Taylor Next Generation Builder's Edition 814ce

Elegant, forward-thinking, and sonically commanding, the Taylor Next Generation Builder's Edition 814ce represents the evolution of one of Taylor's most celebrated models. This Grand Auditorium blends refined Builder's Edition comfort with cutting-edge design updates, delivering a voice that is both powerful and nuanced.

At its core is Scalloped V-Class bracing, introduced in Taylor's Next Generation series. By strategically removing material from key brace points, Taylor enhances low-end depth and warmth while maintaining the pitch accuracy, sustain, and balance that made V-Class revolutionary. The result is a tone that feels more muscular and responsive - with the familiar fullness of traditional bracing but the clarity and precision modern players demand.

A high-power Adirondack spruce top pairs beautifully with Macassar ebony back and sides, creating a dynamic tonal platform. Adirondack spruce offers exceptional headroom and projection, developing even greater complexity over time. Macassar ebony contributes focused power, long sustain, and striking visual character with its dramatic grain patterns. Together, they produce a rich, articulate voice suited for fingerstyle detail, strong rhythm work, and expressive lead playing.

Comfort and playability are equally refined. The mahogany neck in Taylor's Standard Carve profile feels smooth and balanced in hand, while the Crelicam ebony fingerboard provides a fast, glassy surface under the fingers. Taylor's innovative Action Control Neck system allows precise neck angle adjustments with a simple bolt turn - making action changes straightforward and future maintenance dramatically easier compared to traditional glued neck joints. The long-tenon design also enhances structural rigidity, contributing to deeper resonance and tonal richness.

Claria Electronics - Plug In with Confidence

The 814ce features Taylor's next-generation Claria under-saddle pickup system, developed and refined with major touring artists. Designed for warmth, clarity, and simplicity, Claria delivers a natural amplified tone with minimal tweaking required.

Unlike many traditional under-saddle systems, Claria is engineered to minimize piezo harshness and eliminate unwanted frequencies. Its gain-staged preamp prevents clipping while maintaining clarity across dynamic playing styles. Soundhole-mounted Volume, Tone, and Mid-Contour controls provide intuitive tone shaping - from warm, supportive rhythm textures to articulate, mid-forward lead tones.

For players seeking reliable, stage-ready performance that faithfully translates their guitar's acoustic voice, Claria offers refined, plug-and-play confidence.

Builder's Edition Comfort & Detail

As part of Taylor's Builder's Edition line, this model includes thoughtful ergonomic enhancements and premium appointments:

Radiused rosewood armrest for added comfort

Chamfered body edges for a smooth playing feel

Shell/MOP Element inlays

Gold Gotoh 510 tuning machines

1.75" nut width ideal for fingerstyle, strumming, and flatpicking

Grand Auditorium Versatility

Taylor's Grand Auditorium body shape remains one of the most versatile designs in modern acoustic guitars. With its comfortable waist and balanced tonal profile, it delivers clarity for intricate fingerpicking, strong projection for strumming, and a sleek aesthetic that feels equally at home on stage or in the studio.

Specifications & Highlights

Grand Auditorium body with Venetian cutaway

Adirondack spruce top

Macassar ebony back and sides

Scalloped V-Class bracing

Mahogany neck, Standard Carve profile

Crelicam ebony fingerboard (15" radius)

Action Control neck joint system

Claria under-saddle electronics with Volume, Tone & Mid-Contour controls

Builder's Edition comfort features

1.75" nut width