Guild all the way for me. I spent HOURS at various stores trying various high end Taylors, Martins, Furchs, Breedloves and Guild. For my price range the Guild F40 was unmatched. The above competitors came close but it was something about the Guild that was just next level.
I've got to say, I really love the sound of the Guild OM140-CE because it does have that "classic" tone that's great for chording, slide blues & finger-style. As mentioned in the review the notes gel together so the chords sound harmonious with great cohesion. And the Finger style playing has such a warm, buttery tone with just enough presence taken off the top to keep it from being harsh but still very inteligible. It's probably not as loud as a Taylor, but louder doesn't always equal better. I didn't care for the Taylor's boominess. I bought the Guild demoed here & can do spot on covers of Neil Young, Paul Simon, or Steve Morse (specifically "Wayward Son"). That's what I've aspired to all my music career & I'm very happy with this Guild model.
“Warm and rich” kind of says it all. I used to think it was just my personal taste and, I suppose it is to some degree, but the consistency and quality of the guild sound is undeniable. I have had and played a variety of guitars since I bought my D35 in 1971 (which I still have) and some of them are great, but they are just not the same.
I own 3 Guilds now. I have a F 2512 a D1212 and a D120 ce . I have no complaints with them at all ! I really prefer the sound of the Guilds to other manufacturers , not that they are better just my preference . There appearance and playability are good . Hopefully I can justify a F55 one day when I can play well enough !!!
I love my 114e. The clarity and volume from such a moderately proportioned guitar is wonderful. It sounds better in person than any recording I've found online. I think it's heavily slept on by most people in the sub 1k range. The only guitar that stuck out more to me in terms of sound quality at the price range were the Yamaha LL series guitars. But I couldn't find the model I wanted locally so I brought home the more modest looking Taylor and never had a second thought.
Just had to add my 2 cents. I am a retired piano tuner so I am experienced to some extent. I went to my local guitar store and tried Taylor, Martin, Guild, and Alvarez. I bought the Guild om 140 ce. I love the tone of that guitar. However, there was a bad buzz at the 12th fret low e and d strings. It was not fret buzz but was coming from inside the guitar. I believe, based on my experience in fixing buzzes in piano's it was due to the way the tone and volume controls were mounted. I tried a second om 140 ce and it had the same issue. It would be interesting to know if your 140 ce has the same issue or if they have addressed that problem. By the way I ended up with an Alvarez I didn't like the tone of the Taylor for the money Alvarez gave me the most value for my money. Thanks for doing these reviews it has helped me to make wiser decisions on buying guitars
To me as a big acoustic guitar lover the ugliest things you can affect a guitar with are pickup systems and cutaways. I only used a-guitars in a recording situation or on stage with a pure unplugged band. So you can use microphones as well. For me it doesn' t makes sense with an electric rock band Even the best pu system on the market can' t transmit the whole sound range of a good acoustic. An undersaddle system ever not at all. My 2 cents.
I bought a Taylor 114E several month ago. It also had this buzz comming from the volume controls. I couldn't RMA it so I brought it to a local guitar repair guy who fixed it for $10.
@@lesterpaul9657you are absolutely right, once you plug in the thing becomes electric and the sound system and pickups are the important thing, solid back and sides make no difference but I hugely more expensive, it's a business!!!
I should say that I also have a Takamine 12 string that is handmade in Japan about 30 years ago. It has a solid spruce top with what they were calling layered back and sides and the sound kicks ass with pretty damn good playability as well, especially for a 12 string.
It's funny, I've come to prefer it when Chris plays. I didn't at first but I think he brings the sound of the instrument out for me. He sounds like I think I would sound if I played it. Sadly I'll never play as beautifully as Cooper so even a cigar box is gonna sound stunning at his hands.
Guitar taste is subjective. Depends on many factors. How it's built, cost, refined ears. Some play their guitars with pleasure not always noticing any kind if buzz going on...there are lots of good guitars out there. Solid or laminated? I went through lots of laminated before I could afford my 000-15M Martin. What matters is the bond you have with your guitar. Thank you both for this review. 🎶🎶🎶
I have an om-120 and I absolutely love it! I think the play ability on that guitar is awesome. It's very comfortable. I tend to like the tone of the Guild much better and I do think solid wood plays a part in that. Thanks guys for again putting out great videos on great guitars. I also liked the comment that Guild is the new affordable Gibson. To me they just sound better anyways regardless of the price. Ren Ferguson is doing great things at Guild right now!
The old “bright” vs “rich” contest. The Guild sounds much richer, deeper, more powerful. I have a 140 (no cutaway) and it’s incredible. The 114 (for me) sounds very clear, but a little thin.
IMHO, the Guild sounds like a real guitar. The Taylor not so much, and I really hope to get a real Taylor someday, perhaps. I heard Andy Powers live last night and he is brilliant! Tell Chris that he will be happy with the Florentine in the long run. Just own it! And a golden apple for Cooper.
They both sounded good to me. I think a lot of the sound difference was mahogany vs. walnut. I love the sound of mahogany guitars, so I was drawn to the Guild. Not a fan of cutaways on acoustics, though. I wouldn't worry about the string slot on the nut; that can be fixed.
I have a Guild D-140CE and an F 1512E. Very good, very playable guitars and great value for the money. Guilds have very well balanced sound that works well in about every genre.
Need to see some videos of you guys playing entire songs! Together as a duet. Maybe soloing back and forth to demo the guitars. Best comparison videos on RUclips!
Excellent video and discussion points. I’ve owned a 114 and a 214 Taylor. I agree with Chris in that I could not tell the difference in sound. Such well made guitars and yes, great out of the box, although I needed to slightly lower the action on both. I no longer own either, recently selling the 214. I cannot tell you why, but yes, they project GREAT, are easy to play, but I thought there was “something “ missing from the sound. Some “fullness “ in the range or full clarity of the range. I attributed it to the laminate back/sides, but that doesn’t mean I’m right. That could just be my ear( as you mention). I’ve tried a couple of the Guild solid top/laminate combinations, owned one. Did not like it at all, although I do prefer a 1-3/4 nut. So I recently found a used non cutaway version of what Cooper is holding. Nice feeling guitar. I’m a mahogany fan, so maybe that’s my issue. So far I like it but with any new toy, I will need to evaluate over the next few months. Thanks again. This is truly an excellent discussion.
