Martin GPC-11E VS Taylor 314ce: Can the Martin compete with a guitar that's twice its price?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- At the 2019 Winter NAMM Show Martin reintroduced their Road Series of guitars with a modified naming system and new options. The Martin Road Series has long been a favorite at Alamo Music due to the incredible value it offers in the acoustic guitar market. Solid wood construction, built in North America (Mexico), by one of the premier guitar builders in the world. Rather than compare the new GPC-11E to a Taylor that is in the same price range we wanted to see if this guitar could fight above its weight class. To do so we compared it with Taylor's venerable 314ce! The Taylor 314ce is a workhorse guitar. Working musicians use them nightly on countless stages throughout the country. It is the right mix of price, build quality, playability and plug-in readiness. These two guitar have similar body shapes, appointments and tonewoods. Can the Martin GCP-11E compete with the 314ce for less money, or is the 314ce $1000 better? Let's find out!
*Poll at the end of the video!*
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Features 1:40
*Playing Demo 6:15
*Fingerstyle 9:32
*Recap 12:43
Martin Road Series GPC-11E: www.alamomusic...
Taylor 314ce: www.alamomusic...
Warm Audio WA-47JR Microphone - www.alamomusic....
Shop Acoustic Guitars - www.alamomusic...
Guitar Buyers Guide → www.alamomusic...
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → www.alamomusic...
__________________________________________________________________
? Talk to an expert here → www.alamomusic...
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic...
♩ Call toll-free: (844)251-1922
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamoguitarco
Facebook → / alamoguitar
#martinguitars #gpc11e #roadseries #gpc-11e #acousticguitar #martingrandperformer #newfor2019 #taylorguitars #314ce #guitardemo #guitarreview #guitarcomparison #versus #alamomusiccenter #acousticguitar #flatpicking #guitarstrumming #chrismckee #alamomusic
Just bought the GPC 11e last week. It's the first guitar I have ever owned. Researched it, played it, fell in love, bought it.
Best reason to buy one...of anything!
Still like it? !
Best review channel on the Tube. Keep it up!
I played the Martin some weeks ago in a martin showroom. This guitar sounded so sweet and deep, all the other ooo, oo, D18, 28, 15... hanging on the wall began humming and chiming, heaven on earth - I'm going to buy it tomorrow.
And I really appreciate all your videos, thanks to Chris and Cooper, always a pleasure!
I love both Martin and Taylor. Guess it comes down to personal taste on what tone sound you like better. I personally prefer the softer warmer tone of the Martin.
Same.. if the sound of the pickup was the only deciding factor, I’d take the Taylor because it actually sounds like the Taylor.. but I use a Body Res pedal when I play live so I could adjust it so the Martin sounds more like a Martin on stage. My pick is the Martin based on that.
I have a GPC 11E and recommend it for his warm, deep tone.Ideal for blues and country ex Johny Cash.The tuner, placed inside the guitar, is just great for easy tuning.It's made in Mexico, country with a great musical culture.
Hello. Do you mean excluding Johnny Cash or example Johnny Cash? Thanks
@@pedroossa3116 Johnny Cash
Yes this Martin is so rich sounding and I love it for finger style playing as well
There is not a $1k difference in the sound, so the Martin, to me, is a clear winner.
I always go for the Martin sound, but this Taylor was really nice.
Exactly what I thought
I just bought the same martin and liked everything about it. The price , feel and sound. I was also playing the same taylor that your compairing . And kept going back and forth. And eventruley i chose the Martin just liked it over all the best. Thanks for your vids
Your reviews never disappoint. Always well-presented and very nicely articulated. Thanks and keep up the great work.
I’ve been a Taylor man for 30 years. I like a bright balanced tone. Martins are excellent guitars. My friend who plays our band with me has a D28. Beautiful sound. But if we both played Martins there would be no contrast, no complement of tone. My 15 year old 414ce is my workhorse. Taylor necks are far superior to just about anything out there. Your video is great but I felt the articulation of the Taylor was better. Just my thoughts.
