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Taylor V vs X Bracing - Is Taylor's New Bracing Better?
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2018
- It's the ultimate showdown for 2018... is Taylor's new V-Class Bracing really better than the traditional X-Bracing?? Today we have an X-braced 814ce and the new V-Braced 814ce. Which do you think sounds better??
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I first thought, "Wow, that new V-brace has *so* much more bass response! But, surprise, it was actually the old "X" braced guitar. So, I'd say I prefer the "old" Taylor to the "new" Taylor.
instablaster.
Best thing about V-Class, is now the X-brace will go on sale 🤪
Already seeing it
In Portugal the 714ce x bracing, new condition, is about 2300 euro... I'am amazed with V Class...
I picked up a demo (no major scars) model K24ce for $3000. The higher end one with shaded edge burst. The shop listed it at $4000+ and it sat a few months on reverb. The high x-bracing was my ultimate negotiation leverage😊. V-class (albeit non-demo) sells at $6300.
0:52 Quin is so honest and straightforward. “ Instantly noticed more depth and tone in the traditional X bracing “ .. that’s hilarious to look at their facial expressions👍👍👍👍
Well, this completely backfired. Everyone prefers the old X bracing.
didnt backfire at all. i think this guy wanted to do this. warmer guitars are only better for strumming, we know that.
The Taylor 326ce (mahogany top with sound port and V bracing ) sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
@@feliceconte123 He's a Martin fan. Therefore, . . .
Everyone? Where's the data???? BTW, I own two Taylor: one with X and the other with V. Apples and strawberries.
@@jackleyton5504 Totally wrong - you NEED warmer for picking than strumming - at least for me anyway...
X marks the spot for me!
Honestly liked the warmer tone of the x-brace better... IMO
In the video i preferred the X brace for the same reason Gentlman demoing said. It had much nicer and resonant bottom end, that sounded nicer to my ears.
I did an A/B with 814ce’s x vs v. The v had great intonation. It was definitely missing its lower end like the x. The mids can fall into a singers eq range and mud it up. Almost had a nasual quality about it. Back and forth the x was way better sounding. I stood in front of the guitar and made this assessment while someone else played the same chords with the same intensity and plectrum. I think the x brace will become more valuable down the road.
I think that is exactly what the guitar player thinks but can't really say.
yea if you play bluegrass or bang out country songs all day long, but dont try it in an orchestra or picking
I think the V-brace will suit finger style players perfectly. Just imagine one in the hands of Gabriella Quevedo! She is already supported by Taylor so hopefully they will soon send her a custom V-brace. That will be the real test!
I thought Taylor had made tremendous strides over the past few years refining the bracing on all their lines. When I attended a Taylor Road Show a few months ago to introduce the V class models, I heard and understood why the V class was different in several ways . And some of those ways are , indeed, improvements. However , I played a demo custom 12 model , X braced , and I liked it better than all the V class demo models. More warmth and bass. I think they need to provide both bracing patterns as options.
Everyone who has spent $$$ on an X brace prefers their X brace. People who have neither want a V brace. It’s like when you bought that brand new 2016 Camery and then Toyota redesigns it for 2017. People who have a 16 will tell you the new one is ugly and they’re “soooo glad” they scooped one up when they did 🙄. That about covers 85% of the comments on here
Even though he hears more low end in that room on the X brace, I hear a warmer guitar from the V brace through lap top speakers. The X brace has harsher high end too
I really think it's the personality of each piece of wood on that top that makes the sound. I would think that there should be more lows with the v bracing.?
I've got an X-braced 814, I like it more than the V-braced models I've tried in that model.
Michael Appollo I like the X better as well.
Just love how this guy starts backpedaling when he realises this is not a promotion for x bracing but for v bracing even though he knows that to him x is best
But i liked the v counterpart.
"Backpedaling" is exactly the term that came to mind watching this too.
