[WM] Worship Influencer Buyer's Guide 2023 | Page 55

• New tobacco sunburst finished top

• V-Class bracing

• Agoya shell Rosette

• Italian acrylic “ Finial ” design fret markers

• Grand Pacific shape added to line

The 400 series of acoustic / electric guitars by Taylor has been a popular mid-entry level point for many musicians seeking Rosewood guitars . Worship Musician was able to acquire the 414ce-R ( Grand Auditorium body ) to review for this article .

The series also includes the 412ce-R ( Grand Concert shape ) and 417e-R ( Grand Pacific more robust body ).

The most eye-catching part of the reimagined 400 series right out of the case is the new tobacco sunburst top providing a vintage or played in look even though it is new . The “ Finial ” shaped fretboard inlays , same shape is at the top of the headstock , provide a level of sophistication . An acoustic guitar created with a solid Spruce top and solid Rosewood back and sides is known to age in well over the years the more they are played and these 400 ’ s are sure to do the same .

KEY FEATURES difference in sound since you are removing part of the acoustic sound chamber to gain more access up the neck with the cutaway . The 414-ce-R that WM tested had a full and warm sound and personally I prefer the cutaway for chord inversions and solos .

Visually the updated 400 ’ s look like a much more expensive instrument thanks to the cosmetic changes to the top finish , agoya shell rosette and inlays . The 400 ’ s come standard with the Taylor ES2 onboard electronics and include a deluxe Taylor hardshell case . You can purchase your favorite body shape in the 400 series for $ 2,999 which isn ’ t a stretch for a fully American made acoustic / electric guitar . Features including the rosewood back and sides , Sitka Spruce top , ebony fretboard , and V-Class bracing elevate Taylor ’ s 400 models to a previously unprecedented level in this price range . The new 400 ’ s provide the Taylor Cadillac features on a Buick budget and who doesn ’ t like to save some money and still have an incredible instrument to play ?

$ 2,999 TaylorGuitars . com

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Taylor ’ s proprietary V-Class bracing takes all three instruments to the next level by delivering better individual string articulation and separation . Andy Powers told me when he launched the V-Class bracing that his hope was to extend it throughout the Taylor line and not only their higher end instruments and this is proving to be the case .

While the 412ce-R and 414ce-R will be in demand by many Praise team leaders and musicians , the addition of 417e-R is a great idea . Not only is it the larger Grand Pacific shape , but it also delivers a fuller tone unplugged thanks to the lack of a cutaway . When you test a cutaway acoustic next to a non-cutaway there is a huge

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