2018 Taylor Builder’s Edition K14ce Koa Near-Mint w/ V-Class Bracing, Expression System, Case

Up for sale, a 2018 Taylor Builder’s Edition K14ce in near-mint condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and user manual. Crafted to the exacting standards of Taylor’s master guitar designer Andy Powers, this grand auditorium Talyor is a versatile and stunning instrument.The torrefied Sitka spruce top has Taylor’s proprietary V-Class bracing, designed to accentuate the vibrancy of the spruce. Further premium tonewoods include hand-selected koa back and sides, a tropical mahogany neck, and West African Crelicam ebony fretboard. This Builder’s Edition K14ce has a rich and dynamic voice, with exceptional projection and a warm, harmonically-dense midrange. A single strum delivers ample power, clarity and sustain, with the shimmering trebles and sweet percussive cut associated with the Taylor brand. The lower bout body width is 16”, with a body depth of 4 5/8“. The onboard Expression System 2 electronics faithfully capture the instrument's natural tone, with exceptional dynamic responsiveness thanks to the unique “behind-the-saddle” design. This K14ce weighs 4lbs 13oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 phosphor bronze strings, easy-playing action, and accurate intonation.The tropical mahogany neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with well-rounded shoulder and an easy-playing feel, measuring .835” deep at the 1st fret and .875” at the 12th, The thick slab ebony fretboard features abalone Spring Vine inlay and practically perfect slender fretwire that shows just a hint of wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-3. This Taylor plays cleanly up the 25 1/2“ scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod. The graphite nut measures 1 3/4“ in width. The peghead is framed by ebony/koa purfling and sports a matching West African ebony truss rod cover, with a mother of pearl Taylor logo and abalone Spring Vine inlay. The gold Gotoh 510 tuners turn smoothly and hold accurate pitch.Taylor's Expression System 2 electronics include Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables a dynamic range of natural acoustic tonalities, and together with Taylor’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, powered by a 9V battery, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. The system is governed by a Master Volume knob, with Bass and Treble EQ knobs for tonal sculpting, at the bass-side upper bout rim.The ebony bridge is fitted with a compensated Micarta saddle, and the bridge pins are crafted from West African ebony with abalone dot inlay. Ornate marquetry includes ebony/koa/Paua abalone purfling framing the top and back, with the same three-tone inlay for the rosette. The body is ergonomically conscious, with a beveled armrest on the bass-side lower bout and added carve on the inside edge of the cutaway for upper-fret access. Through the soundhole, the Builder’s Edition label is present, with Andy Powers’ signature.This guitar sports a Silent Satin finish with a silky smooth feel, highlighting the dynamic, tight flame figuring on the bookmatched koa back. This is an exceedingly well-kept example, with cosmetic wear limited to a few small scuffs on top along the strum path. The smooth satin finish on the neck profile is pristine.The original Taylor-branded hardshell case with red plush interior is included, along with the user manual.