I heard the truth 30 seconds in, the bass on the x-brace was significantly more rich. Perhaps in a band setting a v-brace could be more suitable, but even that low end could be tamed on the 'x' with different strings and/or EQ. I highly doubt the same could be done to add bass on the v. I'm not hearing this substandard intonation previous Taylor's are supposed to have either. I think Andy may have solved a 'problem that didn't need solving', and introduced new issues in the process.
thom dushane you are a very smart dude. I agree 100%. The X is much richer in tone and all the talk about poor intonation is just inventing a problem so they can market a solution.
So I originally bought an X brace 814 when the V first came out, and I quickly exchanged the X for a V. I immediately noticed a significant decrease in bass on the V. So now I exchanged again back to the X. I will admit the V did seem to stay in tune better, but for my taste I like the more low end
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This video perfectly demonstrates the problem with the new Taylor V class bracing system. Over the years I've owned many Taylor model acoustics with the classic X brace. A year ago I bought the 317e V class braced guitar. My conclusion is the X brace system is, without doubt, considerably superior. The V class brace takes away that essential 'involving' quality that inspires a player. I understand Taylor intends to eventually V brace ALL of their range of guitars - big mistake!
You hit the nail on the head - "takes away that essential 'involving' quality that inspires a player". It's a marketing stradegy, not a musical one....
So, Taylor going to replace X-bracing to V-class bracing? Honestly, I liked X-bracing better...
All grand auditorium guitars officially have v class bracing, correct me if I'm wrong
@@ShivjotRangi That’s sad. cuz I’m saving up for Taylor 814ce.
@@zzzeldaaa , it's just one guitar. On some of the V-braced models they are INCREDIBLE. It just depends on the guitar. Make sure you play them!
@@sheridanhenson2886 Thank you for the advice, I will. 😃
@@feliceconte123 honestly I love martin. I don’t feel the same way about Taylor’s as you do. But.... to be far since you went on a rant I felt I had to point out. Isn’t what you said exactly what martin did when they invented the x brace in the first place? 😂 all Taylor is doing is trying to make new ways they’re experimenting they’re not just content with good they want it better. Which imo they failed with the v bracing intonation is about the only thing I hear that went positive. But who knows eventually someday they or Martin or anyone might figure it a new way out that actually is better. Point is though my hat is off to Taylor cause they tried something new. Didn’t work for a lot of people’s ears but they tried lol
I was thrilled to have a chance to play a Taylor with V Bracing Along side a similar model with X Bracing . Both guitars were excellent the differences are subtle. The V class shines when you play high up on the neck.
I feel so lucky to have found and purchased one of the "last" 3..
..X-braced 2017 814 ce dlx available in Minneapolis. I tried to custom order a X 814 back in Feb 2018.... Taylor said they wouldn't make it, because they were changing over their production line to the V class. Taylor and Andy Powers totally redesigned their flagship 814 back in 2014. You can't make the 814 any better than that!!!.... I've played the new 814 V class and if I wanted something with that much "mid-range"...I would have bought a ukulele...!
LOL
got one as well best guitar ever have a martin as well dread shape sound great together
Seems like I'm one of the few who prefers the V bracing. I like its evenness, the richer, more balanced mids, and actually the fact that it's less bassy. So there's never the danger of the sound becoming boomy. I really dig that it sounds a bit unusual, it's like combining old and new. It has some ladder-bracing character but with modern refinement. I'd combine it with darker sounding woods to make it sound as full-bodied as possible.
I have a Collings CW Adi IRW that I think you would absolutely love.
X brace hands down for me. I played the 814ce DLX x brace and v brace back to back and came home with the discontinued x brace. Way more of a broad spectrum of tone from the x brace. The v brace just didn't have the chops...
I just got a guitar with V-Class bracing and I immediately recognized it in the video by how it rings. To me, the V-Class bracing sounds more controlled, refined and rather hi-fi, all things I tend to associate with Taylor guitars. The X-bracing, perhaps obviously, sounds more traditional to me. It has a certain vintage growl to it, more low mids. Both have their place. I like the V-Class bracing and it suits my playing style.
