Taylor Guitars are renowned for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and playability. For many guitar players, owning a Taylor is a dream. However, the brand is often perceived as being in a higher price bracket. The good news is that you can absolutely find a fantastic Taylor Guitar Budget option without sacrificing the signature Taylor experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Taylor guitars that offer incredible value for your money. We’ve drawn on our hands-on experience to recommend models across different price points, ensuring you can find the perfect taylor guitar budget fit for your needs and playing style. If you’ve decided on a Taylor, this article will help you navigate their range and discover the most budget-friendly gems.
Read more: Best acoustic guitars overall
Taylor Guitar Budget Champions: Comparison
| Guitar Model | Highlight | Our Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor 114e or ce | Unbeatable Value & Bright Tone | Browse on Sweetwater | |
| Taylor 814ce | Premium Quality for Professionals | Browse on Sweetwater | |
| Taylor 224ce Koa | Exotic Koa Wood & Rich Sound | Browse on Sweetwater | |
| Taylor GS Mini (multiple versions) | Versatile & Portable, Great for All Levels | Browse on Sweetwater | |
| Taylor BT2 | Compact Size, Ideal for Beginners & Travel | Browse on Sweetwater |
4. Taylor 224ce (multiple versions)
How We Selected the Best Taylor Guitar Budget Options
Our recommendations are rooted in firsthand experience. We prioritize guitars we’ve personally played or have in-depth knowledge of. This approach allows us to offer practical advice based on real-world use, rather than just listing specifications. While this means our selection is focused, it ensures our recommendations for a taylor guitar budget are reliable and valuable.
Further Reading
From the Taylor acoustics we’ve tested, the following models stood out for their exceptional quality relative to their price. We consider these to be the top taylor guitar budget choices available.
Our selection process also incorporates consumer feedback (analyzing customer reviews), market trends, established quality benchmarks, and crucial acoustic guitar features.
We recommend Taylor acoustic guitars we’ve actually played and assessed for their value. ~ Bobby
Key Features We Consider for a Taylor Guitar Budget
Even when focusing on taylor guitar budget options, we maintain a keen eye on essential features. Our criteria include, but aren’t limited to:
- Top Tonewood: Solid tops are highly preferred for superior sound quality.
- Electronics and Pickup System: For amplified performance and recording.
- Bracing Construction: X-bracing and relief routes impact tone and resonance.
- Back and Sides Tonewood Quality: Contributing to the overall tonal character.
Learn More
A solid top tonewood and integrated electronics are desirable features in an acoustic guitar, and thankfully, many taylor guitar budget models offer these. Beyond specifications, the feel and playability are paramount. Acoustic guitars especially benefit from firsthand evaluation to truly appreciate their natural sound.
We aim to provide insights drawn from our direct experience, moving beyond mere feature lists to help you find the best taylor guitar budget option.
1. Taylor GS Mini: Exceptional Sound in a Smaller Package
BEST FOR: Versatility across playing styles, particularly fingerpicking and melodic approaches. An excellent taylor guitar budget option for diverse needs.
TONE: 87
PREAMP/FEATURES: 85
BUILD QUALITY: 85
VALUE: 90
PROS
- Wide range of tonewood options available.
- Balanced tone profile, combining brightness and warmth.
- Ideal for fingerstyle and melodic playing.
- Solid wood top at an attractive price point for a Taylor.
- Many versions include a built-in pickup/preamp system.
CONS
- No significant drawbacks for its price range.
The Taylor GS Mini offers a surprising amount of sound and quality in a smaller, more comfortable body size. It’s available in various tonewood combinations, including:
- Rosewood
- Mahogany
- Koa
Across these versions, you consistently get a solid top, and many include Taylor’s ES-B pickup system. Its smaller dimensions make it incredibly comfortable to hold and play, and with a street price often around $700, it represents outstanding taylor guitar budget value.
Taylor GS Mini Koa version. Image courtesy of Jase Wong via Flickr Commons.
Ideal Player Profile
The GS Mini is remarkably versatile. We recommend it for virtually any acoustic guitar scenario, from recording and performing to casual home playing. It’s a rare model that suits both beginners and experienced players alike. Players who favor fingerpicking and melodic styles will particularly appreciate its bright and responsive tone, making it a top taylor guitar budget choice.
Full Review: Taylor GS Mini Review
2. Taylor BT2: The Baby Taylor for Budget-Conscious Players
BEST FOR: Players prioritizing a small body, travel-friendly guitar and beginners seeking a lasting, quality instrument. A fantastic entry point into the taylor guitar budget range.
TONE: 85
PREAMP/FEATURES: 74
BUILD QUALITY: 82
VALUE: 85
PROS
- Some models feature a solid Mahogany top.
