MARTIN GPC-13E VERSUS TAYLOR 214CEDLX - The Competition is Heating Up!

The Taylor 214ceDLX and the Martin GPC-13E. Both are made by two of the premier manufacturers of acoustic guitars. Both are built in Mexico. Both are in the same price range; (the Taylor is actually $200 more). However, they are not build the same way! While the Taylor offers a solid top with laminate back and sides, the Martin is all-solid. That doesn't tell the whole story though. These are both great guitars and worth checking out. Watch Chris McKee referee the battle between these two juggernauts and see which one comes out on top.
**We want to hear from you! - Poll at the end of the video**
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Features 1:40
*Playing Demo 6:15
*Fingerstyle 9:32
*Recap 12:43
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Taylor 214CEDLX Sunburst: www.alamomusic...
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[@ronaldallred4144]

I just got my Taylor 214ce Deluxe this week as a Xmas to myself. This has to be the sweetest guitar that I have ever played. I have been thinking of getting an acoustic guitar for a-while and was torn between all of the choices. I had personally narrowed my selection down to Martin, Taylor and Yamaha, based off of the price, reviews and the great review info from Chris McKee. Thank you for helping me decide on the Taylor.

[@cotmulzzic]

After hearing both, I would pick Taylor just because Taylor seems to be able to cover up my mistakes. I am NO professional what so ever, and it is huge benefit and plus for me that mistakes are hidden as much.

[@AlamoMusic]

Love Taylors!

[@bmann792]

What do you mean? You’re basically saying that the Martin is more articulate and the Taylor’s tones are kind of blended together?

[@michaelgao8621]

@@AlamoMusic You played New York Jazz blues music at last comparison.

[@AdityaPurwanegaraBass]

Martin have natural earthy sound, I can imagine singing with Martin guitar and as for Taylor it’s great sounding when plugged in, suitable in band situation. Both are great guitar which I can’t afford

[@bjwv2005]

I have a 214CEDLX Sapele model and love it. I think the Martin sounded great as well, but I prefer the Taylor. For me the laminate was the way to go for humidity factors. Truth be told, you probably can't go wrong with either of these - pick the one that fits you best! Great video, thanks!

[@vrodri1]

I just bought the Taylor 224cc K DLX. I loved the Koa top. Nice warm sound. The pickup system is completely revolutionary. The crystals are mounted behind the saddle, not underneath. You really notice the difference in this video. I've been testing Martin's and Taylor's for awhile. To me, the Taylor's played and sounded better. I'm very happy with my investment.

[@gregbaker3701]

VSR I just ordered the 224ce k dlx today. After multiple guitar stores and playing all the guitars I was considering: Taylor 317e, 214, Martin D18 GPC and a few others. I chose the 224. Sure, it’s gorgeous but it was seriously effortless to play and sounded simply amazing. I was looking for an all solid around $2k but this one made me smile ear to ear and just felt good in my hands. It should come Wednesday or Thursday, I cannot wait!!!! Oh, I did play a Martin D28 ....that guitar is crazy good but a few grand out of my price range lol.

[@vrodri1]

@@gregbaker3701 yeah, I don't think you can go wrong with that. Im very happy with my choice, I'm sure you will too. I bought mine at Guitar center. I felt it sounded and played the way I wanted, looked flawless, nice case, so I just bought it. Happy jamming to you.

[@bertrandguerra7621]

The Taylor sounds more articulate, responsive, and has more projection. The Martin only offers more bass.

[@morganghetti]

Explain how it sounds more "articulate"

[@patrickestwick5675]

Both nice. I chose the Taylor 214 ce - the exact model you showcased. Its Heaven! Plus the hardcase gives me peace of mind.

[@ct90twa]

The Martin sounded great, and all solid wood? I'm definitely checking that out.

[@teleguy5699]

Not any more.

[@1olddoggie]

The line pickup on the Martin sounded wonky compared to the Taylor's pickup! Another great review.

[@walterrherrera9515]

I liked the martin sound better with the external mic. But I liked the Taylor built in mic better.

