Taylor 314ce Prototype Next Generation Sapele/Sitka w/case 5076

The Taylor 314ce Prototype Next Generation offers a rare opportunity to own an early version of one of Taylor’s most important modern acoustic platforms. Prototype builds like this are produced during the development phase before a model reaches full production, giving players access to instruments directly tied to the evolution of the design itself.

In this case, the prototype appears extremely close to the final production version, making the significance less about major specification changes and more about its place within the development process of the platform. For collectors and longtime Taylor players, that connection alone makes it a different category of instrument than a standard production 314ce.

The Next Generation 314ce continues Taylor’s refinement of the Grand Auditorium platform, balancing warmth, clarity, and versatility while moving toward a slightly more open and player-reflective tonal response than earlier generations. Built with solid sapele back and sides and a Sitka spruce top, the guitar delivers a focused midrange, balanced low end, and strong articulation across a wide range of playing styles.

Taylor’s updated platform incorporates scalloped V-Class bracing and the Action Control Neck system, improving sustain, projection, note separation, and long-term setup precision. The Grand Auditorium body shape remains one of the most adaptable acoustic designs available—equally comfortable for fingerstyle, strumming, recording, and live performance applications.

Visually, the 314ce keeps things understated and functional, allowing the wood choice, clean lines, and overall feel of the instrument to remain the focus rather than excessive ornamentation.

Highlights

• Prototype build offering a rare pre-production version of the Next Generation 314ce
• Solid sapele back and sides with Sitka spruce top
• Grand Auditorium body shape for exceptional versatility and balance
• Scalloped V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and projection
• Action Control Neck system for precise setup adjustment and long-term serviceability

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
• Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid Sapele
• Bracing: Scalloped V-Class
• Finish: Gloss Top / Satin Back & Sides
• Venetian Cutaway

Neck

• Neck Construction: Action Control Neck
• Neck Material: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Fingerboard Radius: 15"
• Nut Width: 1 3/4"

Hardware

• Bridge: Ebony
• Saddle: Micarta
• Nut: Black TUSQ
• Tuners: Taylor Nickel

Electronics

• Taylor Claria Acoustic Pickup System

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, Custom Shop, and prototype acoustic we bring in is chosen for responsiveness, tonal balance, and individuality—not just specs on paper. When you buy from Tone Shop, you’re getting an instrument we genuinely believe in.