability

This pre–Next Generation model uses Taylor’s established adjustable neck-joint design.

The neo-tropical mahogany neck has Taylor’s Standard Carve profile, providing a smooth and approachable feel suitable for both traditional acoustic technique and more modern playing styles.

The 1¾-inch nut width offers useful spacing for fingerstyle work and detailed chord voicings while remaining comfortable for rhythm playing.

Taylor’s neck system also allows a trained technician to adjust the neck angle using precision shims, helping maintain suitable action as the instrument ages or moves through different environmental conditions.

Gotoh 510 Tuning Machines

Premium Gotoh 510 tuning machines provide exceptionally precise control.

Their high gear ratio allows small and accurate pitch adjustments, complementing the harmonic clarity and intonation benefits of the V-Class bracing.

They also contribute to the refined feel and long-term reliability expected from a flagship professional instrument.

Curve Wing Ebony Bridge

The West African Crelicam ebony bridge uses Taylor’s softened Curve Wing design.

Its rounded edges feel more comfortable beneath the picking hand while maintaining secure string anchoring and efficient energy transfer into the soundboard.

This is a small but meaningful detail that reflects the comfort-focused philosophy behind the Builder’s Edition range.

Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics

The Builder’s Edition 814ce features Taylor’s Expression System 2 electronics.

Three individually calibrated sensors are positioned behind the saddle rather than directly underneath it. This allows the pickup to capture the movement of the saddle and strings while preserving more of the guitar’s natural dynamics.

The onboard controls provide adjustment over:

• Volume
• Bass
• Treble

The system offers a clear and dependable signal for acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, mixing desks and recording interfaces.

Identifying This Pre–Next Generation Model

This guitar should not be confused with the later Taylor Next Generation Builder’s Edition 814ce.

The original version in this listing features:

• Standard Taylor V-Class bracing
• Taylor’s established shim-adjustable neck joint
• Taylor Expression System 2 electronics
• External upper-bout volume, bass and treble controls

The later Next Generation version introduced:

• Scalloped V-Class bracing
• Taylor Action Control Neck
• Taylor Claria electronics
• Soundhole-mounted pickup controls

Both versions are premium Builder’s Edition instruments, but they use different neck, bracing and electronics systems.

The original Builder’s Edition 814ce remains an outstanding choice for players who value the proven ES2 system, traditional Taylor neck adjustability and the powerful clarity of its Adirondack spruce and Indian rosewood construction.

What Is Taylor Builder’s Edition?

Builder’s Edition represents Taylor’s most player-focused approach to guitar construction.

Rather than concentrating only on decorative upgrades, Builder’s Edition instruments introduce refinements that improve how the guitar physically interacts with the player.

Depending on the model, these features can include:

• Bevelled armrests
• Contoured cutaways
• Rounded body edges
• Tapered bodies
• Premium tuning machines
• Refined bridge designs
• High-grade tonewoods
• Smooth body and neck transitions

The aim is to create an instrument that feels immediately accommodating while maintaining premium tonal performance and visual refinement.

Why Choose a Grand Auditorium Guitar?

Taylor’s Grand Auditorium is a medium-sized acoustic body designed to work across a broad range of playing styles.

It provides more balance and fingerstyle sensitivity than many traditional dreadnoughts while retaining enough body volume and projection for confident rhythm work.

Key benefits include:

• Balanced bass, middle and treble frequencies
• Strong acoustic projection
• Responsive fingerstyle performance
• Excellent strumming headroom
• Comfortable body proportions
• Clear note separation
• Broad stylistic versatility
• Effective vocal accompaniment

For musicians who want one premium acoustic guitar to cover several musical roles, the Grand Auditorium remains one of the most adaptable body shapes available.

Who Is the Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce For?

Professional Performing Musicians

The Builder’s Edition comfort features, powerful acoustic voice and ES2 electronics make the 814ce highly suitable for regular stage use.

Its Adirondack spruce top offers enough headroom for energetic performance, while the rosewood body provides depth and harmonic detail.

Studio Guitarists

The guitar’s broad frequency range, long sustain and detailed note response make it a compelling recording instrument.

It can produce a full solo-acoustic sound while also retaining enough clarity to sit within layered arrangements.

