"

[@rmzzz76]

I think the master luthier at Driftwood Guitars said it best with something like "because of how amazing Taylor's factory assembly is and how consistent it is, with a 100 or 200 series, or GS Mini, you're getting the same level of precision and build quality. Most the tone comes from the top. How that would was conditioned, how it was finished, how it was braced. The strength of braces, the way they are cut and scalloped (if scalloped) the way they join each other, etc... all of those elements contribute much more to tone than the back and side woods... And Taylor's layered process is a 3-ply layering technique that brilliantly uses an arch back design to avoid having to brace it, that really levels the playing field between sold and layered b&s and it's why the GS Mini, 100 and 200 series sound amazing. Taylor knows this as well, there's now Koa top 200 series coming in at around $2k and that's why, if you like the sound of Koa guitars, they do that... That's why I would likely never buy a 300 series or above. They are beautiful guitars and if I were buying for the look, I'd do it. But the tonal ROI just isn't there.... Country of origin matters the least with Taylor since the USA and Mexico factories are less than an hour's drive apart and maintained the same way, managed the same way and include many of the same machines for the assembly line. Best value guitars from a big builder.

[@shoer5151]

I own a Taylor and absolutely love the playability It’s a work horse

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

They are easy to play right out of the chute. That's why many electric players love them.

[@big_fat_hen]

I have tried many of them. All were stiff and lifeless except a baby my friend bought years ago. I have played bad newer Martins also. The older Sigmas and Takamines usually sound great.

[@andrewstirling6457]

I purchased a new Taylor 117e Grand Pacific on Wednesday it seems a really nice sounding guitar and it looks really nice too I was thinking of buying the Taylor 217e anniversary sunburst model but I didn't want to go above my budget I just wanted something a bit higher priced the only extras that the 117e doesn't have compared to the 217e is the fancy gold tuners the ebony bridge pins and the diamond fretboard inlays but I still like it too. I had been playing a 3 year old Fender CD 60 -SCE electro acoustic dreadnought and I also have a one year old Fender villager California series 12 string acoustic guitar love it too I gave the CD60-SCE to my 20 year old daughter as she is just learning to play. Do you think I made the right choice? Anyway enjoyed the video Andy, Glasgow 🥰 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@shoer5151]

@@andrewstirling6457 awesome choice great guitar , you we’ll love it more you play the more it’ll open up Great choice

[@kevingill648]

I've had a Taylor for 10 years and it still plays beautifully! and very rarely does it go out of tune. Great guitar.

[@jasonlevey5164]

just got my 614ce out of pawn. Been in for 2 years still almost in tune. I agree with you great guitar. Just jealous peeps hating

[@mariewilson345]

What kind of Taylor do you have? I’m in the market for one.

[@mattbertrand9496]

I love how Taylor branches out with woods and construction techniques. Fricken beautiful

[@johnnyxmusic]

Branches out…nice. 😉

[@TimothyWarner-kr2yp]

Thanks Jeremy. You help(ed) me to understand my Taylor 424 CE Walnut, which is brand new and which I received as a Christmas 2023 present. I was shocked that a friend would give me such a wonderful present! Immediately upon playing it, I was blown away by its ease of playability. The action really is unlike anything else I've ever owned (Guild, Breedlove, Yamaha, Ibanez, Alvarez, Michael Kelly). After a few weeks I began to have doubts about it though because of what I would describe as its "thinness". I thought that there was something wrong with this particular guitar and called the shop where it was purchased. They said bring it in. I am in Memphis, so we have extreme weather - snow this past January, very hot and humid in just a few weeks. The guy in the store said that the wood might be reacting to the temps. I kept on playing it and didn't take it in to the store. I got very, very frustrated until today. Your confirmation of the tonal issue has helped me immensely. I love playing the guitar - I do mainly fingerstyle , although I did take it to a Bluegrass Jam yesterday and did just fine. I am somewhat disappointed though in its lack of a robust, heavily projected full spectrum sound. But as you explained, this is what it is- this is how it is designed and constructed to be. I took it to church a couple of times to play a song before prayers, and actually it seems to project just fine if I play it correctly. So also, as you say, maybe it's particularly designed for worship music! Anyway - thanks for being so honest in your review. I am at peace now with my beautiful Taylor. You have me a little bit concerned about an eventual problem with the electronics, but sufficient thereof is the evil for today - I won't worry about it unless or until it happens! Keep up the great work Jeremy!

[@HLPlaysWoWB]

I'm a Taylor 414ce (2023) owner and I absolutely love it! Very easy to play and produces loud and vibrant sounds.

[@Reubentice76GTR]

Tobacco burst? I love mine! /better sounding than my 2001 414CE.

[@a_squuared7530]

I own a 814ce Limited Sassafras and it is way darker than your regular Taylor, and I love it! (Looks way better with the stock truss rod cover)

[@texhaines9957]

The last number identifies body shape, first number identifies tone woods; middle number identifies number of strings and wether top is a soft wood or hardwood. There is a whole page on their website that explains it.

[@warrenchurgin8686]

That was my understanding as well. I own a 810 from 2000......8 series, 6 string, spruce and rosewood, mahogany neck

[@texhaines9957]

@@warrenchurgin8686 I own or have given as gifts (grandchildren) a dozen Taylor guitars. They are a great first or last guitar. One grandson is going for a Gibson growl (J45), a son for a Southern Jumbo, another a D28, but all had or have a Taylor. Thanks

[@naluczak]

Thanks for saying it. I love Jeremy, but there is a method to it. Simple when your used to it, but I understand his confusion.

[@davidd4117]

The finger style playing on that model seems to show off the tone really well.

[@allendesomer]

I'm a Martn D-28 player happily going back and forth between heavy strumming and finger style. The high-end Taylor's I've played are especially inspiring for finger style. Yes, own both if you can afford it. 👍

[@4773went]

Me too...agreed

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

There's no reason why you can't enjoy both!

