Can You Hear The Difference? First Acoustic vs. Dream Acoustic Guitar

Recently I pulled my very first Acoustic Guitar, a Taylor 110 out of its case and put new strings on it after not playing the guitar for over 10 years. I was shocked at how good it sounded, and decided to put it up against my dream acoustic, a Bourgeois Slope D to see how it would compare in a shootout.
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[@RhettShull]

The shootout starts around 6:45 if you want to jump straight there, but I wanted to tell the story of my first guitar before the comparison!

[@stephensylvester]

Rhett doing us a solid and TL;DRing himself

[@vinimartinez6463]

Bro my first real guitar is also a 110e and its still my only acoustic and I LOVE IT! its been with me for 9 years (my parents got it for me when I was 12) and think it sounds so much better now than when I got it. loved the video! it brought back so many memories.

[@robschmidt9852]

That's a great story about your parents at the store.

[@franklinkz2451]

Rhett Shull my first guitar is hanging up on the wall in my bedroom. Nothing special; just a 100$ Ariana Dreadnought. But Its Special to me. My first Electric Guitar was a Lotus White Strat that I traded in for my 96’ 50th Anniversary Black Fender Strat that I Also still have and still play every few days. My first “Real” Acoustic is my every day player, a Black Thin body Ovation. Then theres the G&L Ascanti GTS, Ibanez ART120Q and Fender MIM Telecaster that I also now have. They all hang on my studio’s Wall! I Find that if you keep your girl in her case you tend to not play them.

[@71goaliemask]

My first playable guitar in UK in the mid 80s, was a Westone spectrum DX... A return because it had some shipping damage... Sadly I sold it long ago, but I was able to find a very similar model at a pawnbrokers in my adopted home in Canada, some 30 years later! It has all the quirks that my old one did and I love it.. plus it has the wildest finish.. all red including the fingerboard!

[@SkinnyGeorge]

I was a manager at Sam Ash for over eight years. Every night while we close the store I would go to the acoustic room and pick up every single guitar that I couldn’t afford. The one Guitar that kept speaking to me was a Taylor 410 CE. I must’ve played that guitar every night for years, but I couldn’t afford it. So one night I was stuck at the store doing inventory and one of my managers hands me a guitar and says can you find the SKU for this item it didn’t have a tag. I was like are you kidding me? When I open the case it had a birthday card signed by some of my coworkers and all of my family and friends surprising me with a 410 CE for my birthday. I’ll never forget that day. And I’ve been playing The same guitar for the last 15 years. Because of that guitar I was able to write songs and get gigs that eventually paid for the house that I’m in now. Lol crazy man!

[@versnellingspookie]

What a beautiful story George! 👍 what songs did you write by the way?

[@callmefranchise]

I cannot tell you how much I love this. That is awesome!

[@nr4502]

@George Martinez, that is an beautiful story. Fills the soul. Wow. Love this and interestingly, I am hoping to get a 414!

[@garyswift83]

My first guitar was purchased at a Sam Ash i had traveled to Newburgh New York for work in around the year 2000 and my uncle and i went there i got a Takamine Jasmine acoustic-electric was only about 300$ that guitar skyrocketed in price because it now is worth a lot more than that. I played at my church and everywhere i loved that guitar i think about it every day. Sadly i used it to help get a car when my son was born in 2004 so i no longer have it i cant even remember the model number anymore. I wouldn't trade what i did for anything in the world but i cant play acoustic guitar anymore because I only want to find that guitar and it is impossible to find one of that year and i cant even remember the model of the guitar, hopefully one of these days I will pick one up and be like that is it the man ripped me off because I was just a kid myself i don't like talking about people like that but he knew what he was doing and wouldn't let me buy it back even though he was only supposed to hold it until I paid him back. I think he got it for under 100$. I still play electric guitar but i just can't find a acoustic guitar i like compared to that Takamine it was so Great sounding and easy to play

[@235buz]

Did that include a hardshell case? Just kidding. You have some great people that think the world of you. Don't keep it in the case. :-)

[@courtmarr5714]

The first guitar I ever bought was due to some really sad circumstances. My dad was diagnosed with Cancer, and had played guitar for years. He told me to sell his guitars when he passed away. Suffice to say I wasn't happy with that, went out and bought a guitar and learned how to play. He has passed away some 6 years ago now but I practice and play every day. I still have my first guitar, and even his first guitar. Wouldn't change it for the world.

[@jacobyarnell715]

Court Marr I can somewhat relate. My dad passed away but sold his guitars prior. I tried so hard to buy back those guitars that were sold but no one was interested..

[@joshjbradburn]

Good on you mate, and keep playing!

[@ashtahoff]

i dont understand why did you have to buy a new one?

[@TheBlinkisback09]

@@ashtahoff probably to not play their dad's guitars until they have the respect and discipline to wield the instrument

[@andydepissant]

You are a legend.

[@BobbylightRCE]

I was 14 years old. I had gone through 3 guitars that were unusable. There was a CD/movie store in the mall. I’ll never forget playing the only and last guitar they had there. It sounded like heaven. Only defect it has was it was cracked from the button. Damage wasn’t so big that I knew I could fix it. My dad ended up paying for it. I think it was $80. I loved the hell out that guitar. Everyday after school and play for 4 to 5 hours, I would be in the computer listening to music and finding the melodys in the frets . I was clueless there was guitar tabs or KZbin tutorials. This was 2006. I would watch movies without bringing my guitar with me. I had traveled all over Mexico and I had written the states of where I had traveled. I got married in 2011. My marriage was so toxic that I remember my ex wife exploded on me to shut the hello up. That she was tired of my playing. I remember getting so emotional that I broke that guitar. That my own wife didn’t support my love of music. I regretted breaking it. All my years of hard work , memories & traveled went away. I had boughten a Breedlove. It was nice but it didn’t have that bright tone that cheap $80 guitar had. My marriage had come to an end. All I had was my clothes & guitar. I had quit playing guitar for 3/4 years after my divorce. I had my Breedlove in storage. I wanted to get rid of it. But I remembered the good memories I had with it. I used to play & sing songs to my daughter when she was in the womb. It had meaning. I’ve had it in storage to give to my daughter when she’s older. She’s 8 years old now. I had upgraded to my dream guitar. A Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium. Been loving it ever since.

[@DJDipstick]

What a story.

[@yumerxcy6336]

I’m sad now

[@NickNicometi]

Good Lord - that wasn't worth the time reading.

[@dandegan690]

This guy's guitars: $500 and $5000 My guitar: $50

[@articbread3863]

lol

[@stonks2929]

To be real, I just Learned to play guitar 2 days ago, I just learned some cowboy chords, and 3 finger fretting. My guitar was a 20 dollar ripoff of Yamaha ;-;

[@oldsmobileaurora7418]

Whoa big baller!! mine's only $25

[@speedyboi349]

I have a vicente taytay tomas made in 1950 I did not know that i had a 700 to 1000 dollar dream guitar after like 4 years later Teachers always said there was something off about the guitar in practices until a teacher that knew told me and i searched it up I always entered classes not knowing of this like a dummy Its a guitar that my tractor wheeling grandpa gave me God knows who gave it to him But thank god i have it now cause i always had fun with it even if i did not know it was expensive Honestly the lesson i learned is that no matter how cheap or expensive is a guitar you will have the same amount of fun with it

[@andrejgregoric1324]

times, quality and prices have changed drasticaly. can not compare.

[@jay3146]

The Taylor is worth 10 times more purely due to the history it has with you.

[@Impaled_Onion-thatsmine]

Piece of junk if you ask me, they are 4500 here too

[@tonybranton]

JayC 75 uhhh Nope. He’s Rhett not John Mayer

[@Whitman1819]

and it sounds 10x better...

