My dad recently passed away, and the positivity in your videos has definitely helped me weather that storm. I had to drive from Louisiana to New Jersey this week to pick up his belongings. I made a point of stopping by Southern Pines on the way home today. Baxter and Jonathan weren't there, but Derrick and Sean were very cool and helpful. I walked out the door with a new Gretsch Streamliner with P-90s and a Tube Screamer. Thanks for everything, guys!
Growing up in Nashville and playing bass with singer songwriters, the coolest guitar to me was the Martin D18. It seemed every singer/songwriter played one. Bluegrass players used them, sure, but I associate them with the songwriter. When I moved to New York I had to sell almost all my gear except my Jazz bass. I wanted to keep up my guitar playing so I picked up a Sigma copy of a D18 when I had a little cash. I still have it but have since acquired instruments by Lowden, Gibson, and Martin, Taylor and Tacoma, totaling ten guitars. When I got a Martin D18 a few years ago I felt my guitar soulmate was here. I love that guitar but I also have a J45. When I play the J45, I play more aggressively, maybe because its a "thinner" sounding instrument where I can play a chord and move on. With the Lowden and at least two of my Martins (the D18 and the HD28) I want to play a chord and listen to it ring out in a really beautiful way. But the guitar I take out to play in dives and such is a Tacoma solid maple back and sides. The Tacoma's finish is one of those crappy coats that is peeling off. It's a nice compromise between the others and I don't feel as nervous with it in theses settings. Screw cool; just play what fits your needs.
I bought my first acoustic a couple months back after years of playing electric. Just so I would have one. A Taylor GS Mini. Wish I never bought it, because I love it and now want more acoustics.
Those darn GS minis are so good...a gateway drug. But the trick is, they are so good you are going to have a tough time finding something better anywhere in that price range.
@@CasinoGuitars Yeah, I went in to buy strings and left with a guitar. I couldn't believe how well it played and how good it sounded. Loud, deep and resonant for such a small guitar. I ended up with the mahogany version over the koa. The koa looked better but mahogany sounded nicer and was easier on the wallet.
Scott Baxendale's acoustics are the coolest I've ever played and owned. He rebuilds old Harmony and Kay guitars. Super nice tone and playability with an incredible vibe.
I played in a circle jam in Horse Cave Kentucky. Songs we played were a mix of old country (Mama Tried), Grateful Dead (which can be the same thing) Cups, White Rabbit, original tunes, anything people wanted to play. One of the pickers has his father’s wartime Martin D. It sounds like the voice of God. Young guy shows up to join us, stares at the old guy and the guitar, asks to play it, the old guy hands it to him. After two songs the young guy marvels at the guitar ad says “Do you know what this is worth?” Old guy says “it’s my daddy’s guitar. It ain’t worth nothin’ ‘cause I’m not selling it.” Happened time and again, predictable as sunrise. That’s cool.
I remember going acoustic shopping with a $3k budget thinking “today is the day I finally buy a real acoustic”. I left with a Taylor GS Mini and couldn’t be happier. And it had nothing to do with saving money. It was simply the best guitar I played that day. Love that thing! The Jeff tweedy Martin will have to wait.
+1 on mahogany acoustic guitars. I have a Taylor 410e (mahogany back/sides) I bought new in 1995. The sound is just great. I also have a Collings OM2HG (rosewood back/sides) that sounds fantastic, but in a different way, because the size and woods are different. Neither has much flash, but sound and playability are what draw me to an acoustic guitar.
I think Seagull guitars have a cool factor as do Godins. And the coolest headstock in the acoustic guitar world is the Breedlove headstock! Now back in the Seventies, when I was a teen/twenty, all my friend and I love the Alvarez lawsuit Gibson copies. The flash acoustics with big pickguards with lots of birds and tons of Mother of Something enlays. I still have the 1974 Alvarez Dove my dad bought me for my birthday that year...my best wall hanger.
Aside from playing Ovation acoustics for all my life myself, I can name more artists over the years that have played Ovation than Martin, Taylor, or Gibson combined. So, that itself is kinda cool that so many played them. Unique design also = cool. Pioneering things such as adding pickups, shallow bodies, adamas soundholes, all cool.
Been touring the country doing solo acoustic shows with a black Fender FA130-CE I bought for $100 and a sunburst Washburn/Oscar Schmidt OD312CETS 12-string I bought for $200... both are cutaways. Thousands of miles logged on these guitars with battle scars to show for it. They are perfect for what I do and that’s all that matters. Your mileage may vary...
This one hits home. When I chose my high-end acoustic, these three brands: Taylor, Martin, and Gibson were on my radar immediately. I had to think about why I was buying the guitar first so that I didn't get the wrong one for me. My acoustic playing is solo for the most part, with the occasional song in the band that needs an acoustic in the mix as a rhythm instrument; so I didn't want it to fight with dominance over my voice. I have a mid to high tenor voice and I found out quickly that so do most Taylor guitars. As much as I loved the voices of the Taylor guitars, everything in my price range of $2500 and under. In this price range, Martin reigned supreme with a much wider spectrum of frequency response and I was about to pull the trigger on a Martin around $1800 - $2000 when Gibson put the 2018 Hummingbird AG on sale for $1336! I put that guitar next to several and chose the AG based on tone and frequency response alone. I wish I could tell you that the story ended happily there, but it didn't. The electronics went poop and I've been waiting for 6 months on a part to show up at our local authorized repair facility to get it fixed. Alas, I'm still without a high end stage acoustic, and I'm still playing the Bently that I bought for $150 in 1985 and traveled the world with me ever since. I'm hoping that the problem gets resolved shortly as I understand that the part might have finally been received at Gibson for distribution to my local repair facility.
Jim that was a great story and share. Sorry to hear about the wait and result there with the issues but a really well thought out journey to the right guitar for you! And hats off to the Bentley still getting it done!
I’ve got a 25 year old taylor 310. This things seen lots of gigs and bonfires. The finish on it has worn in perfectly, it still sounds amazing and works flawlessly. Had the first four frets changed 10 years ago and haven’t done a set up since. Everyone loves it and wants to play it.
Martin D42 Custom. Consistently the best acoustic guitars I've ever heard and/or played. They sound stunning, really head turning, for a wide variety of styles. Their astounding clarity and articulation, rich 3D overtones, and supremely balanced sound makes them cool.
