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Taylor Grand Pacific 517 vs Martin D18 vs Gibson J45 Acoustic Guitar Comparison - New for 2019

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Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 475
@mr20barefoot
@mr20barefoot 6 жыл бұрын
GPTaylor 07:12 12:41 14:31 Martin D18 07:51 09:55 17:10 GibsonJ45S 09:14 10:52 15:52 GibsonJ45V 08:33 11:50 13:39
@mauimikey2491
@mauimikey2491 6 жыл бұрын
Awesome job! Get right to the playing!!
@guitrain
@guitrain 5 жыл бұрын
thank you!
@thomasgreaves176
@thomasgreaves176 2 жыл бұрын
This is the most useful aid I've found in years. Really makes direct comparison easy. Thanks.
@RocKreations
@RocKreations 2 ай бұрын
Thank you!!!! Great way to compare the sound of each guitar.
@misha1d1
@misha1d1 4 жыл бұрын
To my ear, the D 18 sounds best. All of those guitars are absolutely amazing.
@jamoe4802
@jamoe4802 Жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@gingeoram
@gingeoram 5 жыл бұрын
J45 Vintage is my favorite. Most Gibsons have the sound that makes me want to listen and to play. The Grand Pacific has a richer tone than any Taylor I've heard before. Thanks for this excellent demonstration.
@thelonglife5772
@thelonglife5772 Жыл бұрын
I’m on the exact same page .. . I’ll be needing one of those j45 (50’s) newer Montana made models . The sound is what my ears like .
@estebangarcia747
@estebangarcia747 4 жыл бұрын
To be honest that D18 sounds better for me in my opinion.
@ralex3697
@ralex3697 4 жыл бұрын
Same here, warmest smoothest tone
@RocKreations
@RocKreations 2 ай бұрын
It's a difficult decision for me. I like the Martin but I grew up listening to my dad play a '40's-50's model 12 fret Gibson.....I'm looking at it right now, and I have a hard time leaving that Gibson sound. I think a person would be happy with any ....no, ALL of these guitars. Musical instruments are like firearms, a person can never have too many.
@edfulginiti8798
@edfulginiti8798 4 жыл бұрын
Three great guitars...three different sounds, each precious. No winners/losers...just great musical instruments.
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
@EllyCamperChic
@EllyCamperChic 6 жыл бұрын
Beautiful guitars. Soundwise I choose the d18.
@jsphillip60
@jsphillip60 6 жыл бұрын
Elly GuitarChic And apparently the Martin is the most affordable of the four. "Hey, I bought the 'cheap' guitar... it's just a lowly Martin D-18"! ;-). I've had my ears on a D-18 for a long time. I also hope to own a J45 someday. Iconic guitars for a reason. P.S. Didn't you buy one of the Yamaha A5 guitars? I've been really interested in those...
@EllyCamperChic
@EllyCamperChic 6 жыл бұрын
Hi js Phillips. Yes I bought a yamaha AC5r :-) and absolutely love it. As for the d18 very few guitars will ever come to the level of a Martin dread. Saying that id love to own a j45 too :-).
@jsphillip60
@jsphillip60 6 жыл бұрын
Elly GuitarChic Yes, that's the Yamaha I was leaning towards! I play electrics mostly. The only acoustic I currently own is a Taylor 514C that I bought new in 1996. Grand Auditorium, Cedar top, mahogany back and sides. No electronics. I love it, but I'm looking for a new flavor. I thought spruce/ rosewood might be the way to go, though I seem to be attracted to the sound of mahogany b/s guitars. How do you like the sound of the electronics on the Yamaha? I really need a "gig ready" plug in and play guitar. Thanks for your feedback! :-)
@EllyCamperChic
@EllyCamperChic 6 жыл бұрын
@@jsphillip60 it is second to none. Honestly you can't go wrong with the yamaha guitar and their electronics are fantastic quality. an All mahogany guitar is my favourite but I have always found spruce top with rosewood back and sides to be more reliable, meaning the combination of woods to always sound good and is more versatile. Good luck with your choice :-)
@jsphillip60
@jsphillip60 6 жыл бұрын
Elly GuitarChic Thanks again! :-)
@AndyKimbel
@AndyKimbel 5 жыл бұрын
The 517 is a great guitar in all respects. I have played it, and also the other Grand Pacific models and really enjoy the instruments and all that they can create with so little effort. I have also played the Gibson models and they are fantastic as well. Choosing a guitar as to which is the right one for you is truly a very personal one. Best to put a guitar in your lap, play it and select the one that communicates with you over time. Keep coming back. Play it for an hour or more. No pressure from salesmen! What is the potential for you to work together in expressing and growing who you are as a musician?? You have to feel it, not just hear it. It takes two, the guitar as well as the musician. The relationship between the guitar and the one who plays it is what enables music to land, not just be heard. Listen for the complexity of the overtones. It is not only the note, but what happens to the space that surrounds it. I must say, as big of a Taylor fan that I am, in terms of it all coming down to the sound, the Martin D-18 really is at the top in that particular category- type. It really is. (Do check out the HD28 as well). I guess Martin has earned it as the reputation and history of these instruments precedes them for all the right reasons. Love playing Taylor guitars through!! Probably the most fun I have ever had playing any guitar of all the larger "mass-production" builders. I feel like I am on auto pilot with these guitars! Taylor 12 string models rule. All the best!