Spot on! My Guild OM140ce is a fantastic workhorse and sounds just as sweet and juicy. The OEM Fishman pickup and preamp are phenomenal paired with a Boss VE8 and nothing else. No black magic necessary to nail a perfect live sound for any acoustic style. Feels mic'd.
If you know someone higher up at Guild ask them to re-introduce the F-130ce. I have 1 and I would buy another one immediately. So good! Simply a fantastic guitar.
My attitude about laminated/layered sides has been changing. I still have a negative bias about laminated backs. I’ve heard convincing positive arguments for laminated sides. Maybe the best analogy is a drum for which the drum head resonates more if the sides are stiffer…and lamination creates that. I can always hear a dramatic difference between solid and laminated tops, but not much depending on the sides. It seems logical that the a solid back would provide better sound than a laminated back, but since back braces are typically beefier than top braces, I’m not sure that my logic really holds water. I’d be happy to have either one. Overall, I liked the Taylor better than the all solid Guild, but I may have been swayed by the Taylor’s volume and the Guild’s poorly filed nut. The fact that the Taylor (with a solid top) had the benefit of its larger soundboard probably accounts for its volume. I also had to remind myself that, as with any new guitar, I’d have them both professionally set up and the nut issue would probably be resolved by the setup.
The 114 sounded "brighter" to me where as the 140 sounded more "woody." They both sounded pretty darn good but I believe the all solid wood will get better with age. I agree that the single notes in the chords were more precise with the Taylor, where as the notes in the chords all blended together with the Guild.
Both sound great but it depends on the type music. If Blues I would go with Guild for the deeper, warmer tone and for Country Western I would go with Taylor for a brighter, crisper tone. At some point I would end up with both.
Japanese built Takamine Pro Series 1 and 2 guitars,(I have a P1D), have laminated back and sides, and sound great! Pro Series 4 and 5 guitars,(I have a P4DC), have solid back, and laminated sides, They sound great! Glenn Frey’s “#1” Takamine EF360 dreadnought, heard by millions in concert, is laminated back and sides… good enough for Glenn, good enough for us?
Hi. I am living in The Netherlands and very much like your video's. For many years I would never look and buy a laminated guitar. So I have a "little" collection of a Martin D18, Gibson J15, but als a Blueridge BR160A, Epiphones AJ 500RA, Eastman E1D. I thought the Martin- sound was the only deal for me, but most of the time nowadays I pick up my Taylor 114CE and the 110E, which I bought after seeing Chris demoing the Taylo 114. So a big compliment for you 👍 Playabillity and sound of Taylors are top 👍
Nice video and playing! YES on the gig bag or case, Yes on the Taylor vs the Guild too. The Taylor just seemed to have a brighter and more distinctive sound. The Guild did seem to have a warmer, but less ring or harmonics going on. Of course the best option is to go play both at a music store and see what you prefer.
Guys, really like your videos, but this is a weird apples vs oranges comparison. That said, I prefer the Taylor out of these two. I have a great respect for Guild USA and those (electrics) made in Korea, but I have no time for Guilds made in China. Further to that, I prefer the body shape of the Taylor and that Walnut on the back and sides is beautiful. Mahogany on the Guild is also nice and I dig the binding and the style of tuning machines. Given the choice on an acoustic, I'd lean toward the one without the cutaway. Bit silly to me to claim a big loss in the surface area of the soundboard makes no difference to the sound. But solid wood is inarguably superior. All things considered, gimme the Taylor. Nice playing, btw!
My opposition to guitars made in China has nothing to do with their quality and sound. It's a personal choice in opposition to the regime in charge. I have nothing against cheap guitars from SE Asia, per se. I woudn't buy tubes for my amp from Russia. I wouldn't buy guitars from China, who economically back Russia and coerce Uighurs into modern day slavery. You vote with your wallet.
One thing about solid wood is that you have to be more diligent in caring for it. I've had a number of solid wood guitars crack due to low humidity in the winter, so the one solid guitar I still have sits in its case all winter when I'm not playing it, which is a shame as it's a Taylor K24ce and I bought it largely for the beauty of the wood (not that it doesn't also sound great). I've never had a guitar with laminate back and sides crack, even with a solid top, no matter how low the humidity gets or how long I leave it out. So if not having to pamper a guitar is important to you, solid top with laminate back and sides is a great combo, and I don't think the sound suffers at all. But laminate tops sound like doodoo, so I'd stay away from those unless you only intend to use it plugged in.
I live in the tropics. I'm going away from laminates. My gibson jazz box peeled open like a banana. I'd never heard of guitars delaminating before that.
@@RodneyMcMinge Interesting. Where in the tropics? I actually recently solved the problem of having to keep my K24ce in its case half the year... by moving to Hawaii.
For some reason I've never gotten along with that scooped and zingy Taylor sound profile. I much prefer the warmer and more "intimate" sound of the Guild. I have the Martin SC13e, so I'd be curious how it stacks up against the Guild.
To my ear the guild OM-140ce sounded better. Also I've never come across a Guild that is poorly made - all were really well made. I think the issue with the nut could be easily solved, and I'd get a beautiful look and sounding all solid wood instrument that it's going to sound better as it ages. Alamo Music Center, Please, I'd like to see a comparison between the Guild OM-140ce and the OM-150ce if possible. Thanks for the great review.
I have a Guild OM - 240CE Orchestra Acoustic - Electric. Before I bought it I tried about 25 guitars out in the guitar Center. The action on this was great and I lowered it 2 fretts below 440 and it still played excellently, but no other guitar could do that in that price range or even a few hundred dollars more. The action on this particular Guild was perfect without a set-up. The sound isn't boomy but I'd rather hear it's clear warm full sound. I noticed that high-end Gibson j45 guitars also are characteristically clear sounding and that's what I like.
