what do you think....

[bigeyedharper]

the difference is between the Taylor 214 and the Taylor 310. I was playin on both of them at my local guitar shop....and while they both sounded awesome, I couldn't help but feel a huge difference between the two. Though the 310 is a little more prices, it really sounded leagues above the 214. Has anyone else had any experience with these two models, or am I just imagining all this?

[WesDutchMaster]

well higher end models that are more expensive generally tend to be better in terms of sound quality because either more time or more reources have been devoted to making them. Although once you get up to the highest end models I feel that changes. For example: I would take the 614ce over any of the higher end models anyday. Not that I can afford the 614ce, but still. :p

[adamstcyr]

Originally posted by bigeyedharper
the difference is between the Taylor 214 and the Taylor 310. I was playin on both of them at my local guitar shop....and while they both sounded awesome, I couldn't help but feel a huge difference between the two. Though the 310 is a little more prices, it really sounded leagues above the 214. Has anyone else had any experience with these two models, or am I just imagining all this?

I don't think you're imagining things. There are several scenarios.

I have a 314ce-LTD from 2002 that is maple back sides and neck. I can tell you right now that you put it up next to a 614ce and you can NOT tell the difference in sound. The only differences are the appointments and the quality of the wood. They are the same in ALL other respects.

.....if you played a 214 and a 310, you are putting a Grand Auditorium up against a Dreadnought, so there is automatically a HUGE difference. I've played a 214 and there is slight differences between that and a 314. The 214 sounds a little more "boxy" to me.....if that makes any sense. The 314 sounded more full. And, I don't know how much you know about Taylors, but all the 500 series and up Dreads are revoiced.....yet another HUGE difference.(so comparing higher models doesn't work) Really the differences for the 200s is the neck at the joint at the body and the nut width. (1-3/4" vs 1-11/16") (maybe something else I'm forgetting)

but really the biggest deal is you're putting a GA up against a Dread.......big, big difference.

[PilotC150]

What do you think about playing GA's solo? The few times I've played a GA it sounds not so good solo compared to dreads.

[bigeyedharper]

Originally posted by adamstcyr

but really the biggest deal is you're putting a GA up against a Dread.......big, big difference.

when is a GA better than a dread, and when is a dread better than a GA? I mean, what are they used for?

[adamstcyr]

Originally posted by bigeyedharper
when is a GA better than a dread, and when is a dread better than a GA? I mean, what are they used for?

Here's the scoop:

A Taylor GA is meant to be an "all-around" guitar. This means it sounds good flatpicked, fingerstyle, and general strumming. (And, like I said, I've got one and it lives up to that)

A Taylor Dread is meant to be more of a lead/rhythm guitar. They are particularly good for flatpicking and moderate to heavy strumming. And, somebody above mentioned about playing lead....yes, I agree, many dreads sound better for lead solos than GA's. GA's can sound a little thin sometimes playing lead. A Dread is particularly good for, say bluegrass music, etc. They do not particularly excel in fingerstyle, at all. GA's do not 'excel', per say, at fingerstyle, but they sound really good. It really depends on the wood combo for the GA. An all maple/sitka spruce guitar like mine tends to be a very bright guitar, and it is.....whereas a rosewood guitar will have a "boomier" bottom end.

The Taylor GA's for 500 series and up are revoiced Dreads.....and they are freakin' lap cannons. It is unreal how loud they are.....and actually kind of hard to sing over.

Take Dave for example. He can be a heavy strummer, but all of his Taylor 6-strings are GA's (except the Baritone). But, Dave plays so many diverse songs and styles that the GA is a PERFECT match for his style. He can play songs like Everyday, that is more fingerpicked, and all the other songs that he strums heavily and they all sound great.

Remember, Dave also has a great set of tech. boys. So, it may appear that he's strumming the hell out of the guitar, but his pick may not be slashing the strings the way you think. Those tech. guys work wonders.

[bigeyedharper]

another question...why are all the Taylors that come with electronics built in always cutaways? Is this just the 300 series?

[bigeyedharper]

Originally posted by bigeyedharper
another question...why are all the Taylors that come with electronics built in always cutaways? Is this just the 300 series? Also how much would the difference between say a 314 and a 314ce be price wise?

[adamstcyr]

Originally posted by bigeyedharper
another question...why are all the Taylors that come with electronics built in always cutaways? Is this just the 300 series?

you know, I think the reason behind that is because the dealers order the guitars with electronics so they can put them on the shelf and use the electronics as a selling point.

you can order a guitar through the dealer with no 'e' if you want....and some dealers do carry some without the 'e'....it's unfortunately just a matter of finding them. And now, especially with the emergence of the ES system, it's going to be hard to find a new Taylor on the shelf with no 'e'. The ES is a huge selling point.

what's the price difference? you would have to ask your dealer, I don't know....plus it will vary by dealer. But, just in general, I don't believe there is an upcharge/downcharge for the cutaway. And I dont *think* there is one for electronics....but I could be wrong. I'll find out for you.

[PilotC150]

Why would you NOT want a cutaway

[adamstcyr]

Originally posted by PilotC150
Why would you NOT want a cutaway

some people don't like messing around that far up the neck....

I have to tell you I get frustrated with it too sometimes....

[Rob]

I like the fuller sound of the full body. While the cutaway would be nice to have at times, I wouldn't sacrifice the sound.