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: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best other acoustic guitars in 2026 are Taylor 814ce Special Edition Charcoal (top pick), Taylor Custom #40: C22e 12-Fret B5040 for tighter budgets, and Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sapphire for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $4,288–$14,298, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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Taylor 814ce Special Edition Charcoal
by
Taylor
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This 814ce Special Edition Charcoal is a serious instrument—the V-Class bracing really opens up the sound and makes it incredibly responsive. The Charcoal Burst finish is undeniably gorgeous, and the Expression System 2 pickup handles stage volume beautifully. It's ideal for the discerning player seeking a premium-voiced, versatile, and beautifully crafted guitar for both fingerstyle and strumming.
PROS
- • V-Class bracing delivers exceptional projection and sustain.
- • Solid rosewood back/sides provide rich, complex overtones.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers natural amplified tone and clarity.
- • Graphite nut and Micarta bridge enhance stability and intonation.
CONS
- • The Charcoal Burst finish, while striking, may not appeal to all tastes.
- • Grand Auditorium body can feel slightly large for players with smaller frames.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
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4.5/5
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Art. 622477
$5,829
#2
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4.5/5
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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.
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Art. 610495
$9,679
#3
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4.5/5
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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.
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4.5/5
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Art. 622480
$5,499
#4
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4.4/5
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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.
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4.4/5
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Art. 620480
$12,649
#5
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Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sedona
by
Taylor
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This 814ce Sedona is a real treat – the V-Class bracing makes it sing with incredible sustain, and that rosewood back really warms things up. The Expression System 2 pickup is a huge step up in amplified tone, sounding surprisingly acoustic. It’s perfect for discerning players who want a refined, versatile instrument for fingerstyle or lighter strumming – a serious upgrade from a standard 814.
PROS
- • Exceptional rosewood back/sides deliver rich, complex overtones.
- • V-Class bracing provides unprecedented sustain and volume.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers remarkably natural amplified tone.
- • Ebony fingerboard enhances playability with smooth, articulate feel.
CONS
- • Sedona Burst finish might not appeal to players preferring understated aesthetics.
- • Grand Auditorium body, while versatile, isn’t ideal for aggressive percussive playing.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players.
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4.4/5
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Art. 622482
$5,499
#6
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4.4/5
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Taylor Custom #11: Whiskey Sunrise
by
Taylor
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This Custom #11 is a real statement piece. The Urban Ash gives it a distinctive voice—bright, focused, and with a surprising warmth. It's ideal for discerning players who want a high-end instrument with a unique aesthetic and incredible responsiveness, particularly suited for fingerstyle and contemporary genres.
PROS
- • Urban ash top and back deliver a uniquely balanced, articulate tone.
- • V-Class bracing enhances sustain and projection, a noticeable improvement.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified sound.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, refined playing experience.
CONS
- • Urban ash, while beautiful, might not appeal to players seeking a traditional tonewood.
- • The premium-priced nature limits accessibility for many players.
- • Grand Auditorium body may be slightly large for smaller players or travel.
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4.4/5
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Art. 610471
$6,599
#7
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4.3/5
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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.
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4.3/5
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Art. 612931
$14,299
#8
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Taylor Custom #39: Madera Regal
by
Taylor
Unique Designs
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
This Madera Regal is a serious statement piece. The Katalox delivers a rich, complex voice with a powerful low-end, while the torrefied top provides immediate responsiveness. It's perfect for the discerning player who demands exceptional tone and build quality, especially those performing fingerstyle or seeking a refined, articulate sound for recording.
PROS
- • Katalox back/sides deliver a focused, complex tone with incredible sustain.
- • Torrefied Sitka top offers aged warmth and responsiveness right out of the box.
- • Expression System 2 provides exceptionally natural amplified tone, remarkably balanced.
- • Hawaiian Koa inlays and rosette add stunning visual flair and premium craftsmanship.
CONS
- • Katalox's density might make the guitar feel slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- • The limited run of 20 pieces makes acquisition challenging and potentially frustrating.
- • The bright, focused tone, while beautiful, may not suit all playing styles or genres.
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4.3/5
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Art. 610493
$6,599
#9
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Taylor Custom #10: The Monument
by
Taylor
Unique Designs
Specialty Applications
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This Custom #10 Monument is a serious instrument – the combination of sinker cypress and black limba gives it a uniquely mature voice. The 12-fret design and comfortable neck make it a joy to play, and the LR Baggs pickup means it's ready for the stage. It’s ideal for discerning players seeking a refined, expressive acoustic with a boutique vibe.
PROS
- • Sinker cypress top delivers a uniquely responsive, complex, and aged tonal character.
- • Black Limba back and sides contribute warmth and sustain, balancing the cypress' brightness.
- • 12-fret design enhances resonance and provides exceptional playability with a shorter scale.
- • L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup system offers a clean, amplified tone suitable for stage performance.
CONS
- • Sinker cypress can exhibit unpredictable grain patterns, potentially impacting long-term stability.
- • The limited production run (20 pieces) makes acquisition difficult and resale value speculative.
- • The 12-fret design, while comfortable, may feel unusual for players accustomed to 14-fret guitars.