[@emanswat]

I will have to sell my kidney if i have to go for both😢

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@emanswat Come on! You have an extra one.

[@adamgray8009]

I have a Martin HD-28 and a Taylor American Dream Blacktop and love both. They do different things and are super complimentary to my playing. To be fair an American Dream blacktop has a darker sound (think Gibson) than the typical Taylor, but it is an incredible guitar, regardless. I love to gig it and it sounds absolutely amazing through a PA.

[@michelle-psl4441]

I'm a Martin fan. Love my Martin guitars. Would not give up my EC. But I have one Taylor 312ce that I bought minty used, and after I had it set up, I find it to be the most easily playable guitar I have. Great for songwriting and for fingerstyle. My suggestion - own both!

[@ScaleScarborough-jq8zx]

Martin is great, however, I’ve picked up several high-priced Martins that have been perplexingly lackluster in the sound they produce. I don’t know that Taylor is much better in that respect but I actually connected with my Martin and found the uncertainty in upgrading rather disappointing.

[@danherrick2310]

New American Made guitars by Martin and Gibson are no better than imports. MAYBE the custom shop martins, but for the most part the people doing the bracings on the cheap martins are also doing the bracings on the D45's - meaning you get cheap labor working on $8,000 guitars. Just save up and get a collings, or get a yamaha and save some money - or get a yamaha FG9 and be second to none!

[@heyhey3069]

I own a Larrivee L-09 (cedar and walnut), a Martin 000-18, and a recent Taylor 614ce. The Taylor is as good as anything I've ever owned (including vintage Gibson, Guild, Martin, etc.). The inlay, fret work, etc is flawless. Sounds great plugged in or unplugged.

[@artr2]

Good but sold my many years old 614ce. Very nice to play sounds full but thin and tinny.

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

Larrivee, FTW.

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

​@@artr2Spot on!!!

[@donnyh3497]

When I went shopping for my guitar I played dozens of guitars and it came down to a Larrivee (I can't remember which one) and a Taylor 714 (not cutaway) which both sounded miles beyond everything else (I play fingerstyle). I went with the Taylor and it never fails to amaze me with it's sound. It's 20 years old now and sounds as sweet as ever. I still want the Larrivee to go with it 😊

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

When I first decided to play the guitar I thought I wanted a Martin. After all, it was "the" bluegrass" or "cowbpy" dreadnaught, right? Well, I don't play bluegrass and have no interest in playing it. I love listening to it, but I personally prefer slower, single and simple playing. I then tried a Martin, and while it sounded great, the neck felt like a 2X4 to me. So I went with a Fender dreadnaught that felt better playing. But I found that my shoulder would end up hurting. Taylors were always "pretty" but I didn't think I wanted one. Then I PLAYED one. Wow! It melted into my body, the neck was PERFECT and.. no shoulder pain. And they sound amazing, more so for MY style of playing. And the more you enjoy playing, the more you play. My go to is my Taylor 314ce LTD. And it also sounds great amped. Cheers!

[@OTCRock4one]

I’m with you about the Martin having that neck. It’s so thick and everything plus the guitar sounds really basic but there’s nothing wrong with it. Martin’s are fine. My friends got one but then he let me try his tailor. I’m like oh my goodness this is fantastic so easy to play the neck makes it so easy to play and a body style I own a Taylor 212ce Grand Concert Acoustic-electric. I like it because the grand concert style is a little bit smaller cause I don’t really like big giant dreadnoughts and all that this thing feels so good to me but like you said the more you like something that you play, you play it more if it’s more comfortable.

[@rabukan5842]

Beautiful guitar. Have a K24ce Builders Edition and it is both gorgeous and amazing to play. There is nothing that looks or sounds like it.

[@Swoop180]

I went in looking to buy a Martin, left with a Taykor 814ce since every Martin i played sounded muddy. I bought this guitar and had no thoughts of selling it, it sounds and plays great!

[@mandrew20111]

Almost every Martin guitar I’ve heard sounds muddy to me. Taylors are much more crispy.

[@rctony710]

I agree Martins sound dead get a taylor and use your strings till they are dead and your taylor will sound like a martin

[@G_Demolished]

What you’re referring to as mud is called “bass frequencies”. And you’re right, the Taylor is perfect if you don’t like those.

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Taylor guitars do sound better in a mix than most other guitars, if you’re playing with a band. On their own can be good with fingerpicking.

[@sasquatchlife8836]

😂

[@justinm.1]

@@sasquatchlife8836 😂

[@macfawlty]

I love that you’re a Shenandoah-based guy. I’m in Bethesda, MD and get to the mountains whenever I can. I have 6 Taylors and at least as many Martins. The Taylor x14 w/ cutaway is the most versatile body shape and they sound real nice up and down the line. With all of the different wood combinations in the standard and special editions, it gives a player a lot of options in finding a sound that fits their ear (if you’re able to demo them before, otherwise KZbin). Because Taylors are generally VERY responsive, they can be a bit too bright for some ears, particularly the EIR models like the 8 and 9 series, especially when using a flatpick. Some don’t like their shimmer. If you’re a heavy-handed flatpicker, you should probably avoid the EIR and go for mahogany or something similar. Years ago, I ordered an 815c (jumbo) custom Taylor with EIR/Sitka and found it SOO responsive, there was an audible bang with hard percussive strumming. Ultimately, I traded it back and ordered the same model with Cocobolo and Cedar top, which is the best looking and sounding guitar I own. Also, strings DO matter. Taylors ‘used to’ ship with Elixir 80/20 bronze, which are bright and metallic sounding (as many strings do). I personally use Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanos on all of my 18+ acoustics. There are now coated equivalents from D’Addario and others. The Elixirs are softer sounding and last a long time. Martin did respond to the popularity of Taylor models with their GPA/GPC guitars, which, not surprisingly sound a lot like Taylors. I get why bluegrass players prefer Martin mahogany and EIR dreads. Something about the bracing makes the response to flatpicking more suited to the style. To my ears, the Martin D-18GE (also the Authentic) are the best guitars Martin makes. For bluegrass, the Taylor 110 or 310 are a great option. Ironically, of my many acoustics, the HPL/spruce top Martin 000x1ae gets the most play around the house, traveling around to camping, festivals, etc. I really love that guitar. Unlike many small body acoustics, the HPL gives it a nice warm and deep sound and you can flatpick/strum real hard and it still sounds great. Try that with a Martin 000-28. Despite their responsiveness, I’ve never thought Taylors were the best option for the solely Fingerstyle player. I had a Lowden L25c (?) I sold after a Fingerstyle player demo’d it in front of me. It was magical and not being a Fingerstyle player (excepting classical in my youth), I felt unworthy.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I've got to agree with you on the D-18GE. They are wonderful sounding guitars, for fingerstyle and heavy strumming. For fingerstyle alone, I think mahogany/cedar guitars are hard to beat. I picked up a Taylor GAMC, many years ago at Chucks. I'd stop by the store on my way home from work and try out their Taylors. The one I kept coming back to was the GAMC. Because I was coming home late from work for a week or two, my wife thought I might be having an affair. :) She laughed when I told her I was stopping by WMC after work to play that guitar.

