Quick answer: The best Taylor guitar for most players is the GS Mini, a compact, great-sounding guitar that suits beginners, travel and songwriting. For a full-size stage guitar, the Taylor 214ce offers a solid top and onboard electronics, while the 314ce is the step up to all-solid woods.
Taylor guitars are known for easy playability, bright and clear tone, and consistent build quality. They’re also everywhere in worship teams and songwriting rooms, which is why so many players ask which Taylor to buy first. Looking beyond the Taylor range? Check our guides to the best jumbo guitars, the best OM guitars and the best mini guitars.
Taylor’s range runs from compact travel guitars to solid-wood American-made models. Below are seven Taylors currently sold on Amazon, from the most affordable to the step up most players dream about, along with how the series numbers work.
New to this? Start with our guide on how to choose an acoustic guitar.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best acoustic guitars and best acoustic guitars under $500.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor GS Mini Mahogany | Most players, travel and songwriting | Solid mahogany top, compact Grand Symphony shape, gig bag | Check current price |
| Taylor GS Mini Sapele | GS Mini with a different wood flavor | Sapele construction, compact body, gig bag | Check current price |
| Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Mahogany | Kids and budget travel | 3/4-size dreadnought, mahogany top, gig bag | Check current price |
| Taylor Academy 10e | Beginners wanting a full-size Taylor | Full dreadnought, armrest, ES-B electronics | Check current price |
| Taylor 114ce | Affordable stage-ready Taylor | Grand Auditorium, solid top, cutaway, ES2 electronics | Check current price |
| Taylor 214ce | Best value for gigging and worship | Solid spruce top, Grand Auditorium, cutaway, ES2 | Check current price |
| Taylor 314ce | All-solid-wood upgrade | All-solid sapele and spruce, Grand Auditorium, ES2, case | Check current price |
Best Taylor Guitars: reviews
1. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany — best for most players, travel and songwriting
Key features: Solid mahogany top, compact Grand Symphony shape, gig bag
The GS Mini is one of the most popular acoustic guitars Taylor has ever made. It’s a scaled-down Grand Symphony with a shorter scale, so it feels easy to play, yet it projects far more than you’d expect from its size.
The mahogany top version has a warm, focused tone that suits fingerpicking and singing along. It’s a favorite for couch playing, travel, kids, and small hands, and it comes with a padded gig bag. Many players buy it as a second guitar and end up using it more than their full-size one.
Pros:
- Big sound in a small body
- Comfortable shorter scale
- Great for travel and songwriting
Cons:
- Less low end than a dreadnought
- Electronics cost extra on non-e models
2. Taylor GS Mini Sapele — best for gS Mini with a different wood flavor
Key features: Sapele construction, compact body, gig bag
If you like the GS Mini concept but want a different look and feel, the sapele version is worth a look. Sapele is related to mahogany and gives a balanced, slightly woody tone.
Everything else that makes the GS Mini great is here: the compact body, easy playability, and Taylor build quality. Compare it side by side with the mahogany model and pick the one you like the look of.
Pros:
- Same easy GS Mini playability
- Attractive sapele finish
- Portable
Cons:
- Small-body tone won’t replace a dreadnought
- Check current listing for top wood details
3. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Mahogany — best for kids and budget travel
Key features: 3/4-size dreadnought, mahogany top, gig bag
The Baby Taylor is Taylor’s most affordable way into the brand. It’s a 3/4-size dreadnought that’s light and easy to carry, which makes it a great guitar for kids, camping and travel.
It doesn’t have the depth of the GS Mini, but for the price, it’s a fun and well-made little guitar with Taylor’s comfortable neck.
Pros:
- Most affordable Taylor
- Very portable
- Good for kids
Cons:
- Smaller sound
- Basic appointments
4. Taylor Academy 10e — best for beginners wanting a full-size Taylor
Key features: Full dreadnought, armrest, ES-B electronics
The Academy Series was designed with beginners in mind. The Academy 10e is a full-size dreadnought with a built-in armrest for comfort and onboard ES-B electronics so you can plug in.
It’s a smart pick for someone who wants a full-size guitar from a respected brand without jumping to the 200 Series price.
Pros:
- Comfortable armrest
- Plug-in ready
- Beginner-friendly playability
Cons:
- Laminate back and sides
- Plain looks
5. Taylor 114ce — best for affordable stage-ready Taylor
Key features: