I have a 214ce deluxe. I bought it new in 2019, and i've never been sorry. I opted for the Elixir Poly strings over the factory Elixir nanos, and i personally like them better, and this guitar has really opened up in the past couple of years. I continue to be impressed by, and very satisfied with this purchase.
The Taylor's low notes were louder, but coarse.. I was really surprised by the way the Martin's low end won the tone contest for my ear, at least through recorded audio. Much more resonant and expressive. The slightly clearer high notes on the Taylor didn't make up for the deficit on the low end.
I have a GPC11e and a 114ce. Both were chosen by the sound at the time. When I got the Martin I tried the 13 and the 16, but settled on the 11 as it sounded cleaner with better intonation. 2 years before that I got the 114ce due to the sound it had - I didn't have a ''small'' guitar and needed one. Both are great. I use the Martin for most gigs, it having the better pickup in my view and with my gear - Bose S1 and Fender acoustisonic 150, and the Taylor for outdoor gigs, as we play a lot outside over the summer months. The laminate will stand the damp better I think. The martins a better strummer unplugged, and the Taylors a better picker unplugged. I took the scratch plate off the martin and it improved the sound a lot. I had to re-varnish the front of the Taylor due to damage, and I think that sounds better too, the new finish being softer varnish. Just my personal experience after having played for 50 years and building guitars since 1990. You don't choose guitars- they choose you. (a bit like women)!
Both guitars sound great. I feel the Taylor here sounds more articulate. There was a time when the differences in tone between both brand guitars was significant but IMO both manufactures have made adjustments to their build to bring their tone closer to each other. I don't think that same old distinct difference exists anymore with their newest model guitars. Yes still some differences, but not enough to say "that's a Taylor" or "that's a Martin".
Both choices are great choices. I would go with the Martin but still like the Taylor as it is. I think both show how good guitars have gotten in that price range, they both have incredible value for the money. Thorsten from Germany
I just played about a dozen martins and their comparable Taylor. I have always had cheap acoustics because I'm mainly an electric guy. I decided I deserve an intermediate or better acoustic. I spent about two hours going back and forth on body size, tone woods, brands etc.... and I kept gravitating to taylor and martin. They just played or sounded better than the other brands. I also interestingly enough, landed on these two body shapes for martin and taylor. I liked how they fit my play style. I'm a light strummer and I like both finger picking and hybrid picking. My general consensus on Martin vs Taylor..... The martins generally sound a smidge better having a fuller sound that is really pleasing as a solo instrument. The Taylors all generally play nicer than the martins but have a more pronounced mid/ treble range and a bell like ring. I'd suspect the taylor would fit better in the mix if you had a bass player. For me, I'm going with the taylor 114ce.
I have to agree with the folks here. The Taylor woild be my choice. We bought my daughter a 214ce several years ago and this sounds even better now, which I believe the V-bracing might have contributed to the depth of the low frequency, which is my preference. Martin has really pumped up their game for their GP model though, so if the shop had only the Martin GP, I would pick it.......but Taylor wins in this side by side comparison.
Interestingly, the Baby, GS Mini, Academy, 100 and 200 series have the X bracing. Not sure why Taylor produces guitars with two different bracings (I assume cost). Apparently the way to spot the difference is that guitars with V bracing have a distinctive black graphite nut.
The comparison that I really want to see is either the Taylor 214ce Plus or Taylor 214ce DLX vs the Taylor 414ce-R. It would be a tremendous Taylor Mexico vs US, Layered Rosewood vs solid Rosewood, and X class vs V class comparison, with all other basic specs being essentially the same (other than nut material). Same bode shape, same scale length, same strings, both with gloss finish and binding, same nut width. This would be true Apples to Apples comparison, and I can't seem to find any videos on RUclips comparing these two guitars. And would make it so much easier for anyone who might be on the fence between a 214ce or any American made version of a Taylor GA shaped guitar. Please Alamo Music Center, make this video comparison happen (sooner rather than later).
It took me a while to pick one between Martin & Taylor. Then, GPC13E-Ziricote came out, and there I picked up Martin for the bright sound. I always liked and have been a sound of Taylors high pitch tone, but GPC-13e somehow have me to pick Martin. Bottom line, I really like the sound of GPC-13E ziricote, and I like it better than Taylor now.
Hi Chris. As always another excellent presentation. The Taylor sounded a little more powerful I'd say than the Martin. Martin would always has this wood tone in it and its really present during the demonstration. I might have to try a GP body as I kinda find them in between a Dread and a 000.
I played a martin and a Taylor side by side for over an hour trying to pick one to buy. I bought a martin not because I could find anything better about it but because that specific one complimented my style of playing just a tiny bit better. Truth I will probably end up going back and buying the Taylor at some point because it was such a wonderful guitar to play.
A couple of months ago, I traded my 214ce DLX for the Taylor 414ce. I love the 414. It is my go to guitar but I gotta say, I kinda wish I had held onto the 214 also.
