Best Taylor Other Acoustic Guitars 2026
Alright, so you're looking beyond the 114ce and 214e - smart move. Taylor's got a lot of guitars that don't get the spotlight, and some of them are seriously killer. We're talking about instruments that offer different voicings, build approaches, and price points that can seriously up your game, whether you're tracking a solo acoustic record or gigging out with a band. Let's dig in and find something that fits your needs.
Last updated: June 17, 2026 • Next update: June 24, 2026
⚡ The best other acoustic guitars in 2026 are Taylor Custom #7: Horizons (top pick), Taylor PS14ce Figured Urban Ironback for tighter budgets, and Taylor Custom #16: Amber Tide for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $658–$14,298, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Custom #7: Horizons
by
Taylor
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Custom #7 Horizons is a serious instrument – a beautifully crafted Grand Auditorium that’s all about refined tone and feel. The redwood top sings with a vibrant character, beautifully balanced by the rosewood, and the Expression System 2 makes it stage-ready. This is for the discerning player who appreciates premium materials and exceptional build quality.
PROS
- • Redwood top delivers exceptional clarity and shimmering overtones.
- • Indian rosewood back/sides provide rich lows and sustain.
- • V-Class bracing enhances volume and dynamic range significantly.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers remarkably natural amplified tone.
CONS
- • High-end price point puts it out of reach for many players.
- • Rosewood can be prone to cracking in excessively dry climates.
- • Grand Auditorium shape isn't ideal for aggressive percussive playing.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610456
$7,919
#2
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Taylor PS14ce Figured Urban Ironback
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Specialty Applications
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This PS14ce is a real statement piece. The combination of redwood and Urban Ironbark gives it a truly distinctive voice – rich, warm, and surprisingly powerful. It's built for the serious player who appreciates rare tonewoods and a luxurious feel, and wants a plugged-in performance that truly shines.
PROS
- • Urban Ironbark delivers a uniquely warm, complex, and resonant tone.
- • Redwood top provides exceptional clarity and shimmering high-end response.
- • Expression System 2 pickup captures nuanced dynamics with exceptional fidelity.
- • West African ebony fingerboard offers a slick, comfortable playing experience.
CONS
- • The Urban Ironbark construction makes it notably heavier than standard models.
- • The elaborate inlays and premium materials contribute to a premium-priced investment.
- • Redwood top can be susceptible to humidity changes, requiring diligent care.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 620480
$12,649
#3
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Taylor Custom #16: Amber Tide
by
Taylor
Custom Features
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Amber Tide Custom #16 is a real statement piece. The combination of sinker redwood and flamed maple creates a bright, articulate tone with surprising depth—it's fantastic for players who want a guitar that cuts through a mix or shines in a solo setting. This is a high-end instrument aimed at the serious player who appreciates unique materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
PROS
- • Sinker redwood top delivers a uniquely responsive and complex tonal character.
- • Big Leaf flamed maple back and sides offer focused projection and a refined aesthetic.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified tone with nuanced dynamics.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and nut ensure smooth playability and rich sustain.
CONS
- • The limited run of 25 makes acquisition challenging and resale value potentially volatile.
- • The maple construction might lack the warmth preferred by some for softer fingerstyle playing.
- • Premium-priced, placing it outside the reach of many aspiring guitarists.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610477
$8,359
#4
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sapphire
by
Taylor
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This 814ce Sapphire is a gorgeous, high-end instrument. The V-Class bracing really opens up the sound, giving it a powerful presence and exceptional clarity. It's a fantastic choice for the serious player seeking a refined acoustic experience and excellent amplified tone – someone who appreciates craftsmanship and a unique aesthetic.
PROS
- • V-Class bracing delivers exceptional sustain and harmonic complexity.
- • Solid rosewood back/sides provide a rich, mature tonal foundation.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers transparent amplified sound and feedback resistance.
- • Graphite nut and Micarta bridge enhance stability and intonation accuracy.
CONS
- • The Sapphire finish, while beautiful, may be prone to minor cosmetic imperfections.