[@lule75]

Still on the same guitar. 8years now

[@TheEchelon]

@@tonybranton That's not what he meant. It's worth a lot more FOR HIM, because of the history/relationship with the guitar. Your comprehension skills are... lacking.

[@johnmartin159]

my great grandpa is 98 and he has the 23rd Gibson ever made. it’s crazy!

[@steves2827]

A Martin owning a Gibson irony ? lol

[@freetayk8593]

Bro do you have any idea how much that’s worth. If it’s it decent condition like 100,000 easy.

[@johnmartin159]

@@freetayk8593 We still have it, but I’m never selling it.

[@Vawsu]

@@johnmartin159 you should do a video over it

[@MH3GL]

I second the video idea. Guitar guys would LOVE to see that!! Please share with the world 🙂

[@chetanyadav]

when his first guitar is far costlier than your dream guitar

[@flariohmusic7644]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 fr

[@nadespammer69]

@iron man same bro, I have। a f310 p and it's my baby

[@amitpanwar1858]

Hahahahaha

[@lancedaniellim7621]

My dream guitar is only around 100 bucks, the one I'm using rn is 50

[@VokeyDawg1]

Dream bigger.

[@nannerblake111]

My first guitar was a Stella my Dad won in a poker game. I was in the 3rd grade and took it to school in a garbage sack. (the cool kids had cases) Fast forward 50 years...I'm a full-time working musician and somehow came across (what I thought was) my first guitar on facebook marketplace. I immediately went and checked it out. And yes, from the moment I held it, I knew it was mine, bent tuning peg and all! The story on how the guy aquired it checked out. Stella is home now...

[@MarkHeaps]

Not my first, but my favorite still is one that my wife owned when we met. I had been playing for about 8 years and when we started dating I saw in the closet at her house this old Washburn dreadnought acoustic. Not a lick of visible wood, the whole thing is solid black. It had 3 strings, and they were rusty. I asked her if I could take it and clean it up, and she said "oh I got that for a guitar class in high school. It was like $115 Christmas special at Guitar Center. It's not really worth cleaning up". 21 years together later, that guitar has been used on 7 different albums, helped me write a ridiculous amount of songs, and it's been to 4 countries and roughly 22 states with me. I've spent well into a $800 having it setup again and again every few years, entertaining luthiers with "what can we do with it now". But I know, there is no other guitar on the planet, that connects with me the way that one does. I'm up to 17 guitars in my collection, between electrics and acousitcs, but that guitar always sits near my work station ready to write another song.

[@antimonytin]

Does she know you married her for her guitar? ;)

[@zk560]

Yeah. I'm getting a casino soon but I will never leave my old guitar in some case. It's quite a cheap guitar but I love that thing and someday when I get a good job I'll do my best to make it sound like a million bucks.

[@laurasinclair8712]

If anyone is interested Mark Heaps is a well known Photoshop guru and gifted teacher. I have learned so much from his classes. Knowing that he is a guitar guy only ups the admiration meter.

[@MarkHeaps]

@@antimonytin It was a package deal. ;)

[@MarkHeaps]

@@laurasinclair8712 That's wonderfully kind of you Laura. My music life is so separate from my digital imaging/design life. :)

[@Naglfarlindar]

When I eventually went to buy my 'good acoustic', I went to a little store in Sint Truiden called Mick's Muziekgamma. The shop owner, Mick, is a wonderful no-nonsense guy. I once asked him what to look for when buying a drum set. He said: "Hit it. If it makes noise, you're good." As a beginner I often went to him because I thought my guitar needed fixing. On several occasions he tested the guitar and just sent me home again. "Guitar's fine, practice more. No charge." This time, I asked him if he had a decent acoustic, preferably used, that would 'be good enough to gig'. He said: "Weeeelllll, you could buy my old guitar. 's Been my workhorse for 20 odd years when I wouldn't risk my Martin." So I opened the case, expecting some roadworn axe... and it was just immaculate. It almost literally sang to me like in the movies when they open the treasure chest: "Aaaaaaaaaa!". There wasn't the tiniest scratch on it that I could find, not even worn frets. It's a 1990 Martin Shenandoa HD 2832 and Mick made his own bone bridge for it. Not top of the line by any means, but man, to this very day it is the best acoustic I've ever played. Then one day, years later, I was working at a music festival when a friend called me to say my apartment was on fire. I rushed over on my bike during the hottest day of the year and saw that one side of the building was almost completely destroyed. The side of the building where I kept all my guitars next to the wall under the sloping roof. When the firemen let me go inside to get my stuff out, the entire place was black with soot, drenched in water and a good part of the roof was just gone. I had kept my Shenandoah in a cloth-covered styrofoam case, which had holes melted through to the inner lining and glass shards sticking out. When I pulled the guitar out, it was still in tune. All I ever found in damage was a tiny crack in the lacquer. It's still the best acoustic I've ever played.

[@Brentifacation]

wow. what a story!!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@Brentifacation Lucky guitar !

[@HIGHWAYATMIDNIGHT]

Damn dude I’m glad your okay

[@Okayokayokayokayoh]

never let go of that guitar

[@mcslovenc]

damn man what a story indeed. I hope in the end you did not have a lot of problems with finding a new place or repairing the old one. But i am super happy that the guitar you love and adore was okay :)

[@Rhsummers1941]

Rhett you touched a nerve with this one. My first guitar was a Martin D-35 purchased off the wall from Zaverellas music in Northern Virginia in 1970. I was playing drums in a garage band with friends and wanted something to entertain myself with and my guitar playing friends all told me this was a good one. Years went by and I travelled all around the country eventually hitting 48 states and I gave up the drums as I found I didn’t make the grade when I got to the Bay Area in California and turned into a reasonably competent guitar player but through it all it was me and my old Martin. I wrote with it, gigged with it and just plain old lived with it for 40 years till one day I didn’t have the next months mortgage payment and I sold it. I felt pretty good about it as I had payed $600 with a HSC and I sold it for $3000 but within a few months I began to regret what I now view as a moment of weakness and I know now that I sold one of my best friends to pay the rent. Jeez am I a dumb fuck or what. Anyhow if you’ll take a bit of advice from an old picker and I might add an admirer......Don’t ever sell that Taylor. That’s a job for your grandkids when you’re dead and gone. Thanks for letting me rant and keep on pickin’, Rick

[@DC-kd7xh]

I arrived in Hawaii in 1978. I was 21 years old. I had one cheap guitar or another since I was 12. When I got to Hawaii as a young airmen living in the barracks, I needed to find a guitar. I picked up the local newspaper and found a 3-4 year old Yamaha (Nippon Gakki) FG 300. 42 years later, that guitar still sits by my bed and I pick it up every day even if only to play it for a few minutes before going to sleep or when I wake up. It has not been in a case for at least 40 years and it still looks wonderful and plays great. Over the years I've accumulated at least 14 or more additional guitars, both acoustic and electric, from Ovation to Fender to Gibson to Epiphone and more, both 6 and 12 strings. I love them all and never plan on selling any of them as anyone reading this would understand. But my unquestionable favorite remains the Yamaha. One of the tuning keys stripped a couple years ago so I had some gold Grovers put on it that beautifully match the dark patina of the almost 50 year old wood. It still sounds as good or better than any other acoustic I've owned or played and seems to sound better every year. I keep reminding my 15 year old daughter and my wife how important that guitar is so when the day comes and I am gone and my guitar collection goes up on Craigslist, my daughter will keep the Yamaha for the rest of her life to think of me. 🤞

[@maclean525]

There's definitely a difference but it's important to recognize that "first acoustic" is a "dream acoustic" for MANY people. Most players are rocking $200 epiphones. That Taylor is a lifetime guitar.

