V braced guitar sounds weak! PLEASE READ THIS! First of all V bracing patterns have been used and tried by many luthiers for years albeit in many variations, but basically the main V braces...it is nothing new. Having compared many Taylor V class guitars there are some drawbacks...placing so many braces within the largest vibrating part of the bout can mute some of the frequency vibrations patterns. The Taylor bracing change when measured for displacement, velocity, and acceleration did show some degradation in the lower bout vibration patterns as compared to X pattern bracing. Sustain was sometimes increased only in certain examples. We found no further accuracy of intonation due to V bracing vs X bracing. Notes high on the neck were not perceived to be any more forthcoming, clearer or vibrant as stated here. We did find that some guitars in both V and X bracing due to wood selection and builders had superior up the neck clarity and resonance, but only as I said due to wood grains and torrification treatments. We tested several top brands, which included Martin, Taylor, Eastman, Yari, Yamaha, Mc Pherson, Goodall, Bourgeois and Breedlove and a few other small luthiers examples. I surmise that Taylors need to change there bracing pattern may have to do with business and not so much about making a better guitar. It appears that the V class bracing is also less expensive to manufacture mechanically. Taylor's have always been known for a sort of vanilla tone due to it's manufacturing process. And, that much of the information spoken here is the interpretation of a dream that one man has. The addition of inspiration from the ocean probably has nothing to do with the scenario. By the way when CF Martin started experimenting with fan bracing back in the 1840's he had moved several of the braces according to the Spanish style fan bracing into a Vs both reversing the V at the top and bottom to accommodate the new style bridge pin design, settling on the X brace pattern which he surmised sounded better freeing up the top, also adding strength to the top. If you watch the Martin Museum Tour right here at 7.12 minutes you can see one of his experimental V braced tops on the workbench from the 1800's! Finally, I urge all of you to do your own comparisons not on You Tube, but only in person with reasonably like woods, sizes and environments braced with Taylor V and other X braced guitars to see what you feel.
Completely agree in terms of the sound projection. As a person accustomed to singing over the sound of a Martin dread, it took me a little while to hear the V class. You feel the Martin, you hear the V class.
Yes, the V Class has more sustain, probably due to less top dampening. But is also loses a lot of low end. The traditional Taylor "shimmer" has mutated into "janglieness". However, if you want to take your X braced Taylor to a new level of sustain and projection, try installing some Martin Liquid Metal bridge pins. Yes, $100 investment- but returnable with Sweetwater, Musicians Friend or Amazon, now offered in different colors. If the micarta saddle is too brittle and you want more warmth, a good quality bone saddle will help. The only V-class Taylor I tried that I really liked that had all the traits that I want in an acoustic is the 914ce. Taking my 814ceDLX-X and doing the above has brought it to an almost identical sound of the 914ce-V.
Today I was in a guitar shop and I played and heard a taylor guitar 814ce2020 wc814ce vclass and it was MAGIC! The clouds parted, doves appeared, 7 rays of light beamed through the clouds 2 rainbows appeared and I heard the angels sing. The only thing that did not appear was the money in the wallet to pay for it. Trust me I checked.
Appreciate the review, I’ve watched so many, and you’s is the best I’ve seen on the difference between the X and V... I fell in love after playing a 714ce V class, not that other guitars are bad, like you say just different... the V is so different that it sounds almost like a whole new instrument to me very high clarity with complex cords, whether that’s improved intonation or not I don’t know or care, all I know is that clarity sounds amazing to me. It might be that the V is an entirely new type of instrument, a cross between guitar piano and harp so it makes comparisons difficult...
robert w thank you for the thoughtful comments here! And I am glad they helped in any way. It is amazing how different and great both are. It’s funny to me you chose the 714 because that is the one we all think is the best of the V class. The lutz and bracing work very well together! Thank you again for watching and congratulations on your amazing instrument!
Tried a few of these when they launched and I said then that I didn't think Taylor would win over any Martin or Gibson lovers and that has been true from what I can tell monitoring various forums. It boils down to a lot of marketing on Taylor's part, which this video is part of. Taylor understands store owners are influencers in this space and they have a great grasp on how to market a new product in modern times. That said, it's a lot of hype. The guitars are louder in some ways, they certainly sustain differently and this is what I found incredibly annoying about most of the models I tried, I will say the V-braced 2018 k14ce builders edition was a phenomenal guitar, but the only one of the bunch I would have probably bought... To specifically call out what I didn't like- When you strike a note on a traditional X braced guitar it sustains and decays a certain way... The V-braced models, well most of them- you strike a note and it continues to ring without the pleasant shimmering decay you get with an X braced guitar. There aren't many great players using these for a reason. But if you want a different paint brush to help your music stand out they could be great. I'm just still incredibly annoyed at the marketing message "we've reinvented the acoustic guitar". For the price of that 900 series I could get a boutique built Santa Cruz or Hus and Dalton... it's all about the marketing folks.
rmzzz76 I think you nailed it with the part ol about the shimmer with a strummed open chord. That is the major difference. I have noticed since the launch of the V-class, that it has improved dramatically. They have been tweaking subtle things to get it to work a bit better than the initial launch. That being said l, I do think we will have in about 5 years(maybe less) a launch of the classic “retro” X bracing Taylor line. “Just the way we used to build them.” That way we’ll have the choice between the two again:) Sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts here and best to you out there in the fantastic guitar world we live in now!
@@CasinoGuitars Thanks, to be fair I did try them the month after they launched. I live about 40 minutes from one of the big on-line retailers who also has a brick & mortar store front and they are a huge Taylor dealer, so I went in on a Monday morning when they opened and spent about an hour in the Taylor showroom with one the sales reps who it felt like was telling me all the things he was trained to tell me and I know this guy and know he would not be disingenuous deliberately but he agreed with some of the things I was pointing out.. At that time I recall he had a few X braced counterparts to some of the new V braced models and he reluctantly agreed on some of them the X bracing just sounded better... I've been meaning to give the Grand Pacifics a try so I think I'll plan a trip. Thanks for the info.
@@rmzzz76 no thank you! Try the 717e builders edition if you get the chance. Those have perhaps cracked the code with the V bracing. I still prefer X bracing on many of the models. We are rather known for being a bit "too honest" according to some of our manufactures we work with so I completely understand your frustration with the sales pitch right at launch form one of the sales team. We were given the whole pitch as well...which was really funny at launch. The only way to understand if a guitar works for you is to play it as you. Everyone plays differently and every guitar interacts differently to that person. Sincere thanks again for sharing your experience again!
Thanks for your honest and informative review. Prices on used X-Braced Taylor's have definitely softened somewhat. I played an 814ce v-class and was overly impressed. I decided to keep my 2010 model 814ce. Maybe look to by a nice used 914 x-braced since prices have gone down!