I am very happy with my Martin D15 burst. There is just something simple, classy and alive about a Martin. It's just a guitar you want to play until your fingers hurt so bad you cant play anymore so you just sit with it or lay down with it wrapped up in your arms and there is a slight drool mark, and worn finish where you were kissing it gently on the shoulder as you slept. Also i think the Seth Avett signature model is pretty sweet, cool acoustic guitar.
Absolutely love the D15!!!! Love it! I am a 0-17 player and I love any of the old 15 series they make from back in the day to today! Best bang for the buck out there!!!
As someone who loves color, one of my favorite things about electric guitars is all the colors they come in. It boggles me that fun colors are so much less prominent in the acoustic world, especially at the high end.
It's because acoustics are all about the wood. Paint over the wood gives the impression that the guitar maker is hiding substandard wood under there and there's always the perception that it's muffling the sound of the soundboard.
I own one of each. I’m a fan of smaller bodies so I’ve got 2001 Taylor 514ce 2004 Martin 000-16gtre 1962 Gibson LG-2 I understand that none of mine are the most popular models but I also feel that they balance
For me it’s all about the practicality, time was when a guitar on a wall generally had horrible action and was no fun to pick up and play And it was so cool when you could pick it up it would be well intonated and the action would be ideal. And if it was totally cool if the guitar sounded amazing, was easy to play and encourage you to play further and learn more. Thank you Taylor guitars.
I used to play a lot of acoustic guitar in the late 60s and throughout the 70s. My favorites were Gibson J200s, 185s, Everly Brothers and Gretsch Rancher models. Started getting arthritis in my shoulders from playing those for too long and eventually had to stick to Strats and Les Pauls so I could play with my elbow down and closer to my body. It's been years since I had an acoustic and I'm starting to think about an Everly Brothers again (or maybe one of those new Gretsch Ranchers)!
Sounds like it’s time for a shoulder replacement surgery. I had it done, and I can play acoustics now from morning till night with no pain. It’s worth it.
@@dvanolya thanks! Glad that worked for you, but my shoulder is not having that kind of issue. It's actually better than it used to be and that's why I'm thinking of an Everly or J180.
I definitely find a beat up old acoustic to be incredibly cool, old Martins, old gibsons, old guilds, etc. And personally can’t stand cut aways on acoustics (although admittedly I believe they probably are much more practical for playing purposes haha) they just look “off” to my eye
I may not know what makes my Martin cool to me. But, I know one man saved the accoustic guitar from being a relic. When Eric Clapton picked up that 000-45 sales went from decline to demand almost overnight.
Sorry for the long post! As a boomer, I definitely bought an acoustic due to MTV unplugged. In 2001 I got a cutaway Ovation Balladeer acoustic/electric with a sunburst finish. In about 2006 I accidentally sat on it after seeing my friends (new boobs) which put a horizontal crack across the entire front of the guitar. I took it to the shop I got it from and they sent it to Ovation. Nothing could be done to repair it. Ovation called me and told me that the intonation had not been affected. To this day this guitar is almost impossible to get out of tune, still sounds great and has an awesome neck plus I have a great story which is true. This is one cool acoustic guitar!
Simple answer for me is it should sound so great and play so good that you never want to put it down. And you can’t wait to sit down with it again. Whatever brand or model that is for you.
Taylor, I have a builders edition 912 CE which I absolutely cannot afford. Having said that nothing else sounds or plays nearly as good as that guitar. Awesome in every way.
In 1974 I bought a Yamaki Deluxe Folk. Neck is a little chunky for my hand but the sound is great. Sound is what makes a guitar cool. Before that I had a cheap acoustic which was smaller than a parlor guitar. Sold it to a guy who thought that the toy like sound that came out of it was cool.
I'll stick with my Gretsch Black Falcon Rancher. Definitely the coolest acoustic guitar in terms of looks, and it's use of typical Dread woods with a Jumbo construction give it a nice dark and dusty sound that works for me. Are there higher end guitars? Absolutely. Better constructed ones? Of course. It does what it needs to do for solo gigs and recording layers in the studio just fine, though. Plus, coming from 50's spec P basses no one makes an acoustic with a big fat U neck and vintage frets like Gretsch. I wish they offered them in a full body version. I'd love to scoop up one of those full body made in Japan 6120 models someday. When it comes to cool guitars. No one touches Gretsch. Just like no one touches Fender for cool basses. :D
Big thumbs up @daniel I thought of the White Penguin Parlour and yeah, the Black Falcon Rancher. They are both "rhinestone ready" and yet play super well.
As far as cool goes, there's a video of Pete Townshend in the late 80's or the 90's playing the opening of Pinball Wizard on a Gibson ( J45 I think). It is the epitome of cool with an acoustic guitar, it's just so cool!! Peace, Keith After a little web search the Gibson Pete was playing was even cooler, it was an SJ-200, talk about big ol' Gibsons!! Also, it was 2000 or later.
I'm more of a folk/classic rock/classic country guy and I wouldn't trade my Martin dread for the world, although I have PRS Angelus series as a backup I also enjoy. Full, rich, lush sound like that Ambertone D41 puts out never goes out of style.
I have a USA larrivee That has mother of pearl all over the headstock and around the sound hole and the woods are incredible his wife does incredible abalone artwork on the head sock… somebody told me that Mr. Taylor when he first started worked for Larrivee where he learned a lot of the skills…. Just regurgitating what I Heard but I think they make some of the coolest cutaways and not to mention an affordable price…… they’re the best kept secret
I think acoustics are just as cool as electrics. My Lowden F12 is fabulous….and yes I got it because Richard Thompson plays one. My other acoustic is a Huss & Dalton OO, sinker mahogany and slightly customized for me. People who don’t play don’t give them a second thought, but people who know guitars always have a comment or two.
Jim, you have some amazing guitars! Anyone who regularly watches this channel know Lowden are my favorite acoustic guitar on the planet! I love Huss as well! I almost bought one of those years ago (wish I did). I have a WL 12 fret on order for myself and thrilled to see her soon!