I care, I have a Taylor 110 that I got when I was 12 or 13, I’ve had to do a lot of work to keep it playing since I was a stupid teenager and left in cars, outside on porches at parties and who knows what else, can’t give it up. I’ve got a 714 cev and recently bought a gs mini in Koa, still bust out the 110 and pick a little on it, intonation is good and action is still superb after 11 years haha. I think I’ve only had to adjust the truss rod twice over the years
I traded a 214ce deluxe for a Martin D15M a couple of months ago and now feel like I made a huge mistake. Nothing I can do about it know except for trading or selling the Martin. It's intonation is really bad and pisses me off.
I ended up going with the Martin GPC 13e. I'm not certain of the Taylor models that I tried, but they were all equivalent, price-wise. All of the Taylors and Martins sounded awesome. But the Martin seemed to fit my style a little better and this particular model seems to have a more full sound to my ears. I gig 2-3x a week so I took a ton of time trying out these guitars! Again, both Taylors and Martins were really nice. You just have to go with what feels best to you and fits your style. I DO wish the Martin would have come with a hardshell case. The gig bag is hefty, but I will more than likely end up getting a hardshell case.
just from hearing the guitars i'd say the Taylor has a very slightly more resonant sound , i'm not even sure i could tell which was which on a blind test . the choice between the two (for me) would be all about which felt better in my hands , and easier to play .
Nice job Chris! Really enjoyed the comparison. I agree the Martin sounds ‘brighter’ in that, it sounded to have a higher tone. The Taylor had a deeper sound, which sounded better to my ear.
The Martin sounds more refined and articulate whereas the Taylor sounds louder and harsher with the lows and highs. Not to say the Taylor sounded bad (by any means), but when I close my eyes I can always pick out a Martin's sound over a comparable Taylor.
Both sound excellent. I was thinking the Taylor had it after the 1st round...but then when the finger picking started in the second round it sounded pretty damn good. I have three Taylors...might be time for a Martin.
The Gpc guitars SOUND SOOOO GOOD TO ME I just bought one should be here in a few days even if it’s not the most expensive Martin I just love it over anything It’s not about how expensive it is but how it feels in your own hands
I tried a 214ce dlx and a 314ce and the cheaper 214 sounded and felt better, then I tried the Martin GPC-13E Ziricote and that had lower action than both Taylors and was easier to play. Sound wise I went with the Martin but sound is subjective the Taylor was still great.
I have the Mutenye GPC-13E that I got mid last year. The Gig bag is fine for local, and pretty well built. Mine says it's Solid wood (Muteneye), but that the Zircote version is "Fine Veneer". It is very playable, and looks great. I have some Taylors, like the 322e which is Mahogany so hard to compare. They are all great guitars, and I'd guess the hardcase verses soft is a bigger difference than the sound. I tend to like soft bags as they store easier, and I never fly with a guitar.... (it doesn't like coach). Love the videos.
I own both of these guitars now. I've been playing the Taylor for two years prior to getting the Martin. What's funny is contrary to some of the comments here and the video, my first reaction was the Taylor I actually thought was brighter and louder, and I liked that. Maybe it was the strings I was using? Idk. Martin seemed to have a deeper fuller tone out of the box. I put some new d'addario xs strings on the Taylor, played that and the brand new Martin side by side. Both me and my wife agreed the Martin had a slight edge with what she described as velvet-y tone. It's a tough one if you're comparing the two. I've already changed my mind a few times. At the moment, I'm favoring the Martin.
I'm surprised to hear you say the Martin was brighter. I heard pretty much the opposite. The Martin sounded a little muddy with lack of definition compared to the Taylor. The Taylor had a bit more clarity and definition when finger picking. I could hear all of the notes distinctly, where as, the Martin seemed to lack that characteristic. At least in the recording, that's what I heard. As you are playing, it may have sounded differently to you given your proximity to the guitars. Both sound good and are a nice bang for the buck. Thanks for the comparison! 8)
Ditto both sound good...of course different tops/strings even when comparing alike samples. For me the Martins seems to have more, definition and color...the Taylor sounds a bit muddy and bass heavy while losing that balance much of the midrange. The Martin has Richlite FB, bridge, headplate. The Taylor comes with a wooden hardshell case like 300, 400, 500 etc. The tone of the Taylor seems harsh in the bass because the mids and highs are glassy, lacking in depth and warmth.
I honestly couldn't hear a lot of difference between them. The Martin did sound a little more resonant to me but how much of that is a result of the compression of RUclips's video systems? Using internet video sound is sketchy at best but since Chris played the exact same thing (!) on each and both have been squished by RUclips, I would say this is a very fair comparison. For all I know, I could just be hearing the difference between 2 guitars with no regard to the brands, much like 2 Martins or 2 Taylors will sound slightly different. And great playing Chris!
Cool video. I’d been looking at Martins but played the Taylor today and it was great. I like the hard shell case with it. My climate has big swings in humidity where a good hard shell can really pay off in protecting acoustics
I think the Martin is a touch brighter and smoother in sound. The Taylor sounds great. I love Martins but really want to get a Taylor. Issue is my hart is set on the Martin OM-28. I bet if you put Elixir strings on the Martin it would sound like the Taylor
After much research and hand wringing I bought the Taylor ce214 dlx. Both are amazing guitars and the differences are so negligible that it boils down to what tickles your fingers and ears the best. There is no wrong choice here.