Thanks for making this video review of the V-Class vs X-Bracing. Honestly, I'm very new to playing guitar. So, I really don't have any experience with the older Taylors. I do know that they sound great and if you try to buy one. The prices are almost what I would pay for a new one in the same class. That must say something about what you discussed in the video. I'm glad you weren't here to bash the new technology. I just watched another video and that was the whole purpose of the video whether he will admit it or not. I'm purchasing a Taylor 326ce with the V-class soon and I'm actually excited about it. I'm going from a laminate backed so I'm expecting a big difference in the sound quality. Thank you again!
I'd love to know which Taylor model yields "booming lows". Every one I've played sounds like it's tonally "cut off at the knees" -- weak lower mids and anemic bass.
I was wrong I went and bought the new 814ce dlx v brace I gave alot of money but when I got it home that thing blew me away all I can say is wow it is really that good I have Martin's and Taylor's but this guitar I have fallen in love with it it is that good I was dead wrong and im glad that I went back I was playing them in the music store it's the best guitar I own it is that good
Great video. I went from a Martin D16 E to a Taylor AD22E & could not be happier. Smaller body Taylor with V class bracing projects as well as the larger Martin & much more comfortable to play. Taylor is on the right track with V bracing. A long time Martin fan has been converted.
IME. With X braced you can hear a fatter tone when doing pull offs on G B E strings. A bit more overtones in a good way that are fuller sounding. V braced is just another option for those that prefer it.
Is it just me or on the photos of the bracing, isn't the V bracing pretty similar to the old ladder bracing? You know, the system that was replaced by X bracing because it is so much better?
Historically I’ve been a Taylor guy but this time out I got a Martin 00015sm. The bracing in not scalloped not forward shifted not a V but the sound was rich and warm . I’ve got nothing against V class I’m sure Taylor’s claims are all true but in the end it does not sound any better then the X so to me it’s a non issue
I love the V Class bracing! Recently picked up an 816ce BE and have a hard time putting it down. It's amazing how responsive the top is. If you simply strum an open E chord, let it ring out, and then run your fingers over the top of the guitar it is so cool to hear how the sound actively transforms from your touch. If I want the X bracing experience, I have other guitars for that. Taylor have always been innovative and unafraid of new territory.
The first V class I ever played was a Taylor 317ce. I was blown away by the sound. At the time I played the Taylor 317ce V class I had no idea that Taylor guitars had invented a new type of bracing. I wish Taylor would gloss the entire body of the 300 series guitars. I'd definitely buy a Taylor 317ce with a gloss body.
Sorry it's not new....it's an old design which has been done by many....even Martin tried it years ago on archtops, but switched to X bracing. If you watch or take the Martin museum tour you can see and old V brace top hanging above the workbench !
I have the x- braced 324. Love the thing. I have played both. Every guitar is differnt, just like trees. To say one is better is saying this apple is better than the other. I thought the x-brace was better, because that's what I have. But I do think the v-brace is just marketing - and I do like mine better, but I'm biased...
I wanted a V-class when they first came out based on all the hype... What changed that? I spent over an hour playing one both acoustically and thru a Fishman Loudbox at the Nashville Guitar Center. It sounded really disappointing... Thin, missing the complexity of sound I was looking for in my dream guitar purchase! My ultimate purchase was a Furch Yellow Master's Choice Gc-CR... It ended up being between that and a Breedlove Premier Concert Redwood-Rosewood... Totally different sounding guitars, both sounded better to me than the Taylor V-class. As far as the sustain and intonation argument... The Furch has the most sustain I've ever encountered on an acoustic and the most resonant sound I've ever heard!! I have guitars at various price points including a lower end Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert Cedar-African Mahogany and it has zero intonation issues, same as my Furch. Check out some of the videos by Matt Thomas playing Furch (or an older Stonebridge... Which was the name Furch used in North America for a time)... Wear headphones.... Then play one in person!! Just a note that when I first heard Matt's demonstrations I thought they must have treated the guitar in post-production to get it to sound like that... That is exactly how they sound in person!! It's a combination of the bracing, the way they voice the tops, the finish etc that contributes to the sound. Ideally go to a store that has all the guitars in your budget and play them side by side. If you like the V- class braced guitars then you'll know for sure, based on the direct comparison that you are making the right choice. But if you listen with a bias based on the name on the headstock you may miss something valuable! I for one couldn't afford to make a costly mistake, it took me four years to finally have the budget for my dream guitar so I did a ton of research and playing until I knew for sure I was getting the right guitar that lived up to my aesthetic!
I played a new custom ga with v class. My 2017 ltd 914 ce with performance bracing was much superior over all in my opinion. All though a brand new guitar takes a little time to settle in.
Love your guitar store! I wish my daughter still lived in North Carolina. I have an X-braced 2014 Taylor 518e. I know Taylor eliminated the 518e, but they still make the Grand Orchestra body shape (GO) in the 400 series, 600 series, and 800 series. I live in Maryland where the humidity gets very high in the summer but I guess you get hit with high humidity in eastern north Carolina too. The extremely wide lower bout of a GO body can swell up in the summer to have an arch exceeding 1/4" just behind the bridge. This raises the action well above what one expects from Taylor. My shop did reset the neck for me in 2015 and that improved the action but did not affect the arching of the top. Even now (December) with the humidity down in the mid 40% range the top is still arched between an 1/8" and 3/16", and the bridge is raised slightly in the back. The action is fine now, but here is my question for you (and eventually to Andy Powers). Would V-bracing instead of x-bracing on the larger bodied guitars prevent arching of the top and bridge rotation out of plane? The forward-shifted X-bracing on my guitar is not really stabilizing the bridge on my guitar. Thanks for your videos and I appreciate any comments you have,Peter
Peter great to hear form you and thank you for the well thought out comments and questions. This is something we actually asked the head of sales over at Taylor and they seemed to lead to an affirmative answer. But us being who we are and somewhat odd when it comes to these manners are actually going to be asking Andy and their team of builders this out at NAMM in person this coming January. I would anticipate that the GO will be receiving the same V-class treatment soon and as far as their dreadnoughts go, even more radical changes perhaps. Keep an eye out in late January for some new announcements and well see what we can find out from the source as well! hank yo again Peter and have a wonderful morning!
First off, love the picture...And we would tend to agree. With certain wood combos and body shapes there is a dramatic difference where we feel the X bracing actually does a better job for a purely tuneful response. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I just got the new 714 v class and I feel it has better bass response than the others Ive owned, and Ive owned almost every model of Taylor up to the 814ce. It could just be this particular guitar though.
Thanks for the really honest and informative video. I am deciding between a 714ce V class and a Taylor Builders Reserve VII 12 Fret Acoustic/Electric Grand Concert Guitar w/OHSC and am on the fence as to i should really go into the future with V class or not. Play in church and open mic mainly.
Great review. I wish I could have both but I will be upgrading from a 214ce to an 814ce Deluxe. Just one 814ce Deluxe. Sooooooo .......... which one ? I will be trying to find a store (GC or otherwise) that has one of each in stock. Doesn't have to be the Deluxe obviously. I'm pretty sure right off the bat I will prefer the X bracing when unamplified. I've seen / heard enough comparisons on youtube. I like the rich bass dancing with the chiming highs. But I wonder if the mid-range punch and tamed lows and highs of the V bracing will be better for amplified performance, which is what I do mainly. Probably better for feedback control. I'm hoping I like the X bracing better because it would save me about $500 for essentially the exact same guitar ! Oh, decisions, decisions. Woe is me.
