Gibson J-45 vs. Taylor 517e Builder's Edition | Round-Shoulder Mahogany Dreadnought Showdown

[@Faludril]

two weeks ago I bought the guitar of my life, the two finalist were a Taylor 517 and a Gibson J-45 (a Southern Jumbo to be precise). The Gibson won.

[@lynncarter4964]

I bought a southern jumbo, Woody Guthrie’ Back when they came out and it has aged beautifully. There is a signature tone that you cant get in a modern guitar that just takes me on a journey when I play. My one ‘’keeper’ of a guitar.

[@telefan2]

Cooper, what a great piece of music you played there. Majestic 👏👏👏👏

[@scottstambaugh8473]

Best sounding Taylor Ive ever heard. Still like the Gibson better.

[@jimmycollette9209]

I have a j-45 I bought when I went to get a d-18. After playing both I loved the j-45.

[@VaibhavMittalIndia]

J45 just always melts my heart ❤️

[@MelodyMaker]

The J45 had more punch. You can tell right when the demo transitioned. Cooper - you are preparing nicely for these segments!

[@elmaestroco]

Perhaps because the transition went from picking to fingerstyle?

[@BaktaBak3]

Taylor is getting better at toning down the brightness in their guitars.

[@truthof7382]

V-bracing really didn’t help in that regard.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Agreed! I've noticed thet

[@drewg3087]

Gibson J45 and hummingbird owner here and played a 517e today at a local shop and loved it, not as bright as previous Taylors I’ve played in the past. Will get one some day. Great low E and mids and high.

[@texhaines9957]

Great comparison and a good way to hear the differences if your local shop only carries one or the other. I like the J45 for the singing and playing I do. Glad Gibson acoustic moved to Bozeman MT.

[@mariodriessen9740]

How I see it, a J-45 is a guitar that takes time to learn how to play it. But if you put in that time it's so very rewarding, it's hard to beat. To a certain degree you could say the same thing about playing a vintage style Telecaster. Or (even crazier) a Marshall JCM800. It took me years to 'fight' the Marshall, but when I adapted my playing style, it finally gave me 'that sound'. And the beauty of all of this is the fact that it makes you play better on anything else as well. Off course, not everybody wants to work so hard, especially when it almost feels like fighting (I wouldn't want to call playing a J-45 a fight by the way). A well, just my thoughts.

[@drewg3087]

Being a J 45 in hummingbird owner, I’ve played this Taylor 517 E in my local shop and I keep coming back to it. It’s just incredible. I never like Taylor’s brightness, but this one sits right not that I need another guitar or anything😂

[@roberthealy1814]

I like Taylor's sound better, with more mellow tones. I do kinda like the J-45 too, but I think for me it would be the Taylor. Love your videos, Thanks Guys.

[@johnwbanjo]

Great comparison! I was pleasantly surprised that this Taylor sounded richer and warmer and not as brassy as I usually expect from Taylors. A J-45 has always been my dream non-Martin guitar (I own the best sounding D-18 ever made) but this Taylor sounded fabulous.

[@soofitnsexy]

what d 18 do you have!!!

[@drewkingson]

in ten thousand quadrillion years i never thought a J-45 would best a Taylor - but you did it - I'm picking up mine tomorrow

[@BobDorfman]

Both beautiful guitars. I was pleasantly surprised by how “Gibson-like” the Taylor sounded, in fact I think I preferred it over the Gibson. I do admit to an anti-Gibson bias. Having been a Kalamazoo, MI resident for 47 years, I’ll probably never forgive Gibson for leaving Kazoo for Nashville and almost killing off their acoustic line.

[@danielhoky]

Great video comparing the taylor vs gibson; personally i prefer my j-45 (got the deluxe) over my taylor (524, and the PS-14 series), i think the Lo-fi sound of the gibson is more of a songwriter singing companion than a crispy clear modern tone my Taylor has. Nevertheless the only strength i find the taylor guitars are way better is the way their pickup and EQ built into it somehow makes them super easy to just plug in and record, which i find it really difficult to get the right sound from a J-45.

