If you’re a fan of Taylor Guitars, you’ve probably noticed how the 400 Series has evolved over the years. From its early days featuring African ovangkol wood to its more recent use of Indian rosewood and Sitka spruce, this series has always been about delivering reliable, professional-quality instruments. These guitars have been the go-to choice for musicians who need a workhorse guitar that performs across a wide range of situations—whether in the studio, on stage, or just jamming at home.
Now, Taylor is taking the 400 Series to the next level with some exciting updates. The new lineup doesn’t just look great; it also sounds incredible and is built to handle the daily grind of a working musician’s life. Let’s dive into what’s new with these guitars and why they might just be the perfect addition to your collection.
The New Look of the 400 Series
The first thing you’ll notice about the new 400 Series is the stunning tobacco sunburst finish on the top of each guitar. It’s a rich, warm look that really makes these instruments stand out. Along with the sunburst, Taylor has added some classy touches like white binding and black-and-white top purfling that give the guitars a crisp, clean edge. A single-ring agoya shell rosette adds a touch of elegance around the soundhole, while the glossy finish on the body enhances the overall visual appeal. Nickel tuners and a faux tortoiseshell pickguard round out the package, giving the 400 Series a look that’s both modern and timeless.
One of the coolest new features is the “Finial” inlay design. Inspired by the artistic flourishes used by traditional woodworkers and architects, this inlay is made from Italian acrylic and appears on the fretboards of all three models in the series. It’s a subtle but striking detail that adds a touch of craftsmanship to these already beautiful guitars.
Meet the New Models: 412ce, 414ce, and 417e
The updated 400 Series includes three models: the Grand Concert 412ce, the Grand Auditorium 414ce, and the Grand Pacific 417e. Each of these guitars brings something unique to the table, so let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.
412ce (Grand Concert)
The 412ce is built with Taylor’s Grand Concert body shape, which is known for its compact, comfortable feel. This guitar is a great choice if you’re a fingerstyle player or if you like to sing while playing because it has a clear, articulate voice that pairs beautifully with vocals. The combination of solid Indian rosewood back and sides with a Sitka spruce top gives the 412ce a rich low end, crisp highs, and a slightly scooped midrange. This makes it perfect for playing alongside other instruments, as it won’t overpower the mix. The V-Class bracing inside helps enhance the volume and sustain, bringing out even more of that lush rosewood-spruce tone.
414ce (Grand Auditorium)
If you’re looking for versatility, the 414ce is where it’s at. The Grand Auditorium body shape is one of Taylor’s most popular for a reason—it handles just about anything you throw at it. Whether you’re strumming, flatpicking, or fingerpicking, the 414ce delivers with a bold voice, rich sustain, and lovely harmonic overtones. It’s slightly bigger than the 412ce, so you get more volume, but it still retains that clarity and balance that makes it a joy to play. If you need a guitar that can do it all, the 414ce might just be the perfect fit.
417e (Grand Pacific)
The 417e is a bit of a departure from the other two models, featuring Taylor’s Grand Pacific body shape, which has a round-shoulder dreadnought design. This guitar is all about power and warmth, offering a big, bold sound that’s perfect for anyone who loves that classic acoustic vibe. The 417e has a strong low end, but it’s smooth and controlled, avoiding the “woofiness” that can sometimes plague larger guitars. The V-Class bracing adds to the volume and sustain, giving the 417e a beautifully textured tone that’s ideal for songwriters and fans of vintage acoustic recordings.