[@LDBrownArt]

Been playing since 13 and now 70. Went through some nice guitars around 20 years ago: Martin D-18; Takamine; Taylor WC-12 (list $7,500); etc. but the only one I kept is a circa 1965 Japanese made Washburn slope shoulder valued around $1,000 which I bought from a friend for $150. It doesn't have huge volume but has silky complexity that suits flatpicking or fingerstyle. There was a time when I coveted a Collings dreadnought but now I'd find it too loud so I'm glad I resisted the urge. The day may come when backpain sends me into the arms of a parlor guitar at which point I'll revisit Collings. Thanks for doing the taste test, it shows that Taylor can make a fabulous production guitar but it is a hit or miss proposition. When I bought my WC-12 none of the other 30 Taylors in the Guitar Room were even worth the trouble to play.

[@shepaluteprez]

So just a few weeks ago my older brother offered to sell me his 2004 Taylor 514ce for an amazing price. I had owned a number of laminate guitars through the years, but never had a really great"forever guitar." I had always dreamed of having a Martin, but could never afford one. When I saw the intense beauty of the 514's red cedar top and solid mahogany I was already in love with the instrument. But when we put on new strings and began playing it, I had the kind of Christmas morning feeling all through me. I had played a number of Taylors, Martins, and Gibsons in recent years, but none of them to me sounded as good as the 514 now aged 16 years. I don't know if that's a fact, but when you have something amazing that's now your own, nothing else compares.

[@GyanAddict]

Mine is a $30 acoustic made by a local brand. Been playing it for the past 12 years. It's now scratched, has minor damages, one tuning peg handle is broken(I use a pincer to tune it). Still sounds so beautiful.

[@larryisaacs4075]

Having listened to my brother play the guitar for more than forty years, I decided to try to learn to play the guitar. So, no problem off to my local guitar store. I spent several hours looking at guitars and driving the salespeople crazy with a million questions. I made my selection, Fender F230 about forty years old, but I felt like the condition was great. A little background, I am a mechanical engineer and worked in the aerospace industry, I really did not have time or interest in the guitar, now that I am retired why not. Things were moving along playing scales so much my wife asks if I could practice in my shop and not in the house, sure. Well at 72 years old some things take longer to learn and do, fingers don't move as well and for sure not a quick. Two months into my new adventure I suffered a tragic accident. Clearing some brush and fallen trees using a chain saw, a slip and I fell onto the saw cutting my ring finger of my left hand. Surgery was required to repair the damage. Today the finger is working albeit a bit slower and it is hard to bend into some of the chord positions, but I am still trying to play. I have been watching your channel along with Rick Beato and others. I am watching the fingerstyle and the timing, Thank you for the videos. I may not earn a Grammy, but if I can play some easy tunes and have fun learning then it is worth every second and dollar. The comments are long, but you said you like to hear from us. Keep up the great video work.

[@timbolitho8203]

Love that your Dad chipped in the extra to get the Taylor. It’s always rewarding working for something when you’re a teenager but its also fantastic when our parents help get us across the line for something that really matters.

[@matthollins2214]

So great that his Dad realised it was something that would make a difference toon

[@Nonya1010]

Im on my first guitar still, and I’ve only been playing for about a month. I had a bulging disc in my back which prohibited me from doing all that I usually do like running and basketball. So I needed something to do, and I had always wanted to learn guitar. I found my dad’s old guitar which was his first and only, and he hadn’t played it in nearly a decade. I played everyday for hours for 2 weeks, and buying a guitar for myself hadn’t even crossed my mind due to needing to save up for the semester. One day I’m practicing in my room, and my parents walk in with a fender box. I was beyond thankful, and I hope one day that my kid will learn on my CD-60

[@roosky203]

Fucking awesome

[@Usasuperpower]

I got a 2005 dean performer....my wife picked it out from hearing 3 different deans....she said the purple one sounded superb! had it ever since and it has been all over the country and means the world to me! My grand babies have put stickers in the case to which means the world to me! I absolutely love it

[@phenixwarren]

Bourgeois sounds more like I would imagine in a final mix! Sounds like the 110 if it was EQ’d and compressed to me!

[@bndncn]

Agreed! I like the Bourgeois off the mic a little better, but I don't think there's anything about the Taylor that a high pass couldn't fix.

[@ericscaillet2232]

Both correct; but an unadulterated sound from each was the point of this exercise 😉

[@major7thsharp11]

Both are overcompressed. I'm a producer and I wouldn't have a happy time trying to fix this audio.

[@phenixwarren]

gVo I disagree, they sound great! But to each their own. Let’s hear something you’ve produced!

[@damiancafarella4086]

gVo wow, man! If you genuinely think either of these guitars don’t sound workable, then...I won’t discredit you as a producer without hearing your work, but I wouldn’t want you mixing my record. I suspect we have a troll here, folks.

[@JeremyCrookWrites]

My first guitar was a Lotus someone left behind in a storage unit my grandfather owned. The strings were so high off the fretboard I still don't understand how I didnt just give up. I wrote and performed so many songs on that thing and it is covered in emo stickers... still sitting in my office as a token of nostalgia to that beautiful crazy season of my life.

[@evergirl1231]

The editing is so confusing watching you play both of them lol. First watch thorough I'm like....when is he gonna switch guitars? Oh, he was switching the whole time haha

[@ryanwilson5936]

Then I suppose that means that the difference in sound wasn’t apparent to you. That just means that video did it’s job! Pretty crazy how we tend to hear with our eyes huh?

[@frankmayer7960]

@@ryanwilson5936 "we tend to hear with our eyes huh".......enter the world of guitar/gear heads snobs

[@ianjohnson3840]

Your first guitar was $500?😅 I'm getting my second guitar for $200.

[@malcolmcollins9526]

So long as it sounds good, and doesn’t hurt to play, it doesn’t matter what it costs or what brand it is. I’ve played a lot of awful top-brand guitars, and quite a few lovely but cheap ones.

[@benjaminzamora29]

I just ordered 200$ guitar, Yamaha FS800 small body

[@benjaminskrzypek1508]

My first one was 178 and my second was 500 😂

[@aliasgar_mk]

It doesn't matter how much your guitar costs... What matters is the playability... If you can enjoy playing it, it's well and fine....

[@bimomuzakki9379]

dude, my first and only guitar is only 93 dollars

[@finnfransen_official279]

The Bourgeois: ''I hate it when you talk about your ex''

[@bjorgvinharribjarnason6010]

Nice to hear this story Rhett, my first acoustic was exactly the same guitar, Taylor 110e. I bought it from the local guitar store almost 20 years ago, have been playing it ever since and I love it.

[@guitargeek57]

Taylor is one of those guitar brands that I JUST CANNOT make sound good. I love the way you make that guitar sound. It was bright, snappy, and lovely.... when I play Taylors they sound harsh and horrid. I'm a Martin & Gibson guy... which is perfectly fine because there are plenty of beautiful Martins and Gibsons to choose from.

[@MichaelTheophilus906]

I had a Gibson J-45. I was like beating on a hollow log.

[@PoppinDC4114]

That’s the guitar center where I got my first acoustic as well. Small world.

[@brianbarr6972]

First guitar amp for me. Small world.

[@SpencyP92]

Been playing guitar for 17 years. Not only did I not hear a difference, I didnt even notice you were switching guitars

[@itisaporsche]

LOL...I didn't know he switched either

[@TheChzoronzon]

Did you listen with tiny speakers or something? In my (admitely nice) hi-fi system the difference is pretty evident, waaay more body on the expensive one, also clear with mid level headphones... another question entirely is if the price difference makes sense, probably not in most cases

[@xphantom1177]

Spencer Porter cuz Taylor guitars is really good

[@bimomuzakki9379]

my dad was told that all of accoustic guitar is just same

[@neiefnet]

I'm listening on a good sound system. For me, the differences are very obvious. The Taylor is good, but definitely not at the same level.