[@bradywhit4153]

Dude.. You are Right on the money bro lol, I just left the guitar shop & was able to narrow down which one I wanted to between these 2 models ! & there's a battle raging inside me!! This video was helpful, thank you.

[@brettgayer8170]

I’m buying the Taylor 214ce. I love the sunburst. First Taylor I’ve ever owned.

[@MortgageMarshal]

I ended up purchasing the Taylor 214. IMO the sound quality was VASTLY different in person. I also just like how the fret board plays better than the Martin. I actually played every guitar available under $3,000 and this Taylor was by far the winner!

[@randyshaves7956]

Same here Marshall.

[@shawnsnow6413]

Yep. I usually would say go solid wood, but the 214 is the best guitar you can get for the price. I play mine more than both my Martins and Larrivee combined.

[@randyshaves7956]

@@shawnsnow6413 I own all wood guitars as well as the 214. In my opinion the solid wood top is very important, but this guitar which has a properly laminated back and sides (emphasis on properly) produces a tone equal to or better than my solid wood guitars. It also has many advantages over solid wood when it comes to changes to environment. It's the best guitar I have ever played.

[@jordanpierce2367]

Nice dude. I just ordered a 214ce-k. All guitar stores are closed so I couldn’t go try any out. I used to play 10 years ago and really been wanting to pick it up again so I did some research and this guitar seems perfect for the price. Can’t wait til it gets here in a few days.

[@shawnsnow6413]

@@jordanpierce2367 You'll love it. It plays like an electric and sounds like a guitar that cost 2-3 times as much. Plus you'll never have to worry about a neck reset.

[@gustavosalamanca1566]

Can someone please tell me the name of the song at 8:17? Looking for it for over half a year now. Thanks!!!

[@garyheaton4791]

They both sounded great pal..good work! But..if I were to buy one of them today, it would be the Martin, it just sounds better to me. (And I AM a fan of Taylor's guitars!) Thanks!

[@thomaslau9631]

The most important factor that determines the playability of acoustic guitar is first to reset the saddle height & nut height with sand papers apart from all others.

[@baileypawsplays1047]

I went and demo'ed the Martin GPC series both the 13e and the 11e as well as and the the 214ce delux and non delux. Also played the 114ce. This was all done down at the local Sam Smash store. :) in the morning when they first opened up so I had the room all to myself for quite a while. We don't have an Alamo music store here in California 😢. So check it out. I ended up buying the 214ce deluxe as well as the Martin GPC-11e. The 13E at least that particular one. I could not justify the price increase. I firmly believe it's not worth it. The 11e actually sounded better without all the extra 300$ bling. Honestly. 45 day return policy. And I told them that I'm gonna buy both and return one 100%. So I got home... poured up a nice bourbon on the rocks and jammed out for like 3 solid hours. I was in the the room where the guitar was primarily gonna be played. My 1000$ went to the Martin gpc-11e. Playing it at the home in the setting that I would normally play it at. I think that guitar was far superior to the Taylor in almost every way. YmMv... but that all soild is just downright amazing. . I 100% believe that for 1k that is the guitar you should get. And you know the best part? They cut me a deal $100 off each guitar so I only ended up playing 900 each. I got a really good deal for a new guitar.. I returned the Taylor a few days later perfect condition just like I found it. and then.... well I ended up buying a Taylor GS mini. Brand new with a discount. It pays to be nice to people. 450$ out the door with tax :) so happy me. Why not.. you only live once. 🥳👌

[@rickysreviewsandhowtos]

😂😂 cant blame you on that, who doesnt love the GS mini. I played the 11e at a local shop the other day and as a long time Taylor fan (I've owned a 2018 414ce-R, and currently own a 2006 Taylor 914ce fall limited) I was pleasantly surprised enough to consider it as a near future purchase. I still prefer the Taylor necks but I agree for 1k the 11e is most definitely worth looking at. congrats on 2 very nice additions 👍

[@baileypawsplays1047]

@@rickysreviewsandhowtos I love that GS Mini wow just like 2 months later I cant put it down sounds amazing

