Blindfold Challenge (Gibson vs Martin vs Taylor vs Guild vs Yamaha vs Eastman)

One of our KZbin subscribers suggested we do a blindfold challenge... so, here it is!! We picked similar Rosewood guitars from Gibson, Martin, Yamaha, Taylor, Guild, and Eastman. Which one do you think sounds the best???
Eastman E20D Sunburst: 0:40
Gibson J-45 Custom RW: 1:30
Taylor 814ce DLX (V-Class): 2:18
Martin HD-28 Standard: 3:08
Yamaha LL6 ARE: 3:54
Guild D-55: 4:43
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[@oaktree1628]

Why so rushed? This could have been much much better if you let the guy expound on his thoughts until he was ready to move on. It should have been double or triple the current length. Are you guys restricted in some way?

[@bigmike9527]

i was wondering the exact same thing,WTF is the problem? why didnt you do a full experimentation video,it would have been interesting to hear his thoughts on everything.sometimes their videos suck because they are just waaay toooo short.i dont get it?

[@sohosteveuk]

Couldn't agree more. It was like the dude on the right was nervous that the guy with the blindfold on would actually manage to identify what was what too accurately and didn't want to give him too much of a chance. Trying to watching it actually stressed me out and I had to bail early.

[@richasay9077]

N M I think you’re spot on, and I was at the end of the video and asking, and now...what?? Where’s the review? Where’s the talk through? I guess he’s too worried about looking like an Anderton’s video...

[@bigmike9527]

@@oaktree1628 disagree with what?

[@frankm5150]

@@bigmike9527 You're right

[@chai1914]

The Yamaha LL6 steal the show imho

[@timphillips3873]

Picked up that Martin and in his head definitely said "oh, there you are old friend."

[@aadeshanand9014]

touche !

[@diggitydankenstein3624]

MARTIN AND GUILD. GUILD MORE MIDDY. THAT GUILD WAS NICE. MARTIN WAS SMOKY GOOD. DAMN. I JUST GOT AN OLD SIGMA AND IM PRETTY HAPPY. HAPPIER IF IT WAS OLDER.

[@DeutschlandGuy]

@Stan Williams The fault was yours.... You made your choice of guitars... and of women. Do not blame either for your shortcomings. (No pun intended). :-)

[@Kryptik33]

_hello Martin my old friend_

[@johnglennie4282]

@@diggitydankenstein3624 I have a 1970 Japan Sigma DR-41e and a Martin custom D-41e. I'll keep both. :D

[@quintonking9960]

Thanks to everyone for watching - this was definitely a fun experiment! I know, I know . . . it would have been far more interesting if I'd offered some guesses, but truth is, I'm just not well-versed enough with the maker's archetypal sounds to match a given maker to a given sound. My guesses would have been laughably terrible and an embarrassment to all involved; still, perhaps we'll revisit the idea with some actual guesses - I'm old and married, and so no stranger to humiliation. Better yet, a narrower "pepsi challenge" between particular pairs of guitars (rather than the onslaught of so many at once). All that said, the blindfold was interesting because I don't think any player can escape the subconscious influence of knowing who made the guitar, and the power of suggestion/expectation in shaping your ear's interpretation of the sound. I'm sure we'll be doing this again and refining the process moving forward . . . Thanks again!

[@Jadar...]

Quinton seemed responsive to the shape of the guitars more than to their actual particular sound or tone... Is the Eastman Adirondack-topped ? An even more interesting test would compare identical shapes and tone woods guitars...(set up pretty much the same too ). Still worth the money (ha!). Thanks

[@nhm1069]

Actually, I was most impressed with how you tuned the low E note on the Eastman. No fumbling around trying to find it and you turned it to just the right spot.

[@dingalsbe88]

it would be fun to see a blind test of three Martins... a D-45, D-41, and a D-16... or 3 Taylors.. 114, 314 and a 914.. see if you can guess them..

[@paulstabin6233]

Best part was hearing your playing, thank you. First great guitar I ever owned was an early 70's Martin D18. Bought it from a bluegrass player who needed funds for a Gibson mandolin. So no surprise you felt at home on the Martin HD28.

