Taylor 224CE-K DLX Grand Auditorium Electro Acoustic Guitar, Koa

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The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is a beautifully appointed Grand Auditorium electro-acoustic guitar that showcases Hawaiian koa across the top, back and sides. Its solid Hawaiian koa soundb oard produces a focused, articulate voice with a strong midrange, clear treble sparkle and natural dynamic compression. Layered Hawaiian koa back and sides complement the top while providing the stability and durability needed for regular rehearsal, performance and travel. Taylor’s versatile Grand Auditorium body handles fingerstyle playing, strumming, songwriting and live accompaniment with equal confidence. C-Class bracing enhances projection, sustain and low-frequency presence, while Expression System 2 electronics provide clear, dependable amplified performance. A full-body gloss Shaded Edgeburst finish, gold tuning machines and distinctive koa grain give the 224ce-K DLX a premium appearance, while its slender Taylor neck and 1 11/16-inch nut width provide relaxed, accessible playability. At A Glance Specification Details Brand Taylor Model 224ce-K DLX Series Taylor 200 Series Deluxe Guitar Type Steel-string electro-acoustic guitar Body Shape Grand Auditorium Finish Full-gloss Shaded Edgeburst Top Wood Solid Hawaiian koa Back and Sides Layered Hawaiian koa Bracing Taylor C-Class bracing Neck Wood Neo-tropical mahogany Fingerboard West African Crelicam ebony Electronics Taylor Expression System 2 Cutaway Venetian Scale Length 25½ inches Nut Width 1 11/16 inches Condition Brand new Main Appeal Distinctive koa styling with versatile Taylor playability Best For Songwriting, fingerstyle, strumming, recording and live performance Skill Level Beginner, intermediate and experienced players What’s Included? Taylor 224ce-K DLX electro-acoustic guitar Taylor Deluxe hardshell case Why Choose the Taylor 224ce-K DLX? Solid Hawaiian Koa Top The Taylor 224ce-K DLX features a solid Hawaiian koa soundboard rather than the more conventional spruce top found on many acoustic guitars. Koa is a hardwood with a focused and naturally controlled response. It produces a clear fundamental note, vibrant midrange presence and a touch of treble sparkle that helps picked passages and chord details remain articulate. The solid koa top provides: A clear and immediate attack Strong midrange projection Crisp upper-frequency detail Natural dynamic compression Controlled bass response Excellent chord definition Increasing warmth through regular playing The guitar sounds focused and lively when new, with the potential to become warmer and sweeter as the solid soundboard responds to continued use. Layered Hawaiian Koa Back and Sides The layered Hawaiian koa back and sides continue the visual character of the solid top while adding practical environmental stability. Layered construction is less sensitive to normal variations in temperature and humidity than an all-solid body. This makes the 224ce-K DLX particularly suitable for musicians who regularly transport their guitar between home, rehearsals, lessons and performance venues. The koa veneers display attractive natural variation in: Grain direction Figure Colour Contrast Mineral streaking Every guitar has its own individual appearance, so natural visual differences should be expected from one instrument to another. Versatile Grand Auditorium Body Taylor’s Grand Auditorium is a highly adaptable mid-sized acoustic body shape. It offers more balance and playing comfort than many traditional dreadnoughts while still producing enough volume and low-frequency support for confident rhythm playing. The 224ce-K DLX is well suited to: Fingerstyle arrangements Open-chord accompaniment Contemporary acoustic pop Folk and country Worship music Singer-songwriter performances Flatpicking Home recording Rehearsal Live performance Its balanced dimensions allow the guitar to respond clearly to a lighter touch without feeling underpowered when strummed. Taylor C-Class Bracing The solid koa top is supported by Taylor’s C-Class bracing architecture. This asymmetrical internal bracing system is designed to increase acoustic volume, sustain and low-frequency response while helping notes remain clear and harmonically consistent. C-Class bracing contributes: Strong acoustic projection Improved note sustain Additional warmth in the low end Clearer chord voicings Defined individual notes Balanced response across the fingerboard The design helps the Grand Auditorium body produce a fuller acoustic voice while retaining the natural focus and articulation of koa. Natural Dynamic Compression One of koa’s most useful musical characteristics is its natural compression. When the strings are played more forcefully, the hardwood top smooths sudden changes in volume rather than producing an excessively sharp or aggressive peak. This creates an even and controlled response across different picking strengths. Natural compression can be particularly useful for: Rhythm playing Percussive acoustic techniques Direct recording Live performances Players with a varied pick attack Balanced fingerstyle arrangements The guitar remains expressive, but its