Taylor 414ce Studio Shaded Edgeburst

Solid construction

Thanks to its all-solid wood construction and Taylor’s innovative V-Class bracing, the 414ce Studio delivers enhanced resonance and projection. The torrefied Sitka spruce top produces a vibrant tone with rich overtones and bright articulation, while the solid Indian rosewood back and sides contribute depth, warmth, and a powerful low end. This tonewood pairing is a time-tested standard among high-end guitars, known for its ability to deliver a balanced and expressive sound ideal for both solo performance and vocal accompaniment.

Mahogany neck and cutaway

The guitar features a smooth-playing mahogany neck paired with a premium ebony fingerboard. The neck sits comfortably in the hand, offering a natural feel and light weight, while the ebony fingerboard allows for effortless transitions across all 20 frets. Chord changes and melodic runs are fluid and precise, enhancing the player’s comfort and control. A generously shaped cutaway provides easy access to the upper frets, unlocking the guitar’s full tonal range. Nickel-plated Taylor tuners ensure tuning stability, and the Micarta bridge inlay supports clean intonation for consistently accurate sound.

Taylor Expression System 2

Taylor’s proprietary Expression System 2 uses three calibrated piezo sensors placed behind the saddle to accurately capture the natural tone of each string pair. This technology ensures that even the subtlest nuances of the performance are faithfully reproduced. The system includes three discreet controls – volume, bass, and treble – integrated into the upper side of the guitar. These controls allow for precise tonal adjustments without disrupting the instrument’s aesthetic, maintaining the clean and elegant appearance of the 414ce Studio.

Shaded edgeburst finish

Visually, the 414ce Studio Shaded Edgeburst stands out with its eye-catching finish and tasteful detailing. The Shaded Edgeburst top features a warm gradient that enhances the wood’s natural grain, while the high-gloss back and sides complement the look with a subtle, refined sheen. The fingerboard is adorned with faux pearl dot inlays that contrast beautifully against the dark ebony, creating an understated but luxurious effect. A classic faux tortoise pickguard adds vintage charm and protects the top from pick scratches, rounding out the design with style and function.

Sustainable ebony cultivation in Cameroon

As ebony is particularly finger-friendly due to its hard, supple texture, it has long been the preferred choice for the production of fingerboards. Its attractive appearance is also extremely popular for bridges, headstock overlays, bridge Pins and Bindings. However, the high demand and the flourishing black market outstripped stocks, so that ebony ended up on the Red List of endangered species in 1994. In addition, only the deep black heartwood, which makes up only a fraction of the tree, was used, resulting in a disproportionately large amount of waste in production. To protect the forests, Taylor has been working with the Crelicam Wood Mill in Yaoundé, Cameroon, since 2011 to promote controlled consumption by processing waste products.

"We need to use the ebony that the forest gives us" - Bob Taylor