I love how Taylors are made. Their quality is always consistent. Their necks are the best industry. I love everything about them except for how the actual guitars sound!
I personally think Taylor is one of the best quality guitars out there. If you've never owned or especially never played one then don't say anything. They are great.
I had a Taylor- nice guitar but it got nicked. I missed it for a while but then came across a guy with an old '72 Epi FT147 in need of a refret. It cost me a fraction of the Taylor but is the greatest acoustic guitar I have ever had. I would not change it for the best guitar Taylor could make.Hard to say what makes one guitar so magical - one you never want to put down - the tone wood, overall feel, and that indefinable 'playability'.
Inspirational! I have an early hand made 1979 Taylor "Lemon Grove" 655 12-String in Mahogany. I feel toward it as one would a vintage pre-war Martin D-41!
@MOSKII58 The guitar had a series of 5 sanding marks in the finish just below the bridge. Each of the sanding marks was about the size of a penny. They were pretty deeply gouged into the wood and looked as if someone working on the guitar had taken a DA sander and accidentally turned it onto it side.
Your point about the metal affecting tone makes perfect tone for me. I'm not sure as to whether or not Taylor necks maintain their structural integrity over time. Anyway though, I'm enjoying my new Martin DC-15 ME. Great sound
..very level headed brilliant man..w/ a passion... to make the best feeling,playing, & best sounding guitars..i think he is close to achieving that w/ acoustic instruments & from what i see of his electric line , they are pretty awesome guitars as well,, i mean he's not gonna suddenly overtake PRS,Fender,Gibson, or even G&L , but he's just getting going in that field and on the acoustic side of things he's a legend as far as i am concerned..Taylor is my fav acoustic instrument, by far..
The consistent quality of Taylor guitars is such that they can build a guitar with average woods, or build it with extremely high end premium woods...and they end up playing and sounding the same.
@Archtops wow that sounds like a collector piece to me..if i were you i'd hang on to that puppy.. Do you still feel like the Taylors today are made -well and it s just a matter of advancing in tech or do you feel that back in 1979 it was a diff taylor quality that can never be reached again?
F*** great guitars, got 2 of them, I love their sound!!! great factory tour by the way, did it last year (on my 50th birthday, a great present I gave myself)
They are spectacular for finger picking, go to your local guitar store and try a bunch out! I recommend looking at Taylor guitars with a "Grand Concert" body shape! Cheers
I'd bring a Taylor for a live show. I'd record an album with an old Gibson or Martin. People talk around here like each brand only makes one type of guitar. I've been to the Martin factory and tried several of their models. Expensive/brand name doesn't always equate to great tone. That's why as a musician, you have to have good ears.
I build acoustic guitars so if I were to judge between the two, early Taylor and modern-day Taylor guitars I would say the work is more polished and professional now. A perfectly made guitar will sound no better than one that has a few glue drips evident depending on the individual instrument . Early Martins, Gibsons come to mind. Today's guitars are always getting better with the innovative use of technology and hands on building. All instruments seem to get a little more shimmer as they age.
@JohnKimYay Well, I own a Martin 12 string and a Taylor 6 string. Both bought new. The Taylor had to have a neck reset and the bridge was actually coming off and it had to be re-set - twice!.The Martin had to have bridge work as the hi Es were not picked up loud enough by the undersadle pick up. Both issues were downers and a major piss off but all that aside, both are awesome guitars and it's strictly a matter of personal taste as to which is "better".
I've been to the Martin factory. quite the experience. I always thought of martin's as darker sounding and folk music-ish although they can make a custom for you. Taylor's are brighter and punchier especially with elixirs. Gibson acoustics also has a distinct sound but finding the right one is a pain and expensive. IMO that's why taylor is thriving because of their consistency and pricing whilst not giving off any premium quality. kudos
I own three Taylors (514ce, 750, and ns34ce) and two Martins (D-35 and 000-1). All are teriffic guitars. But I'm most fond of my 514ce. It is the warmest steel string I own because of its cedar & mahogany tone woods. It's also extremely even in it's tonal balance and is incredibly versatile. It sounds equally good playing finger style or being strummed. It's okay to prefer one brand over another...we all have our preferences. But I would disagree that Martin = warmer sound across the board.
I take it you're a Martin fan? We can disagree on the Guilds but if you are a Martin person, then we are probably going to be friends (lol). They have incredible tone with awesome depth. I wonder if Taylors last.....how do they sound/look after 20 years (assuming that the guitar has been properly maintained)?