@ricardorobbiano452
@ricardorobbiano452 4 жыл бұрын
Congratulations for your comment. The most accurate and brilliant I've read on the web about instrument testing. Cheers!
@dmar3651
@dmar3651 6 жыл бұрын
If Taylor were indeed going for that old music sound, then they definitely achieved that. The comparison with the J-45 Vintage was really spot on. They sound like brothers.
@kalvino67
@kalvino67 6 жыл бұрын
D18 all the way!! You sold me!
@parkerramsay990
@parkerramsay990 4 жыл бұрын
Just purchased my first guitar and went based of a few recommendations and this video aided as well. Thank you. Happy owner of a J-45 😀
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Rock on!
@dennism7191
@dennism7191 4 жыл бұрын
The J45 Standard had the most robust sound to my ear and was loudest. Loved the tone. Taylor was a bit thin in this group. My next purchase decision is going to be very tough, especially since my current guitar is jumbo, mahogany body and Sitka top. I will most likely head toward rosewood.
@fender1681
@fender1681 4 жыл бұрын
The 517e is incredible. It's my "late to work" guitar ... just can't put it down...
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Haha never heard that one before (:
@arunakalu
@arunakalu 6 жыл бұрын
All guitars sounds great. But I would like a 517 for new looks and a bit of a modern sound. Sound is such a personal thing.
@chinopapillo
@chinopapillo 4 жыл бұрын
Love how the J45 standard sounds!
@swampscott2670
@swampscott2670 5 жыл бұрын
No matter how often I test and listen to acoustics I always land on a J45 (standard, not the fake vintage). It'll just be a matter of finding one that is actually really good and without any defects that slipped through QC.
@jsphillip60
@jsphillip60 6 жыл бұрын
Gibson J45 Vintage and Martin D-18 are the standouts for me (for different reasons), but all four guitars sound very nice, there ain't a runt in the litter! Hats off to Taylor for this welcome new line.
@jamesmoffatt6435
@jamesmoffatt6435 6 жыл бұрын
The J-45 Vintage...deep, deep resonance reminiscent of the big box solid body Acoustics of the 30's & 40's... Great playing, Mon!!
@RonRivet
@RonRivet 6 жыл бұрын
The 517 held it`s own when compared to the big name, big sound guitars but I have to say....the Martin D18 is so sweet sounding! This coming from a Taylor guy. :) Well done as usual brother!
@RonRivet
@RonRivet 5 жыл бұрын
@Timothy Lee Martin D18 and the Gibson J45 are the "big name and big sound guitars" that have been around for a long time compared to the Taylor 517. That`s what I meant. I have 2 Taylors and have visited the factory in El Cajon. I am aware of how big of a brand Taylor is.
@BlackKeys_36
@BlackKeys_36 6 жыл бұрын
I had the privilege of playing a 517, a 717 (both straight out of the box), and an assortment of high end Martins, Gibsons, and Guilds last week, and my takeaway playing them in person in a quiet acoustic room at a local music store was that if you handed those 2 Taylors to any objective experienced (those two things are probably mutually exclusive) guitar player they would like them and say they are good guitars that play and sound great. The new neck carve was interesting and i enjoyed playing it. To me and the other 5 or so people hanging around, the 717 was the unanimous winner between the two new Taylors. Where you will lose people is in trying to make them compete with a Martin, Gibson, or Guild dreadnought for a dreadnought sound. These guitars still have a distinctive "Taylor" sound and play and sound great. I was hoping they would sound less Taylor and more typical dreadnought based on the marketing, but that just wasn't the case. The AG expert at this music store who does multiple trips to Taylor and Martin every year and buys literally hundreds of thousands in high end acoustics annually said with confidence that it has to do with Taylor's neck joint and that as long as they do their necks the way they do they will always sound like Taylors and never be able to get the traditional "dreadnought sound". I don't know enough to comment on that. I left the store thinking, "that's a sweet acoustic guitar, but i would never buy it to fill the dreadnought niche in my collection."
@fedexnman
@fedexnman 5 жыл бұрын
Taylor , bolt on neck , makes it easier for neck resets . I don't think they even use glue ? I think the Taylor in the video sounds the best , but that is a microphone and not our actual ears . I'd love to hear in person .
@daleshipley6992
@daleshipley6992 6 жыл бұрын
The Gibson Vintage sounds so alive - first choice for sure. The D18 is always a great guitar.
