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Taylor 114 vs 314 - Laminate vs Solid Wood Comparison
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 พ.ค. 2014
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I tend to favor the solid top laminate back and side construction because they require less attention, don't break as easily, and are usually less costly. Take note I'm NOT claiming they are better, just my preference. The best sounding string instruments are sometimes on the very edge of self destruction.
114 sounds very nice but the 314 is fuller and richer in sound. It's obvious during strumming. Thank you for having done this comparison.
+Sylv ain - Exactly right. Plus, with the laminate wood, your guitar will never sound any better. With solid wood, your guitar will always be sounding better and better the older it gets. But, your money, your choice.
+fritzb43 I feel it more like the more you play the guitar, the more it open up, but if you forget her for a time it can close quite drastically. But if you just let the guitar in a case the sound will not improve with time.
It does sound a bit better but $1000 better idk.. I just recently bought a 2017 114ce and i just liked the way it played and felt better than the 214ce or the 314ce. If i was going to/ i probably will, id get the 814ce hopefully within the next 5 years.
@@phantomplanet07ify i was thinking that too
And the real wood will improve with age.
Yep. They both sound like guitars to me.
Haha yeah they do. But to the trained ear there is a huge difference in sound, I'd be be able to tell you which is which in a blind test. The 114 sounds beautiful but the 314 has a much warmer tone and the resonates a lot more. Use over ear headphones and you'll hear it. Is it worth paying $1000 more? Yes, to a studio professional or an expert guitarist.
But the 114 sounds amazing, I'd be happier with that more because I would never let myself play a 314 in public thinking the air would damage it lol
Diego Rivera: A studio pro will EQ/Compress/etc. the living crap out of the signal, so tone is of little use other than to say they used the most expensive instruments for their soundtrack. In a live gig, the amplified sound will be again processed and thru a crappy sound PA sound system ain't going to make a lick of difference. At home, in silence or in with a group of people then I could postulate a "personal" satisfaction of the more expensive guitar having a wee bit more tone for the player--BUT, the audience, again, could care less as they're listening to you play and how good the song is. You'd have to have a really crappy guitar for the audience to pay attention to that aspect of the performance.
Theee Chosen One I 100% agree. I would just like to thank Taylor Guitars for making their base models THAT good, to actually compare to their 314 is awesome.
Drayton Mercure are you a guitarist
I've watched almost all of Tony's videos. The 114 for around 700 dollars sounds just as good as the more expensive guitars.
I honestly prefer the slightly brighter tone on the 114. It just sounds so crisp and clean!
Yes yes yes
Same here. The 114 just seems to bellow out more sound.
Just picked up a new 114E. Been playing electric and acoustic guitar my whole life, everything from flamenco to classic rock, metal to bluegrass. Used to have a $2K+ handmade flamenco guitar so I am familiar with solid wood, handmade high end guitars. I went to the local guitar store here in Mesa, AZ (Milano’s for anyone who cares) and tried every OM and DR Martin and Taylor they had. Spent over 2 hours playing. One of the Martins I played was just over $5K, absolutely amazing guitar. I went to the store with the intention to buy a Martin, and left with a Taylor. I cannot believe how much Taylor’s 114 blew every similarly priced Martin out of the water. There was really no comparison; sound, playability, comfort and even aesthetics - everything about the Taylor was better. The entry level Martins don’t even use real ebony wood on the fingerboard or bridge! 🤯 The 114E feels much more like a $2K guitar than a $800 guitar. That said, a week later I was at another local guitar center and tried out a used Martin D-35....wow. Such a nice guitar I almost traded the Taylor in and forked out another grand to get the Martin. What I’ve learned from other reviews and my own experience: Taylor’s “entry level” (hardly entry level they are so damn good) guitars blow Martin’s out of the water. However, once you get into the solid wood price range, it will come down strictly to personal preference. You simply have to try them out yourselves and buy the guitar that feels the best to YOU. And you will certainly not go wrong buying either. Just don’t buy a low end Martin because that really is just a bad choice for any guitarist IMO.
