Fashioned to reach new tonal horizons, the Taylor Guitars Gold Label 814e Koa is a revelation in acoustic guitar design. This entry to the Taylor Gold Label collection marks a big move in Taylor acoustic guitar innovation with a suite of exciting features.
The Gold Label 814e Koa establishes itself with Taylor's Super Auditorium body shape. The Super Auditorium, brought about by Taylor Guitars Master Builder Andy Powers's constant reworking and refining, features a wider lower bout than Taylor's classic Grand Auditorium body shape, yet retains a similar feel. Producing an impressive voice right off the bat, the Super Auditorium makes an impactful first impression.
This Super Auditorium comes together with a combination of distinguished tonewoods. First, a torrefied Sitka spruce top lands for a bright and concise tonal lead. Torrefaction, a process in which tonewoods are heat-treated to bake out imperfections, impart vocal balance, and infuse an aged and lived-in sort of sound, is a special treatment you may find in other similar high-end Taylor acoustics. The torrefied Sitka spruce is paired with figured Hawaiian koa back and sides that add a vibrance and radiance to the overall musical formula. These two tonewoods combine for a wonderfully colorful tonal palette, as aided by Taylor's redesigned fanned V-Class bracing pattern which adds even greater volume and sustain while retaining focus and clarity.
Taylor's long-tenon neck joint joins in on this guitar to enhance the sonic transfer between each of the guitar's physical components. A Neo-Tropical mahogany neck in Taylor's Standard Carve profile connects with players on a close level with a satin finish and seamlessly handled shape. This, combined with Taylor's responsibly sourced West African Crelicam ebony fingerboard makes for an exceptionally comfortable playing experience across the palm and on the fingertips.
All of these exciting elements come together with a selection of fine hardware specifications. A white TUSQ nut and white micarta saddle ground strings across the full 25.5" scale length. A Honduran rosewood bridge and Gotoh 510 Antique Chrome tuning machines top off these appointments for tonal stability while remaining visually impressive. A notable addition to this Taylor is the L.R. Baggs Element VTC electronics system. Taking the place of Taylor's usual Expression System electronics, this dedicated system allows for the seamless translation of the 814e Koa's tones to the stage. This Taylor Gold Label model travels with an included Taylor Deluxe brown hardshell case.