Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review: A Professional-Grade Workhorse for Every Stage

Finding that “forever” guitar is a journey every musician understands. We’ve all been there: you start with a budget-friendly plywood box that serves its purpose for a few months, but eventually, your ears and fingers begin to crave more. You need a guitar that doesn’t just produce sound, but tells a story. The problem most players face is the massive “no-man’s-land” between entry-level laminate guitars and the $4,000 heirloom-quality masterpieces. If you choose poorly, you’re stuck with an instrument that sounds thin, feels stiff, and refuses to stay in tune during a live set. For those of us looking to bridge that gap, the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar represents a critical solution. It aims to provide that legendary Taylor playability and professional tone without the price tag of a custom shop build. We’ve spent significant time with this instrument to see if it truly lives up to the “Plus” moniker and whether it can handle the rigors of both the studio and the stage.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Professional Steel-String Acoustic Guitar

A Steel-String Acoustic Guitars is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for songwriters, gigging musicians, and dedicated hobbyists who need a reliable voice. Unlike nylon strings, steel-string guitars offer a bright, crisp, and powerful projection that cuts through a mix, making them the standard for folk, rock, country, and pop. Investing in a high-quality model like the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar means you are looking for long-term resonance and structural stability. The main benefits lie in the instrument’s ability to grow with you; as the wood ages, the sound matures, providing a tonal richness that cheaper materials simply cannot replicate. Solving the “tonal plateau” is the primary goal here—moving from a flat, dull sound to a dynamic, responsive experience where every nuance of your pick attack is captured.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of their first guitar, or perhaps a seasoned performer who needs a high-quality “road” guitar that they don’t have to worry about as much as a vintage collectible. It is perfect for those who value playability and a modern, balanced sound profile. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are purely seeking a traditional, bass-heavy “thump” characteristic of vintage dreadnoughts, or for those who strictly play fingerstyle on wide-nut classical guitars. If you are a total beginner on a very tight budget, you might consider more entry-level laminates before jumping into the “Plus” territory of the Taylor lineup.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Body Shape and Dimensions: The physical size of the guitar affects both your comfort and the frequency response. Grand Auditorium shapes, like the one found on the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar, offer a middle ground between the small-bodied concert guitars and large dreadnoughts. Look for a shape that fits your frame while providing enough air volume for good projection.
• Solid vs. Layered Woods: The “top” of the guitar is its soul. A solid wood top is non-negotiable for serious players because it vibrates more freely than laminate. However, layered back and sides (like the Indian Rosewood on this model) can offer increased durability and resistance to humidity changes, which is a major advantage for traveling musicians.
• Electronics and Connectivity: If you plan to play live, the pickup system is vital. You want a system that sounds natural rather than “plastic-y” or “quacky.” Systems like Taylor’s ES2 are designed to capture the actual movement of the bridge, providing a much more authentic acoustic tone through an amp or PA.
• Neck Profile and Playability: Taylor is famous for their “NT Neck.” When evaluating a guitar, consider the nut width and the slimness of the neck. A thinner profile usually allows for faster playing and less hand fatigue during long practice sessions, which is something we prioritized during our testing.

Choosing the right guitar requires weighing these technical specs against your personal playing style. While the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar

When the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar first arrived at our studio, the first thing that caught our eye wasn’t actually the guitar, but the AeroCase. Unlike the standard gig bags or heavy hardshell cases, the AeroCase is a hybrid that offers the protection of a hard case with the weight of a bag. It’s a premium touch that immediately signals this isn’t your average “budget” Taylor. Upon pulling the guitar out, the full-gloss finish on the body shimmered beautifully. While the standard 214ce often features a satin finish, the “Plus” version’s gloss adds a layer of sophistication and protection that we found very appealing. Before you even strike a chord, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand the craftsmanship involved.

The build quality is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Taylor’s Tecate factory—flawless. The joints are seamless, the fret ends are smooth, and the torrefied Sitka spruce top has a slightly darker, “aged” honey hue that looks vintage yet modern. Holding it feels balanced; it’s a full-sized instrument but doesn’t feel bulky. Compared to market leaders in this price bracket, the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar feels more like a precision tool than a piece of furniture. The black binding and the subtle Italian acrylic dot inlays on the ebony fretboard provide an understated elegance that focuses on the quality of the wood rather than flashy “bling.”