Thats a great and tough spot you find yourself in. We go through the same decisions when ordereing custom builds. We love love love the "X" braced Taylors. And the "ZV" are phenomenal in a completely different way. If you are at all in a position where you can get your hands on the two to comp them then I highly recommend that. We just had a couple of custom build GS's show up and they are breathtaking tonally. In conclusion:) get your hands on some beautiful instruments and have fun while doing it. The right one will hopefully, speak, yell, and scream at you.
Whats is your opinion from a recording prospective between the 314 and 324 v class guitars? I have been leaning toward the 314 but the 324 looks really good. I plan on recording with this instrument as well as it being my first real guitar. Great video!
I love the 324 for recording! Any of the warmer woods really work excellently for that. I own a 322e 12 fret X braced that I adore. It is one of the sweetest and most surprising in the studio, although not a very loud guitar.
I have, or rather now, my son has, a Taylor 310 KCE that was a limited edition that I purchased many moons ago. It has a KOA top with a Fishman blender. It is such a nice guitar. I would surely love another Taylor!
That is a great guitar, and those blenders sound fantastic when dialed in properly. And whats stopping you? Go check out some of the new Taylors. They are truly something special and a real joy to play (and they're not that bad to look at either)!
So I've really been on the fence about deciding between the 324 v or x and you completely answered my questions in ways that i can understand it. Thank you. Now... if i can just learn to play the damn thing (self criticism/hatred).😂
Are you 100% sure of the X-bracing sticking around in some models? I'm curious as to the "supposed" dread that's coming out on 1/23/19 and if it'll still have X-bracing. I think it's a dread just based on the bluegrass style rhythm he's playing in the teaser video and the fact that a dread is the bluegrass guitar of choice.
Brad hello, Well this year it looks like were going V-class on the Grand Concert series and from what Ive been told all of the models will be heading that way in the future (perhaps the next couple of years). Sorry for the late delay in response as well. NAMM had our hands full. The new Grand Pacific is V class (and a killer instrument). Its one of my favorite of the V-class thus far. I really like the Grand concerts in V class as well. We do miss the X bracing in a few of the lines so far but we have high hopes for whats coming next:)
I'm about to pull the trigger on a 324ce Tasmanian Blackwood V Class... I was wondering, in your opinion, what the V class differences are between the mahogany and spruce tops? and your overall thoughts on the 324ce I'm looking at in regards to the Tas. Blackwood?
Dodoublebs hello! What we noticed with the guitar s you are speaking of directly is that the V-class on the mahogany helps push the sound out a tad more than the traditionally braced twin. Mahogany guitars tend to be very intimate and really surround the player with the tone, sometimes at the expense of getting the tone to the listeners. I personally own a 322e 12 fret and absolutely love the wood combo on it. I will be curious to heat the difference that the V-class makes with the grand concert size but I don't foresee me getting rid of this instrument as the tone woods are particularly "sweet" sounding to me. I can say without any reservation that the wood combo you have chosen is a stunner. It isn't the loudest in the Taylor line but somehow this combo really delivers a fantastic intimate feeling sound that I prefer more than some of the lines further up the series. If that doesn't answer your question better please let me know and I would love to help further. And if you ever need help selecting the right instrument we are often out at the factory and hand select most of our US built pieces. And if you are ever out toward San Diego, do yourself a favor and stop by for one of the free tours they offer daily, they are truly wonderful people out there. And keep an eye out on our channel for us at NAMM in January (the 23-27 in particular) where we will be seeing all of the latest unveils from Taylor. Best of luck and if you need anything just let us know! Sincerely, Baxter
@@CasinoGuitars Thanks for the info! and I agree about the Warm/Intimate tone of the Blackwood/Mahogany setup. Since I only play for myself and sometimes friends/family, close and intimate is perfect for me, and boy the 324 look as GOOD as it plays for sure! Im actually happy to the the V class bracing gives it a little more push if I need it, and I'm not losing out on the traditional bracing Taylor is known for (especially since there isn't an x-brace version for me to try). Anyways, I'd love to stop in sometime! Im about half the country away in Fly-over-ville, but make it to LA every couple years and got friends in the San Diego area. So, Ill add it to my list of places to go the next time I am out there!
Rgr that and it sounds like you are making the perfect choice then! I am almost positive you will love your new Taylor. "Fly-over-ville" that made me smile:) Have a super day and I would love to hear what you think once you get your new instrument!
I’ll give Taylor the benefit of the doubt and say all there claims are true but if you want a rich warm sound an X braced Martin is a much better choice .
I preferred the x braced 314 than the 314 v class. But when I tried the 814v class, that definitely blew me away. I compared it with the x braced 814, and the v class just sounded more refined. The notes jump out and they blossom with the v class, at least in the 814, in my opinion.
Great comment Ricardo. We were also very hesitant when we received our first 814ce dlx with V class as we love the X bracing version, but it as well blew us away. We were honestly all set to be disappointed but that fortunately did not happen! The 314 is a tricky one for us since our favorite 300 series is still the 312e or 322e in 12 fret. Those two guitars always bow us away!
I have 2015 614ce a 2018 814 ce dlx v brace a 2015 816 ce and a 2015 914 ce and a 1980 martin d 28 which is the only martin guitar I've ever liked and a baby taylor now I like Martin's but I love Taylor's the v brace is amazing but so are the x braces I love them all my 914ce is one of the most beautiful looking as well as sounding guitars I've ever had and I've through the years have had a lot of different brands and nothing beats a taylor guitar i simply think the 614ce is the best all around guitar I've got believe it or not it's the one i actually play the most but each guitar has it's own special sound love taylor guitars
Well thought out video here thank you for the Presentation I just purchased a Taylor 324ce Online an ower ago that's a Cadillac compared to my Washburne d10s and that d10s hase been played hard I am not gentle with my finger picking style
Great video, I’ve been playing/practicing for a few years now and i hope to own one someday. I play a Yamaha Fgx800 and a Seagull SW, both fine guitars but there’s just something very special about a Taylor.
Thanks Greg! And I do love the Taylors. I finally got my very own as well (a 322e 12-fret) and I LOVE it! I also own a few guitars and this one is something quite special. It's a quite and sweet sounding instrument that doesn't really want to be put down....ever!
