Taylor 114CE for R7k - good deal? - GuitarTalk Community

Taylor 114CE for R7k - good deal?

RustPuppet

I've just come across a new Taylor 114CE for R7k. As I haven't played in a while, nor have I been to a music shop in ages, I'm wondering if this is a decent deal or not?

If not, are there any better options for me to get back into acoustic jamming on a similar budget?

guitarboy2828

R7k is a lot for what you get in that Taylor, but not a lot to pay for that taylor in SA.

I'm biased as I don't really like the 114ce's.. So, if you like it, it's a pretty good price, not a price you'll find at a music store. However, that being said, I think there are guitars for R7k that are much better than that guitar. You're from JHB, so you have the opportunity to play breedlove guitars, find some play them, and you'll find yourself buying one soon, i'm sure.

Takamine's are also great value for money, R7k will pick you up a great Tak that'll last a lifetime!

Do a search on the forum for acoustics, LOTS has been said, so, instead of saying it all again, you can just do a quick search ?

RustPuppet

Shot for the advice dude. Think it's time to hit Music Connection at lunchtime to noodle around on some Breedlove goodness ?

Warren

+1 on the Tak suggestion. For that money you can probably score a R10k RRP Tak that will be an absolute pleasure to play.

Just remember to have the guitar set up for you by the store once you purchase.

RustPuppet

Warren, any idea on who has the best selection of Taks in Jozi?

I'm going to mission to Music Connection and Andy's this afternoon, and perhaps Marshall Music if I don't come right.

Bob-Dubery

If you're going to McGibbon's then check out the Eastmans - there's some good value for money there.

Don't turn your nose up at a well cared for 2nd hand guitar either. That can be a way to get some good guitaring bang per buck.

In general try out anything in your price range.

Warren

RustPuppet wrote: Warren, any idea on who has the best selection of Taks in Jozi?

I'm going to mission to Music Connection and Andy's this afternoon, and perhaps Marshall Music if I don't come right.

Marshall in Woodmead has a pretty broad Tak selection, and that's where I bought mine. They also have a big Taylor section so you might be able to compare them with the other stuff on offer. They have a number of Martins but those are probably out of that price range.

Agree with Bob on the second-hand stuff.

RustPuppet

I've got no issues with secondhand so I'll give it a whirl if anyone's got decent stock. Shot for the info on the Eastmans too; haven't heard much about them but general feedback seems to be good.

And thanks for that info Warren, I reckon Marshall is going to be my new first stop.

Warren

RustPuppet wrote:
And thanks for that info Warren, I reckon Marshall is going to be my new first stop.

No probs. Don't forget to play them plugged in too.

[deleted]

For what it's worth... I wouldn't pay R700 for a 114 :-\
Serious.. there are a million guitars out there better than that piece of plywood

edit: basically everyone was just sugar coating above ?

Warren

Brentcgp wrote: For what it's worth... I wouldn't pay R700 for a 114 :-\
Serious.. there are a million guitars out there better than that piece of plywood

edit: basically everyone was just sugar coating above ?

Yeah nice one ?

I agree here. Taylor make some nice guitars, but I don't think that's one of them. Certainly R7k for an acoustic guitar can get you a really nice instrument.

guitarboy2828

Brentcgp wrote: For what it's worth... I wouldn't pay R700 for a 114 :-\
Serious.. there are a million guitars out there better than that piece of plywood

edit: basically everyone was just sugar coating above ?

And here i was tactfully replying trying not to offend any taylor lovers and Brent comes on here and just says it straight up ?

[deleted]

guitarboy2828 wrote:
Brentcgp wrote: For what it's worth... I wouldn't pay R700 for a 114 :-\
Serious.. there are a million guitars out there better than that piece of plywood

edit: basically everyone was just sugar coating above ?
And here i was tactfully replying trying not to offend any taylor lovers and Brent comes on here and just says it straight up ?

I have played some stunning Taylors, 6 series and up are brilliant! but not for me sonically and they are pricey.

One of the best guitars I ever played and still have fond memories of was a 12 string Taylor RSSM.. just stunning ?

