Meet Taylor’s luxurious new acoustic

Taylor Guitars announced the Builder’s Edition series at the start of the year to coincide with the launch of its V-class bracing system. At the time, only one acoustic led the line. But at Summer NAMM 2018, the brand unveiled another model: the Builder’s Edition 614ce.

The Grand Auditorium acoustic is a sight to behold. It has a torrefied Sitka spruce top, figured Big Leaf maple back and sides, a hard rock maple neck, and West African ebony fretboard and bindings. And the V-class bracing here ensures the guitar sounds as good as it looks. The system produces “more volume, longer sustain and greater harmonic agreement between notes,” Taylor said.

Playability-wise, the body bears ergonomic details that are exclusive to Builder’s Edition instruments; these include a double-carved cutaway, beveled armrest and beveled body. Taylor has also applied its proprietary Silent Satin finish to the soundboard and back, reducing contact noise made from the guitar brushing against the player. An Expression System 2 pickup rounds off the feature set on this acoustic.

It’s available in two colors: one with a natural finish top and Wild Honey Burst stain on the back, sides and neck, and the other with the Wild Honey Burst finish all over.

The Builder’s Edition 614ce lists for $3,999. For more info, check out taylorguitars.com.