The Taylor Next Generation Builder's Edition 514ce Kona Burst represents a bold step forward in Taylor’s ongoing evolution of modern acoustic design. Built around the incredibly versatile Grand Auditorium body shape, this instrument blends refined craftsmanship, player-focused comfort, and a striking visual identity into a guitar that feels as contemporary as it does timeless. Finished in a rich Tobacco Kona Burst, the gloss-coated Sitka spruce top radiates warmth and depth, while the organically figured Shamel Ash back and sides provide a distinctive tonal personality and visual character unlike traditional rosewood or mahogany builds.

Taylor’s Builder’s Edition philosophy is immediately evident in every contour of the guitar. Chamfered body edges, a beveled cutaway, and the smooth Neo-Tropical Mahogany armrest create an effortlessly comfortable playing experience that encourages long sessions whether on stage, in the studio, or at home. At just 4 lbs 8 oz, the guitar feels remarkably responsive and alive in the hands.

Tonally, the pairing of Sitka spruce and Shamel Ash offers a compelling balance of clarity, warmth, and articulation. The spruce top delivers dynamic range and headroom, while the ash contributes a focused midrange presence with crisp note separation and airy highs. Taylor’s Scalloped V-Class bracing with Relief Rout further enhances sustain, projection, and harmonic consistency across the fretboard, giving the instrument an exceptionally balanced and musical voice suited for fingerstyle players, vocal accompaniment, and modern rhythmic playing alike.

The satin-finished Neo-Tropical Mahogany neck and West African Crelicam ebony fingerboard provide the sleek, fast feel Taylor players have come to expect. Faux Pearl Compass inlays add an understated elegance, complemented beautifully by the ebony peghead veneer and antique chrome Gotoh 510 tuners. Every detail feels intentional, from the Firestripe pickguard to the ebony bridge pins, creating an instrument that is visually sophisticated without becoming ornate.

Equipped with the Taylor Claria acoustic pickup system, the Builder’s Edition 514ce is equally at home plugged in, delivering a natural and articulate amplified voice that preserves the guitar’s acoustic nuance and dynamic response.

With its innovative material choices, luxurious ergonomics, and unmistakably modern tonal character, the Taylor Next Generation Builder's Edition 514ce Kona Burst stands as a compelling example of Taylor’s continued commitment to redefining what a premium acoustic guitar can be.

Specs

General

• String Count: 6
• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
• Cutaway: Beveled Cutaway
• Color: Tobacco Kona Burst
• Electronics: Taylor Claria Acoustic Pickup System

Top

• Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
• Top Finish: Gloss
• Rosette: Faux Pearl Single Ring
• Bracing: Scalloped V-Class with Relief Rout

Back & Sides

• Back/Side Wood: Shamel Ash
• Back Configuration: 2-Piece
• Back/Side Finish: Gloss
• Body Binding: No Binding; Chamfered Edges
• Armrest: Beveled Neo-Tropical Mahogany

Neck

• Neck Wood: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Standard Carve
• Neck Finish: Satin
• Fretboard Wood: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Fretboard Binding: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Fretboard Inlay: Faux Pearl Compass
• Nut Width: 1-3/4"
• Scale Length: 25-1/2"

Headstock

• Peghead Type: Paddle, Standard
• Peghead Veneer: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Peghead Inlay: Faux Pearl Compass
• Peghead Binding: None
• Peghead Finish: Satin

Hardware

• Bridge: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Nut: Black TUSQ
• Saddle: Micarta
• Bridge Pins: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Tuners: Gotoh 510 Antique Chrome with Antique Chrome Buttons
• Pickguard: Firestipe
• Strap Pin: Black
• End Pin: Black

Miscellaneous

• Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light (.012–.053)
• Weight 4 lbs 8 oz
• Serial: 1202136068

For more information about this guitar, please contact us.