Taylor 114ce Studio Prototype Sapele/Spruce w/bag

Note these are stock photos - contact us for photos of the guitar for sale. 

The Taylor 114ce Studio Prototype offers a rare opportunity to own an early version of one of Taylor’s most popular Grand Auditorium platforms. Prototype builds like this are produced during the development phase before full production is finalized, giving players access to instruments connected directly to the evolution of the model itself.

This prototype introduces the “Studio” concept to the 114ce platform, replacing the standard Sitka spruce top with a torrefied Sitka spruce top. That upgrade shifts the tonal character noticeably warmer and more relaxed, giving the guitar a sweeter attack and a more broken-in response right out of the case compared to the standard production model.

Built around Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body shape, the 114ce Studio Prototype delivers the balanced, highly versatile voice that made the platform one of Taylor’s defining designs. It handles strumming, fingerstyle, recording, and live performance equally well while maintaining strong note separation and clarity across the fretboard.

The layered walnut back and sides help keep the guitar balanced and controlled while adding durability and consistency for real-world use. Combined with the torrefied Sitka top, the result is a guitar that feels more open and dynamically responsive than a typical entry-level Grand Auditorium.

Taylor’s V-Class bracing improves sustain, projection, and intonation consistency while helping preserve the broad versatility that defines the Grand Auditorium platform.

Highlights

• Prototype build offering a rare pre-production version of the 114ce Studio
• Torrefied Sitka spruce top for warmth and a more broken-in tonal response
• Grand Auditorium body shape for exceptional versatility and balance
• V-Class bracing for enhanced sustain and note separation
• Comfortable Taylor playability with a warmer tonal character

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Grand Auditorium
• Top Wood: Torrefied Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Layered Walnut
• Bracing: V-Class
• Finish: Matte
• Venetian Cutaway

Neck

• Neck Material: Neo-Tropical Mahogany
• Fingerboard Material: West African Crelicam Ebony
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Hardware

• Bridge: Ebony
• Saddle: White NuBone
• Nut: White NuBone
• Tuners: Taylor Nickel

Electronics

• Taylor ES2 Pickup System

Miscellaneous

• Prototype Build
• Included: Taylor Gig Bag
• Made in Mexico

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.