Totally agree... I went to with 800 to buy thinking it was a toss up between a Martin and a Taylor.... The Taylor won hands down.
i did the same thing. went to buy the entry level martin, left with a 114 lol
114 sounds surprisingly good. As one would expect, the solid-wood 314 has a bit deeper, richer and more complex sound. But it's closer than I thought it would be.
Great response.
I'm actually very interesting in upgrading to a Taylor 110e or 114e next year, so I've been doing my research... And your videos have helped tremendously, especially in giving me an idea of how these guitars sound recorded by mic. Thanks.
I feel like the laminated 114 has a more well-defined attack, presumably because of the more solid, heavier nature of laminated wood, and the 314 has more overtones in the decay due to the porous nature of solid wood... On your faster runs and finger picking, I think the 114 wins hands down, but some of those sustaining chords are utterly gorgeous on the 314. It's weird, really, how one guitar that is vastly more expensive than the other really doesn't sound better or worse, only different.
314= $1,700
114= $700
there's your difference.
+Eric Bee nuff said
+Eric Bee to be one hundred percent honest with you, the 114 sounds better imo...that's not just the price tag talking either. 114 has a more vibrant sound that i can hear in the video
+Eric Bee In the world of guitars opinions can be expensive.
Bryan Cruz Bought my Taylor 314 used for $700, I can’t afford the Taylor 314 CE.
114=1000dollar in China,it's really "awesome"!
I scored a 114 ce for only $350 on craigslist. The owner never used it so it was the deal of the decade for me :).
Whoa even better deal. That's awesome! Let me know if you'll sell that too lol
Wtf, that negotiating skillz
I just bought a 214 deluxe for $200 on Craigslist. It had only been played like once. Perfect condition and a fantastic guitar.
CJ really
Emplexador sure about that
You really need to hear the guitars in person to fully appreciate the differences between them
They both sound good. I hear more bass and mid range from the 314. The 314 seems slightly louder and more resonant.
Your comparison video is a work of art. Right to the point and perfect back to back comparisons. Just subscribed, thanks.
The laminate is more resonate and can use less bracing, it's a preference thing. Plus price comes into play
With headphone, the sound of 314 is obviously more distinct. Thank for your comparison.
I was pretty surprised by the results. Very similar in tonal quality. I actually switched to some studio headphones, and when I did that I noticed that the 314 has a MUCH more pronounced bass response though.
The cheaper guitar has a slightly brighter tone to my ears.
It definitely does to my ear too. i think it definitely has a brighter sound but lacks the beautiful mid and bass that the 314 provides. All subjective though!
Sure, 114 is noticeable brighter, and 314 has more bass and warm mids. Both sounds great anyway.
Stephen Hayes i was just about to say how the more expensive is a bit more mellow, it really is a matter of taste imo.
Agreed. I prefer the brighter tone for many of the tunes that he played. But in any case they're very similar.
Yanick, I totally agree. I closed my eyes and listen and knew which one was being played. Even though the 314 will improve with age, if you're happy with the 114, why pay more and you won't have to worry as much about temperature changes affecting the condition of the guitar.
I like the tone in the 314 but such a little difference does't worth the money to me.
But if an expert tells me that due to the fact is made with solid wood it is gonna last for live. I buy it. I want a guitar that last the rest of my live.
Several times I was going to say the 114 actually sounded better; but for the most part they sound so damn similar one would never distinguish them blindfolded. Though even strumming the 114 did tend to sound better, again IMHO. Great demo man.
I agree
Both with a mic in front of them maybe, but not acoustically in a room with out a mic coloring the sound. Go to a GC and play both. They usually have both of them in stock.
Me and my dad went to the music shop for one of the Taylor guitars. We play 314, 214 and 114. The 114 was the cheapest and with the best sound. Now I have 114 at home, and I love it`s big clear sound. Perfect guitar!!!