@bonannop
@bonannop 4 жыл бұрын
Nice Chris, comparisons are always useful -- that D-18, very nice
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@cliffordgwekwe9853
@cliffordgwekwe9853 5 жыл бұрын
A lot of people believe in martin including me but honestly i fell in love with the taylor and the j45 vintage.. Thanks for making this video man
@sheridanhenson2886
@sheridanhenson2886 6 жыл бұрын
Outstanding video as always, Chris, and I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of a comparison. I can't wait to play one! That 517 is SO balanced on a mic.
@donadolfo11
@donadolfo11 6 жыл бұрын
Despite all the V-Bracing and the new Grand Pacific shape, soundwise I still clearly go with the Martin D18. It's just this special sound and tonal balance.
@kellyc2425
@kellyc2425 5 жыл бұрын
The D-18 is pretty darn special!
@jaydeebuensalida2054
@jaydeebuensalida2054 6 жыл бұрын
i like the Gibson J45 Standard & Martin&Co. D18
@jimmy5634
@jimmy5634 4 жыл бұрын
Me too...got one of each.
@srqpdq6697
@srqpdq6697 5 жыл бұрын
This video was so helpful to me thank you! I found myself humming and scatting to your playing on the J45 Vintage and then doing so even better on the Grand Pacific which I just purchased. Thanks again - you're really good at what you do.
@susanlyman-krom2661
@susanlyman-krom2661 4 жыл бұрын
Loving the Gibson
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Gibson's are amazing!
@paule4696
@paule4696 4 жыл бұрын
This video makes a great case for owning multiple guitars. I'll be showing this to my wife! To my ear the J-45's had more bottom end which would work better in a solo singer/guitar setup. The Martin and Taylor were brighter which may let them cut through a mix better with a band. All sounded really good to me. If I could only have one I'd probably go for the J-45 Standard.
@RogerThat902
@RogerThat902 4 жыл бұрын
That's what I heard w/ the J-45. I'm not a big Gibson fan, but I love the low end of those Gibsons. May have to just follow my ears and just get one :)
@nathanbarnette1162
@nathanbarnette1162 3 жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@NexusDL12
@NexusDL12 4 жыл бұрын
I think they all sound great and very similar. If I were to spend my hard earned money on one, it would be the 517! The Taylor slope style dreadnaught held its own against those other fine guitars . I think the 517 had a bit more projection and sounded sweet with nice bass and treble notes coming out of it. Aesthetically, I think the 517 was the best looking guitar of the bunch and with the rounded edges on the binding , it would be the most comfortable to play! Taylor 517 wins it for me!
@scottwilson7095
@scottwilson7095 Жыл бұрын
The j45 vintage is my favorite. I was surprised that the Taylor sounded so similar. Very nice guitar. I still want the j45 vintage though. Thanks for the review.
@dgheonmd
@dgheonmd 4 жыл бұрын
wanted to like the J45s and they were fantastic, and although the vintage J45 was very close the Martin D-18 probably sounds best. The Taylor has made a huge improvement in the dreads but has less bass and more mids. Not as warm as the others.
@lefty1949
@lefty1949 2 жыл бұрын
Great comparison as always. My preference is the J45 Standard. The Vintage J45 had a bit too much boom for me. I prefer the shorter scale on the Gibson's. The D18 sounds very good. Didn't like the Taylor as much. With that said, I currently own Taylor 214CE and 324CE acoustics. Being left-handed, it's great that Taylor makes all models in a lefty version. Thanks Chris!
@stevecurtis908
@stevecurtis908 6 жыл бұрын
They are all wonderful, really helpful review thanks. But my overall favourite was the Taylor 517 because it is so even-handed. The Martin wins in the power stakes but the Taylor has better articulation to my ear. I am more a fingerpicker so probably a bit biassed toward the performance in that arena. (Auckland, New Zealand)
@scottperry8162
@scottperry8162 6 жыл бұрын
Man I love your style of acoustic playing!!!
@bobs2809
@bobs2809 5 жыл бұрын
D18 sounds best to me.
@kenwilson3888
@kenwilson3888 3 жыл бұрын
In my opinion, I thought the Taylor sounded a little more alive than the rest, the Martin sounded a little bassier, the Vintage coming a close second. The sustain in the Taylor with the note clarity makes it a winner.
@chadnedohin
@chadnedohin 6 жыл бұрын
I was really hoping for more out of the 517, but once again, the J45 Standard proves its worth, with the D18 winning the country/bluegrass category.
@JorgeTheilacker
@JorgeTheilacker 6 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison, as always. It really helps identify what you like most.
@ksnrfl
@ksnrfl 6 жыл бұрын
I'm a huge Taylor fan and have been for many years.I own a k14, 814 , a 614, and a 510 from '91. In this comparison, the Martin sounded the best. Now I want a D-18!!!!!
