Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,528

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Taylor 514C, a remarkable acoustic-electric guitar that epitomizes the elegance of Taylor's Grand Auditorium design. Crafted to perfection, the 514C features a rich combination of Western Red Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, articulate tone that captures the subtle nuances of your playing.

This guitar is not only a visual masterpiece but also a sonic powerhouse. The cutaway design allows for effortless access to higher frets, making it ideal for intricate fingerstyle patterns and dynamic strumming alike. The Tropical Mahogany neck complements the Ebony fingerboard, offering a smooth, responsive playing experience that is both comfortable and precise. Aesthetically, it showcases ivoroid binding, an abalone rosette, and gold-plated tuners, ensuring that it looks as stunning as it sounds.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Taylor 514C's distinctive voice and superb playability make it a versatile choice for musicians of all levels. It's a favored choice among musicians like Lindsey Buckingham and Jason Mraz, a testament to its exceptional quality and enduring appeal.

Key Features:

  • Grand Auditorium body style with cutaway
  • Western Red Cedar top
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Tropical Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Ivoroid binding and abalone rosette
  • Gold-plated tuners
  • Notable players: Lindsey Buckingham, Jason Mraz

Product specs

Brand Taylor
Model 514c
Finish Natural
Year 1995 - 1997
Made In United States
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Grand Auditorium
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Taylor 514
Model Sub-Family Taylor 514c
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Taylor 500 Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Cedar
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Taylor 514C's top, and how does it affect the sound?

The Taylor 514C features a cedar top, which typically produces a warm, mellow tone with rich overtones, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing.

Does the Taylor 514C come with electronics for amplification?

No, the Taylor 514C does not come with onboard electronics, making it a pure acoustic guitar suitable for unplugged performances.

What is the neck profile of the Taylor 514C, and how does it affect playability?

The Taylor 514C has a comfortable neck profile that is smooth and easy to play, catering to both beginners and experienced players who prefer a fast and responsive feel.

Is the Taylor 514C suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles?

Yes, the Taylor 514C's Grand Auditorium body shape and cedar top make it versatile, offering a balanced sound that suits both strumming and fingerpicking.

What is the scale length of the Taylor 514C, and why is it important?

The Taylor 514C features a 25.5" scale length, which provides a good balance between playability and string tension, offering clear tone and sustain.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor 514C.

Comparisons

  • The 514ce with urban ironbark is noted for superior sound compared to the 414ce tobacco sunburst; Ironbark is also praised for its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Some guitarists describe the Taylor and Martin brands as akin to Ford vs. Chevy, indicating a preference-based choice rather than a quality distinction.

    Source
  • The 514ce Urban Ironbark excels in high E and B string clarity for open chords, but the 314ce offers a richer woody tone on the low E string.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • GS Mini is favored over the Baby Taylor for better sound quality and travel convenience, despite the Baby Taylor's compact neck feature.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the clarity and beauty of the 514ce's sound, suggesting it could maintain its value due to sustainable wood usage.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts express a strong preference for the feel and playability of Taylor guitars, suggesting a consistently enjoyable playing experience across their range.

    Source
  • Some players find the neck of the 514ce smoother compared to other models, enhancing the playability and comfort during extended sessions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend installing LR Baggs pickups for enhanced sound quality in the Taylor 514c.

    Source
  • It's suggested that aftermarket electronics can be superior to factory-installed ones, offering more customization and potentially better sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite the 514ce's additional heft and tonal qualities, the $1100 upcharge over the 314ce may not justify the investment for some buyers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The matte black tuners on special edition models are noted for their appealing tactile feel, adding a unique aesthetic and functional touch.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Taylor 514C

Billie Joe Armstrong

Guitarist, Singer

Green Day

...
Verified via YouTube

This guitar was used for the American Idiot Record and along with Time of Your Life. In 5:20 mark of this video, this guitar is seen.

Rob Cavallo's Taylor 514C was used for recording of "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" and Multiple songs on American Idiot.

See how Drew Shirley uses Taylor 514C

Drew Shirley

Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Photo

Recording some acoustic tracks in studio today. ????: beautiful @taylorguitars 514 prototype

Album Usage

The Taylor 514C has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Taylor 514C, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Custom Shop SJ-200
Gibson Custom Shop SJ-200 Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

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