Two Color Headstock

[Hank T. Tone]

I just received a Taylor 314ce, which I purchased, sight unseen,  at a discount from a guitar store on the other side of the country. It neither sounds nor feels like any Taylor I have ever played. And the headstock is part black, part woodgrain dark brown. I've never seen a Taylor headstock like that before.

The neck feels like what I've sampled on much cheaper guitars, slick-polished and chunky.

It's impossible to evaluate the sound because the strings are dead as dirt.

To top it all off, the guitar does not have the same serial number as the one I purchased and verified with Taylor Guitars before making payment to the dealer.

I would like your feedback and advice on what to do. The serial number indicates the guitar was manufactured in June of this year (2019).

I own a couple of Taylors, one a 2005 model, the other a 2010 model. On both, the neck is fairly sleek and comfortable to hold. Neither feels like the neck on the 314ce I just bought. Has Taylor changed the neck profiles on its newer models?

Sorry, I don't have the guitar with me right now, and have no photo.

Thank you for your input.

[Hank T. Tone]

I just received a Taylor 314ce, which I purchased, sight unseen,  at a discount from a guitar store on the other side of the country. It neither sounds nor feels like any Taylor I have ever played. And the headstock is part black, part woodgrain dark brown. I've never seen a Taylor headstock like that before.

The neck feels like what I've sampled on much cheaper guitars, slick-polished and chunky.

It's impossible to evaluate the sound because the strings are dead as dirt.

To top it all off, the guitar does not have the same serial number as the one I purchased and verified with Taylor Guitars before making payment to the dealer.

I would like your feedback and advice on what to do. The serial number indicates the guitar is a Taylor and was manufactured in June of this year (2019).

I own a couple of Taylors, one a 2005 model, the other a 2010 model. On both, the neck is fairly sleek and comfortable to hold. Neither feels like the neck on the 314ce I just bought. Has Taylor changed the neck profiles on its newer models?

Sorry, I don't have the guitar with me right now, and have no photo.

Thank you for your input.

[Lamtaylor999]

I have seen it on very rare occasions as they usually save the Smokey ebony for their 800 series. If the serial number does not match then I would definitely ask that they accept a full refund and pay for shipping. As it was not described as advertised because the serial number itself was different than the one given.

[Earl]

Hank, if it is a 2019 model it would be V-braced, not X-braced.  Pretty easy to spot that looking through the sound hole and they have a different label too, signed by Andy Powers.  Oh wait - you said 314.  Never mind.....  Pictures would really help when you can.

Not to alarm you, but a weird neck profile makes me think of the possibility of a Chaylor - a counterfeit Taylor made in China, depending on how reputable your dealer is.  Either way I would demand a refund, including shipping charges both ways.  There is a new neck profile on the GP builder's edition, but I doubt it has filtered down to the 300's yet.  Maybe on a 317, but not on a 314.

[Broe66]

Here is my Taylor 324ce. Is this what you are talking about coloring wise.

[Hank T. Tone]

Broe66, Yes, that's very similar. Thank you.

[Hank T. Tone]

An UPDATE: I contacted Taylor Guitars and was able to confirm through photos and the serial number that the guitar is in fact a Taylor. Guess I'm paranoid, but at these prices, who can blame me?

Anyhow, thanks for your comments.

[Earl]

Glad it all worked out for you, Hank.  I'm all for Taylor making best use of the ebony (and other) resources but sometimes they need to be a little circumspect when choosing these fret boards or peg head veneers.  Some variability is fine -- we really don't need pure black -- but a distinct line like that will not appeal to everyone.  JMO.

All that really matters is that you are happy with the sound and playability of your new guitar.  Visuals come in third, but are important too.

[Strumming Fool]

Taylors have always been prized for their easy-to-play necks. From your description of this neck, I would call that unacceptable by Taylor standards, and return the guitar for a full refund or exchange.

[Capedbaldy]

To top it all off, the guitar does not have the same serial number as the one I purchased and verified with Taylor Guitars before making payment to the dealer.

I’m glad that you received a genuine Taylor, but since you seem unhappy with the guitar, I think this issue (above) would justify a full refund or at least an exchange for the guitar with the serial number that you actually purchased (although I’d be hesitant to do business with this dealer again).

[Shutterbug]

While I personally don't have a problem with the headstock, the fact of the matter is that you did not get the guitar you paid for. Just as you don't care for it, it's likely that none of the dealer's in-store customers did, either. They probably figured they had someone they could ship it to who, because of the hassle involved, might not ship it back.

This is just unacceptable.

I would insist on exchanging it for the guitar you actually believed you were buying, or I would demand a refund. If they refuse, dispute the charge. You're on solid ground as this, to me, is a clear "bait & switch".

Also, I'm always in favor of always naming dealers who give exemplary service. I'm an equally big fan of calling out the bad ones. In case there's a forum rule prohibiting it, I would name the dealer as to possibly save others the heartache you've had to deal with...

[Supaflavenoid]

Taylor has been using more of the striped ebony on all models now, so we'll start seeing more variations in the pegheads as time goes by.