@TheBigDean18
@TheBigDean18 6 жыл бұрын
I think the biggest issue with Taylor's are the Elixr strings, every used Taylor I've played that has different strings has so much more warmth to it
@NorthMan-y6w
@NorthMan-y6w 6 жыл бұрын
My take: The Martin has way better tone separation, it plays clearer, and it is a lot easier to hear the finer strings. On the other hand, it does not have the same warm and cozy sound - there I think the Taylor wins (and I am wondering if it is the Taylor that sounds the most "vintage")? I think the Gibsons have a nice sound, especially exiting with the red spruce of the vintage model - I can hear the difference. I am not sure which of these would be my pick, though. I would have to try them in person. I would like the qualities of the Martin and of the Taylor in one guitar. Maybe not possible? Which of these do you (anyone) think sounds the most "vintage"?
@jaeyooncho2712
@jaeyooncho2712 4 жыл бұрын
Martin D18 is outstanding
@Tiger1016.
@Tiger1016. 2 жыл бұрын
This is the perfect comparison of any guitar gear I have seen so far in general. It is also the right line up of options and styles for my current acoustic search. Finally, this channel was consistently the most helpful resource when I was all over the place with my acoustic search before narrowing it down. Many thanks for all that you are doing. Will definitely stop by the next time I make it to San Antonio.
@mcdee56
@mcdee56 6 жыл бұрын
Though Im not a Taylor fan, I must say that it sounds really good when finger picked here! THX
@frankbartolo70
@frankbartolo70 3 жыл бұрын
the taylor had the most clarity, the notes bloomed and i feel it had a little brighter overall sound
@bgbreslin4596
@bgbreslin4596 2 жыл бұрын
I bought a Taylor 517 because if this video. I'm pretty happy with it. It definitely has its own voice and I feel it's a good addition to any acoustic guitar collection.
@EmptyMirrorMindful
@EmptyMirrorMindful 2 жыл бұрын
Personally I thought the Martin did and I wanted to prefer the gibson. Taylor was nice enough but I found the notes just ever so slightly less defined and a bit 'muddy'. Wisb I could get the depth of the gibson with the mids of the Martin. :)
@jimkif4110
@jimkif4110 5 жыл бұрын
I own 4 Martin dreads, D and HD 28`s and 35`s..I also own a J-45 TV. When compared in person, in the same room, the Martins are louder than the Gibby. With that said, there are days when I prefer the Gibson. I`ve never understood how people don`t get the difference between objective truth and personal preference. Most people would be happy to own any of the three in this video. I love my Martins, but the Gibson is a great guitar as well. I sold my Taylors....great guitars, but not the sound for me.
@shawnsnow6413
@shawnsnow6413 3 жыл бұрын
I was working with this playing in the background. Everytime you played the D-18 I looked up to see which one it was. D-18 ftw.
@scalwi
@scalwi 4 жыл бұрын
nice side-by-side comparison. I liked the sound of the taylor second most to the j45 vintage; the d18 seemed to be the loudest, and i understand why people love it...not a bad guitar in the bunch. since the d-18 is in the mix, it would have been nice to see the guild d40 in the mix
@colakeith1
@colakeith1 5 жыл бұрын
Actually that is one of the best sounding Taylors I 've heard. Amazingly, when it moved to the J45 I noticed where Taylor was squarely aiming. Their tones were so similar. When the Martin came on it was almost a breath of fresh air. It's tone was clear as all were, but with a clarity with definition and a breathable quality. They all hold their own and would be a great to own.
@Pinoysoundmachine74
@Pinoysoundmachine74 5 жыл бұрын
If i had to pick any of these guitars in doomsday without any second thoughts i’ll grab the Martin D18’s!!!!
@timknguyen
@timknguyen 4 жыл бұрын
Excellent review, Chris, as usual I learned a lot from your videos! I own a Martin Special D Ovangkol Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric and a Taylor 317e Grand Pacific and I can’t decide which one is better as I truly love them both! I am slightly partial to the Martin because it was my first guitar and I have loved the Martin sound for decades but the Taylor is superb! After watching this video, I will explore adding a Gibson to my collection (I am a lifelong piano & keyboard player who has just got into guitars) 😀😎
@srqpdq6697
@srqpdq6697 4 жыл бұрын
Martin got the Boom, Gibson got the Twang, Taylor got the balance. Gotta say liking the 517.
@MtnLiner
@MtnLiner 5 жыл бұрын
When I was young, I would have been in heaven with any of these. That being said, I drive a Chevy, drink Coors and play an old D-28.
@richardlucascronley5128
@richardlucascronley5128 3 жыл бұрын
It's interesting seeing how much people use corporate brands as a part of their identity. The fact you drink Coors drive a Chevy says nothing about your character, other than you're most influenced by a certain form of advertising.
@G_Demolished
@G_Demolished Жыл бұрын
@@richardlucascronley5128 I think more was revealed about character in your comment than his.