Taylor hands down. Martin more focused on mid to high range, not as complementary to the overall sound produced by the 214, esp on bottom end. Listeners would be more receptive to the Taylor's resonance, esp if you're not playing with a band -- which is most of us.
I recently reached out to Martin, the core is solid Khaya (African Mahogany). The ziricote is a paper-thin veneer purely for aesthetics. Yes, technically a laminate. But not plywood like some people seem to think.
The Elixir 80/20 strings on new Taylors are much brighter than the Elixir PB Nano (my preference). I think the Martin ships with strings similar to the PB Nano, so it may not be an exact comparison. Most remarkable is how alike they sound, the same impression as the first time I demo’d a Martin GPC. I figured the Martin GPC was an answer to the popular and versatile Taylor GA/GC line. I’ve found the Taylor GA to be the most versatile for every playing style. It takes a flatpick quite well and real nice for fingerpicking. The GA sounds great from the 100 to 800 series… a variety of standard and special tonewoods at each price point. I own more than a half dozen each of the Martin and Taylors and these two models are more alike than any other… both sound great.
Martin is a blues based guitar, built for blues players. Taylor is for rock & pop. You can use either or both for each era, but that's the deal. Simple as that.
I’m with you Chris. I prefer the 1 3/4 nut width. I have a older 214ce and GPC with layered Rosewood. I only like the Martin better because of the nut width. As usual, another great video.
I just bought a Martin GPC 13-e. I LOVE IT!. I am normally a guitar snob and only like solid wood. And at the time that I bought this, the Martin website said it was all solid wood. The guy I bought it from said it was all solid back and sides, because the grain is the same on the inside and the outside. The Martin website, says it is all solid wood, and then in the specs it says the back and sides are Fine veneer. So I am confused. The grain does go all the way to the inside. But truthfully, I don't care. I love my new guitar. Yummy playability. Sweet, warm sound. And the back has gorgeous sap wood. Either solid sap wood, or beautiful veneer. If it is veneer, I can take it out to church to play in the praise band, and not worry about humidity as much. I love it. So. Hmmm. I also have a Taylor all solid KOA K24-CE, which satisfies my fancy guitar desires. So that may be part of this for me. Love both of my guitars. Incidentally, I was feeling like my Taylor was a little tinny. I mentioned it to the guys at the guitar shop where I bought the Martin. They suggested that I switch to Light strings instead of custom lights. The difference in sound is huge. I am much happier with it now. I love Martin. I love Taylor.
Chris is a good guitar player. But when he plays a Martin compared with a Taylor, he plays the Martin almost twice as softly as he does the Taylor. And people comment accordingly without emphasizing the difference in volume between the two. People always say that the Taylor sounds richer and fuller. I have played both. And I can say there's no comparison. Martin's are sweeter, more melodic and have a richer fuller sound. I once had a Taylor 814 and I sent it back. I now have a Martin GPC 13e. The Martin is the better guitar.
I noticed that as well John . I keep wanting to get a Taylor because I think they look “ better” and I don’t have one ! Every time I go and compare a Martin or a Gibson to a Taylor of similar price … I end up always getting Martin or Gibson 😊
Martin's are for Blues players. Deeper, rich, dark tones. Taylor is for pop and rock. Loud, clear, distinctive, bold statement guitars. In my opinion, Taylor hands down. No wonder everybody plays them, and Martin copied it. It's the design... Taylor, all the way..
All yamaha’s are better value just because of the brand, Yamaha is a bit undervalued in the guitar world but also a bigger company so sell their stuff cheaper
A little more low end on the Taylor. They’re very close. I’m listening through an iPad with AirPod pros. The layered back and sides are nice for knocking around. They’re not quite as temperature and humidity sensitive yet they sound really good.
I have an older version of the Martin (GPCRSG) and I love it. Mine has solid back and sides which is why I picked it over the Taylor, but if they are both layered then I would go with the Taylor.
The sound and build quality of both guitars are just to close to say one is better than the other. That’s just me. I would own ten of each if I could afford it.
I bought a Taylor 214 ce dlx in May from y’all love it not sure if it’s me or the guitar but seems the strings are a little higher than I’m used to and heavier than I’m used to! Input welcomed!
Martin. East Coast (Eastern PA) since 1833 vs. a California company founded in the 1970s. All other things being equal, I know which guitar I’m gonna choose.
I got confused at about 5:07 in you show the headstocks and the tuners and both appear to be open tuners. The GPC-13CE has closed Martin branded tuners, and the Taylor 214ce DLX has closed tuners in it's website. Is it possible you're showing the tuners for a 3 to 4K guitar in this video....? I love open tuners, as they look so 1900... but I don't see them at this price point often. My 000-15M has them at 1300 but they look shrunken down...