They are both SUPER. It's a matter of personal taste I guess.. But my hearth liquefies with the Martin GPC-11e warmer tones... I have one next to me now and love it! ❤
Hi,I am from Sydney, I love all of your videos about guitar, and the way you describe them, I had Taylor gs mini Koa plus so I decided to go for Martin gpc11e this time after 4 months of waiting I got it delivered last week. I am so happy . I love both of my guitar so much. They both sounds so different I love them both. My personal Thank you for recommending such great sounding guitars.
Thank you sir. I am buying this Martin. Sounds excellent. Solid wood and materials. Fair price.
Thanks for this. So appreciate this comparison. it was the exact comparison i needed. I am needing to replace my Taylor 314ce early es 1.1 due to battery corrosion. And the GPC-11E looks and sounds great.
I have a GPC 11E and love it! I actually traded a Taylor 214CE Koa for it.
I just got the 214 CE Koa a few days ago but finding the 1.69” nut width too skinny and looking to exchange. How come you traded your Taylor 214Ce Koa for the Martin GPC11E? I really love the look of the Koa and having a hard time deciding if I should exchange. What’s better about the Martin GPC11E ? Thanks
In my opinion, the Taylor is clearly the better guitar. It has a warmer feel, more character, and rich harmonic tone. I'd love to have that Martin, though. I'm shopping for a acoustic/electric now, and am definitely looking much more at the Martin Road Series, than I am at a Taylor. In an equal price range, I'd lean towards the Martin. They are both great brands.
I just bought the Martin GPC-11E today. Compared it side by side with the Taylor 314ce just like on the video. I've owned Taylors and never a Martin. I could not tell much of a difference. They both sounded and felt great. Therefore, I went the less expensive one. Great video comparison. Thanks.
To me the Taylor has a more dynamic and rich sound with some nice sparkly highs and great fidelity in the high range... But DANG that Martin sounds good too and given the price I say that is a tie.
Thanks for this video. Bought a 11e today and love it so far.
Really nice comparison. So nice to hear the plugged in sound as well, other reviews don't include that for some reason!
Played one of these martins at guitar center and loved the way the neck felt. One of the most comfortable necks I’ve ever played.
A very fine comparison. Your playing and discussion are both excellent. I have the GPC 11e and like it a lot. But I wouldn't say no to the Taylor!
Thanks so much for the review. My ears always seem to prefer Martin and Gibson over Taylor. Lastly, I REALLY appreciate the line in comparisons. The condenser obviously sounds better, but I am shopping strictly for a live player and most reviews don’t plug them in!!
If you're going to play mostly live and plugged in, I'd recommend the Taylor, the line sound was way better. But both guitars sounded great to me with the mic, I'd be happy with either.
I tried them both, and some others as well over a year ago. For me the Martin won out so I bought it. It is a great guitar and I would definitely recommend it
How was the factory setup action?
Is the high Action fixable without impacting tone or volume?
Wow two Amazing instruments! Great demo
Yeahhh! Im buying the martin GPC 11E this october for my bday! Nice review!!
Gpc-11e sounded real nice. Warm and rich unplugged.
The point is: Both sound great! So it's a very individual decision, which one to buy. Cheers from Bavaria/GER
This really helps to make a decision thank you for spending the time and doing it’s a professional I have to say I’m going to go for the Martin
Taylor is really bright and clear, martin is bassier warm I love both but I prefer the martin
Both very nice guitar's...but love that warm Martin tone..not to chimney ..just right👌 thanks for the review Chris 🎸🤘
The Martin tone speaks to me. I play the 000-15M and D-1 alot. I also had a nice estate-sale find on the Ohio-PA border off Rt 80 a couple summers ago. A 1938 D-18. It cleaned up really nice after removing a dead mouse and droppings from the sound hole and removing some crud in the tuning machines. It also needed rehydrating and could use a neck reset. However, it sounds beautiful now and only has one tiny shrinkage crack in the soundboard that's very hard to see since hydrating and polishing the guitar. I'm keeping it until at least retirement, where if I need the $$ I might let it go! I got very lucky and didn't even know what it was until I got home. They were asking a couple hundred dollars so I took a chance on it since it was a Martin.
Yeah for $200 that is a score! Having a Martin that old restored to its former glory could fetch a LOT of money if you need it.