Sebber

Brentcgp wrote:
guitarboy2828 wrote:
Brentcgp wrote: For what it's worth... I wouldn't pay R700 for a 114 :-\
Serious.. there are a million guitars out there better than that piece of plywood

edit: basically everyone was just sugar coating above ?
And here i was tactfully replying trying not to offend any taylor lovers and Brent comes on here and just says it straight up ?
I have played some stunning Taylors, 6 series and up are brilliant! but not for me sonically and they are pricey.

One of the best guitars I ever played and still have fond memories of was a 12 string Taylor RSSM.. just stunning ?

I'm a big Taylor fan, but to be honest I wouldn't spend too much time considering anything in the 100-300 series. Their instruments start getting good with the 400 series, but by that stage they start costing a pretty penny or two. I bought a 714CE-LTD (Madagascar rosewood back and sides) last year and it's an amazing instrument.

On the 600 series, the flamed/quilted maple back and sides make for a visually stunning guitar, but I don't particularly like what maple does to the instrument acoustically: too brash and bold in the mids, not as nice sounding as the mahogany back-and-sides 500 series, and not a patch on any of the rosewood back-and-sides series (700, 800 and 900 series). I would seriously consider a 654 12-string in blueburst quilted maple though: I think the maple back-and-sides would possibly suit the piano-like tones of a 12-string more than a 6-string, I'd LOVE to try one out.

I'll back recommendations for a sub-10K Takamine: they make lovely guitars in that price range and you'll get some bang-for-buck that the lower end Taylors/Martins won't offer.

I remember a few years back Music Connection had a slightly blemished second-hand Takamine Santa Fe (do they still do these?) for sub-10K and it was an amazingly high quality instrument for the asking price, which I think was about R7500.

guitarboy2828

Only taylor i've ever played and like (maybe the price tags are what made my decision) was the 314ce's.. I found everything above that was WAY too over priced and you didn't really get your money's worth.. But, the 314ce's that I played were definitely great guitars, guitars I wanted to buy, but well, didn't because I didn't have money.

I'm not against taylors, I just think they are too expensive for what they are, most the time!

RustPuppet

So I hit Marshall Music yesterday and the best of the bunch was a Taylor 214CE, though even with the fat discount I was offered I wasn't entirely convinced that it was the guitar for me.

Going to hit Music Connection in search of a decent Tak today.

Bob-Dubery

RustPuppet wrote: So I hit Marshall Music yesterday and the best of the bunch was a Taylor 214CE, though even with the fat discount I was offered I wasn't entirely convinced that it was the guitar for me.

Going to hit Music Connection in search of a decent Tak today.

1) They have a good selection of acoustic guitars and you can pick up some 2nd hand bargains there
2) If you're going to Music Connection then you really should check out the Breedloves
3) They have a very good tech in that shop, Mando Silva, so try to get a setup included in the deal.

guitarboy2828

X-rated Bob wrote:
RustPuppet wrote: So I hit Marshall Music yesterday and the best of the bunch was a Taylor 214CE, though even with the fat discount I was offered I wasn't entirely convinced that it was the guitar for me.

Going to hit Music Connection in search of a decent Tak today.
1) They have a good selection of acoustic guitars and you can pick up some 2nd hand bargains there
2) If you're going to Music Connection then you really should check out the Breedloves
3) They have a very good tech in that shop, Mando Silva, so try to get a setup included in the deal.

Never been to MC, however, if they stock Breedloves and have a good tech, they must be a great store ? Definitely try out the breedloves!

Roberto

There was a 2nd hand 214ce in Marshal Music Woodmead for same price and may as well have been new due to pristine condition. Was a beautifull guitar, nearly bought it. Alternatively try the Eastmans at Andy's. Fine guitars indeed.

theantirockstar

this is personal opinion, but any Taylor or Martin under 15k isnt worth the money, some of them over that aren't worth the money either ??? I'm not a Taylor hater, there are a few of their guitars I Gas over. For good cheaper acoustics try Takamine, Tanglewood, Breedlove (Larry Breedlove works for Taylor ?)