@goeatbox1
@goeatbox1 4 жыл бұрын
Generally I’m a Gibson man. Truth be told I’ve always wanted to like the Taylor’s but they never sound right. Always too bright and thin. However, I’m going to need to give one of these a try. As a big Bozeman fan I must say the Martin is the absolute winner, but I like the Taylor for #2 followed by the vintage J then the Standard. I still love my Gibson stuff and will continue to play em’ but there’s always room for friends!
@Dabberontour
@Dabberontour 3 жыл бұрын
J45 has the sound I love, something about the Gibson standard speaks to my heart
@austinvickymoore3656
@austinvickymoore3656 3 жыл бұрын
All very lovely guitars... my dream would to own one of any of the these.. I would never buy another guitar I want to buy it and play it till I die and pass it to my kids and so on.. ill just keep saving till that day! First... I need to learn more then just one song! Lol but amazing video man keep it up!
@billgreen4592
@billgreen4592 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video! I guess that I have been, making, selling, and recording guitars for too long. I basically agree with you that in the studio I would want to record the 517, because I wouldn't have to "fix it in the mix." I just can't get with the rank and file comments on here with the, "Martin is the best dude. . " vibe. That statement sounds like you should be sitting in a ford F150, with a can of Bud in your hand. I would love to see all these "experts" listen to this comparison without seeing the video. . .One thing I will agree with is that up until this guitar, Taylor dreads were not good guitars. Time will tell, but I think this guitar will prove to be a winner. I was pleasantly surprised by the Gibson Vintage, that is a very nice ax.
@richardmckrell4899
@richardmckrell4899 5 жыл бұрын
I like all of the Gibson Vintage acoustics.
@cleve2323
@cleve2323 5 жыл бұрын
I did listen to it blind and picked out the 18 and 45, the 517 the only one left, and with my incredible powers of deduction was spot on with the Taylor as being the first one played. I'm a regular Sherlock Holmes! LOL
@MtnLiner
@MtnLiner 5 жыл бұрын
Lol. Rails on the “Brand” concept then carpet bombs Taylor dreads.
@cleve2323
@cleve2323 5 жыл бұрын
The Taylor sounds awesome and the first of their long line that I would consider owning.
@1olddoggie
@1olddoggie 5 жыл бұрын
I agree the builders addition are the only ones that tempt me. They sound great!
@57taylorplayer
@57taylorplayer 5 жыл бұрын
you can't make a determination by listening to the recorded sound of a guitar. You have to experience it by playing it hands on. You can have 2 models of the same guitar and they will be different in tone and playability. I have a D-28 and a Gibson songwriter deluxe standard, that are great guitars, but my newly acquired 517e just blows them away. I played 2 other 717's and another 517, but they didn't impress me like the one I bought. I don't think you can go wrong with a Taylor. They have perfect intonation and sound wonderful acoustic or plugged in.
@larrydunn4626
@larrydunn4626 4 жыл бұрын
well, that depends on your purpose for the guitar. How a guitar sounds to you while you're playing it unamped is only the point if that is your purpose for the guitar. If you want it to sound good to others who are out in front of the guitar, then how it sounds from that position is what matters. They are very, very different.
@richardblock2458
@richardblock2458 5 жыл бұрын
I liked the 517 so much I bought one. The Martin is great, and the Gibsons are both superb. I think the 517 is overpriced but I paid a lot less than list.
@gui-texzan7477
@gui-texzan7477 6 жыл бұрын
First and foremost: What a wonderful video comparison you guys did! That may be Taylor's best dread yet, but in my opinion it placed fourth in this sound test. Also, it simply doesn't have the mojo of either of the other icons, so I would never buy it over the others.
@ricardosotosan2279
@ricardosotosan2279 6 жыл бұрын
They all sound great. Each have their own strong points.
@BrianHannah781
@BrianHannah781 6 жыл бұрын
I like the looks, but the Martin just owns that dreadnaught sound.
@maxwellfan55
@maxwellfan55 6 жыл бұрын
Brian H. It's great but I don't agree, sure you're not relying on past glories, noble as loyalty is? Listen to the last chord he plays on the strumming section and check again. Refinement and improvements are happening all the time as companies compete so you gotta take these other guys seriously!
@kelley71
@kelley71 6 жыл бұрын
The D-18 was not an equal comparison because of the square shoulder but nonetheless a good reference point. He should have used a round shouldered Martin. But I agree with Brian. Martin owns the dreadnaught sound. They invented it. It is what everyone mimics with that shape. Unfortunately sound is subjective and none of us can prove ourselves right because "right" hasn't been established. Of the guitars compared here, I gravitate towards the J-45TV for my style of playing. @@maxwellfan55
@truthof7382
@truthof7382 6 жыл бұрын
maxwellfan55 Brian H, It really is a personal preference thing of course, but the Martin D-18 has been updated over and over threw the years as well. Last overhaul was in 2012. I do agree as some have said, that the D-18 is not apples because it’s a square shoulder.
