Martin D-18 Versus Taylor Grand Pacific 717E Builders Edition

Comparison of 2015 Martin D-18 Standard, (2018) Martin DC-18 Cutaway/Ambertone finish and a Taylor 717E Grand Pacific Builders Edition acoustic guitar

[@Whitman1819]

Yeah, the 717 is now my favorite acoustic I've ever owned... just love the tones...I think that torrefied top really did matter on this one too...

[@gair1944]

Yes, The Builders Edition appointments are superb.

[@sugarlife485]

The GP has just such a fresh different voice a boldness a uniqueness about it-- pick the Taylor over the Martins WHICH IS SHOCKING BECAUSE I AM A MARTIN MAN ALL THE WAY! great comparisons Gary

[@gair1944]

SUGAR LIFE thank you. I agree the grand pacific has its own equally unique voice. I personally still prefer the Martin sound but the Grand Pacific 717 really impressed me and is very rewarding to play

[@69telecasterplayer]

I am the original owner of a 1976 D-35 and I don't think these Taylors are going to be the Martin Killer but still I want one badly. I love the way it sounds. And your tone is excellent.

[@steventanner1428]

About 6 months ago I messed with all 3 of the Taylor GPs. The one I decided I need to have is the 317 spruce and sapele. I would take any of the 3 in this video and be happy.

[@steveg219]

Great comparison with relevant musical examples and skillful playing!

[@gair1944]

Thank you Steve. I’m glad it was helpful

[@MichaelMcIlwrathJ]

Best comparison I've seen of the Grand Pacific to Martin dreads. Thanks for this. Very interesting that you compared the rosewood GP to the mahogany Martins. At least from the recorded audio, they do sound more similar than if you'd compared a D-18 with a D-28 (at least to my ears).

[@gair1944]

I was surprised how similar the 717GP (Rosewood) guitar sounded compared with a Mahogany Martin dread. I did not have a 517 Grand Pacific (Mahogany) at my disposal for comparison or I would have included it as a more direct comparison in terms of tone woods.

[@brianemrick7232]

Taylor killed the martin , maybe bracing or rosewood. Seems to have lower fuller sound on the mid and higher strings with more sustain.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and sharing your opinion. This is perhaps one of the most musical and balanced Taylors I've played. I like this one a lot.

[@Guitar4christ89]

D18 needs a setup, the fret buzz might have affected the tone/sustain a bit. That said, I think i generally prefer the Martin in this comparison. The Taylor does have a really good and unique tone though... Definitely feel like the 717 would be be good to have in the arsenal. But there is just something about the sounds coming out the dreadnaught Martins that is just so timeless and trustworthy... Poised might be the word. That's my two cents.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching. I agree completely. Martin mahogany dreads are magical, timeless and classic to my ears.

[@startreker8591]

I am buying that 717 y I will have an LRBaggs plain M80 active…for my voice (imagine I will skip om00028? )

[@gair1944]

That sounds like an excellent plan!

[@seanandben]

The note "sustain" is merely other strings "sympathetically" ringing with the high notes you're playing. Taylor guitars usually come with Elixir strings on them as standard - either a 13 or 12 set, depending on the guitar, and I would guess the 717E has 13's on it.

[@gair1944]

I don’t remember if those were .13’s or not. They might been the usual Taylor hybrid elixir strings. .13’s on top but .53 bottom?

[@0713mas]

Good video! The grandpacific sounds more like gibsons advanced jumbo with the rosewood. An HD-28 with rosewood might be a better comparison. IMO rosewood over spruce is richer less punchy. My 714 is much brighter I actually use polyweb strings to tone it down. All are great guitars

[@gair1944]

Thanks for your comments. I agree an HD-28 would have been more Logical in terms of matching woods.

[@0713mas]

@@gair1944 You've got great guitars there! I'd love to play one of the slope shoulder Martin's. The Taylor Grand pacific has a better feeling neck then a gibson J45 If I remember right. I really love the Martin D18 necks. The taylor neck has a much nicer feel than the AJs or the J45s they both seem super chunky to me. More and more I feel like some of the boutique companies like Boucher, Collings, Bourgeois, H&D & Goodall seem to make the best guitars. Although it's always best to play the guitar you are gonna buy but even a high end mass produced guitar from a retailer could be in need of hydration and new strings. Ty

[@RealSlopeDude]

Great demonstration and great playing. One thing that impressed me was that someone could be wealthy enough to afford such instruments. I'm settling for being able to afford a GP 317e someday. BTW, do you know why Taylor doesn't put a pick guard on the guitar? I think it looks incomplete without one.