Listen from 0:40 to 1:00. Then shift to 2:40 when he comments about the bottom end richness. If you think about it, without a bottom end sonic base (which is the bass) a guitar's just going to sound thin. Why do you think the 814 has been Taylor's "flagship" instrument all these years? The V-class bracing seems to have castrated it. Sorry, but that's what I"m hearing and what the reviewer on the vid said, though with gentler words. Go Taylor! This "upgrade" will just make our older Taylors more valuable.
Well said...I agree 100%
I brought my X braced 914c to a Taylor Road show and put it against a V braced 914ce. I had the same reaction as the guy on the left. My X braced 914c had WAY more low end. I play finger style and desire a nice full bottom end which I did not get from the V-class. The V class was also quite a bit brighter which I didn't think was a good thing. Taylors are already VERY bright to begin with.
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Wow. It's rare that comparison differences are so profound. X is the clear winner. Taylor has goofed up badly.
The 10 people that 'Thumbs down' on this video are the 'V Bracing' owners. I prefer the X bracing for warmth and tone. The V sounds muted.
I play Blues. I prefer the X bracing. I'm not looking for a tightly focused range; I'm looking for a tapestry of audio colors. Taylor should produce both types IMO because of the different genres of music, because of our different styles, and because of the different venues/situations we will be playing in. One haircut does not fit all, and I think it is a mistake to try and make one guitar *the* Holy Grail for everyone who is playing from beginners to seasoned players, from the bedroom to club venues to outdoor faires, from Bluesmen to Hillbillie/Country/Folk. I understand that guitar manufacturers want to put their equity and efforts into the products that will market perform best for them, but the reality of it is, this is what reissues are all about; different crops of musicians wanting something that isn't currently on the market but is the tone or sound they are after. But thank you very much for this video, because it cleared up some questions I had in mind and now I have a better understanding of the X versus V bracing. ***
Wow. The new V brace just kills the 814 in my opinion. I own a 414, and have lusted after the 814 for years after playing them in stores (but they are just too darn expensive for me). But the V-braced one in this video has an almost nasal sound and has given up the beautiful, smooth low end that the 814 normally has. He says "focused", "balanced" for the V-braced. I say those are euphamisms for "narrow-range". Hands-down, I'd pick the X brace based on this video. Much warmer, more balanced, with better bass.
X is where I lean.
I feel like the V-bracing sounds sweeter. Like the X-bracing is way better for Bluegrass, but the V-bracing is better for like a softer John Mayer style I’d say.
Kudos to Music Villa for putting this up.... Notice what happened? An experienced player is essentially given a blind fold test, at the beginning of the video on first strum of the X-braced model he notices he likes it better for open chording... This is my problem with Taylor; I think there are some brilliant minds at Taylor, but they are very much a company driven my marketing. For Andy Powers to be as good as he is (and is very an amazing luthier), of course he knows that there are practical trade-offs between X-braced and V-bracing. One can only be qualified as better than the other in certain context. If Andy Powers, Bob Taylor & co would have come out at Winter NAMM and said "We know some customers will prefer X bracing, but we really believe the benefits outweigh what was lost, V-bracing is Taylor's path forward", then that would be a stance I think more players could respect.
That didn't happen.
Instead Taylor's message from Andy Powers and all parties is in perfect line with the marketing message. Taylor is transitioning their entire lineup to V-braced and the message is "this changes everything, we're re-imagining the acoustic guitar". There's just enough snake-oil speak in there to have left me really disliking Taylor as a company. They just aren't honest with their customers. They sell more USA built acoustic guitars than any other builder, they have leverage and a responsibility to be honest, but with V-bracing they have not taking the high-road with transparency. Indeed, they are using the "V-brace is superior to everything" message to try and tarnish traditional X-braced guitar builders like Martin, Collings and Gibson.... That in my book is an unforgivable offense.... Of course in the end it won't matter because in a society like ours driven by consumerism, marketing creates reality... When we look back in history at some of the foolish design trends with guitars we wonder "how did that ever become a thing" and it's always marketing...
i agree, its marketing. i think that the v bracing is less wood and less work. this is a big factor for Taylor production scale. the v bracing is not new style. time will show if it will work. do you remember what happened with Ksaha-Gibson bracing ?