Great show. In the solid versus layered debate, like all guitar composition debates, I find Andy Powers says it best: “The reality is that when you pick up a guitar and you pluck a note, it’s difficult to tell what you’re hearing. Are you hearing the string? The pick? The saddle, the bridge, the top, the back, the neck, the bracing inside, the size, the air mass inside that thing? The sound is not solely any one of those aspects, and I struggle to even apply a percentage of a guitar’s sound that comes from one component versus another. I know that we want to deconstruct things to better understand them because we love them, and every enthusiast wants to understand their guitar better. I think that’s great. But ultimately, what you hear is a composite of all of its elements.”
I like the depth/bass of the guild, and the clarity of the upper ranges on the Taylor. If I had to choose one for my house, it would be the guild. If I was going to pick one I would throw in my car to visit family, friends, etc., It would be the Taylor as the laminate back and sides should take humidity changes/abuses better.
I really like the sound of Guild. I might just get me one. A friend from late 90's had one and it sounded awesome. I currently got a big body epiphone. And I really like its tone.
I have a Guild baritone acoustic (the 8 string Westerly) and it is astonishing how good it sounds. It’s beautifully full, balanced and articulate across the entire frequency spectrum. The fit and finish on it is also amazing. I have many guitars, some of which are $2k+, and my Guild lacks nothing against them. The one thing it did need was a small truss rod adjustment, and I also cut a couple of the nut slots a tiny bit deeper (they were well within spec, but I setup all my guitars to my taste.) I don’t consider this a knock though, because every new guitar I’ve ever bought benefited from a good setup. Anyway, if all Guilds are like my baritone acoustic, I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to buy another. It’s easily one of my favorite guitars. Love it.
I have a Guild D-140. I went to Firehouse guitar with no price point in mind. I just wanted to leave with the best sounding guitar to my ears. I left with this one. It beat all the Martins and Taylors. Only $800 too.
Hey guys, nice guitars I like the Burst too, looks rich. Do both have the same strings and fairly new? I find that strings and the player make most of the sound. I can say because I happen to have a ce214dlx and an OM250ce reserve, both natural gloss finish. Love them both, do like the smaller size of the guild now hitting 64 it's not as easy to have my arm jacked way up for any length of time. They are both great and personal choice and a fair price difference might help decide.
I like the Taylor better. I have hearing loss and I can hear more of the notes and chords coming from the Taylor. My hearing loss is already causing muffling and the Guild adds to that. Thanks fellas! Former San Antonian here.
It was close but I thought the taylor just pinched it!! It was slightly sharper and crisp! Both beautiful sounding guitars though and I'd be happy with either
I liked the sound of the Guild better as I heard it on my system but I have a Taylor 712ce 12 fret and so kinda gotta figure that the Taylor playability is better as was said in the comparison. My taylor of course sounds better than either to me but... I am looking to try the new Guild stuff for sure.
Yeah! Listening to the guitars it seems the Taylor is easier to play I sense a bit more tension in the playing on the Guild but that's just a good set up. Both guitars sound decent , I came looking at the Guild and its a hard call but its a tad more rounder sound to me from the Taylor.
This message needs to get out there: the best value guitars in N America are the ones in the Godin family. You can get an all-solid acoustic that is fantastically built for under $1000.
This Taylor sounds more open, deep, bright and resonant, this Guild sounds more thumpy, mellow and compressed/bluesy. But Guild certainly has some other models that sing and soar.
Both guitars sound good to my ears. With that said, this is obviously a subjective topic. Some guitarists are primarily fingerstyle players, some flat pickers, some versatile players, etc. Some prefer a slim neck, some a fat neck, whatever...As a guitar player since 1967, I find it humorous that you mention the Mexican made Taylor is a "North American" crafted guitar and the Guild isn't. Many Fender electric players consider MIM guitars inferior. Once again...subjective. Some excellent, some not so. I own a Martin D35, a Martin 000-15m, and just purchased a Guild OM140-ce sunburst that I'm loving, and the bottom line should be what sounds good to YOUR ears! If it feels good, sounds good, and looks good IYO then buy it! It doesn't matter if it's MIM, made in China, Indonesia or wherever. The bar is very high these days because it is a competitive market, and major builders have their reputation on the line. Food for thought....
Guild makes very good guitars but I find their necks a little to wide for me. That's why I have three Taylors. I have a 114e with the walnut back and sides, an older 816ce and a 412ce 12 fret Special edition that is perfect for my smaller hands.
I've been waiting on a good review/comparison of the OM-140ce. I'd be more interested in hearing it vs some other solid wood OMs that cost slightly more. The Taylor projects because it's a grand auditorium (larger)and bc the way the concave back is designed. I've owned a 114 and 214 and loved them both, but projection isn't everything and with a proper set up the Guild pays just as well, but provides the tonal qualities of a solid guitar.
Guys maybe I can get a point of you or some advice from you guys, I’m thinking of getting a solid wood 12 string guitar fromTakamine J. C which is a jumbo Guitar, the P6 12 string, spruce top with maple back inside, ebony fretboard, all solid woods. I would say that’s a better investment for the long run as far as it improve in price through the years. That’s my opinion thank you would you guys suggest?
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Taylor for me. I think the gloss finish is a little bit too heavy and impacts the tone. It could also be because I love my Taylor 114e 🙂
I think it matters a lot. I believe that once you become serious as a guitar player and your skills move beyond cowboy chords, you should definitely aspire to play a solid wood guitar. 1. Sound is not the only thing that matters. Wood is a living, breathing material. It will grow with you and it's tone will evolve with time. You have to put more care into an all wood guitar but that care increases your attachment to it. 2. Between these instruments, I prefer the sound of the 140. Honestly, the Taylor has a richer sounding bass than the Guild but the Taylor's treble strings sound a bit tinny, which spoils its overall tone. The tinny sound comes out especially when played with a flat pick. Other comments: If you're going to get a laminate back, Taylor does an excellent job. I bought my daughter a GS Mini which is a fantastic guitar for beginners. I love playing that guitar. Kick ass tone for $500 (at least at the time I bought it). Almost no one needs an acoustic with a cut out. It's very rare to play an acoustic above the 12th fret and I would wager that fewer than 1 in 1000 viewers of this video have - or will ever have - a song in their repertoire that's aided by a cutout. Lastly - For my money, Guild makes some of the best all-wood guitars in this price range.