I own expensive Martins and that 314 sounds much better
Not plugged in, Taylor. Plugged in Martin. But its hard csuse that could change depending on what amp or system is used to once again i sit here fustrated lmfao
what I think is totally the opposite, but they are all good guitars!
I’d be quite happy with the Martin. Putting it on my list of guitars to consider for an upgrade.
I like them both but there’s definitely something Martin has captured that makes a Martin sound different from any other.
I bought my D28 42 years ago and it keeps getting better with age but I think Taylor’s are a little brighter. It all depends on what you like. Martin in my opinion are a little warmer sounding.
03/25/2021: Taylor is warmer sound. I like that it is easier to play too.
6:16 vs 7:08
6:33 vs 7:24
7:58 vs 8:45
9:33 vs 10:22
11:09 vs 11:58
I spent way too long trying to manually do these comparisons... wish I would have seen your comment sooner! NICE!
Very close acoustically, it’s a matter of preference, and I prefer the Martin. I believe that slightly higher action produces better sound. The pickups on both sound terrible, but the Martin is far worse. The best option might be to buy the Martin, tear out the pickup and install an LR Baggs Anthem. That would still cost less than the Taylor.
This nails it... Going to see if I can get it without the electronics ...
@@SibzelChebst Were you able to get it without electronics?
Both are wonderful, And I always thought I would gravitate to Martins... until I played one and then also played a Taylor. I don't own a Martin, but own a Taylor (314ce ltd). And that tells you my views on the matter.
That said, you can't go wrong with the Martin. But for me yes, it's worth twice the price (if you can afford it) to get the guitar that simply feels better playing and thus draws you to play more.
I prefer the Martin miked, and the Taylor using the line input. That said, if I were buying one today, it'd be the Taylor. My preference for the miked sound is slight, but my preference for the pickup is large.
Likewise except I'll probably buy the Martin because of the $1k difference haha.
I was given a $1600 Taylor as a gift…i went to the Store to compare it to THIS Martin guitar. I immediately KNEW I had to go with the Martin❣️ I did later on lower my bridge action and go with lighter strings…and NOW it is a fantastic guitar for $1k. The gig bag is very nicely padded and super good quality.
I Believe the style of Music you play has a big part in your decision.
Just bought the GPC11E. I played them both at GC. I was fortunate that the Martin was also on sale that day. (Didn’t make a difference on my decision). The sound sold me 100%. I went with the Martin. I do not regret the decision ONE BIT.
Hey Chris, love these videos. For the future, when you do these comparison vids, could you mention which one you are playing first and second? Iam completely blind.
Will pass this on!
The Martin was first, and the Taylor was second. Both recorded once via michrophone and second time via line input. Hope this helps!
To my ears, both guitars sound amazing. Tough call. If cost is deciding factor then I'd go with Martin.
Guitars are beautiful collectibles that one can personally interact with. A rewarding addiction!😎
Well, this GPC sounds like a Martin to me! And the 314, sounds like a Taylor! I am a Martin tone guy. So, I would save 1000 and buy the Martin, or go for the Streetmaster road series...
Jorge Alfonso Theilacker me to
I did.
Followed the advice and just upgraded to the GPB 11E. Sooooo Happy with this one. Breedlove for sale
Watched it, loved it, liked it and subscribed. I definitely think they're super capable instruments, but I think the internal pickups on each are the deciding factor. The Taylor's mic captures the sound of the instrument much more faithfully to my ear, than the Martin's mic, which sounds almost distorted. But maybe I'm just a neophyte on what to look for in these sorts of things.
Thanks for the sub and watching!
Definitely better electronics but $1000 is a lot, I'd be happy with the Martin too, both guitars are really good.
I like the Taylor overall especially unplugged.
It had more air and space and clarity.
But the Martin held its own especially plugged in.
The Martin with maybe an upgraded bone nut saddle ebony pin upgrade would narrow that gap though.
But the Taylor has the hard case a real wood fretboard and has been made for years in the USA with a great reputation from many owners, and the Martin is a newcomer from Mexico.
So we will have to wait and see how it's reputation develops.
My made in Mexico Martin from years back was excellent and had a great resell price.
I actually got more than I paid for it so you have that.
So I say both are great values for their respected brands.
You cannot pick a loser.