Hmmm... Add in a Yamaha AC3R (all solid wood and less cash) and then you would have a party :-). They are both lovely, but I also agree with Chris the Ziricote looks very nice.
I was just comparing it with a Martin 000-18, my standard for the best sounding guitar to my ears, and frankly, I like the Taylor more. Also, the neck seems smoother but that may just be different setups.
I have a Taylor 314 and a GS-Mini. Love them both! Martins sound a little thin to me. I had a RoadMaster for a short time. I'll probably try another Martin at some point, but I would want a D-18 or D-28.
I didn't hear a mention on fingerboards. How does the Martin with Richlite fingboard and bridge feel compared to the ebony of the Taylor? I've felt like the neck was heavier on the Martins with Richlite when I've held them.
Both sound great. But if I'm gonna spend $1400 it better come with a hard shell case. I feel like a gig bag cheapens a guitar. That's why I just but the Taylor 214ce dlx.
Open back tuners on the Taylor?? Every one I've seen has closed back- older DLX with the lower end (likely generic) and the newer iteration with Taylor branded.
A couple of years ago I tried out a solid Ziricote Ukulele because it was the prettiest little thing I'd ever seen. The Ziricote almost looked artificial it was so beautiful. Unfortunately the sound sucked. I kept coming back and playing it trying to make it sound better but of course it was what it was. Now this is totally different but unfortunately my experience makes me a little leary. However I'm sure the guitar is gorgeous. In my headphones there isn't a lot of difference. I suspect I would fail a blind test but no matter how good it always is a recording is never the same as the live sound. The site shows the same guitar with a Mutenye back and sides but for once Alamo goofed and didn't show the back and sides in the pictures. I suspect it is some substitute for Mahogany. As for the review I'd be happy to flip a coin and own which ever one came up even though I lean toward the Martin camp
I really wished you also threw in a PRS A60E. I can't find any video comparing all three. I like the Taylor here more than the Martin. So, it looks like I have my choice down to two.
I own a martin special gpc, and I have to say it sounds beautiful. That buty comes at the cost of being on my 4th one from warranty. Yeah, the top bellies so bad after about 6 months that it is unplayable. And yeah, I do have a very strict climate control in my jam space. Sounds beautiful though. To resolve the issue of the martin top, I ordered a furch.
The Martin sounds great.. but the Taylor rings like a damn bell !! I don't know why or how, but the Taylor almost sounds like 2 guitar tracks layered together.
I don't know why but the Martin tone somehow gives me a tint of opened loneliness feeling. The Taylor sounded more cheerful.
Saving up for a Taylor.
Great way of putting it.
I have a 214ce deluxe. I bought it new in 2019, and i've never been sorry.
I opted for the Elixir Poly strings over the factory Elixir nanos, and i personally like them better, and this guitar has really opened up in the past couple of years.
I continue to be impressed by, and very satisfied with this purchase.
I use Elixir poly's on all acoustics.. Makes even a cheap guitar sound great! :)
Same here I have one too. Sounds great!
The Taylor's low notes were louder, but coarse.. I was really surprised by the way the Martin's low end won the tone contest for my ear, at least through recorded audio. Much more resonant and expressive. The slightly clearer high notes on the Taylor didn't make up for the deficit on the low end.
I have a GPC11e and a 114ce. Both were chosen by the sound at the time. When I got the Martin I tried the 13 and the 16, but settled on the 11 as it sounded cleaner with better intonation. 2 years before that I got the 114ce due to the sound it had - I didn't have a ''small'' guitar and needed one. Both are great. I use the Martin for most gigs, it having the better pickup in my view and with my gear - Bose S1 and Fender acoustisonic 150, and the Taylor for outdoor gigs, as we play a lot outside over the summer months. The laminate will stand the damp better I think. The martins a better strummer unplugged, and the Taylors a better picker unplugged. I took the scratch plate off the martin and it improved the sound a lot. I had to re-varnish the front of the Taylor due to damage, and I think that sounds better too, the new finish being softer varnish. Just my personal experience after having played for 50 years and building guitars since 1990. You don't choose guitars- they choose you. (a bit like women)!
Martin 7:17 ~ Taylor 8:05
Martin 8:53 ~ Taylor 9:46
Martin 10:37 ~ Taylor 11:20
Brava, grazie ho capito meglio con questo metodo🤙🤙🤙
Both guitars sound great. I feel the Taylor here sounds more articulate. There was a time when the differences in tone between both brand guitars was significant but IMO both manufactures have made adjustments to their build to bring their tone closer to each other. I don't think that same old distinct difference exists anymore with their newest model guitars. Yes still some differences, but not enough to say "that's a Taylor" or "that's a Martin".
Both choices are great choices. I would go with the Martin but still like the Taylor as it is. I think both show how good guitars have gotten in that price range, they both have incredible value for the money. Thorsten from Germany
Sound similar but I love Taylor for the simplicity of the design. The neck reset : adjustment capability is brilliant.
