This is a Taylor 114e Demo of my wife’s birthday gift to me.
Happy 75th Birthday to Me! My wife purchased a used Taylor 114e for me in Santa Fe, NM.
In my latest video, I’m demoing a beautiful Taylor 114e guitar that I found and purchased while visiting The Candyman Strings & Things in Santa Fe, NM. There’s something about the way a Taylor guitar “sparkles” that just makes you want to keep practicing.
Watch my Taylor 114e Demo
When my Taylor 114e arrived safely in Illinois from Santa Fe, NM, this is the first time I ever played it.
The Setup
I wanted to see how this guitar handled both a raw acoustic room sound and a amplified “budget” setup.
- Microphone: Shure MV5 (A great $25 find!)
- Amp: A trusty, used Peavey Vypyr VIP-1.
- Strings: Most likely, older but decent Elixirs.
The Songs
I chose two very different songs to test the range of the Taylor 114e:
- “Plastic Jesus” – Testing the treble and clarity.
- “Ride the Mule” – My very first original song! I used this to see how the low-end power chords balanced with the mid-tones.
Watch My Friend Scott Play a Popular Rock Song with my Taylor 114e
Scott’s a wonderful guitarist and singer. I am an advanced beginner guitarist. Scott’s a whole lot better guitarist than me 🙂
Learning in Public
As an “advanced beginner” of about 2.5 years, sharing these demos isn’t about being perfect—it’s about documenting my progress. If you’re also “learning in public,” I’d love to hear about your latest breakthrough or the guitar that keeps you inspired.
I’ve always believed in the Japanese concept of Shoshin— “Learning with a Beginner’s Mind.” At 75, I’m still a student of the guitar, and this year, I decided to celebrate that journey with a special gift to myself on my birthday (special thanks to my wife).
I Play Guitar or Bass every Day
Practice guitar when you wake up in the morning.
Whatever you do, wake up with your guitar (or bass) every day. It’s a great way to start the day. – Shoshin Guitarist