However the wild card for this price point and style, are the made in Japan. Yamaha all wood Cutaways.
The A5R and A5M. which I believe may be an even better value. or at least as good.
From the world's largest instrument manufacture.
I would love to see that 3 way comparison.
We may try something like that!
It's no contest! Taylor has more depth, playability, and sounds warmer. It's worth the extra 1000 all day long.
But i only have a 1000 bucks man!
@@madmexican1002 go get a second job and play nice.
The martin sounds brittle like new strings
I have no dog in this fight. But the Taylor has more color esp in the lower miss.
I actually like the Martin‘s sound a little more, and _especially_ it‘s pickup system sound. Very nice, very close to the mic‘ed sound.
Glad to hear that!
Really? I was thinking the exact opposite. I feel like the martin pickups sounded really electric whereas the Taylor just sounded like the mic was moved closer to the strings.
I agree with Denny😊 but as mentioned , it’s all individual 👍🍷
@@dennycrane2938 I agree 100%. I think there is a critical factor when you listen to YTube sound, that is - what kind of speakers/headphones you are using. I think that might be the reason for the almost 180° differences in commenters' opinions we see here. Also some ears are more sensitive to higher frequencies then others etc. (To me it sounded like the Tone or Trebell knobe on the Martin was turned by mistake all the way towards the high frequencies). But hey, that's the beauty of it - the best guitar is the guitar you like and/or your audience like! That makes it more versatile and interesting.
Best review channel on the Tube. Keep it up!
I just got Taylor 214CE and I love it. It is a 2011 model so electronics and bracing are different but I think she sounds as sweet as the 314 CE does here. I did adjust the truss rod and improved the already decent action. I play finger style and Good Ol’ Grateful Dead/ NealYoung / Stephen Stills. I really like these Alamo Music Center videos. I’ve watched all of the Taylor comparison vids and easily decided on buying one based on them. Thanks and please continue the great work. P.S. I am on the Oregon Coast so sorry to say I was not able to buy from Alamo Music. But I believe I would if I were in San Antonio.
I recently purchased a Taylor 214ce. Great guitar, however I returned it for a Martin GPC Ovangkol.
@@ThisIsPatRyan why? Which did you like more?
Taylor 314 vs Yamaha A5M already😏🙏👍.
This would be an Epic showdown!
I have a Different Martin Road series, the GPCRSGT which is very similar and the same solid woods, just a bit older model. It's also opened up a lot as it's aged. At the time I bought mine, it also came with a full hard Martin custom case instead of a gig bag. I also had a 214CE that I gave away to a friend. I've played the 314ce as well. While I liked both guitars very much, I much prefer the warmer traditional woody balanced sound of the Martin. It's always going to be personal taste and lots of people prefer the Taylors, but for me, there's something about overly bright tone that's more harsh midrange and treble. I especially notice it with pick strumming. It wasn't as much of a problem for me with fingerstyle and even has some advantage for that. The pickups in the Taylor are much, much better, but on my Martin, I replaced the Fishman with a custom better sound hole preamp and 3 transducer K & K pure internal pickup which is fantastic and much better than the Fishman under saddle transducer.
The price point on the Martin is very compelling and the sound to me is better...that’s why I bought one a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it...the point you made on the action is very true and I wished my strings were just a tad lower...
Take the time and get the work done to it. Ensure your neck is straight and make sure the saddle is a nice height for you. A well set up martin will do you a very good service
Went around testing taylor, takamine, fender n Martin 11e...latter is my choice,hands down...got meself a 11e , your video sealed the deal😊
I'm being drawn to the 312 CE 12 fret. Thanks to recent events I can afford to buy this year so I just need to find somewhere in the UK where I can actually try one. It's a bit too far to go to Texas sadly.
I pulled a GPC-11E out of the box today.A Martin solid wood guitar for a little over $900.Boy' Howdy that's Big business in cow town tonight.
I got a Martin GPCRSG all solid wood and mine is surprisingly made in the USA. Super good value when even a Taylor 2 series is 1,000 bucks for a laminate when the GPCRSG is 999 all solid. I’ve played both many times and I’ll take the Martin
Martin sound sp warm gave pleasure to my ear
These are both excellent examples of what great instruments are available at two very different price points. I love the deep full sound of the Martin. However can’t fault the clarity in the mids and highs of the Taylor. And that’s the point to me. Both sound great in their own realms. It comes down to pocketbook and feel. For ne it’s a 50/50 draw.
