What Strings Come on a Taylor 214CE?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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The Taylor 214ce comes with Elixir Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings with NANOWEB coating in Light 12-53 gauge. The set is a 6-string set with gauges 12-16-24-32-42-53, and the D'Addario EJ16 set in the same 12-53 phosphor bronze gauge is the matching replacement.
What the factory set is
The 214ce comes with the Elixir Phosphor Bronze set with NANOWEB coating in Light 12-53 gauge. The set is a 6-string set in gauges 12-16-24-32-42-53, with phosphor bronze wrap wire. That set is the reference for any replacement: match the 12-53 Light phosphor bronze spec.
What the numbers on the set mean
The 12-53 in the set name is the gauge range. The number 12 is the thinnest string and 53 is the thickest, and the full set runs 12-16-24-32-42-53 from the thinnest string to the thickest. Light is the gauge name for a 12-53 set, and both the Elixir and D'Addario sets here are Light 12-53 sets.
How to tell when the strings need changing
Change the strings when they look discolored or feel rough, when rust shows, or when the guitar no longer holds tune. How much and where you play changes how fast that happens, so judge by the strings themselves rather than by the calendar.
What to buy as a replacement set
Buy a 12-53 Light phosphor bronze acoustic guitar set to match the factory set. The D'Addario EJ16 is a 3-pack with 3 sets of 12-53 phosphor bronze acoustic strings. The Elixir set is a single 12-53 phosphor bronze set with NANOWEB coating.
Check the gauge before you order
Look for 12-53 and the word Light in the set name, and phosphor bronze in the material. The Elixir set is Light 12-53 with NANOWEB coating, and the D'Addario set is 12-53 phosphor bronze in a 3-pack. The Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and Super Slinky sets here are nickel wound electric guitar strings in 10-46 and 9-42 gauge.
What you need
D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A 3-pack of phosphor bronze acoustic guitar strings in 12-53 gauge, with phosphor bronze wrap wire over a hexagonal high-carbon steel core.
- Sets in pack: 3
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Elixir
A phosphor bronze acoustic guitar string set in Light 12-53 gauge with NANOWEB coating, in a 6-string set with gauges 12-16-24-32-42-53.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound electric guitar string set in 10-46 gauge, made for electric guitar.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound electric guitar string set in 9-42 gauge, made for electric guitar.
- Material: Nickel Wound
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put electric guitar strings on a Taylor 214ce?
No. The 214ce is an acoustic guitar, and the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and Super Slinky sets here are nickel wound electric guitar strings made for electric guitar, in 10-46 and 9-42 gauge.
What gauge are the factory strings on a Taylor 214ce?
Light 12-53. The factory set is the Elixir Phosphor Bronze set with NANOWEB coating, in gauges 12-16-24-32-42-53.
How often should I change the strings on a 214ce?
When they show the signs: discolored or rough strings, rust, or strings that no longer hold tune. How much and where you play decides how fast that happens.
Are the D'Addario EJ16 strings the same gauge as the factory set?
Yes. The EJ16 is a 12-53 phosphor bronze acoustic set, the same gauge and material as the factory Elixir set.
Ranked guitar strings lists
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