[@joshuakettlehake5051]

I bought my first guitar just a few months ago. It is a Taylor GS Mini. Like your Taylor, I believe that it punches well above its weight class too. I have wanted to learn how to play the guitar for many years. Life has just gotten in my way. Now I am at a place where I can, and playing and practicing are far and away my happiest hobbies. Music is the best therapy. I appreciate people like you and Matthew Scott. It inspires me to continue to work to get better and better a little bit everyday. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@nicolasharward2835]

My dad always play guitar since I before I was born and grew up loving watching and listening to him play, I loved music in general. I finally started showing more interest in learning about a year ago always wanting to pick up my dad's blueridge and asking questions to the point one day he said hold on one second... I was like okay.. he went into his room.. into the closet.. and grabbed a brand new taylor 114ce and handed to me and said "if your going to keep learning a playing your going to need something to learn on, so you and borrow this." I was stunned.. i played everyday for hours sometimes and loved the way the narrow neck and ebony fret board felt.. loved the way it sounded bright and snappy but resonated very well.. and learned everything on that guitar and one day when my dad noticed I was going to keep playing and it wasn't just a phase he basically said that I had inherited that guitar and I started playing in our local church we been attending about 3 years now.. in the last 6 months or so I bought a breedlove and I love the way it looks, sounds and plays but it will never take the place of my first guitar. I honestly like the playability of the Taylor much better, it's more comfortable and easier to play but I do like the sound the breedlove produces. Would love yo get my hands on a taylor with the koa wood.

[@bobbaleno4894]

there is a point of diminishing returns you pay more for small increases

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

for acoustic guitars it first kicks in at the point where they start using real solid wood vs mdf ( laminated sounds way too fancy for sawdust and glue) than again when they use the real tonewoods like mahogany and rosewood vs sapele and other excuses, long story short 70's made used guild acoustic guitars are a great deal.

[@davidkulmaczewski4911]

@@yaniv-nos-tubes I don't know . . . I recently comparison shopped some modestly-priced 12 string acoustics. After trying everything available in my price range (and a few that were one click up) -- including a few that had solid tonewood backs and sides -- the winner by far was a dead simple Martin, with a solid sitka top but "sawdust and glue" back and sides, fingerboard, *and* neck. Sonically it blew away all the competition, and even out performed a Taylor that cost nearly 50% more. Quality engineering and careful manufacturing can overcome material limitations, and even make common materials shine.

[@le_th_]

Is there? Or is it possible that the hours and hours you spend playing and enjoying the richer sound quality of any particular instrument, over years and years, worth so much more than the initial investment you made? I don't think you can make such a black-and-white statement for every single guitar player in the world. That statement may be true for you and others will likely not share your subjective opinion. Oh, and I'm not a musician: just someone who appreciates music and musicianship. ...but sure, if you only pull out your guitar occasionally then that applies. I'm guessing that likely applies to you.

[@utoobia]

No doubt. When I think a guitar is a 9 on a scale of 10, to get to a 10 you have to spend 10 times it’s cost. Same deal for stereo equipment etc etc. Not worth it, maybe, unless your fabulous wealthy. And even then.....

[@utoobia]

Oh, one of my favorite guitars is an SX Liquid, made by RONDO! 😳 It’s an electric and cost me $119. I’ve never had any desire to even change the pickups. It’s well-made, plays easily and sounds great.

[@patrickflanary8195]

I still own "my" first guitar. I'll explain the quotation marks shortly. My first and still favorite guitar is a mid 70s Epiphone FY-140 dreadnaught. Its hanging on the wall right over there. I was born in 1977 and my parents dated several years before they were married in 1975 while my dad was in the Navy. Through letter writing my dad bragged that he could play but didn't have a guitar. So for his birthday a few months before they were married, my mom bought him this guitar. She paid quite a bit of money for it as she tells it. Something like $200 in '75. Well....my dad couldn't and can't play a note. So that guitar sat in the corner of their bedroom until I was 11 or 12 when I started getting interested in music. I learned all the early basics on it and have written dozens of songs with it. It's been around the world with me while I was in the Army. Years later, when I was in my late 20s my dad came to visit me. We were hanging out in my studio and I had several of my instruments on display, including the old Epiphone. At that moment he decided to take it back and take some lessons. I was stunned. He took it and got a few lessons. And soon (my mom filled me in) quit the lessons. I went and visited him one day and it was in a stand in the corner of the living room. I picked it up while he was watching TV and started playing it. It caught his attention and he started watching me. Apparently impressed, he finally said, "You can go on and take that back with you, bud!" Love my dad. Love that guitar.

[@michaeloberly6129]

Since discovering your channel a couple of weeks ago, I've been binging on some of your older videos, and this one is probably my favorite. It was just nice to hear you talk about your first 'real' guitar, and about your start in playing. My first was an Alvarez acoustic (not an expensive one, but it was the best guitar in the pawn shop when I bought it)...it had a sunburst top, and sort of a country and western themed pickguard. I also played the crap out of it until the bridge eventually split and I gave it to a friend who was interested in repairing it. I love these stories, and everyone has them.

[@mdowney14]

Wow - that was one of the best A/B comparisons I've seen between acoustics. The difference between the two was huge. Well done!

[@bolillo5013]

I’m still on my first guitar; a “candy apple red” fender squier HSS Stratocaster.

[@SuperHugocoelho]

Same but mine is sunburst vintage modern, with duncan designed pickups on it

[@bolillo5013]

Nice

[@jimboaudio1655]

Hugo Coelho same. Great first electric for me

[@nikmidclayton5933]

I have my blue squier still

[@jacobpittman1996]

Cool, Gavin B! I bought one a while back, same color and configuration. It’s a lovely finish. I will probably let it be one of my kids’ first guitars if they want to play.

[@akio_0110]

is no one gonna talk about how clean he played wish you were here by pink floyd

[@mickmccuaig8340]

Totally agree, that was something

[@JeighNeither]

You mean how he played it incorrectly? And IMO badly....

[@JeighNeither]

He plays the wrong phrasings at least a dozen times, and none of his fingerings are correct. He is also sliding into notes that should be bent into... just listen to the original and then listen to his version, or better yet; Google a live version and see for yourself. His timing is not so great either.

[@akio_0110]

@@JeighNeither I said cleanly not correctly lol, but still tho, lets not argue about it

[@akio_0110]

@Dookie Brown wow, you completely said what I was supposed to reply

[@ziaride]

Still on my first a Yamaha FG800, also has the scalloped bracing. My first Yamaha without wheels. I researched a lot before getting it and decided it had the best bang for the buck in my budget. The guys at the shop were helpful and also mentioned the Yamaha line handled the exceptionally dry climate here in the desert better than other entry models and a good choice for the environment and they'd had none come back with cracking or other drying issues they'd seen on some others.

[@johnminer8672]

My first guitar was a Taylor 114e. Very similar to yours, just the Grand Auditorium body shape. I really liked the guitar, but the one that really spoke to me was a Taylor 224ce Koa. I kept going to the store to play it and my wife really encouraged me to buy it. I sold the 114 and still have the 224ce Koa. Everyone who plays it falls in love with it and I'm very glad I got it. My dad even decided to get the same guitar because he was always a little jealous when he came over 🤣.

[@StephenSpelman]

Wonderful story. I've learned that the only way to keep from "forgetting" a guitar you still own, is to make sure it stays out of the case. If I see it, I play it. If it's in the case, I never even think of it. And I'm looking at my first guitar right now (which I use as my Google/KZbin photo) - my 1968 hard tailed Strat, now beat to heck, but, bought new for $210 (as I recall), with money earned from picking cucumbers. (Before that I played some crappy piece of junk with the action way up, which I borrowed occasionally from a friend's brother, learning chords from a Mel Bay book). I eventually made a full-time living with that Strat for a long time, playing rock and roll dance music for drunk people in bars. What a great life! And Rhett - once again, thanks for another super video.

[@EliseoCaporale]

How much does a 1968 strat cost today?? Around 3k-4k??