I just played about a dozen martins and their comparable Taylor. I have always had cheap acoustics because I'm mainly an electric guy. I decided I deserve an intermediate or better acoustic. I spent about two hours going back and forth on body size, tone woods, brands etc.... and I kept gravitating to taylor and martin. They just played or sounded better than the other brands. I also interestingly enough, landed on these two body shapes for martin and taylor. I liked how they fit my play style. I'm a light strummer and I like both finger picking and hybrid picking.
My general consensus on Martin vs Taylor..... The martins generally sound a smidge better having a fuller sound that is really pleasing as a solo instrument. The Taylors all generally play nicer than the martins but have a more pronounced mid/ treble range and a bell like ring. I'd suspect the taylor would fit better in the mix if you had a bass player. For me, I'm going with the taylor 114ce.
Gracias por tu opinion.
07:37 Martin
08:25 Taylor
I always love the way Martin's sound when I hear them. Then I go to play one and find myself gravitating toward the Taylors.
Just bought the Taylor 214ce dlx in sunburst. Great looking guitar and sounds great. Nice case too!👍
Love that look, going back and fourth between that one and the Martin Sweetwater edition Martin sc 12E in sunburst
Love the videos guys! Daily ritual of mine
The Martin nut width is 1.75 inches. It also has a shorter scale length. Both of these factors make the Martin the better choice for me.
I have to agree with the folks here. The Taylor woild be my choice. We bought my daughter a 214ce several years ago and this sounds even better now, which I believe the V-bracing might have contributed to the depth of the low frequency, which is my preference. Martin has really pumped up their game for their GP model though, so if the shop had only the Martin GP, I would pick it.......but Taylor wins in this side by side comparison.
Interestingly, the Baby, GS Mini, Academy, 100 and 200 series have the X bracing. Not sure why Taylor produces guitars with two different bracings (I assume cost). Apparently the way to spot the difference is that guitars with V bracing have a distinctive black graphite nut.
@@KGale You're right, Kevin! And I'm going out on a limb here and guess that the mini series has more strength with the X bracing maybe?
I also thought the Taylor sounded warmer and more balanced than the Martin. I'd go with the Taylor
Me too. Martins are for blues players.
@@oreally8605That makes absolutely no sense
@@el34glo59It has a heavier deep blues sound. 💙 99% of blues players or blues rock players use what? Martin. Make sense now?
The comparison that I really want to see is either the Taylor 214ce Plus or Taylor 214ce DLX vs the Taylor 414ce-R. It would be a tremendous Taylor Mexico vs US, Layered Rosewood vs solid Rosewood, and X class vs V class comparison, with all other basic specs being essentially the same (other than nut material). Same bode shape, same scale length, same strings, both with gloss finish and binding, same nut width. This would be true Apples to Apples comparison, and I can't seem to find any videos on RUclips comparing these two guitars. And would make it so much easier for anyone who might be on the fence between a 214ce or any American made version of a Taylor GA shaped guitar. Please Alamo Music Center, make this video comparison happen (sooner rather than later).
It took me a while to pick one between Martin & Taylor. Then, GPC13E-Ziricote came out, and there I picked up Martin for the bright sound. I always liked and have been a sound of Taylors high pitch tone, but GPC-13e somehow have me to pick Martin. Bottom line, I really like the sound of GPC-13E ziricote, and I like it better than Taylor now.
Hi Chris. As always another excellent presentation. The Taylor sounded a little more powerful I'd say than the Martin. Martin would always has this wood tone in it and its really present during the demonstration. I might have to try a GP body as I kinda find them in between a Dread and a 000.
I played a martin and a Taylor side by side for over an hour trying to pick one to buy. I bought a martin not because I could find anything better about it but because that specific one complimented my style of playing just a tiny bit better. Truth I will probably end up going back and buying the Taylor at some point because it was such a wonderful guitar to play.
A couple of months ago, I traded my 214ce DLX for the Taylor 414ce. I love the 414. It is my go to guitar but I gotta say, I kinda wish I had held onto the 214 also.
No one cares 🤡
@@gustavopaulette3496 I care
@@kami_kami11 you don’t count peasant
I care, I have a Taylor 110 that I got when I was 12 or 13, I’ve had to do a lot of work to keep it playing since I was a stupid teenager and left in cars, outside on porches at parties and who knows what else, can’t give it up. I’ve got a 714 cev and recently bought a gs mini in Koa, still bust out the 110 and pick a little on it, intonation is good and action is still superb after 11 years haha. I think I’ve only had to adjust the truss rod twice over the years
I traded a 214ce deluxe for a Martin D15M a couple of months ago and now feel like I made a huge mistake. Nothing I can do about it know except for trading or selling the Martin. It's intonation is really bad and pisses me off.
I ended up going with the Martin GPC 13e. I'm not certain of the Taylor models that I tried, but they were all equivalent, price-wise. All of the Taylors and Martins sounded awesome. But the Martin seemed to fit my style a little better and this particular model seems to have a more full sound to my ears. I gig 2-3x a week so I took a ton of time trying out these guitars! Again, both Taylors and Martins were really nice. You just have to go with what feels best to you and fits your style.