I have to say, i just saw a video of the Godin ( Seagull ) factory tour, and they seem much more innovative in design.....can anyone compare Seagull vs Taylor? Or any other big name for that matter?
I have never seen or played a nicer guitar then a Taylor, once you play one and look it over and see the quality for yourself you will agree. Take a listen to any Wood and Steel CD, there all Taylor guitars and the sound is second to none.
It really bothered me when I saw people saying what great work Taylor did, then seeing it was all computer operated. As disappointed as I am with that, when I heard one up close I was really impressed. They really do have a fantastic shimmering sound to them.
@JohnKimYay they are prob just Martin SNOBS!! lol i love Taylor & my dream is to own a high# model (8 0r 9 series electric acoustic w/ blender sys) also i want a jumbo / maple.. Taylors are amoung the best. i like Santa Cruz and Larivee' as well.. regards..
aww comon bob! you guys have Mark Tremonti playing taylors. creed went platinum 27x. im pretty sure people know who he is =p. you guys have Dave Matthews too! you can point to both of them! now that i think about it. why doesnt Mark have a signature taylor again? =p
Hey guys, let's face it, we're basically talking "NAMES" here, and "Taylor", speaks for itself! Gibson, Martin, Fender are mainly riding on "yesteryear"! Taylor's not out too sell you his name, he's out too sell you decent guitar! And what's the problem, too hung up on "Walmart" prices & don't want too pay for quality work? Curious, do you even play? Tonal quality & playability, Taylor is synergestically designed & unparalelled in that respect, that's what sets them apart, I think! Try it!
I received a new Taylor 214CE today and had to return it for a messed up top. Played great but the top was really messed up. I am sure that this was probably a fluke. New one will be in a few days.
i just got a new taylor 214ce and love it the way i look at it i like martins to but i like the looks of taylors alot more martins are just to plain the only thing i dont like about taylor is they dont come with a tuner the electronics are great if you can hear it through the amp while you are playing a taylor
You can still order a handmade guitar by one man if you want just find a lutheir willing to do that. It will cost a lot just so you know since its around 100-150hours depending on what you want.
Its not hard to tell that martin has been in the game longer, martin has much more traditional ways of doing things. I love the sound of taylors, but i gotta say Im a martin man.
@JohnKimYay Anyone who says one is better than the other is not true to the instrument they say they love and cherish. Taylor has is place and has earned it for it's excellence and like Martin will probably be around for a long , long time . There is NO better than the other but more likely which fits the bill better to the players liking . It's all preference ... Old style =Martin Or Modern style = Taylor It would Not surprise me that some have BOTH .
Martin have tried very hard to "modernise" their image, but they are governed by the massive American market, which probably doesn't want too much drastic change to their guitars. After all Martin are a rare survivor and the americans are rightly proud of the heritage they have. Taylor are not only looking at the future, but are producing guitars which are innovative, fresh and also sound and look truly stunning. Martin use the same woods, on their D41, D42 & D45 models. Bling, not tone IMO.
@JohnKimYay Martin's are better, BUT that's if you like a more balanced gutiar with warm tone, if you like a brighter tone for more open strumming, then get a Taylor. (Sorry for replying to a two year old comment, but it's the truth.
@bluegrasssingingman to each their own sir. based on your posts, you sound like a taylor basher to the point like they robbed you or something. i try to appreciate all sorts of brands and music and try to base my opinions that way. i know i can't change yours, so enjoy whatever you play.
Why do people keep saying they have Mark Tremonti, Dave Matthews and Tom Delonge and that they're icons. What he is saying is that they do not have icons like Eric Clapton, Elvis, Hendrix...people whos guitar playing has been around for 40-60 years. Granted Tremonti, Matthews and Delonge are good guitarists. But they are not legends....yet.
I think Taylors are well made, at least judging from this video. Having played them vs. martins, they are too "modern" sounding for my style - way into the treble end of things so to me, tonally, Martins have more tonal "character" than do Taylors. No two Martins have interchangeable necks because where they are jointed the wood is hand shaved. Martins - just like high end Guilds - are hand made with "love" from their employees.
funny i just finished watching a yamaha guitar factory and the woman cutting the top of the guitar was doing it by hand instead with a laser, the funny thing is that im sure the laser cutting is more precise and at the same time less expensive, BUT the woman cutting the wood was actually faster than the laser lol, so the processing at the yamaha factory was more artisan like BUT i trust that laser a little more at the same time, anyways american economy cant sustain itself anymore.