- Options available with or without the Taylor ES-B pickup system.
- Excellent for kids, beginners, and travel.
- Perfect for comfortable practice and couch playing.
CONS
- Some versions utilize a laminate top, which is less resonant than solid wood.
The BT2, or Baby Taylor, is among the most accessible taylor guitar budget options. While some models may use a laminate top (specifically some Mahogany versions), it still delivers a pleasing sound, surprisingly warm for its size. Smaller than the GS Mini, it firmly sits in the beginner acoustic guitar category, yet it retains appeal for more experienced players needing a compact instrument.
Who is it Best Suited For?
We recommend the BT2 to beginners and intermediate players seeking a smaller-bodied guitar or one that’s exceptionally easy to transport. It’s a great taylor guitar budget choice for those starting their guitar journey or needing a travel companion.
Full Review (Medium): Taylor BT2 Review
3. Taylor 114e or ce: The Sweet Spot of Taylor Guitar Budget and Performance
BEST FOR: Lead guitar styles, players who prefer a brighter tone, and intermediate to advanced musicians. An outstanding taylor guitar budget option for versatile players.
TONE: 95
PREAMP/FEATURES: 87
BUILD QUALITY: 94
VALUE: 95
PROS
- Solid Spruce top for excellent resonance and clarity.
- Fantastic value within the mid-range Taylor acoustic lineup.
- Excels in melodic playing styles.
- Bright tone particularly shines in higher registers.
- Taylor Expression System pickup effectively captures the guitar’s natural sound when amplified.
CONS
- Preamp controls lack visual markers, which some users might find less intuitive.
The 114e and 114ce are incredibly popular mid-range Taylor acoustics, typically priced around $800. They are among the best taylor guitar budget options that still deliver professional-level performance. They offer a brighter tonal character compared to brands like Martin, which tend to be warmer.
READ More
The 114e and ce models accentuate picking dynamics and articulation, resulting in a bright tone that’s well-suited for fingerpicking and melodic playing. We highly recommend the 114e and ce for any style emphasizing melody and lead acoustic work. However, they are also highly capable strummers, making them versatile taylor guitar budget all-rounders.
Full Review: Taylor 114ce Review
4. Taylor 224ce (Multiple Versions): Stepping Up in Quality Without Breaking the Bank
BEST FOR: Recording, gigging, lead acoustic work, and advanced playing techniques. A higher-end taylor guitar budget option for serious players.
TONE: 90
PREAMP/FEATURES: 85
BUILD QUALITY: 90
VALUE: 91
PROS
- Solid Koa tonewood construction produces a rich and complex sound.
- ES-2 electronic system for high-quality amplified tone.
- Smooth and warm playing feel.
- Concert body shape with a cutaway offers excellent playability and aesthetics.
CONS
- Price point starts to become considerably higher than the entry-level models.
The Taylor 224ce marks a step into Taylor’s higher quality tiers. Constructed entirely from Koa, including a solid top, and equipped with ES-2 electronics, it offers premium features while remaining somewhat accessible. Retailing around $1600, it’s a significant investment, but it provides the quality and feel of high-end Taylors that can easily exceed $3000. Like the 114, it features a concert body with a cutaway, contributing to a slightly brighter tone, balanced by the Koa’s inherent warmth. This sits at the upper end of the taylor guitar budget spectrum, offering a taste of luxury.
READ More
While not a beginner guitar, the 224ce is ideal for performers and those seeking a top-tier recording acoustic. Its clarity and strong midrange make it excellent for melodic playing and lead acoustic styles, similar to the 114. Even at its higher price, the 224ce represents a strong value proposition for its quality and features, making it a worthwhile consideration within a more generous taylor guitar budget.
5. Taylor 814ce: Professional-Grade Taylor Guitar (Budget Consideration: Investment for Pros)
BEST FOR: Professional performances, gigging musicians, and studio recording environments. While not strictly a taylor guitar budget option, it’s a professional investment.
TONE: 97
PREAMP/FEATURES: 90
BUILD QUALITY: 98
VALUE: 85
PROS
- Spruce X-bracing with relief route for enhanced resonance and stability.
- Solid Spruce top and solid back and sides for superior tone.
- Taylor Expression System for exceptional amplified sound.
- High-end appointments and refined aesthetics.
CONS
- Significantly more expensive than other models, placing it outside of typical taylor guitar budget considerations.
The 814ce boasts a feature-rich design, starting with its solid spruce top and specialized bracing. However, its true appeal lies in its exceptional sound and playing experience. The 800 series Taylors represent truly world-class instruments, reflecting their price point of around $3500. While not a taylor guitar budget pick in the traditional sense, for professionals, it’s a worthwhile investment.