My opinion is that only Martins and Gibsons will appreciate, or hold it’s value…. I don’t think a Guild will. Look at Larrivee, stunningly good guitars that are the Best Buys used, because they aren’t collectors instruments. If you want a financial investment for your granddaughter, shares in a mutual fund are probably better. But, if you teach her to love the guitar, a D40 passed down from you will be priceless to her!
@@jed1166 Jed, appreciate the comment. I believe your correct about Martin and Gibson at least holding value. It's difficult for me to spend almost 3gs on something and it instantly lose half or more of what we pay for them.
Love guild I have a D240 good but kinda quiet for a dread looking for an all wood with a pick up hoping it’s a louder but not to loud. I like to sing and my D18 is too loud for my voice.
@@thomasfroholt8611 no wonder, I have the Taylor 524, and the 814 as well, definitely enjoy those guitars, it kind of sounded like a tiller that first one. But thank you for letting me know I really appreciate that
I’d choose a $500 Guild over a $1,+ Taylor. Guilds have that old hand made look and feel, maybe something designed by Beatnicks or Hippies (it was the first thing people at Woodstock heard as the event started). Taylor has the look and feel of something stamped out at a machine shop - they are almost too perfect.
Manufacturers quit including cases/gig bags with their guitars when Phil McKnight declared that he hates the cases piling up in his home. I’m pretty sure he single handedly pushed guitar makers to stop including cases, because he holds a lot of sway in this arena. I personally will not buy an instrument if it doesn’t include a case. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🎸🎶🤝✌️
Taylor are the sound of modern acoustic guitar, has a rich bright note. On the other hand Guild has a very traditional sound, well balance mid low high. For my ear i prefer the vintage sound. 🎉
It matters quite a bit. Particularly when it comes to aging. Off the shelf it might not matter immediately. A good acoustic ‘opens up’ with time, as it ages. The laminates aren’t going to sound that great. I have a mid-range Martin that sounds way worse than a much cheaper Yamaha, simply because of material selection.
Taylor sounds like a refined Harmony in a good way. The Guild sounds good and would have greater variation of sounds depending on how it is played. My heart is set on getting a Guild OM-120, though. I wish it had an ebony fingerboard... but it doesn't matter, i'm getting one anyway.
How easy or hard the guitar is to play. This would include string height, string spacing, scale length, intonation, and many other factors can contribute to this. Think of “playability” being how smooth and easy it feels to play chords or notes up and down the neck.
I have a Guild FCE40 Pat Metheney from 1976, Just stunning, Never had a neck adjustment yet. Anyone who plays it pleads with me to sell it. I never will. Seriously a once in a lifetime guitar, I'm not worthy of it.
Guild all the way for me. I spent HOURS at various stores trying various high end Taylors, Martins, Furchs, Breedloves and Guild. For my price range the Guild F40 was unmatched. The above competitors came close but it was something about the Guild that was just next level.
That Taylor sounds pretty darn good too but I like the Guild better.
I've got to say, I really love the sound of the Guild OM140-CE because it does have that "classic" tone that's great for chording, slide blues & finger-style. As mentioned in the review the notes gel together so the chords sound harmonious with great cohesion. And the Finger style playing has such a warm, buttery tone with just enough presence taken off the top to keep it from being harsh but still very inteligible. It's probably not as loud as a Taylor, but louder doesn't always equal better. I didn't care for the Taylor's boominess. I bought the Guild demoed here & can do spot on covers of Neil Young, Paul Simon, or Steve Morse (specifically "Wayward Son"). That's what I've aspired to all my music career & I'm very happy with this Guild model.
How the heck does Guild make all of their guitars sound so fantastic?
Agreed. It's pretty easy to make a guitar that's bright and rings, but it's harder to make a guitar that's warm and rich; the Guild has that warmth.
“Warm and rich” kind of says it all. I used to think it was just my personal taste and, I suppose it is to some degree, but the consistency and quality of the guild sound is undeniable. I have had and played a variety of guitars since I bought my D35 in 1971 (which I still have) and some of them are great, but they are just not the same.
There Amazing
I own 3 Guilds now. I have a F 2512 a D1212 and a D120 ce . I have no complaints with them at all ! I really prefer the sound of the Guilds to other manufacturers , not that they are better just my preference . There appearance and playability are good . Hopefully I can justify a F55 one day when I can play well enough !!!
I love my 114e. The clarity and volume from such a moderately proportioned guitar is wonderful. It sounds better in person than any recording I've found online. I think it's heavily slept on by most people in the sub 1k range. The only guitar that stuck out more to me in terms of sound quality at the price range were the Yamaha LL series guitars. But I couldn't find the model I wanted locally so I brought home the more modest looking Taylor and never had a second thought.
Just had to add my 2 cents. I am a retired piano tuner so I am experienced to some extent. I went to my local guitar store and tried Taylor, Martin, Guild, and Alvarez. I bought the Guild om 140 ce. I love the tone of that guitar. However, there was a bad buzz at the 12th fret low e and d strings. It was not fret buzz but was coming from inside the guitar. I believe, based on my experience in fixing buzzes in piano's it was due to the way the tone and volume controls were mounted. I tried a second om 140 ce and it had the same issue. It would be interesting to know if your 140 ce has the same issue or if they have addressed that problem. By the way I ended up with an Alvarez I didn't like the tone of the Taylor for the money Alvarez gave me the most value for my money. Thanks for doing these reviews it has helped me to make wiser decisions on buying guitars
To me as a big acoustic guitar lover the ugliest things you can affect a guitar with are pickup systems and cutaways.