It seems a lot of people are goin on about how the 114 sounds better. Tone is subjective, but I've owned laminate back/side Taylor's and i own 2 all solid wood Taylor's as well, and I can tell you from having actually owned them the solid is better. The gs mini I bought had great sustain, clarity, and a wonderful tone for what that guitar is. I don't think any company makes a better travel guitar, or entry level guitars for that matter. But the thing is with laminate, what you get the day you buy it is what it will be forever. It will never get any better. All Solid wood guitars grow more complex as they age, and that translates to a more beautiful tone. The more you play the better it gets, and if you go pick up both and own them for a few years you'll see for yourself
For someone like me who won't ever really try to gig or anything, I think the 114 would be fantastic. I could definitely see me wanting the 314 alot more if I was much more serious about playing or if I just had that much more money to spend. It does sound so much more detailed with more depth, but I think the 114 will be a huge upgrade from my little Epi Hummingbird that I've had for about 4 years now. Nice vid
In this comparison, I like the 114 best. The 314 sounds muffled. The 114 is plenty deep, and super clear.
Come here just to find this comment, I'd describe it as nasal.
Bought the 114e today :) tried many taylors including the 314 but for the price and sound the 114 is awesome
I played both of these in my local Guitar Center and bought the 114. I thought it sounded better.
lol
To each his own.
i think the 314 is more resonant and every note was more defined.
The 314 has a slightly better tone to me but the 114 is so good that it is hard to justify the price difference. I own a 114 and love it!
So close you could probably try a couple of 114s & they'd be as different due to the fact no two bits of wood are the same !
Hard to see why it's worth paying so much more for the 314 just to be able to say the back & sides are solid. It's the top that is the overwhelmingly important component. Both spruce albeit with different bracing
Well, to my ears the 314 is warmer w/ a bit more midrange. The 114 is a great guitar for the $$ but less complex in tone.
I own a 114e. It really has great tone and I have to say for the money, it's a great guitar.
The 114 is brighter, has louder treble tones. This forward quality is what many young players appreciate - it seems louder!
Thanxx!! I have a 1999 314ce. Gladly! Just wanted to know the difference. My dad gave me this guitar. I have a GREAT DAD lol!!
Definitely a huge difference. The 114 was punchier n clearer while the 314 was mellower n not as punchy. I liked the 114 better but wish it came with the 1.75 nut with.
I've been playing the yamaha you see in my pic for 10 years, solid top, a couple years ago I tried a Gibson J-45 at a guitar store, and was such a huge difference, since that day my Yamaha doesn't sound the same, an all wood guitar maybe doesn't sound so far different but it feels so far different, and that's the difference.
The 314 sounds alot sharper and pronounced while picking, but i think the 114 has a little better sustain on the chords
I really think the 114 sounds better and I would simplify my guess as to why as being the satin finish vs. the gloss. Every Satin finish I've owned in recent years blows the thicker finishes out of the water. Much like aged Nitro vs. Poly.
The last 20 seconds with the strumming comparison made the difference for me!!! Night and day. other than that, they're very similar.
The best videos on comparing guitars. Thank you for all the work and sharing it!!!
I'm down here in the comments while the video is playing, so I can't see the video as it's playing. During single strums is the only time I can hear a difference. And when am I ever going to play A/B comparisons when I just play music? This goes straight into my "don't ever worry about this again" file. Thank you!
The 314 is a bit darker, warmer. They both sound great. For me looking for my first acoustic it will be the 114e.
I am surprised at how similar they sound. The 314 seems to have a little more depth in the midrange. A slightly lower profile. They both sound great and I wouldn't bat an eye at the 114 at all. A friend of mine has the 114 and it sounds awesome. It's amazing really at that price point.
I just picked up a used Taylor 114e for $600. Sounds great, can't beat it.
They are very very very close. It's just the 314 has more of what the 114 has. It's like all the bands of the eq are raised in equal amounts.
If I didn't know that the 114 was the "cheaper" model I would have thought it was the more expensive of the two. It seems much brighter and the note clarity was the best, in my opinion.of course playability might be better on the 314. I don't know.
+Steve L Agreed. I just posted a comment as well. I didn't think about play-ability.