Well if thats the guitar you dream of- yes! I played one at the store the other day (V class 2019) - sounded amazing! PS- here's my brand guide: Taylor V Class: Strong Fundamental Intonation, clear and tight, highs are crisp. Only guitar that sounds like that. Martin: Strong Open Harmonic Intonation, open and loud, harmonic resonance through the frequency Eastman: Chinese Martin rip off for 1/2 the price of Martin Blueridge/Lavariive/Lowden/Guild - all good alternatives but not as cheap as Eastman usually due to the fact that chinese workers' souls aren't getting sucked into cooperate management because of it. (jk, I heard Eastman pays well in comparison to other chinese factories)
I checked the v class out I was not impressed they are loud and that's it as for sound I'll stick with my x bracing I have 2015 816ce and I have 2015 614 ce and the only Martin guitar I could find that I liked is a1980 d28 the v brace is not nothing I thought it would be
Thanks for the comment Mark. We love that you were able to check them out because we know that some people have loved them, some have been ho-hum, and some folks have not liked them at all. They are different and do a different thing. An 816ce is hard to beat anywhere as well. I am just starting to fall for that line pretty hard myself! Thanks again and we appreciate the comments!
Are you able to fit a microphone pick up like say an LR Baggs Anthem or a Lyric into a V braced guitar or does the patterns of the bracing restrict the fitting??? Anyone know???
My prediction is that Taylor will likely introduced a scalloped v brace and pretend they innovated rendering the current V brace worthless because the old x brace has been perfected and sounds better than the current experimental v brace. Sell your V brace now to get the maximum amount back before the market gets flooded with V brace guitars
Except they did get rid of the x bracelet except or their Mexican line. This tells me they are so confident that the V is superior to the X that they are leaving the X only on their cheaper guitars. Whatever. I love my Mexican taylor
That's what is so wrong with all reviewers - V class has better volume, sustain, clarity and tone and yet they still claim that X bracing guitars are still as good? If these are not benchmark factors for determining the quality of a guitar (except for the shape, size and that special x factor - no pun intended), then I don't know what's their reviews all about. Not bashing Casino guitars (at least they are still honest enough to inform their viewers not to throw out their x bracing guitars and rush off to purchase the v class) but many other reviewers blatant marketing words just sicken me. It makes me doubt the authenticity of their reviews.
Nicholas thanks for the thoughts. We really couldn't agree more. The purpose of our video was to obviously inform, entertain, educate a bit, and let people know that their X braced guitars are still awesome! I actually prefer X bracing still and just ordered a custom Taylor in X bracing for myself. Clearly Taylor is getting strongly behind the V class and they encourage all of their dealer network that way but fortunately they support those of us who still believe in the X braced Taylors. Unfortunately many reviews are marketing pushes but there are some great online sources that usually give a straightforward review (with some entertainment hopefully). We love seeing huge sellers (like Andertons) give honest reviews without overly praising or bashing a new instrument. Sincere thanks for your comments. They inform all of in this fun and fantastic guitar world and we do listen.
V-bracing is clearly someone's reading of basics of marketing strategy, outlined by Philip Kotler (father of modern marketing): in tough times, one must clearly differentiate (and create controversy). Since many Korean and Chinese companies make excellent and cheap traditionally braced guitars, that blow away 1000s of $ more expensive American models, Taylor, a mass producer that must work with higher margins, had to 'change something' to "clearly differentiate" and "grab attention". V-bracing is weak on standard tone wood combinations, it cuts the low end and some mids, and under-utilises guitar size. As a result, decently large V-braced guitar sounds smaller than it is. On the other hand X-bracing fully utilises even a small guitar to sound bigger. However, on much more expensive models, with expensive woods and many compensations, V-bracing produces a good overall tone; it still under-utilises the size of the guitar, but the effect is somewhat lessened. Like this, Taylor pushes users to buy MORE EXPENSIVE guitars, which for them are CHEAPER to produce (V-bracing is definitely cheaper to produce, and that's why the entire lineup shifted to V-bracing; it's cost cutting).
That's a good question! We actually have a video on that whole topic coming soon (might be after the new year when it comes out) but that really is a good one. Not to give too much away but there are for sure some pros and cons to be talked about. What are your thoughts? That really interests us the most. Thank you for the question and for watching.
So, you should update this video where you say the "V-Class" wont be applied to the Grand Concert size. At least add some Graphics that state you were incorrect as by now most everyone knows that the Grand Concert is next to receive this. You gave a definitive statement that it would not be coming to the Grand Concert size, as opposed to just saying you didn't "think" it would. Obviously you (and the public) need to question your own "Contacts" at Taylor, as they either aren't that high up or they purposely gave you false info. . Sure, mistakes happen but this is a pretty egregious misrepresentation.
Taylor is trying to fix something that isn't broken. Can't beat a traditional x braced guitar. V bracing is a gimmick Taylor is using to increase sales. Another bad innovation just like the T5 and the expression system. But some people like the sterile sound of Taylors.
He does need all of the above and more! We say that every time he shoots. W even offered to send him to the spa to take a break but no luck....and yes I am sure he was on at least one dating commercial (he's the poster child for the strange fellas seeking love).
Thanks for the details. Was a great help in understanding the differences from x bracing. I'm leaning heavily toward buying a 312ce v class. None here in Traverse City MI to try out first unfortunately. Hesitate to buy unplayed and unheard.
We have one in stock and will be shooting a video this week on it! You can get a great feel for the guitar from our demo. Check out our other V-class demos and feel free to call or email the shop for info on ours.
it's tough not being able to try these guitars out in person - but you have the cherry festival, moomers, and kayaking on the boardman... so you still win. good luck shopping.
V braced guitar sounds weak!
PLEASE READ THIS!
First of all V bracing patterns have been used and tried by many luthiers for
years albeit in many variations, but basically the main V braces...it is
nothing new. Having compared many Taylor V class guitars there are
some drawbacks...placing so many braces within the largest vibrating
part of the bout can mute some of the frequency vibrations patterns. The
Taylor bracing change when measured for displacement, velocity, and
acceleration did show some degradation in the lower bout vibration
patterns as compared to X pattern bracing. Sustain was sometimes
increased only in certain examples. We found no further accuracy of
intonation due to V bracing vs X bracing. Notes high on the neck were
not perceived to be any more forthcoming, clearer or vibrant as stated
here. We did find that some guitars in both V and X bracing due to wood
selection and builders had superior up the neck clarity and resonance,
but only as I said due to wood grains and torrification treatments. We
tested several top brands, which included Martin, Taylor, Eastman, Yari,
Yamaha, Mc Pherson, Goodall, Bourgeois and Breedlove and a few other
small luthiers examples. I surmise that Taylors need to change there
bracing pattern may have to do with business and not so much about
making a better guitar. It appears that the V class bracing is also less
expensive to manufacture mechanically. Taylor's have always been known
for a sort of vanilla tone due to it's manufacturing process. And,
that much of the information spoken here is the interpretation of a
dream that one man has. The addition of inspiration from the ocean
probably has nothing to do with the scenario. By the way when CF Martin
started experimenting with fan bracing back in the 1840's he had moved
several of the braces according to the Spanish style fan bracing into a
Vs both reversing the V at the top and bottom to accommodate the new
style bridge pin design, settling on the X brace pattern which he
surmised sounded better freeing up the top, also adding strength to the
top. If you watch the Martin Museum Tour right here at 7.12 minutes you
can see one of his experimental V braced tops on the workbench from the
1800's! Finally, I urge all of you to do your own comparisons not on
You Tube, but only in person with reasonably like woods, sizes and
environments braced with Taylor V and other X braced guitars to see what
you feel.