I only used a-guitars in a recording situation or on stage with a pure unplugged band.
So you can use microphones as well.
For me it doesn' t makes sense with an electric rock band
Even the best pu system on the market can' t transmit the whole sound range of a good acoustic.
An undersaddle system ever not at all.
My 2 cents.
Guild is golden!
I bought a Taylor 114E several month ago. It also had this buzz comming from the volume controls. I couldn't RMA it so I brought it to a local guitar repair guy who fixed it for $10.
@@lesterpaul9657you are absolutely right, once you plug in the thing becomes electric and the sound system and pickups are the important thing, solid back and sides make no difference but I hugely more expensive, it's a business!!!
I should say that I also have a Takamine 12 string that is handmade in Japan about 30 years ago. It has a solid spruce top with what they were calling layered back and sides and the sound kicks ass with pretty damn good playability as well, especially for a 12 string.
It's funny, I've come to prefer it when Chris plays. I didn't at first but I think he brings the sound of the instrument out for me. He sounds like I think I would sound if I played it. Sadly I'll never play as beautifully as Cooper so even a cigar box is gonna sound stunning at his hands.
Guitar taste is subjective. Depends on many factors. How it's built, cost, refined ears. Some play their guitars with pleasure not always noticing any kind if buzz going on...there are lots of good guitars out there. Solid or laminated? I went through lots of laminated before I could afford my 000-15M Martin. What matters is the bond you have with your guitar.
Thank you both for this review. 🎶🎶🎶
I have an om-120 and I absolutely love it! I think the play ability on that guitar is awesome. It's very comfortable. I tend to like the tone of the Guild much better and I do think solid wood plays a part in that. Thanks guys for again putting out great videos on great guitars. I also liked the comment that Guild is the new affordable Gibson. To me they just sound better anyways regardless of the price. Ren Ferguson is doing great things at Guild right now!
Ren has his own operation in Bozeman now. Pretty sure that he’s no longer doing anything with Guild anymore.
The old “bright” vs “rich” contest. The Guild sounds much richer, deeper, more powerful. I have a 140 (no cutaway) and it’s incredible. The 114 (for me) sounds very clear, but a little thin.
IMHO, the Guild sounds like a real guitar. The Taylor not so much, and I really hope to get a real Taylor someday, perhaps. I heard Andy Powers live last night and he is brilliant!
Tell Chris that he will be happy with the Florentine in the long run. Just own it!
And a golden apple for Cooper.
Just bought a Guild OM-140ce natural last week. I love playing it and the fit and finish is excellent.
They both sounded good to me. I think a lot of the sound difference was mahogany vs. walnut. I love the sound of mahogany guitars, so I was drawn to the Guild. Not a fan of cutaways on acoustics, though. I wouldn't worry about the string slot on the nut; that can be fixed.
To me, Guild wins hands down between this 2. Unfortunately, it is not available in this part of the globe that I live in.
Both are very nice guitars. I’d be happy with either
I have a Guild D-140CE and an F 1512E. Very good, very playable guitars and great value for the money. Guilds have very well balanced sound that works well in about every genre.
Need to see some videos of you guys playing entire songs! Together as a duet. Maybe soloing back and forth to demo the guitars. Best comparison videos on RUclips!
Excellent video and discussion points. I’ve owned a 114 and a 214 Taylor. I agree with Chris in that I could not tell the difference in sound. Such well made guitars and yes, great out of the box, although I needed to slightly lower the action on both. I no longer own either, recently selling the 214. I cannot tell you why, but yes, they project GREAT, are easy to play, but I thought there was “something “ missing from the sound. Some “fullness “ in the range or full clarity of the range. I attributed it to the laminate back/sides, but that doesn’t mean I’m right. That could just be my ear( as you mention).
I’ve tried a couple of the Guild solid top/laminate combinations, owned one. Did not like it at all, although I do prefer a 1-3/4 nut.
So I recently found a used non cutaway version of what Cooper is holding. Nice feeling guitar. I’m a mahogany fan, so maybe that’s my issue. So far I like it but with any new toy, I will need to evaluate over the next few months.
Thanks again. This is truly an excellent discussion.
Spot on! My Guild OM140ce is a fantastic workhorse and sounds just as sweet and juicy. The OEM Fishman pickup and preamp are phenomenal paired with a Boss VE8 and nothing else. No black magic necessary to nail a perfect live sound for any acoustic style. Feels mic'd.
If you know someone higher up at Guild ask them to re-introduce the F-130ce. I have 1 and I would buy another one immediately. So good! Simply a fantastic guitar.
My attitude about laminated/layered sides has been changing. I still have a negative bias about laminated backs. I’ve heard convincing positive arguments for laminated sides. Maybe the best analogy is a drum for which the drum head resonates more if the sides are stiffer…and lamination creates that. I can always hear a dramatic difference between solid and laminated tops, but not much depending on the sides. It seems logical that the a solid back would provide better sound than a laminated back, but since back braces are typically beefier than top braces, I’m not sure that my logic really holds water. I’d be happy to have either one. Overall, I liked the Taylor better than the all solid Guild, but I may have been swayed by the Taylor’s volume and the Guild’s poorly filed nut. The fact that the Taylor (with a solid top) had the benefit of its larger soundboard probably accounts for its volume. I also had to remind myself that, as with any new guitar, I’d have them both professionally set up and the nut issue would probably be resolved by the setup.
Gibson ES series 339-335 are all laminated
The 114 sounded "brighter" to me where as the 140 sounded more "woody." They both sounded pretty darn good but I believe the all solid wood will get better with age. I agree that the single notes in the chords were more precise with the Taylor, where as the notes in the chords all blended together with the Guild.
Both sound great but it depends on the type music. If Blues I would go with Guild for the deeper, warmer tone and for Country Western I would go with Taylor for a brighter, crisper tone. At some point I would end up with both.