+Steve L note clarity???? It seems you just want to believe in what you want it to be
Playability is better on the 114, ive been to guitar center 3 different times and settled on the 114. although i did prefer the 414 and up. Dream guitar for taylors is a 814 for me :)
Christian Hyde fair enough because it's the entry level model
Its the gloss finish that holds back the sonic potential of the 314. Gloss finish is an astatic marketing decision that in my experience, sonically impacts the more expensive models negatively.
The 114 sounds awesome!!
The 114 sounds crisper. Other than that, they sound quite similar. I would be hard pressed to spend the extra money on the 314.
I wonder whether the difference in nut width would make one easier to fingerpick than the other. That could be another decisive factor between the two.
Both sound great, and the comparison is very close to my ears. I found the 114 more "out front" , punchy, and clearer, while the 314 was warmer and fuller. Taylor's 100 series guitars are incredible values!
TBH, when Tony strummed the G chord and C chord on both which is what i use to determine tonal quality. I could not notice the difference. I own a 310. My next purchase will be a GA 114e in Sitka Spruce top with Sapele or Rosewood or Mahogany back and sides. Thanks Tony, excellent!
I’ve played The 114ce and the 314ce and I loved the 114. It’s super loud, bright yet has a bassy feel, the neck is wonderful. Blind folded I would put it as one of the best low range Taylor’s. I didn’t like the feel of the 314 but now they have V-class and I want to try one again before I make a purchase. The Money difference isn’t my concern for this purchase but I don’t want to buy it just because it’s more expensive and made in America, though most would say that’s the only reason it’s better.
Put in those headphones, you’ll notice the tone differences. Phone speakers I promise will leave you thinking they sound the same
You do an EXCELLENT job of "A-B" ing these. Thank you. (FWIW--I don't know that the 314 is worth 2.5x as much. They sound so similar to this untrained ear. Thanks!)
The people who say they prefer the sound of the 114 are likely people who already own it or people who were already planning on buying it because they knew darn well they couldn't afford the 314 so they were just watching comparison video to make them feel less bad about not having an extra $1000+ laying around.
Its all mind game. Acoustic Guitar needs in-person review to understand the value of vibration from woods. On TH-cam its all compressed to similar frequency so difference between $5000 and $100 guitar is minimal.
The 314 is so much better in the section from 3:10 to 3:30!
More balanced it sounds that 114, I actually prefer to this one. Great video!
I just purchased the 114e. TO me the 314 sounds clearer and brighter and projective but the 114 sounds more mellow but a louder volume. I wanted the 114e because of the satin finish but also the sound
Both sound great, but I preferred the 114 in all samples. I've got a 416 CE Spring Limited. ****Editing my comment a year later now that I have a new 214CE which also has a layered back and sides like the 114. In some ways I like the sound better than my 416CE SPL but they're both fantastic in their own way- it has more presence and punch, which I like. It sort of has "the sound" that I've had in my head for years- sounds like my favourite classic recordings. My 416 sounds a bit richer and complex and warmer (different wood also), the 214 is maybe a little louder with piano-like clarity and articulation. Not a huge difference in sound really, but it's definitely there. I'm wondering how much the non-braced, arched back might have to do with the 214's tone. Awesome guitar.
Well thanks for showing how the cheaper Taylor sounds better!
Literally if you never told a person if you had a 114 or 314 they would even know and most people don’t even care just play it and make great music
I whacked my monitors up and you can definitely hear the difference in the low end with the 314. I own a 114e though and it's excellent!
I have played both of these guitars, and there is a huge difference when you actually play them in person. I don't know why all these TH-cam comparison videos don't show the huge differences in all these things.
Basically the 314 has a more defined, tighter tone. The reverb doesn't cloud the tone when you strike the chord allowing for a cleaner presentation.
If 114 was 1 3/4 nut, it would be a home run.
Bearclaw is a swirled deformation in the wood grain showing that the growing tree was under stress at some point. It has nothing to do with solid or laminate. Many guitarists believe that Bearclaw spruce is stiffer and rings more. I can tell you that the guitar I purchased just rings and sizzles like nothing else. I've never been a huge Taylor fan in the past. This guitar has changed everything for me.