I DO wish the Martin would have come with a hardshell case. The gig bag is hefty, but I will more than likely end up getting a hardshell case.
Both are still great guitars!! The Taylor in this video sounds better!
Agreed!
just from hearing the guitars i'd say the Taylor has a very slightly more resonant sound , i'm not even sure i could tell which was which on a blind test . the choice between the two (for me) would be all about which felt better in my hands , and easier to play .
I have this exact Taylor guitar. It is a dream to play. However, I am sure you probably couldn't go wrong with either.
Nice job Chris! Really enjoyed the comparison. I agree the Martin sounds ‘brighter’ in that, it sounded to have a higher tone. The Taylor had a deeper sound, which sounded better to my ear.
Real nice sound. Expensive though for a MIM...
Thanks for this awesome review Chris 🎶🎶🎶
The Martin sounds more refined and articulate whereas the Taylor sounds louder and harsher with the lows and highs. Not to say the Taylor sounded bad (by any means), but when I close my eyes I can always pick out a Martin's sound over a comparable Taylor.
Both sound excellent. I was thinking the Taylor had it after the 1st round...but then when the finger picking started in the second round it sounded pretty damn good. I have three Taylors...might be time for a Martin.
Such a great comparison. These are the 2 I am focused on. May be an older 312? So helpful. Objective analysis. Thanks.
The Gpc guitars SOUND SOOOO GOOD TO ME I just bought one should be here in a few days even if it’s not the most expensive Martin I just love it over anything It’s not about how expensive it is but how it feels in your own hands
Did you get the gpc13e ? Is it a good guitar ?
@@fishermarine4576 Yes it is amazing easy to play and sounds great
I've owned both Martin & Taylor. Gonna say I lean a bit towards the Taylor for the sound I prefer. I now have a Taylor and love it.
I had 214ce DLX Red 4 years now sound amazing, it comes with hard case good value.
I tried a 214ce dlx and a 314ce and the cheaper 214 sounded and felt better, then I tried the Martin GPC-13E Ziricote and that had lower action than both Taylors and was easier to play. Sound wise I went with the Martin but sound is subjective the Taylor was still great.
I have the Mutenye GPC-13E that I got mid last year. The Gig bag is fine for local, and pretty well built. Mine says it's Solid wood (Muteneye), but that the Zircote version is "Fine Veneer". It is very playable, and looks great. I have some Taylors, like the 322e which is Mahogany so hard to compare. They are all great guitars, and I'd guess the hardcase verses soft is a bigger difference than the sound. I tend to like soft bags as they store easier, and I never fly with a guitar.... (it doesn't like coach). Love the videos.
I own both of these guitars now. I've been playing the Taylor for two years prior to getting the Martin. What's funny is contrary to some of the comments here and the video, my first reaction was the Taylor I actually thought was brighter and louder, and I liked that. Maybe it was the strings I was using? Idk. Martin seemed to have a deeper fuller tone out of the box. I put some new d'addario xs strings on the Taylor, played that and the brand new Martin side by side. Both me and my wife agreed the Martin had a slight edge with what she described as velvet-y tone. It's a tough one if you're comparing the two. I've already changed my mind a few times. At the moment, I'm favoring the Martin.
I'm surprised to hear you say the Martin was brighter. I heard pretty much the opposite. The Martin sounded a little muddy with lack of definition compared to the Taylor. The Taylor had a bit more clarity and definition when finger picking. I could hear all of the notes distinctly, where as, the Martin seemed to lack that characteristic. At least in the recording, that's what I heard. As you are playing, it may have sounded differently to you given your proximity to the guitars. Both sound good and are a nice bang for the buck. Thanks for the comparison! 8)
Ditto both sound good...of course different tops/strings even when comparing alike samples. For me the Martins seems to have more, definition and color...the Taylor sounds a bit muddy and bass heavy while losing that balance much of the midrange. The Martin has Richlite FB, bridge, headplate. The Taylor comes with a wooden hardshell case like 300, 400, 500 etc. The tone of the Taylor seems harsh in the bass because the mids and highs are glassy, lacking in depth and warmth.
I honestly couldn't hear a lot of difference between them. The Martin did sound a little more resonant to me but how much of that is a result of the compression of RUclips's video systems? Using internet video sound is sketchy at best but since Chris played the exact same thing (!) on each and both have been squished by RUclips, I would say this is a very fair comparison. For all I know, I could just be hearing the difference between 2 guitars with no regard to the brands, much like 2 Martins or 2 Taylors will sound slightly different.
And great playing Chris!
Cool video. I’d been looking at Martins but played the Taylor today and it was great. I like the hard shell case with it. My climate has big swings in humidity where a good hard shell can really pay off in protecting acoustics
I think the Martin is a touch brighter and smoother in sound. The Taylor sounds great. I love Martins but really want to get a Taylor. Issue is my hart is set on the Martin OM-28. I bet if you put Elixir strings on the Martin it would sound like the Taylor
After much research and hand wringing I bought the Taylor ce214 dlx. Both are amazing guitars and the differences are so negligible that it boils down to what tickles your fingers and ears the best. There is no wrong choice here.