I’ve only had gibson acoustics in my adult life. L200 (2009), LG0 (1966), J35 (2013), J50 (1968), J45 (2020), J45 (1968). The only one I still have is the J45 from 2020. All great guitars in their own right, but bang/buck wise J45 is a winner. Sounds great & looks great (ebony lacquer with white guard.)
I have a Norman 6-string and a Norman 12-string that I think are pretty cool... mostly for their sound and feel. The nylon '72 Takamine that I pulled out of a dumpster, along with a '68 Aria ¾ nylon at least have a cool story behind them. Also, the Fender acoustic-electric bass I have is gorgeous and sounds amazing...
I have two 914s from 2000 and 2001 ... pre-armrest. I think the arm rests are weird. Both of my 914s, after playing them on the road for a few years as my main guitars, have "Willie Nelson style" wear below the high E. I'll never get the value out of them that I would want, but they are both 100% natural relics!
I don’t think many acoustic guitars are recognisable from each other. You can see it’s a Dreadnaut or a Spanish Guitar or whatever, but it’s harder to see some tiny person on a stage on TV playing an acoustic and knowing what brand it is beyond seeing the headstock. The only exception I can think of is the big SJ Gibsons.
I’ve owned a Taylor 210e for around 8 years. It sounds great, but damn, it’s one generic-looking guitar. When Taylor came out with the AD17 blacktops, I got really excited - I love how they look! Unfortunately when I played one at a shop, I wasn’t thrilled with how it sounded.
One of my favorite guitars is my Taylor Builders Edition 717e. I think it might be cool but I’m a Geezer so who knows. I have a catalogue Guitar from the 30’s the maker of which I do not know. It is cool. Playing Delta Blues on it almost makes me seem cool at least for a little while. I own a Pierre Bensusan Old Lady model which sounds like an approaching thunderstorm crawling in from the sea over the Irish countryside. I don’t know about cool but it is somehow spooky and legendary. But the only guitar I own that everybody who sees it, hears me play it, or plays it themselves that is definitely cool is my 20 some years old Tacoma C1C Chief. It is all solid wood with a Western Red Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides. It is very light and has a beautiful voice with a ringing sustain. Friends and acquaintances from all genres who have played it love it. It sounds great in Modern finger style, Jazz, Brazilian, Blues and more. It excels in fingerstyle within all these genres. It can be good for reasonable strumming stuff but it is not a guitar to hit hard with strumming. The Chief is definitely cool whether I am or not. Great channel, great topic, I’ve been a subscriber for a while.
You guys come up with the best ideas for talking about guitars! I have an Epiphone EJ-160e just because it's the poor man's version of John Lennon's acoustic guitar. Sounds alright, looks cool.
I would love to have a Waterloo WL-14 X Scissortail. I have also strongly considered a Taylor 612, but I’m waiting to see if Taylor is going to offer the GT in the 600 Series. I’m still probably going to end up with the Waterloo.
A cool acoustic is one you can take anywhere at anytime … hiking camping beach other peoples houses fire pits dates and it plays wagon wheel/wonder wall mashup.. With that being said I do all these with my Martin D16e
My 1995 Taylor 510 is a monster of a guitar. No crazy adornments beyond a little bearclaw in the spruce. I love it. If I were to own another acoustic it would be a Gibby Hummingbird or an SJ-200 because the gaudy adornments make them COOL. A J-45 might sound better, but with Gibsons the gaudier the better. But bottom line is that what makes an acoustic cool is its sound.
The coolest acoustic guitars ever made were the Taylor 2015 limited edition 514ce's. Whether you got the flame mahogany or the quilted sapele, you did get the Florentine cutaway (that "sharp edge" for the mythical "acoustic shredder") and some fine looking upgraded inlays around the sound hole and on the fret board, not to mention some really top end tuning machines. Also, Leo Kottke plays Taylors, and that is all anyone needs to know.
For me it’s Martins old d-28s and 00s. My dad played a Martin while in was growing up and now that’s what I picture as a cool acoustic. I can’t get over seeing Taylor’s as worship leader guitars and just don’t have the same love for Gibson. (Although I wouldn’t say no to a Dove or Hummingbird)
What was cool is the (now discontinued) Martin Americana series. As soon as I became aware of these models I purchased a DC-16e with a 000 depth, solid sycamore back & sides, silver/grey binding, satin pearl butterbean open tuners, matching ebony fingerboard-bridge-headstock and a black pick guard. It looks sharp, definitely different, and sounds awesome. Perfect acoustic guitar for me!
Those were cool guitars. They took their design nods after a high performance vehicle and they looked great, fit wonderfully on the lap, and sounded great as well. Also, points for being different!
That sounds cool, but is it as cool as the very short lived Gibson Americana series that the replacement for the Chet Atkins SST? There were two models the Ranger and the Pioneer. I own a Ranger.
I don't think I've ever thought acoustic guitar brands are "cool". I usually think of them as "real" instruments like violins or cellos. None of this is meant to be insulting to either acoustic or electric makers/fans, it's just what I have always thought. Now, the acoustics I do find cool are the vintage, artist played or artisan crafted ones. Things that have history, craftsmanship and tone. You know, all the stuff I can't afford and my playing wouldn't do justice even if I could.
Everyone on RUclips knows that the coolest acoustic guitar of all-time is the Fender Stratocaster Acoustasonic. I know this is true because the algorithm says so.
Ha. So tragic that Fender thinks this so. Horrible instruments, just horrible. Proves the inverse relationship between quality and number of influencer reviews
I was able to get a Noel Gallagher j-150. Love it . But I have to say you guys are 100% right. It's a great guitar. It's Not the greatest sounding or playing guitar and I can't say it sounds better than my Taylor or any other guitar that's 50 % or 75 % the price. But then again it is f*#kn cool as shite.. The look, the smell, the feel. Worth every penny.