- • Grand Auditorium body, while versatile, isn't ideal for deeply resonant bass tones.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 622480
$5,499
#5
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor 24ce
by
Taylor
Custom Features
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The 24ce is a seriously well-made guitar – a great all-around performer. The solid top gives it a richer voice than many in its class, and the Fishman pickup system is surprisingly good for amplified gigs. This is perfect for singer-songwriters or players who want a balanced, comfortable instrument with a professional amplified tone.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany top delivers warm, focused tone with excellent clarity.
- • African mahogany back/sides add projection and a balanced sonic character.
- • Fishman Sonitone GT-2 provides a natural amplified sound, surprisingly responsive.
- • Maple neck with Crelicam ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and sustain.
CONS
- • Laminated back and sides limit the potential for long-term sonic evolution.
- • Mahogany's inherent brightness might not suit all playing styles; lacks some versatility.
- • The 'Natural Matt' finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can show fingerprints easily.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 621313
$659
#6
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Academy 10e LTD Koa/Spruce
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Academy 10e LTD is a seriously appealing package for intermediate players looking for a Koa aesthetic without the premium price tag. The solid top and Taylor electronics make it surprisingly versatile, and the build quality is solid for the series. It’s a great choice for singer-songwriters or anyone wanting a balanced acoustic voice with amplified options.
PROS
- • Koa back/sides offer warm overtones and a beautiful aesthetic.
- • Solid torrified spruce top delivers strong projection and responsiveness.
- • Taylor ES-B pickup system provides a usable amplified tone for stage or recording.
- • Academy bracing enhances clarity and volume, typical of higher-end Taylors.
CONS
- • Laminated koa back/sides, while attractive, limit the tonal complexity of all-koa instruments.
- • Smoked eucalyptus fingerboard might feel unfamiliar to players accustomed to ebony or rosewood.
- • The dreadnought body size might be unwieldy for smaller players or travel.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617273
$1,209
#7
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor 214ce Plus Special Edition TG
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Experimental Music
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This 214ce Plus Special Edition is a fantastic all-arounder. The solid top gives it a real voice, and the V-Class bracing makes it surprisingly responsive. It's a great choice for gigging singer-songwriters or players wanting a well-built, amplified instrument with a comfortable feel.
PROS
- • Solid Engelmann spruce top delivers balanced, articulate tone.
- • V-Class bracing enhances sustain and projection significantly.
- • Ebony fingerboard and Tusq saddle offer smooth playability.
- • ES2 Expression System pickup provides exceptional amplified clarity.
CONS
- • Spruce top might be too bright for some players' preferences.
- • Laminated back and sides limit the overall tonal complexity.
- • Trans Grey finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily.
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617270
$1,814
#8
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Custom #31: Harvester
by
Taylor
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Custom #31 Harvester is a serious instrument for the discerning player. The combination of Sinker Redwood and Bocote delivers a powerful, nuanced voice, while the V-Class bracing ensures exceptional playability. It's ideal for experienced players seeking a unique, high-end acoustic with a refined amplified presence.
PROS
- • Sinker redwood top delivers a uniquely responsive, complex, and aged tonal character.
- • Bocote back and sides offer exceptional projection and a warm, focused midrange response.
- • V-Class bracing maximizes sustain and evenness across the entire fretboard.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides a natural amplified tone with excellent dynamic range.
CONS
- • Bocote's figuring can be visually polarizing; aesthetic preference is subjective.
- • The scale length might feel slightly longer for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Being a limited run, resale value is speculative and may not always justify the initial investment.
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610488
$7,919
#9
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor GS Mini-e Special Ed BlueBurst
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Unique Designs
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
The GS Mini-e Special Ed BlueBurst is a fantastic travel guitar or a comfortable couch companion. That torrefied top really gives it a bigger voice than you'd expect from a mini, and the ES-B pickup system is a huge upgrade for amplified performance. It's a great choice for singer-songwriters or anyone needing a portable, quality instrument.
PROS
- • Solid torrefied Sitka top delivers a surprisingly mature, warm tone.
- • Sapele laminated back & sides provide excellent projection and sustain.
- • Taylor ES-B pickup system offers natural amplified sound with impressive clarity.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience and rich tone.
CONS
- • Sapele laminate limits the overall tonal complexity compared to all-solid instruments.