I have the martin. Love it to death. Easy as balls to play as an intermediate level player: fingerstyle, picking, strumming, whatever you want.
I played a Martin today and felt the same about it, I was playing things with ease.
I have baught the Taylor Deluxe Koa last week and I am very happy with ist. Greetings from Germany
Taylor hands down. Martin more focused on mid to high range, not as complementary to the overall sound produced by the 214, esp on bottom end. Listeners would be more receptive to the Taylor's resonance, esp if you're not playing with a band -- which is most of us.
I recently reached out to Martin, the core is solid Khaya (African Mahogany). The ziricote is a paper-thin veneer purely for aesthetics. Yes, technically a laminate. But not plywood like some people seem to think.
Same process for the Taylor... it's layered.
The Elixir 80/20 strings on new Taylors are much brighter than the Elixir PB Nano (my preference). I think the Martin ships with strings similar to the PB Nano, so it may not be an exact comparison. Most remarkable is how alike they sound, the same impression as the first time I demo’d a Martin GPC. I figured the Martin GPC was an answer to the popular and versatile Taylor GA/GC line. I’ve found the Taylor GA to be the most versatile for every playing style. It takes a flatpick quite well and real nice for fingerpicking. The GA sounds great from the 100 to 800 series… a variety of standard and special tonewoods at each price point. I own more than a half dozen each of the Martin and Taylors and these two models are more alike than any other… both sound great.
Martin is a blues based guitar, built for blues players. Taylor is for rock & pop. You can use either or both for each era, but that's the deal. Simple as that.
No, not really so simple.
I’m with you Chris. I prefer the 1 3/4 nut width. I have a older 214ce and GPC with layered Rosewood. I only like the Martin better because of the nut width. As usual, another great video.
I just bought a Martin GPC 13-e. I LOVE IT!. I am normally a guitar snob and only like solid wood. And at the time that I bought this, the Martin website said it was all solid wood. The guy I bought it from said it was all solid back and sides, because the grain is the same on the inside and the outside. The Martin website, says it is all solid wood, and then in the specs it says the back and sides are Fine veneer. So I am confused. The grain does go all the way to the inside. But truthfully, I don't care. I love my new guitar. Yummy playability. Sweet, warm sound. And the back has gorgeous sap wood. Either solid sap wood, or beautiful veneer. If it is veneer, I can take it out to church to play in the praise band, and not worry about humidity as much. I love it. So. Hmmm. I also have a Taylor all solid KOA K24-CE, which satisfies my fancy guitar desires. So that may be part of this for me. Love both of my guitars. Incidentally, I was feeling like my Taylor was a little tinny. I mentioned it to the guys at the guitar shop where I bought the Martin. They suggested that I switch to Light strings instead of custom lights. The difference in sound is huge. I am much happier with it now. I love Martin. I love Taylor.
Nothing between them just a difference in tonal character - so just pure preference. Good demo patterns.
Chris is a good guitar player. But when he plays a Martin compared with a Taylor, he plays the Martin almost twice as softly as he does the Taylor. And people comment accordingly without emphasizing the difference in volume between the two. People always say that the Taylor sounds richer and fuller. I have played both. And I can say there's no comparison. Martin's are sweeter, more melodic and have a richer fuller sound. I once had a Taylor 814 and I sent it back. I now have a Martin GPC 13e. The Martin is the better guitar.
I noticed that as well John . I keep wanting to get a Taylor because I think they look “ better” and I don’t have one ! Every time I go and compare a Martin or a Gibson to a Taylor of similar price … I end up always getting Martin or Gibson 😊
Martin's are for Blues players. Deeper, rich, dark tones. Taylor is for pop and rock. Loud, clear, distinctive, bold statement guitars. In my opinion, Taylor hands down. No wonder everybody plays them, and Martin copied it. It's the design... Taylor, all the way..
I would go with the Martin only because of the nut width. I have an older 214ce and although I do love it. The nut width is a little narrow.
That's actually a really good point. Definitely will need to consider that.
Thanks again Chris. Wouldn’t an all wood A5R or Ac5R for about that same price be a better buy ???
All yamaha’s are better value just because of the brand, Yamaha is a bit undervalued in the guitar world but also a bigger company so sell their stuff cheaper
Taylor absolutely
Taylor for me. More rounded sound.
A little more low end on the Taylor. They’re very close. I’m listening through an iPad with AirPod pros. The layered back and sides are nice for knocking around. They’re not quite as temperature and humidity sensitive yet they sound really good.
I have an older version of the Martin (GPCRSG) and I love it. Mine has solid back and sides which is why I picked it over the Taylor, but if they are both layered then I would go with the Taylor.
The sound and build quality of both guitars are just to close to say one is better than the other. That’s just me. I would own ten of each if I could afford it.
The grand concert shape is better on Martin but the grand auditorium sounds best on a tayor!
I love martins Taylor and Gibson and all kinds of acoustic guitars
I bought a Taylor 214 ce dlx in May from y’all love it not sure if it’s me or the guitar but seems the strings are a little higher than I’m used to and heavier than I’m used to! Input welcomed!