Meanwhile the d28 and d18 haven’t changed much of anything the last 80 years and they’re still worlds better of an instrument.
Or the j45. 000-18. D42. J200. All of these guitars are historic and classic because the companies stuck with what works rather than do what you said.
I like the x bracing also
As others have said it sounds like the v class is better suited for those seeking accuracy over overtone warmth with the x-bracing. I have played both and prefer x-bracing.
I loved the V class, clearer and not as upfront in sound as X braced one. Yes I agree that it is a departure from the natural boomy sounds of Sitka/ rosewood acoustic as we all have come to know! Good job guys 👍
The V bracing doesn't sound better to me, just slightly different. I suspect the promotion of V bracing has more to do with selling guitars than much of a sonic advantage. For those that will need to have it, fine. For myself, I'm perfectly happy with the traditional X bracicing on my Martins, 312 Taylor, J15 Gibson, Seagulls.
X to my liking
I think the x-brace just sounds more traditional, not better, just different and more traditional... and that's what most of us like. Love the intonation of the v-bracing, but it sounds too "different" for me, at least in a strict A/B like this.
I've noticed in a recording situation that if a guitar is overly bass boomy it's a little harder to mic without it sounding WAY boomy on the recording.
Also if you have a bass player with you a less bassy guitar might sit in the mix better. But if you're doing solo stuff or without a bass I think the X bracing
would probably fill things out better. Thanks for the video.
I find that mahogany topped guitar are best for recording, especially with voices.
Rosewood bracing for stage.....mahogany for recording, home most times for me.
I'll keep my 814ce model 2010 with X-bracing. Demo'd an 814ce dlx V-bracing and immediately noticed significant loss of bottom end. No offense to Andy Powers!
I have an X braced 312 and I like the sound of the X braced version BETTER than the newer V braced model. It seems more balanced.
I won't be rushing out to buy a V braced version of the 312.
This illustrates why it is necessary that YOUR hearing is what must be satisfied. All the hype, friends opinions, magazine reviews,etc. Don't Really Matter!
Keep an open mind. Decide for yourself.😊
I think we all familiarize with the X bracing. I'd be happy to have either...lol
I'm so happy i've bought the last x-braced 814ce in the shop!
The fact that this video was not simply cheerleading for the new V bracing certainly adds to its credibility. I haven't had a chance to physically play a V braced model yet (hope to yet this summer) and I wonder if similar comparisons need to be made all through the Taylor line. Given the exceptional sound quality of any Taylor guitar, it would be very difficult to come up with a new bracing formation (or any innovation at all) that would blow the previous versions out of the water. My takeaway from the video comparisons I have seen so far is that one's preferences will largely hang on personal playing style and the types of music one plays, but in any case the differences are very delicate and nuanced, not killer.
V bracing is not a new concept, it's been used for years (mostly in F style jazz acoustic guitars) but most see no benefit other than easier to make mechanically as Taylor does.
To begin with Taylor guitars are cookie cutter machined and no real specifics are realized concerning each piece of wood, same as with the Mexico builds. They are vanilla and tone is random. Consistent build wise, but extremely inconsistent tone wise period. V bracing just makes the inconsistency worse and is a gimmick to try and get people to buy more guitars. Taylors sales have fallen and they now sell direct to the public.
At the end of this video he's playing closer to the bridge on the X bracing model and more toward the center of the sound hole on the V bracing guitar. That completely changes the volume and brightness. The closer to the bridge the brighter the sound and vice versa. The volume will be louder when you're strumming closer to the neck. Take notice he's manipulating the sound. Just sayin'
Wow, great observation. Thanks for that, you’re absolutely correct.