[@funkysoulman3861]

My Taylor T5Z custom koa is my stage guitar. Great for anything I throw at it. Taylors are the best playing guitars in my opinion. Instrumental finger picking is where I excel. Taylors work best for my hands and style. I love koa! It gives me some great low end bass.

[@ericpolyn722]

Don't sleep on the 618. Honest opinion, despite the bias of owning one and Taylor being the home-town brand in SD: I really want a Martin D-18, but my Taylor 618e (2020) sounds too good. I think it has lost some potential resale value, but every time I play it I can't get over the crisp and clear tone. I wish I didn't love it and could move it in hopes of a D-18, but I have no excuse not to keep it. The build quality is fantastic, everything about the guitar reflects a high standard and focus on detail, but most important the sound is off the charts. You should see the back on this guitar. I wish I could post a picture here. I believe there are some Taylors that sound like Taylors, but my 618 doesn't fit that sound profile so much as it just sounds clear and even piano like, dripping with quality. Also, go JMU Dukes.

[@Torquemonster440]

Agreed, even my entry level 214ce Rings Like A Bell !! It feels so alive. I love it !!.. it packs a healthy low end too. Such a fun guitar to play.

[@pmscalisi]

If you like it, why not keep it?

[@dg111fu]

Im not a fan of the D-18, especially at its current price. You'd be better served by a yammaha LL16 or an Alvarez Yiari bluegrass guitar. 1/3rd the price and sounds twice as good. That's my opinion after playing them side by side.

[@dennissiler6672]

Hey Jeremy. You might want to point out that the sassafras on this guitar is Australian sasafrass, which is completely different than the sassafras that grows on this side of the pond. The stuff we have here is entirely different in almost everyway.

[@CharlesBallowe]

The middle digit in the name has to do with the soundboard material. An X14 and X24 are the same size. The 14 has a softwood top like spruce, the 24 has a hardwood top like mahogany or koa.

[@VikingPadre]

Yup. The last digit indicates the body size. A "0" (zero) in the last digit means it's a dreadnought. A "ten" (x10) means it's a dreadnought with a spruce top.

[@jparker1823]

I've only had a bunch of the Taylor Academy models. They all played great. They all sounded bright. Afterwards, I got a Breedlove (which seems Taylor inspired), and was the right sound for me.

[@Zach-ls1if]

Larry Breedlove worked at Taylor for a longtime and decided to do his own thing. It wasn’t a bad break or anything, Bob Taylor and Kurt Lustig were supportive of his move. He even came back and worked for Taylor after Breedlove Guitars was up and running.

[@michaelshannon6558]

There are bad Taylors (in the entry level) and bad entry level Martins. The whole thing is subjective.

[@kristopherk5454]

@@michaelshannon6558I like Taylor entry models better than the Martin entry models.

[@scottfishkind5335]

Taylor makes beautiful, consistent guitars. I feel they raised the bar on expectations of what could be done in a mass produced guitar. For that, we all owe Bob Taylor a debt of gratitude! They were the brand guitar I dreamed of having when I was saving up for my dream guitar (I already had a Taylor Big Baby). Then the V-class bracing arrived and I was so excited by all the hype and claims Andy Powers made... Until I played one and was very underwhelmed by the sound! Then one day I was watching a video by this guy Jeremy Sheppard and saw a video about Furch guitars... That led me to doing a lot of research on Furch and eventually decided upon a Furch Yellow Master's Choice Gc-CR from Elderly Instruments in Lansing Michigan. I had the opportunity to AB the Furch with other guitars in their high end room, in fact the Breedlove Premier Series Concert sized model, Redwood-Rosewood, ended up being the other contender. The Furch however, simply stood apart, at least to my ears. It is closer to a boutique quality instrument in my opinion (and at a better price point than a comparable Taylor). All that being said... If someone loves Taylor guitars that is certainly a matter of personal preference and I think that should always be respected. There are no absolutes when it comes to personal taste. The guitar you had in this video is a stunner! I would love to play/hear it in person!

[@thefounding5879]

To compare a Martin and a Taylor is not possible. You should own both!

[@nickspitzley8539]

Both are their own animal for sure

[@4773went]

Absolutely!

[@kennethmeeker6369]

Depends on what tier we’re talking, Taylor and Martin have budget models but Collings outshines them both on all levels accept vintage of course.