[@ericcross7863]

If I saw correctly Quinton, you pegged the Martin as a "bluegrass" guitar so spot on and kudos to you good sir

[@jamescoughlan8193]

the Yamaha surprised me but must admit the Martin stole the show for my ears

[@TheTruth70777]

Guild has a spot as well. Nice guitars.

[@samsonwilkinson8090]

Definitely the Martin. Anyone got one to spare?

[@georgemercer5977]

If you play professionally Martin for about three grand versus Yamaha no comparison even Yamaha is stage ready wow I was shocked.....

[@transcendenttv]

Yep. The Yamaha sounded stellar

[@transcendenttv]

That Guild too…

[@krisdelcid5319]

The Martin, Eastman, Guild, and Gibson grabbed my ears.

[@dvanolya]

Surprisingly, the Yamaha here has laminate B&S and sells for $539. And it held its own among these expensive solid bodies. I just wish they would have used a Yamaha LL or solid A series.

[@dburton7929]

Beautiful guitars, I would be glad to own any one of them. The Yamaha was the biggest surprise of all. Thanks guys!

[@daw162]

Like the sound of the yamaha the most. Taylors tend to make other guitars sound dead when you play both in a room, but it's a shame, because the taylor sound, to me, is fatiguing. Objectively, I'd have heard the gibson as a gibson, the martin as a martin, the guild as a gibson, the yamaha as a martin, and the taylor as a taylor. I might've been confused by the guild, though. The gibson and the taylor have unmistakable sound - fundamental and dark for the gibson, and floodlight bright for the taylor.

[@keithweyuker7121]

Great multi instrument test. For me, the Guild knocked it out of the park. The Taylor sounded like a cheap $400. guitar. The Martin sound nice, and so did the Eastman.

[@dalesearcy5734]

Best comparison video EVER! I would love to see more of these.

[@christopherbeni5048]

The Martin sounded lovely 😍

[@brians9278]

Most impressed by the Martin and the Guild. Surprised that the Taylor didn't sound better by comparison, and happy that the Yamaha sounded so good! (Yamaha FG180 was my first guitar). Thanks for the fun video, guys. Quinton makes any guitar sound good!

[@jeffbateman2339]

Well, the Taylor is a smaller body and a cutaway... so, of course it will sound anemic after a couple of Dreadnoughts... not sure why they put the smaller body in the blindfold challenge... and why in the hell was the guy rushing him so quickly? That was annoying

[@pankajjoshi2032]

But that was Yamaha LL6 ARE!!!

[@tbone8358]

@@jeffbateman2339 No worries the Taylors are great guitars definitely up there with Guild and Martin

[@transcendenttv]

The Taylor sounded pretty bad. But again it was so rushed it just wasn’t a good environment to judge any of them.

[@doleary703]

The Guild is an absolute cannon, Martin most balanced, Taylor the brightest. I have all 3 of those models, love them all, but Martin is the best…..or the Guild….or Martin….Guild in double dropped D is haunting…

[@MNH81B]

Fifty shades of grey..guitar edition.

[@theabster2853]

Ha! Softcore guitar porn.

[@3cardmonty602]

Great comparison. IMHO the Martin HD-28 sounded the most compatible with what I like to hear from a guitar. But, then again we're listening to it recorded by a microphone and then played through my earbuds, so I'll have to try out all of them and make my final choice.

[@bobaldo2339]

The D-28, D-55, and J-45 - no surprises here. Of course no mention was made of what they were each strung with - coated? non-coated? - mediums?, lights? etc.

[@johnglennie4282]

My Martin D-41 came with Medium SPs.

[@joemonroe8896]

Its all very subjective obviously, but the D-55 is easily the best guitar I have ever had the pleasure to play.

[@pplareppl]

I was listening with an airpod tidying my room without looking at the screen and I figured the Guild D-55 right and I’m now happy :)

[@petestaint8312]

Fantastic video! Thanks for posting. 👍

[@virgilrw]

Great blindfold test! You could tell the guitarist was a real player his chords where fantastic! ☆☆☆☆☆

[@omrixeren]

listening back to the eastman after all the others, the midrange emphasis sounds best to me, very j45-like kind of character. That guitar is definitely a bargain

[@musicadefe4837]

Very usefull blind comparison. Thank You!