[@noahtrock]

Whoa. Great comparison! The Taylor surprised me! Not the typical Taylor sound. Much more similar to the Gibson. It would come down to feel ... and cost. Thanks guys!

[@1olddoggie]

Another great video! Love the fun editing and humor. Yours are the best reviews on the net!

[@johnkehe9082]

Beautiful playing Cooper. I think there’s a creamy and rich tone that the Taylor has, that is different not only from the J45, but from other Taylors as well. I wish I could get excited about the Taylor aesthetic, but I think it’s the winner here.

[@lynncarter4964]

I find the satin on a Larrivee is fantastic. It’s the premiere satin finish matched to their high level of woodcraft and beautiful balanced tones make them a stunning deal.

[@joeconway2940]

My dream acoustic guitar is a Gibson J45. I like the Taylor as well, and I will definitely look at and play a Taylor. However, it’s going to be very difficult to overcome a J45. I bought a Gibson G-writer a year ago because it was literally the only one I could get my hands on and I played a Taylor at the time that was marvelous. It was a difficult decision but the Gibson had the LR Baggs pickup and the Taylor was strictly acoustic. That was ultimately why I bought the Gibson at that time.

[@Itsme-vd3dx]

Both are a good guitars buddy! Good choice. I have a j45 vintage and I will take it with me to my grave. Just something special about them.

[@texhaines9957]

Taylor 517e compared to other Grand Pacific models, I like the 717e Builders Edition. Taylor has a video and Taylor Primetime comparing them. Thanks

[@rzh3443]

Great comparison. Both have their "points". I have a Southern Jumbo custom with Adirondack top for 7 years and it is really opening up. Taylor should create a spruce- maple version of the GP. The 517 had a smooth sound when paced, almost jazzy like. They came out with a maple over maple but , having tried one locally, it really seemed too muted for my taste.

[@jed1166]

I agree completely with Cooper’s assessment of the sound with the pick. Both sound great, but per Chris, I will choose one: the Taylor because I tune down D to D, and almost never fingerpick, so the “Taylor” sound would probably work better for me.

[@johnlord1399]

My first GOOD guitar was a J-50. It was followed up by a J-45 a few years later. I had that J-45 for many years, but the top warped and the bridge pulled like crazy in the high humidity of Portland, Oregon. A couple of years ago, when I was jonesing for the dreadnaught sound and feel again, I tried out a couple of Taylors (no J-45's in stock) and came home with a 717e (NO regrets), my first Taylor ever, and I've acquired a few more since. Hearing that 517e and that J-45 side-by-side, I'd be hard-pressed to choose between them. I'd have to play them both myself to know which I'd choose. But then again, if I had the money to buy one of those, I'd probably opt for a cutaway GA or GC instead, because I don't have a GA yet, or any Taylor with a cutaway. Great review, as always.

[@ricardomadero5337]

What is the song cooper plays in the Demo?

[@robtemple2953]

Can’t wait to hear the D18 Chris mentions.

[@dstdenis01]

Thanks for this video. I've been debating the "new kid on the block" vs. an iconic, legendary guitar buying decision. I'd almost decided in favor of a legend, but then I went to my local shop last week and tried a few examples. I played a Taylor 717 and was blown away by how much better it sounds in person than it does on most of the KZbin videos I've heard. Very dynamic, with a balanced even sound across the range and plenty of low end without being boomy. Then I tried an iconic legendary guitar and found it had bad intonation. It wasn't in tune with itself. Ugh. The Taylor's intonation was spot on. Since then, I've been leaning toward just getting the best guitar I can find and forget about legends. When my musical heroes played Martins and Gibsons back in the day, they were playing the best instruments they could find at the time. It's a good approach. Of course, now I'm gonna watch the D-18 video, so I might change my mind again.

[@lylehutz]

Seriously the same boat I am in. Constantly looking at the J-45, D-18 and 517. Sadly, I can never find a place with all 3 in stock to compare, and then I would love to try out the Takamine EF360 TT

[@im58woody]

The J45 sounds like a great sounding country bar vocalist from Nashville. The Taylor sounds like a well trained orchestral vocalist. Both great sounds. You guys nailed the conundrum of choosing between the two. My choice is the Taylor. Based on the reasons that I prefer satin finished guitars. I like the Taylor neck profile better and the construction I think is going to be more trustworthy.