output feels polished and controlled. Slender Taylor Neck The neo-tropical mahogany neck uses Taylor’s comfortable Standard Carve profile. Its 1 11/16-inch nut is slightly narrower than the 1¾-inch width fitted to many premium acoustic guitars. This reduces the distance across the fingerboard and gives the neck a compact, modern feel. The neck is particularly approachable for: Electric guitarists adding an acoustic guitar Players with smaller hands Beginners developing fretting-hand strength Rhythm players performing longer sets Musicians who prefer narrower string spacing The matte neck finish helps the fretting hand move smoothly between open chords, barre chords and melodic passages. West African Crelicam Ebony Fingerboard The fingerboard is made from genuine West African Crelicam ebony. Ebony provides a smooth, durable playing surface with a firm and premium feel beneath the fingers. It supports clean fretting and precise articulation across the full scale length. The matching ebony bridge helps transfer string energy efficiently into the solid koa soundboard. Venetian Cutaway The softly rounded Venetian cutaway provides convenient access to the higher frets. This gives the 224ce-K DLX greater versatility for: Acoustic lead playing Extended chord voicings Higher-position fingerstyle passages Melodic arrangements Players moving between electric and acoustic techniques The curved cutaway maintains the elegant appearance of the Grand Auditorium body while providing a genuine practical benefit. Taylor Expression System 2 Electronics The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is equipped with Expression System 2 electronics. Rather than placing a conventional piezo element directly beneath the saddle, ES2 uses three individually calibrated sensors positioned behind it. This allows the pickup to capture the movement of the saddle and respond to more of the player’s natural dynamics. The upper-bout controls provide adjustment over: Volume Bass Treble The system can be connected to: Acoustic guitar amplifiers PA systems Mixing desks Direct boxes Audio interfaces Recording equipment The straightforward control layout makes it easy to adapt the amplified sound for different rooms, performance systems and playing styles. Full-Gloss Shaded Edgeburst Finish The full-body gloss finish gives the 224ce-K DLX a polished and premium appearance. Taylor’s Shaded Edgeburst treatment darkens the outer edges of the top, back and sides while leaving the central koa grain clearly visible. The finish enhances the natural colour variation in the wood and gives the guitar a sophisticated stage presence. The appearance is completed by: Black body binding Black pickguard Faux-pearl single-ring rosette Faux-pearl Sentinel fingerboard inlays Gold Taylor tuning machines Gold strap button Ebony peghead veneer Gold Taylor Tuning Machines Taylor’s gold tuning machines provide smooth and accurate pitch adjustment while complementing the warm colours of the koa body. The matching gold buttons and strap pin give the Deluxe model a coordinated visual identity that distinguishes it from more streamlined 200 Series guitars. Why Choose a Koa Electro-Acoustic Guitar? Hawaiian koa offers a different tonal experience from conventional spruce-topped construction. Spruce generally produces an open and highly dynamic response with a strong initial projection. Koa has a more focused attack, greater midrange emphasis and natural compression. A koa-topped electro-acoustic guitar can provide: Focused note definition Strong midrange character Clear treble sparkle Controlled dynamic peaks Excellent chord separation Increasing warmth with regular playing A visually distinctive natural appearance The 224ce-K DLX is particularly suitable for players who want a polished and controlled acoustic voice rather than an exaggerated bass response or heavily scooped midrange. Who Is the Taylor 224ce-K DLX For? Singer-Songwriters The focused midrange supports vocals without surrounding them with excessive low-frequency information. Chords sound full and articulate, while koa’s natural compression helps maintain a consistent accompaniment beneath quieter and louder vocal passages. Fingerstyle Players The Grand Auditorium body responds clearly to a lighter touch, while the koa top keeps individual notes well defined. Players who prefer compact string spacing will also appreciate the slightly narrower nut width. Rhythm Guitarists The solid koa top produces a controlled and balanced response under a pick. Its natural compression helps open chords remain smooth and musical during energetic rhythm playing. Performing Musicians Expression System 2 electronics, a protective hardshell case and stable layered body construction make the guitar practical for regular live performance. The striking koa finish also gives the 224ce-K DLX a strong visual presence onstage. Recording Musicians The focused midrange and controlled bass response help the guitar sit naturally within recorded arrangements. It can be captured using microphones, recorded directly through the ES2 system or recorded with a blend of both signals. Electric Guitarists Adding an Acoustic The slender Taylor neck, 1 11/16-inch nut and Venetian cutaway