READ More
The tone is vibrant and articulate, with added clarity and presence compared to more affordable Taylors. This demo from Musician’s Friend provides a good sense of its tonal character:
Musician’s Friend Taylor 814ce Demo
The 814ce offers an incredibly smooth and effortless playing feel, often described as “gliding” in your hands. While we had limited time with this model, it’s clearly a top choice for professional performance and recording situations, provided the budget allows. For those with a larger taylor guitar budget, the 814ce is a dream instrument.
Best Taylor Guitar Budget Choices for Specific Needs:
Best for Small Hands: The Taylor BT2, due to its smaller body and narrower nut width, is the most comfortable taylor guitar budget option for players with smaller hands.
Best for Fingerstyle: The GS Mini or 114ce are excellent taylor guitar budget choices for fingerstyle, offering bright, responsive tones ideal for melodic playing.
Best for Beginners: The Taylor BT2 is our top taylor guitar budget recommendation for beginners, offering playability and lasting quality. The GS Mini is a slightly higher-quality alternative within a beginner’s taylor guitar budget.
Best for Strumming: The Taylor 224ce, with its Koa body and warmer tone, is well-suited for strumming styles, representing a good balance within a moderate taylor guitar budget.
Best Under $2000? The Taylor 224ce is the best option if your taylor guitar budget is under $2000, delivering high-end features around the $1600 mark.
Best Under $1000? For a taylor guitar budget of under $1000, the Taylor 114ce or GS Mini are excellent choices, both in the $700-$800 range.
Understanding Taylor Guitar Budget and Value
Taylor’s mid-range acoustics generally offer exceptional value for money. While their high-end models are undeniably expensive, impacting their value score, even within a taylor guitar budget, you can find incredible options. If you’ve decided on Taylor, you can set a budget and still have a range of choices.
Here are some taylor guitar budget guidelines:
- Expect to invest at least $300 even for entry-level models.
- The $600-$900 range offers the strongest value proposition.
- Consider the higher-tier 200-800 series only if you are serious about performance or professional use, and have a larger taylor guitar budget.
Setting your taylor guitar budget will help narrow down the available Taylor acoustic guitars. Despite Taylor’s “expensive” reputation, many high-value acoustics are available under $1000, particularly in the $600-$900 range, representing the sweet spot for a taylor guitar budget.
Taylor vs. Martin: Budget and Tone Considerations
Choosing between Taylor and Martin often comes down to tonal preference and taylor guitar budget considerations.
Martin acoustics are typically warmer and fuller-bodied, with a focus on dreadnought shapes that produce a bass-heavy EQ response.
Taylor guitars, in contrast, are generally brighter and more melodic, as highlighted in our recommendations.
The choice isn’t about which brand is “better,” but which aligns with your tonal goals and taylor guitar budget:
- Martins: Warmer tone, more bass presence.
- Taylors: Brighter tone, more treble emphasis.
These are broad generalizations, and tonal variations exist within both brands. However, these trends are helpful for guiding your taylor guitar budget decisions and brand selection.
Choose based on your preferred sound and playing style, considering your taylor guitar budget and the value each brand offers within that range.
Taylor Guitars: Company Origin
Taylor Guitars was founded by Robert Taylor and is based in El Cajon, California, since 1974. This heritage of American craftsmanship contributes to the brand’s reputation and value, even within a taylor guitar budget.
Taylor Acoustics for Blues and Strumming?
Are Taylor acoustic guitars good for blues? Yes. Taylor acoustics are well-suited for blues and jazz due to their brighter, lead-focused tonal character. Even within a taylor guitar budget, these qualities shine through.
Are Taylor acoustics good for strumming? Absolutely. Despite their melodic strengths, Taylor acoustics also offer a robust strumming profile, making them versatile across playing styles, regardless of your taylor guitar budget.
Your Questions and Taylor Guitar Budget Choices
Our recommendations are based on our direct experience with these Taylor guitars. While other excellent models exist, our focus is on guitars we’ve personally played and evaluated, providing more informed guidance for your taylor guitar budget decisions.
We believe this hands-on approach is more beneficial. Use our experiences with these top Taylor guitars to inform your own choices.
If you have further questions as you explore your taylor guitar budget options, please leave a comment below.
Explore More Acoustic Guitar Options
Acoustic Guitars with Tuners: Top Picks
Acoustic Guitars with Tuners (23 top picks)
Written by Guitar Chalk on Acoustics & Roundups
Acoustic Guitars with Wide Necks: Our Recommendations
Acoustic Guitars with Wide Necks (14 picks – width at nut)
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Roundups
