FYI this is their budget entry line. All good and it's far from a bad deal I'd say but it's not oh my god where is the nearest atm level good. It's okay.
Mention
Music & Instruments
Taylor 114ce Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar for Performing Musicians
The Taylor 114ce delivers a solid Sitka spruce top, layered walnut back and sides, Taylor Expression System 2 electronics for live performance, and the legendary Taylor playability — the acoustic-electric for players ready to perform.
5 mentions · 4 threadslast mention Mar 20269.4/ 10
ClearPick Score
Outstanding
Score informed by 5 owner mentions across 4 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
3 positive1 mixed1 negative
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Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar for Performing Musicians
Taylor 114ce Acoustic-Electric Guitar
~$1099 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
View on Amazon.ca →Opens Amazon.ca · Affiliate link✅ Ships to Canada
✅ Prime eligible (most orders)
✅ 30-day Amazon returns
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
I bought a 114 as a back up to my 214, and honesty I loved its feel and tone so much it became my main studio acoustic and the 214 was my live and rehearsal one. Definitely buy it if you want it.
Praise
That was my first "nice" guitar! Loved it, and eventually went up to the 700 series. I recommend looking for a used version, if you can. You can save like $200-$300, especially on these entry level Taylors because a lot of folks buy them new and then eventually upgrade to a higher series.
Praise
It's a 114, you don't get the finest cuts of wood but there's nothing wrong with it. Wood is graded purely on cosmetics, the nicer looking pieces go to the top level models. The irony there is that a piece of spruce that looks like that very well may sound A LOT better than a beautiful looking master grade top that is floppy and useless in producing tone, but looks great.
Mention
Ive had my Taylor 114ce for a very long time, and two years ago I brought it to my new apartment in another country. For a time we struggled hard with humidity problems ... All the dark brown parts of the guitar are now super super sticky ... I assume the humidity has rubbed off the seal or polish of the wood?
Complaint
✅ What Works
- Taylor Expression System 2 electronics are the best under-saddle pickup system at this price — the ES2 uses an innovative behind-saddle pickup placement that captures more of the acoustic resonance than standard under-saddle systems, producing a plugged-in sound that retains more acoustic character than typical piezo pickups.
- Grand Auditorium body shape balances projection and comfort — the GA body is Taylor's most versatile design: larger than a concert or OM for more projection, but narrower and more comfortable than a dreadnought for extended seated playing. It works for strumming and fingerpicking.
- Taylor's neck profile and setup is consistently player-oriented — Taylor guitars leave the factory with low, comfortable action and a straight, even neck. More than any other major acoustic guitar brand, Taylor's out-of-box playability is consistently high.
- Cutaway allows access to the upper frets — the single Venetian cutaway allows the picking hand to access frets above the 12th position for lead playing, making the 114ce appropriate for melody-focused playing styles.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Layered (not solid) walnut back and sides — only the top is solid. The layered walnut back and sides are engineered wood construction, which is humidity-stable but resonates less freely than solid wood back and sides. This is the standard trade-off at $1,099.
- Grand Auditorium projects less than a dreadnought for acoustic-only use — the GA body shape has a more balanced, controlled projection rather than the booming volume of a dreadnought. For loud unplugged playing, a dreadnought projects more. For amplified or studio use, the GA's controlled response is advantageous.
- ES2 requires a 9V battery — the Taylor Expression System 2 is battery-powered. A fresh 9V provides 70-100 hours of use, and the battery is accessed through a compartment on the end block. Replace before performances.
- The included hardshell case is a genuine value-add — Taylor includes a padded hardshell case (normally $100-150 separately). Factor this into cost comparisons with guitars sold without cases.
ClearPick Verdict
The Taylor 114ce is the best acoustic-electric guitar under $1,100 for performing musicians. The ES2 electronics, Grand Auditorium body, Taylor playability, and included hardshell case make it a complete gigging guitar from the moment it arrives. If you play acoustic shows, open mics, or studio sessions where plugging in matters, the Taylor 114ce is the professional-entry purchase.