Completely agree in terms of the sound projection. As a person accustomed to singing over the sound of a Martin dread, it took me a little while to hear the V class. You feel the Martin, you hear the V class.
Yes, the V Class has more sustain, probably due to less top dampening. But is also loses a lot of low end. The traditional Taylor "shimmer" has mutated into "janglieness". However, if you want to take your X braced Taylor to a new level of sustain and projection, try installing some Martin Liquid Metal bridge pins. Yes, $100 investment- but returnable with Sweetwater, Musicians Friend or Amazon, now offered in different colors. If the micarta saddle is too brittle and you want more warmth, a good quality bone saddle will help. The only V-class Taylor I tried that I really liked that had all the traits that I want in an acoustic is the 914ce. Taking my 814ceDLX-X and doing the above has brought it to an almost identical sound of the 914ce-V.
Today I was in a guitar shop and I played and heard a taylor guitar 814ce2020 wc814ce vclass and it was MAGIC! The clouds parted, doves appeared, 7 rays of light beamed through the clouds 2 rainbows appeared and I heard the angels sing. The only thing that did not appear was the money in the wallet to pay for it. Trust me I checked.
😅
Appreciate the review, I’ve watched so many, and you’s is the best I’ve seen on the difference between the X and V... I fell in love after playing a 714ce V class, not that other guitars are bad, like you say just different... the V is so different that it sounds almost like a whole new instrument to me very high clarity with complex cords, whether that’s improved intonation or not I don’t know or care, all I know is that clarity sounds amazing to me. It might be that the V is an entirely new type of instrument, a cross between guitar piano and harp so it makes comparisons difficult...
robert w thank you for the thoughtful comments here! And I am glad they helped in any way. It is amazing how different and great both are. It’s funny to me you chose the 714 because that is the one we all think is the best of the V class. The lutz and bracing work very well together!
Thank you again for watching and congratulations on your amazing instrument!
Tried a few of these when they launched and I said then that I didn't think Taylor would win over any Martin or Gibson lovers and that has been true from what I can tell monitoring various forums. It boils down to a lot of marketing on Taylor's part, which this video is part of. Taylor understands store owners are influencers in this space and they have a great grasp on how to market a new product in modern times. That said, it's a lot of hype. The guitars are louder in some ways, they certainly sustain differently and this is what I found incredibly annoying about most of the models I tried, I will say the V-braced 2018 k14ce builders edition was a phenomenal guitar, but the only one of the bunch I would have probably bought... To specifically call out what I didn't like- When you strike a note on a traditional X braced guitar it sustains and decays a certain way... The V-braced models, well most of them- you strike a note and it continues to ring without the pleasant shimmering decay you get with an X braced guitar. There aren't many great players using these for a reason. But if you want a different paint brush to help your music stand out they could be great. I'm just still incredibly annoyed at the marketing message "we've reinvented the acoustic guitar". For the price of that 900 series I could get a boutique built Santa Cruz or Hus and Dalton... it's all about the marketing folks.
rmzzz76 I think you nailed it with the part ol about the shimmer with a strummed open chord. That is the major difference.
I have noticed since the launch of the V-class, that it has improved dramatically. They have been tweaking subtle things to get it to work a bit better than the initial launch.
That being said l, I do think we will have in about 5 years(maybe less) a launch of the classic “retro” X bracing Taylor line.
“Just the way we used to build them.”
That way we’ll have the choice between the two again:)
Sincere thanks for sharing your thoughts here and best to you out there in the fantastic guitar world we live in now!
@@CasinoGuitars Thanks, to be fair I did try them the month after they launched. I live about 40 minutes from one of the big on-line retailers who also has a brick & mortar store front and they are a huge Taylor dealer, so I went in on a Monday morning when they opened and spent about an hour in the Taylor showroom with one the sales reps who it felt like was telling me all the things he was trained to tell me and I know this guy and know he would not be disingenuous deliberately but he agreed with some of the things I was pointing out.. At that time I recall he had a few X braced counterparts to some of the new V braced models and he reluctantly agreed on some of them the X bracing just sounded better... I've been meaning to give the Grand Pacifics a try so I think I'll plan a trip. Thanks for the info.
@@rmzzz76 no thank you! Try the 717e builders edition if you get the chance. Those have perhaps cracked the code with the V bracing. I still prefer X bracing on many of the models. We are rather known for being a bit "too honest" according to some of our manufactures we work with so I completely understand your frustration with the sales pitch right at launch form one of the sales team.
We were given the whole pitch as well...which was really funny at launch. The only way to understand if a guitar works for you is to play it as you. Everyone plays differently and every guitar interacts differently to that person.
Sincere thanks again for sharing your experience again!
Thanks for your honest and informative review. Prices on used X-Braced Taylor's have definitely softened somewhat. I played an 814ce v-class and was overly impressed. I decided to keep my 2010 model 814ce. Maybe look to by a nice used 914 x-braced since prices have gone down!
One of the most intelligent discussions on the nuances of guitar design. Love it! Keep this insight coming!
Thanks for making this video review of the V-Class vs X-Bracing. Honestly, I'm very new to playing guitar. So, I really don't have any experience with the older Taylors. I do know that they sound great and if you try to buy one. The prices are almost what I would pay for a new one in the same class. That must say something about what you discussed in the video. I'm glad you weren't here to bash the new technology. I just watched another video and that was the whole purpose of the video whether he will admit it or not. I'm purchasing a Taylor 326ce with the V-class soon and I'm actually excited about it. I'm going from a laminate backed so I'm expecting a big difference in the sound quality. Thank you again!
I'd love to know which Taylor model yields "booming lows". Every one I've played sounds like it's tonally "cut off at the knees" -- weak lower mids and anemic bass.
I was wrong I went and bought the new 814ce dlx v brace I gave alot of money but when I got it home that thing blew me away all I can say is wow it is really that good I have Martin's and Taylor's but this guitar I have fallen in love with it it is that good I was dead wrong and im glad that I went back I was playing them in the music store it's the best guitar I own it is that good
Great video. I went from a Martin D16 E to a Taylor AD22E & could not be happier. Smaller body Taylor with V class bracing projects as well as the larger Martin & much more comfortable to play. Taylor is on the right track with V bracing. A long time Martin fan has been converted.
IME. With X braced you can hear a fatter tone when doing pull offs on G B E strings. A bit more overtones in a good way that are fuller sounding. V braced is just another option for those that prefer it.
Is it just me or on the photos of the bracing, isn't the V bracing pretty similar to the old ladder bracing? You know, the system that was replaced by X bracing because it is so much better?