[@wilkstheguitarman3103]

That's awesome, what color is the strat?

[@endocry]

I'm super OCD about keeping my guitars in their cases. Mainly because it's a dry, hot, and dusty climate where I live. But I see your point.

[@StephenSpelman]

@@endocry I completely get it, and I've got friends who are completely that way. But if I don't see it, I don't play it - probably because of my ADD, or maybe because I'm just to lazy to open the case!

[@kenz2756]

What the hell even is a "case" lol. Never had one.

[@EnterJustice]

9:51 for the actual sound comparison

[@emptyellie6174]

Thank you!

[@tedboughter-dornfeld5281]

Thanks for sharing Rhett - your channel is an inspiration for me and many others. First serious axe is a topic all musicians / guitarists can relate too - always a bit of magic in every first - especially for the greats. And every professional was once an amateur..

[@starr6581]

My 1st guitar was a 1960s EKO texan, passed down from 1 of my sisters. I played it for years before 'upgrading' to a Tanglewood TMO-7S round back electro for £200 in 1992. It was a budget copy of the classic Ovation. I still have it and love it.

[@francerodriguez4367]

As a musician, guitars are not just guitars. For me, they help you to tell stories and express them through songs. That’s why I really love my fender acoustic guitar because whenever i am happy or sad, it can really help me to express my feelings. And also use it to praise Jesus❤️

[@melodylamour6123]

I don't have my own guitar. My daughter is allowing me to use her Washburn 3/4 acoustic guitar. I am grateful to be able to use it. Thanks to people like you on KZbin, I am learning just as she did when she was a teen, thru online learning. I got a long way to go, but I'm having fun laughing with myself as I go.

[@raysyoutubehandle]

My first guitar is a K. Yairi YW700N acoustic that is handed down to me. My Dad lived in Tokyo as a construction worker in the early 90s, and initially, he didn't make as much as he wanted. He bought this guitar at a secondhand guitar store, and he would busk in Shinjuku every night playing The Beatles and Queen songs. Fast forward years later, I remember watching my Dad played a set of songs to me, and as a child, I watched him perform as if I was at a concert. This is one of the events that sparked my interest in picking up the instrument. I was probably 4 or 5 at the time, and I remember being so small I could fit into the hard case. I still have the guitar, and it still has the original handwritten receipt written in Japanese that came with it on the day it was bought. I still play the guitar to this day.

[@rondelio8562]

I still have my first "real" guitar, which is actually my 3rd. It is a Gianinni classical made in Brazil of some nice sounding, but unknown tone woods. She is a beauty, but only worth about $15 in pawn shops. I bought it using my 2nd guitar (a Kay) in 1977 for a total of $110 including the $40 I got for the the Kay in trade. It has been everywhere, done everything I put it to, but in 2006, when the original chip board case finally, literally fell apart, I bought a real hard shell case for her and retired her, and switched to my Martin DCM as my go-to acoustic, and the growing handful on electrics I was acquiring then. Great little guitar, and now that I teach elementary school, I occasionally pull her out to show my music students. It has almost 0 trade in value, but she has miles upon miles of sentimental value that can never be replaced!!

[@budgetracing3425]

I grew up playing my dad's 68' Guild D-40E that my mom bought for him, she sold her horse to pay for it (yes we are rural folk). I was on again off again on the guitar for years during my 20's but got back into playing after my wife & I had children. My dad and I always joked that the Guild was my "Inheritance" although it really isn't worth a lot of money it has a lot of value to us. On my 40th birthday my dad gave that guitar to me and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Since then I have the neck re-set and some cracks stabilized and it will always be in my family. Guitars are tools, a way to rid yourself of stress, express yourself and one of the best roles they play is a part of the story of our lives. Love your channel Rhett, keep up the good work.

[@cszollinger]

Those 60s Guilds are amazing. Awesome story!

[@steveb9325]

Started on a 20 dollar nylon string guitar from Mexico. In the 70's Loved her! First guitar for a musician/guitarist is like the women/girl you first made love to. Very special. You never forget❤

[@jimdaryl3532]

I’m still on my first guitar, it’s a sixty dollar rogue acoustic my family got me for Christmas. It’s been good to learn on because if I can make that one sound ok, I’ll be golden when I upgrade

[@johnvm3143]

I am getting my first guitar next week. It's a gift from myself, to me, with love, I

[@robbyatmaja6896]

When you go to that open strings, the expensive one speaks more to me. It has clearer, brighter, and more articulated tones, and I agreed you for "more balance on mids and lows". Price wise, I go to the cheapest one, the Taylor.

[@ItsCootie]

Parents bought me my first guitar when I was around 12 or 13, played it for about a month and then never toughed it again for about 10 years. Then one day I got a really big urge to want to learn how to play my favorite songs on guitar so I found it and taught myself using apps and I haven't put it down. It's been a little over 3 years since then and to this day I'm so glad I decided to pick it up again. Kinda angry at 12 year old me for not keeping to it but I'm glad I got back to it.

[@PatrickAllyn]

This was a great video. I like how you turned a basic thing (guitar A vs. guitar B) and turned it into a story/minimovie. Well done!

[@brianhenson4128]

Thanks for sharing your story. My first guitar was my grandpa's guitar. I learned how to restoring it because it was missing 4 strings. Which actually helped me learn because I worked on links on the low e string and high e string. After going around and learning some things I got some new strings for it and learned several songs on it. I got this guitar when my grandpa passed away. When my family saw I was getting better and was out growing that guitar which was very basic my sister bought me a new sawtooth for Christmas. It is a lot easier to play and has better action. I still have my grandpa's guitar and I am trying to teach my little girl how to play who is 8 years old. I could never afford to own or play a guitar before this but always wanted to. So I am always going to appreciate that guitar I was a blessing in disguise.

[@missmymountain]

Long read but stick with me here, I think this is a pretty great first guitar story: In 1999 I was about to be discharged from the Navy. A buddy of mine was also getting out and heading back to California. He'd bought a cool running and driving but a little rusty and worn '68 Firebird and owed the guy $600 on it, couldn't afford to get it back to California, and told me if I paid the guy the $600 I could have the car and title. I moved back to WV with car and began showing up in that Firebird on the very common Saturday night picking sessions. In those days word traveled pretty far about these picking sessions and we always had new folks showing up to join in. A really talented young man walked in one night with a '74 D45. Not a real common sight at all in our neck of the woods. We got to talking about my car and he offered to trade me even - D45 for Firebird. I knew what the guitar was, and about what it was worth, and I wouldn't let him do it; I figured it was the 'shine talking. I turned him down for three more weekends. I finally figured out he was very serious about the trade and was still young and dumb and didn't know what to do with his paycheck so I handed him the Firebird keys and title and took the D45. These musicians were all hard working, blue collar (mostly coal miners), salt of the earth type folks. Most of them deserved the guitar way more than me but couldn't (or wouldn't) buy it. Now, I basically couldn't play a lick and still can't. Carrying that D45 into those rooms and being terrible at playing made me feel like an idiot. The gentleman that most often hosted the get-togethers could play just about anything incredibly well and loved it when he got the chance to play my guitar. I ended up just trading for his old Washburn a few months later. The best trades I've ever made.

[@zeroceiling]

Seriously...you think you got the better of that deal?.....A half decent 1968 Firebird is easily moving towards the $30 K figure even unrestored as long as it’s decent..(of course a nice 396 or 455 or whatever the heck they had back then for big power would bring it well over top of that even further). A 74 D45 might pull $6 to $8 K at best...depending on the condition.. Just my opinion....

[@missmymountain]

@@zeroceiling I understand your point but I can say without a doubt I got the better end of the deal. It's much deeper than a dollar. The Firebird (it was a 350 Pontiac/4 speed Muncie) probably had a value of $5k. Even if the '68 was worth more I see it like this; I spent $600, had a ball with the car for about a year, satisfied a young man's hot rod dream, ended up with a decent guitar for myself, and got to make the day of a good friend and great musician who has a heart of gold.