I'm 69, for me it's all how they sound. A first year GS Mini lives next to the couch. If we are going to play a lot of acoustic at a gig, I take a '71 Guild D25M sweetie, a '68 Loprinzi Brazilian D28, and a 60's Aria D28-12. They all have a lot of miles on them, and the Loprinzi has abt 50 crack repairs! But they all sound awesome!! I have other Martins and Gibson's I've picked up over the years and live in a bedroom/guitar room. I have GAS, and a hard time selling guitars!! I just play the ones that sound the best, and play the best for me. I am jonsen for a 30's R-J45 Burst though!! 8) JMHO --gary
pin striping could make an acoustic guitar cool also. Black top with some red and white or blue and green pin striping. You guys are inspiring me to get going on some art work on some of my acoustics
I have played and owned a Takemine, an Ibanez and an Ovation acoustic and just bought a Fender Redondo recently. Of all the acoustics I have played the Fender is not only punchy and loud but still clear and chimy but it looks awesome! Belmont Blue with Gold pickguard. I love it. I will ONLY be playing Fender acoustics from here out.
Not really an acoustic guy, but I felt I had to get a good one as a longer-term investment. Tried a huge gamut, but I'm lucky enough to be Australian, and I ended up with a Maton. Year and half ago, my brother gave me a slightly busted Epiphone Everly brothers guitar. Fixed it up, and it punches well above its weight. Star inlays are mildly cool, a bonus for an acoustic - but the big double pickguard isn't everyone's cup of tea. (Mine's black which I like, the tort ones can look horrific IMO).
@@CasinoGuitars Maton mate, Maton. I tried Martins, Taylors, Cole Clarks (another Aussie brand). etc., and ended up with a Maton. You know, like the same brand that Tommy Emmanuel uses?
Hey guys. Ive never owned a Gibson, Martin, or taylor acoustic, but i did score a vintage Silverstone Catalina jazz box at a yard sale for 50$ last year. Its got brass frets, f holes, archtop and back, blue and white 2 tone. I can tell you without any hesitation at all, that this acoustic is as cool as hell!
I’ve been watching loads of “live from daryls house” on RUclips recently, so I had to buy a Taylor acoustic as a result. 814ce is now mine and I love it. It’s super cool. I am waiting until I catch up with it..
Didn't used to matter to me but....now I REALLY REALLY want a Gibson SJ-200 with that cool mustache bridge or a Hummingbird or Dove because Petty used them,saving my pennies LOL
Have a Martin DSR-GC a limited series Martin made just for GC, Martin does not even really acknowledge the model and it is the plainest (non-cutaway) looking acoustic you've ever seen...that said--=-that guitar plays and sounds AMAZING!!!
Acoustics are cool. I have 4 and they’re all super cool. Killer figured wood, always cool. Bear claw spruce, cool. Florentine cutaways are crazy cool. Taylor’s are very cool. Martin’s to me, not cool. Some Gibson’s are cool. To me. 12-strings to me are super cool, like my Taylor K65ce. A slight and subtle edge burst is cool. I also like Larrivee’s and McPherson’s.
and you can be cool on stage or you can be cool around a pit fire or both . So you need a cool acoustic for sure. The camp fire or pit fire is a fun thing and even more fun with a guitar
I think the "cool" acoustics in this moment in time are things like (Scott) Baxendale Conversions ... taking an old Harmony made out of great tone woods (spruce and mahogany), only with terrible bracing, and having them rebuilt. That's the "in" thing acoustic wise these days. I see more and more indie guys playing those kinds of acoustics. (I also happen to have an h162 in the queue to be converted in Athens right now, but I'm not biased at all ... nah
My dad recently passed away, and the positivity in your videos has definitely helped me weather that storm. I had to drive from Louisiana to New Jersey this week to pick up his belongings. I made a point of stopping by Southern Pines on the way home today. Baxter and Jonathan weren't there, but Derrick and Sean were very cool and helpful. I walked out the door with a new Gretsch Streamliner with P-90s and a Tube Screamer. Thanks for everything, guys!
I love Gretsch and a have sparkle jet. It's crazy how good every level of their guitars are.
Sorry about your old man.
I have a Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo it's very Cool
I love how a spruce topped dreadnaught looks, but that's because I know it sounds good. No electronics or cutaway, please.
I hope Baxter & Johnathan keep the middle school humor coming!
We are for sure riding a low brow humor front lately...I think we need to spend more time with real "adults."
@@CasinoGuitars Adults are so boring, though...
Growing up in Nashville and playing bass with singer songwriters, the coolest guitar to me was the Martin D18. It seemed every singer/songwriter played one. Bluegrass players used them, sure, but I associate them with the songwriter. When I moved to New York I had to sell almost all my gear except my Jazz bass. I wanted to keep up my guitar playing so I picked up a Sigma copy of a D18 when I had a little cash. I still have it but have since acquired instruments by Lowden, Gibson, and Martin, Taylor and Tacoma, totaling ten guitars. When I got a Martin D18 a few years ago I felt my guitar soulmate was here. I love that guitar but I also have a J45. When I play the J45, I play more aggressively, maybe because its a "thinner" sounding instrument where I can play a chord and move on. With the Lowden and at least two of my Martins (the D18 and the HD28) I want to play a chord and listen to it ring out in a really beautiful way. But the guitar I take out to play in dives and such is a Tacoma solid maple back and sides. The Tacoma's finish is one of those crappy coats that is peeling off. It's a nice compromise between the others and I don't feel as nervous with it in theses settings. Screw cool; just play what fits your needs.
I bought my first acoustic a couple months back after years of playing electric. Just so I would have one. A Taylor GS Mini. Wish I never bought it, because I love it and now want more acoustics.
Those darn GS minis are so good...a gateway drug. But the trick is, they are so good you are going to have a tough time finding something better anywhere in that price range.
@@CasinoGuitars Yeah, I went in to buy strings and left with a guitar. I couldn't believe how well it played and how good it sounded. Loud, deep and resonant for such a small guitar.
I ended up with the mahogany version over the koa. The koa looked better but mahogany sounded nicer and was easier on the wallet.
My previous guitars were both handmade in Ireland. Then I bought a Taylor. Now I want just one more…
Really depends on what you consider cool. When I was 12 "Trigger" was the dorkiest guitar in the world. Now? It's the coolest guitar on the planet.
Damn, good point. I think I probably thought a Washburn with a cutaway was the coolest when I was a kid...now, yup...Trigger:)
This is especially true if you were a kid when Trigger was brand new.
Sitting on the bowl is exactly where I'm watching from lol 😆 much love
My throne
Oh you jerk! I guess it's nice to know we have a very personal relationship:)
@@CasinoGuitars just perfect timing...I almost fell off when he said it. Love u guys
@@tomfoolery8015 timing is everything:)
Scott Baxendale's acoustics are the coolest I've ever played and owned. He rebuilds old Harmony and Kay guitars. Super nice tone and playability with an incredible vibe.
