Comparing Taylor's New Gold Label Guitars | 814e vs. 717e Gold Label Acoustic Guitars

In this detailed comparison video, Chris McKee from Alamo Music TV examines two Taylor guitars from the Gold Label lineup: the 814E Rosewood Gold Label in the Super Auditorium body shape and the new 717E Grand Pacific Gold Label in Grand Pacific body shape. Both guitars are crafted with spruce tops and rosewood backs, but the 814E uses East Indian Rosewood while the 717E features Honduran Rosewood, which is rarer and more expensive. The video highlights the differences in body shape, depth, bracing, tonewood, and price, and how these factors influence the tonal characteristics and playability of each guitar. The 814E, being a Super Auditorium, has a tighter waist and shallower depth, resulting in a more focused, chimey high-end tone suited for fingerpicking and versatile playing styles. In contrast, the 717E Grand Pacific, with its deeper body (5 inches), rounder shoulders, and wider waist, delivers a fuller, warmer, more resonant sound with enhanced midrange and bass, making it ideal for strumming, flatpicking, and players seeking volume and richness. Both guitars incorporate Taylor’s new V-Class fan bracing and the innovative Long Tenon Action Control neck, allowing for easy neck angle adjustments and enhanced tonal response. Chris encourages viewers to consider their playing style and tonal preferences when choosing between these models and invites them to share their opinions in the comments. The video also announces a correction in Taylor’s model naming system to better differentiate rosewood and koa Gold Label guitars. Overall, this comparison offers a comprehensive look at how subtle design variations can impact guitar tone and player experience.

Taylor 814e Gold Label Super Auditorium Torrefied Spruce/Honduran Rosewood Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Sunburst

Taylor 517e Gold Label Torrefied Spruce/Mahogany Grand Pacific Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural | New

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