I want your job playing cool guitars all day
Both nice guitars of course, but my pick would (and can be this week) the Taylor 😘🎶
Right off the fly- the Martin has a more lush and colored timbre depth to my ear, even through the cell
Phone. A warmer sound from Martin by a smidge. They both sound truly awesome and great playing btw. I actually like both tones of each guitar. Close, but still uniquely their own, which makes them both a great inspiring purchase. Enjoy 🎶🌟
I own a GPC 11e and I think it's amazing. I like it better than the two 300 level Taylor's and a 214 that I've owned.
What’s better?
The taylor sounds amazing... I love martins as well but the price diffrence is apparent.... You cant go wrong with either
Martin for the win!🎸 And you are still playing the same tunes. Nice to compare with today’s playing.
Martin had much more body to it with a bit of an edge. Taylor virtually no low end, but smoother.
I’d take the Martin!
Unplugged, they both sound good. Plugged in though it's a blowout - Taylor wins in a landslide! Considering the ability to adjust the neck angle as the instrument ages, hard case, nicer appointments, and far better electronics, the Taylor is a much better guitar in my opinion, but at double the price that's to be expected. For me, the plugged in sound is very important, so the Martin would be a no-go for that alone.
If I were looking in the $1000 range and wanted all solid wood I'd probably look at the Eastman AC422ce or a used Taylor 3xx and up.
I’m a Martin guy and I think for the purpose of what this guitar does just from a tonal perspective the Taylor did win this. However, I think the Martin GPC16 series which is the same class as the Taylor 314 would knock the Taylor at cold haha!
The thing I take away from this is, the Martin is an all solid guitar, with a nice sound for under 1500€
So it actually is much better than the Taylor for anyone who has a budget
I have a martin gpc 11e and it sounds nice for the price but if you go up to the 16 series it's mahogany or rosewood which are better woods than sapele
I just got the Martin GPCPA4 which is now discontinued but very sweet sounding and a great feeling neck. I always wanted a Taylor but couldn’t afford it.
Both nice guitars. The 314 sounds more elegant with the individual notes ringing out with just the right amount of sustain.
Martin has much warmer, richer sound both plugged and unplugged.
yes and here's proof of that ruclips.net/video/OGVHotQZgPk/видео.html
The sound of Taylor guitars is more even in terms of the natural balance of treble and bass. The basses are in place with respect to the treble tones, and so it all sounds perfectly mixed. Shows a much more balanced sound
How about comparing the Martin to the YamahaAC3R, both all solid in the $1000 range.
I agree with magelan3 below. You did a very nice job with the review. Nice work!
I have to say I like the sound of that Taylor much more. Forgetting that the Taylor is more often placed higher on fingerstyle rankings, this video is rather solid proof to me. I just came from a store where I played the Martin, and honestly it sounded great. If the Taylor 200-series is just as good as the 300 then I'll likely choose it over the Martin.
200 series is not all solid wood.
No offense to anyone but the difference is blatantly obvious which one sounds better and it’s the Martin. This is from someone who has played a Taylor 314 CE live for over two years and Taylor‘s have this annoying high mid frequency that you always have to dial out When playing live. listen closely to the line sound not the microphone sound and you’ll hear the difference the Martin is head and shoulders above the more expensive Taylor which to me is a total waste of $1000. The Fishman system that’s in the Martin is light years ahead of the crappy es2 system in the Taylor. Play it live through a PA system and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Go Martin!
The Martin is so much warmer and full-bodied.
Yeah... no.
I was closing my eyes and listening to the comparison. The Martin (which I own) has a lower more muffled to as to where the Taylor to me has a crisper tone.
The reason I’m watching this vid is because as I play martins and had “never” played a Taylor until today and I actually loved the feel and sound of it , but I will keep both.
I like both of them. Right now price is important, so I will buy the Martin GPC 11e
I think the Martin provides a clearer woodier tone just through the mic while the Taylor is warmer through the mic. They’re both very close unplugged.