[@edyue1]

That would be comparing a vegetarian to filet mignon ha ha

[@GoudLoodje]

A martin is probably more comparable to Collings or even Gibson as those actually have similar body shapes and specs at around the same price

[@IndigoJo]

The Taylor numbering system is like this: First number or letters = Series number (AD = sapele, ovangkol or walnut; 3 = mahogany; 4 = rosewood; 5 = mostly ironbark b&s now; 6 = maple; 7 = koa with satin finish; 8/9 = rosewood with bling) Second number = 1 for spruce or cedar top, 2 for mahogany or koa top; add 4 for 12-string Third number = body size: 0 = dread, 1 = GT, 2 = grand concert, 4 = grand auditorium, 5 = jumbo, 6 = grand symphony, 7 = grand Pacific (similar to Larrivee L), 8 = grand orchestra. That's why a 322 is smaller than a 317. Add C for cutaway and E for electronics. I've not played many; I've played a 314 and it sounded quite solid and rang like a bell. I had gone to Anderton's having seen 00-28s massively reduced in early 2020 but I tried one and it sounded a bit dead. But I've seen them demonstrated and they often do sound rather thin to me. Not much resonance or body. Especially high-end Taylors for some reason. I've never bought the idea that they're sterile or soulless; they're bits of wood glued together and the player brings the soul. It could be that they're made to be "studio tools" that sound good played through a PA rather than a couch guitar, but I could have imagined living with that 314 if I could have justified the cost of it.

[@codywitten1714]

I have an 814 and ill agree I'm not a fan of the pickup but what I am a fan of this the stability. Every other guitar I own needs a truss rod adjustment whenever the seasons change. My 814 on the other hand has had a single adjustment since 2014.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

My 1974 D-35 has never needed a truss rod adjustment.

[@pmscalisi]

@@rosewoodsteel6656 got that one!🤣 They don’t have adjustable truss rods

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@pmscalisi :)

[@Tony-y9q]

I recently bought one of the cheaper Taylors, the 224ce DLX Koa, and I love it. Factory action setup was a bit high for me, but that's sorted now. It's a keeper.

[@mastagator]

dude, my 815 has so much bass. you can feel it in your soul. you should really hear an 815 if you can find one.

[@jimgutierrez2461]

I bought a Taylor GS mini years ago it's been almost all over the world it's not gorgeous, but honestly it is my go to All the time, sturdy stays in tune always if it does it is a simple tune.. the best damned guitar I've ever had and I've been around for almost 70 years. Get one and play, hard!

[@born2push]

That guitar is great in your hands! I own martins and a Taylor. The taylor has overtones that ring so accurately it makes them a little sterile. But they still produce a warm and punchy sound. They are amazing plugged in for a stage guitar!

[@BulldoggerJK]

Loved by church music directors everywhere. I was in Gruhn’s. A church music director introduced himself to George as such. George says, “So, you play a Taylor.” He said yes. Too funny. Just like me saying a play bluegrass. You can assume I have a Martin.

[@rmzzz76]

In part because for a long time Taylor marketed direct to church worship team and offered deep discounts to them. So this was a marketing thing, not by any accident and no necessarily proof that Taylor guitars are great. Taylor did have the easiest playing guitars for long time, but Yamaha and Alvarez both produce guitars that play fantastic out of the box these days and sound as good at a fraction of the cost.

[@4jrbirdman]

I do need to add that the Pacific line of Taylors have some added bass, a great addition.

[@adam_michael540]

Absolutely love the pacific!

[@treymeubanks]

I have a Taylor 224 ce koa, and I'm in love with it. Best guitar I've ever owned.

[@ztienapm]

10 years ago I bought a 114 to see what they were about. A week later local GC had a 1995 810, returned 114 and got the 810. Great guitar.

[@aldenwilkins]

I picked up my 314ce K-LTD at GC. It had enough dings on it to drop the price and make it so I do not worry about dinging it up. That said, I just got rid of a used 810e and picked up a used HD28-it is what I wanted the 810e to be. It was the bassist Taylor I have ever played, but it wasn’t an HD28. ;)

[@douglasrorrer7697]

That is a beautiful instrument. I owned an 810CE Several years ago. I liked it, but decided to let somebody else give it a home.😊

[@nolanmuchow]

The first number indicates the series. 100, 200, 300 etc. each series has standard appointments, and generally a standard tone wood pairing. 200 series and below are not all solid wood and made in Mexico. 300 series and above are all solid wood made in California. The second number will most likely be a 1 or a 2. A “1” indicates the top is a soft wood (spruce/cedar). A “2” indicates the top is a hardwood (mahogany etc.) The third digit in the model number indicates the body size. Although “0” is their square shoulder dreadnought; “1” is their smallest body shape and they get progressively larger up to “8”. All the numbers have a specific name. Like “grand theater”, “grand concert”, “grand auditorium”, “grand symphony”, “grand pacific”. Etc. Taylor also has 12 string guitars. Those will be indicated in the second digit with a “5” or “6”. I guess it is kinda complicated! Haha

[@texhaines9957]

Love my 611e, 600 is maple back & sides, Sitka Spruce top, 10 identifies a 6-string soft wood top, and 1 indicates a Grand Touring (GT) small body shape.

[@kristopherk5454]

It’s nice that their numbering system makes sense and is consistent.

[@russellr1509]

I love my Taylor 314 , there build quality and consitency is way above the other US made guitars I have owned.

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

Yep, but I wish there tone was.

[@russellr1509]

@@douglasholdenjr.45 Tone is subjective , I should state I am not a bluegrass guy , but to me Taylor's Tone is very balanced and sweet to my ear. Not of course that Bass Dominant tone of say a Martin.

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

@@russellr1509 I'm not a bluegrass guy either.🤣🤣 Taylor guitars lack tone compared to Martin and Gibson

[@russellr1509]

@@douglasholdenjr.45 They have a different tone , I wouldn't say they lack tone.

[@spade2you]

Hands down the most responsive and best factory setup without buying from a luthier. I feel they reward light playing. Needing dreadnought volume all the time is about like bringing a Marshall full stack to a strip mall bar. Not a lot of guitars can be great loud and fingerstyle volume. Perhaps it exists and it's hidden because we'd only own that guitar. I have some Martin style and high end fingerstyle guitars. My walnut 12 fret limited is still an amazing fingerstyle guitar.