[@gair1944]

Thx for the comments. I cannot say why there is no pick guard on the upper grand pacific models. You could probably get an answer from the Taylor factory. The GP317e is a great guitar. I like them a lot too.

[@rickysreviewsandhowtos]

some people (like myself) prefer the no pick guard, I think it's just that way on the upper models, my 914 does not have one and I have yet to see a PS (presentation series) Taylor with one

[@tcrussell1065]

Not having a pick guard allows the top to be more resonant - sort of like a classical guitar- I have to say that the Taylor sounds amazing- Andy Powers is a master luthier and a visionary- I’d like to see who is his equivalent at Martin- he continues to innovate all the time - I can’t say the same is true at Martin - they are just resting on their laurels as having been around since 1833

[@Meedav]

Different animals...D18 more power, punch and clarity. Taylor sweeter, softer ...nice also.

[@the_unkowngod_2328]

Not the best shootout mahogany vs rosewood? Should have done vs the 517

[@gair1944]

Didn't have a 517 ..and since I preferred the 717, I simply compared to my favorite

[@drothberg3]

D18 without the cutaway sounds better than the cutaway; it's got more punch somehow. The Taylor is deeper sounding, and very nice. I prefer the Martin D18 though.

[@gair1944]

I agree on all counts. The Non Cutaway D-18 has more punch. Whether or not that is attributed to cutaway remains to be seen. The Mahogany on my D-18 Standard is gorgeous Fiddleback figure Mahogany. The Taylor 717 is deeper and is nice, but I took it back. I prefer the Martins. I play the cutaway amplified exclusively because I use the upper register real estate above the 14th fret.

[@letitbe978]

But you need cutaway if you played till end fret

[@timshenk4731]

Martins sounds better hands down, and I'm buying a Taylor Grand Pacific, simply because you can't get Martin guitars in Turkey where I am. :(

[@robertmiller1842]

The lower strings sounds better on the Martin

[@gair1944]

I agree ...and they always do. :-)

[@VividFizzy]

Put those tabs! Haha

[@ja-delavirra2795]

Kind of pointless comparison because a D-18 is a mahogany back and sides where as the 717 is rosewood back and sides. A D28 with Rosewood back and side would of Benn better compared.

[@gair1944]

I understand and your parents not makes sense. But I wonder the D18 and wanted to find out if the Taylor would hold up to my favorite guitar.

[@BPToneReview]

Holy cow, the 717 sounds 30yrs old....sooo good.

[@marcscordato4385]

Taylor is a pragmatic company . The Grand Pacific was designed not to sound like a Taylor. Taylor is proud of the bright modern tone Taylor’s are famous for but some prefer a more traditional tone. The have just come out with a less expensive Grand Pacific called the American Dream it uses dadaddario strings .

[@winstonian88]

Taylors are always more articulate, Martins warmer and woodier. You really need both.

[@gair1944]

lol!! That made me laugh. That has often been the justification

[@Darltornjacket]

I think this is Rosewood vs Mahogany. I liked both but as a Rosewood guitar and a Mahogany guitar. 717 vs D-28 or D-35 or D-45 would have been better imho. Still Thanks good job

[@gair1944]

I did not have a mahogany Taylor GP 517 at my disposal, so I compared with what I had available. It was interesting to hear how they were perhaps more similar than different, as some have commented.

[@marcscordato4385]

Taylor is a pragmatic manufacturer they decided to make a guitar that dose not sound like a Taylor but more like a traditional Martin . I love Taylor’s but I’m a fan of Martin dreadnoughts as well . I respect Taylor for going in another direction .

[@gair1944]

I too applaud Taylor for innovating and creating a unique and well executed new model.

[@manothemtns2]

I realize that the Taylor Grand Pacific series was just coming out, the Taylor you need to A/B with the D-18 is the 517. That would be a far better test…mahogany versus mahogany in lieu of mahogany versus rosewood, here. Otherwise, the way you go about the comparison is great!

[@gair1944]

Yeah I know, I actually preferred the 717GP and it was all I had to compare.

[@davidwitter3695]

D18 sounds better.

[@gair1944]

@@davidwitter3695 I agree.

[@MtnLiner]

Left hand, buddy... come on, you got room. Show it to me. Ooooh, you went to drop D on the Taylor. Nice.