Taylors are well made but have way too much treble. They don't sound superficial - so I can tell they are well-made - but, nevertheless, they lack bass which makes them good for a lot of modern players but not very desirable among blues players, who would tend to go for the "bassier" Martin. Also, when talking about guitars with a lot of bass, let's not forget what I consider a "wild" card - Guild (that is, American made Guilds). American Guilds are the best sounding acoustics.
taylor are good acoustics but you have to pay a pretty penny to get a really good one. that being said taylor are some of the best acoustics on the market but i have seen and heard better for less.
Taylor are the most magical playing experience imaginable.
Awesome statement... "The real hero are the guitars themselves" ... Beautiful ... I took your tour in San Diego... Keep it up!!!!
I love how Taylors are made. Their quality is always consistent. Their necks are the best industry. I love everything about them except for how the actual guitars sound!
I personally think Taylor is one of the best quality guitars out there. If you've never owned or especially never played one then don't say anything. They are great.
Taylor is my favorite guitar company, and this video explanes why.
I had a Taylor- nice guitar but it got nicked. I missed it for a while but then came across a guy with an old '72 Epi FT147 in need of a refret. It cost me a fraction of the Taylor but is the greatest acoustic guitar I have ever had. I would not change it for the best guitar Taylor could make.Hard to say what makes one guitar so magical - one you never want to put down - the tone wood, overall feel, and that indefinable 'playability'.
Inspirational!
I have an early hand made 1979 Taylor "Lemon Grove" 655 12-String in Mahogany.
I feel toward it as one would a vintage pre-war Martin D-41!
@MOSKII58 The guitar had a series of 5 sanding marks in the finish just below the bridge. Each of the sanding marks was about the size of a penny. They were pretty deeply gouged into the wood and looked as if someone working on the guitar had taken a DA sander and accidentally turned it onto it side.
Your point about the metal affecting tone makes perfect tone for me. I'm not sure as to whether or not Taylor necks maintain their structural integrity over time. Anyway though, I'm enjoying my new Martin DC-15 ME. Great sound
..very level headed brilliant man..w/ a passion... to make the best feeling,playing, & best sounding guitars..i think he is close to achieving that w/ acoustic instruments & from what i see of his electric line , they are pretty awesome guitars as well,, i mean he's not gonna suddenly overtake PRS,Fender,Gibson, or even G&L , but he's just getting going in that field and on the acoustic side of things he's a legend as far as i am concerned..Taylor is my fav acoustic instrument, by far..
Fantabulous....Thank you Bob!
The consistent quality of Taylor guitars is such that they can build a guitar with average woods, or build it with extremely high end premium woods...and they end up playing and sounding the same.
Toyota should hire Bob Taylor to help with quality control. You may not like the way Taylors sound, but the consistency is incredible.
@Archtops wow that sounds like a collector piece to me..if i were you i'd hang on to that puppy.. Do you still feel like the Taylors today are made -well and it s just a matter of advancing in tech or do you feel that back in 1979 it was a diff taylor quality that can never be reached again?
F*** great guitars, got 2 of them, I love their sound!!! great factory tour by the way, did it last year (on my 50th birthday, a great present I gave myself)
@markdocker look at the maton factory. all the good ones are still being done by hand
Robert Godin has the best presentation of their Seagull acoustic guitar factory...Seagull for life, baby !
I was in the Taylor Guitars factory tour 2 days ago, is this in El Cajon? Well anyway I bought my new Taylor 414ce on the same day.
They are spectacular for finger picking, go to your local guitar store and try a bunch out! I recommend looking at Taylor guitars with a "Grand Concert" body shape! Cheers
Just got an 850 dollar taylor guitar for 730. steal of a deal and a beauty of a guitar.
Assuming that the instrument has bee properly maintained, how do these guitars look after 20 years? Cracks? Is the neck bent?
I'd bring a Taylor for a live show. I'd record an album with an old Gibson or Martin. People talk around here like each brand only makes one type of guitar. I've been to the Martin factory and tried several of their models. Expensive/brand name doesn't always equate to great tone. That's why as a musician, you have to have good ears.