And he's a nice guy.
I played in a circle jam in Horse Cave Kentucky. Songs we played were a mix of old country (Mama Tried), Grateful Dead (which can be the same thing) Cups, White Rabbit, original tunes, anything people wanted to play. One of the pickers has his father’s wartime Martin D. It sounds like the voice of God. Young guy shows up to join us, stares at the old guy and the guitar, asks to play it, the old guy hands it to him. After two songs the young guy marvels at the guitar ad says “Do you know what this is worth?” Old guy says “it’s my daddy’s guitar. It ain’t worth nothin’ ‘cause I’m not selling it.” Happened time and again, predictable as sunrise. That’s cool.
That is a really great story! I loved every bit of it and just finished looking up that town..very cool looking!
I remember going acoustic shopping with a $3k budget thinking “today is the day I finally buy a real acoustic”. I left with a Taylor GS Mini and couldn’t be happier. And it had nothing to do with saving money. It was simply the best guitar I played that day. Love that thing! The Jeff tweedy Martin will have to wait.
+1 on mahogany acoustic guitars. I have a Taylor 410e (mahogany back/sides) I bought new in 1995. The sound is just great. I also have a Collings OM2HG (rosewood back/sides) that sounds fantastic, but in a different way, because the size and woods are different. Neither has much flash, but sound and playability are what draw me to an acoustic guitar.
I think Seagull guitars have a cool factor as do Godins. And the coolest headstock in the acoustic guitar world is the Breedlove headstock!
Now back in the Seventies, when I was a teen/twenty, all my friend and I love the Alvarez lawsuit Gibson copies. The flash acoustics with big pickguards with lots of birds and tons of Mother of Something enlays. I still have the 1974 Alvarez Dove my dad bought me for my birthday that year...my best wall hanger.
Aside from playing Ovation acoustics for all my life myself, I can name more artists over the years that have played Ovation than Martin, Taylor, or Gibson combined. So, that itself is kinda cool that so many played them. Unique design also = cool. Pioneering things such as adding pickups, shallow bodies, adamas soundholes, all cool.
I don't have one but I love the Gibson Hummingbird. Definitely the coolest acoustic IMHO.
Agreed, crazy how they are so cool! Birds parted on and still one of the coolest things ever!
Been touring the country doing solo acoustic shows with a black Fender FA130-CE I bought for $100 and a sunburst Washburn/Oscar Schmidt OD312CETS 12-string I bought for $200... both are cutaways. Thousands of miles logged on these guitars with battle scars to show for it. They are perfect for what I do and that’s all that matters. Your mileage may vary...
That is an awesome story! love it! And I love the miles you have put on those gals:)
Baxter’s vision for the Taylor ad is genius. This is said as someone who sold the two Taylors he once owned for a Gibson and Collings…
This one hits home. When I chose my high-end acoustic, these three brands: Taylor, Martin, and Gibson were on my radar immediately. I had to think about why I was buying the guitar first so that I didn't get the wrong one for me. My acoustic playing is solo for the most part, with the occasional song in the band that needs an acoustic in the mix as a rhythm instrument; so I didn't want it to fight with dominance over my voice. I have a mid to high tenor voice and I found out quickly that so do most Taylor guitars. As much as I loved the voices of the Taylor guitars, everything in my price range of $2500 and under. In this price range, Martin reigned supreme with a much wider spectrum of frequency response and I was about to pull the trigger on a Martin around $1800 - $2000 when Gibson put the 2018 Hummingbird AG on sale for $1336! I put that guitar next to several and chose the AG based on tone and frequency response alone. I wish I could tell you that the story ended happily there, but it didn't. The electronics went poop and I've been waiting for 6 months on a part to show up at our local authorized repair facility to get it fixed. Alas, I'm still without a high end stage acoustic, and I'm still playing the Bently that I bought for $150 in 1985 and traveled the world with me ever since. I'm hoping that the problem gets resolved shortly as I understand that the part might have finally been received at Gibson for distribution to my local repair facility.
Jim that was a great story and share. Sorry to hear about the wait and result there with the issues but a really well thought out journey to the right guitar for you!
And hats off to the Bentley still getting it done!
I’ve got a 25 year old taylor 310. This things seen lots of gigs and bonfires. The finish on it has worn in perfectly, it still sounds amazing and works flawlessly. Had the first four frets changed 10 years ago and haven’t done a set up since. Everyone loves it and wants to play it.
The Beard acoustics are pretty freaking cool. I've ordered a Deco Phonic Sidecar 137. If I'm honest, it was pretty much because it's cool.
Im laughing my head off , when he said,...someone wearing kakis .....I frigin love these guys !!!!
Martin D42 Custom.
Consistently the best acoustic guitars I've ever heard and/or played.
They sound stunning, really head turning, for a wide variety of styles.
Their astounding clarity and articulation, rich 3D overtones, and supremely balanced sound makes them cool.
I am very happy with my Martin D15 burst. There is just something simple, classy and alive about a Martin. It's just a guitar you want to play until your fingers hurt so bad you cant play anymore so you just sit with it or lay down with it wrapped up in your arms and there is a slight drool mark, and worn finish where you were kissing it gently on the shoulder as you slept. Also i think the Seth Avett signature model is pretty sweet, cool acoustic guitar.
Absolutely love the D15!!!! Love it!
I am a 0-17 player and I love any of the old 15 series they make from back in the day to today! Best bang for the buck out there!!!
As someone who loves color, one of my favorite things about electric guitars is all the colors they come in. It boggles me that fun colors are so much less prominent in the acoustic world, especially at the high end.
Acoustics truly are the beige-boxes of the guitar world.
It's because acoustics are all about the wood. Paint over the wood gives the impression that the guitar maker is hiding substandard wood under there and there's always the perception that it's muffling the sound of the soundboard.
There are definitely some dorky uncool acoustics. Ovations come to mind.