provide an approachable transition from electric guitar. The Grand Auditorium body also feels more manageable than many larger traditional acoustic designs. Developing Players Seeking a Long-Term Instrument The comfortable neck and balanced body make the 224ce-K DLX accessible to a committed beginner, while its solid top, professional electronics and Deluxe appointments provide enough performance capability for many years of musical development. Players Who Value Visual Individuality Because Hawaiian koa varies naturally in grain, figure and colour, each 224ce-K DLX has its own visual character. It is an excellent choice for musicians seeking an instrument that feels more individual than a uniformly finished acoustic guitar. How Does the Taylor 224ce-K DLX Compare? Taylor 224ce-K DLX vs Taylor 214ce-K DLX Both guitars use Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body, layered koa back and sides, ES2 electronics and Deluxe appointments. The main difference is the soundboard. The 224ce-K DLX uses a solid Hawaiian koa top, producing a focused midrange, natural compression and a woody response that can become warmer with regular playing. The 214ce-K DLX uses a spruce soundboard, providing a broader dynamic range, a more open treble response and additional headroom for forceful strumming. Choose the 224ce-K DLX for the cohesive look and focused sound of koa across the entire body. Choose the 214ce-K DLX for the wider dynamic response of a spruce top. Taylor 224ce-K DLX vs Taylor 222ce-K DLX Both guitars use a solid koa top, layered koa back and sides, ES2 electronics and Deluxe hardshell cases. The 224ce-K DLX uses the larger Grand Auditorium body and full 25½-inch scale, providing: Greater acoustic projection Additional low-frequency support Firmer string tension More rhythm-playing headroom Broader all-purpose versatility The 222ce-K DLX uses the smaller Grand Concert body, offering: A more compact playing experience Reduced physical reach An intimate acoustic voice Excellent fingerstyle response Greater comfort for smaller players Choose the 224ce-K DLX for maximum versatility and projection. Choose the 222ce-K DLX for compact comfort and a more intimate response. Taylor 224ce-K DLX vs Taylor 724ce Both guitars showcase Hawaiian koa and use Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body. The 224ce-K DLX combines a solid koa top with layered koa back and sides, providing attractive styling, useful environmental stability and accessible Taylor playability. The 724ce uses solid Select-grade Hawaiian koa for the top, back and sides. Its all-solid construction produces greater resonance, tonal complexity and long-term acoustic development. Choose the 224ce-K DLX for excellent value, stage-ready versatility and layered-body practicality. Choose the 724ce for premium all-solid construction and a more complex acoustic response. Taylor 224ce-K DLX vs a Spruce-Topped Grand Auditorium A spruce-topped Grand Auditorium generally offers greater dynamic headroom and a more open response beneath a strong pick attack. The koa-topped 224ce-K DLX provides a warmer, more focused midrange with natural compression and controlled trebles. Choose spruce for broad dynamic versatility and powerful projection. Choose koa for visual individuality, midrange character and a smooth, controlled response. Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment Before dispatch or collection, this guitar will be carefully checked by the Fair Deal Music team. Our assessment includes: Full cosmetic inspection Koa top, back and side inspection Neck and fingerboard assessment String-height and playing-action check Fret and intonation assessment Nut, saddle and bridge inspection Tuning-machine and hardware check Expression System 2 electronics test Volume, bass and treble control test Output-socket test Hardshell-case inspection Final playability assessment This helps ensure that your new Taylor arrives ready to play and enjoy. Technical Specifications General Specification Details Model Taylor 224ce-K DLX Series Taylor 200 Series Deluxe Number of Strings 6 Orientation Right-handed Colour Shaded Edgeburst Guitar Type Steel-string electro-acoustic Body Shape Grand Auditorium Cutaway Venetian Bracing Taylor C-Class bracing Electronics Taylor Expression System 2 Body Specification Details Top Wood Solid Hawaiian koa Back and Side Wood Layered Hawaiian koa Back Configuration Layered two-piece Top Finish Gloss Back and Side Finish Gloss Body Binding Black Rosette Faux-pearl single ring Pickguard Black Armrest None Neck and Fingerboard Specification Details Neck Wood Neo-tropical mahogany Neck Profile Taylor Standard Carve Neck Finish Matte Fingerboard Wood West African Crelicam ebony Fingerboard Inlay Faux-pearl Sentinel Fingerboard Binding None Scale Length 25½ inches Nut Width 1 11/16 inches Peghead Specification Details Peghead Type Taylor paddle Peghead Veneer West African Crelicam ebony Peghead Inlay None Peghead Binding None Peghead Finish Matte Tuning Machines Taylor gold with gold buttons Hardware and Factory Setup Specification Details Bridge West African Crelicam ebony Nut White NuBone Saddle White Micarta Bridge Pins Black ABS plastic Strap Pin Gold End Pin Black