Historically I’ve been a Taylor guy but this time out I got a Martin 00015sm. The bracing in not scalloped not forward shifted not a V but the sound was rich and warm . I’ve got nothing against V class I’m sure Taylor’s claims are all true but in the end it does not sound any better then the X so to me it’s a non issue
I love the V Class bracing! Recently picked up an 816ce BE and have a hard time putting it down. It's amazing how responsive the top is. If you simply strum an open E chord, let it ring out, and then run your fingers over the top of the guitar it is so cool to hear how the sound actively transforms from your touch. If I want the X bracing experience, I have other guitars for that. Taylor have always been innovative and unafraid of new territory.
The first V class I ever played was a Taylor 317ce. I was blown away by the sound. At the time I played the Taylor 317ce V class I had no idea that Taylor guitars had invented a new type of bracing. I wish Taylor would gloss the entire body of the 300 series guitars. I'd definitely buy a Taylor 317ce with a gloss body.
Sorry it's not new....it's an old design which has been done by many....even Martin tried it years ago on archtops, but switched to X bracing. If you watch or take the Martin museum tour you can see and old V brace top hanging above the workbench !
I have a 324ce v class that’s truly amazing. Have you played one and what are your thoughts? It wasn’t cheap. Please reply.
Correction 324ce not 224
Mohagany top solid. All solid wood guitar. I switched the elixirs to daddario xs 12/53 but I might go back to elixirs.
I have the x- braced 324. Love the thing. I have played both. Every guitar is differnt, just like trees. To say one is better is saying this apple is better than the other. I thought the x-brace was better, because that's what I have. But I do think the v-brace is just marketing - and I do like mine better, but I'm biased...
I wanted a V-class when they first came out based on all the hype...
What changed that? I spent over an hour playing one both acoustically and thru a Fishman Loudbox at the Nashville Guitar Center.
It sounded really disappointing... Thin, missing the complexity of sound I was looking for in my dream guitar purchase!
My ultimate purchase was a Furch Yellow Master's Choice Gc-CR... It ended up being between that and a Breedlove Premier Concert Redwood-Rosewood...
Totally different sounding guitars, both sounded better to me than the Taylor V-class.
As far as the sustain and intonation argument... The Furch has the most sustain I've ever encountered on an acoustic and the most resonant sound I've ever heard!!
I have guitars at various price points including a lower end Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert Cedar-African Mahogany and it has zero intonation issues, same as my Furch.
Check out some of the videos by Matt Thomas playing Furch (or an older Stonebridge... Which was the name Furch used in North America for a time)... Wear headphones.... Then play one in person!!
Just a note that when I first heard Matt's demonstrations I thought they must have treated the guitar in post-production to get it to sound like that... That is exactly how they sound in person!!
It's a combination of the bracing, the way they voice the tops, the finish etc that contributes to the sound.
Ideally go to a store that has all the guitars in your budget and play them side by side.
If you like the V- class braced guitars then you'll know for sure, based on the direct comparison that you are making the right choice.
But if you listen with a bias based on the name on the headstock you may miss something valuable!
I for one couldn't afford to make a costly mistake, it took me four years to finally have the budget for my dream guitar so I did a ton of research and playing until I knew for sure I was getting the right guitar that lived up to my aesthetic!
A mahogany top, like on the 324 x-brace, compresses the sound and brings out the mids.
Great review. I also appreciate the “I drank too much and had to take a black molly to function,” hairdo! Hehe
I absolutely love that! Thank you sincerely for the comment and for watching!
Taylor chases perfection that can be measured with graphs. But in reality, nobody’s ears like a flat eq and perfect intonation.
I played a new custom ga with v class. My 2017 ltd 914 ce with performance bracing was much superior over all in my opinion. All though a brand new guitar takes a little time to settle in.
Love your guitar store! I wish my daughter still lived in North Carolina. I have an X-braced 2014 Taylor 518e. I know Taylor eliminated the 518e, but they still make the Grand Orchestra body shape (GO) in the 400 series, 600 series, and 800 series. I live in Maryland where the humidity gets very high in the summer but I guess you get hit with high humidity in eastern north Carolina too. The extremely wide lower bout of a GO body can swell up in the summer to have an arch exceeding 1/4" just behind the bridge. This raises the action well above what one expects from Taylor. My shop did reset the neck for me in 2015 and that improved the action but did not affect the arching of the top. Even now (December) with the humidity down in the mid 40% range the top is still arched between an 1/8" and 3/16", and the bridge is raised slightly in the back. The action is fine now, but here is my question for you (and eventually to Andy Powers). Would V-bracing instead of x-bracing on the larger bodied guitars prevent arching of the top and bridge rotation out of plane? The forward-shifted X-bracing on my guitar is not really stabilizing the bridge on my guitar. Thanks for your videos and I appreciate any comments you have,Peter
Peter great to hear form you and thank you for the well thought out comments and questions. This is something we actually asked the head of sales over at Taylor and they seemed to lead to an affirmative answer. But us being who we are and somewhat odd when it comes to these manners are actually going to be asking Andy and their team of builders this out at NAMM in person this coming January. I would anticipate that the GO will be receiving the same V-class treatment soon and as far as their dreadnoughts go, even more radical changes perhaps. Keep an eye out in late January for some new announcements and well see what we can find out from the source as well! hank yo again Peter and have a wonderful morning!
Thanks so much for your reply and I look forward to seeing what Andy and the folks at Taylor have to say. @@CasinoGuitars
v-bracing guitars lack bottom end tend to sound thinner
First off, love the picture...And we would tend to agree. With certain wood combos and body shapes there is a dramatic difference where we feel the X bracing actually does a better job for a purely tuneful response. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I just got the new 714 v class and I feel it has better bass response than the others Ive owned, and Ive owned almost every model of Taylor up to the 814ce. It could just be this particular guitar though.
Thanks for the really honest and informative video. I am deciding between a 714ce V class and a Taylor Builders Reserve VII 12 Fret Acoustic/Electric Grand Concert Guitar w/OHSC and am on the fence as to i should really go into the future with V class or not. Play in church and open mic mainly.
Great review. I wish I could have both but I will be upgrading from a 214ce to an 814ce Deluxe. Just one 814ce Deluxe. Sooooooo .......... which one ? I will be trying to find a store (GC or otherwise) that has one of each in stock. Doesn't have to be the Deluxe obviously. I'm pretty sure right off the bat I will prefer the X bracing when unamplified. I've seen / heard enough comparisons on youtube. I like the rich bass dancing with the chiming highs. But I wonder if the mid-range punch and tamed lows and highs of the V bracing will be better for amplified performance, which is what I do mainly. Probably better for feedback control. I'm hoping I like the X bracing better because it would save me about $500 for essentially the exact same guitar ! Oh, decisions, decisions. Woe is me.
Thats a great and tough spot you find yourself in. We go through the same decisions when ordereing custom builds. We love love love the "X" braced Taylors. And the "ZV" are phenomenal in a completely different way. If you are at all in a position where you can get your hands on the two to comp them then I highly recommend that. We just had a couple of custom build GS's show up and they are breathtaking tonally.