@tomm7354
@tomm7354 6 жыл бұрын
The thing I also notice about taylor that the others don't have is what you also hear with cheaper guitars. You can actually just hear him pluck the strings, while it's not noticable with the others. Maybe it's because the better lower end covers it up with the others? It just makes it sound very cheap and common to me.
@markstaggs1246
@markstaggs1246 5 жыл бұрын
Wrong
@CalixaCal
@CalixaCal 2 жыл бұрын
They all sound great! You can't go wrong with any of them.
@subbbass
@subbbass 3 жыл бұрын
very good comparison and good playing! Thank you for this video!
@keithbaker296
@keithbaker296 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to make this guys, it was a lot of fun to watch. I can understand why Taylor and Andy Powers want to have something very different from what Martin and Gibson offer, but only time will tell if the GP series is a winner. To my ears, this new model along with other "V-Class" guitars sounds more "modern" and "european". It seems like it would be more at home in a comparison with Lowden than with Martin.
@guitargreg51
@guitargreg51 4 жыл бұрын
I have a Martin Cherry OME, plays great but kinda twangy plugged in. I'm looking for a Gibson but the Taylor 517 sounded like it resonated more. Love to hear it amped.
@stoneygreek
@stoneygreek 5 жыл бұрын
i have a Taylor 710 S.E. and a Martin D18. The Martin is my go to guitar. Sounds best on this vid for sure
@srqpdq6697
@srqpdq6697 4 жыл бұрын
From the perspective of a singer-songwriter I'm really liking the 517 for it's warm balanced roundness. While the others sound crisper and more distinctive in and of themselves, the 517 almost muffled in comparison, for singing there's a little bit too much chime and twang on the Martin. I can see why so many opt for the J 45 to be sure it's just there's so many versions with so much individual variance while the 517 seems to have consistency in their production.
@johnwbanjo
@johnwbanjo 4 жыл бұрын
Like the D18 best although I acknowledge I’m prejudiced: I play a D18. Like the J45 standard too. The Taylor definitely holds it own. Why doesn’t it have a pick guard?
@jimdoner3443
@jimdoner3443 5 жыл бұрын
Taylor sounded the best to me and the Gibson standard really surprised me I thought I'd like the v o s better but the standard won out. Martin sounded muddy in its minds so slightly unballanced.Thank you Chris all the guitars are very nice and have my respect prefferences are just that what my ear hears.
@kinnjohn
@kinnjohn 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great comparison as always, but you should have played that lyrical finger style tune on the J45 vintage as well instead of the bluesy stuff, because I think the Vintage would have sounded great on that tune. All great guitars, but forced to choose, I'd go with the J45 vintage.
@algomez04
@algomez04 6 жыл бұрын
I love Martins but I’d take the J45 in a second.
@oaktree1628
@oaktree1628 6 жыл бұрын
algomez04 I bought a J45 and an HD35 to get the best of both worlds.
@algomez04
@algomez04 6 жыл бұрын
N M ok man just rub it in. Lol. Congrats. Do you lean to one or the other or use them for different things?
@oaktree1628
@oaktree1628 6 жыл бұрын
algomez04 - the J45 is great for strumming and playing hard whereas the HD35 is really great for finger picking. Doesn’t take much effort to get a big sound from the HD35 due to the scalloped bracing and the rosewood back and sides. I love them both.
@algomez04
@algomez04 6 жыл бұрын
N M awesome. I’m looking for a hardcore strummer. I have a Martin 000 I use for blues and finger picking
@oaktree1628
@oaktree1628 6 жыл бұрын
algomez04 - one thing I noticed is my J45 is more high maintenance. It is more sensitive to low humidity environments than my HD35. In fact, when I left both of them out of their cases for several weeks this winter, the J45 went out of tune more and the string action lowered so much that I started getting really bad fret buzz higher up on the neck. This didn’t happen with my HD35. I put the J45 back in its case, added some hydrating products, and a week later everything went back to normal.
@Transterra55
@Transterra55 6 жыл бұрын
All very nice guitars--the Martin had the most balanced tone and nuanced midrange and high end.
@auramac
@auramac 4 жыл бұрын
All sounded good at various times, but by the end it was apparent that the Martin was the smoothest, most solid- as if this were the guitar and the others were mimicking it. I was shocked, because I have a J45 and expected one of them to be more pleasing to me. Actually, the Standard came in second.
@marcscordato4385
@marcscordato4385 6 жыл бұрын
As a rule of thumb I prefer Taylor to Martin with the exception of dreadnoughts thats were Martin shines . The Taylor has a clean sound with a solid mid range punch. But the Martin has that warmth they are known for . It will be interesting to see if Taylor can also dominate the tradition dreadnought market that has alway eluded them.
@markrobinson891
@markrobinson891 6 жыл бұрын
A local luthier told me he’s seen Gibsons come in to the store in varied quality control. Also, just personal taste but I can’t look at a bridge mounted upside down. This demo didn’t help me. Need them side by side in my living room.