[@adamturner8763]

Why was it so rushed?

[@theabster2853]

Wow. That HD-28 sounds terrific.

[@SauliusMatas1]

He nailed it saying it was the best for bluegrass.

[@814Taylor]

Love the sound of the HD28 and the Guild D-55

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

I liked the sound of the Gulid the best ! I like the low end tone , but still sounded good on the more treble stuff ! Martin was next . I was surprised at how well the Yamaha sounded !

[@enzoar21]

my favorite Guild D-55

[@johnanderson8096]

Outstanding!!!

[@kurt8matthew]

Bring Back the blind test, that was fun!!

[@angelomisterioso]

Agreed! And this time, make it ''blind'' for us, too. Have the player with his back facing us so we can't see which type of guitar he's playing. Then reveal at the end.

[@petestaint8312]

Fantastic review! 👍

[@alexb5275]

That Yamaha held its own for being only $500

[@rickcar94]

Yeah, I knew it was going to be fun to have Quinton blindfolded!! You're welcome guys🤘😁

[@jaredwood5973]

This video convinced me to buy a D-55. Now I’m loving it more than my J-45, Bird, D-18GE, and D-41. I wish I would have known how great Guilds are earlier in my guitar journey.

[@dobby240]

that last one the Guild D-55 sounds nice. good amout of low end. bright and spanky

[@alekore3262]

Well well, I got 2 out of 6. Would have thought I could spot the Martin but alas. This is a very nice format, gets you/us to focus on the sound instead of negligibilities.

[@astrophotonics9470]

D-55 is a canon, literally mopped the floor with the rest.

[@scottsummers684]

I pick the guild all the way and the Yamaha as my second pick...!!!

[@willcrawford3155]

They're all good. Just different in ways. I own an Eastman E 20 OM and it is the best guitar I've ever played .... and I've been lucky to have some great high-end stuff.

[@steinweiner1]

Very cool. All sound great. Considering the Eastman is 1/3 to 1/2 the price of the others, I think it did a great job of holding its own.

[@pqv01]

There should be more videos like this. Great idea

[@robpetry84]

Very fun video thanks for making it. It would have been interesting to throw in a cheap guitar in there for the hell of it.

[@dingalsbe88]

oh man... I was really hoping for the guessing game..

[@mlmiller88]

It would depend on what style I'm playing as to which one I would choose. It is hard to beat the warm woody sound of a Martin for bluegrass. The brighter clean sounding guitars shine with finger style picking. Of course everyone has their own opinion. I'd have either of those music boxes.

[@mikepj1025]

That Guild had my ears very happy.

[@TheBamaKid1962]

I agree 100%...very proud owner of a DV-52, bought brand new right outta the box!!! 18 years later, she's opened up and continues to get better with age although I can't say the same for the owner, LOL

[@TheSpiralnotebook]

Yep. Watch closely when he first hits the Guild strings: "this one's got the most!"

[@TheBamaKid1962]

@@TheSpiralnotebook As did I when I picked mine up, even though it was out of tune from the factory and hadn't received Emirons usual "set up", I hit a full choke G and it spoke to me!!! I am YOURS and you are mine!!! It's been a wonderful relationship ever since!!! I'm glad I got mine before the company changed hands as I'm unsure if they're still made here in the USA 100% or if they're made elsewhere or a combination somewhere in between. As with a high end Martin..etc. It's an investment that typically will increase in value!!! JMO, play a Guild and you'll want one! NO REGRETS

[@shelleyhunt2121]

@@TheBamaKid1962 I have 4 Guilds, 1966 to 2017. Gorgeous wonderful guitars. Like bells with teeth.

[@TheBamaKid1962]

@@shelleyhunt2121 never heard it said that way, LOL, but what a great point...I was tickled to have one, but to have FOUR??! that would be an AWESOME jam session with three close friends!!!

