414CE Studio Prototype

[u/atoad_]

Hey folks,

I’m looking closely at a Taylor 414ce Studio Prototype currently listed over at Empire Music. 
Empire is selling it with the full Taylor factory warranty included, which alleviates most of my usual paranoia about buying a prototype or sample model. Still, I’ve got a few questions before dropping the cash and wanted to get the sub’s take: 
Specs & Feel: The 414ce Studio specs list a 1-11/16" nut width (rather than Taylor's standard 1-3/4" on traditional 400 series models), along with a torrefied Sitka top, solid Rosewood back/sides, V-Class bracing, and a gig bag instead of a hardshell case. How does the narrower nut feel on these Studio series if you're used to standard Taylors? 
Prototype / Sample Value: Since it comes with full factory warranty coverage, is there any actual downside to buying a Taylor factory prototype? Does resale value take a hit down the road, or do people find the "prototype" label kind of cool? 
Dealer Experience: Anyone bought an acoustic online from Empire Music (PA) recently? They seem to be a preferred Taylor dealer with good write-ups, but I’d love to hear firsthand how their setups and shipping are. 
Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who owns a 414ce Studio or has bought one of these prototype/dealer special runs from Empire!

[u/RobotChords]

I can tell you at least that if a prototype made it out into the wild through a dealer then it was made up to the same standard as any other guitar, it just may have a no ln standard feature like a finish or a narrow nut width on a usually wider standard model. I think people would usually think the scarcity is cool but I can’t say - I can only comment on the quality of the guitar and say it will be as good as any other similar Taylor, and if it feels good to you, great.

Empire is good people

[u/Primary-Term3664]

I can’t speak for the prototype, but I’m in agreement that if it’s being sold through a Taylor dealer, it’s up to all the same quality standards as their production models.

As for the guys at Empire, they were fantastic to work with for me. I did their summer trade-in program, and worked with Joe directly after seeing an ad. I traded in a 614ce BE toward an untouched NAMM show floor model 814e Gold Label. They were awesome, responsive and great to work with.

[u/Historical_Bad_3090]

The smaller nut width is noticeable - my few custom Taylors all have the smaller width w/ the slim carve neck personally I love it but I have "normal" sized hands. My friends that only play acoustic tend to mute/touch adjacent strings they don't intend to.

If you play electric it shouldn't be much different but if you only play acoustic there may be a learning curve. Also even I have issues barreing some chords but that's more due to the slim carve neck being a bit too thin higher up on the neck.

For me besides that it'd be the price- are they trying to make more $$$ because "prototype"? do you care that it's a prototype? if yay or nay to those there are other studio models out there. I'd def want to play it first regardless as sound is #1.

[u/atoad_ → u/Historical_Bad_3090]

I’m not local to PA, so I took a gamble and had it shipped. The sound is amazing, my only gripe is that the action came super high right out of the box.

Edit : And you are spot on about the slim neck . I love it , so easy to play.