[@richardn5385]

@@missmymountain You made 3 people happy and still ended up with a guitar, money isn't everything. I would say that YOU have a heart of gold... Thank you for sharing that great story, seriously

[@femix26]

My first was an Alvarez, so was my second. .. and my third.

[@benjaminzamora29]

I'm ordered my second guitar today!

[@tmm786]

My first was an Alvarez as well. I remember saying many times I'd put it up against many Taylors or Martins any day!

[@Southernguitar74]

I've owned 3 Martin D-18's and I honestly think my Alvarez masterworks md60bg sounds and plays better than any of them. It has most of the same appointments, plus some extra touches that make it even nicer. Build quality is superb. It is an absolute cannon, and is an all around better guitar, IMO. The big difference is it is an import, and costs 1/3 the price of the D-18. I love the Alvarez masterworks series, and the Yairi line. Outstanding values.

[@dxscrusher]

Alvarez-Yairi is my main guitar. I've only played a couple guitars over 40 years that I'd trade the Yairi away for. Alvarez is a very solid econo to mid brand, and tops with the Yairi hand made line.

[@JR-pr8jb]

My first (1959, age 15, rural Indiana) was a mail-order Kay archtop, for $15, God knows why. Somehow it led places, to local teenage bands, to my main armchair pleasure in my old age.

[@edj.5987]

Thanks for the great video. In 1984, I got a Guild D-15 for my birthday. 36 years later, it's still with me by my side and I still strum it when I can. But, yes, the feel, the look, the sound, and the smell of this guitar has been a big part of my life. I'm just an amateur but I know my life is all the better having had a beautiful and sturdy guitar with me through thick and thin.

[@Belingle]

Cool to see another Bourgeois player! My first “real” guitar was also a Taylor laminate! They sound pretty good honestly. Once I started learning about boutique guitars I knew bourgeois was the one I wanted. Started looking around and found some incredible deals! I now have two (soon to be three).

[@samgibbons580]

It looks like we share a "first" guitar! I remember getting mine after playing on my stepmother's old crappy hummingbird mockery. The first time I took it out to play it I was amazed with how bright and natural it sounded compared to the other. Truly a fantastic and beautiful instrument. I put so many miles on this bad boy and played it every day after football practice even though I was too exhausted to move. Just wanted to say since then I've not played it too much due to similar circumstances as yours, but you've inspired me to pull it out, get it restrung, cleaned up, and put it back out where it belongs with the rest of my instruments. Thank you so much man, it's deeply appreciated

[@alphatango831]

yes sir, I just bought a new beginner guitar, a few days ago and I really enjoy the start of my guitar learning journey. I'm 39, and all I can say I'm sorry I didn't start earlier.

[@big_daddy_provolone5433]

I love how "wish you were here" was stuck in my head from the first strum and he plays it in the comparison towards the end.

[@BrianBatemanSEOllc]

My first acoustic guitar was delivered 4 days ago. Also my first electric. And some finger slides. I have an app on the computer and phone and practiced the first 30 minutes on 3 frets and 3 strings the first day. The second day, I listened to music all day. Today I'm watching KZbin videos about music theory and mistakes. Anyway, I'm going to try to just make it a habit to play 30 minutes for my dinner. Wish me luck.

[@WowzaGuy]

You can do it!

[@5000rgb]

You don't need luck because I know you can do it so I'll wish nothing happens to interrupt your practice. Even 15 minutes a day will make a lot of progress.

[@flouisbailey]

You sound like me gave up on guitar in 1970, with room mates and a big house we had a studio in one room. They intimidated me and I quit. Ordered a guitar by phone and picked it up much like you did, when Kovid1984 unlocked. How I wished I had played for 49 years but I practice every day like you. Its hours of practice and sore fingers. Cheers

[@johnbrasher1495]

Nothing wrong with theory, but it doesn't keep people playing. The thing that really teaches you to play is learning songs. Learn acoustic AND electric tunes, the more the better. This is playing music you love AND practicing at the same time. Songs will advance your playing by light years. Plus, other people want to hear songs, not noodling or theory.

[@flouisbailey]

@@johnbrasher1495 So true tried to watch a tube on music theory in one hour....I might have made 15 or so minutes. Yes, to songs.

[@tylerresnick2480]

My favorite guitar in the whole world is my dad’s Yamaha F-310 that he gave to me when I was younger. I think it might be worth $150 retail, but it’s worth way more than that to me. I love it

[@christiansernaruiz1882]

Thanks to share so good your personal memory of your first guitar, i loved, and that taylor sound amazing, never never let it go!

[@mannamedbanjo]

I literally went to that guitar center all the time when I was a kid!

[@lylamallari]

My first "real" guitar is my main current: Epiphone Les Paul, and he runs like a charm. I got him for Christmas last year and played every day since. Before that (two and some years ago), I played an acoustic Fender DG-8S Nat. It's over a decade old, and it wasn't bought for me. My parents had bought it for my older sister, and I didn't even see her play it ever, even though I was a toddler and probably wouldn't have remembered anyways. The Fender works alright though, it's kinda just sitting in the corner of my room; I play it while lying down in bed or learning a new fingerstyle, but I definitely play my LP more.

[@joaquinodriozola4963]

Since you are young i want to give you some advice. Learn and study a lot. Listen to a lot of different music and be open. Be curious. Dont close yourself to just one style. Listen to blues, bossa nova, acient folk, classical, jazz everything. And pay atention carefuly to all the instruments when listening to a song. This is a never ending adventure you jumped to and i congratulate you!

[@lylamallari]

@@joaquinodriozola4963 thank you! I really appreciate the advice, and I do try to listen to as much new music as I can, but I can only play a few genres, the future remains bright and open towards new things

[@jecejka]

My first guitar was a Sears Silvertone flattop (I’m kinda giving away my age here), and playing in was an exercise in exquisite torture. The strings sat a full quarter inch above the fretboard, and it took an Ironman grip to even chord the thing. But, despite being the musical equivalent of an iron maiden, I was finally able to actually learn some tunes on the beast, even though it was probably better suited as kindling. I wonder how many aspiring musicians got disgusted attempting to play the beast and just tossed it into the back of the closet.

[@stanleylooney4468]

I have one I had gotten in a trade off because it was better than not getting ANY of my money back that the guy owed me. Worst guitar I have ever had... LO Thought about giving it to my Ex but I don't hate her that much. LOLOLOL

[@carolinenothwanger3000]

I had one of those too, got it and the record that came with for my birthday at 13! Terrible thing to play tore, my fingers up something awful.

[@MelodyMaker]

Yup. The thing about me was....I didn't know about the "truss rod" and the guitar term "action". I've since got the old thumper less "beasty".

[@isaiasdelacruz6791]

YOUR GUITAR JUST NEEDS A BIT OF SETTING UP. LIKE THE ACTION ON THE 12TH FRET AND THE STRING HEIGHT AT THE NECK. I DO MY OWN SETTING UP TO CUT COST, SO I LEARNED TO MAKE MY GUITARS SOUND AND PLAY BETTER. YOUR GUITAR WILL BECOME A BEAUTY WITH THAT JOB INSTEAD OF THE BEAST IT IS NOW.

[@dholl1498]

My first ever guitar, was an acoustic first act, I learned basic chords on that one. I got my first Jay Turser when I was 12 I'm 22 now I've had it for 10 years, I played my first talent show with it. My first church gig, my first festival everything, I always took it with me. It's always been my go to guitar I always tell people I have an emotional attachment with it because of the history we have. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@Propelled]

Rhett, I appreciate this post a great deal. I just picked up a 110e based on this post. The lady had it tuned and actioned for her, I have to say, it is as sweet as the day is long. I think that it having no bracing actually aids in it’s resonance and sound projection, I can feel it pretty strongly against me. It has wonderful resonance. It’s a titan from Tecate! Gracias amigos y amigas!