In conclusion:) get your hands on some beautiful instruments and have fun while doing it. The right one will hopefully, speak, yell, and scream at you.
Whats is your opinion from a recording prospective between the 314 and 324 v class guitars? I have been leaning toward the 314 but the 324 looks really good. I plan on recording with this instrument as well as it being my first real guitar. Great video!
I love the 324 for recording! Any of the warmer woods really work excellently for that. I own a 322e 12 fret X braced that I adore. It is one of the sweetest and most surprising in the studio, although not a very loud guitar.
I have, or rather now, my son has, a Taylor 310 KCE that was a limited edition that I purchased many moons ago. It has a KOA top with a Fishman blender. It is such a nice guitar. I would surely love another Taylor!
That is a great guitar, and those blenders sound fantastic when dialed in properly. And whats stopping you? Go check out some of the new Taylors. They are truly something special and a real joy to play (and they're not that bad to look at either)!
Lol, my wife let me keep my 714ce V-brace too. Cheers to good women who understand the needs of men and their guitar fetish. Hope you kept yours too.
She did...well sort of, I had to upgrade hers as well (from GS-mini to 322e 12 fret). Thanks for the comment and sincere thank you for watching!
@@CasinoGuitars The 12 fret 322ce is on my wish list. Does your wife still have hers? If so, how does she like it?
Nice video and very informative. Thanks for sharing!
thank you Edwin! Were glad you liked it.
I think the V class is an amazing new guitar by Taylor. I want one; made out of wood and steel.
So I've really been on the fence about deciding between the 324 v or x and you completely answered my questions in ways that i can understand it. Thank you.
Now... if i can just learn to play the damn thing (self criticism/hatred).😂
Are you 100% sure of the X-bracing sticking around in some models? I'm curious as to the "supposed" dread that's coming out on 1/23/19 and if it'll still have X-bracing. I think it's a dread just based on the bluegrass style rhythm he's playing in the teaser video and the fact that a dread is the bluegrass guitar of choice.
Brad hello, Well this year it looks like were going V-class on the Grand Concert series and from what Ive been told all of the models will be heading that way in the future (perhaps the next couple of years). Sorry for the late delay in response as well. NAMM had our hands full. The new Grand Pacific is V class (and a killer instrument). Its one of my favorite of the V-class thus far. I really like the Grand concerts in V class as well. We do miss the X bracing in a few of the lines so far but we have high hopes for whats coming next:)
Thank you. Very Helpful & Informative!
Pauric Mather thank you for watching and thrilled if it helped at all!
How is the V class intonation compared to the takemine And high end Yamaha LL 36 LL56 intonations.
I'm about to pull the trigger on a 324ce Tasmanian Blackwood V Class... I was wondering, in your opinion, what the V class differences are between the mahogany and spruce tops? and your overall thoughts on the 324ce I'm looking at in regards to the Tas. Blackwood?
Dodoublebs hello! What we noticed with the guitar s you are speaking of directly is that the V-class on the mahogany helps push the sound out a tad more than the traditionally braced twin. Mahogany guitars tend to be very intimate and really surround the player with the tone, sometimes at the expense of getting the tone to the listeners. I personally own a 322e 12 fret and absolutely love the wood combo on it. I will be curious to heat the difference that the V-class makes with the grand concert size but I don't foresee me getting rid of this instrument as the tone woods are particularly "sweet" sounding to me.
I can say without any reservation that the wood combo you have chosen is a stunner. It isn't the loudest in the Taylor line but somehow this combo really delivers a fantastic intimate feeling sound that I prefer more than some of the lines further up the series.
If that doesn't answer your question better please let me know and I would love to help further. And if you ever need help selecting the right instrument we are often out at the factory and hand select most of our US built pieces. And if you are ever out toward San Diego, do yourself a favor and stop by for one of the free tours they offer daily, they are truly wonderful people out there.
And keep an eye out on our channel for us at NAMM in January (the 23-27 in particular) where we will be seeing all of the latest unveils from Taylor.
Best of luck and if you need anything just let us know!
Sincerely,
Baxter
@@CasinoGuitars Thanks for the info! and I agree about the Warm/Intimate tone of the Blackwood/Mahogany setup. Since I only play for myself and sometimes friends/family, close and intimate is perfect for me, and boy the 324 look as GOOD as it plays for sure! Im actually happy to the the V class bracing gives it a little more push if I need it, and I'm not losing out on the traditional bracing Taylor is known for (especially since there isn't an x-brace version for me to try).
Anyways, I'd love to stop in sometime! Im about half the country away in Fly-over-ville, but make it to LA every couple years and got friends in the San Diego area. So, Ill add it to my list of places to go the next time I am out there!
Rgr that and it sounds like you are making the perfect choice then! I am almost positive you will love your new Taylor. "Fly-over-ville" that made me smile:) Have a super day and I would love to hear what you think once you get your new instrument!
I’ll give Taylor the benefit of the doubt and say all there claims are true but if you want a rich warm sound an X braced Martin is a much better choice .
You are funny and smart and helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for your insights. I found it helpful.
I preferred the x braced 314 than the 314 v class. But when I tried the 814v class, that definitely blew me away. I compared it with the x braced 814, and the v class just sounded more refined. The notes jump out and they blossom with the v class, at least in the 814, in my opinion.
Great comment Ricardo. We were also very hesitant when we received our first 814ce dlx with V class as we love the X bracing version, but it as well blew us away. We were honestly all set to be disappointed but that fortunately did not happen! The 314 is a tricky one for us since our favorite 300 series is still the 312e or 322e in 12 fret. Those two guitars always bow us away!
I have 2015 614ce a 2018 814 ce dlx v brace a 2015 816 ce and a 2015 914 ce and a 1980 martin d 28 which is the only martin guitar I've ever liked and a baby taylor now I like Martin's but I love Taylor's the v brace is amazing but so are the x braces I love them all my 914ce is one of the most beautiful looking as well as sounding guitars I've ever had and I've through the years have had a lot of different brands and nothing beats a taylor guitar i simply think the 614ce is the best all around guitar I've got believe it or not it's the one i actually play the most but each guitar has it's own special sound love taylor guitars
Well thought out video here thank you for the
Presentation I just purchased a Taylor 324ce
Online an ower ago that's a Cadillac compared to my
Washburne d10s and that d10s hase been played hard
I am not gentle with my finger picking style
The 324 is the only good taylor. Everything else is toooooo thin sounding.....
Great video, I’ve been playing/practicing for a few years now and i hope to own one someday. I play a Yamaha Fgx800 and a Seagull SW, both fine guitars but there’s just something very special about a Taylor.
Thanks Greg! And I do love the Taylors. I finally got my very own as well (a 322e 12-fret) and I LOVE it! I also own a few guitars and this one is something quite special. It's a quite and sweet sounding instrument that doesn't really want to be put down....ever!
V class, what happened to the rich lower mids & bass?
It is basically a tone-braced guitar - like a mandolin.
Some people are really torn between V-class and Xbrace
I've yet to hear or play a V bracing I like! I think V bracing SUCKS!