[@stratplayer10]

Interesting comparison, it shows from how amazing the D18 is as compared to the most modern available from Taylor. Martin really got it right way back, did they not? The other thing is that the D18 is played more fluently, probably because the player is simply better suited to ( and used to ) the Martin neck i imagine. When he switches back to the D18 its like hes back in his favorite sports car, an AC Cobra rather than a modern Lotus for example. The Martin sounds so pure to my ears, but i do think he plays it better.

[@R.L.Humpert]

I really like the 717e builders. I’m so close to buying it. It’s 3,000 at GC and I get a mini Taylor for 99 that I could sell. I have always wanted a Martin though. It’s really between the HD28e or the 717e builders. I think once again I like the Taylor better than the Martin. What are your thoughts?? I for sure want the Sitka spruce top and the rosewood. I actually have 324ce which is awesome but it has that mohagany top so I don’t need another warm sounding guitar. I really am in awe of the 717e and the boom it has. Please let me know your thoughts and which you would buy in that 3000 range? Thanks so much for your demos. -Ryan

[@williamhoule4494]

New bracing changes the tone from the standard “Taylor “ sound. I believe they’re strung with elixer phosphor bronze factory

[@gair1944]

You are correct about the strings

[@thomasknapp7236]

Taylor still manages to retain that overly bright tone to my ears.

[@gair1944]

Is that a good thing for you or a detractor?

[@thomasknapp7236]

@gair1944 detractor for sure. They are so beautiful. I want to like them! Maybe in person that 717 would have more bass?

[@startreker8591]

Classical tone y etc Jesus

[@gair1944]

Gracias

[@startreker8591]

Your analyses is just good as mine y not wearing my ideal earphones I knew that I would not have to.The The D18 had the better tone y depth but the other two (btw I never had seen a cut away Martin dread…y the rosewood didn’t even impress me…;I am considered 00028 or Taylor 517

[@Purple_Pixel]

Great playing really shows off the 717.

[@matteoanceschi3098]

Great video. Is it easier to play Taylor 717E than D18?

[@JeremyCrookWrites]

Yes. Taylor is always the absolute best for playability

[@leevitalone]

I mean good video I have a 517e and have come to love that guitar the articulate sound and the way the strings dance is amazing. I did not like the sound when I first bought, but changed the strings and it changed my perception. I do not have a Martin in a D18 or D28 and went towards Gibson Hummingbird where I prefer the studio over the original.

[@chromed66]

Taylor for the win.

[@titusalabat5173]

I played this grand pacific today at my local music store. It was the most opposite of what Taylor guitars sounds like and that's a great thing! The tone was not thin and crisp like most Taylors but warm and balance. It has the warmness of a Gibson J45 and the balance string tones of martin guitars. The only taylor thing about it was the feel of the guitar, the Taylor smoothness. This is the kind of sound that Taylor needs to shift towards. I even compared it to their 800 and 900 series and they all sound so weak and thin.

[@gair1944]

I agree completely! Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

[@titusalabat5173]

@@gair1944 You're welcome!

[@MichaelJones-gw8sg]

They Taylor sounds much more musical.

[@jimdoner3443]

Wow great sound out of that grand pacific

[@gair1944]

Thanks and I agree. The grand pacific is one of my favorite Taylor’s

[@Dakota.Covers]

Wow. I was surprised by that Taylor and I’m a “Taylor Guy”. Like you, I am surprised that the Rosewood compares well to the Mahogany. In another video that compares the Mahogany 517 to the D18, I preferred the D18. This video is closer comparison in tone for some reason. I wonder D18 version would feel the most similar to a Taylor? If the D18 feel is easy to adapt to, I would definitely consider the D18 as I love the tone. Thanks for the great video!

[@gair1944]

You make a great point. I too am a mahogany guy and the rosewood 717GP was more to my liking than the 517. I also think the 717 compares favorably as being more similar sounding to the mahogany D-18 than you would assume.

[@roostershooter76]

The Taylor takes it with the standard D18 coming in second.

[@gair1944]

On any given song or moment, I flip-flop and prefer one guitar over the other and then my preference changes to the other one. LOL That tells me these guitars belong in the same company. Both are exceptional.

[@timnewman1172]

Opposite to me, the D-18 Standard is the quintessential sound of the Dreadnought!

[@69telecasterplayer]

Is that a BlueChip TP 40 pick?

[@gair1944]

TD40 yes

[@johnviolette5511]

I'm a Taylor guy. But man, the tone of that natural D-18. To die for! If only there was a Martin that played and felt like a Taylor.... that would be for me.