Japanese built Takamine Pro Series 1 and 2 guitars,(I have a P1D), have laminated back and sides, and sound great! Pro Series 4 and 5 guitars,(I have a P4DC), have solid back, and laminated sides, They sound great! Glenn Frey’s “#1” Takamine EF360 dreadnought, heard by millions in concert, is laminated back and sides… good enough for Glenn, good enough for us?
Hi. I am living in The Netherlands and very much like your video's. For many years I would never look and buy a laminated guitar. So I have a "little" collection of a Martin D18, Gibson J15, but als a Blueridge BR160A, Epiphones AJ 500RA, Eastman E1D. I thought the Martin- sound was the only deal for me, but most of the time nowadays I pick up my Taylor 114CE and the 110E, which I bought after seeing Chris demoing the Taylo 114. So a big compliment for you 👍 Playabillity and sound of Taylors are top 👍
Nice video and playing! YES on the gig bag or case, Yes on the Taylor vs the Guild too. The Taylor just seemed to have a brighter and more distinctive sound. The Guild did seem to have a warmer, but less ring or harmonics going on. Of course the best option is to go play both at a music store and see what you prefer.
I bought a Taylor 214ce yesterday went to buy strings and you know how it goes.
which strings
I prefer the Guild sound for all but finger-style blues. So for sound alone, I prefer Guild. I can live with the Guild sound for blues.
I find the sound of the Guild more to my liking, nothing wrong with the Taylor I just prefer the Guilds smoother sound.
Which guitar was demoed first, I’m visually impaired blind, was the guild the first one he demoed, and the Taylor the second one?
@@moisesperez4605 The Taylor is the guitar played first then the Guild second.
@@hwnfrd thank you for your prom response, that’s the one I like. The sound a little more rounded and full
Guys, really like your videos, but this is a weird apples vs oranges comparison. That said, I prefer the Taylor out of these two. I have a great respect for Guild USA and those (electrics) made in Korea, but I have no time for Guilds made in China. Further to that, I prefer the body shape of the Taylor and that Walnut
on the back and sides is beautiful. Mahogany on the Guild is also nice and I dig the binding and the style of tuning machines. Given the choice on an acoustic, I'd lean toward the one without the cutaway. Bit silly to me to claim a big loss in the surface area of the soundboard makes no difference to the sound. But solid wood is inarguably superior. All things considered, gimme the Taylor.
Nice playing, btw!
My opposition to guitars made in China has nothing to do with their quality and sound. It's a personal choice in opposition to the regime in charge. I have nothing against cheap guitars from SE Asia, per se.
I woudn't buy tubes for my amp from Russia. I wouldn't buy guitars from China, who economically back Russia and coerce Uighurs into modern day slavery. You vote with your wallet.
My Yamaha fg800 plays so well (after I filed the nut). Not even interested in buying another acoustic (and that's saying a lot!)
Hi Alamo, I picked up that Chris had more squeaky finger movement on the Guild. Why would that be? Playability? :)
One thing about solid wood is that you have to be more diligent in caring for it. I've had a number of solid wood guitars crack due to low humidity in the winter, so the one solid guitar I still have sits in its case all winter when I'm not playing it, which is a shame as it's a Taylor K24ce and I bought it largely for the beauty of the wood (not that it doesn't also sound great). I've never had a guitar with laminate back and sides crack, even with a solid top, no matter how low the humidity gets or how long I leave it out. So if not having to pamper a guitar is important to you, solid top with laminate back and sides is a great combo, and I don't think the sound suffers at all.
But laminate tops sound like doodoo, so I'd stay away from those unless you only intend to use it plugged in.
I live in the tropics. I'm going away from laminates. My gibson jazz box peeled open like a banana. I'd never heard of guitars delaminating before that.
@@RodneyMcMinge Interesting. Where in the tropics? I actually recently solved the problem of having to keep my K24ce in its case half the year... by moving to Hawaii.
@@jaybleu6169 Northern Australia. Mine's a mix of into the case....out of the case ..with a dash of dehumidifier. Rinse and repeat.
I've had a 114ce since 2007 I think and I still love that thing. Hundreds of sets and never a single issue.
For some reason I've never gotten along with that scooped and zingy Taylor sound profile. I much prefer the warmer and more "intimate" sound of the Guild. I have the Martin SC13e, so I'd be curious how it stacks up against the Guild.
To my ear the guild OM-140ce sounded better.
Also I've never come across a Guild that is poorly made - all were really well made.
I think the issue with the nut could be easily solved, and I'd get a beautiful look and sounding all solid wood instrument that it's going to sound better as it ages.
Alamo Music Center,
Please,
I'd like to see a comparison between the Guild OM-140ce and the OM-150ce if possible.
Thanks for the great review.
I have a Guild OM - 240CE Orchestra Acoustic - Electric. Before I bought it I tried about 25 guitars out in the guitar Center. The action on this was great and I lowered it 2 fretts below 440 and it still played excellently, but no other guitar could do that in that price range or even a few hundred dollars more. The action on this particular Guild was perfect without a set-up. The sound isn't boomy but I'd rather hear it's clear warm full sound. I noticed that high-end Gibson j45 guitars also are characteristically clear sounding and that's what I like.
Great show. In the solid versus layered debate, like all guitar composition debates, I find Andy Powers says it best: “The reality is that when you pick up a guitar and you pluck a note, it’s difficult to tell what you’re hearing. Are you hearing the string? The pick? The saddle, the bridge, the top, the back, the neck, the bracing inside, the size, the air mass inside that thing? The sound is not solely any one of those aspects, and I struggle to even apply a percentage of a guitar’s sound that comes from one component versus another. I know that we want to deconstruct things to better understand them because we love them, and every enthusiast wants to understand their guitar better. I think that’s great. But ultimately, what you hear is a composite of all of its elements.”
I love my taylor 110. Can't beat that bright Taylor sound.