- • Mini size might be a bit cramped for players with larger hands.
- • BlueBurst finish, while beautiful, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620445
$989
#10
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Taylor PS12ce Honduran Rosewood
by
Taylor
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This PS12ce is a serious instrument. The combination of sinker redwood and Honduran rosewood creates a beautifully balanced and mature tone that’s fantastic for fingerstyle players and those who want a refined sound when plugged in. It's a premium-priced guitar built for the discerning player who appreciates detail and craftsmanship.
PROS
- • Sinker redwood top delivers exceptional clarity and surprising dynamic range.
- • Honduran rosewood back/sides provide a rich, complex, and resonant tonal foundation.
- • Taylor Expression System 2 pickup offers exceptionally natural amplified tone with enhanced clarity.
- • V-Class bracing optimizes projection and sustain, creating a remarkably responsive instrument.
CONS
- • The high-gloss finish, while beautiful, might feel a bit thick for some players.
- • Honduran rosewood is a premium material, making this a high-end investment.
- • The 15” fingerboard radius, while comfortable for many, might feel unusual to some.
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 612931
$14,299
#11
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Custom #40: C22e 12-Fret B5040
by
Taylor
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This Custom #40 is a serious statement piece – the koa is stunning, and that 12-fret feel is just sublime. It’s built for players who appreciate nuanced tone, articulate fingerstyle playing, and a refined aesthetic. Ideal for experienced players seeking a truly special instrument.
PROS
- • Hawaiian koa top and back deliver exceptional warmth and complex overtones.
- • 12-fret design enhances resonance and provides a more intimate feel.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers natural amplified tone with excellent clarity.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and nut provide smooth playability and sustain.
CONS
- • Hawaiian koa makes it a premium-priced instrument, limiting accessibility.
- • The shorter scale length might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- • Koa's visual character can vary significantly between individual instruments.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610495
$9,679
#12
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor 224ce Plus Special Edition TR
by
Taylor
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This 224ce Plus Special Edition TR is a real sweet spot in Taylor's lineup. The mahogany top gives it a lovely warmth, while the V-Class bracing adds plenty of volume and clarity. It's a fantastic choice for gigging singer-songwriters or players needing a versatile, stage-ready acoustic with a refined sound.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany top delivers a warm, focused tone with excellent clarity.
- • Sapele laminated back and sides provide a balanced response and sustain.
- • ES2 Expression System pickup offers exceptional amplified tone and nuanced control.
- • Ebony fingerboard and Tusq saddle contribute to smooth playability and bright articulation.
CONS
- • Sapele laminate, while good, doesn't offer the same tonal complexity as all-solid wood.
- • High-gloss finish can feel a little thick for players preferring a more open feel.
- • The Trans Red High-gloss finish might not appeal to those seeking a more understated aesthetic.
⭐
4.3/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617290
$1,759
#13
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Taylor Custom #12: C14ce B5012
by
Taylor
Experimental Music
Creative Expression
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Custom #12 is a seriously refined instrument. The maple back and V-Class bracing create a balanced, responsive sound – it’s incredibly clear and projects beautifully. It's a fantastic choice for gigging musicians or discerning players who demand top-tier quality and a sophisticated aesthetic.
PROS
- • Big Leaf maple back/sides deliver focused, articulate projection and a refined tone.
- • V-Class bracing enhances sustain and harmonic complexity, a signature Taylor innovation.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified tone and feedback resistance.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and nut offer smooth playability and rich, dark tonal qualities.
CONS
- • Solid black finish, while striking, can highlight minor scratches and wear.
- • Grand Auditorium body might be slightly large for players with smaller frames.
- • Premium-priced, placing it beyond the reach of many casual or beginner players.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610473
$5,939
#14
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Custom #36: The Bengal
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Bengal Custom #36 is a serious instrument for the discerning player. The V-Class bracing and unique tonewood combination create a sound that’s both powerful and articulate, perfect for fingerstyle and nuanced strumming. It’s a high-end choice for players seeking a truly exceptional and rare acoustic experience.
PROS
- • Tiger Myrtlewood back/sides deliver a uniquely rich, complex, and resonant tonal character.