[@architypeone8646]

I own a 2009 Taylor 414ce Limited with Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides and Sitka Spruce top. This was the first run of Tasmanian Blackwood guitars that Taylor did, and apparently they liked the wood so much they introduced it into their standard rotation of tone woods. I probably demoed 50 guitars of all makes, models and prices, but this one stood out. I bought this guitar new and when I played it in the store it had the sound I hear in my head when I think of what an acoustic guitar should sound like. It has gotten even sweeter over time with the bottom end really blossoming. I have a friend with a Martin HD28, and a Gibson J-45 and when he played it he said, "This doesn't sound like what I thought a Taylor would sound like." I get complements on the guitar tone all the time, (and I can assure you it isn't because of my skill, which is limited.) It seems as happy being strummed as fingerpicked with enough volume, but I would not consider this to be a loud guitar. I have an Alvarez Yairi DY77 Rosewood and Sitka and it will blow you out of the room when you dig into it. I would recommend getting out there and trying as many guitars as possible, but brick and mortar guitar shops are getting more rare and selections can be sparce, so most people order from Sweetwater or some other online source, sight unseen and unplayed, so you just never know what you are getting. I think buying online and waiting for delivery can heighten your expectations to where no guitar can live up to that.

[@brucespencer4723]

im 59yo with arthritis! Taylor is by FAR the way to go in regard to playability! the instruments sound beautiful, and i am a fingerstyle player!

[@johneckstein6912]

I have a number of Taylors: 1991 512, 1998 555, T5, GS Mini and two Martins 1971 D-28S and 2018 M-36 and several other guitars. One thing not mentioned here is the durability of the build of the guitars. I more or less inherited the D-28S. The action was somewhat high, even with a minimal saddle. I brought it to a luthier who is an authorized Martin repair person. He did not feel that it needed a neck reset, but did actually shorten the bridge. After a lot of attention to that process and setup, I carefully measured the action on all my guitars. Interestingly, the M-36 also need some adjustment (no surgery, but some adjusting.). All of the Taylors, including the two from the 1990’s were perfectly fine. They had held up with excellent action. I had tweaked the truss rod on the 512 quite a while ago, but it had held and did not need any work even though it is now over 30 years old. I don’t directly know about the fiscal “holding value”, but can directly attest to the quality of their construction and standing up to time. BTW, the two oldest ones sound great.

[@CameraLaw]

I absolutely love this ongoing conversation. My favorite guitar is the one I just played. My Taylor sounds nothing like my Martin and, for me, that’s the whole point. But if you are using complex chord voicings, a Taylor does a fantastic job of keeping each note distinct and balanced.

[@dontdoit6986]

The 514 CE with “Urban Ironbark” is a stunner. The aged spruce top and heavy wood back and sides gives it an old timey angle to the one while not losing the Taylor chime. It’s a beautiful guitar. It sounds wonderful.

[@piotrostrowski7505]

What's the song at 3:40?

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Cool to hear the grey street riff! Love playing that song

[@JeremySheppard]

Taylors make me play 90's and 2000's alternate

[@InAtlasAtLast]

@@JeremySheppard I get that, lots of jangly tunes then. Great content buddy, love your videos.

[@rzh3443]

Many are simply used to the Martin emphasized low E and A strings.Certainly best for bluegrass music. This one reminded me a little of maple B and S guitars but has its own voice.I tried the Ironbark Models ,new 500 series, and they sounded good as well to the three of us avid pluckers.

[@johndougherty7772]

I own a 914ce, a 714ce with cedar top, 712ce grafted walnut, and a 322e 12 fret. The one I play most - the 322e 12 fret. Love the sound , adore the comfort. Perfect couch guitar bit hugs you.

[@ianferguson3543]

My Taylor is a 414 ce-R. I have played 5 Taylors including an 814 and a 20 year old which sounded gorgeous. My 414 plays and sounds lovely.

[@67goldtops]

I bought my '92 Taylor 712 back in early '93. I still love it.

[@TJamesBR01]

Love my Taylor 324ce the clarity of it is my favorite. Btw love the “The World I Know - CS” intro you did.

[@brittanykelm480]

Love the Taylor for what it is. If the concern is the lack a strong bass sound, isn't doing a string mix a solution to boost that?

[@Paul_West]

I’ve owned all the big label brands and I play over 200 acoustic gigs a year. I admit, I don’t like the sound of my Taylor vs. my HD-28 and I don’t like the style vs. my Southern Jumbo. All that said, the Taylor is a work horse and holds up to the abuse I put my guitars through and it’s my #1 for live gigs.

[@jlguitarman]

I own a Taylor 815ce and a Martin HD35. I love them both, they each have there own voice😎

[@ronchappell216]

I've played for enjoyment for over 50 years . . . but am definitely a mediocre player for pleasure only. I have a '20 714ce that I LOVE. For me playability is a big thing - and it is a dream to play. But this one also sounds awesome to me. I like the clarity over "basiness" and for me the tone is really very rich. Actually the lower tones seem to have opened up quite a bit since it was new. I like great guitars from any brand. In fact I have a 50 year old Giannini made of Brazilian rosewood that sounds fantastic, and after having it setup a couple years ago it plays great, too.

[@seannedelko3497]

I was a Martin guy until I did find your fit event with Taylor. Played a bunch of Martin's and Taylor's and fell in love with a 618e. Sounded better than any guitar I played that day.

[@lancerains4185]

I have a 210 CE and the reason I bought it is because of the deep rich tone it has it's a wonderful Instrument...

