Another tonewoods question... (2000 LTD 410ma [maple] vs 2002 LTD 314ce [maple])

Scott Frans · #1 10-01-2002, 06:04 PM

Went to a music store today here around school, where they had a 310ce, 314ce, and 410ce, and a 410ma (ltd, maple back/sides) on layaway.

410ma - mellow, but incredibly sweet...even the guitar smelled sweet, I almost felt sick just playing it...that guitar sounded like too much candy or perfume. It wasn't really a bad thing, but it had no low end at all. For a dread, I was shocked by how quiet it was. Not bright...soft, mellow, and sweet.

410ce - much louder than the maple version, but a touch too bright. The low end evened it out a little bit, and it woud have had a good warm sound if it hadn't been so bright. It just didn't play as good in my hands, either. I'm guessing it's because I'm not used to medium strings. I wasn't that impressed with the sound, but I would still like to try a 414ce before I call the 400 seires out.

310ce - a little more balanced mixture of low end and bright, but it was not quite as mellow as i would have wanted. A tend to associate a good mellow sound with a warm thick sound, and the 310 was lacking. I did perfer it over the 410, however.

314ce - this thing just sings when I play it. My playing sonded the best and felt the best with this guitar. It was still a little brighter and edgier than I would have liked (if i'm spending this much on a guitar, I'd like to get away from that cheap overly bright Fender small body acoustic electric sound that my roommate has as much as possible) but it was definitely balanced towards a sound I'd perfer. (true, 314 doesn't have the low end i was complaining about missing with the 410ma, but it still sounds more balanced)

I'm wondering if the new 2002 LTD 314ce maple back/sides would give me just a SLIGHTLY mellower 314, or if it would end up sounding exactly like the 414ma. If it sounded like the 414ma, I would not be interested...although it has a beautiful and distinct sound, I would like a more general and balanced sounding guitar. Again, all this talk of tone is new to me, so I may be explaining things wrong...but thats just how my beginner ear heard it. Anyone know?

For now, I'm definitely going to go for a stock 314ce...that guitar is just too good

Scott

rbachman · #2 10-02-2002, 06:29 AM

Scott,

I have one of the 2001 341CE Limiteds thaqt have the imbuia (just like the 414CE will have this year).

When I ordered my guitar last year (I'm a Lefty), I had someone play the sapele 314ce and the imbuia 314ce for me. The imbuia definitely had a more complex, balanced, and slightly bassier sound. I was sold immediately.

I love my guitar!!!!!

If you like the 314ce sapele that much you might want to consider
the 414ce LTD (imbuia). There must be a reason that Taylor is doing imbuia 2 years in a row!!

Good luck with your search!
Rob

ihs · #3 10-02-2002, 06:48 AM

Hi Scott,

I would agree with Rob that you should give Imbuia a listen. It sounds like you've had a chance to play the Maple's and aren't particularly sold; I think, based on what you're describing, that an Imbuia might fit you better. If you're having a tough time tracking one down give Taylor's customer service a call - they should be able to help you out. Good luck!

P.S. - Another thought is to try and find one of the 3xx Koa's that have been available in recent years. It might be harder to find, but would definitely be worth it if you're a Koa fan.

trombone · #4 10-02-2002, 08:09 AM

I agree. I have the 314ltd in imbuia and it is among my favorites. It was the motivating factor for my order of an NS-54, swapping the wood to imbuia. It's also what they use on the AB1 & 2.

If you don't mind looking for used, a 410 or 414 R might be a good choice. That's rosewood -- kind of like a satin finish 800 series. The rosewood has a bassier, warmer sound. Maple will a be bit bright no matter what series/size it is. That's just the nature of the wood.
Koa will be brighter than the rosewood but not as bright as the maple. Nice sound especially if you still want an edge to the tone. I love koa, too.

samchar · #5 10-02-2002, 08:32 AM

Question: Other than white binding, what would be the difference between a 314ma and 414ma? Nothing right? Same top, same neck, etc. It's just maple standing in for either sapele or ovangkol?

I'm surprised the 410 ovangkol struck you as too bright. Have you tried one of the rosewood Taylors? That or, strike me down for saying this, you may want to take a look at a Martin D-15.

Scott Frans · #6 10-02-2002, 09:35 AM

One of my problems is that I am going to be buying exclusively from one dealer, for many reasons, including the relationship I've built between that store over the years, the fact that any problems or adjustments, he would know what to do and take care of it immediately, he will have the best price on a new guitar compared to anywhere else I shop, and I've been telling him since I was in middle school that I plan to buy one.

While buying from this dealer is the best thing for me to do, being as I kind of would like my own personal un-played Taylor, I'm kind of limited to what guitars I listen to. He is a very small dealer, and doesn't have the ability to order in any model just for me to try, because he won't be able to sell them. There aren't many stores around here that I know of where I can go and try different models, also. I could always travel one day to a dealer further away, but it's difficult to do while in school, and if I want the guitar to arrive by christmas, I need to let my dealer know so he can go ahead and order it.

Another factor, a huge factor, is the fact that I don't have enough money. And even if I did have enough money, my dad has already told me that he would never allow me to buy a guitar for that much money...not while he's paying to put me through school, anyhow. I know we're not supposed to discuss Taylor prices, but my budget is limited to somewhere around $1500. Anything over that, and I'm out of luck.

At least I know, if I was to end up with just a plain ol 314ce, I would still be the happiest guy on the planet christmas morning. I haven't found a 300 or 400 series Taylor that I've played yet that I love as much, so maybe I should stop looking and just go ahead and buy it.

LarryH in Texas · #7 10-02-2002, 01:10 PM

Scott --

Another thing you could try would be to ask if he could put a set of Elixir Polywebs on the 314ce for you to check out. Polys are, I believe, generally considered to be warmer sounding than Nanowebs, which should be the strings that are on the guitar now.

Since you have established a relationship with this dealer, he may be willing to do the string swap for no charge, or he may ask you to pay for the strings, if you don't buy the guitar. I've heard of people working it that way.