Fingerstyle Players

The 1¾-inch nut width, balanced Grand Auditorium response and strong note separation support detailed fingerstyle playing.

The armrest and cutaway bevels also improve comfort when performing technically demanding arrangements.

Singer-Songwriters

Indian rosewood provides a deep and polished foundation beneath a vocal, while the Adirondack spruce top responds dynamically to changes in playing intensity.

The guitar can move naturally between restrained verses and powerful choruses.

Strong Strummers and Flatpickers

Adirondack spruce offers exceptional headroom and retains clarity when played firmly.

Players who find some spruce tops compress or lose definition under a heavy attack will appreciate the power and control available from the Builder’s Edition 814ce.

Players Seeking One Premium All-Rounder

The Grand Auditorium body and broad dynamic range allow this guitar to cover fingerstyle, strumming, recording, accompaniment and live work.

It is an excellent choice for musicians who would rather invest in one highly capable professional acoustic than several more specialised instruments.

Collectors and Long-Term Owners

The four-piece Adirondack spruce top, premium appointments and distinctive Builder’s Edition construction give this model a strong identity within Taylor’s history.

As the original pre–Next Generation Builder’s Edition 814ce, it also represents a clearly defined stage in the development of Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium.

How Does the Builder’s Edition 814ce Compare?

Builder’s Edition 814ce vs Standard 814ce

The standard 814ce traditionally combines Indian rosewood with a Sitka spruce top and features a conventional Venetian cutaway.

The Builder’s Edition version adds:

• Adirondack spruce top
• Greater dynamic headroom
• Bevelled armrest
• Compound bevelled cutaway
• Subtle body taper
• Rounded body edges
• Gotoh tuning machines
• Builder’s Edition bridge design

Choose the standard 814ce for the classic Taylor flagship experience. Choose the Builder’s Edition for greater acoustic power, premium ergonomics and a more elevated playing feel.

Original Builder’s Edition 814ce vs Next Generation Builder’s Edition 814ce

The original model uses standard V-Class bracing, Taylor’s shim-adjustable neck joint and ES2 electronics.

The Next Generation version uses scalloped V-Class bracing, the Action Control Neck and Claria electronics.

Choose the original model for the established ES2 system, external controls and classic adjustable Taylor neck architecture.

Choose the Next Generation model for the newer action-adjustment mechanism, revised bracing response and soundhole-mounted electronics.

Builder’s Edition 814ce vs Builder’s Edition 914ce

Both models offer premium rosewood construction, Builder’s Edition comfort features and professional performance.

The 914ce moves further into Taylor’s presentation-grade range with more elaborate decorative work and a more ornate visual specification.

The 814ce offers comparable professional versatility with a cleaner, slightly more understated appearance.

Builder’s Edition 814ce vs a Traditional Dreadnought

A dreadnought generally produces a stronger bass emphasis and a more traditional rhythm-focused response.

The Grand Auditorium offers greater balance across the frequency range and responds more evenly to fingerstyle, strumming and single-note playing.

Choose a dreadnought for maximum traditional rhythm power. Choose the Builder’s Edition 814ce for balance, comfort and cross-genre versatility.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

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

Our assessment includes:

• General cosmetic inspection
• Neck and fingerboard inspection
• Playing-action check
• Fret and intonation assessment
• Nut, saddle and bridge 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 perform.

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Model	Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce
Series	Taylor 800 Series
Collection	Taylor Builder’s Edition
Number of Strings	6
Orientation	Right-handed
Guitar Type	Steel-string electro-acoustic
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Cutaway	Compound bevelled cutaway
Electronics	Taylor Expression System 2
Country of Manufacture	USA

Body

Specification	Details
Top Wood	Four-piece solid Adirondack spruce
Back and Side Wood	Solid Indian rosewood
Back Configuration	Two-piece, no wedge
Bracing	Taylor V-Class bracing
Top Finish	Gloss
Back and Side Finish	Gloss with Kona edgeburst
Armrest	Bevelled armrest
Body Binding	Rock maple
Pickguard	Indian rosewood
Body Shape	Grand Auditorium
Body Profile	Subtle taper with softened edges