[@goswo]

In this test HD 28 for sure. Then Guild/Gibson. Taylor sounded as zeo mojo/soul as they usually does. Fun and great review :-)

[@GenosGlory]

You can hear a Martin sound from miles away. Very unique

[@BlueStratDude]

Guess I'm the odd man out but I really liked the sound of the Taylor. I also think they're some of the most comfortable acoustics to play. Why didn't the guy get more than 10 seconds to play each? You could tell he was trying to figure out what he could play to accentuate each guitar's sound and feel but the guy in the right is apparently late to a fire or something.

[@1firecat1]

best test I have ever seen

[@hitsfromthebong7629]

All amazing guitars but the Yamaha Is the overall winner for sound and price!

[@eduardoramirez6877]

$299.00 at Guitar Center Ll6 laminate Li16 all solid.

[@georgemercer5977]

GOT THAT RIGHT...

[@ElyasChange]

That Guild is sooo tasty. Came and stole the thunder. Best one for me. I mean they're all amazing

[@jasonconcept]

Great video. It's more fun when they try to guess which one it is, but Quinton knew when he had the Martin.

[@rickbrown4039]

HD 28 All day , Every day !!

[@massimilianopanizza1148]

Bellissimo video, ho avuto modo di provare la Yamaha ll6 are e devo dire che è davvero sorprendente

[@sp0rtbilly77]

that guild man...come to papa

[@patrickclark3337]

The Guild and the Gibson were my favorites, they should have used a Taylor without the cutaway for a more equally matched comparison. If you know about acoustic guitars feeling that cutaway right away would be a giveaway that it's a Taylor because Taylor is known for its modern approach and a cutaway is part of that experience. I have a Taylor and love it/them but I definitely love Guild and Gibson acoustics. Out of the big name companies, those are my favorite 3 Guild, Gibson and Taylor but there are so many great smaller companies that make amazing guitars. Santa Cruz is a great example.

[@kaivrock]

Simon Ritchie Not a thin sound on the Taylor, just a smaller body. He knew that and should have mentioned it.

[@timclaus8313]

Needed a Larrivee in the mix, seriously under-rated guitars.

[@unclekeek]

That Guild covered all the bases from highs to mids to Low end. The HD 28 came a close second and then that 814, even though it was a little thinner tonewise, it really looked like he had a easier time playing it and lets face it, it was smoother than all the rest.

[@robertabbey3919]

Really interesting way to change it up. I'm a Gibson fan, but I'd take the Guild and the Martin any day.

[@slowpokemax]

Number one goes to the Martin. It simply blew the others away especially the Taylor. My second choice goes to Guild.

[@Ziraffe2]

Rather crazy to blindfold the good tester and then not having him guessing. Keep it rollin' guys ^ U are followed

[@lordofthemoodring]

You can smell a Martin. Martin owners know what I’m talkin about haha!

[@kimchambers6685]

That beautiful rosewood aroma

[@wabreamanglers]

Same as a Gibson

[@xchalibur77]

Yea the lemon scent, I really would preferred just the wood smell in my d18

[@lordofthemoodring]

WA Bream Angler definitely not.

[@jeffpuras7501]

Johnkoutsouros, Rule of thumb for Martins: Pick it up, play a big G chord and snort the sound hole.

[@scottosborn3097]

The guitar that surprised me the most was the Guild. I've never played a Guild before, but will be trying one out now! I liked all the guitars.

[@AllBallZ]

I’ve played my Taylor exclusively for years now. I’d have to say that Martin sounded the best though.

[@jasinow]

He seemed to like the Gibson sound but was very knowledgeable about his style and sound with the Martin straight away. Very good video, maybe that should be the way to pick guitars. Then looks and brand.

[@edfulginiti8798]

Would have LOVED some guesses! No wrong answers.

[@jeffery6560]

I usually never respond or make comments on KZbin video.. I making exception because this video has been most educating and informative video. I just happen to be shopping for a new 6 string acoustic guitar to play at church. I have 12 string martin but I'm looking for 6 string acoustic. YOUR VIDEO HAS HELP ME MAKE MY DECISION WHICH ONE I WILL BUY. Thanks again for taking time to make this video.

[@dvanolya]

So what did you end up buying?

[@dalesearcy5734]

I really enjoyed this comparison. I would like to see it done again with other guitars. Perhaps 6-$500.00 guitars. Then 6- $1,000.00 etc. Thanks for posting this.

