Taylor Next Generation 814ce Builder's Edition Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Blacktop

Innovation meets refinement in the Next Generation 814ce Builder’s Edition, a guitar that elevates Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium into boutique-level territory through thoughtful design and modern craftsmanship. Pairing Adirondack spruce with East Indian rosewood yields a voice that is powerful, clear and richly harmonic, while the striking Blacktop finish and Kona Edgeburst back and sides create a bold visual identity. Scalloped V-Class bracing enhances sustain, projection and note separation across the fretboard, and the long-tenon Action Control neck delivers warm resonance with precise, on-the-fly string-height adjustability. Comfort-forward details like a neo-tropical mahogany beveled armrest and chamfered edges invite extended playing sessions, while a West African ebony fingerboard, Curve Wing ebony bridge and Gotoh 510 antique gold tuners ensure smooth feel and dependable performance. Advanced Claria electronics round out the Next-Gen 814ce Builder's Edition, capturing the guitar’s natural voice with clarity for stage or studio use.

Adirondack Spruce and Indian Rosewood for Power and Clarity

An Adirondack spruce top provides exceptional headroom and dynamic response, allowing notes to bloom with authority and definition from the lightest touch. East Indian rosewood back and sides complement that power with deep lows, shimmering highs and complex overtones that fill out this Grand Auditorium’s balanced voice. Together with scalloped V-Class bracing, this tonewood pairing enhances sustain and harmonic alignment, supporting everything from delicate fingerstyle passages to full, resonant strumming and articulate flatpicking.

Long-Tenon Action Control Neck and Ebony Fingerboard for Effortless Playability

Built from neo-tropical mahogany, the Next Generation 814ce's long-tenon Action Control neck strengthens the neck-to-body connection, improving resonance while allowing precise string-height adjustments without removing the strings. A West African ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive surface that encourages fluid movement and expressive phrasing across the register. Lastly, the neck’s solid yet inviting feel supports nuanced dynamics and confident technique, allowing players to fully explore the instrument’s tonal range with ease and control.

Claria Electronics for Transparent Amplified Tone

Taylor’s Claria System delivers intuitive, natural-sounding amplification designed to preserve the guitar’s acoustic character. The undersaddle pickup captures detail and dynamic range, while discreet soundhole-mounted controls, including a flexible mid-contour option, allow quick tonal shaping during performance. Whether used for solo work or ensemble settings, Claria electronics translate the Next Generation 814ce’s voice with clarity and presence.

High-End Appointments for Comfort and Sophistication

A holistic approach to design defines the Builder’s Edition experience, blending visual refinement with ergonomic comfort. Chamfered edges and a beveled neo-tropical mahogany armrest reduce fatigue during long sessions, while grained ivoroid binding with subtle fiber accents and a mother-of-pearl Element inlay suite add understated elegance. The Blacktop finish and Kona Edgeburst back and sides create a striking contrast, complemented by a Curve Wing ebony bridge and Gotoh 510 antique gold tuners that deliver stable, precise tuning.

Next-Gen 814ce Builder's Edition: Luxury, Comfort and Uncompromising Tone

Taylor's Next Generation 814ce Builder’s Edition brings together premium materials, advanced construction and player-focused design to create an acoustic guitar that feels as refined as it sounds. With its powerful Adirondack spruce and rosewood voice, effortless playability and transparent Claria electronics, this Grand Auditorium represents the pinnacle of Taylor’s modern acoustic vision. It is an instrument built to reward nuance, invite exploration and deliver lasting inspiration.