I own one of each. I’m a fan of smaller bodies so I’ve got
2001 Taylor 514ce
2004 Martin 000-16gtre
1962 Gibson LG-2
I understand that none of mine are the most popular models but I also feel that they balance
For me it’s all about the practicality, time was when a guitar on a wall generally had horrible action and was no fun to pick up and play And it was so cool when you could pick it up it would be well intonated and the action would be ideal. And if it was totally cool if the guitar sounded amazing, was easy to play and encourage you to play further and learn more. Thank you Taylor guitars.
Takamine EF341Sc...Edge...Bon Jovi..The Boss.. etc...Great plugged-in guitar.
I used to play a lot of acoustic guitar in the late 60s and throughout the 70s. My favorites were Gibson J200s, 185s, Everly Brothers and Gretsch Rancher models. Started getting arthritis in my shoulders from playing those for too long and eventually had to stick to Strats and Les Pauls so I could play with my elbow down and closer to my body. It's been years since I had an acoustic and I'm starting to think about an Everly Brothers again (or maybe one of those new Gretsch Ranchers)!
Sounds like it’s time for a shoulder replacement surgery. I had it done, and I can play acoustics now from morning till night with no pain. It’s worth it.
@@dvanolya thanks! Glad that worked for you, but my shoulder is not having that kind of issue. It's actually better than it used to be and that's why I'm thinking of an Everly or J180.
Martin is the coolest for sure. Bluegrass, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Elvis, and the list goes on and on.
I absolutely love my Taylor BBTE. It’s a dream.
If you own an acoustic and an electric, the electric becomes part of you but you fall in love with the acoustic !!!
I definitely find a beat up old acoustic to be incredibly cool, old Martins, old gibsons, old guilds, etc. And personally can’t stand cut aways on acoustics (although admittedly I believe they probably are much more practical for playing purposes haha) they just look “off” to my eye
We think alike, Sir!...My sentiments exactly!
Willy Nelsons Martin
I may not know what makes my Martin cool to me. But, I know one man saved the accoustic guitar from being a relic. When Eric Clapton picked up that 000-45 sales went from decline to demand almost overnight.
Sorry for the long post! As a boomer, I definitely bought an acoustic due to MTV unplugged. In 2001 I got a cutaway Ovation Balladeer acoustic/electric with a sunburst finish. In about 2006 I accidentally sat on it after seeing my friends (new boobs) which put a horizontal crack across the entire front of the guitar. I took it to the shop I got it from and they sent it to Ovation. Nothing could be done to repair it. Ovation called me and told me that the intonation had not been affected. To this day this guitar is almost impossible to get out of tune, still sounds great and has an awesome neck plus I have a great story which is true. This is one cool acoustic guitar!
It's not the guitar but the wizard behind it that makes it cool. Cheers Baxter and Jonathan!
100% right there! I still want the Noel Gallagher Gibson though...it would make me "cooler." Right? Sincere thanks for the thoughts there!
Simple answer for me is it should sound so great and play so good that you never want to put it down. And you can’t wait to sit down with it again. Whatever brand or model that is for you.
Taylor, I have a builders edition 912 CE which I absolutely cannot afford. Having said that nothing else sounds or plays nearly as good as that guitar. Awesome in every way.
I am obsessed with that guitar as well! I don't want to like it, but everything about it is awesome!
In 1974 I bought a Yamaki Deluxe Folk. Neck is a little chunky for my hand but the sound is great. Sound is what makes a guitar cool. Before that I had a cheap acoustic which was smaller than a parlor guitar. Sold it to a guy who thought that the toy like sound that came out of it was cool.
Don’t know about coolest, but my J45 feels and sounds like it was made for me!
I have a Southern Jumbo, and it has WAY more mojo than any Martin.
I'll stick with my Gretsch Black Falcon Rancher. Definitely the coolest acoustic guitar in terms of looks, and it's use of typical Dread woods with a Jumbo construction give it a nice dark and dusty sound that works for me. Are there higher end guitars? Absolutely. Better constructed ones? Of course. It does what it needs to do for solo gigs and recording layers in the studio just fine, though. Plus, coming from 50's spec P basses no one makes an acoustic with a big fat U neck and vintage frets like Gretsch. I wish they offered them in a full body version. I'd love to scoop up one of those full body made in Japan 6120 models someday. When it comes to cool guitars. No one touches Gretsch. Just like no one touches Fender for cool basses. :D
I should connect you and Derrick (he owns the Rancher here) and y'all can be the new Gretsch Acoustic spokespeople! That is one super cool guitar!
Big thumbs up @daniel I thought of the White Penguin Parlour and yeah, the Black Falcon Rancher. They are both "rhinestone ready" and yet play super well.
My only acoustic is a 1932 Gibson L-00 with an elevated fretboard. Cool enough? Well, it is WAY cooler than I am.
I think Dave Matthews plays Taylors.
I think you may be right there:)!
As far as cool goes, there's a video of Pete Townshend in the late 80's or the 90's playing the opening of Pinball Wizard on a Gibson ( J45 I think). It is the epitome of cool with an acoustic guitar, it's just so cool!!
Peace, Keith
After a little web search the Gibson Pete was playing was even cooler, it was an SJ-200, talk about big ol' Gibsons!! Also, it was 2000 or later.
Hard to beat that!
I'm more of a folk/classic rock/classic country guy and I wouldn't trade my Martin dread for the world, although I have PRS Angelus series as a backup I also enjoy. Full, rich, lush sound like that Ambertone D41 puts out never goes out of style.
I have a USA larrivee That has mother of pearl all over the headstock and around the sound hole and the woods are incredible his wife does incredible abalone artwork on the head sock… somebody told me that Mr. Taylor when he first started worked for Larrivee where he learned a lot of the skills…. Just regurgitating what I Heard but I think they make some of the coolest cutaways and not to mention an affordable price…… they’re the best kept secret
I'll probably get dissed for writing this but Neil Diamond in the early 70's was very cool with his acoustic guitar.
Bravo, sir. You are a man of integrity.
Even with his black acoustic with diamond inlays into the 2010's at the Greek theater, that man rocked the crowd.
I think acoustics are just as cool as electrics. My Lowden F12 is fabulous….and yes I got it because Richard Thompson plays one. My other acoustic is a Huss & Dalton OO, sinker mahogany and slightly customized for me. People who don’t play don’t give them a second thought, but people who know guitars always have a comment or two.