I listened again to this recording and what I hear additionally is that lack of bass is affecting the mids, causing the entire instrument to sound rather thin. Listen to the "classic" 814 for mids and mid harmonics, then the V-class. Perhaps you'll hear what I'm hearing. I've played a few of these upper end Taylor V's and compared to the classic builds the V's are a definite fail. I hope the V-class works better on the lower end model, or Taylor is going to experience the same thing as Coca Cola did with "The New Coke". At least it will make older models more valuable.
There's a reason x bracing has been the industry standard for decades. I expected there to be subtle differences but it's obvious.
I wonder, if the V-bracing makes it to a 12-string, will it sound lush? This is the first side-by-side I've seen where they not only sounded different, but the V-class was outshined.
Carl K
I'd love to hear one, because 12 strings produce "ghost notes" or harmonic tones when the intonation is really good on them.
So we'll see.
X bracing is much better, the V sounds too thin for me unless plugged in with an eq
Did Andy Powers even know that the low end (bass) was gonna be reduced when he thought about making the V-bracing??
Sooo..: I’m shocked that no one has mentioned this yet. But... even guitars made with the same wood, same bracing, same year, back to back in the factory will sound different. Each tree grows and develops its own unique characteristics based on each trees environment.
The V-Class has more sustain and chime. The X bracing has a richer sound with more overtones. I vote for the X bracing, but v-class is still new and has a lot of potential!
By killing valuable tonal information in the lows and mids, V-bracing effectively "reduces the size" of the guitar. This decently sized OM sounds like a much smaller guitar with X-bracing. So by claiming "advance in intonation", the V-bracing kills a lot of valuable tonal information, and is under-utilising the physical size of the instrument: you must carry a big guitar only to sound like its 3/4 sized equivalent with X-bracing.
V brace guitars have wonderful sustain. Fair points about bass. Still a lovely clean sound if a little different.
I think the x bracing is just a bit more musical. However I do find the focus of the notes and the bass response to be more present on the v bracing. Would use both in different musical settings.
Love the honesty of the guy who said he loves the one with traditional X bracing 😀
Very noticeable difference with the X-Brace offering more bass, fuller and slightly better sustain. But then, regarding sustain, could be my speakers ;-)
Wow, judging by the comments so far, the X-braced 814ce is the choice; curious as to whether the same result applies across the line (I'd like to see the 714ce/614ce/514ce comparos just like this one...)
Well said Robert Carhart Jr. Interesting demo and lots of reactions point to me that my ear is not skilled enough to say one is better than the other yet I can detect there is a difference. Seems like majority rules in favor of X-braced.
Is Taylor planning on make non veneer v-brace models that aren’t $5,000!
Lots of V-Class options under $5000.... www.musicvilla.com/search?SearchTerm=v-class
Ron's Channel
Yes it’s now available starting at the 300 series they indeed to switch all American Taylor’s to V class. They feel having there own bracing makes Taylor Unique and distinctive from other brands
OH. Wow. I like the X Bracing.
The V bracing "stiffens" the top all through the middle section making it a bit less vibrant in the big waist part where the bridge is, which is the first place where the vibrations are transfered, therefore producing a more balanced, les bassy tone; while the X bracing leaves the big part of the top with more free surface to move with the energy that the strings transfer through the bridge producing a bigger, richer tone. The V bracing makes a lort of sense in terms of durability over the years, you can bet that the top will never warp. It may be a matter of taste more than anything, some people still prefer the Yamaha APX and their trebbly sound, or even Ovations with their characteristic tone.
There isn’t an ear in the world that prefers a flat EQ curve. Once again Taylor pursues what can be measured over musicality.
Thanks for the video, I been wondering which sounded better IMHO the X bracing sounds better to me, I prefer the robust sound on the bass end, don't often play amplified but like to have it if needed.
Perhaps Taylor should market the X-brace version as two half-size V-braces joined at the V-point. Yup, I preferred the X-brace... V-brace sounds watered down... and I just bought a used 2004 USA Taylor Big Baby, so this 814 has no advantage besides the pickup and cutaway.