Deep Dive: Why the Taylor 214ce Plus Stands Out in a Crowded Market

The Magic of Torrefaction: An Aged Sound from Day One

The standout feature of the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar is undoubtedly its torrefied Sitka spruce top. Torrefaction is a specialized roasting process where the wood is heated in an oxygen-free environment. This removes moisture and volatile resins that usually take decades to evaporate naturally. In our testing, the result was immediately apparent. Usually, a new guitar sounds a bit “tight” or “stiff” for the first year of its life. Not so with the 214ce Plus. We found that the guitar responded with a resonance and openness typically reserved for instruments that have been played for twenty years. You can check the latest price and availability to see how this roasting process fits into the overall value proposition.

When strumming open chords, there is a distinct lack of “new wood” brittleness. Instead, there’s a warmth in the lower mids that balances the signature Taylor “sparkle” on the top end. This roasting also makes the wood more stable and less susceptible to the shrinking and swelling caused by humidity changes. For those of us who live in varying climates, this is a massive relief. We pushed the guitar through various dynamic levels—from light fingerpicking to aggressive flatpicking—and the torrefied top maintained its composure, offering a headroom that exceeded our expectations for a 200-series Taylor.

The Grand Auditorium Shape: The Ultimate All-Rounder

The Grand Auditorium (GA) is Taylor’s most popular body shape for a reason, and it truly shines on the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar. It’s often described as the “Swiss Army Knife” of guitar shapes. During our evaluation, we found that it sits perfectly on the knee without digging into the ribs, making it comfortable for long writing sessions. The narrow waist helps to emphasize the treble frequencies, while the wider lower bout ensures you don’t lose that essential “thump” in the low E string. This balance is a feature that really sets it apart from the boomier dreadnoughts that can often drown out a singer’s voice.

We specifically noted how well the Venetian cutaway worked. Often, cutaways on mid-range guitars feel like an afterthought, but here, the access to the 15th fret and beyond is effortless. The mahogany neck has a satin finish that is fast and non-sticky, allowing for quick transitions between rhythm and lead work. Whether you are playing complex jazz chords or simple folk strumming, the GA body provides a clear, articulate voice where every string is heard individually. It doesn’t get “muddy” when you dig in, which is a common complaint with lesser instruments in this category.

The Expression System 2: Studio Quality on Stage

A huge part of our testing involved plugging the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar into various amplifiers and PA systems. Many acoustic pickups use “under-the-saddle” piezo technology, which often results in a thin, percussive “quack” sound. Taylor’s ES2 system is different. It features three individually calibrated sensors located behind the saddle. By capturing the movement of the bridge as it vibrates back and forth, rather than just the downward pressure, the ES2 produces a much more natural, “woody” tone. When we ran this guitar through a high-end acoustic amp, we were blown away by the transparency. It sounded like the guitar, only louder.

The controls are elegantly simple: Volume, Treble, and Bass. We found that even small adjustments made a significant difference, allowing us to dial out any harshness in a bright room or add some “air” in a dark-sounding hall. This ease of use is critical for the gigging musician who doesn’t have time to fiddle with complex EQ menus during a set. If you are a performer, this system alone makes the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar worth the investment. It’s a professional-grade setup that allows you to show up to a gig with confidence, knowing you won’t be fighting your gear for a decent sound.

The “Plus” Upgrades: Is the Extra Investment Worth It?