Am I right in saying that generally the cheaper acoustics are always going to have the brighter tone vs the more pricer ones? Thats a trend I hear in all these comparisons.
The difference is not obvious to me. It's easy to hear subtle differences in tone when you know what you are listening to. Maybe i just don't have a trained ear but if you had 10 sound samples...9 were the 314 and 1 was the 114 I wouldn't bet a lot of money that i could pick out the one 114 every time 🤷🏽♂️
Great playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I could hear the warmer tone of the 314 on the single chord at 4:25 but when picking , to my ear it wasn't a noticable difference. Excellent review
114 has more clear note definition. Surprised at this considering its laminate back and sides. I always thought solid wood made all the difference. Sure does not to my ears. The 314 has this slight ring rattle sound I don't like. You can really hear it.
The 314 seemed a little more even with more bass present. The 114 also seemed a bit "boxy" in comparison to the 314. The 114 still sounds great. But the 314 does sound a heck of alot better in my opinion.
I would like to see some other "comparisons. The Taylors vs non Taylors. Perhaps some Godin guitars like Larivee, Seagull, or Simon and Patrick, or other brands like Walden and Yamaha and Takamine.
capoman1 €
One of the best VS tests on NET ever with an intelligent system! the 114 is al ittle bit lowder, clear because laminate back and sides! I had a 214 and a 314 also in my hands, the same result. But for finer ears the 314 ist better, but little more weigh. For my is 114/214 the favorite! but the goodness at TAYLOR GUITARS ends by 814/914 and custom models! TANXXXX!!!
Both sound the same for higher frequencies, but you can definitely hear the slower vibrations on the 314. I guess Taylor prioritizes the cutting high frequencies (as they should) and improves on the more transient, slower frequencies as the price increases.
I have a 2007 Breedlove which has laminate rosewood sides and a solid back and top. I've never heard any all-solid wood guitar that sounds better than the one I own (subjective opinion of course). I really think well-made, high quality laminates -- at least for side -- can sound as good or better than solid wood counterparts. They just each have their own tonal qualities. Neither is objectively better or worse, just depends on the tone the player is looking for. Am I alone in thinking that some side wood laminates can sound even better than solid wood?
3:22.....hello Mr. Difference!
Uh...no.
Huge difference in sound. Solid wood all the way.
I'm a fan of the Acoustic Letter. You always do a top shelf job. Keep up the good work.
Just for curiosity... Have you ever tried a Seagull guitar? I bought an all solid mahogany (back, top and sides) for an incredible price. I chose it over a Breedlove that was double in price.
To me these two sound identical except when strumming chords. For some reason the 314 comes off smoother and more like a hollow wooden cavity. The low end sustain on the 314 is significantly longer, like the laminate glue layers absorb low freq energy more so than solid wood.
The 314 comes in Taylor's new V-bracing now, so this comparision is outdated, but great comparison for the guitars 9 years ago!
I played a 114 at guitar center and loved the way it sounded. However I ended up buying a GA3 because it sounded good and I thought it played a whole lot better. I don't know the difference in a 314 and GA3 but I think they are about the same.
I've owned both my vote is the solid. I paid 600.00 for mine.
To my ears I hear more complexity in the 314, but the 114 sounds nice too.
the laminate sounds great as well
The 114 sounded ever so slightly brighter, and to be honest, I liked it better. That being said, they both sounded how Taylors should. Even if I preferred the 314's sound, there isn't enough of a difference to justify spending $1000 more on a 314.
I Love my 114ce ;)
Fantastic Guitar for a Fantastic price.
me pareceu que os dois são de ótima qualidade e os timbres são muito parecido,( o feito com laminado parece ser um pouco mais agudo que o feito em madeira sólida) se eu pudesse escolher escolheria o 314 por ser de madeira sólida, mas creio que os dois são ótimas guitarras!
The difference for me is across the treble strings. Taylors generally sound great but the 310, which I have, has a balance across the strings that that I didn’t feel on the 110. I can play with a heavy pick and still dig in hard. Look for used ones because they are great guitars. Mine has that honey look which I can’t walk past without having to pick it up and play. It’s like when you are a kid and you get to ride your bike without stabilisers. You can’t wait until dawn to head out again. That’s the same I get with the Taylor.
