314ce '13 & '14 difference?

liltiki · #1 07-10-2014, 03:56 PM

2 questions:

I'm relatively new around Taylors, having just bought my first full size, but I think I figured out the dating -- can someone confirm the following for me?

My serial is 10 digits

The first three digits: 111

next two digits: 00

Next two: 93

I know the last three is the production number (and I've learned from this forum not to put your serial number out in the world) so this is what I arrived at...

1110093*** year 2013 Oct. 9?

#2 question: Since the sales team at my GC told me the 200 series was solid wood, I figured they just sold Taylors, with no idea how they differ. Is there any difference in the build between the two years? And is there any difference in the electronics? (ESgen2 or ESgen3?) I'm double guessing everything, if I knew about the serial system earlier I would have made sure it was a 2014.

I know I should just settle down with my guitar, but I want to make sure it's the latest build and electronics.

Thanks again for everyone's patience....

Tracey

dodge · #2 07-10-2014, 04:07 PM

http://www.taylorguitars.com/blog/ta...my-guitar-made

Should help you figure it out

liltiki · #3 07-10-2014, 04:18 PM

Dodge....

Thanks, I am very familiar with The taylor site I can find nothing that can tell me if there have been any definitive changes between the '13, '14s for the 314ce ... or I wouldn't have asked.

I find the info on the taylor site extremely confusing re: the date/serial numbers . But from what I have read elsewhere I came up with the date I did. I'm just looking for someone more knowledgeable to confirm it. And move forward. I am terrible with numbers. ;-)

If it is a 2013, would the electronics have been different from this current year, in the 300 series. (2nd generation, 2rd generation ES systems.) I'm reading conflicting things on the web.

Thanks

CodeBlueEMT · #4 07-10-2014, 04:57 PM

You'll read plenty of conflicting info on the web and even on this site. I suggest giving Taylor customer service a call 1-800-943-6782. Congrats on your new 314ce. Enjoy.

Ciarre · #5 07-10-2014, 05:02 PM

Yeah, if you email them your serial number, Taylor will respond with the date and year it was made. At least they did with me.

I think 2013 models will have the ES 1 system, but won't swear to it.

Coffeeaddict · #6 07-10-2014, 05:09 PM

The only series that saw any significant change for 2014 was the 800. The 500 series and up received the ES2 pickup.

300 and 400's (spring limited edition the exception) saw no changes. Same woods, bracing and ES1v3 electronics.

200 series and lower will be laminate back and sides.

Based on your serial number you have a 2013 built October 9th. So your 2013 314 will be built the same as a 2014.

liltiki · #7 07-10-2014, 05:14 PM

CoffeeAddict....

Thank you - that is great to know. Now I can concentrate on playing instead of worrying.

Tracey

magazine · #8 07-10-2014, 05:16 PM

As said, no changes.

Dru Edwards · #9 07-10-2014, 06:11 PM

I believe that the 2014 314s have a black pickguard while the previous had the tortoise colored one. What color is your pickguard?

44Runner · #10 07-10-2014, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffeeaddict

The only series that saw any significant change for 2014 was the 800. The 500 series and up received the ES2 pickup.

300 and 400's (spring limited edition the exception) saw no changes. Same woods, bracing and ES1v3 electronics.

200 series and lower will be laminate back and sides.

Based on your serial number you have a 2013 built October 9th. So your 2013 314 will be built the same as a 2014.

Nailed it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

I believe that the 2014 314s have a black pickguard while the previous had the tortoise colored one. What color is your pickguard?

My 2013 314ce has a black pickguard.

dodge · #11 07-10-2014, 06:42 PM

My 312 was built in late 2013 and has the black guard also.

liltiki · #12 07-10-2014, 07:38 PM

black also. I like it.

The Taylor website has a few colors noted as options.

t

Edited to note: so it would seem the black is on '13 and '14... or maybe just late '13 and 14.

Clear would have been interesting.

MikeBmusic · #13 07-11-2014, 08:00 AM

At the Taylor Road Show it was mentioned that they will be going to the Roseood pickguards on the lower solid wood series at some point, (but no date given). Same thing for the ES2 (with no specific date), because it is cheaper to produce than the ES1gen3.

liltiki · #14 07-11-2014, 09:43 AM

Double checking the Taylor site, there might be one very small difference:

"We use Elixir’s ultra-thin NANOWEB design. In 2014, we switched from 80/20 Bronze to Phosphor Bronze on most steel-string acoustic models. "

"Elixir® HD Light Gauge Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB® (.013, .017,.025,.032,.042,.053)" on 2014

That means I have the 80/20s on my 2013. I do not like these strings (I'm used to light meaning .11 to start). But I'm also adjusted to the 1 3/4 from 1 1/16.

I'm finding the guitar twangy on top, very separate and dull bottom. Like a split personality. That's unplugged. Weird. Maybe it's worth a switch of the strings?? I hate to change anything from the original setup, but I have to move past that.

MikeBmusic · #15 07-11-2014, 12:30 PM

Think that string set on the 2014 is the new "Hybrid Light".

Anyway ... I didn't like the sound of Elixers (P/B) that came on my Taylor. Tried some again afew months ago, and sitll didn't. Try out some different brands/types to see what you like better. I'm back to using Martin Lifespan 80/20 mediums (013").