[@the_unkowngod_2328]

Try the GPC-16E Trust me when I say its Like a Taylor... I have the D 16E which is a martin but man it plays like a Taylor because it doesn't have the full depth of a dread even though it is.. its full wood rosewoodback spruce top. Neck is the 3/4 and beautiful comfortable ebony neck like the Taylor. And the bright shine like a Taylor. Im recommending the Gpc because I've played one and also it is basically a replica of the Taylor GA body. So belive me when I say get the D16E or the GPC-16E. I have Rosewood. But they do make a Mahagony version, which will give you a resembling sound to its Big Brother the D-18.(which i own, thats why I picked the Rosewood) Because in reality no Mahogny guitar can beat the D18. The J45 gives it a run for its money but not quite the same, and Taylor's new 517E which I hope to get my hands on very soon.. Also being a Taylor guy dont overlook the 16 series. The 516 is one of the most beautiful instruments i have ever played. (WITH X BRACING) I own a 414ce Rosewood V Brace. If you've played that guitar, the D16E is basically a replica. I'd like to say its Martin's take on a More comfortable and playable guitar. Just like a Taylor. Sorry for the long rambling man. Hope I could help!!

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

I Got the 722E Taylor which has become most played acoustic that I really enjoy. Have the Martin HD28 , Gibson 60s J-45 , Ovation 2002 Collectors Edition. My Performance guitar is the Ovation which sounds great on PA systems ....

[@WScott-gd2mj]

I'll take both...but seriously, what are you playing in drop D at 7:10 or so? Wonderful song/riff....does it have a name? tabs anywhere?

[@gair1944]

Thanks! that was my own version of "Midnight Rider" (Allman Brothers)

[@WScott-gd2mj]

@@gair1944 as they say in the south that's cool as grits...fwiw your vid made this guitar sound fantastic, though i wound up settling on a 714ce w/ a lutz spruce top

[@gair1944]

W. Scott thanks Scott. I love the lutz spruce 714 editions! Great guitar!

[@greggartrell7790]

great video. thank you

[@johnhcross1]

Great comparison but it would be more effective with “like” tone woods. The D18s are mahogany back and sides. The 717 had rosewood back and sides.

[@gair1944]

Understood. I didn't have the same tone wood guitars on hand. So I compared what I considered to be very good bold 'dreadnaught' type guitars nonetheless.

[@jeffhenson1123]

Taylor sounds better than both martins probably because it's a better guitar 🤓

[@stevec.1802]

I’m curious what your action height set up is on your D18’s and the Taylor. Btw- The Taylor dreadnought shape resembles a Goodall Standard model. Thank you.

[@garyroberts7952]

I don't know the action height, but I call it a medium action. I don't like it super low.

[@robertvalerio7335]

Great video: well done! All great sounding guitars. The d18 standard really shines for bluegrass I think but choose any and you would be happy. Both Martin and Taylor also use sustainable methods for wood sourcing and building which is a good thing also.

[@physioacademygr6232]

Which one has the most comfortable neck in your opinion ? In terms of feel and ease to play...

[@gair1944]

I personally am more comfortable on the D-18 neck. It is more shallow and sleek. The GP neck profile has more shoulder and a deeper profile than other Taylor’s. It’s not bad but it is beefier than Taylor’s usual neck profile in my experience.

[@physioacademygr6232]

@@gair1944 Thanks a lot for the reply, i am looking to buy a 2020 D18E, i wanted to ask you does the neck of that guitar has a satin or a gloss finish ? I couldn't find that information anywhere

[@VividFizzy]

The tone you pull out is amazing

[@gair1944]

Thank you Elijah. The guitar has great resonance. That helps inspire your playing in my experience.

[@gabrielobrien21]

Keep in mind that the mic on your phone is a tiny condenser designed to accentuate the frequencies of the voice. Also a D18 is mahogany back and sides and a 717 is rosewood back and sides, so this isn't an apples to apples comparison, as a 517 would be since it's also mahogany. See Alamo music's comparison here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6liYWNmLeBptU

[@garyroberts7952]

Hi Gabriel. Your points well are taken. The video recorder I use has proven to be freakishly good at capturing the voice and tone of the instrument. I listen back to all of my recordings and what I hear in the room versus the recording is surprisingly valid and indicative of the instrument's native voice. I didn't have a GP517 or I would have compared. I prefer D-18 Mahogany/Spruce dreads, but in the Taylor Grand Pacific models, I actually like the rosewood GP717 better. I have played the GP517 and it does what Mahogany guitars typically do; It has a more fundamental, a little less harmonic / reverb overhang, and each string exhibits a more precise and fundamental note delivery.