Martin. East Coast (Eastern PA) since 1833 vs. a California company founded in the 1970s. All other things being equal, I know which guitar I’m gonna choose.
I got confused at about 5:07 in you show the headstocks and the tuners and both appear to be open tuners. The GPC-13CE has closed Martin branded tuners, and the Taylor 214ce DLX has closed tuners in it's website. Is it possible you're showing the tuners for a 3 to 4K guitar in this video....? I love open tuners, as they look so 1900... but I don't see them at this price point often. My 000-15M has them at 1300 but they look shrunken down...
Hmmm... Add in a Yamaha AC3R (all solid wood and less cash) and then you would have a party :-). They are both lovely, but I also agree with Chris the Ziricote looks very nice.
plus that the AC3R sounds like a million bucks plugged in
I was just comparing it with a Martin 000-18, my standard for the best sounding guitar to my ears, and frankly, I like the Taylor more. Also, the neck seems smoother but that may just be different setups.
I have a Taylor 314 and a GS-Mini. Love them both! Martins sound a little thin to me. I had a RoadMaster for a short time. I'll probably try another Martin at some point, but I would want a D-18 or D-28.
To me, the Martin sounded a bit muffled, muted. The mid range seemed missing compared to the full range vibrance of the Taylor.
I didn't hear a mention on fingerboards. How does the Martin with Richlite fingboard and bridge feel compared to the ebony of the Taylor? I've felt like the neck was heavier on the Martins with Richlite when I've held them.
I wonder if the Martin had elixir strings if it would be as bright as the Taylor.
How is the action on the Martin out of the box?
Both sound great. But if I'm gonna spend $1400 it better come with a hard shell case. I feel like a gig bag cheapens a guitar. That's why I just but the Taylor 214ce dlx.
I own this Taylor model and love it. Some day I'll get a made in America Martin.
Open back tuners on the Taylor?? Every one I've seen has closed back- older DLX with the lower end (likely generic) and the newer iteration with Taylor branded.
I just bought one. They are closed.
I also like a wider nut because it is easier to hit the strings without buzzing the one next to it.
Taylor. Tighter sound and not jangly
A couple of years ago I tried out a solid Ziricote Ukulele because it was the prettiest little thing I'd ever seen. The Ziricote almost looked artificial it was so beautiful. Unfortunately the sound sucked. I kept coming back and playing it trying to make it sound better but of course it was what it was. Now this is totally different but unfortunately my experience makes me a little leary. However I'm sure the guitar is gorgeous. In my headphones there isn't a lot of difference. I suspect I would fail a blind test but no matter how good it always is a recording is never the same as the live sound. The site shows the same guitar with a Mutenye back and sides but for once Alamo goofed and didn't show the back and sides in the pictures. I suspect it is some substitute for Mahogany. As for the review I'd be happy to flip a coin and own which ever one came up even though I lean toward the Martin camp
Ohhh Taylor
I really wished you also threw in a PRS A60E. I can't find any video comparing all three. I like the Taylor here more than the Martin. So, it looks like I have my choice down to two.
Taylor did seem to have a deeper tone. It looked like you were more comfortable with the martin. You seemed to play it better.
Ya.. i love them both 2.. my Taylor 814ec grand auditorium builders edition bangs the hell outta that Martin GPC 13e every Friday and Saturday night 🤣
Both Guitars sound great. I personally owned the Martin GPC 13e.
The Martin sounds sweeter and more dear - the Taylor evokes spaciousness and atmosphere.
I own a martin special gpc, and I have to say it sounds beautiful. That buty comes at the cost of being on my 4th one from warranty. Yeah, the top bellies so bad after about 6 months that it is unplayable. And yeah, I do have a very strict climate control in my jam space. Sounds beautiful though. To resolve the issue of the martin top, I ordered a furch.
I chose the Taylor 214ce-QS dlx ltd. Oh yeah it rings.
The Taylor sounds a little brighter little more open, idk. They both sound amazing for the price.
Taylor and Martin selling guitar that is well above 1000$ but with laminate back and sides is atrocious
Every time I save up for a new guitar, somehow the rent is always due… smh 🤦🏽♂️
Both sound killer!
Both guitars sound nice but the Martin sounds larger, more bottom end.
I got brand new Gcp martain x2. Can’t believe I can’t adjust the truss rod in neck
I played this through an external speaker and the Taylor had a better low end and overall it sounds louder than the Martin.
The Martin sounds great.. but the Taylor rings like a damn bell !! I don't know why or how, but the Taylor almost sounds like 2 guitar tracks layered together.
They both sound really nice. The Martin is good if you want natural treble which everyone wants lol
Always great 📹
Please can you test using the onboard electronics, that's a big deciding factor for me
please tell me the name of the composition 10:45?
A question. Do you every record it just the pickups direct to a mixer
Which one is more comfortable to play?
What about the neck profile and taper? I find Taylors generally have a thinner neck (front to back, not width).
both are great but I actually prefer the meatier Taylor sound over the Martin..