[@rickysreviewsandhowtos]

@@baileypawsplays1047 that's awesome man, how do you feel about the Martin you bought? I'm honestly considering it as a 2nd guitar to practice and put the wear and tear on

[@baileypawsplays1047]

@@rickysreviewsandhowtos it's not really a wear and tear guitar. It's a really nice guitar. Here... let me link you to a song i did up with it with my armature self.... play it on a stereo or on headphones. The sound is good the guy playing it not so much drive.google.com/file/d/1Jo2Y9EHHBxb6f0RDr2kQCXTneQoX1bse/view?usp=drivesdk

[@earlmace]

My son-in-law plays a Martin. I play a Taylor 810 (1997). He picked up my Taylor and began to play. His comment was "it's like cheating", meaning the Taylor is so much easier to play. As far as this comparison, I like both for their strengths. I would buy the Taylor because of my experience with Taylor, but I like a lot of things about the Martin too.

[@larryadams1873]

The Martin is a way better guitar naturally. The Taylors pickup system is better but with eq the Martin would smoke the Taylor. To me most Taylor’s are overpriced and hyped beyond what they deserve. In a year or so the Martin will open up and speak better. Several of my buddies own older Taylors...some are very nice but still have that same new guitar metallic treble that a Taylor has. Really gets down to your own ears and needs here but the Martin gets my vote. Keep up the good work with the videos.

[@Cycloneshockey94]

I will agree that the Mexican made Taylors are overpriced. the 214CE DLX is a nice guitar, comes with a hardshell case. At $999 the Taylor would be a good value, at $1,500 not so much, look for a used one.

[@markstaggs7342]

I totally disagree with what your saying its definitely the other way around

[@mitchhernandez9916]

Solid vs Laminated, and $200 cheaper, cmon now

[@tonym2513]

But with a gig bag

[@jimdoner3443]

Not a real wood fingerboard or bridge? Didn't like richlite and got rid of 2 Martins.

[@teleguy5699]

Since 2021 the Martin is a veneer also. "Ziricote fine veneer".

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

I have a 214ce, and I love it! But I can’t give an honest comparison, as I’ve never got the opportunity to play a road series Martin before. I’d love to try one sometime. But nobody in our area carries the Road Series. It does look like a beautiful guitar though.

[@TheWildWomenofYesteryear]

They taylor mid range was much more pronounced, the Martin was mid range was bassier. Taylor for me.

[@stevezanone2937]

I went with that very Taylor. I love Martins, but I’m buying a tool. It’s gonna get gigged. I know solid versus laminate, but the laminate does open over time. I’ve gigged with a Sigma DR41 and it aged well. Wish the Taylor had built in tuner. But I’ll go with Taylor this time. Better sound plugged in, and a real case.

[@anthonyholmes3457]

I mean there are also other factors. Like feel and playability. If you like a more modern playability like I do you would probably gravitate towards the taylor. Martin, no matter how much they modernize they still hold on to quite a bit of they're vintage trademark in my opinion.

[@dalecauthen9086]

Both have great sound. Subtle differences, but for my taste the Martin sounds warmer and seems to be more responsive in the range I care more about for the fingerpicking style I'm working on. Super comparison and I'm sure it helps a lot of people decide. Thanks ! Now can you compare the 11E, the 13E and the 13E Ziricote ? :)

[@jimdoner3443]

I own a 214ce 4 years old the sound quality is very good and the playability is awesome real wood bridge and saddle as well,sustains very well. It's hard to humidify in a good gig bag here in Michigan though. My Martin 00015m is an awesome guitar as well playability not as good as Taylor but very good , the tone is really good,better to my ears than most Martins.I personally have played both 6 and 12 string road series and wasn't disappointed at all I don't believe one is appreciably better than the other, but man are they different.

[@MarlonKingShow]

What is the action like on these guitars? easy to play compared with sub £500 acoustic guitars?

[@jimdoner3443]

Man that Martin has some buzzing going on didn't notice it when I listened to this video when it first came out. 6-26-2021

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Nice comparison, but you should consider dropping the Guild OM-240 in there.