I would get a taylor if I was doing more of soloing. But for me the warmth and richness of a martin is what sells me.
Hugely overpriced in my experience
I like the depth/bass of the guild, and the clarity of the upper ranges on the Taylor. If I had to choose one for my house, it would be the guild. If I was going to pick one I would throw in my car to visit family, friends, etc., It would be the Taylor as the laminate back and sides should take humidity changes/abuses better.
why do the strings make so much more scratching sound on the Taylor ? are they a different type or size?
Thank you for the great review.
I really like the sound of Guild.
I might just get me one.
A friend from late 90's had one and it sounded awesome.
I currently got a big body epiphone. And I really like its tone.
I have a Guild baritone acoustic (the 8 string Westerly) and it is astonishing how good it sounds. It’s beautifully full, balanced and articulate across the entire frequency spectrum.
The fit and finish on it is also amazing. I have many guitars, some of which are $2k+, and my Guild lacks nothing against them.
The one thing it did need was a small truss rod adjustment, and I also cut a couple of the nut slots a tiny bit deeper (they were well within spec, but I setup all my guitars to my taste.) I don’t consider this a knock though, because every new guitar I’ve ever bought benefited from a good setup.
Anyway, if all Guilds are like my baritone acoustic, I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to buy another. It’s easily one of my favorite guitars. Love it.
I have a Guild D-140. I went to Firehouse guitar with no price point in mind. I just wanted to leave with the best sounding guitar to my ears. I left with this one. It beat all the Martins and Taylors. Only $800 too.
How about Guild 120 Om vs 140 Om ? Which one is better for finger style and soothing songs
Hey guys, nice guitars I like the Burst too, looks rich. Do both have the same strings and fairly new? I find that strings and the player make most of the sound. I can say because I happen to have a ce214dlx and an OM250ce reserve, both natural gloss finish. Love them both, do like the smaller size of the guild now hitting 64 it's not as easy to have my arm jacked way up for any length of time. They are both great and personal choice and a fair price difference might help decide.
I’ve played laminated and I’ve played solid wood and solid wood definitely makes a difference.
Do it blindfold, solid top is almost all that really matters and it's a lot of horseshit until you get to the super expensive range
I like the Taylor better. I have hearing loss and I can hear more of the notes and chords coming from the Taylor. My hearing loss is already causing muffling and the Guild adds to that. Thanks fellas! Former San Antonian here.
I really like the sound of the 114
It was close but I thought the taylor just pinched it!!
It was slightly sharper and crisp!
Both beautiful sounding guitars though and I'd be happy with either
Never talk down Taylor in front of Chris,,,,he is a Taylor fan boy.!
Yes and I have seen poor quality Taylors before at the cheap end, no question about it, some of my students bought that model and they were awful
I liked the sound of the Guild better as I heard it on my system but I have a Taylor 712ce 12 fret and so kinda gotta figure that the Taylor playability is better as was said in the comparison. My taylor of course sounds better than either to me but... I am looking to try the new Guild stuff for sure.
to me the Guild has a muted tone , still really nice but not as sharp and clear as the Taylor . also the nut binding issue is disappointing .
Guild has a warmer sound... Pleasantly surprised with this Guild!
Love the vintage sound of the Guild, despite the country of manufacture. A good setup would take care of the playability issues.
Yeah! Listening to the guitars it seems the Taylor is easier to play I sense a bit more tension in the playing on the Guild but that's just a good set up. Both guitars sound decent , I came looking at the Guild and its a hard call but its a tad more rounder sound to me from the Taylor.
This message needs to get out there: the best value guitars in N America are the ones in the Godin family. You can get an all-solid acoustic that is fantastically built for under $1000.
Taylor win, crispy and cutting sound. Holds it's value very well too
I picked up that Chris had more squeaky finger movement on the Guild. Why would that be? Playability?
This Taylor sounds more open, deep, bright and resonant, this Guild sounds more thumpy, mellow and compressed/bluesy. But Guild certainly has some other models that sing and soar.
What Guild model do you recommend for finger style more soothing songs ? ❤
@@sokinecola9361try the OOO models
Both guitars sound good to my ears. With that said, this is obviously a subjective topic. Some guitarists are primarily fingerstyle players, some flat pickers, some versatile players, etc. Some prefer a slim neck, some a fat neck, whatever...As a guitar player since 1967, I find it humorous that you mention the Mexican made Taylor is a "North American" crafted guitar and the Guild isn't. Many Fender electric players consider MIM guitars inferior. Once again...subjective. Some excellent, some not so. I own a Martin D35, a Martin 000-15m, and just purchased a Guild OM140-ce sunburst that I'm loving, and the bottom line should be what sounds good to YOUR ears! If it feels good, sounds good, and looks good IYO then buy it! It doesn't matter if it's MIM, made in China, Indonesia or wherever. The bar is very high these days because it is a competitive market, and major builders have their reputation on the line. Food for thought....
I don’t think we should confuse out of the box factory setup with build quality. They’re two different things.
Guild makes very good guitars but I find their necks a little to wide for me. That's why I have three Taylors. I have a 114e with the walnut back and sides, an older 816ce and a 412ce 12 fret Special edition that is perfect for my smaller hands.
I've been waiting on a good review/comparison of the OM-140ce. I'd be more interested in hearing it vs some other solid wood OMs that cost slightly more. The Taylor projects because it's a grand auditorium (larger)and bc the way the concave back is designed. I've owned a 114 and 214 and loved them both, but projection isn't everything and with a proper set up the Guild pays just as well, but provides the tonal qualities of a solid guitar.
Guys maybe I can get a point of you or some advice from you guys, I’m thinking of getting a solid wood 12 string guitar fromTakamine J. C which is a jumbo Guitar, the P6 12 string, spruce top with maple back inside, ebony fretboard, all solid woods. I would say that’s a better investment for the long run as far as it improve in price through the years. That’s my opinion thank you would you guys suggest?