@timgelder4263
@timgelder4263 6 жыл бұрын
Their QC can be shaky. When I bought a J45 in 2006 I took it in for a setup and was told about a hump in the neck where it meets the body which in my naivete I hadn't noticed. I took it back and got another which turned out to be an incredible guitar which will be with me till the end.
@JorgeTheilacker
@JorgeTheilacker 6 жыл бұрын
You're right!! Need them too, rsrsrsr
@marcscordato4385
@marcscordato4385 5 жыл бұрын
Mark Robinson Never played at terrible Martin or Taylor but There are wonderful and horrible Gibson’s .
@jimmy5634
@jimmy5634 5 жыл бұрын
Gibson has stepped up their game. A lot of that stuff about inconsistencies is from years ago. My J45 is stellar . Don't believe everything you hear.
@mervinjumawan6784
@mervinjumawan6784 5 жыл бұрын
In this group of guitar the Martin sound more of a all rounder guitar
@claytonthurmond8372
@claytonthurmond8372 4 жыл бұрын
Great video. The Martin and the Gibson ran it close. In my opinion Martin took the first round with the J45V taking the second. Round three could go either way. Martin is classic dreadnought though. As for Taylor, dreadnought isn’t at its greatest. It doesn’t sound bad here, but can go with Gibson and Martin. Now if you did a Grand Auditorium competition, Taylor very well could win
@AlamoMusic
@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын
Fair enough!
@frederickthompson8686
@frederickthompson8686 6 жыл бұрын
I'm a sucker for Martins. My HD-28 just oozes complex sounds, depending on attack and voicings of course.
@blakevanhouten1672
@blakevanhouten1672 4 жыл бұрын
thought the J45 vintage and the 517 were very close. new J45 sounded warm and mid rangy (in the best way) and the D18 sounded scooped.
@1olddoggie
@1olddoggie 5 жыл бұрын
I love the Taylor 517. All sound great. The 1.75 nut width rules out the Gibsons and other guitars. Sadly. Small hands are the only trait I share with Trump.
@stellingbanjodude
@stellingbanjodude 4 жыл бұрын
Rick Costa it’s a shame you didn’t come with his work ethic! Hahahahaha
@robertlester641
@robertlester641 5 жыл бұрын
1) 517 2) J45 Vintage 3) J45 4) D18 Martins always have more boom and jangle to me and I am all about the warm mids
@robertlapp9786
@robertlapp9786 6 жыл бұрын
I love mahogony body acoustics!
@adriannasanchez468
@adriannasanchez468 5 жыл бұрын
They're all wonderful instruments. I've read comments about the record-ability and note distinction coming from one bracing pattern to the next, but I find that strings and top wood play the largest role, of course back and sides too. Hogs in general seem to have great clear piano like ring but also that non boomy growls low end that really rumbles your gut. I think hog instead of rosewood will make a larger difference regarding boo mines and note clarity than bracing pattern
@JayValorMusic
@JayValorMusic 4 жыл бұрын
The 717 would be a better comparison since the 517 has a mahogany top. That Martin D-18 sounds absolutely perfect though.
@deepeegg
@deepeegg 4 жыл бұрын
517 has a spruce top.
@UAL320
@UAL320 4 жыл бұрын
Is the D-18 the “reimagined” model??
@brenthall9167
@brenthall9167 6 жыл бұрын
Ok, so I own a Taylor and a Martin. Slope shoulder is my next guitar. Here’s my preference: 1. Vintage J45 2. Taylor 517 3. Traditional J45 4. Martin So for $1000 less than the Vintage J45 I think the Taylor is the best option here. I’m always amused by the Martin or die people on here. I love my Martin but it’s not the only flavor I like. Can’t wait to start seeing these Taylor’s showing up on stages around town here in Nashville!
@bradh.689
@bradh.689 6 жыл бұрын
It's more money, but check out a Bourgeois SS dread! I just picked up one a few weeks ago and its quickly became my favorite guitar I've ever owned.
@larryadams1873
@larryadams1873 5 жыл бұрын
Great video for sure. Very interesting comparison of some very different sounding yet awesome and iconic guitars. Personally I’ve never been a Taylor fan. I tend to lean toward the Martin sound with Gibson as a very close second. The Taylor was super impressive. It has a more familiar tone more like the others. It does have that “old school” flavor similar to Gibson and Martin. I think in time it will open up and sound much better but for now I lean toward the Martin. It’s the best thing I’ve personally heard from Taylor and it refreshing to see them build something that has a classic flavor to it. Again great job on the comparison of some classic yet very different sounding instruments.
@billadama
@billadama 5 жыл бұрын
The Taylor's top is torrified, which is a sort of aging process. This means it won't open up nearly as much as a regular top because it's mostly done that already. The good news is you don't have to wait for it to sound amazing!