It's a small thing, but I don't like the way the V bracing looks through the sound hole. I don't much like the new style Taylor pickguards either. The old red ones were nice.
I guess I have the unpopular opinion of liking the V bracing here 😅 not that I dislike the X bracing but idk I just sorta like how the V sounds in this video.
No one who isn't connected financially with Taylor is saying the V-bracing sounds better. It MUST be a cost cutting thing and they're covering it up with marketing. I notice here in Turkey that the older X-braced models are more expensive than the new ones as well, probably because people know the x-brace is better in every way.
Greater string to string separation on the v-class. Better if you're playing up the neck a lot.
I watched this video with headphones (the only way to get an accurate representation of the tonal qualities of musical instruments on RUclips videos), and just like the guy playing the guitars I instantly preferred the X-braced instrument's sound better. Fuller, richer, sweeter. I disagree with him where he says the V-braced is better for large venues, blah, blah and the X-braced is better in intimate settings. The X-braced is a great all-around guitar.
Next, I listened to all the other YT videos of the V-braced 814. This confused the issue. So I went and actually tried (and purchased) a V-braced 814ce DLX. Gorgeous guitar! Brought it home, then after the initial "honeymoon" I spent 4 days of constant playing and testing trying to love it. It had a mid-range howl on the open G string and third fret G on high E string when picking just above the lower end of the sound hole which is where most guitars have their best sound. It had a "mwaahhh" tone coloring. Obnoxious. Could not get rid of that irritating howl. I even tried changing strings. No improvement. The closer to the bridge you pick it the worse it gets. The only way I could attenuate this problem was to pick those strings closer to the fingerboard. Unacceptable. I also found this instrument totally lacking low end and balance. It reminds me of a citar. Ugh! Too tinny for my ear. Lots of sustain, yes, however not a good tradeoff for losing a rich, warm low end with a touch of mids for fullness.
I Returned the instrument and tried the 2017 814ce DLX X-braced model. My immediate impression was "THIS IS IT!!" The bass was back, the warmth, richness and fullness of tone was back, and the sustain was wonderful. This video does nothing to highlight the nuances of the guitars when played finger-style, which is how I play. X-braced for me forever! BTW, I would characterize the tone of the upper (E, B, G) strings on the V-braced guitar as being almost banjo-like. Not sweet like the X-braced model. BTW, I also played a V-braced 916ce. 916 too boomy with those thin-sounding upper strings being over-powered by the bass strings. Might be good for Bluegrass, but then again no self-respecting-dyed-in-the-wool Bluegrasser would be caught dead with anything other than a Martin D-something! LOL!! I immediately returned to the X-braced 814 DLX.
And so, in conclusion, as with what seems to be the opinion of the majority of the folks here, as well as the player on this video, I too prefer the X-braced guitar. BY FAR! I brought that beautiful 2017 814ce DLX home and can't put it down. I feel lucky to have found one of this model as it seems that Taylor is making such a huge deal out of the V-class bracing to the point where I am concerned they will discontinue making the X-braced models. BTW, it sounds fantastic when plugged-in to my Fishman Loudbox Performer amp. The best way to truly compare is to play both models of guitar - preferably side-by-side - and see which one suits your ear.
Really like the review. The guy makes the case for Acoustic qualities vs Amplified. If it is plugged in you can eq what you like. That said, X bracing has been around a long time. There is a reason. The v brace has not been around long enough to know how stable it will be over time. Think I will save some $ and wait to see.
I don't even think v-bracing can make the test of time given it's sound characteristics - given that most anyone testing one, will associate the x-brace sound to that of being so much better
Good demo! Very interesting! Thanks.
Play the V Brace in person and tell me with a straight face that its not a disappointment. WTF were they thinking. I gotta find a used 814ce/816ce now. Or just get an HD28V. The X Braced 814ce absolutely blew me away. And then they went and shit the bed.
