Mint Condition Taylor 614CE Grand Auditorium with ES1.3 Pickup and Original Taylor Hard Case
The 614CE is Taylor’s Grand Auditorium (GA) model in the 600 series — pairing a solid Sitka spruce top with Big-Leaf maple back and sides. In 2005, it was positioned as a high-end, stage-ready acoustic-electric with a clear, balanced voice and Taylor’s trademark playability.
Specifications (2005-era typical)
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Body shape: Grand Auditorium (X-14) with Venetian cutaway
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Top: Solid Sitka spruce
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Back and sides: Highly Figured Solid Big-Leaf Maple
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Neck: Hard-rock maple
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Fingerboard and bridge: Ebony
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Scale length: 25½″ (647.7 mm)
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Frets: 20
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Nut width: 1¾″ (44.5 mm)
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Nut and saddle: Graphite nut, Micarta saddle (typical for that period)
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Electronics: Taylor’s Expression System ES-1.3
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Appointments: Abalone rosette, ivoroid-style binding, pearl fretboard inlays, and Taylor gold-plated Tuners
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Case: Deluxe Taylor hardshell
Build quality and construction in that era
By 2005, Taylor’s El Cajon factory was known for its precise, modern production methods — laser-cut components, computer-controlled neck joints, and very consistent quality control. The 600 series sat high in the line-up, with all-solid woods and immaculate finish work.
Playability was (and remains) one of Taylor’s great strengths: slim, comfortable necks, impeccable fretwork and low, even action from the factory. Fit and finish were exemplary for a production guitar.
The maple and spruce combination produced a very bright, clear tone, while Taylor’s GA body gave it a balanced projection that worked equally well for fingerstyle and light strumming. These pre–V-Class instruments used Taylor’s original X-bracing design, yielding a crisp, articulate sound.
How it was received at the time
Contemporary reviews and owner feedback from the mid-2000s consistently praised the 614CE’s clarity, balance and projection.
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Tone: Players noted that the maple body delivered a bright, focused tone with tight bass and shimmering treble — excellent for live use where clarity in a mix matters.
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Playability: Critics and owners alike commented on its comfort and ease of play, calling it one of the most “effortless” acoustics available at the time.
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Build quality: Reviewers often highlighted the precision of Taylor’s construction and the beauty of the figured maple finishes.
In essence, it appealed strongly to players who wanted modern balance and articulation rather than vintage-style warmth.
Legacy and reputation today
The 2005 614CE represents the classic pre-V-Class Taylor sound — bright, articulate and impeccably built. It’s a snapshot of the company before Andy Powers’ later redesigns (V-Class bracing, torrefied tops, and revoiced 600 series).
Because of that, many players still seek out these mid-2000s 614CEs for their clean, “studio-ready” tone and their reliable stage performance. The figured maple examples are particularly prized for their striking looks and strong projection.
While newer 614CE models (post-2015) are warmer and more complex tonally, the earlier versions have a distinctive, clear voice that continues to appeal to session players and singer-songwriters who prefer articulate tone over lush overtones.
Summary
If you’re after a versatile, articulate acoustic-electric that’s easy to play and records cleanly, a 2005 Taylor 614CE is a very strong choice. It won’t deliver the dark, woody warmth of rosewood, but it excels in definition, responsiveness, and build quality — very much a reflection of Taylor’s precision-focused craftsmanship during that era.
Condition
This Taylor 614CE (2005) is in exemplary condition, showing only the lightest evidence of use. The finish remains deep and glossy, with no dents, dings, or lacquer checking anywhere on the body or neck. The neck is straight, and the action is smooth and comfortable. The only visible signs of play are a few faint pick marks on the scratch plate under close inspection and some light fret wear.
It has clearly been very carefully owned and maintained, spending most of its life in its original Taylor hardshell case, which is also included along with the original warranty card.