[@gastonflatulenza1276]

I own a 1993 Taylor 510 (Sitka/Mahogany) dreadnaught that has an incredible, dry vintage sound that always turns a few heads when people hear it for the first time, and also an R. Taylor Style 2 (Bearclaw Sitka/Madagascar Rosewood), which was built in a little workshop behind the regular Taylor factory where they built the R. Taylors using the best woods and their best luthiers (Tim Laurenc, Larry Breedlove, etc). The RTaylor also sounds incredible at 14 years old, although the R. Taylor brand is now defunct. I also own a Martin. As others have said, they are different animals. I consider Martins primarily a bluegrass guitar. Since Andy Powers came to Taylor they have never produced better guitars than right now. I have played many of those V-Class braced guitars and they are just fantastic. Some people are just brainwashed about Martins being the best no matter what, when one guitar CAN be better than another guitar (to you), but no factory-based company is "the best" company. My 1998 Martin is pretty stiff as far as playability goes, but mine has a deep, loud voice perfect for bluegrass and flat picking. For a factory-made guitar, Taylors have great playability and sound. Taylor rocks!

[@michaelshannon6558]

The numbers in the Model number: the first digit represents the series. The second digit designates the hardness of the top. A 1 is for a soft wood like Sitka Spruce. A 2 means it has a hard wood such as maple. The third digit is for the body shape.

[@ArtiStik_ASQr385Ykx3z]

Some strings are "buzzing" causing this guitar to sound terrible. For that price, is not worth it. I've tried 2, 3 and 400 series. The same problem, buzzing of the strings. Total chaos when played. Had to return them back to shop. It's a real drama to buy good sounding guitar under 10K, or under 5K for that matter. Your best tips Jeremy?

[@ChrisAndersonSixesMusic]

I have always thought it was difficult to perceive how their designs relate to a sonic result. To be a bit snide, I assumed they come up with a cool visual & then figure what sounds come out of it. Consequently I try to take them with a clean slate, one at a time. I rarely play one I find interesting sonically, but every now and then I find one that catches my ear. A “Dave Mathew’s Signature” model did that. I found it to be “all about that bass” but that’s not what I need for my music. Another smaller Taylor with Koa tone woods once hit my sweet spot. Overall, I have never played one that I was Jonesin’ to own, although I frequently meet people that really are quite passionate about trying to convert me. Coincidentally perhaps, none of them have been outstanding players but maybe that’s a random luck of the draw. /// Very interesting info on their resell value and pickup reliability.

[@mikecompton7308]

Have a 2012 716ce Cedar and it sounds wonderful - minus the Expression System. Replaced that with an LRBaggs Anthem to make it actually usable live. Got a Maton 808c Nashville 3 years ago and completely stopped playing the Taylor live; the Taylor just can't hold a candle to the Maton with the AP5 Pro pickup.

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

I had a 2000 Taylor 414, no cutaway, no electronics. I like it a lot and it played great. I finally sold it around 12 or 13 years later and moved on. Not because I didn't like it just didn't sing to me and I had lots of other guitars that I liked better and played more. In fact I still have a Big Baby that I use occasionally.

[@JRJ2000]

I came for the title and I stayed for the video. Lol. Honestly though, good video. You made some very good objective points, and I totally agree with your conclusion.

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks! I didn't clickbait without some pay off!

[@05645ci]

I have an 810ce, a Gibson J200 Centennial Rose, and a Collings D2HG. My niece now has the 76 Martin D35 I played for years. The Taylor has treble and crystal high end like no other; the Collings has a huge sound and that great Nashville twang along with resonance between the notes that is incredible. The Gibson is so sweet and honeyed, plays better than any of them, and is drop dead gorgeous in black. The Martin has that deep bottom end that D35's are famous for, and you can hear it for miles. Be hard for me to pick a favorite. I wish I hadn't given my Martin to my niece, she likes her Taylor and her J200 better:) I gotta tell y'all; the 810ce is a 2006 and it's mint; I paid $1700 for it a few years ago! Every now and then you win one. Fine acoustics all have their own qualities; own as many as you can afford; they just make you happier!

[@NickMcC]

I love my 414! I agree about the ES2. Can't stand how it sounds. So I sought out a 1999 build with the Prefix system and love it!

[@duncanrooks1138]

Bought a 814ce BE blacktop, which lives with my Gibson ES335 and Martin HD35, both 1987. All great guitars, each one very different from the rest. 814 us setup for finger picking, and the action rivals my 335. Very smooth & slick for a acoustic. Not disappointed, even @ $5k. Good isn't cheap, and this is definitely, a VG guitar for me.

[@mattiecreates]

I own a Simon and Patrick songsmith, I went in to buy a Taylor 314 or 214 and honestly i didnt end up buying them cause my Simon and Patrick sounded so much fuller and so much more sustain. I was SO hyped to get one. but honestly i was under whelmed. Just my 2 cents.

[@PatchMeThru2CTU]

I think there was some confusion with the model numbers. First number is the series. low to high, basically how high end is the guitar. 1XX guitars entry level 9XX guitars are high end, all solid starts at 300, they also have K series for their all koa line.. second digit is the whether the top is softwood or hard wood. so a X1X is softwood (eg spruce) and X2X is hardwood (eg mahogany or koa). The last digit is the shape of the guitar. XX4 is Grand auditorium, XX7 is the Grand Pacific (slope shoulder dread), XX1 is the small Grand Theatre - I won't list them all. So based on that you know that a 717 is a 7 series (so pretty fancy), 1 - so a soft wood top (spruce in this case) and a 7 -Grand Pacific shape. I was always a Martin player, it took me a while to get used to the Taylor model numbers. I have gradually become more of a Taylor player, I have really enjoyed their new innovations, I really like the Grand Theatre, it is such a cool little guitar.

[@cimmaron50]

I am a finger picker and love my Taylor which I have owned for over 10 years. I generally have to fiddle with my amp settings for my electric guitars, but my Taylor was to my liking right from the music store.

[@ethanvancamp2144]

as a quick aside, the 2nd digit has to do with the wood used on top, and the 3rd digit has to do with the size. But, generally correct!