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4.3/5
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Art. 610466
$8,579
#10
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4.3/5
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Taylor Custom #34: Hot Rod 3.0
by
Taylor
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Custom #34 is a serious instrument – the Hot Rod 3.0 treatment elevates the Grand Auditorium's clarity and responsiveness. The flamed maple gives it a crisp, modern voice that’s fantastic for fingerstyle players and those seeking a refined, articulate amplified sound. It's a premium-priced guitar geared towards discerning players who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship and a uniquely striking aesthetic.
PROS
- • Big Leaf maple back/sides deliver focused, articulate projection and shimmering overtones.
- • V-Class bracing unlocks incredible sustain and responsiveness across the entire fretboard.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified tone with nuanced dynamics.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and nut offer luxurious feel and superior note clarity.
CONS
- • The flamed maple can make the guitar feel somewhat less 'warm' than a mahogany model.
- • Limited run of 100 pieces makes acquisition challenging and resale value speculative.
- • The matte black finish, while visually striking, may show fingerprints more readily.
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4.3/5
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1/10
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7/10
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Art. 610490
$6,599
#11
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4.3/5
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Taylor Custom #26: C14ce B5026
by
Taylor
Experimental Music
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
This Custom #26 is a real statement piece. The maple back and V-Class bracing give it a powerful, articulate voice that really cuts through, while the Expression System 2 keeps things sounding natural when plugged in. It’s perfect for the discerning player who wants a premium instrument for stage and studio – someone who appreciates craftsmanship and a truly exceptional tone.
PROS
- • Big Leaf Quilted Maple back/sides deliver stunning aesthetics and focused tone.
- • V-Class bracing enhances projection and sustain significantly beyond standard Taylors.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified tone and feedback resistance.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard and binding offer a luxurious feel and exceptional note definition.
CONS
- • The Cranberry Color Shift finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints.
- • The Grand Auditorium body may be slightly large for smaller players or those preferring a more intimate feel.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many guitarists.
⭐
4.3/5
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2/10
Art. 610486
$6,599
#12
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4.3/5
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Taylor Custom #20: C18ce B5020
by
Taylor
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This Custom #20 is a serious instrument—a beautifully crafted Grand Orchestra with stunning Bocote figuring. The V-Class bracing really opens up the sound, giving it a powerful projection and clarity, while the Expression System 2 ensures a faithful amplified tone. It’s a premium-priced guitar geared towards the discerning player who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship and a refined voice.
PROS
- • Bocote back/sides deliver rich, complex overtones and striking aesthetics.
- • V-Class bracing provides exceptional sustain and balanced tonal response.
- • Expression System 2 pickup offers a remarkably natural amplified sound.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, articulate playing experience.
CONS
- • The Bocote wood can be prone to hairline cracking with humidity fluctuations.
- • The weight, typical of guitars with dense woods, might be fatiguing for some players.
- • Limited production run makes it difficult to acquire and potentially less resale value.
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4.3/5
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Art. 610481
$8,359
#13
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4.3/5
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Taylor Custom #18: C14ce B5018
by
Taylor
Creative Expression
Custom Features
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Custom #18 is a beautifully crafted instrument, offering a uniquely focused and articulate tone thanks to the Lutz Spruce and Big Leaf Maple combination. The V-Class bracing really opens up the sound, and the Expression System 2 makes it stage-ready. It’s perfect for discerning players who want a refined, professional-grade acoustic with a distinctive voice – someone who appreciates detail and wants a guitar that truly stands out.
PROS
- • Big Leaf maple back/sides deliver stunning clarity and focused overtones.
- • Lutz spruce top provides a responsive, articulate voice with surprising warmth.
- • Expression System 2 pickup ensures natural amplified tone and excellent feedback rejection.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard offers exceptional feel and note definition for effortless playing.
CONS
- • Desert Dawn finish, while beautiful, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • Hard Rock maple neck can feel a bit stiffer compared to mahogany for some players.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many acoustic guitarists.
⭐
4.3/5
AudioFu Score
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Art. 610478
$5,719
#14
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4.3/5
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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.
⭐
4.3/5
AudioFu Score
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Art. 610473
$5,939
#15
⭐
4.3/5
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Taylor Builders Edition 514ce KB
by
Taylor
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This Builders Edition 514ce KB is a seriously refined instrument. The urban ash gives it a unique voice – articulate and warm – that sits beautifully in a mix. It’s a fantastic choice for gigging musicians or discerning players who appreciate a blend of modern innovation and classic Taylor quality.
PROS
- • Urban ash back/sides deliver a uniquely balanced, articulate tone with surprising warmth.
- • V-Class bracing significantly enhances sustain and projection, exceeding standard Taylor designs.
- • Expression System 2 pickup provides exceptionally natural amplified sound, capturing nuances well.
- • Crelicam ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing experience and striking aesthetics.
CONS
- • Kona Burst gloss finish, while beautiful, may be a fingerprint magnet for some users.
- • The urban ash can be slightly less resonant than traditional rosewood for certain playing styles.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment compared to entry-level acoustic guitars.
⭐
4.3/5
AudioFu Score
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1/10
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6/10
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2/10
Art. 614714
$4,289
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.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page ranks 15 other acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category.
Position is computed, not curated. Four signals, in order of weight: how completely the manufacturer documents the instrument (number of published specifications), where it sits in the price range, how specific the model designation is — which filters out generic accessories — and whether a product image exists. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
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.