Neck and Fingerboard

Specification	Details
Neck Joint	Taylor adjustable neck joint
Neck Wood	Neo-tropical mahogany
Neck Profile	Taylor Standard Carve
Neck Finish	Satin
Fingerboard Wood	West African Crelicam ebony
Fingerboard Binding	West African Crelicam ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Element
Scale Length	25½ inches
Nut Width	1¾ inches

Peghead

Specification	Details
Peghead Type	Standard Taylor paddle
Peghead Binding	West African Crelicam ebony
Peghead Inlay	Element
Peghead Finish	Satin
Tuning Machines	Gotoh 510

Hardware and Factory Setup

Specification	Details
Bridge	West African Crelicam ebony Curve Wing
Nut	TUSQ
Saddle	Micarta
Bridge Pins	West African ebony with green abalone dots
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 located in the guitar’s end-pin battery compartment.

Battery power is only required when the guitar is connected to an amplifier, PA system, mixing desk or audio interface. The instrument can be played acoustically without a battery.

Disconnect the instrument cable after use to avoid unnecessary battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the Next Generation Builder’s Edition 814ce?

No. This is the original pre–Next Generation model with standard V-Class bracing, Taylor’s established shim-adjustable neck joint and Expression System 2 electronics.

What is unusual about the Adirondack spruce top?

The soundboard is constructed from four carefully selected pieces of solid Adirondack spruce. This allows Taylor to use high-quality timber with consistent structural and tonal properties across the top.

What does Adirondack spruce sound like?

Adirondack spruce offers strong projection, a wide dynamic range and exceptional headroom. It retains clarity when played aggressively while remaining responsive to a lighter touch.

What does Indian rosewood contribute?

Indian rosewood adds deep bass, clear trebles, long sustain and a rich overtone response. It gives the guitar a broad and polished tonal character.

Is the Builder’s Edition 814ce suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The Grand Auditorium body, 1¾-inch nut and balanced frequency response make it highly suitable for fingerstyle arrangements.

Can it handle heavy strumming?

Yes. The Adirondack spruce top provides excellent headroom and retains definition under a strong pick attack.

What is the purpose of the armrest bevel?

The armrest bevel softens the point where the body contacts the player’s picking arm, reducing pressure and improving comfort during longer playing sessions.

What is a compound bevelled cutaway?

It is a smoothly contoured cutaway that removes the sharper edge between the neck heel and body, giving the fretting hand more comfortable access to the upper register.

What controls does the ES2 system provide?

The Expression System 2 provides external upper-bout controls for volume, bass and treble.

Does the ES2 include a tuner?

No. A separate clip-on, pedal or external tuner can be used.

Is the guitar suitable for professional recording?

Yes. Its broad dynamic range, rich rosewood overtones and strong note separation make it particularly well suited to studio recording.

Can the guitar be recorded directly?

Yes. The ES2 output can be connected to an audio interface, mixing desk or recording system. It can also be recorded with microphones or by blending the pickup and microphone signals.

Can the playing action be adjusted?

Yes. Taylor’s adjustable neck joint allows a trained technician to alter the neck angle using precision shims. Saddle and truss-rod adjustments can also be carried out as part of a professional setup.

Can it be used in alternate tunings?

Yes. The full-scale neck and powerful acoustic response work well with many common alternate tunings. A professional setup may be useful when permanently changing string gauge or moving to substantially lower tunings.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Taylor Builder’s Edition 814ce is an exceptional interpretation of Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium.

Its four-piece Adirondack spruce top delivers outstanding projection, headroom and responsiveness, while the solid Indian rosewood body adds deep lows, clear trebles and a beautifully expansive overtone response. The result is a premium acoustic voice that can handle delicate fingerstyle playing, forceful strumming and detailed studio work without losing clarity.

The bevelled armrest, compound cutaway, softened edges and body taper provide genuine comfort benefits rather than purely cosmetic upgrades. Gotoh tuners, refined appointments and Taylor’s dependable ES2 system further reinforce its professional credentials.

For players seeking the established pre–Next Generation specification with traditional Taylor neck adjustability, V-Class clarity and ES2 amplified performance, this Builder’s Edition 814ce is a superb all-purpose professional instrument.

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.