Head to head
Taylor 214ce-K SB Plus vs Taylor 217e-BLK Plus
The verdict
The Taylor 214ce-K SB Plus and Taylor 217e-BLK Plus are closely matched overall — 62 to 61 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
Taylor 214ce-K SB Plus wins on
No standout advantage.
Taylor 217e-BLK Plus wins on
- Lower price ($1,499 vs $1,599)
Scorecard
| Metric | 214ce-K SB Plus | 217e-BLK Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 62 | 61 |
| Build | 61 | 61 |
| Playability | 68 | 64 |
| Sound | 60 | 60 |
| Value | 60 | 59 |
Full specifications
| Spec | 214ce-K SB Plus | 217e-BLK Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Taylor | Taylor |
| Type | Acoustic-Electric | Acoustic-Electric |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | — | — |
| Body wood | Hawaiian Koa | Big Leaf Maple |
| Neck wood | Neo-Tropical Mahogany | Hard Rock Maple |
| Fretboard | West African Crelicam Ebony | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | — |
| Scale | 25.5" | 25.5" |
| Pickups | Expression System® 2 | Expression System® 2 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $1,599 | $1,499 |
| Armrest | None | None |
| Back And Sides | Hawaiian Koa | Big Leaf Maple |
| Back Configuration | Layered, 2-Piece | Layered, 2-Piece |
| Back Side Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
| Body Binding | Black | White |
| Body shape | Grand Auditorium | Grand Pacific |
| Bracing System | C-Class Bracing | C-Class Bracing |
| Bridge | West African Crelicam Ebony | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Bridge Pins | Black ABS Plastic | Black ABS Plastic |
| Controls | Expression System® 2 | Expression System® 2 |
| Cutaway | Venetian Cutaway | — |
| End Pin | Black | Black |
| Finish | Shaded Edgeburst, Top/Back/Sides | Black |
| Fretboard Binding | None | None |
| Fretboard inlay | Faux Pearl 4mm Dots | Faux Pearl 4mm Dots |
| Neck Finish | Matte | Gloss |
| Neck profile | Standard Carve | Standard Carve |
| Nut Saddle | White NuBone Nut, White Micarta Saddle | White NuBone Nut, White Micarta Saddle |
| Nut width | 1-11/16" | 1-11/16" |
| Orientation | Right Handed | Right Handed |
| Peghead Binding | None | None |
| Peghead Finish | Matte | Gloss |
| Peghead Inlay | None | None |
| Peghead Type | Paddle | Paddle |
| Peghead Veneer Wood | West African Crelicam Ebony | West African Crelicam Ebony |
| Pickguard | Black | Black |
| Rosette | Faux Pearl Single Ring | Faux Pearl Single Ring |
| Scale length | 25-1/2" | 25-1/2" |
| Strap Pin | Chrome | Black |
| Top Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
| Top wood | Torrefied Spruce | Torrefied Spruce |
| Tuners | Taylor Nickel with Nickel Buttons | Taylor Satin Black with Satin Black Buttons |