Would you recommend a 414ce Ovangkol v class bracing??? :O I was thinking of getting one.
Well if thats the guitar you dream of- yes! I played one at the store the other day (V class 2019) - sounded amazing!
PS- here's my brand guide:
Taylor V Class: Strong Fundamental Intonation, clear and tight, highs are crisp. Only guitar that sounds like that.
Martin: Strong Open Harmonic Intonation, open and loud, harmonic resonance through the frequency
Eastman: Chinese Martin rip off for 1/2 the price of Martin
Blueridge/Lavariive/Lowden/Guild - all good alternatives but not as cheap as Eastman usually due to the fact that chinese workers' souls aren't getting sucked into cooperate management because of it. (jk, I heard Eastman pays well in comparison to other chinese factories)
Was waiting you to turn big green monster)
P.s.: good video, thank you
Sancho Panzo thank you and that made me very happy!
I checked the v class out I was not impressed they are loud and that's it as for sound I'll stick with my x bracing I have 2015 816ce and I have 2015 614 ce and the only Martin guitar I could find that I liked is a1980 d28 the v brace is not nothing I thought it would be
Thanks for the comment Mark. We love that you were able to check them out because we know that some people have loved them, some have been ho-hum, and some folks have not liked them at all. They are different and do a different thing. An 816ce is hard to beat anywhere as well. I am just starting to fall for that line pretty hard myself! Thanks again and we appreciate the comments!
Are you able to fit a microphone pick up like say an LR Baggs Anthem or a Lyric into a V braced guitar or does the patterns of the bracing restrict the fitting??? Anyone know???
Thank you, very helpful!
A sound comparison might have been nice.
Can we hear the v-class vs the x-class. We have not heard anything yet...
Does anybody know if the 914ce Taylor vclass guitar is it machined made or hand made?
I’m looking for my first Taylor guitar.
Its more like inverted A bracing
My prediction is that Taylor will likely introduced a scalloped v brace and pretend they innovated rendering the current V brace worthless because the old x brace has been perfected and sounds better than the current experimental v brace. Sell your V brace now to get the maximum amount back before the market gets flooded with V brace guitars
Except they did get rid of the x bracelet except or their Mexican line. This tells me they are so confident that the V is superior to the X that they are leaving the X only on their cheaper guitars. Whatever. I love my Mexican taylor
That's what is so wrong with all reviewers - V class has better volume, sustain, clarity and tone and yet they still claim that X bracing guitars are still as good? If these are not benchmark factors for determining the quality of a guitar (except for the shape, size and that special x factor - no pun intended), then I don't know what's their reviews all about. Not bashing Casino guitars (at least they are still honest enough to inform their viewers not to throw out their x bracing guitars and rush off to purchase the v class) but many other reviewers blatant marketing words just sicken me. It makes me doubt the authenticity of their reviews.
Nicholas thanks for the thoughts. We really couldn't agree more. The purpose of our video was to obviously inform, entertain, educate a bit, and let people know that their X braced guitars are still awesome! I actually prefer X bracing still and just ordered a custom Taylor in X bracing for myself. Clearly Taylor is getting strongly behind the V class and they encourage all of their dealer network that way but fortunately they support those of us who still believe in the X braced Taylors. Unfortunately many reviews are marketing pushes but there are some great online sources that usually give a straightforward review (with some entertainment hopefully). We love seeing huge sellers (like Andertons) give honest reviews without overly praising or bashing a new instrument.
Sincere thanks for your comments. They inform all of in this fun and fantastic guitar world and we do listen.
@@CasinoGuitars kudos! You're right. Anderton also tried to be fair in their assessment, just like Casino guitars. Job well done! 😁
Love your guitar store! It's very nice!
Thx a bunch David!
So know the Taylor GC has “V” bracing...
V-bracing is clearly someone's reading of basics of marketing strategy, outlined by Philip Kotler (father of modern marketing): in tough times, one must clearly differentiate (and create controversy). Since many Korean and Chinese companies make excellent and cheap traditionally braced guitars, that blow away 1000s of $ more expensive American models, Taylor, a mass producer that must work with higher margins, had to 'change something' to "clearly differentiate" and "grab attention". V-bracing is weak on standard tone wood combinations, it cuts the low end and some mids, and under-utilises guitar size. As a result, decently large V-braced guitar sounds smaller than it is. On the other hand X-bracing fully utilises even a small guitar to sound bigger. However, on much more expensive models, with expensive woods and many compensations, V-bracing produces a good overall tone; it still under-utilises the size of the guitar, but the effect is somewhat lessened. Like this, Taylor pushes users to buy MORE EXPENSIVE guitars, which for them are CHEAPER to produce (V-bracing is definitely cheaper to produce, and that's why the entire lineup shifted to V-bracing; it's cost cutting).
X brace gives more low end whoof
Any body here no, now that V class has taken over Taylor for every model lol
One year later opinion? The whole line is vbrace
That's a good question! We actually have a video on that whole topic coming soon (might be after the new year when it comes out) but that really is a good one. Not to give too much away but there are for sure some pros and cons to be talked about. What are your thoughts? That really interests us the most.
Thank you for the question and for watching.
So, you should update this video where you say the "V-Class" wont be applied to the Grand Concert size. At least add some Graphics that state you were incorrect as by now most everyone knows that the Grand Concert is next to receive this.
You gave a definitive statement that it would not be coming to the Grand Concert size, as opposed to just saying you didn't "think" it would. Obviously you (and the public) need to question your own "Contacts" at Taylor, as they either aren't that high up or they purposely gave you false info. . Sure, mistakes happen but this is a pretty egregious misrepresentation.
Taylor is trying to fix something that isn't broken. Can't beat a traditional x braced guitar. V bracing is a gimmick Taylor is using to increase sales. Another bad innovation just like the T5 and the expression system. But some people like the sterile sound of Taylors.
Not a fan of the V class.
X please Taylor.
Anything for a buck the ca. way
Dude you look like you need some sleep, a bath, and a new t-snirt😂😂 hey we you on a dating commercial on Tv 🤔
He does need all of the above and more! We say that every time he shoots. W even offered to send him to the spa to take a break but no luck....and yes I am sure he was on at least one dating commercial (he's the poster child for the strange fellas seeking love).
He looks like a musician
ewww yuck!
814ce-n w/ traditional "X"-bracing...
...my deepest-regret, having let it go.
Thanks for the details. Was a great help in understanding the differences from x bracing. I'm leaning heavily toward buying a 312ce v class. None here in Traverse City MI to try out first unfortunately. Hesitate to buy unplayed and unheard.
We have one in stock and will be shooting a video this week on it! You can get a great feel for the guitar from our demo. Check out our other V-class demos and feel free to call or email the shop for info on ours.
@@CasinoGuitars Have to play one before buying. . . may have to drive to a bigger city. . . again, video is fantastic.
it's tough not being able to try these guitars out in person - but you have the cherry festival, moomers, and kayaking on the boardman... so you still win. good luck shopping.