[@LindaLooUK]

In general I tend to be more of a Taylor fan but I would pick the Martin out of these two. It sounds better (IMO) is all solid wood construction, has a lighter gig bag which makes transporting it easier and I rather like the look of the Mutenye wood. Thanks for the videos - I always enjoy hearing from you. :)

[@Wistbacka]

Why is gloss finish still considered more fancy among guitars? I kinda would like an expensive guitar to feel and look as close to possible to natural wood. Or keep it in a satin finish. I just bought a Furch Green, and when I compare it to the cheaper models with non-gloss surface, they kinda look nicer. Everything else is going matte these days.

[@berndgottschalk7054]

Hi Also Team, I Love your Channel! Yesterday I tried both guitars in a Shop in Germany. I like Martin Mode due the sound of strumming, what I do more play. All the best for you with greetings Form Europe! Bernd 🤘

[@davidthomas3725]

The Taylor sounded so much more forward? Midrange?

[@toddparfitt7571]

The microphone sound doesn't do either justice. There is a difference between "warm" and muddy. Mic them up like you would in the studio so we can hear the true sound of both.

[@SoupKitchen91]

I compared the GPC-13e, 000-15M, and the ovangkol grand auditorium model from Martin against the 214 and 224 from Taylor. I was fully planning on buying a Martin, and I really wanted at least one of their models to win me over, but both Taylor’s were far better in sound and playability. Well worth the money, and the solid vs laminate debate means nothing to me.

[@xwedx79]

Can you please do a vs on.. taylor 224ce-k dlx vs Martin Sc13e?? thank you

[@cijjjjconcepcion]

Very informative as always man but can you do a review on DC-13e? Thanks!

[@AlamoMusic]

Already shot. Should be up soon.

[@evimlck4579]

Love them both.

[@sudkreuz7570]

Although both sound great I'm trully disappoined with the pickups. They sound thin and tend to filter much of the dinamycs of the sound. The Taylor pu sounded little better, imho.

[@TheOompahRoundabout]

Martin hands down.

[@franklinarchambault5397]

I lean toward the Taylor but I have a Martin GPCX on my wish list

[@cajunqueen5125]

very helpful vid

[@georgemercer3013]

TAYLOR FINGER PICKING MARTIN FLAT PICKING....BOTH ARE GOOD...

[@PatatoKeftes]

I don't know, these price points are a minefield. You hear "all solid construction" in the same sentence as "richlite bridge and fingerboard" and "solidwood neck"... On the other hand you have 3 piece neck and laminate construction. Half-assing the half-ass range.

[@franklong6269]

The Martin has a one-piece solid wood neck. Are you referring to the Taylor?

[@jcstockl]

Can you do a comparison between Martin's GPC- 11e, 13e and 16e? Is the 16e (with rosewood or mahogany back and sides) worth the extra money?

[@AlamoMusic]

Will pass this on!

[@AlamoMusic]

We would love to do a comparison and it has been on our list. Supply constraints and brisk sales have prevented us from having all of them available at the same time to shoot a video. Keep on the lookout for it. -Chris

[@jasonhancock5918]

I serious think my epiphone sj200 sounds better that that Taylor but I do absolutely love the 224 series the Martin however is a great guitar wouldn't give up my Gibson songwriter for it but I do like it.

[@janbest4110]

The Martin sounds much warmer and more full. Taylor is bright and not as rich sounding

[@gunsofsteele]

Does anyone ever described how the neck & strings feel while playing? i.e. when I play a Taylor 214ce the strings feel "tight" or hard to press, I have to use more pressure than when fretting a Taylor 814ce. An 814 feels like butter to me. The lightest pressure will fret the string & the notes will ring. Wish more reviews described this aspect.

[@stephenk419]

Good point- i got the GPC11E this weekend because it was so easy to play. Several other models including more expensive were much harder to play- action maybe strings- i don’t know why.