Through the pickup I think the Taylor is a winner to my ears.
The tone on the fishman pickup sounds squishy and compressed on the Martin. Great comparison! Not sure it warrants a $1,000 diff but I trust both companies.
I have a GPC 11E and I love it. My grandson plays a Taylor but likes playing my Martin. I like playing his Taylor but I like the price of my Martin.
Taylor all day everyday! Mids sound soo soo sweet. I love this channel and the comparisons have help me . Wish I was closer to purchase from you, guilt.
Try a 614ce vcl if you like mids :)
I'd pick Martin GPS 11E hands down sounds better than the Taylor.
Thanks for the demo Martin is definitely on my list to buy now
Two very different sounding guitars! I just bought the cutaway dreadnought version of the Martin and the biggest thing I noticed in comparison to the Taylor guitars is the amount of really nice, natural, controllable presence. I compared the Martin to a 114e, 214, and a 224 Koa model and the only one that had that somewhat edgy tone was the 114e. All were fantastic guitars, but the Martin tone is more favorable to my ears and playing style. My buddy who worked at the store (and is a far better player) agreed with what I was hearing as well. Thanks for the great demo video!
Taylor's line input sounds more natural than Martin's line input. Martin's line input added those weird artifacts I hear from acoustic guitars recorded live.
Agreed my friend
Soo true
Martin should really upgrade to Fishman Rare Earth systems across all their guitars. Would give them a great edge. And they could easily include those in current prices considering the prices. At least have it on their more expensive guitars.
Looks like a fair comparison.
Both pickups sound awful, the Taylor's especially so. That's odd, because the ES-2 on my Taylor 12-string sounds just fine.
I don't hear any reason to choose V-bracing over the traditional kind.
Acoustically, the Martin is the one I would have, but those Taylors are easier on tired old hands. A friend of mine has just bought a new 314 and it is as sweet as a nut to hear and to play.
We really are spoilt for choice these days, at all price levels. Excellent presentations like this one really do help.
If money wasn’t an issue, the Taylor hands down
Thanks Chris!
I hope you are getting paid extra because the production quality and overall content are excellent in these videos.
Both guitars sounded excellent. I think the Taylor edged out the Martin, but I expect that for an extra $1000.
With that being said, with this specific choice, I am going with the Martin and using the extra $1000 to buy top shelf bourbon or maybe even another guitar!
GPC-11E...bought one yesterday. The Taylor sounds just like my 25yo Ibanez Artwood Series
Think the taylor electronics sound more natural compared to the martins but that's where an extra grand comes in pretty close sounding but taylors just have an ever perfect high end that's incomparable. Personal taste love em had a 314 CE and sold it cause I had to pay bills for the family , miss it dearly
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. What huge difference between the two.
Taylor WINS for me. I just bought a 314ce Ltd 50th anniversary, and it sounds astonishing. Martins are good also
i have owed the 314ce before and currently own the gpc-11e and tho both are great they are very different but also provied great sound and feel as well the fact that you have 1000 dollars in different price does make the martin more affoardable for sure and both can perform equally in all situations as well. so it does boil down either way to preference in the end i lalso owned the 110e 114e 114ce 214 ce 2 gs minis in koa , i still have my martin and my all koa left handed mini all the others are gone .. i like both companies for their guitars the taylors i like the fact that a neck reset is far cheaper to do when it needs to be done i also use to have the drs1 martin and it was nice but i really prefer a cutaway on a full size guitar they just sound better to me then the same thing in a dreanaught
Just did the math. Good investors making 10 per cent compounded annually on an original $1,000 investment would bank $25,547.67 over 35 years. Now what do you think about that Richlite fingerboard?
LMAO 😂, Agree with that. Investing a Martin with richlite fb & bridge is forbidden
Where can you get a 10% return?
I liked the Martin better for fingerstyle blues. I have a more rootsy bent and I like a little snark. I think the martin suits me better.
My dilemma is - playability vs solid wood vs tone vs versatility - So I've got rootsy covered with my existing guitar... ease of play up the neck and versatility seem to be calling.
Martin SC 10e or GPC 11e?
Any virtuosos out there familiar with both?