At first I was shocked that Taylor even has laminated guitars. But we're only talking about the back and sides here. Both guitar have massive wood tops.
Most people are forgetting that the gloss top on the 314 will restrict a lot of that natural tone which is always better on a natural finish on a solid top acoustic. The gloss may be better for preserving and stoping the top warping or bulging as it ages maybe that's why taylor uses gloss? , and why the 114 sounds more vibrant than the 314!
Nice playing and great vid. Right to the point. You can clearly hear the difference in tone.
Thank you. Hitting subscribe now.
The 114 is brighter, which I prefer, and the 314 more bassy. Getting the better sounding guitar for half the price? Now that's a win.
Hmm, It's hard to judge based on the recording. The 314 seems to have more volume, and the notes sound like there pushed out quicker and blend faster. The 114 sound is not as loud yet still clear and resonates well as I can her the sound absorb through the guitar more, the notes don't blend as quickly as i can slightly hear the notes individually ring harmoniously. There both great, I'd go with the 114, it's easier on the ears and feels better; But then again that may be because I have a Martin, my best friend has a Cutaway, Grand Syphony Taylor; Mine is warm, his is bright but notes ring harmoniously well, and they play great side by side. He'll want to play mine and I will want to play his, but we love our guitars. I am drooling to get the 8-String Baritone Taylor.
+Lee G Read a post From Steve L, and I agree over something I didn't thing about; That is the guitars play-ability.
You know... A lot of the comments say the 114 sounds better, but I was listening and thing is.. The 114 sounds like before I setup my equalizer and the 314 sounds like after. Higher bass, less mids, more treble. Adds a lot of Clarity. I think it sounds beautiful.
Nice demo, thanks. The 114 has more high end and the 314 has a little more depth to my ears. Both guitars sound good though. I've been looking at the 114 as a potential non-dreadnaught type guitar (not paying 314 money for a guitar). After listening to this demo I'm still interested.
I went from a 114ce to a 414ce. The 414ce is $400 more than the 314ce. The 414ce just looks, plays and sounds so much better than the 314ce. To me there was not a huge difference in sound and playability in a 114 over a 314 that was worth the extra $1000.
Besides being very talented you are very beautiful! Looks like a painting by Pablo Picasso in human form, simply divine!
Thank you for your videos, are very useful, and much success for you!
They sound pretty similar, with a $1000 USD difference. I listened to the back to back, didn’t hear any striking noise change.
Laminate one is definitely a bit brighter, but it doesn't really sound "cheaper" to me. A laminate body might actually work well when paired with a warm sounding top, like cedar, giving it a more balanced tone. That's the case with my current guitar, and to me it sounds fantastic.
These guitars are nothing alike if you play them..the 114 is a good value guitar but once you played the 314 you wont go back they are worlds apart to play. You need to actually play the to see what I mean
ok but just dont by a 214 . wast of money
I didnt like the 314 over the 114. IMO if youre not buying a 414 or higher just get the 114. But tbh the only reason i got the 114 over the 414 was because for about $1300 more id get the 814 which is my dream guitar on the taylor side anyway.
@@Dev9172 why though?! this is on my short list!
314 feels warmer while the 114 is brighter and more resonant.
But the 314 handles strumming better. That's probably where the price difference comes from.
The 314 obviously had more character, but I really like the 114. Almost bought the 114 but choose a PRS Angelus SE Custom over it. No regrets on the PRS, but would still like to have a 114.
Both sound sweet as fuck imo probs because he is a beast on the guitar! xD
Its only important to have a wood top . Thats where most of your sound comes from . And a all wood guitar is so hard to take care of . I have a Taylor GS mini and a Eastman AC 120 . Both are good and both are only wood tops .
the 314 sounds better but not worth the extra cash imo.
^
Def. not worth $1000 more for the 314. Can probably find a better guitar for $1800.
@@shartlover420 got cort ad810 at $200🤣🤣