A Taylor That Actually Turns Heads
Most guitars come in natural or sunburst. The Taylor 214ce Plus Special Edition in Trans Blue is not most guitars. That transparent blue finish lets the Engelmann spruce grain show through, turning a working acoustic-electric into something you'll want to hang on the wall — and then immediately take down to play.
But looks are only the opening act here. This is a Grand Auditorium cutaway acoustic-electric built around a solid Engelmann spruce top and layered sapele back and sides, with Taylor's cantilevered V-Class bracing doing serious work inside. The result is a guitar with a wide dynamic range, solid intonation across the fretboard, and the kind of balanced, articulate voice that handles a coffee-shop set just as well as a full-band rehearsal.
Whether you're strumming open chords, picking out a fingerstyle melody, or running straight to the board at a gig, this Special Edition is built to hold its own in any room.
Engelmann Spruce and Layered Sapele — a Tonewood Story
Taylor chose Engelmann spruce for the top of this Special Edition for good reason. Compared to Sitka, Engelmann tends to have a slightly warmer, more nuanced midrange character — it responds readily to a light touch but opens up with authority when you dig in. Pair that with layered sapele back and sides, a tonewood known for its clear, balanced projection and a sonic signature that sits somewhere between mahogany warmth and rosewood clarity, and you have a combination that genuinely works across genres.
Inside, Taylor's cantilevered V-Class bracing pushes for greater volume and sustain while simultaneously improving intonation note-by-note up the fretboard — a tangible upgrade over traditional X-bracing designs. The gloss-finish body and Venetian cutaway round out the package, giving you upper-fret access without sacrificing body resonance.
A Neck That Disappears in Your Hand
Taylor's Standard Carve neck profile on a 25-1/2" scale length with a 1-11/16" nut width is one of the more player-friendly setups on any acoustic in this price range. It's slightly narrower than a standard acoustic nut, which players with smaller hands or an electric guitar background often find immediately comfortable. The West African Crelicam ebony fretboard provides a smooth, dense playing surface with excellent note articulation.
The neck is finished in satin — not gloss — so your hand moves freely without any sticky drag. Faux pearl Small Diamond inlays and an Italian acrylic single-ring rosette add a refined, contemporary look without going over the top. Satin black tuners, a black pickguard, and black-finished back, sides, and neck create a bold contrast with the transparent blue soundboard that makes the whole guitar feel considered and cohesive.
Plug In and Play — Taylor ES2 Onboard
The Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) is a behind-the-saddle pickup design that captures the guitar's natural acoustic response more accurately than undersaddle systems that can sound thin or compressed. The ES2 gives you Volume, Bass, and Treble controls right on the body, so you can dial in your sound quickly whether you're hitting a stage monitor or running into an acoustic amp.
For players who perform regularly, having a trusted pickup system already in place — one built specifically for this guitar by its own manufacturer — is a genuine advantage. You're not relying on an aftermarket add-on or hoping for a good DI sound. The ES2 just works.
Product Features:
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Top Wood: Solid Engelmann spruce with transparent blue gloss finish
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Back & Sides: Layered sapele with black gloss finish
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Body Shape: Grand Auditorium with Venetian cutaway
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Bracing: Cantilevered V-Class for enhanced volume, sustain, and intonation
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Scale Length: 25-1/2"
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Nut Width: 1-11/16" (slightly narrower than standard acoustic)
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Neck: Neo-Tropical Mahogany, Standard Carve profile, satin finish
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Fretboard: West African Crelicam Ebony with faux pearl Small Diamond inlays
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Electronics: Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) with Volume, Bass, and Treble controls
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Appointments: White body binding, Italian acrylic single-ring rosette, satin black tuners, black pickguard
Brand: Taylor Guitars
Model: 214ce Plus Special Edition, Trans Blue
SKU: 214CE PLUS SPECIAL EDITION TRANS BLUE
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