X-bracing all the way. I would love to know what pick he’s using? It sounds like a huge heavy pick, like a 1.5 or something. Try a medium dude shit.
I notice that on the x-brace, the spruce looks a little darker, as if it has a couple of years of age on it. So, it would have a more open and resonant sound just from aging and being played. If that's the case, a better comparison would be to play 2 guitars of the same age (and preferably of the same batch of wood). All guitars sound different because the specific wood used has different qualities. Even different trees of the same species have different qualities.
The V brace guitars are amazing for the modern fingerstyle (andy mckee) or solo guitar stuff, the x brace is good for rhythm and singer songwriter stuff.
xD what are you talking about? The x-brace is a huge fingerstyle guitar aswell
in this example, the x is better
V-Class is fail IMO, sorry Andy Powers. X bracing is guitar and V bracing is other instrument with mostly mids and no character.
exactly
This video still cracks me up! The good old X bracing sounds better, lol. V bracing Gimmick
I think the X braced Taylor is a good compromise between a Martin and Taylor sound.
I don't expect to like the new one better
Definitely personal choice but I played a V- class guitar for about an hour at GC Nashville one day, wanting to love it so badly, but I found it really lacking.
In fact this video mirrors my personal experience directly. I listened to it through a good pair of headphones and the X- braced Taylor simply has more overall depth, warmth, and richness.
And frankly while I have a Big Baby Taylor which I enjoy, when I purchased my dream guitar it ended up being a different brand.
Since I'm not here to promote anything I will leave it at that unless someone asks me.
I've played a number of the V-braced guitars and find that they really do sound wonderful up the neck, and I don't think this demo really showed that off well. The chords that were played up the neck were played with the first two strings left open so the high end clarity pure tones wasn't as obvious.
I also noticed the apparent aging on the X-braced 814ce, which would also affect tone.
I've really liked the Builder's Edition V-braced guitar and I'm pretty sure I'll end up with one of those some time in the next year (once a daughter's wedding expenses are handled :-) ) and I'm pretty sure it will be a V-braced Builder's Edition. However, I like having a wide range of sonic capabilities in my guitarsenal, from booming dreadnoughts to a very bright Grand Concert. Thus I view the V-braced guitars as adding a *new* sound for those songs that use it best.
I would really like to hear what a V-braced dreadnought guitar sounds like, since all of those I've played so far have been the smaller bodied guitars like the one shown.
I'm going to be visiting Bozeman next week and visiting Chad and Paul is all but mandatory. I hope they still have both of the 814ce's still for me to do my own comparison. Now if only my wife (budget minder) wasn't accompanying me...
X marks the spot!
Honestly I still think V brace is a little gimmicky.... cuz only independent lab testing away from Taylor wouldn't make a better case and just marketing. Plus an only true comparison would be blindfolded
Sarek Cortez I played both v and x today. There’s a noticeable difference. It’s all personal preference.
Same.... different but not better....I have a rear shifted custom shop Martin....it provides similar intonation properties as the v.....but the colorful overtones aren't there.....kinda bland to me.......just my thoughts....a regular x braced 900 series Taylor has a great balance...
Sarek Cortez I bought a V Brace 814CE DLX yesterday- sublime
@@VyasAnand can u do a similar comparison as video
Sarek Cortez Absolutely - I was just thinking about it. I will. The sustain is to die for - and I play Sitar and needed something with similar sustain specifically. Looked at Hummingbird and D18 - not even close up past mid way
Thank you for the comparison! But I have a suspicion that V bracing was just a good marketing move.
The X Brace blows the V Brace away....
By killing valuable tonal information in the lows and mids, V-bracing effectively "reduces the size" of the guitar. This decently sized OM sounds like a much smaller guitar with X-bracing. So by claiming "advance in intonation", the V-bracing kills a lot of valuable tonal information, and is under-utilising the physical size of the instrument: you must carry a big V-braced guitar only to sound like its 3/4 sized equivalent with X-bracing.