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

I also have a Cedar/Rosewood Lowden F-25 and a Breedlove SJ25 Sitka/Myrtlewood, both made in 2003. I recently added a nice 2006 414-E-LTD (Walnut and aged Sitka) with a gen2 mic system. Both the Lowden and Breedlove are different animals from each other and also from the Taylor. No regrets at all on the Taylor, BTW. I knew what I was getting in playability, the older Sitka and Walnut tonewood is really a nice un-amplified sound compliment. Mic'd, the Taylor is great.

[@andrewborody]

I have a 2011 Fall Limited 414CE and it sounds better than the day I bought it. Been through 1,500 gigs with me and is now just an extension of myself.

[@brandonwilkerson]

In 2016 I bought a 214ce new. I just sold it a few weeks ago for the same price I bought it for. Then got an AD17e used for the same price.

[@bangngoodtoys]

The first digit (or letter) identifies the Series, The second digit designates two things: 1. Whether the guitar is a 6-string or a 12-string 2. Whether the top features a softer tonewood like spruce or cedar, or a hardwood like mahogany or koa. 6-String The middle number will be 1 or 2: 516ce = softwood (spruce) top 526ce = a hardwood (mahogany) top 12-, The third digit identifies the body shape according to this numbering system: 0 = Dreadnought (e.g., 510ce) 1 = Grand Theater (e.g., 511ce) 2 = Grand Concert (e.g., 512ce) 4 = Grand Auditorium (e.g., 514ce) 6 = Grand Symphony (e.g., 516ce) 7 = Grand Pacific (e.g., Builder's Edition 517e) 8 = Grand Orchestra (e.g., 518ce)

[@peterbroderson6080]

I love my Taylor 710 Brazilian Rosewood equally to my 1967 Martin D-28 Brazilian Rosewood but each has a unique sound and feel!

[@G_Demolished]

I don’t usually like Taylors but I played a 618 that I’d love to have. It’s got that low end they’re usually missing but still very clear and balanced.

[@msspi764]

I got a well used 710 L9 short scale, a dreadnaught style Taylor. I got a really good deal on it. It doesn't have the bass I would like for a dread, but it's good enough, more than good enough for what I paid for it. Holding value is important to people who plan to sell their guitars. I plan to play this until I tire of it or an opportunity too good to pass up comes along. It's been more than 10 years and that day hasn't come yet.

[@markreams3192]

The first digit is the series. The second digit designates the top. One is a spruce top. Two is a hardwood top (mahogany, Koa etc.). The third digit is the body shape. One is grand theater, two is grand concert, four is grand auditorium and so on.

[@mimeeks3]

First number is series, second number is top wood, 1 for soft wood like spruce or cedar, 2 for hardwoods like mahogany or koa, final number is body shape 0 dreadnought 2 grand concert 4 grand auditorium 5 jumbo ( no longer in production) 6 grand symphony 7 grand pacific (round shoulder dreadnought) 8 grand orchestra (new jumbo)

[@nickspitzley8539]

So with the number like you said the first number is the series. The last number is the body shape. The middle number refers to the top. The 1 is spruce. And 2 means it's well not spruce. So an 814 would be a spruce top grand auditorium of the 800 series a. An 824 (if they made that) would be the same guitar with a koa or mahogany top. The series usually has a back associated with it. But LTD or builders' editions will often have a different back

[@nightshiftband]

After the V bracing change I was completely out and I’m a Taylor die hard. They just have no low end anymore. Ugh

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Agree, I'm lucky enough to own a Shawn Mendes Martin guitar, and I'm saving up for a Taylor. Both beautiful.

[@marciannotta2641]

Taylor numbering system is logical. First number is the series (which is the wood used on the back & sides) second number is the wood used on the top. 1 = soft wood, 2 = hardwood (softwoods include cedar and spruce; hardwoods are mahogany or maple) and the last digit is the body which you covered.

[@teviswest]

I too have found Taylor's to be a little thin in tone...except in their "X-bracing" dreadnoughts. I own a Taylor dreadnought (X-braced) and it is a powerhouse and has plenty of low end. To me, it seems like when Taylor switched to the V-bracing it affected the tone, making them sound more thin and not as dynamic. I would guess that a lot of people that say Taylor's are thin sounding have played on ones that are V-braced and/or the smaller body styles. And as far as Taylor's ES2 pickup system, it varies from guitar to guitar - some sound great and some not so much. But for the "ones" that do sound great in, IMO, they are the best, most natural sounding acoustic pickup system out there.

[@davidharris7431]

Agreed , and they are too proud to admit they made a mistake .

[@rmzzz76]

100%. It's not even subjective to say this. I sat in a showroom of one of Taylor's biggest dealers in Texas the week they got the first batch of V-class braced 800 and 900 series in and they had new X-braced incarnations of these same models. Empty showroom. Tuesday Morning. I spent about an 45 minutes doing A-B test with two sales clerks in the room. Of course Taylor had flown their rep in to do their cult-like brainwashing session with the sales staff of the store and they bought into this. So the sales person was trying to point out things to me my ears were saying were just horse shit. We got to a point where I played an open G chord on the X-braced guitar and played the same chord on the V-Class, let it ring out on both... looked the sales person in the eye and said "be honest, which sound did YOU like better" he admitted the X-braced sounded better. Then we did the single note test up the fretboard and I pointed out this strange, abrupt decay thing happening with the V-Class bracing... he heard that as well.... Do I think Andy Powers or Bob Taylor lack the competency to hear this? I do not! I think they know damn well the compromises they made to transition to V-class bracing and instead of being honest with buyers, they try to position it as the next evolution of the guitar. They do this because they MUST do this. Taylor has no history like Gibson or Martin, back in the 50s/60s/70s when music history was being paved, Taylor didn't exist yet. So their entire gimmick is being an innovator. But they are an innovator like the wizard behind the curtain, largely smoke and mirrors. a company now built on over exaggerations (aka lies) and really damn good marketing.... The proof is in the number of well known pro players who have abandoned the brand. People can love their Taylor's all they want, but they can't deny that no truly great players are using Taylor guitars. Yes, that does actual mean something.

