Well, I had just completed a detailed review of this guitar and zZounds' interface deleted the entire review when I submitted it. So, this will be a very abbreviated, scaled down, truncated version of that failed review. Excellent guitar considering the price.

Sound
Excellent sound, truly lives up to Taylors' claim of "...layered rosewood...models (honing) in on...(a) great guitar-playing experience to give you clear, balanced tone and great intonation." No sense in modifying what Taylor has already said since I've discovered the same, exact things for myself!

Features
The "layered rosewood" surprised all fellow guitarists when I told them what was used for the back and sides (probably even more surprised that I would invest in anything other than an all-solid wood guitar, considering that I've been deemed a "purist!"). Many who were unfamiliar with Taylor's less expensive models, were still skeptical that this 214 use layered rosewood, which, btw, still makes the 214 an all wood guitar.

Ease of Use
Everyone has been very surprised or amazed at the "...well-defined midrange (producing) clear and balanced tone...responsive enough for fingerstyle players and powerful enough for pickers and strummers to get a lively response." These 214s leave Taylor without requiring any modification to the action (other than possibly replacing the strings, depending on player preference; I stayed with… read more the Elixir Phosphor Bronze Light that come with this guitar). Playability is, again, amazingly good.

Quality
While I've only had this guitar for a 3 months shy of 2 years, I'm highly confident that the 214 will last for many years in the future (15, 20 years or more? ... with proper care and storage, when not in use, to protect it from the extreme weather changes). The craftsmanship, workmanship, quality of the materials as well as the finish on this guitar are all excellent. With respect to build-quality and finish, it really is a beautiful guitar, especially taking into consideration the price range. Once more, I have owned this guitar for almost 2 years and the quality is as good as when it left the Taylor factory while the sound has also improved, similar to my all solid-wood Taylors (810, 410).

Value
While I was initially highly skeptical prior to this purchase (I'm considered a "purist" when it comes to all-solid wood guitars, vs. even the high-quality layered wood Taylor uses!), I have recommended this guitar to even the most discriminating, critical guitarists. It really is worth the average $800 selling price, and even more in my opinion, having witnessed the all-solid-wood-like construction and quality.

Manufacturer Support
Taylor has been outstanding at responding to product inquiries, overall support, etc. I.e. very helpful.

The Wow Factor
Not only was I amazed at the overall quality (workmanship, sound, etc) of the Taylor 214, but so were all those who've scrutinized every detail of this guitar up close, including the most experienced guitarists. Many who are unfamiliar with these less expensive Taylors (Tecate, MX manufacture) found it difficult to believe that these are manufactured the Taylor Tecate, Mexico plant (46 miles "down-the-road" from Taylor's El Cajon, CA main plant -- for closer, greater and constant quality assurance). The highly respected luthier in this area who I go to even commented how this was a great purchase and excellent guitar even for a guitarist with my experience.

Musical Background:
30+ years experience, all acoustic

Musical Style:
Rock (mostly rock ballads), country and related genres. read less