[@keithscott5580]

Love it, compares the Yamaha to the Taylor...

[@georgemercer5977]

Yamaha knocked the Taylor out of the park...and look at price difference.. 😲 wow

[@toddbeeman5933]

The last time I purchased an acoustic, I ended up in the high-end guitar room blindfolded trying out multiple suggestions from my buddy. I've always been careful to own acoustics I love the sound/feel of, but aren't too similar to each other. It can be quite surprising what sound/feel you like best once all the beautiful inlays, binding, grain patterns, and other visual esthetics are eliminated from your [unbiased] choice. Haha. I encourage all musicians to try a similar approach next time you're in the market for an instrument. I was very surprised by my final pick.. It was a used Taylor Limited edition short-scale 514ce. For my playing style (usually very percussive) I usually sounds best with Rosewood-type back/sides so there's a lot of bass, good clarity, and the more projection and sustain the better! The "short-scale" isn't noticeably shorter.. If I remember correctly, the overall length of the ebony fretboard is 1/16th of an inch shorter than standard. However, that tiny difference allows the tension on the strings to be relaxed juuust enough to get a little more bass out of the mahogany back/sides.. essentially giving the balance, overtones, and reverberations a more Rosewood characteristic. Also, I think it's very important to note the guitar was USED when I purchased it. It was 10 or 11yrs old. A decade can make a world of difference when it comes to the sounds and playability! In fact, I usually end up seeking out older used acoustics because of the difference.. even though I'd rather get new because of the financing so I don't have to pinch my pennies and save up for what seems like forever! Haha. I've had discussions with many other guitarists over the years (I'm 34, been playing since 2002) when they're wanting to buy an acoustic because of beautifully crafted artwork in the fingerboard or the way a 3-pc back can be visually stunning, etc.. and granted, maybe you'll gain some inspiration that will contribute into your musicianship.. but for me, I have to make sure I prioritize sound and feel/playability #1! Happy strumming everyone!

[@spotmfd9431]

Really liked this video more blindfold test.

[@jimmorehead9188]

All I can say is I have several Taylor guitars and I love and play them all regularly in the studio and at gigs. As with all guitars I have my favorite one or two and can easily adjust the volume and color of the sound through my PA system. I see a lot of pros playing them on stage and in studio. Nothing against Martin, I have a couple & love them too.

[@gustavvader2207]

Martin, Guild, Gibson

[@JamesMaurer]

That D28 steals my heart.

[@richardwhite5301]

Although he didn't name the brands, he was right on the money with the brand characteristics: Martin: low end, balanced big voice. Gibson: good bass with bright highs, Taylor: bright mids, Yamaha same etc

[@russellwagner9892]

Great video!! Would have liked for him to give his opinion on the what is what.

[@harvey32560]

I haven’t played guitar in nearly 40 years, but I could still hear the Martin. Enjoyed the challenge. All in what you like to hear.

[@donadolfo11]

Super helpful this video and the comparison it offers! Just recognized again how much of a Martin guy I am - HD-28 for me very clearly. Was astonished about the substantial difference to the V-braced Taylor sound in comparison; but it confirmed my own impression when playing one myself; has its advantages, but not my tone direction.

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Loved the Guild...always thought my Guild sounded better than just about anything else I have played...Guild guitars seem to not get the attention they deserve...glad to hear this one sounding great here, & seeing in the comments that many agree!

[@bradh.689]

I think an 810e DLX would've been a better representative for Taylor versus the GA bodied 814. All non-cutaway dreads against a GA body will make a difference, I believe. Reshoot it with an 810e DLX!!

[@RondelayAOK]

I liked the Guild and the Eastman and the Martin, in that order. Surprised by the Guild.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Fascinating. Having owned Martin, Gibson, Guild, Yamaha and Taylor acoustic guitars over my lifetime (plus an Eastman mandolin), the blindfold man's opinion on each aligns with my experience. But they all sounded great, and probably played great, and any one of them would be good choice. I agree that the video should given the tester enough time to play single notes, chords, and different styles to form a more informed opinion.

[@radgator1]

Surprised more people didn't like the Eastman. I thought it sounded right up there with the Martin and Guild. I think going first was a disadvantage as far as public perception maybe. Taylor and Yammy sounded thinest but actually, like he said, they all sounded really good because he is a great guitarist.

