900 Series Limited Edition 914ce LTD Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Taylor has had a thing for blackheart sassafras ever since they sourced some wild-looking sets a few years back from a Tasmanian timber supplier who specializes in removing overmature trees from family farms. Each set of bookmatched blackheart tells a unique story, displaying an exotic tableau of variegated blond, hazel, pink and other subtle hues. Dark lines that run through the heartwood (hence the “blackheart” name) come from fungi that form in the tree after branches break off during storms, allowing water to drip down through the tree while it grows. Sonically, the slow-growing hardwood’s tone profile is pleasantly intriguing: it blends the woody midrange warmth of mahogany, the focus of maple, and a chimey, breathy top-end clarity and sparkle reminiscent of rosewood. This mix of tonal flavors translates into a player-reflective musical personality.

Another inviting 900 Series feature you'll find on this 914ce LTD Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric is a beveled ebony armrest, which combines premium playing comfort with a luxurious look. Together with the ebony binding, it visually complements the black veins that run through the sassafras back and sides. Other detail-rich appointments include paua and koa edge trim, with koa purfling along the fretboard and peghead. This Limited Edition instrument ships in a deluxe hardshell case made by Taylor for optimal fit and protection.

Body Shape
A Taylor original, the Grand Auditorium helped establish the Taylor acoustic sound. The popular body style makes for a versatile guitar that yields ample volume in response to light fingerpicking, and reacts to medium strumming and flatpicking with a clear, balanced sound across the tonal spectrum. If you want a great all-purpose guitar, the GA is an excellent choice.

Tonewood Pairing
Blackheart sassafras is an exotically beautiful variation on the more common sassafras tree that’s native to Tasmania. The “blackheart” distinction refers to dark, dramatic striping in the otherwise blond-colored wood, which is caused by fungi that form in the heartwood of the tree. Its tonal properties give it a truly unique sonic personality compared to other tonewoods. It blends some of the dry, woody response of walnut or mahogany; the note separation and focus of maple or myrtle; and the top-end overtones of rosewood.

Electronics
Taylor's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acousticly or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with Taylor’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, bass and treble controls.

The Taylor Difference
What sets Taylor Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.