[@chickenporkasado]

I think the issue with why people don’t talk about this as much is because neck feel is so so subjective. Some guitars are set up from the factory, some are not. Some are Pleked, some are not. Are factory strings the same gauge as well? It’s just very very subjective so the most the reviewer can say is the neck shape and neck radius.

[@ricklindsey5216]

Have you ever did a Zager guitar video

[@AlamoMusic]

We haven't

[@iosifsimon]

8:04 vs 8:57

[@qualaup]

Taylor all the way. Wider range than the Martin. The Martin sounds a bit too mid and wooly to my ears. The es system from taylor also sounds way more natural than the Fishman in the Martin guitar. Cosmaticly the Taylor looks cooler, look at the bridge and pick guard, it's got more style. The colour of this Taylor though is absolute not my taste. I prefer the 214ce cf dlx, because that's the one i have...lol. Thanks for the comparison!

[@AlamoMusic]

That's interesting a lot of people are pretty set on Martin! It just goes to show how much taste has to play in this!

[@hafizmendes4066]

ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴍᴀʀᴛɪɴ ɢᴘᴄ 13ᴇ sᴏᴜɴᴅs❤✨

[@RobOnCrypto]

Why is it that Martin always suck when it comes to electronics in their non-premium guitars. I think its some agreement they have - taylor better electronics (aims at gigging ppl) and martin much better acoustic (recording and home players).

[@Lafollydany]

taylor all the way

[@thebadness6217]

when doing comparisons, do microphone to microphone, THEN do line to line. Don't do microphone line to microphone line. That is terrible.

[@TheDifferentClass]

word!

[@TheDifferentClass]

i skiped like 20 times through the video the hear the real comparison

[@patrickwalsh6240]

Taylor Taylor Taylor

[@marlonmadera8651]

Is the Taylor V-CLASS?

[@AlamoMusic]

This Taylor uses x bracing (:

[@TheCarolo08]

for me taylor is better!

[@JonasKvinge]

The Martin sounds way better

[@joelinpa185]

I'm a Martin fan and owner but in this case I give my nod to the Taylor, especially the line input sound. To my ears the Taylor pickup system has a better sound with much less "quack" than the Fishman. Both very nice guitars though.

[@ryanwhite5148]

the piezo sound on that fishman... def a problem if you plan to play live or through an amp

[@littlejayone290]

I like the Taylor even tho it’s more expensive and laminate wood

[@mdub2000]

yeah surprisingly it had a little more low end and wasn't overly bright....sounded more natural

[@bciecko1]

That martin sounded better and over time it’ll only continue to do so, at a rate greater than the Taylor because of the all wood. With that said the Taylor will be less finicky over time and season changes too if you’re in the Midwest like myself. But $1200 for a guitar and no hard case?!?! That’s a no-no.

[@mattbutterworth3345]

To me the Taylor was bright and crisp. Solid tones. Lows mids and highs were all very clear and sharp. Martin was no slouch. Very warm and smooth, but to my preference Taylor hands down best one.

[@CooldownsYT]

I think the Martin model sounds better. I will choose that out of these two. Thank you. Great Vid!!

[@TheJeffburton]

Played both. Had a friend play both without me knowing which one was which. Then had him hand me them to me with my eyes closed and played them again. It was weird. Liked the Taylor when I played them. Liked the Martin better when I heard them. Liked the Taylor when I played them without knowing which one I had. Figured I would go with the Taylor in the end. It was probably the case that sold me in the end lol. All in all, I love my Taylor.

[@scottliedtke8217]

Me to!

[@irataylor5083]

Kind of strange. The Taylor has layered back and sides with a hardshell case. The Martin has all solid woods and comes with a gig bag🥴

[@somprinniyomthai54]

I love Martin's sound which is a bit warm and not so bright like Taylor. But both are awesome guitar. Thanks for clip that is easy for me to choose.