Many people ask what the “Plus” actually means in the Taylor catalog. In the case of the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar, it’s about refining the details. The full-gloss body is the most striking upgrade. Not only does it look beautiful under stage lights, but it also adds a layer of durability. Gloss finishes are generally better at resisting sweat and oils than satin finishes, which can “buff out” and become shiny in high-contact areas over time. We also loved the inclusion of the AeroCase. It’s significantly lighter than a traditional plywood case but offers enough structural rigidity to be checked as “gate luggage” on many flights. This makes the “Plus” version the definitive choice for the traveling troubadour. You can view more detailed images of these upgrades to see the difference for yourself.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar is overwhelmingly positive, with most users noting that it punches far above its weight class. One frequent comment we encountered was that “the Taylor 214ce Plus the sound is very good,” which aligns perfectly with our findings regarding the torrefied top. Users who have owned the standard 200-series guitars often mention that the “Plus” version feels like a significant jump in quality, specifically praising the gloss finish and the better-than-average gig bag. Many have noted that the playability “spoils” you, making it hard to go back to other brands.

On the flip side, some purists have noted that for the price, they would have liked to see solid rosewood back and sides rather than layered. However, as we discovered in our tests, the layered construction makes the guitar incredibly tough. One user noted that they prefer the layered back for outdoor gigs because they don’t have to worry about the wood cracking in dry air. Another small point of contention is the nut width; a few fingerstyle players mentioned they would have preferred the 1.75-inch width found on the 300-series and up. Overall, the consensus is that this is a “workhorse” guitar that looks and sounds like a “showpiece” instrument.

Comparing the Taylor 214ce Plus to the Competition

While the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a phenomenal choice for many, the market is filled with various options that might suit different budgets or stylistic needs. Here is how it compares to three other popular models.

1. Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is a classic entry-level dreadnought. While it shares the “acoustic guitar” label, it is in a completely different league than the Taylor. The DR-100 features a laminate spruce top and mahogany body, offering a much darker and thumpier sound. It lacks the electronics and the precision setup of the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This is an excellent choice for a absolute beginner who wants to learn their first chords without a major financial commitment, but it will not offer the tonal maturity or the professional reliability required for gigging or recording at a high level. If you are just starting out, this is a safe bet, but you will likely “outgrow” it within a year.

2. WINZZ HAND RUBBED Series 40-Inch Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Beginner Bundle

The WINZZ Hand Rubbed Series is an all-in-one starter kit designed for maximum value. It comes with a stand, tuner, and lessons. Tonal quality is decent for the price, but it lacks the solid top that makes the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar so resonant. The “hand-rubbed” finish gives it a unique aesthetic, but the hardware and playability are strictly entry-level. This bundle is perfect for someone who isn’t sure if they will stick with the guitar and wants everything delivered in one box. However, it cannot compete with the Taylor’s ES2 electronics or the refined Grand Auditorium body shape which offers much better ergonomics for the player.

3. Moukey 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar Kit

The Moukey 3/4 Size kit is specifically designed for children, youth, or travelers who need a very small instrument. Because it is a 36-inch guitar, it is much easier for small hands to navigate than the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar. While the Taylor is a professional tool, the Moukey is a specialized learning tool or a “campfire” guitar that you don’t mind getting a few scratches on. It’s significantly more affordable, but the trade-off is a much smaller sound and less sustain. If you are buying for a child under the age of 12, the Moukey is the right choice. If you are an adult looking for a primary instrument, the Taylor is the clear winner for sound and longevity.

The Final Verdict: Is the Taylor 214ce Plus the Right Choice for You?

After weeks of testing, our conclusion is clear: the Taylor 214ce Plus Acoustic-Electric Guitar is one of the most versatile and reliable guitars on the market today. It successfully bridges the gap between affordable intermediate instruments and professional stage tools. The combination of the torrefied spruce top and the ES2 electronics creates a sound that is both “vintage” in its warmth and “modern” in its clarity. While the price is higher than some other 200-series models, the upgrades—specifically the gloss finish and the AeroCase—provide genuine utility and aesthetic value that justify the cost. We recommend this guitar wholeheartedly to intermediate players looking for their “step-up” instrument and to professionals who need a reliable, great-sounding guitar for the road.

In short, if you want the legendary Taylor experience—the easy playability, the balanced tone, and the road-ready durability—without spending four figures on an all-solid 800 series, this is your guitar. It is a stunning instrument that feels as good as it looks. Don’t let your gear hold your talent back any longer. We highly recommend you take a closer look at the Taylor 214ce Plus and see how it can elevate your playing to the next level today.