- • Bearclaw Sitka spruce top provides exceptional clarity and projection with a balanced response.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers a remarkably natural amplified tone, capturing the guitar's nuances.
- • Neo-tropical mahogany neck provides stability and a smooth, comfortable playing feel for extended sessions.
CONS
- • The limited run of 25 pieces makes acquisition extremely difficult and potentially frustrating.
- • The figured Hawaiian koa binding and capstone inlays add to the premium price point, limiting accessibility.
- • Tiger Myrtlewood, while beautiful, may not be as familiar or universally preferred as more common tonewoods.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610491
$7,259
#15
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Taylor Custom #5: C17e B5005
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Custom Features
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Custom #5 C17e B5005 is a seriously impressive instrument. The Grand Pacific body shape gives it a powerful, focused voice, while the torrefied top adds a beautiful aged warmth. It's ideal for players who need a stage-ready acoustic with exceptional clarity and projection – a real workhorse for performing artists.
PROS
- • Torrefied Sitka top delivers exceptional warmth and projection.
- • Neo-tropical mahogany back/sides offer a balanced, focused tone.
- • Expression System 2 provides natural amplified sound, great for stage.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and binding enhance playability and aesthetics.
CONS
- • Pearl White finish may be polarizing for some players’ tastes.
- • Grand Pacific body shape isn’t ideal for fingerstyle players seeking extreme bass response.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many guitarists.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610455
$6,599
How to Choose the Best Other Acoustic Guitars
1
Bracing Patterns
Taylor's V-Class bracing, introduced a few years back, fundamentally changed their tone. It adds sustain and headroom without sacrificing that signature clarity. Older X-bracing models still have a distinct, often more focused, character, which can be desirable depending on your style.
2
Tonewood Combinations
While mahogany-spruce is classic, Taylor experiments with rosewood, koa, and even ovangkol. Each pairing brings a unique sonic fingerprint - rosewood delivers that lush, complex low-end thump, koa offers a warmer, more mellow midrange, and ovangkol sits somewhere in between with a bit more punch.
3
Neck Profile & Playability
Taylor's neck profiles are generally consistent and comfortable, but subtle variations exist. A slimmer profile will be easier for faster playing, while a chunkier neck can offer more stability and a more substantial feel, especially when playing with a heavier pick.
4
Electronics & Pickup Voicing
If you need to plug in, Taylor's Expression System 2 (ES2) is a significant step up from earlier systems. It's more natural sounding and handles feedback better. However, the voicing can still be a little scooped in the mids - something to consider if you need to cut through a loud band mix.
5
Build Quality & Consistency
Taylor's reputation for consistent build quality is well-earned. Even their less expensive models generally exhibit excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. However, factory-installed setups can sometimes be a little high - be prepared to have it adjusted by a tech if needed.
Buying Guide
Don't get caught up in the hype; think about what you really need. If you're primarily a bedroom player, a used 300-series or 400-series can be a steal. For stage work, prioritize a guitar that's comfortable to hold and has good feedback rejection. And honestly, a professional setup is almost always worth the investment - it'll transform even a decent guitar into a joy to play.
Our Methodology
We don't just look at specs here. We've spent countless hours playing these guitars, A/B'ing them against competitors, and, crucially, putting them through the wringer - live gigs, tracking sessions, and everything in between. It's about real-world performance and how these instruments feel and sound under pressure, not just what the brochure says.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. They're not the cheapest, but you're paying for consistent quality, reliable bracing, and generally excellent playability. Weigh that against alternatives - you might find similar tone elsewhere for less, but the build consistency is a real asset.
The 300 series generally features solid wood back and sides (as opposed to layered wood in the 200 series), resulting in a richer, more resonant tone and better sustain. It's a noticeable upgrade, especially in a recording environment.
Absolutely. Taylor's string changes are straightforward, just like any other acoustic. The neck heel design is comfortable and accessible, making it easy to get in there and get the job done.
They can be, especially the spruce-topped models. However, the V-Class bracing has mellowed that out considerably. Tonewood selection plays a huge role - mahogany or koa tops will be significantly warmer.
Taylor holds its value well, but the used market is a great place to find deals. Just be sure to inspect the neck for any bowing and check the action to ensure it's comfortable for your playing style.