[@tomoliver8976]

Rhett, he live with a friend of mine and his son, Clay Cook. Clay and John went to school together then moved back to Atlanta writing and playing together. John went to to his fame and Clay is now in the Zack Brown Band.

[@RhettShull]

did your friend own a music store around here? I think I know him

[@tomoliver8976]

@@RhettShull Yes and a great guitar player So see even us fossils watch :)

[@micwalt]

Call me crazy, but I actually kinda prefer the clarity and brightness of the Taylor. My first guitar was a no-name, 3/4 nylon string POS that I got for my 9th birthday. I still have it in the closet in my music room, but it hasn't seen the light of day since I used to let my son beat on it when he was a toddler.

[@WilfulAlmond6]

Man, time flies doesn't it

[@bambostarla6259]

The taylor sounded nice but it was thinner compared to the boutique guitar. The latter has a very rich sound

[@chadcoady9025]

My first acoustic was a cheap fender. My first “good” guitar is a seagull performer with flame maple back and sides that is simply gorgeous.

[@jamesryan5436]

@@chadcoady9025 my own story is very similar I have had and still do have some serious guitars and during this lockdown I bought a seagull maratime sws for half its list price I got it for 380 euro and it is gorgeous for the money it holds its own with far more expensive ones . As for my old fender I loved that thing it's still in use by my dad it's 25 years old cost about 60 punts in the day

[@snakemont]

Great Storytelling Thank you!

[@MichaelBoonie]

I'm 57. When I went to college in 1981, I took my dad's now-vintage Yamaha FG160 dreadnought. It was my only acoustic for years, until I turned 40 and my parents and siblings surprised me with a Martin OOO (Jimmy Buffet Shellback.) I now own about a dozen various stringed instruments, but the Yammie was a sentimental favorite. I hadn't played it in for many years, and recently set it up and restrung it for my son, who now has it in his bedroom. I played it again just recently, and while I forgot ho high the action gets by the 10th fret, and how "clubby" the neck now feels compared to my newer guitars (I have small hands), it still had that amazingly deep and rich dreadnought sound I remembered. It sounds every bit as rich and balanced as solid-top Martin dreads I've played. I feel happy that it's being passed on to a third generation. (Oh, my mom and I replaced dad's guitar with a newer and nicer Yamaha FG model after I graduated college.)

[@tcos332]

I'd rather have a guitar that "Feels" better playing and not sound "Perfect". There's nothing worse than strumming a cheaply made acoustic that almost hurts to play or hold a Dmaj open chord on. I'm all about Feel over Sound Like Melody over Lyrics

[@maxwellfan55]

Good point, I was thinking that too. The feel will make you want to buy a guitar as well as the sound.

[@opaarthib15]

18 years ago my older sister bought me my very first guitar spending 70% of her first income ! Siblings love is amazing.

[@annarakannan6620]

I have an Eastman AC222CE.. Absolutely love it. Plays like a dream and sounds great with a lot of warmth and solid low/mid. All Solid wood, SitKa spruce solid top and solid Ovankol back and sides with Ebony fretboard and han scalloped bracings inside for a fraction of the cost.

[@jessiemartinez7681]

I really enjoy videos like these when there is a story behind it.

[@sambitsardar2135]

When I saw someone playing the guitar for the first time in life, I had seen an spanish acoustic guitar, but didn't knew that guitars also had divisions at that time & I ended up unfortunately by buying a Hawaiian guitar. When I again gained knowledge about the types of guitars & everything else in details, then I had no options but I adjusted to some extent by filing down the original wooden nut (not the steel nut though) and started to practice. It was really a very horrible experience by pressing down such, high action. But after few years I've finally bought a proper acoustic guitar, (Hertz, HZA-4000). Now, that old guitar is packed up & I don't play it at all. I'll never sell it because it's the guitar because of which I had to force myself to find more & even more knowledge. I was blessed by that guitar though.

[@F1N13]

Whenever I was in 10th grade, I had my best friend tell me that "one of my electrics isnt working properly, I might just throw it away, or do something with it.." and I told him that I would take it because I was interested in playing guitar. So one day after school he told me to meet him in the parking lot, I found him sitting in his moms car.. he got out popped the trunk and gave me a red epiphone 339 and a vox amp.. I was shocked.. the guitar was beautiful, as to my amazement, he told me what was wrong with everything, and we parted ways.. I got home and imminently plugged it in, playing the first song I knew how to play.. Down on the Corner, as my dad taught me 1 easy song lol... I later watched so many videos on how to fix guitars and knowing all the ins and out of one, fixed it myself.. that beautiful guitar is still with me till this day. As I dont play it as much because I have 9 other guitars and I mainly play my Fender Tele and Gibson 335... that guitar will always have a special place in my heart.

[@zebumeat]

My 110 is my first guitar and I still play it even though I have new guitars. Love it so much and really resonated with your story. Thanks so much!!

[@ianus48]

Got my first good guitar in 1970 from a music store in a tovn called Bodø, in the north of Norway. It was a Ibanez (Martin D 35 copy) that cost me about 90 dollars. Had a spruce top and rosewood sides and back, all solid. Have played it allmost every day since, still playes well and are getting better and better soundwise. Develloped a "belly" 15 years ago, had to install a "bridge-doctor", worked great, did not hurt the sound. Gonna play it forever, thats not so very long, I am 73 now...

[@beatmasterbossy]

Oh my God, the bourgeois sounds SO much nicer fuller and warmer. Is it 10 times better, no, but when you realize you have to spend that kind of money to get that sound, yes, its worth it. By. A. Mile.

[@applebutter4036]

Yeah, that's a fantastic sounding guitar.

[@SavyBajaBuster]

The bourgeois guitar does sound nicer than the taylor to be fair but you only really notice it when they're played side by side like this, its no way 10 times better and your average listener is not going to know any difference anyway.. I would like one tho coz it looks stunning😋😁

[@evanmcdonnal]

The difference in sound could be had for about $1000 though. I don't think that guitar has some amazing sound, really just the difference between solid back and sides vs laminate which always lacks lows and low mids.

[@padywac1970]

Sound is subjective. I like the Taylor better. I’m well off enough to not care about a 4500$ difference. If the guitars were side by side, and the same price, I would choose the Taylor every time.

[@DangerousOne326]

The Taylor is better.. lol.

[@kris100990]

When I was in college, I was looking for an acoustic guitar to play and ended up falling in love with a mahogany top Taylor 320. I saved up every penny I had to buy it and even haggled with the store owner to keep the case in order to bring the cost down! I had a case anyway, and he gave me the deal. Little did I know that a few months later, my future wife would come up to me asking if she could play it because it looked and sounded so nice. I use that guitar now to play lullabies for our baby son.

[@nayanavarghese7814]

That really warmed my heart dude! Amazing

[@robertkiene4073]

I was traveling in Australia with a guitar player who promised to teach me how to play. I went into a pawn shop in Sydney and chose one of two guitars hanging on the wall. It was an Emperador model 1240. I paid 50 Australian dollars for it. I still have it 35 years later and love it. The guitar player welshed on his promise and I had to teach myself. I learned from the internet that the guitar was manufactured in Japan in the early 70s and was one of the first ones made to be imported from the far east to the USA.