[@exionem]

Yamaha and Guild baby! 😁😁 Those two were the stars.

[@cutchopweld5717]

Most full and balanced to me anyway was surprisingly the Guild! Lovely sounding axe! Too bad they left out the MSRP on all the guitars?

[@gomez10969]

Normally I would say: Martin, yes but that Guild did have a nice growl.

[@IcabodCrane]

I love the Guild growl. I'm not a big fan of Martin as I always thought they sacrificed too much for that low-end in comparison, but they're definitely leagues beyond Gibsons any day in my book.

[@timclaus8313]

@@IcabodCrane Guild for folks and blues, Martin for Bluegrass. Liked the Yamaha and Eastman more if you were just working lead parts and wanted to cut through the mix. Not impressed with the Taylor. Should have had a Larrivee for full spectrum tone balance.

[@shelleyhunt2121]

Guilds are the world's most underrated guitars.

[@johngraydon506]

gomez10969 I have a F47 dtar dreadnaught depth with Grand O body amazing same quality price as D55 at the time..

[@tomformanek3312]

I just got an all hog Guild D20. Compare it to a Martin D15, and IF you are unable to prejudge, you have one tough choice to make. Some people just pay a fortune for a headstock rather than tone. It's not that the Martin isn't still great, some players resist the paradgm shift when it comes to anything else.

[@UncleChillGuitar]

Considering sound vs price Yamaha.

[@stringdoc]

Love that Eastman!

[@TheCarolo08]

guild

[@Clambelly]

Paul you are a natural on camera. Should show Music Villa LOGO in the background. Wear your T-Shirt too

[@UltimateSigmaGigaChad]

"I just bashed your elbow." "That's fine, I got to of em." Lol

[@andrewlehman1818]

Surprised I don’t see many comments on that Gibson cause I think it sounded amazing! I guess everyone is different and that’s why this stuff is so great :)

[@hamelk]

Would like to see a PRS in there. Not historically proven (they’re relatively new) but man, they’re sneaky good.

[@DomTianoJr]

Awesome review. HD28 all the way for me.

[@robertcarhartjr6234]

Agreed, Dom; the HD28 sounded awesome. I don't have any dreads in my arsenal, but this one sounded like a cannon, in a good way. I have to say I agree with some of the other commenters who would have liked Quinton to hazard a guess as to what he was playing, if for no other reason than grins and giggles at seeing how well his impressions met with reality.

[@blakeb4583]

Bought an HD28 recently and I’m in love with it

[@blakeb4583]

I agree. It's got a perfect sustain, great bass when you need it, amazing high and mid range tones, amazing play-ability, and the list goes on.

[@blakeb4583]

Very true, that's not to say that I don't enjoy the herringbone inlay on the top and the zig zag purfling on the back. I think it looks much more classy than what'd you'd get out of a D-45 or D-42 where the abalone inlays distract you from the tonal quality of the guitar. the D-45 or D-42 are just too flashy for me and are the guitar equivalent of mall crawlers.

[@jsphillip60]

Dom Tiano Jr I'd have to agree!

[@James.D]

Paul is so impatient always lol

[@SolamenteVees]

Dude could play a guitar blindfolded... this is how you film a KZbin comparison video; concise, little talking, lots of playing.

[@paulstabin6233]

Update: recently played a Taylor koa kce 224 and was actually very impressed. Actually a better neck and playability than a Martin D18 I used to own, with a lot of warmth. A very worthy guitar indeed.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

Wow - his ears nailed it!

[@donkeysel3310]

Great Test, brilliant playing. For me it's Guild and Gibson, it's the bass tones i love, followed by classy overall Martin. Taylor and Yamaha is not really my genre, Eastman is good but too mellow. Did you use the same new strings for all guitars?

[@zelejazz]

Martin HD 28 - Winner.

[@mandolinman2006]

The Guild makes me think of a cross of the J-45 and D-28. I could go for any of the 3 but, since I already have an HD-28 probably would go for one of the other two.

[@peterd5901]

Oh wow, I'd take that Eastman all day!