Jim, you have some amazing guitars! Anyone who regularly watches this channel know Lowden are my favorite acoustic guitar on the planet! I love Huss as well! I almost bought one of those years ago (wish I did).
I have a WL 12 fret on order for myself and thrilled to see her soon!
@@CasinoGuitars they are very different but both wonderful. Don’t know that I could choose one over the other.
I’ve only had gibson acoustics in my adult life. L200 (2009), LG0 (1966), J35 (2013), J50 (1968), J45 (2020), J45 (1968). The only one I still have is the J45 from 2020. All great guitars in their own right, but bang/buck wise J45 is a winner. Sounds great & looks great (ebony lacquer with white guard.)
Thanks for the suggestion of a Taylor GS mini. I have no idea how to choose between acoustic guitars.
Any of the acoustics Eliot Smith played are cool by me. All solid schmolid, laminate schmaninate, sunburst schmnburst it's all in the songs.... 💥
True indeed! I used to go to his shows in NY all the time, miss that cat!
I have a Norman 6-string and a Norman 12-string that I think are pretty cool... mostly for their sound and feel. The nylon '72 Takamine that I pulled out of a dumpster, along with a '68 Aria ¾ nylon at least have a cool story behind them. Also, the Fender acoustic-electric bass I have is gorgeous and sounds amazing...
Just bought a new acoustic. A J 45 studio Rosewood. Love it and got a great price on it.
Trigger is cool in my book.
Trigger is a Demi-god!
I have two 914s from 2000 and 2001 ... pre-armrest. I think the arm rests are weird. Both of my 914s, after playing them on the road for a few years as my main guitars, have "Willie Nelson style" wear below the high E. I'll never get the value out of them that I would want, but they are both 100% natural relics!
I love you guys, I'm a blues Lawyer who makes his Martin 000 15 cool
Collings are pretty darn cool to me 🤘
My thoughts are I needed a smile today and you guys provided. Thank you!
I don’t think many acoustic guitars are recognisable from each other. You can see it’s a Dreadnaut or a Spanish Guitar or whatever, but it’s harder to see some tiny person on a stage on TV playing an acoustic and knowing what brand it is beyond seeing the headstock.
The only exception I can think of is the big SJ Gibsons.
Darn those Gibsons...they win again:)
I’ve owned a Taylor 210e for around 8 years. It sounds great, but damn, it’s one generic-looking guitar. When Taylor came out with the AD17 blacktops, I got really excited - I love how they look! Unfortunately when I played one at a shop, I wasn’t thrilled with how it sounded.
Have to agree. Tried an AD17 at length at home and it went back. Seriously underwhelming
RIP Dusty
One of my favorite guitars is my Taylor Builders Edition 717e. I think it might be cool but I’m a Geezer so who knows. I have a catalogue Guitar from the 30’s the maker of which I do not know. It is cool. Playing Delta Blues on it almost makes me seem cool at least for a little while. I own a Pierre Bensusan Old Lady model which sounds like an approaching thunderstorm crawling in from the sea over the Irish countryside. I don’t know about cool but it is somehow spooky and legendary. But the only guitar I own that everybody who sees it, hears me play it, or plays it themselves that is definitely cool is my 20 some years old Tacoma C1C Chief. It is all solid wood with a Western Red Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides. It is very light and has a beautiful voice with a ringing sustain. Friends and acquaintances from all genres who have played it love it. It sounds great in Modern finger style, Jazz, Brazilian, Blues and more. It excels in fingerstyle within all these genres. It can be good for reasonable strumming stuff but it is not a guitar to hit hard with strumming. The Chief is definitely cool whether I am or not. Great channel, great topic, I’ve been a subscriber for a while.
I think my Martin is cool. The bass response is so lovely
You guys are the best, so much fun with these videos.
A cool acoustic guitar says “Martin” on the headstock. Lol
Hard to disagree with that as well:)!
You guys come up with the best ideas for talking about guitars! I have an Epiphone EJ-160e just because it's the poor man's version of John Lennon's acoustic guitar. Sounds alright, looks cool.
I think Waterloo by Collings are cool. Throwback sound and style. WL-S Deluxe beautiful little parlor guitar.
They are for sure super cool! And super light!
I would love to have a Waterloo WL-14 X Scissortail. I have also strongly considered a Taylor 612, but I’m waiting to see if Taylor is going to offer the GT in the 600 Series. I’m still probably going to end up with the Waterloo.
A cool acoustic is one you can take anywhere at anytime … hiking camping beach other peoples houses fire pits dates and it plays wagon wheel/wonder wall mashup..
With that being said I do all these with my Martin D16e
I love my D16e
My 1995 Taylor 510 is a monster of a guitar. No crazy adornments beyond a little bearclaw in the spruce. I love it. If I were to own another acoustic it would be a Gibby Hummingbird or an SJ-200 because the gaudy adornments make them COOL. A J-45 might sound better, but with Gibsons the gaudier the better. But bottom line is that what makes an acoustic cool is its sound.
I bought a Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo Acoustic/electric in 2020 paid $729.00 for it sounds and plays incredible it has Fishman electronics
i can't believe you forgot about Guild guitars !!
The coolest acoustic guitars ever made were the Taylor 2015 limited edition 514ce's. Whether you got the flame mahogany or the quilted sapele, you did get the Florentine cutaway (that "sharp edge" for the mythical "acoustic shredder") and some fine looking upgraded inlays around the sound hole and on the fret board, not to mention some really top end tuning machines.
Also, Leo Kottke plays Taylors, and that is all anyone needs to know.
He used to play Bozos...know that's cool!
For me it’s Martins old d-28s and 00s. My dad played a Martin while in was growing up and now that’s what I picture as a cool acoustic. I can’t get over seeing Taylor’s as worship leader guitars and just don’t have the same love for Gibson. (Although I wouldn’t say no to a Dove or Hummingbird)
Cool acoustic is one with a humbucker in the neck position. See Gibson J-45 Humbucker.
What was cool is the (now discontinued) Martin Americana series. As soon as I became aware of these models I purchased a DC-16e with a 000 depth, solid sycamore back & sides, silver/grey binding, satin pearl butterbean open tuners, matching ebony fingerboard-bridge-headstock and a black pick guard. It looks sharp, definitely different, and sounds awesome. Perfect acoustic guitar for me!