A couple of identifying post-its on the guitars would NOT have hurt the finish but they would have made following the two nearly identical guitars a lot easier
I have old ears and they prefer the X bracing by far. To me the sound of the V braced model is grating and higher pitched, almost to the point that it comes across as out of tune. Better intonation ? ! Might have just been a clunker of a guitar.
Mark Demo I don’t think your ears are old. More accurate is more like it. X is fuller and richer.
Granted - i'm no expert - but isn't intonation a function of string length? How would V-bracing improve intonation? Sounds like marketing BS to me.
I prefer the x brace, it's the sound that I'm use to hearing from Taylor. The v brace was thin and chimmie.
Hi! If you play single note melodies around fret 12, you'll find the v-braced sounds with more sustain and intonation for that purpose, so i think this demo is quite uncomplete, you've only focused on bluegrass rythm low-end sound, imho that's not enough for a comparison....
Couldn't agree more. The V-brace shines at the upper frets.
Many of the "everyone" people are Martin fans who love lower frequencies. And Quinton is a self-confessed "Martin guy," so it's not surprising he loves the X-bracing more than the V-class. I'm an owner of an X-braced Taylor and soon an owner of a V-class. And yes, the X-bracing offers more bass; but it's also muddier and less defined, at least in this video.
I’ll give Taylor the benefit of the doubt that all there claims about V class are true. But if you want a rich warm sound an X braced Martin is a much better choice than a V class Taylor .
Make room for next years Z bracing that is an INCREDIBLY innovative and game changing attribute which makes the guitar puke golden nuggets while strumming an open A minor chord. It is actually glued with an insainly rare bit of the one and only Andy Powers custom nut sack sweat LMAO
It’s official. Those are 2 of the best sounding guitars ever. ;)
X sounds "richer" and the V sounds more jangly/trebly. but i'd probably opt for a d-28 if I was spending that kind of money. On my budget, I'd go for the yamaha LL for $1000, which is pretty good bang for the buck.
I didn’t hear which was which. 🙁
The V-bracing sounds "thinner" but with more sustain, JMO.
And "clearer."
I have the 414CE with X bracing. This is totally my take as well. The X bracing sounds more like the Ovangkol profile and very balanced. The V bracing lends to a more pronounced treble. I prefer the X over V on this guitar.
I've sold everything i had with the v class and moved to Gibson. V Class imo is a huge fail. I had a 114Ce x bracing that blew away a 414ce with V bracing. The v brace sounded dead.
And the hd28 pulls away even further i bet martin loves v bracing maybe its like new coke they bring it out to drive the value of there older guitars up and then they will re introduce x bracing at a later date who knows
The truth is V bracing is not new or the latest greatest...it's been done way before Andy was even born. It was used on 30's-40's guitars. If any of you visit the Martin Museum you will see an old V braced top from that time period hanging above a work bench. Andy did indeed copy the pattern and it was never really deemed better sounding than X braced guitars and never will be.
A bit of standing waves physics is de rigueur here. Compared with X bracing, V bracing tightens a narrow region along the harmony table symmetry axis. This means that table standing waves (eigenfunctions solution to an eigenvalue problem associated with a wave equation) will have a reduced first eigenvalue. This means a reduction in the amplitude of the fundamental harmonic. However, because of this symmetry and vibration knots on both sides of the table, even harmonics will do better with the V bracing i.e. will be associated with eigenvalues of larger values. This will favor the higher even harmonics and this is what our ears naturally associate with subtlety and richness of sound. So V bracing is not better or worse. I would suspect that for some ears finger picking will gain out of V bracing while X may feel more suited to flat picking (using a plectrum in the country/bluegrass genre). I prefer finger picking and I do prefer here V bracing.
If you really listen, the V-class has more mid's and high's. That is not the same thing as having less low-end. Your ears are playing tricks on you. Your opinion is subjective as is mine, but let's not all jump on the bandwagon that the X-class is "warmer." The V-class clearly has much better clarity and detail in the mid's and high's. That is a win. My ears are hearing just about the same amount of bass response.