[@MarkLysaght]

I bought a Taylor 818e secondhand few years ago and was still shocked to drop another 25% when I wanted to sell it. To me they lack depth and bass but are extremely comfortable to play. I like the Grand Auditorium size and my token Taylor is now a 714ce. I quite like this guitar and find it useful in certain situations. Again I bought it secondhand but would expect to break even if I sold it. Once bitten...! But to me they really don't stack up against a Martin or Guild. There's a reason why the D28 is the benchmark dreadnought. Just my opinion.

[@stephenblyskal5666]

I own a spruce/sassafras 714ce limited and it’s a damn cannon! A great bluegrass guitar.

[@johnhicks7057]

Well done Jeremy. Good information and I think you’re spot on many of those comments. By the way, I love the tune you played.

[@smacker360]

I went into a local guitar shop a few years back searching for a new acoustic guitar. I played many different guitars and was looking at a price point of under 1500. I picked up a Taylor 814CE just to compare it to the other lower priced guitars and couldn't quit playing it. Needless to say I went well above my budget. BTW, I played many other Taylors and Martins that day to make sure I was completely happy with my decision and none of them felt and played like the one that blew me away. IMO, the feel of the guitar while playing it is the deciding factor. I've played many more since and still haven't found the same feel and excitement I found that day.

[@crispycat4852]

I own a 2017 Custom shop Grand Symphony , Sinker Rewdood top, Amazonian Rosweood backand sides Absolute beauty and capable of everything you can throw at it Warm, rich, fullof overtones, responsive , with clarity, lovely trebles but a bit of a growl However If i was thinking of a series guitar likre the 800/900 i'd go for a Furch Red Deluxeinstead , amazing workmaship and wood quality witth Alpine Spruce that you would have to go custom shop with Taylor or Martin to get

[@ROCKnROLL4NGEL]

I have owned many guitars over the years. martin d28. Takemine g680 laravee, gibson, fender and taylor. By far taylor plays and sounds better than other guitar i have ever owned.

[@alanfaber1261]

Great video. Personally, I generally prefer the less-bright sound of Martins, but am considering picking up a gs-mini mahogany

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

The few I tried I really didn't care for the sound. They played beautifully but just really bright with out the bottom end I like. It's just preference they make great guitars.

[@benambler1393]

I own several Taylor guitars. Their playability is second to none and may be the best reason to buy one. They all sound really different but their is a commonality in their feel in the hands. What I think Taylor does better than any other builder is the quality in their El Cajon factory guitars from the 300 series to the 900's has the least gap. You pick up a $2,000 Martin and then a $7,000 Martin the gap is vast in how it sounds, how it feels and the overall level of craftsmanship. With Taylor you pick up a 324 and then a 414 or a 914, there is just no difference in their quality, or their feel when playing. There are differences in tone though because each series offers different tone wood pairings. You would be hard pressed, if blindfolded, to know if you are holding a 300 series guitar ($2,500) or a 900 series ($5,000+) until you hit the strings. They put just as much fit and finish work into their lower series instruments as they do their higher end guitars with the difference being primarily the type of woods used (sinker v. mahogany for example), inlay work, and figured tops being the driver of price. I love high end Martins. The new VTS and the Authentic series guitars are absolutely amazing. I cannot stand the lower priced Martins. They don't sound as good, they don't play the same...just feels like you are paying for the Martin label. If you want a great comparison, play a Taylor American Dream Series guitar that runs around $1,700 to a similarly priced Martin, Guild or Gibson and you will instantly know what I'm saying. If you don't want to pay for the bling or a torrefied top, Taylor is still going to sell you a guitar that sounds great and plays just as well as their higher end instruments. That is why I'm such a fan of Taylor.

[@Mysterios0]

A blindfold test between the different Taylor models would be a fun video. Guess the price blindfolded.

[@annonymouslibertairian9120]

I have a 214ce-SB DLX. I love it. But I love my dad's Martin 00015 more. Both sound and action. I prefer Martin's warmer sound. But I ended up with 2 Taylors somehow. But they are a fine guitar.

[@russshaber8071]

I bought a used 814ce Taylor cheap. It's a great player. I can get great bass tones. Maybe try different strings and amp settings.

[@andrewstirling6457]

Hi I just purchased a new Taylor 117e Grand Pacific on Wednesday I think it is a nice sounding guitar although I haven't tried it in my amp yet I need to dig the amp out of my cupboard. I am an intermediate player and I have been playing a 3 year old Fender CD 60 -SCE electro acoustic dreadnought. I also have a Fender villager California series 12 string acoustic which I purchased a year ago. I gave my 20 year old daughter the CD60 as she is just learning to play. I hope I have made the right choice buying the Taylor 117e I will know when I plug It in I just wanted something a bit better with a slightly different tone from my other Fender guitars Anyway Enjoyed your video Andy, Glasgow 🥰 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@vox1962]

I love Martin guitars but I have a Taylor 810, no electronics, that I bought in 1994, probably longest that I’ve owned any single guitar. It’s dented, scratched and cracked but it’s an absolutely lovely sounding guitar and I’ll keep it till I die

[@stevebernard221]

You got something there....Taylor prior to the year 2000 is the best stuff. Unfortunately, Taylor just kept changing their product so much that I think they worked themselves into a type of guitar that although they may feel good, it doesn't sound as it should (my opinion of course). Now you are buying a pristine looking build....but that is what your paying for.

[@markvonwisco7369]

In my experience, Taylors are well built guitars. I also appreciate their commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. As to the sound of Taylors, most of their guitars that I have played were jangly, with an emphasis on the treble. The one Taylor that I considered buying was a used W-10 (Sitka spruce over walnut). It was a gorgeous guitar, but still didn't have the sound I was looking for. My main guitar is a Larrivée D-09 that I bought new in 2004, fwiw...