I've Been Gone For Awhile

I was sad, but today, I am happy.

Today is new guitar day. And it's the final piece of the puzzle I need in life. Welcoming the latest addition to my gear, the Taylor 314ce J-Spec!

Walked into Osaka's Shinsaibashi, Miki Gakki Acoustic Inn feeling hopeful and walked out feeling grateful. It wasn't my intention to buy the guitar this early in my overseas trip, but when I chanced upon this particular guitar, I heard it calling my name.

Deep down, even after seeing all of the nice MIJ Yamaha guitars, I know for a very fact I'll be bringing home a Taylor. I just didn't know which model. I know I don't want a 214ce or below because of the laminate wood, which my FSX830C at home already is.

A normal 314ce would set me back well below my SGD3K budget, so I was really looking at getting a 414ce or spend a little more for a nice 514ce. Both of those guitars didn't appeal to me as they are just a 314ce with different tonewoods.

When I laid eyes on this 314ce J-Spec priced a huge chunk higher than the normal 314ce, I knew this is it. Looked it up on Google and found out J-Spec literally means made for Japanese hands. The neck is much thinner compared to a standard 314ce, almost the same as my Fender electric guitar. Crazy!!

Other than neck size, everything else is a standard 314ce. Dayum!

Compared this guitar with a 314ce Studio and a 414ce Studio. The Studios are nice, but I hate the look of them. Summoned my brother from his shopping spree to come test out the guitar as well. We both love this 314ce J-Spec, so I made it mine.

This model comes with the Aerocase but I added on a hardcase cause I really don't trust airlines with cases, however soft they are.

It was a tumultuous journey since I got my first acoustic guitar, some Aria guitar. I switched to a Maestro Protege soon after. Then after 2 years I upgraded to the Yamaha FSX830C and it's been a solid 7 years with it.

Today I did the final upgrade to a 314ce and I think this is my end-game acoustic. I'll just advance on the electric guitar side from here on out. So so excited to put this acoustic guitar into action soon!

2025 was such a great year. I saw 3 new guitars enter my life, each from a different trip to Japan. With this, my life is complete (says Edwin Ang since 2014)!