I build acoustic guitars so if I were to judge between the two, early Taylor and modern-day Taylor guitars I would say the work is more polished and professional now. A perfectly made guitar will sound no better than one that has a few glue drips evident depending on the individual instrument . Early Martins, Gibsons come to mind. Today's guitars are always getting better with the innovative use of technology and hands on building. All instruments seem to get a little more shimmer as they age.
@JohnKimYay
Well, I own a Martin 12 string and a Taylor 6 string. Both bought new. The Taylor had to have a neck reset and the bridge was actually coming off and it had to be re-set - twice!.The Martin had to have bridge work as the hi Es were not picked up loud enough by the undersadle pick up. Both issues were downers and a major piss off but all that aside, both are awesome guitars and it's strictly a matter of personal taste as to which is "better".
I'm thinking about getting one. Are they good for fingerstyle? like tommy emanuel style playing or sungha jung?
I've been to the Martin factory. quite the experience. I always thought of martin's as darker sounding and folk music-ish although they can make a custom for you. Taylor's are brighter and punchier especially with elixirs. Gibson acoustics also has a distinct sound but finding the right one is a pain and expensive.
IMO that's why taylor is thriving because of their consistency and pricing whilst not giving off any premium quality. kudos
Which brands do you prefer?
The neck on my Taylor plays like a well set up electric.
I own three Taylors (514ce, 750, and ns34ce) and two Martins (D-35 and 000-1).
All are teriffic guitars.
But I'm most fond of my 514ce. It is the warmest steel string I own because of its cedar & mahogany tone woods. It's also extremely even in it's tonal balance and is incredibly versatile. It sounds equally good playing finger style or being strummed.
It's okay to prefer one brand over another...we all have our preferences. But I would disagree that Martin = warmer sound across the board.
I take it you're a Martin fan? We can disagree on the Guilds but if you are a Martin person, then we are probably going to be friends (lol). They have incredible tone with awesome depth. I wonder if Taylors last.....how do they sound/look after 20 years (assuming that the guitar has been properly maintained)?
I have a Martin and a Taylor, the Taylor is much nicer.
I have to say, i just saw a video of the Godin ( Seagull ) factory tour, and they seem much more innovative in design.....can anyone compare Seagull vs Taylor? Or any other big name for that matter?
I have never seen or played a nicer guitar then a Taylor, once you play one and look it over and see the quality for yourself you will agree. Take a listen to any Wood and Steel CD, there all Taylor guitars and the sound is second to none.
It really bothered me when I saw people saying what great work Taylor did, then seeing it was all computer operated. As disappointed as I am with that, when I heard one up close I was really impressed. They really do have a fantastic shimmering sound to them.
@JohnKimYay they are prob just Martin SNOBS!! lol i love Taylor & my dream is to own a high# model (8 0r 9 series electric acoustic w/ blender sys) also i want a jumbo / maple.. Taylors are amoung the best. i like Santa Cruz and Larivee' as well.. regards..
aww comon bob! you guys have Mark Tremonti playing taylors. creed went platinum 27x. im pretty sure people know who he is =p. you guys have Dave Matthews too! you can point to both of them!
now that i think about it. why doesnt Mark have a signature taylor again? =p
@cerebrix And Alter Bridge is like, one of the most musical bands around today! :D
Hey guys, let's face it, we're basically talking "NAMES" here, and "Taylor", speaks for itself! Gibson, Martin, Fender are mainly riding on "yesteryear"! Taylor's not out too sell you his name, he's out too sell you decent guitar! And what's the problem, too hung up on "Walmart" prices & don't want too pay for quality work? Curious, do you even play? Tonal quality & playability, Taylor is synergestically designed & unparalelled in that respect, that's what sets them apart, I think! Try it!
I received a new Taylor 214CE today and had to return it for a messed up top. Played great but the top was really messed up. I am sure that this was probably a fluke. New one will be in a few days.
It's like the Ford Vs. Chevy argument. It's all about preference. I prefer the Taylor, but my music partner prefers the Martin.
i just got a new taylor 214ce and love it the way i look at it i like martins to but i like the looks of taylors alot more martins are just to plain the only thing i dont like about taylor is they dont come with a tuner the electronics are great if you can hear it through the amp while you are playing a taylor
Late 80's Rock lots of acoustics... :-)
You can still order a handmade guitar by one man if you want just find a lutheir willing to do that. It will cost a lot just so you know since its around 100-150hours depending on what you want.
try a Huss & Dalton; you may change your mind, I did.
