Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed with this quality instrument. The Expression system is so good that I actually prefer playing 'plugged in', and that is saying a lot because unplugged, it sounds terrific due to the top quality tonewood (Engleman Spruce). The neck is NOT dovetailed as reported by another reviewer. This is important as nearly all guitars will need a neck re-set after a few years and the NT (New Technology) is bolted in, using laser cut wood shims to achieve the proper neck angle. This means getting a neck re-adjusted will be a half hour job,and could be done on the spot by any qualified luthier.

This guitar handles strumming just fine, but it excels at fingerstyle playing due to the 1-3/4" spacing at the nut, and comfortable 2" spacing at the center of the soundhole. Note seperation is present, as well as the clear bell like highs and the piano like bass. Keep the Elixers (coated strings) on it and the action is fast, the neck comfortable and smooth. Sound engineers love working with this guitar. The Expression system has a reputation of being really easy to 'dial in'.

The polyester finish on this guitar is thinner than coatings used on other guitars, thus allowing the top tonewood to vibrate freely and at the same time resist sctatching better than anything else out there. The has a deep glossy look you will love.

I bought this guitar here a couple years ago and out of couriosity looked for other 914's on Ebay and guitar forums on the net after I had it for a year. Guess what - you can hardly find one! Once people get their hands on one they keep it. It should be noted that before I bought the 914, I went to a music store and tried every Taylor they had. (They didn't have a 914 at the time) I spent an afternoon playing from the lowest priced models to the top one they had is stock. The sad reality was that as the selling price went up, so did the tone, and to some degree the playability. The $3300 model was as high as they had, but the tone wasn't quite there yet. I spent the extra $600 here and was very happy with the results. It's perfection. For me there isn't a better guitar at any price.

I absolutely love this instrument. The construction and material here is professional grade, and backed by Taylor for the life of the original owner. Now I may buy another guitar down the road, but to get my Taylor away from me, you will need to pry it away from my cold, dead fingers! *G*

An investment for a lifetime. Like I said, it's a keeper!

Great sounding guitar. Nice craftsmanship. I do prefer satin finishes over laquer. I prefer satin over laquer finishes. Not real impressed w/ the electronics, but it's an acoustic guitar - what do I really expect? Overall, playability was nice. Don't think I'd spend that kind of money for this as their are equally good sounding guitars for less money. Value must be in the longevity of the craftsmanship and materials used.

I have owned this jewel for 4 years now and there really isn't anything more to say that hasn't already been said just that I'd like to add to the already stellar customer rating. This is most amazing guitar I have ever played. Smooth as silk to play and an unplugged sound that, for my money is unsurpassed! My only complaint is the expression system. I think Taylor tried too hard to spearhead this (at the time) new technology and should have maybe done some more R&D before putting the ES on the 800 and 900 series. But, the ES is functional and does get the sound to the amp. Just not as well as maybe it should. I say buy it! If you can afford it, buy 2! You will NOT regret it!

I do not own a straight 914ce, but purchased a 914ce Limited from the 2006 Fall line. I purchased the Limited because for a rare time they came with Eng. Spruce tops with Coco. back/sides. This would be a near perfect guitar if it were not for the ES that changed the guitars natural tone into a typical D-28 off the shelf. My advice to anyone looking to spend this kind of money on a guitar, especially as nice as the 914s are, buy it without electronics, and set your own electronics to your own liking. The ES is one of the worst sounding systems ever devised. Taylor should have stuck with Fishman.

However, unplugged, this is one of my favorite guitars, and I own piles of them. The fit and finish is unmatched. The playability is superior to any. The tonal qualities are studio grade, capable of sounding great in front of any EarthWorks studio Mic. I just would not recommend the guitar pre-configured with the ES. I will not purchase another Taylor with the ES installed. It will not reproduce the guitars natural tone at all.

The action on this guitar is amazing. The strings are close enough to the fretboard that it almost plays itself, with a little light pressure. I was "cheating" on my high-end Ovation for 2 years, playing this guitar in the store. Finally, played side to side, the great sound of the 914 finally sold me and I purchased one. The craftmanship make it as beautiful to look at, as it is to hear.