Factory Strings D’Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Light Factory String Gauge .012–.053 Power Requirements The Taylor Expression System 2 electronics require one standard 9-volt battery. Battery power is only required when using the amplified output. The guitar can be played normally as an acoustic instrument without a battery. The system activates when an instrument cable is connected. Remove the cable after use to switch off the preamp and preserve battery life. Frequently Asked Questions Is the Taylor 224ce-K DLX made entirely from Hawaiian koa? Koa is used across the visible body. The guitar has a solid Hawaiian koa top with layered Hawaiian koa back and sides. Is the top solid wood? Yes. The soundboard is made from solid Hawaiian koa. What does Hawaiian koa sound like? Koa produces a focused response with a strong midrange, crisp upper-frequency detail and natural compression. Its sound can become warmer and sweeter as the solid top responds to regular playing. Will every 224ce-K DLX look exactly the same? No. Hawaiian koa varies naturally in colour, grain and figuring. Each guitar will have its own visual characteristics. Is the Taylor 224ce-K DLX suitable for fingerstyle playing? Yes. The Grand Auditorium body provides a balanced response, while the koa top gives individual notes clear definition. Can the 224ce-K DLX handle strumming? Yes. C-Class bracing provides useful projection and low-frequency support, while koa’s natural compression keeps stronger rhythm playing smooth and controlled. What is C-Class bracing? C-Class is Taylor’s asymmetrical internal bracing design. It is intended to increase volume, sustain and low-frequency warmth while maintaining clear note definition. Is the 224ce-K DLX suitable for professional live performance? Yes. Its ES2 electronics, comfortable neck, protective hardshell case and stable layered body make it suitable for rehearsal and regular stage use. What controls does the ES2 system provide? The Taylor Expression System 2 provides controls for volume, bass and treble. Does the ES2 system include a tuner? No. A separate clip-on, pedal or external tuner can be used. Can the guitar be recorded directly? Yes. The ES2 output can be connected to an audio interface, mixing desk or recording system. The guitar can also be recorded using microphones or by blending microphone and pickup signals. What is the benefit of the narrower nut width? The 1 11/16-inch nut reduces the distance across the fingerboard compared with a wider 1¾-inch acoustic neck. This can make chords and stretches more manageable for electric guitarists, developing players and musicians with smaller hands. Can the guitar be used in alternate tunings? Yes. Its 25½-inch scale provides good string tension and note definition for many commonly used alternate tunings. A professional setup may be beneficial when permanently using significantly lower tunings, heavier strings or a different playing action. How should a koa guitar be cared for? Keep the guitar away from extreme temperature and humidity changes. When it is not being played, storing it inside the hardshell case will help protect it from impacts, dust and rapid environmental changes. Fair Deal Music Verdict ★★★★★ 5/5 The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is an outstanding choice for players who want distinctive Hawaiian koa styling, comfortable Taylor playability and reliable electro-acoustic performance. Its solid koa top produces a focused and articulate response with strong midrange presence, crisp upper-frequency detail and smooth natural compression. The Grand Auditorium body makes it versatile enough for fingerstyle, rhythm playing, songwriting and live accompaniment, while C-Class bracing adds satisfying projection and sustain. The slender neck and slightly narrower nut make the guitar particularly approachable, while Taylor’s ES2 electronics provide a dependable amplified platform for rehearsals, performances and recording. Finished in a full-gloss Shaded Edgeburst with gold hardware and supplied with a Deluxe hardshell case, the 224ce-K DLX offers an impressive balance of sound, appearance, protection and long-term value. Why Buy From Fair Deal Music? Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you’re purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we’re here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support. When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to: Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment Competitive prices on leading music brands Secure UK-wide delivery Flexible finance options available, subject to status Friendly support before and after your purchase A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience Trade In. Trade Up. Save More. Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We’re always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you’re looking to move on an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, amplifier, keyboard, drum kit or studio equipment, our team can offer a fair, no-obligation valuation and help you put the value towards your next purchase. Contact our team or visit our Birmingham showroom to discuss your trade-in options. Show more