Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce

$3,499.00

$2,799.00 23 available New

$2,295.00 6 available Used

$3,399.00

$2,999.00

Average Price: $3,056

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce is more than just an acoustic-electric guitar—it's a testament to Taylor's commitment to innovation and sustainability. Crafted with a harmonious blend of a Sitka spruce top and responsibly sourced urban ash, the guitar delivers a rich, woody tone that is both warm and articulate, perfect for diverse playing styles. The Grand Auditorium body shape offers balance and clarity, making it a versatile choice for fingerstyle players and strummers alike. This model features Taylor's revolutionary V-Class bracing system, enhancing volume, sustain, and tonal clarity to new heights.

Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the 514ce. A beveled armrest and chamfered body edges ensure comfort during extended play, while Antique Chrome Gotoh 510 tuners provide reliable tuning stability. The Crelicam ebony fingerboard and neotropical mahogany neck offer a smooth playing experience with a classic feel. The guitar is also equipped with Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics, which faithfully capture its acoustic voice for amplified performances, making it stage and studio-ready.

Finished with elegant touches like a faux pearl Compass inlay and a hand-bursted finish, this guitar is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive. Whether you're performing live or recording in a studio, the Builder's Edition 514ce offers the tone, comfort, and craftsmanship to inspire creativity.

Key Features:

Sitka spruce top with urban ash back and sides
Grand Auditorium body shape with V-Class bracing
Beveled armrest and chamfered body edges for comfort
Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for natural amplification
Crelicam ebony fingerboard and neo-tropical mahogany neck
Antique Chrome Gotoh 510 tuners for precise tuning
Deluxe hardshell case included for protection and travel

Product specs

String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	Builder's Edition Grand Auditorium
Back & Sides Wood	Urban Ash
Top Wood	Sitka Spruce
Top Finish	Gloss
Body Bracing	V-Class Bracing
Neck Wood	Neo-Tropical Mahogany
Neck Finish	Satin
Neck Shape	Standard Carve
Radius	15"
Fingerboard Material	Crelicam Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Dots
Number of Frets	20
Scale Length	25.5"
Scale Length Type	Standard-scale
Nut Width	1.75"
Nut Material	Black Tusq
Saddle Material	White Micarta
Bridge Material	Crelicam Ebony
Tuning Machines	Gotoh 510 Antique Chrome
Electronics	Taylor ES-2 preamp
Strings	D'Addario XS Coated Light, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce?: The Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce features a Sitka spruce top for bright tones and clarity, while the Urban Ash back and sides offer a warm, woody sound with rich overtones. Its V-Class bracing enhances sustain and volume, delivering a balanced performance suitable for various musical styles.
Is the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce comfortable for long playing sessions?: Yes, the guitar is designed with a beveled armrest and chamfered edges to ensure comfort during extended play. These ergonomic features make it easier to play for longer periods without discomfort.
How does the Taylor ES-2 pickup system perform in the Builder's Edition 514ce?: The Taylor ES-2 pickup system in the Builder's Edition 514ce captures the guitar's dynamic range with accuracy, providing an authentic amplified tone that is true to the acoustic sound.
What type of wood is used for the neck of the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce?: The neck of the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce is made from Neo-Tropical Mahogany, which offers a smooth playing experience and complements the guitar's overall tonal balance.
Does the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce come with a case?: Yes, the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce comes with a deluxe hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during travel and storage.

Videos

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Alamo Music Center

Taylor Brings the Builder's Edition Treatment to the 500 Series! 514ce Builder's Edition

Alamo Music Center

Kona Burst & Ash – What's New with the 514ce Builder's Edition?

Acoustic Letter

Taylor's Builder's Edition 514ce Brings Their Famous 'Builders' Specs To the 500 Series!

PMTVUK

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce.

Comparisons

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Owners lean towards the 514ce for sound clarity and aesthetics, especially favoring urban ironbark over traditional woods like Rosewood.
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The GS Mini is preferred over the Baby Taylor for superior sound quality, making it a more desirable deal with the 514ce.
Source

User experience

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Users find the 514ce with ironbark to be a visually stunning guitar with a distinct and clear sound, suggesting it could maintain value over time.
Source
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Despite damage and tuner mismatches, owners find these guitars still perform excellently and are often considered their favorite acoustic.
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Owners have used their 514ce extensively for fingerstyle playing and appreciate its resilience through physical wear and frequent use.
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Value and pricing

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Concerns about the resale value of urban ironbark exist, but some believe Taylor's commitment to sustainable woods will preserve its worth.
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Older 514ce models from the 1990s and 2000s are sometimes perceived as higher quality compared to newer versions, influencing purchasing decisions.
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Use cases and applications

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The GS Mini appeals more as a travel guitar compared to the Baby Taylor, which some describe as toy-like.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners report fret buzz issues, notably at the 15th fret on the high e string, which can be challenging to resolve.
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Older models may require electronics upgrades due to corrosion from neglected batteries; some have replaced old ES systems with newer ES2 for better performance.
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Build quality

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Cedar tops and mahogany backs are praised for aging beautifully, enhancing tonal quality over time, despite initial cosmetic damage or repairs.
Source

Critic Reviews

Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce Kona Burst review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Taylor's Builder's Edition 514ce Kona Burst is a stunning acoustic-electric guitar that delivers on both aesthetic appeal and sound quality. With its expertly crafted body and a wide palette of sounds, it's a joy to play. The Expression System 2 ensures great amplified sound, making it versatile for stage performances. However, its high price point might be a barrier for some, but for those who can afford it, the quality justifies the cost. If you're not put off by the price, this guitar is a worthy investment for serious musicians looking for exceptional sound and craftsmanship.

positive

Full Review

Taylor Guitars Builder's Edition 514ce Review

russomusic.com

A masterclass in craftsmanship, the Taylor Builder's Edition 514ce dazzles with its pristine gloss and satin finishes and rich tonal blend of Sitka spruce and Urban Ash. This model merges classic Taylor elements like the mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard with innovative features such as V-Class bracing and Expression System 2 electronics, ensuring both seasoned and new Taylor enthusiasts find joy in its playability and sound. While it doesn’t break groundbreaking new ground, it solidifies Taylor's commitment to quality and artistry. A quintessentially elevated Taylor experience that’s hard to beat for any acoustic aficionado.

positive

Full Review

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