[@RFtinkerer]

Love my 517e. Now I want a future 717 with torrified spruce top, koa b/s; 727 all koa; 817 with torrified spruce, rosewood b/s. Please and thank you. All builders edition style of course.

[@paigerocks884]

Haha love the banter guys. Interesting and informative video as always 👍 also the playing was awesome 😎

[@TommySG1]

They both sounded very nice to me, right now my next acoustic is going to be a small bodied though. If I were in the market for this type though it would probably come down to the neck profile and comfort factor for me. I’m guessing the Gibbie has a 1 3/4 nut too and if so on this model and the Taylor is smaller I’d definitely go with the Gibson for that reason. Thanks guys again, love your channel 🤙

[@andreapasillas5803]

Taylor 517 also had a 1 3/4 nut.

[@ericcollins1561]

Gibson is 1.72 and Taylor is 1.75.

[@texhaines9957]

One other lower cost Gibsonesque guitar maker is Iris Guitars.

[@Taylor314ce]

I love that Cooper Greenberg plays with his bare fingers. That sounds so Kelly Joe Phelpsish

[@daveowens]

I've owned and played many Gibsons over the years and while I know there are some great ones out there, I got worn out with trying to get the setup right, necks having issues, unstable tuning, questionable decisions as a company, and so on. Just purchased a 517e which will be here in a few days. I've played some wonderful Taylors over the years, but always leaned towards the more "traditional" guitars, but now I want something I don't have to wrestle with. I think the Taylor's worth giving a spin.

[@lynncarter4964]

Just a note on your guitar staying in tune. Your nut istypically the culprit as a Tech can slot it properly and lube it. And if you give your strings a few good stretches as your tuning it up, you will have no more issues.

[@charlesbranch4120]

"The new(er) kid on the block..." An older kid on the block just sent me news that Guild F-50R prices are coming down, his favorites. He also plays a Taylor 814 and a Martin, yet the Guild is his favorite so he has collected some F-50Rs as replacements. For me, even the "beer budget" has increased, so I mostly stick with those guitars (though I did splurge on a $2k+ guitar on a fantastic deal, which is a reserve as my fingers and muscle memories grow into it).

[@philcottone2247]

I preferred the Taylor. Loved the flat picking.

[@jameswright9019]

I played both today at a local store. I went to the store ready to buy the J45 because, its a J45. I saw the 517 next to it and left the store empty handed. I am leaning toward the 517, but don't want to pass on the J 45. I could see why this video was made. I don't think there is a wrong answer but when spending this kind of cash you have to do the research. Thank you for the video.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

Both terrific. If I had to choose - J45.

[@daylef355]

Is the guitar to watch out for an 817? Noticed a NAMM one for sale, missing the pick guard though. Would make sense to add it to the line up

[@Taylor314ce]

Both guitars sound so good

[@texhaines9957]

What about comparing these to an Eastman E6SS or E10SS?

[@terryjohinke8065]

We can't get a Workhorse here in Australia. If you can find one , they are $6500 AUD. Thery'e hard to get.

[@jimdoner3443]

Liked them both, if only one then the Gibson this time, I have several Taylors.

[@lylehutz]

I own the Taylor 717e, and I am now looking to sell it for the J-45, Hummingbird, D-18, or D-28. I need something with more depth.

[@Terrobul]

The Taylor grand pacific j-45 sounds pretty good a bit woofy though at times whereas the Gibson j-45 sounds more balanced in the lower end. Both really nice guitars 🎸🔥🤙🏼

[@apropro1198]

Could you make a comparison between J45 and Epiphone Texan USA? It would be very interesting to get the difference between these Bozeman-made mahogany dreads, short vs. long scale. Next time you have them in stock?

[@dixie2141]

Agree with Chris on the D-18 for flat picking . But on this show I think I would go with the J-45 slightly over the Taylor.