[@joshcampbell8969]

I realize this is video is two years old, but it got me in the feels... My first "real" guitar (meaning more than a used $100 Epiphone) was a Seagull S6 CW+. I was looking to spend about $500 on a new acoustic, and I just wasn't loving the guitars that I played at the local guitar store. Then the salesperson said I should check out the Seagull. It was vastly different from everything else I had tried. It was also $200 more than what I wanted to spend, but I couldn't leave the store without it after I had played it. For the next 21 years, that thing moved all around the country with me. It kept me company, it kept me (relatively) sane, and it kept me from killing myself, because regardless of what was going on in my life, that guitar always made me feel better. I played it in several churches, a friend's wedding, all sorts of good memories. This winter, I was having to adjust the setup on it because I was getting a lot of fret buzz. Sadly, the truss rod snapped. It was awful. It was like losing a family member. I hope to one day be able to fix it, but I needed a good guitar in the meantime, which brought me to buying a demo model of a Taylor 317e. I initially had some buyer's remorse because it was way more than I felt like I should spend, but every time I pick that thing up any regrets vanish. I play it so much now, and I absolutely love it, but that Seagull still has a big piece of my heart. Anyway, sorry to ramble.

[@nelsonty6686]

My very 1st guitar was a gift from my grandmother when she was still alive. I've had it for 11years now and helped me through tough times. Also helped me get laid countless times hahaha

[@spencertorres6039]

I just turned 17 on the 4th of this month. I've only been playing guitar for about 2 years when my uncle gave me his old squire strat and matching amp, which currently pooped out on me so im looking at fixing it. Anyways I didn't touch it much at the time I was busy, but once I had more time on my hands, I had more strings in my hands. I have always been good with music and instruments, and I knew I could be good at this too with some practice. It took a lot less time than I thought to play the things I wanted to. I bought by first acoustic for 50 bucks, a 70s era Hondo II from a flea market. It's bad, but i loved it because I wasn't as much into guitars as I am today. Fingerpicking came a little too naturally to me because I was pretty good like right off the bat. First song I leaned on acoustic was Don't Think Twice it's Alright by Bob Dylan. Now I own an Epiphone 12 string, the same 2 guitars I've had since the beginning, a fender strat, a les Paul that I built from scratch from a kit and I put prs humbuckers in it, and a Taylor 414ce, my baby that I take everywhere. Everyone makes me feel good when I play because of all the reactions I get like "wow you're so good holy crap" it makes me feel special. Music has always been my passion. Always will. I hope to make music that lives lives after im gone. I also hope everyone else here enjoys holding as guitar as much as I do. ✌️

[@christianlassen3948]

I got my first "good" steelstring on easter of 1977, bought from a small music store in Carmel/California : a Michael GURIAN SR3 (Sitka/Rosewood small jumbo type) , I still have it and even though the extra narrow neck makes playing the cowboy chords a bit difficult I love it dearly to this very day. It's been my companion and confidante through so many years ... my "good" (and only other) steelstring today is a Santa Cruz 00012-fret all mahogany (000-1929) that has really opened up now after 5 or 6 years that I have it and it's clearly the better instrument of the two - it's a keeper for sure but we'll see how emotionally attached I will become.... Rhett, this is a great show, I enjoy it very much and hope to see + hear and learn much more !

[@ryanharris738]

Just bought my first guitar a week ago, got an ibanez acoustic. Was at the local store and it really resonated with me. I'm excited for the journey ahead with it, and hopefully ten years later it still stands up to whatever new acoustic I may have

[@nevets1871]

There’s a super slight difference that I hear between the two(I’m listening through my iPhone’s speakers) and it’s almost like the more expensive guitar has just a slightly brighter sound to it. When I listen to it, it almost feels like I’m listening to the theme of an enchanted forest.

[@IanHarsh]

My first “real” acoustic is a Taylor 114ce, bought from a Guitar Center as well, and I just haven’t been able to justify getting a “better” more expensive acoustic since then. There’s something about the lack of bracing in the 100 series that really helps it “punch above its weight class,” like you said, and I just love the sound of it. It also plays remarkably well for the price!

[@singlestarman]

Have a J45 Gibson bought as a kid from a pawn shop! still have it! Love it! thank you - keep rocking - thank you for the great instrument and equipment notes!

[@donboudreau9963]

I'm from Maine and played a friends Bourgeois sloped Dreadnaught, it was definitely WOW. I have had Taylors all my life 410, 310ce, 815ce, they were all great. I have a Gibson SJ200 now and the Taylor 310ce. But something else that has thoroughly impressed me for what you get for the dollar is a Yamaha FG820 for $320 and that thing is competing with the Taylor no problem in playability and sound. I would definitely recommend that FG800 series instruments for beginners and active musicians alike for a low cost option.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I've got a "first guitar" story that is hopefully worthy... My upstairs neighbor was a single mother with character, let's call it that, character. About fifteen years ago she asked me if I wanted to buy a black/white Mexi-Stratocaster along with this huge Marshall tube amp, speaker cabinet included. All this for $450 or close to that. I knew %$^! about guitars then. But I thought I could tell it was a deal. So I did the deed and bought it. I had a friend who was really good and he gave me FREE lessons. What was there to lose? Until one day that said single mother's x-boyfriend came smashing through my front door. He was built like a fire hydrant, not all that tall, but burly - you know the type. Further more, staring into his eyes, it was like staring at pinwheels suffused with red. This man had surely been doing his daily mix of recreational, uh, supplements. And he was amped up to get what turned out to be, for a time, his guitar and amp back. My leg was broken, I just sat in the corner bewildered. I did call the police instantly. But it took them between 25 and 30 minutes to arrive. San Rafael, California, some police! By then pretty Marshall amp and Mexi-strat gone. The police decided to not take a report even. So, I grew to like playing, and I later bought a blizzard pearl colored American-Strat and a Line 6 amp at the "Bananas at Large" music shop. I thought I'd buy a Les Paul much later from another guitar instructor. That Les Paul turned out to be of the Chibson variety. Nice instructor! So I threw what little money I had down on an actual GIBSON LP Custom (black) at the Guitar Center and have been happy ever since. The End.

[@generalbarry]

As to the "fireplug" "reclaiming" his property, that's what OJ Simpson went to prison for. Too bad for him OJ wasn't in San Rafael, CA.

[@tappistrt]

Amusing coincidence that a video about a Bourgeois guitar has a story about San Rafael in it, and somehow I'm not surprised at the police response time. Great story, cheers!

[@colelaroche8982]

Woah first time I’ve seen a comment mention a town that I know

[@loginlabel]

You sure know how to tell a story. Enjoyed it. Happy playing.

[@EndofUSA]

well in my case my real first guitar was a Takamine the one used by the Eagles! But disaster struck my life, I manage to have left it in my parents house during the rainy season here in Manila! It was in the living room and the flood water was knee deep. And to add to the tragedy, my stratocaster fender was in its hard case though not water proof was beside the Takemine! !!! When I came to get both guitars I just couldn’t help it my tears flowed and i noticed I was cryin! seeing the tragic sight of both guitars!! Both guitars was totally damaged. The Takamne was bloated beyond repair and the strat its body just cracked wide open! The Strat I manage to rebuild it but the Takamine I just left it to a guitar repair store and never came back for it! Well my story is really long so I would end here for now!! Thanks

[@Eyeshaveit]

First of all I love your videos! You inspired me to start playing again.. I'm on my first guitar I bought around 5 years ago. It is a fender basic guitar that came with a kit for $199.. It's huge but has huge sound and I do like it.. I bought it because I started writing songs and thought it would be cool to learn and take it with me places.. I know how to play piano/ keyboard. I almost quit playing it many times.. It was frustrating... But I kept trying.. I only played chords.. But only played a few... Then got divorced and never played again. Now I'm engaged to a drummer and he helps inspire me to play and sing.. So now I'm starting from scratch.. But want to learn the notes now.. I keep it out so I practice every day . And I'm picking it up pretty quick and I'm excited.. Thank you.

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

Mine is a 1966 JMS German 335 copy. I just finished restoring it about 6 months ago. I was 12 when my mom bought it for me, 57 now :) and just recorded Space Lord on it on my channel. I was the same, it sat in a corner and went thru 4 moves and was torn up. What a fun old guitar to resurrect! The p90's scream like hell though LOL!!