Tonal differences between 414 Rs and 414 Ovangkols

[Taylorholic]

Hey everyone, I'm considering adding another Taylor to the collection and would like to get thoughts on the differences, if any in the tone between the 414 Rosewood and Ovangkol bodies.  There is a fairly decent deal on an Ovankol version near me.  Plus I don't want to just duplicate something tonally that I already have.  I'm also considering the 300 series.

[nhbiker1961]

So subtle that most cannot tell the difference. I own the 414ce-R

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlt9Ur1yj8&t=82s

[Taylorholic]

So subtle that most cannot tell the difference. I own the 414ce-R

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlt9Ur1yj8&t=82s

I've seen that video but thanks for your input.  I too have a 414CE-R which is why I'm curious.  Unfortunately I don't think any recording can really demonstrate how a guitar sounds.  Even on Taylor's own site where you can compare every model back to back by the same player playing the exact same music, in to the exact same mic, I hear more of a difference between how the player is holding the guitar in relationship to the mic than from model to model.  Just out of curiosity I put the 814 next to the 314 this way and I'd never buy an 814 over a 314 based on what I heard, though I'm positive my experience would be different if I was holding and playing the guitars myself.  My problem is I don't live near any shops that carry anything above the 200 series.  It seems that shops are becoming less and less willing to invest in higher end inventory.  Can't say I blame them with the stratospheric pricing the big three are placing on their instruments these days.

[Strumming Fool]

Considering that your 414 and 514 both use different rosewood species for the back and sides, the ovangkol may not be different enough to your ear. I would strongly recommend the 324 (mahogany top/ blackwood back and sides) as a nice departure from what you already have. Have fun!

[nhbiker1961]

I guess for me I have always favored that dark rosewood. I played both the ovangkol and the Rosewood and really didn't see much of a difference in the little music store I bought it from. I do have to say as far as playing live, I think my 314 that I traded sounded better to my ears than the 414.

[timfitz63]

East Indian Rosewood (EIR) and Ovangkol are tonewood 'cousins' -- in a similar fashion to the similarity between Mahogany and Sapele.  There are minor sonic differences, most apparent in Ovangkol by more 'warmth' and the absence of the midrange 'scoop' displayed by EIR; but otherwise they sound quite similar.  I tend to agree with "Strumming Fool:"  that a 300-series guitar (either the Spruce/Sapele 314 or the Mahogany/Blackwood 324) would provide you with something more sonically distinctive from the 414ce-R you already have.

[xriddler]

If a 514 is in your budget I'd take a look at that too along side the 324. 514 is a cedar/mahogany and it's a very sweet tone sounding guitar. Are you a finger style player or Strummer?

[Taylorholic]

If a 514 is in your budget I'd take a look at that too along side the 324. 514 is a cedar/mahogany and it's a very sweet tone sounding guitar. Are you a finger style player or Strummer?

I play mainly finger style but I am venturing in to some flat picking.  The only reason I was even considering the 414 is because there is a guy in the area selling one that's only a year old and hardly played for xx.00.  I'm considering a 310 to give me another body style and wood combo along with a shorter scale length.  I've considered a 312 but I don't think it would be a good strummer.  I'm really not a fan of all hog guitars.



$, per forum rules

[xriddler]

It's really how well the guitar fits your play style and body type. I have a grand concert and a dreadnought and I find that it is super uncomfortable for me to play the dreead sitting down as I am of small stature at 5'6 so my arm falls asleep with much discomfort. If you wanted a different body style have you considered the grand symphony or grand orchestra models?

[Taylorholic]

It's really how well the guitar fits your play style and body type. I have a grand concert and a dreadnought and I find that it is super uncomfortable for me to play the dreead sitting down as I am of small stature at 5'6 so my arm falls asleep with much discomfort. If you wanted a different body style have you considered the grand symphony or grand orchestra models?

Yes I have considered those guitars.  It's the short scale length of the 310 that appeals to me.  As far as comfort goes I hold my guitar in more of a classical fashion, between my legs with the waist resting on my left leg instead of my right, so the lower bout sits lower with any guitar I play.  I think my body mechanics is really weird compared to most.  I have no idea how any of you play guitar in the western posture.  I think it's due to my short arms and stiff joints.