[@lorigilmore5521]

I tend to forget that I am listening to the guitar comparison, and not just how sweet it is to hear Cooper play. Oops. I wasn't paying attention. Ha Ha.

[@thefisherman2837]

Left me hanging about the new round shoulder. I'm guessing it means taylor making a new model? But if taylor were to make a j45 I'd say it's the 517 no? 😅

[@jshu1625]

It's two top fuel dragsters running neck and neck but right at the end of the quarter mile the winner for me by just a b headstock was the Taylor...thought the clarity and evenness' of the notes were beautiful!

[@drewyoder7294]

Hey Chris and Cooper Love the reviews and your podcasts. I find them to be so very insightful. My life is crazy busy so when I watch your KZbin Chanel it’s on my IPHONE. Could you possibly recommend headphones that would provide me with an accurate reproduction similar to what your hearing in the studio. I’m also working on a students budget. Thanks and keep the shows coming!!

[@wahlao81]

My 2003 J-45 sounds almost nothing like the one in the video 😅

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Both are awesome, but I’d take the Taylor

[@jarjarquan]

same

[@tommcdonald1746]

After listening to Cooper play the J45, I had to force myself to listen to the Taylor. But tone is in the hands, which explains why they both sound really good. But the J45 sounds better to me. Cooper is a great player.

[@richurro20]

Love Taylor but that J-45 sounded amazing.

[@James-oh1wp]

Cooper can make rubber bands sound beautiful 😊. Both beautiful guitars… estherically tye Taylor for me … but sound wise the edge to J45

[@BB-ft6nd]

The 517e sounds like a J45 Studio Walnut, which isn't a bad thing at all. Unfortunately, an J45 Studio costs a lot less making the Taylor's value questionable. Taylor's come in a cool case.

[@T.C..]

Please review some "Faith" guitars. They seem to be getting popular.

[@BaktaBak3]

Like the satin finish on the Taylor. They should make more satin finish guitars.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I just bought a round shoulder Martin CEO 7, not a dreadnought, but you should sell them

[@johnwashburn3793]

I also have a D18GE

[@johnwashburn3793]

Smart decision! Mine gets better all the time.

[@henriksange5935]

Great playing 🎸👍😎

[@James-oh1wp]

That’s weird … I’m in Ontario Canada and there are lots of J45 available new in stock

[@scouser2230]

Both nice mahogany-spruce Dreadnaughts, but I also would choose a D18 over either of these guitars.

[@markstaggs7342]

I have a 1980 D-28 and have had several D-35S and aD-45 but I have played many D-18S old and brand new and I just can't find a D-18 that I like,And I want to find one but as of so far I don't like them,The Taylor to me was way more to my liking so I bought the Taylor,I sold my D-45 and bought a 914ce Taylor and I made the right choice the Taylor sounded much better than the D-45,Out of twelve different Martin guitars including a twelve string D-28 I only kept my 1980 Martin D-28 it's the best Martin guitar I've ever owned or have played but my 614 ce Taylor sounds better than the D-28,I own nine very nice high end guitars and seven are Taylors, Taylor in my opinion makes the best acoustic guitars out there and I've had very many expensive brands,My K-24 Taylor and 814ceDlx v brace is also beautiful and sounds and plays as beautiful as they look,I loved the 614ce so much I bought a 614 ce builders edition v brace there different but love both the 614ces also have Taylor 816ce and it's also a easy playing beautiful sounding guitar,I used to be nothing but Martin and I now know there's really better sounding and playability guitars that's got Martin guitars beat,I love my D-28 but I love the Taylors more,My 1980 Martin is in mint shape and original case with the key I have had many people try to buy it I will never part with it.My Taylors will be with me forever I keep all my guitars in humidified condition.I had a Taylor 418ce and a guy kept after me to sell it to him finally after a hundred times begging me I sold it to him and I've been wishing I hadn't sold it,It was probably the best sounding guitar that I've ever heard man what a guitar that thing was I want it back but he loves that guitar and I can see why,I love all guitar brands if it plays good and sounds beautiful then I want it and Taylor has yet to let me down I don't think I've played any Taylor guitars that don't play easy and sounds beautiful and I will eventually have a lot more my wife hinders my guitar buying lol.

