A Fan Favorite Gets a Rare Makeover
The Taylor 214ce has earned its place as one of the most-played acoustic-electrics out there — comfortable neck, versatile Grand Auditorium shape, solid top, plug-in-ready electronics. So when Taylor runs a limited special edition with a tonewood as visually striking and sonically interesting as Tigerwood, it's worth paying attention. This is that guitar.
Tigerwood — also known as Goncalo Alves — earns its name from the bold stripes of warm color that sweep across the back and sides. No two pieces look quite alike. Tonally, it splits the difference between rosewood's depth and koa's brightness, giving this 214ce a slightly warmer, more complex character than the standard walnut model. Pair that with the torrefied Sitka spruce top and C-Class bracing, and you've got a guitar that sounds more mature out of the box than its price tag suggests.
The satin finish on the back, sides, and neck keeps the feel relaxed and fast — nothing sticky, nothing showy. If you're someone who plays for hours at a time and wants a guitar that gets out of your way, that satin neck finish makes a real difference.
A Top That Sounds Broken In From Day One
The gloss torrefied Sitka spruce top with its shaded edgeburst finish is the centerpiece of this guitar's sound story. Torrefaction is a heat-treatment process that removes moisture from the wood, essentially fast-forwarding the aging process. The result is a top that vibrates more freely, responds more dynamically, and delivers that warm, opened-up character you'd normally only get from a guitar that's been played for years. Taylor uses this on the entire 214ce line — and it's one of the reasons the guitar punches above its class.
C-Class bracing works alongside the torrefied top to dial up sustain, volume, and low-end presence. This isn't a thin or polite acoustic — it projects well, responds cleanly across a wide dynamic range, and handles both strumming and fingerpicking without favoring one over the other. The Grand Auditorium body shape keeps that big sound balanced: wide enough for depth and warmth, but with a tapered waist that keeps the trebles clear and articulate.
Neck, Fingerboard, and Feel
Taylor's Standard Carve neck profile on the 214ce is one of the most comfortable in the business at this price. The Neo-Tropical Mahogany neck gets a satin finish that feels smooth and fast — matching the satin back and sides for a cohesive, tactile playing experience. The 25.5" scale length and 1-11/16" nut width give you enough room for chord work and lead lines alike without feeling cramped or stretched.
The fingerboard and bridge are both West African Crelicam Ebony — a dense, smooth hardwood that provides a clean playing surface and transfers energy efficiently into the top. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret, and the deep Venetian cutaway opens up access to the upper register so you can actually use those high frets when the moment calls for it.
ES2 Electronics — Ready When You Are
Taylor's Expression System 2 (ES2) pickup lives behind the saddle rather than under it, which means it picks up how the top and saddle are actually moving — not just the string vibration transmitted downward. The result is a plugged-in sound that stays close to the guitar's acoustic voice. Three individually positioned piezo sensors feed into a custom-designed preamp that delivers a clean, natural amplified tone with real dynamic responsiveness.
The onboard controls are simple and intuitive — volume, bass, and treble — mounted on the upper bout where they're accessible without interrupting your playing position. Whether you're running into a PA at an open mic, tracking in a home studio, or just plugging into a small acoustic amp at rehearsal, the ES2 handles the transition without drama.
Product Features:
-
Top Wood: Solid Torrefied Sitka Spruce with gloss shaded edgeburst finish
-
Back & Sides: Laminated Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves) with satin finish
-
Body Shape: Grand Auditorium with Venetian cutaway
-
Bracing: C-Class pattern for enhanced volume, sustain, and low-end response
-
Neck: Neo-Tropical Mahogany, satin finish, Standard Carve profile, joins at 14th fret
-
Fingerboard & Bridge: West African Crelicam Ebony
-
Scale Length: 25.5" | Nut Width: 1-11/16" | Nut Material: White NuBone
-
Saddle Material: White Micarta
-
Electronics: Taylor Expression System 2 (ES2) — behind-the-saddle design
-
Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light
-
Made in: Tecate, Mexico
Brand: Taylor Guitars
Model: 214ce Special Edition Tigerwood Satin
SKU: H224002111007232057
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.
