Hello from Mahomet Illinois

[bergerge]

Hello all,
I remember when I got my 314.  It was unreal sound quality.  I could not put it down.  I have had it for about 8 years.  I only get it out rarely, now.  I play electric mostly now.  I still like it but find it difficult to play.  I think the issue is the strings.  They feel tight.  Also the neck feel big D shape. 

Anyone suggest a string that can still give some tone and not feel so tight.  The size I have is a 10 on the E.  I'm not sure of the brand.  They seem the correct size but feel cold and steel.  I want it to be fun to play again.  Thanks to anyone with similar problems and solutions.
I hope my taylor does not know I am talking about it.
Do they make a softer string.  I use standard tuning and strings.
glen

[gdeleo]

Welcome to the forum Glen.
To answer your question about the strings - you can do a search here as there are many post about that subject.  Also your guitar might need a quick adjustment to it.

[theguitarguru]

Welcome to the forum!!

[MartinD]

Hello and welcome.  You are in the right place to get information about your Taylor.  Which strings to use is a loaded question with plenty of subjective opinions.  For the 314, Taylor will recommend light gauge strings.  I would suggest that you use a coated string because they will last much longer, especially if you don't play as much.  D'Addario Exp, Elixir, or Martin Lifespan and all good quality.  But first and foremost, you need to find a good luthier or authorized Taylor service dealer to set up and check out your 314.  Taylor's website shows this place which is very close to where you live: http://www.taylorguitars.com/dealers?location=mahomet%2C+IL&x=74&y=31
I used to live in Illinois and it is critical to use a humidification device in the winter months.  The guitar can develop cracks if it dries out, and even if it doesn't, it can wreak havoc with everything else.  Get a good set-up and if necessary, whatever else needed to bring the guitar back to playing condition.  It should sound even better after aging than when you first got it! Take care and don't hesitate to get involved here.

[bergerge]

Thank all for the great info.  I am only beginning using this site but to get three hello's is very nice.  I will search out the advice given.  I had a friend with a 314 that split.  Humidity is a big issue here in the cold winters.  Strings are still my issue.  I read adjusting the truss rod may be an issue if changing guages.  I would have never thought that accuracy was needed.  I do know when I changed to lights there was a slight buzz.  We are now hitting the high humidity season.  What a contrast to winter.  The other advice I liked was using a string log.  I try and maintain 4 guitars.  I kept the old strings to know what to get for each.  Now I think I will just use a log book.  Thanks to all. 
glen

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Hi Glen. Welcome to the UTGF.

 10's might be part of the problem. You might want to consider (.012-.053), Taylor's factory set-up. It wouldn't hurt to let a qualified tech take a look at her. She might appreciate an adjustment and reward you with the sound you crave. I'd be concerned about the wood if she's not being humidified properly. That too can be corrected.

 Enjoy the site.