GEAR REVIEW
TAYLOR PUSHES THE ENVELOPE WITH THE NEW GOLD LABEL 814E KOA SB ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR | Eric Dahl
KEY FEATURES
• Super Auditorium body shape
• Torrefied Sitka Spruce top
• Solid Figured Hawaiian Koa back and sides
• Fanned V-Class bracing
• 15” radius ebony fingerboard
• LR Baggs Element VTC preamp
• Gotoh 510 antique chrome machine heads
• Script vintage style Taylor logo
• Continental fretboard inlays
• Custom styled vintage headstock
• 1.75” neck width at the nut
• Honduran mahogany Curve Wing bridge
• 25.5” scale length
• Taylor Deluxe Hardshell case included
When the new Taylor Gold Label 814e Koa Sunburst arrived at the Worship Musician offices it looked like a vintage guitar from the 1930’ s more than a brand-new instrument. Primarily due to the unique fretboard inlays, engraved pickguard, unique headstock Taylor logo inlay and the intricate inlayed rosette. Taylor’ s 814 model guitars have been popular amongst Praise team musicians since they were first launched in the mid-1990’ s. For 2025 the company has decided to make some big changes that are not typical for Taylor.
All Gold Label instruments feature a long tenon neck joint, the new Super Auditorium body shape and fanned V-Class bracing. The Sunburst finish on top of the torrefied Sitka Spruce top has depth and warmth but the figured Hawaiian Koa wood on the back and sides is stunning. As a fan of Koa, I appreciate the 3-D figured look that Taylor’ s luthiers are able to achieve with the wood, but the tone of Koa delivers unique overtones that other woods
52 June 2025 Subscribe for Free...