Taylor for me. I think the gloss finish is a little bit too heavy and impacts the tone. It could also be because I love my Taylor 114e 🙂
I think it depends on the songs u are playing... Guild is a bit muted compared to the crisper sound of the Taylor. They are both nice for the money!
Just wondered why you don’t review Takamine guitars?
I think it matters a lot. I believe that once you become serious as a guitar player and your skills move beyond cowboy chords, you should definitely aspire to play a solid wood guitar.
1. Sound is not the only thing that matters. Wood is a living, breathing material. It will grow with you and it's tone will evolve with time. You have to put more care into an all wood guitar but that care increases your attachment to it.
2. Between these instruments, I prefer the sound of the 140. Honestly, the Taylor has a richer sounding bass than the Guild but the Taylor's treble strings sound a bit tinny, which spoils its overall tone. The tinny sound comes out especially when played with a flat pick.
Other comments:
If you're going to get a laminate back, Taylor does an excellent job. I bought my daughter a GS Mini which is a fantastic guitar for beginners. I love playing that guitar. Kick ass tone for $500 (at least at the time I bought it).
Almost no one needs an acoustic with a cut out. It's very rare to play an acoustic above the 12th fret and I would wager that fewer than 1 in 1000 viewers of this video have - or will ever have - a song in their repertoire that's aided by a cutout.
Lastly -
For my money, Guild makes some of the best all-wood guitars in this price range.
My 3 year old Taylor 110e sounds better than my 1998 Martin D28. Good Taylor and bad Martin due to manufacturing variances? Same strings.
Hey guy's, I'm considering a Guild D40. Any thoughts to will it hold resale value?
If you are already thinking of selling it why bother buying it?
Not thinking of resale per say, more something of value to pass on to my daughter
@@Kevin-xg4yj It's all good, and hopefully appreciated (not put up for sale in local weekly estate auctions).
My opinion is that only Martins and Gibsons will appreciate, or hold it’s value…. I don’t think a Guild will. Look at Larrivee, stunningly good guitars that are the Best Buys used, because they aren’t collectors instruments. If you want a financial investment for your granddaughter, shares in a mutual fund are probably better. But, if you teach her to love the guitar, a D40 passed down from you will be priceless to her!
@@jed1166 Jed, appreciate the comment. I believe your correct about Martin and Gibson at least holding value. It's difficult for me to spend almost 3gs on something and it instantly lose half or more of what we pay for them.
Love guild I have a D240 good but kinda quiet for a dread looking for an all wood with a pick up hoping it’s a louder but not to loud. I like to sing and my D18 is too loud for my voice.
I think it does but mostly in smaller body guitars . But I don’t really notice much with my dread
Guys, I am blind, which Guitar did he demo first, the guild? Or the Taylor? I like the full sound of the first one, so I don’t know which one is that.
He starts with the taylor 114E
@@thomasfroholt8611 no wonder, I have the Taylor 524, and the 814 as well, definitely enjoy those guitars, it kind of sounded like a tiller that first one. But thank you for letting me know I really appreciate that
I’d choose a $500 Guild over a $1,+ Taylor.
Guilds have that old hand made look and feel, maybe something designed by Beatnicks or Hippies (it was the first thing people at Woodstock heard as the event started).
Taylor has the look and feel of something stamped out at a machine shop - they are almost too perfect.
Could you do a review of the guild 240 ce? Its one I'm considering but i want a good review before i get it, and you make great reviews.
The Guild sounds louder and balanced. I had a Guild D-50 and it was a cannon.
Manufacturers quit including cases/gig bags with their guitars when Phil McKnight declared that he hates the cases piling up in his home. I’m pretty sure he single handedly pushed guitar makers to stop including cases, because he holds a lot of sway in this arena.
I personally will not buy an instrument if it doesn’t include a case.
Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇸🎸🎶🤝✌️
Both guitars sound very good but I prefer the warmer tone of the Guild. I love thé look of the African Mahogany back and sides too!
Easy to see how there was a specific focused effort on promoting Taylor.
🐓🍭
The taylor sounds awsome but that guild one, it made me feel things
The Guild surprised me with the depth and warmth.
(10:12) The moment he quits hahaha
Is there something with the air, the oxygen in North America that helps guitar builders do a better job ?
Currently on Thomann the Guild is €749 and the Taylor €999 two completely different price points.
what about 214dlx sb with hardshell case - 1199 euro?)
Taylor are the sound of modern acoustic guitar, has a rich bright note. On the other hand Guild has a very traditional sound, well balance mid low high.
For my ear i prefer the vintage sound. 🎉
i am fond of the Guild because the first high quality guitars in or house were Guilds, but i would refuse neither !!!
Back in just matter of seconds. I'm trying to upgrade from a Yamaha F310p which is all laminate. The Taylor is a worthy upgrade.
Damn the guild sounds so good
It matters quite a bit. Particularly when it comes to aging. Off the shelf it might not matter immediately. A good acoustic ‘opens up’ with time, as it ages. The laminates aren’t going to sound that great. I have a mid-range Martin that sounds way worse than a much cheaper Yamaha, simply because of material selection.
@13:57 what song is that
I'm a longtime Guild-o-phile. Best sounding guitars made, IMO
Chris is giving Cooper’s beard some competition.
Taylor sounds like a refined Harmony in a good way. The Guild sounds good and would have greater variation of sounds depending on how it is played.
My heart is set on getting a Guild OM-120, though. I wish it had an ebony fingerboard... but it doesn't matter, i'm getting one anyway.
My favorite Guild 👌🏻
That Guild sounds much better. Much warmer and nuanced.
Novice here? What do you mean playability?
How easy or hard the guitar is to play. This would include string height, string spacing, scale length, intonation, and many other factors can contribute to this. Think of “playability” being how smooth and easy it feels to play chords or notes up and down the neck.
I have a Guild FCE40 Pat Metheney from 1976, Just stunning, Never had a neck adjustment yet. Anyone who plays it pleads with me to sell it. I never will. Seriously a once in a lifetime guitar, I'm not worthy of it.