Taylor 100/200 opinions

MagicPigDetective · February 2017

Looking for my first quality acoustic. Want one that is easy to play, under a grand. Mostly strum with a little fingerpicking. I read that Taylors have a very playable thin neck with low action suited to electric guitar players. The 100 and 200 series interest me, especially the smaller body 114 or 214ce.

I know that I should be trying lots of different guitars but the problem I have is I live far from any guitar shop and have limited opportunities to visit them, but I am loathe to buy an acoustic online without trying it. I will be in London for one afternoon in May, and Chester/Liverpool/Manchester are within reach.

The low end Taylors seem to split opinion; some love em, others say they are over priced for a side and back laminated guitar. Any advice or views on these? Can you recommend a decent shop to visit for acoustics? Faith Venus also looks like a good alternative option. Thanks.

stickyfiddle · February 2017

I haven't played many but I had a 214 (non-c, non-e) for several years and it was brilliant.

richardhomer · February 2017

Buy one soon - they're made in Mexico

They have laminated backs and sides ('layered' in Taylor speak) but the ones I've played have sounded good - albeit very 'Taylor-like'.

If you're a fan of their hi-fi/bright/clear tone, they're great. And they play superbly.

You should play a few others though, just to be sure you get on with their sound.

MagicPigDetective · February 2017

richardhomer said:

Buy one soon - they're made in Mexico

They have laminated backs and sides ('layered' in Taylor speak) but the ones I've played have sounded good - albeit very 'Taylor-like'.

If you're a fan of their hi-fi/bright/clear tone, they're great. And they play superbly.

You should play a few others though, just to be sure you get on with their sound.

Yes; I read a lot about the bright Taylor sound vs warm Martin, but until I try them out I dont know what sound I prefer

John_P · February 2017

They are nice guitars but imo the extra for a 3 series or above is worth it. The solid wood back and sides makes a really noticeable improvement to the sound.

BigLicks67 · February 2017

I've played a 110 and quite liked it, I also owned a 414ce in the past which was a nice guitar but a bit neck heavy. I think if I was a buying a Taylor I'd go with Dreadnought (10) shape or the Grand Concert (12) and a full body not a cutaway.
With your budget I'd go second hand, maybe a Taylor 3 series or a Martin 15 series.

pjf · February 2017

Maybe have a look at the used market? You could get a higher series Taylor and still keep the budget well under a grand

Whitecat · February 2017

I have a 110 and it's superb - got all that dreadnought power but with a top-end shimmer that only Taylor does. At the time it was the best-sounding acoustic in Anderton's (IMO of course) under £1k. The thing was it sounded even better than the other 110 they had in stock, and while Taylor is renowned for consistency, best to compare a few if you can.

maw4neu · February 2017

Bob Taylor makes amazing guitars . . . 100, 200 etc . . . All good

MagicPigDetective · February 2017

Thanks all, need to get myself to a shop to try the various types and body shapes asap. I see that Reidy's in Blackburn has a spanking new Taylor showroom, might be worth the 2.5 hour drive.

BigLicks67 · February 2017

MagicPigDetective said:

Thanks all, need to get myself to a shop to try the various types and body shapes asap. I see that Reidy's in Blackburn has a spanking new Taylor showroom, might be worth the 2.5 hour drive.

Yes, it's very nice and the last time I was in they were working on a Martin room, speak to Richard a very helpful fella on the acoustic side.

Chris_J · February 2017

My dad has a 110 and it's a great guitar. Volume, power, bass and that Taylor top end. It compared well to my old 714 too, which I traded last year for Martin 00028

nick_s · February 2017

There's a 300 series up for grabs here: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/79826/feeler-taylor-314ce-ft-fs#latest

MagicPigDetective · March 2017

How about the new Academy series? They are marketed as beginners guitars and are made to be super easy to play with a shorter scale length. I'm not a beginner (or perhaps I am in acoustic terms) but have not played much acoustic and want to learn fingerpicking etc. The A12e does interest me, looks nice and might be worth trying in my search for an acoustic. 9/10 in this months Guitarist mag.

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Become a Subscriber!

Taylor 100/200 opinions

Comments