[@nedludd3641]

Now here's a question. I love playing my Taylor 324ce but I have concerns about the tuner head glued to the neck: will it last for twenty years without becoming unglued?

[@theshadow7923]

Should not depending on humitification

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

The J-45 has that old southern bluesy country thing to it. It's kind of thumpy, but it's good.

[@aprendeguitarra8146]

J45 big winer

[@jamesincharlotte]

Love my ole dn3 Taylor 👍

[@jdstan9650]

Great guitars...but. My Gibson (J-50) is distinctive, quirky, & temperamental. I absolutely love it & will never sell it. All 3 Taylors I have owned have been easy playing & flawless, but I just don't bond with them. I have sold them all.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Same here. To me it's the same as the old style Fender guitars compared to modern expensive S- and T-style guitars. The old Fenders have a character and are indeed a bit temperamental. Call 'em 'flaws'. I like these 'flaws'. I've played 'flawless' strats. They didn't do anything for me. Uninspiring.

[@startreker8591]

517is so clean sounding the other is having this harsh dynamics imo

[@ReNNEbab]

Gibson . And I am Taylor fan .

[@markstaggs7342]

The Taylor wins for me.

[@edyue1]

Never heard a mellow Taylor before. Still wouldn’t buy it 😛 The Gibson sounded sweet and pleasant to the ear. I’m a Martin 1982 HD-28 owner since 1993 😎

[@Nate_Higgins]

I prefer the J45. In a burst finish though.

[@greghiggins9635]

How much doe they cost???

[@sbok82]

Micarta nut Taylor and bone nut j45 that’s the difference in sound.

[@AndyKimbel]

I prefer the 517 all the way around. I use finger picks and love the way the guitar communicates with the artist. I have a few Taylor's, including a 12. I also play Collings guitars. Anyway, picking up a BE WHB 517e today! Will post a demo.

[@robforren406]

All the above "Gibson"!

[@ericoswood1856]

I prefer the Gibson by a mile.

[@zachelmquist4932]

The Gibson sounded best to my ears.

[@peterdavis586]

It is too bad that the Eastman e10ss and e10ss/v just sound better. Never thought i would say that. I love my Taylor ad27e.

[@jerrymajerus3617]

Prefer the 517 hands down

[@Earthstein]

In my opinion; Taylor acoustics do not have a strong character in their sound. Unless you want to call lack of bass and over-load of treble-tinkle (or is that twinkle?) character. The last great Taylor to my taste is the old classic Dread 810. Although, I must admit listening to this presentation over the internet and with high quality Hphones, it doesn't sound like a Taylor, it actually sounds like a guitar a man could sing to. I'm impressed.

[@4jrbirdman]

different in a good way. S

[@DANKOPOPOVIĆ-e9u]

What isthar nice song ?

[@Bossanovawitcha]

517 is becoming the legend of its time

[@nellatrab]

Taylor is good at trying to copy others classic offerings by Martin and Gibson (as even many boutique builders do as well). Here's the thing the Taylor costs 3K basically, the standard Gibson J-45 is 2300.00....but if you research used resale values (Reverb) the 517e's sell for around 1600-1700.00. Used J-45's sell for $2000-2300, better investment! And besides the Gibson just sounds better! Cooper your opinion is backwards ;-)

[@gdstout]

Nice, two more guitars I can't afford. :)

[@greghiggins9635]

Mine got stolen

[@1025257]

If guitars have personality in their sound...Gibson has it and Taylor sounds like any inexpensive guitar you could buy anywhere. J45 for the win...hands down

[@multipipi1234]

Chris ever the Salesman.

[@multipipi1234]

Yamaha...every time. Quality build and better price....

[@soofitnsexy]

no wayyyyyyyyy

[@multipipi1234]

​@@soofitnsexy Yes...way. Its a killer ..made in Japan all solid. Beautiful looking controls on the top for blending mic and undersadle . Easy battery change..looks wonderful and sounds....on par with D18.

[@soofitnsexy]

@@multipipi1234 honestly i like yamaha alot...but i never played one in 40 years that comes close to a d 18