Those were cool guitars. They took their design nods after a high performance vehicle and they looked great, fit wonderfully on the lap, and sounded great as well. Also, points for being different!
That sounds cool, but is it as cool as the very short lived Gibson Americana series that the replacement for the Chet Atkins SST? There were two models the Ranger and the Pioneer. I own a Ranger.
I don't think I've ever thought acoustic guitar brands are "cool". I usually think of them as "real" instruments like violins or cellos. None of this is meant to be insulting to either acoustic or electric makers/fans, it's just what I have always thought. Now, the acoustics I do find cool are the vintage, artist played or artisan crafted ones. Things that have history, craftsmanship and tone. You know, all the stuff I can't afford and my playing wouldn't do justice even if I could.
Everyone on RUclips knows that the coolest acoustic guitar of all-time is the Fender Stratocaster Acoustasonic. I know this is true because the algorithm says so.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Okay, you win the sticker for that one! Smiles all around here at the Casino:)
Ha. So tragic that Fender thinks this so. Horrible instruments, just horrible. Proves the inverse relationship between quality and number of influencer reviews
No, not anymore. It’s the Acoustasonic Jazzmaster.
I was able to get a Noel Gallagher j-150. Love it . But I have to say you guys are 100% right. It's a great guitar. It's Not the greatest sounding or playing guitar and I can't say it sounds better than my Taylor or any other guitar that's 50 % or 75 % the price.
But then again it is f*#kn cool as shite.. The look, the smell, the feel. Worth every penny.
I'm 69, for me it's all how they sound. A first year GS Mini lives next to the couch. If we are going to play a lot of acoustic at a gig, I take a '71 Guild D25M sweetie, a '68 Loprinzi Brazilian D28, and a 60's Aria D28-12. They all have a lot of miles on them, and the Loprinzi has abt 50 crack repairs! But they all sound awesome!! I have other Martins and Gibson's I've picked up over the years and live in a bedroom/guitar room. I have GAS, and a hard time selling guitars!! I just play the ones that sound the best, and play the best for me. I am jonsen for a 30's R-J45 Burst though!! 8) JMHO --gary
pin striping could make an acoustic guitar cool also. Black top with some red and white or blue and green pin striping. You guys are inspiring me to get going on some art work on some of my acoustics
A cool acoustic guitar has a sunburst finish. Period.
That is a good truism!
True!
I have played and owned a Takemine, an Ibanez and an Ovation acoustic and just bought a Fender Redondo recently. Of all the acoustics I have played the Fender is not only punchy and loud but still clear and chimy but it looks awesome! Belmont Blue with Gold pickguard. I love it. I will ONLY be playing Fender acoustics from here out.
Not really an acoustic guy, but I felt I had to get a good one as a longer-term investment.
Tried a huge gamut, but I'm lucky enough to be Australian, and I ended up with a Maton.
Year and half ago, my brother gave me a slightly busted Epiphone Everly brothers guitar.
Fixed it up, and it punches well above its weight.
Star inlays are mildly cool, a bonus for an acoustic - but the big double pickguard isn't everyone's cup of tea. (Mine's black which I like, the tort ones can look horrific IMO).
First off, You win for being Australian! And an Australian with a Martin...even more of a win!
@@CasinoGuitars Maton mate, Maton. I tried Martins, Taylors, Cole Clarks (another Aussie brand). etc., and ended up with a Maton. You know, like the same brand that Tommy Emmanuel uses?
Hey guys. Ive never owned a Gibson, Martin, or taylor acoustic, but i did score a vintage Silverstone Catalina jazz box at a yard sale for 50$ last year. Its got brass frets, f holes, archtop and back, blue and white 2 tone. I can tell you without any hesitation at all, that this acoustic is as cool as hell!
I love Glen Hanserds original Tak. The Beast!
You could also make your acoustic cool with some hand painted custom graphics, decals all sorts of things
I’ve been watching loads of “live from daryls house” on RUclips recently, so I had to buy a Taylor acoustic as a result. 814ce is now mine and I love it. It’s super cool. I am waiting until I catch up with it..
I’ve got a black acoustic Fender bass with my favorite band stickers on it and it doesn’t get much cooler than that
Didn't used to matter to me but....now I REALLY REALLY want a Gibson SJ-200 with that cool mustache bridge or a Hummingbird or Dove because Petty used them,saving my pennies LOL
Have a Martin DSR-GC a limited series Martin made just for GC, Martin does not even really acknowledge the model and it is the plainest (non-cutaway) looking acoustic you've ever seen...that said--=-that guitar plays and sounds AMAZING!!!
The Outlaws !!! Huey and Billy were the best. The Outlaws first three albums were pure guitar heaven.
I have a martin dreadnought junior is my go to guitar.
I had a epiphone hummingbird pro and it looked great but didn't sound great so I sold it. I do still have an old Japanese 12 string that sounds great!
Acoustics are cool. I have 4 and they’re all super cool. Killer figured wood, always cool. Bear claw spruce, cool. Florentine cutaways are crazy cool. Taylor’s are very cool. Martin’s to me, not cool. Some Gibson’s are cool. To me. 12-strings to me are super cool, like my Taylor K65ce. A slight and subtle edge burst is cool. I also like Larrivee’s and McPherson’s.
For me the only way an acoustic can be cool is if it's an archtop with f-holes.
YESSSS
and you can be cool on stage or you can be cool around a pit fire or both . So you need a cool acoustic for sure. The camp fire or pit fire is a fun thing and even more fun with a guitar
The Gretsch White Falcon Rancher 12 gauge is the coolest bitch out there and a tone to die for.
Martin sounds the absolute best to me, easy. . Therefore, the coolest.
I think the "cool" acoustics in this moment in time are things like (Scott) Baxendale Conversions ... taking an old Harmony made out of great tone woods (spruce and mahogany), only with terrible bracing, and having them rebuilt. That's the "in" thing acoustic wise these days. I see more and more indie guys playing those kinds of acoustics. (I also happen to have an h162 in the queue to be converted in Athens right now, but I'm not biased at all ... nah
I have a 1990 Guild DCE3 Tennessee Orange and it looks awesome
Yes and yes! Any of the older Guilds are 100% cool!