[@VividFizzy]

Think I'm playing?! Post tabs of both songs, I'll send you $15 bucks 😭

[@gair1944]

Thanks Elijah. I don't have a clue about Tabs. I just play and the music comes out. Wish I could help. I am humbled at the compliment. You are very kind

[@VividFizzy]

Gary Roberts what are the chord progressions you are playing? And awesome demo by the way!

[@angelg8445]

Elijah Tarin it’s pretty standard stuff like Em / D/ G/C. Then he goes to drop D which is standard tuning but with a bottom low D....it’s all the embellished tone that he does that’s the “hard” part.

[@gair1944]

@@angelg8445 I was improving and yes, L Vegan Angel is correct.

[@VividFizzy]

@@gair1944 from 7:00-7:40 what chords?!?

[@johnviolette5511]

What you get with the Martin is the blast from the low end. It almost gives you a percussive bass drum thump as you play. Good in a solo situation. But from the comments from Andy Powers and some others that the Taylor is more controlled and works better in a live setting, especially in a band setting. I can see that with your demo. Good demo!

[@gair1944]

Thank you John. my d-18’s are very controllable in a live gig environment. The LR Baggs Anthem pickups are the most plug and play when amplified and acoustically any of these can be played with finesse that works well

[@donadolfo11]

The Martins have more "body" in my ears. It's a question of personal preference.

[@gair1944]

Ultimately, I prefer the Martin D-18 but I have had that "Martin Voice" in my head for years. It speaks to me and inspires me.

[@donadolfo11]

@@gair1944 The same for me.

[@angelcastellanosmartinez2412]

Do you mean more presence?

[@johngraydon506]

You make the taylor sound better than any I have heard as most have the lighter tones of a Taylor, Overall the Martin sound does it for me but like others a Taylor set up on a Martin would be the best for amateurs I feel as some Martins take a while,wheras the J45 is a cinch to use ! I love them.

[@rtgray7]

This is weird because, in your other video comparing the standard D18 with the Taylor, I liked the Martin. But in this one the Taylor sounded a little better to me. Not sure why. Maybe you are getting more comfortable and inspired after playing the Taylor a bit or something. Nice job.

[@gair1944]

The Tayor is very inspirational and has a great voice for sure. I do become more comfortable on any guitar after playing it for a while. I'm not sure if its the guitar that 'wakes up' or if it's ME? LOL

[@rtgray7]

:) LOVE your vids!

[@ggrahman9371]

Still Martin d28...👍

[@gair1944]

Its entirely possible a D28 would win this entire contest. I don't own one and probably should!

[@mrx-b3i]

martin is the better 2015

[@gair1944]

I agree. This martin is classic is amazing

[@esinsonat675]

if I had a lot of money, I wouldn't give $3000-$4000 dollars for a guitar, no guitar deserves this money !.. i'll buy a yamaha FS800 or FG-800-830 series guitar and enjoy it..

[@johngraydon506]

Martin every time here.

[@markthompsoncpa]

Are the strings loud or is the guitar loud

[@markthompsoncpa]

I have a 25 yr old 710 but that 717 may sound better

[@gair1944]

Mark Camaro the 717 is loud. Strings are strings. The guitar either transmits and projects or it doesn’t. That is over simplified but basically my experience

[@bigpike08]

Taylor. No bottom end. They don't get it... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gair1944]

I wouldn’t say no bottom end, but I also prefer the deeper richer low end of the Martin hands down

[@leonardtristan6873]

In my experience Taylor's bottom end needs time to open, a few years...

[@maraviyoso8473]

You don't get it. BTW, are you bass player?

[@stevec.1802]

Upon a second listing- the D-18 doesn’t have any competition. Taylor 717 BE is just a different voice. Soon as you switched back to the D-18 I was sold. I have a D-18 too, so maybe I’m a bit biased. Btw- How was this session recorded? External microphone or builtin camera mic. All sounded great.

[@soofitnsexy]

yup I had to watch tis video!!! sighs.....im doomed......

[@gair1944]

Yo can’t un-know what you know. I.e. these are credible, musical great guitars that outperform less expensive budget models

[@soofitnsexy]

@@gair1944 oh yes they do! Budget guitar is something practical...a knock around drag to the subway or beach...but these babies!! WORLD CLASS INSTRUMENTS IN THE STEEL STRING REALM