@bigpike08
@bigpike08 6 жыл бұрын
D18 👍 The Taylor is too thin still
@CameraLaw
@CameraLaw 3 жыл бұрын
Late to this party, but really loved the comparison, the playing, and all the thoughtful comments. The Martin has a smooth overall tone. But the lead lines, which I like to listen to, stand out better to my ear on the Taylor and the Gibsons, even if its at the cost of the fantastic Martin bass sound. I own a Taylor 614ce BE, and what I personally like about the Taylor signature sound is that, to my ear, the strings sound more like those on a piano (which I also play) than a guitar. They ring out. Great attack and lovely sustain. I get that others don’t like it because, to be honest, it is a different tone than any other brand. But I love it, and the Grand Pacific 517 BE is very appealing to my ears based not only on this video, but others. I also played a 517 in the store at the time I was also looking at the 614 that I ultimately preferred for not only sound, but also for it’s beveled Venetian cutaway. But the 517 was nipping at its heels. (Other guitars I considered at the time were the J-45 and Hummingbird (Studio models), and an HD-28).
@teamrockettes
@teamrockettes 4 жыл бұрын
The J45-Standard had really nice articulation. And strangely when I wasn't paying attention I thought the addy-top vintage J-45 was the martin.
@jamiemcneil9462
@jamiemcneil9462 5 жыл бұрын
Which one is the best is easy to answer - All of them are the best. Honestly, these are all high end fiddles with exceptional build quality. Only one thing - they all sound different, so what you are listening for and want, will vary from player to player. I was amazed by the dynamics of the Gibson Std. J45 .. Notes seemed to be flying out at me from everywhere. I am listening to Klipsch Cornwall's powered by a Prima Luna amp that is driven by a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. The D18 sounded exactly like a D18, it's got a sound, and if you want that sound nothing else will do, but in no way does it match the Std. J45 in dynamics. The music had greater layers with the Std. J45 and the notes blended nicely presenting a smoky butter smoothness that really grabbed a hold of my ears. Compared to the Std. J45 the D18 sounded a bit clinical. Not as smooth and not as dynamic, but the isolation of every note and crystal clarity really stood out in the D18. The Taylor and the Vintage Gibson are not front runners for me so I have nothing to say about them. Thanks for the cool vid. I already own a D18 and was not in the market for any guitar, but now a Gibson Std. J45 will have to be mine in the near future.
@cmcg5788
@cmcg5788 5 жыл бұрын
In this particular video, I prefer the sound of the J45 Standard the most--surprising, since I own a Taylor dread and a Martin 00L and I haven't played a Gibson acoustic yet that I like.
@dougmckernan8580
@dougmckernan8580 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this review. I think the sections played up the neck, and finger style are where the Taylor differentiated itself. It seems as if You needed to attack the Gibson's (and to a slightly lesser extent, the Martin) a bit harder to get the same response.
@jenslorbeer5307
@jenslorbeer5307 5 жыл бұрын
I find the Martin the most charming in this video but I bet the Taylor will cut through any mix right at the spot and will shine in a band. I have never really cared about Taylor but they produce a lot of useful stuff
@thomaskendall6255
@thomaskendall6255 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review... I just started looking for my next acoustic, and I found this extremely useful. Having played several Taylors I had completely ruled them out because of the lack of depth and "over-brightness" as I would probably describe it. I do think the D18 still sounds the most balanced of all of those guitars, but the J45 always seems to feel better and have a nice mellow deep tone. The 517 in your review sounds like a J45 Vintage with all it's deepness, but at the price of a J45 Standard, which makes me want to try it if I can find one (no luck so far, though). Really curious how you would say it feels as compared to the J45. I feel the D18 has a stiffer action, and the J45 is softer and easier in comparison. The Taylor 8 series I've tried seem to fall in between the two. Any thoughts on that? I know it's been a year, so..
@michaelmetal71
@michaelmetal71 5 жыл бұрын
hey chris it’s michael great job,you need to put a lesson video on how to play those cool passages you play in all your videos,anyway love all those guitar i’m warming up to the grand pacific but you know me being a lead guitarist i need that cutaway to reach those higher notes will it come with that option and a lefty, model btw i still need a J-45 or J-15 to finish my collection and my wife needs a Taylor K12-E
@billypickering264
@billypickering264 4 жыл бұрын
Very surprised by the j45s, thought it was ahead of the rest for tone, the vintage and d18 both close for 2cd I
@Imafriggingoddess
@Imafriggingoddess 6 жыл бұрын
I think the Martin takes it for me. Second is tied between vintage J45 and Taylor. J45 standard sounded very lackluster to me.
@karalee5727
@karalee5727 6 жыл бұрын
Flat picked I liked the D-18, but finger style I liked the Taylor.
@kirkeipper9990
@kirkeipper9990 6 жыл бұрын
Kara Lee for fingerpicking find a mid-70s D18-S. 12 frets to the body bigger neck and larger upper bout.
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