Its not hard to tell that martin has been in the game longer, martin has much more traditional ways of doing things. I love the sound of taylors, but i gotta say Im a martin man.
@JohnKimYay
Anyone who says one is better than the other is not true to the instrument
they say they love and cherish. Taylor has is place and has earned it for it's
excellence and like Martin will probably be around for a long , long time .
There is NO better than the other but more likely which fits the bill better to the players liking . It's all preference ... Old style =Martin Or Modern style = Taylor
It would Not surprise me that some have BOTH .
BOB TAYLOR...In regards to you not having any rock icons ...DAVID GILMOUR, to my knowlage, wrote wish you were here on a talor 12 string...
Martin have tried very hard to "modernise" their image, but they are governed by the massive American market, which probably doesn't want too much drastic change to their guitars. After all Martin are a rare survivor and the americans are rightly proud of the heritage they have. Taylor are not only looking at the future, but are producing guitars which are innovative, fresh and also sound and look truly stunning. Martin use the same woods, on their D41, D42 & D45 models. Bling, not tone IMO.
How 'bout Mark Tremonti? I guess Bob Taylor's never heard of his own guy who's been, I believe it's five times, Guitar World guitarist of the year. :P
@LetItRock420 100% hand made baby no machines no lazers pew pew. . . just a bunch of proud Japanese making bad ass guitars.
@JohnKimYay They are different.
@truebluefliplover so whats your point?? what was so messed up at least clue us in to what you are talking about..
maton guitars are the best !
@JohnKimYay Martin's are better, BUT that's if you like a more balanced gutiar with warm tone, if you like a brighter tone for more open strumming, then get a Taylor. (Sorry for replying to a two year old comment, but it's the truth.
@bluegrasssingingman to each their own sir. based on your posts, you sound like a taylor basher to the point like they robbed you or something. i try to appreciate all sorts of brands and music and try to base my opinions that way. i know i can't change yours, so enjoy whatever you play.
Dave Matthews!
Not to mention David Gilmour as well.
Why do people keep saying they have Mark Tremonti, Dave Matthews and Tom Delonge and that they're icons. What he is saying is that they do not have icons like Eric Clapton, Elvis, Hendrix...people whos guitar playing has been around for 40-60 years. Granted Tremonti, Matthews and Delonge are good guitarists. But they are not legends....yet.
Chewbacca 2:48
I think Taylors are well made, at least judging from this video. Having played them vs. martins, they are too "modern" sounding for my style - way into the treble end of things so to me, tonally, Martins have more tonal "character" than do Taylors. No two Martins have interchangeable necks because where they are jointed the wood is hand shaved. Martins - just like high end Guilds - are hand made with "love" from their employees.
Well, they are most certainly one of the oldest, that's the truth.
funny i just finished watching a yamaha guitar factory and the woman cutting the top of the guitar was doing it by hand instead with a laser, the funny thing is that im sure the laser cutting is more precise and at the same time less expensive, BUT the woman cutting the wood was actually faster than the laser lol, so the processing at the yamaha factory was more artisan like BUT i trust that laser a little more at the same time, anyways american economy cant sustain itself anymore.
ALVAREZ YAIRI WOO WOO
Wayyyyy too many machines. I wonder if they use it also on the bto ones. I hope not
Taylors are well made but have way too much treble. They don't sound superficial - so I can tell they are well-made - but, nevertheless, they lack bass which makes them good for a lot of modern players but not very desirable among blues players, who would tend to go for the "bassier" Martin. Also, when talking about guitars with a lot of bass, let's not forget what I consider a "wild" card - Guild (that is, American made Guilds). American Guilds are the best sounding acoustics.
All I'll say is many Martin guitars are made in Mexico now, and the quality has really suffered! Taylor is first class all the way.
everyone whos saying all this crap about martin being better, probably never owned a taylor. so dont judge
Open the mailbox and I get my last and final Wood and steel Taylor Magazine...going online...digital...🙄
Do any human beings actually work at this factory? Oh look ..one just walked by..
taylor are good acoustics but you have to pay a pretty penny to get a really good one. that being said taylor are some of the best acoustics on the market but i have seen and heard better for less.
Martin is better!
This is exactly why all Taylor guitars sound generic and boring.