Taylor Prototype Builder's Edition 914ce Next Generation Macassar/Redwood w/case 5086

The Taylor Custom Builder’s Edition 914ce Prototype offers a rare chance to own an early version of one of Taylor’s most refined modern acoustic platforms. Prototype builds like this exist before a model is fully finalized for broader production, giving players access to guitars that represent an earlier stage in the evolution of the design. Even when the final production model stays close to the prototype, these instruments occupy a different space entirely—more limited, more personal, and tied directly to the development process itself.

This prototype pairs figured Macassar ebony back and sides with a sinker redwood top, creating a tonal profile that sits in a unique space within the Taylor lineup. Redwood brings warmth, sensitivity, and a more immediate responsiveness than Sitka spruce, reacting especially well to lighter touch and nuanced playing. Combined with Macassar ebony’s focused low end and articulate top-end detail, the result is a guitar that feels rich and complex without becoming overly compressed or bright.

As part of the Builder’s Edition series, this 914ce incorporates Taylor’s most player-focused ergonomic refinements. The beveled armrest, chamfered body edges, compound neck carve, and silent satin finish all work together to make the guitar feel more comfortable and less rigid in the hands. The Grand Auditorium body shape keeps the voice balanced and versatile, equally capable of fingerstyle work, alternate tunings, and full strumming applications.

Taylor’s V-Class bracing helps maintain strong note separation and sustain while improving intonation consistency across the fretboard. Visually, the figured Macassar ebony gives every example a distinct appearance, while premium appointments throughout reinforce the flagship-level feel of the Builder’s Edition platform.

Highlights

• Prototype build offering a rare pre-production version of the Builder’s Edition 914ce
• Sinker redwood top for warmth, responsiveness, and touch sensitivity
• Figured Macassar ebony back and sides for articulation and focused harmonic detail
• Builder’s Edition ergonomic features for enhanced comfort and playability
• V-Class bracing for improved sustain, projection, and intonation

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
• Top Wood: Sinker Redwood
• Back & Sides: Macassar Ebony
• Bracing: V-Class
• Finish: Silent Satin
• Venetian Cutaway

Neck

• Neck Material: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Nut Width: 1 3/4"
• Neck Profile: Compound Carve

Hardware

• Bridge: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Saddle: Micarta
• Nut: Black TUSQ
• Tuners: Gotoh

Electronics

• Taylor Expression System 2

Miscellaneous

• Prototype Build
• Included: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case
• Made in USA

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

At Tone Shop Guitars, we specialize in hand-selected premium acoustic instruments built for serious players who care about feel, resonance, and long-term inspiration. Every boutique and Custom Shop acoustic we bring in is chosen for responsiveness, tonal balance, and musicality—not just specs on paper. When you buy from Tone Shop, you’re getting an instrument we genuinely believe in.