[@mijwil]

Surprised - I have never owned a Martin - had plenty of Taylors and love them. Here's a suggestion. The comparison here is phenomenal. Open 2 youtube windows and queue them up side by side. Instead of listening to one all the way through, bounce back and forth at the same sections of what he is playing. It will surprise you. The Martin sounded more articulate which was shocking to me as I have always thought that was the big difference between them, in favor of the Taylor. Not in this instance. If you think the Taylor was brighter, listen again. But it is all a matter of taste. What some call warm, sometimes is muddy for my taste. I've always liked a little more articulation. Martin won this one which is a surprise given my taste.

[@dondommisse5992]

yes, only when he played Taylor, fingerpicking near very end and he played that part louder and didn't play on Martin, was the Taylor more clear

[@peterdeboer8924]

I like the Martin nut width and scale length better. Much more playable

[@tejjensen9402]

I like the sound of that Martin, but frankly I thought that Taylor has a ... hmmm ... wider sound. Cats pick Whiskas I pick that Taylor.

[@ayewhite333]

I actually prefer the sound of the Martin mic'd up, but the Taylor electronics sound much better to me when using the line input

[@markbrown382]

I have the Taylor and love it. I wasn’t really aware of that Martin but it sounds great too. Thanks for the great video!

[@jeffmariajenson9751]

I liked the Martin mick's up. The Taylor sounded fuller plugged in.

[@bmann792]

In reality the taylor is very nasily and lacks any output compared to the martin

[@TheOutsider69]

With headphones on it's just no contest for me. The Taylor sounds so much better to my ear despite being laminate, and that's coming from someone who really loves both of these brands and would prefer an all solid wood instrument.

[@teleguy5699]

The Martin is the same style laminate since 2021. Both use layers of top and back woods sandwiched between other woods. Taylor is Polar, and Martin a veneer sandwiching Mahogany. This is from 3 years ago so maybe it was solid then.

[@ggar1959]

I just bought the Taylor model he has in the video. I am happy with the purchase. Sound wise, I didn't hear much difference between the guitars. The Taylor GA body and bracing is well done and produces a very balanced sound. The reviewer said over time the real wood guitars open up more. I'll take his word for it, but the Taylor I bought sounds great now and if that doesn't change over time I'm good with that. The appointments and the case on this model Taylor are hard to beat. I own a lot of acoustic guitars and one thing to consider about the guitars in question is which will stand up to time. The layered wood on the Taylor is generally more resistant to things like humidity opposed to solid wood guitars. Most of the sound comes from the top which is solid wood on the Taylor. Also note that if a Taylor neck has issues you can take them to a local Taylor repair shop and its fairly easy and inexpensive to repair them. With the Martin and any solid glue joint guitar, the guitar will need to be sent out to a professional Luthier to heat up the glue, dis-join the neck and then repair the issues and glue the neck back on, ship back to the owner and will be expensive. Both are great mid level from arguably the two best acoustic guitar makers in the world.

[@waynegerner1959]

I liked the Martin’s natural sound. I liked the Taylor’s plugged in sound. Great comparison video.

[@michaelmason5907]

From experience: the all around sound of the Taylor has the edge. The base notes and blend with the mids is much closer transition, creating a smoother tone blend. Personally, I have a 214ce DLX and don't deserve any better sound!! Thanks, great and informative video! Chuck Skillet

[@ahighervibe4086]

The BIGGEST DIFFERENCE between these guitars is the NUT WIDTH!!!! For some weird unknown reason Taylor builds the 200 series with a THINNER NUT WIDTH then the rest of their lineup. It's TOO DAMN NARROW, and for me at least, it's difficult to make chords ring true as my fingers end up Muting other strings.... And the result is shitty sounding! Ymmv, but...I've been playing for thirty years and know a thing or two about anything or two...and THIS IS THE THING THAT MAKES THE 100-200 SERIES TAYLOR GUITARS DIFFICULT TO PLAY. If u have small hands you may be okay, but if you're hands are average or larger, you're gonna struggle to get those axes to sound clear! Hardly anyone ever mentions this about the Taylor low end models, but they SHOULD!!! TAYLOR says it's bc those lines are designed for beginning guitarists and beginners struggle with a standard nut width, to which I say, "THATS TOTAL BULLSHIT!". RANT OVER. LOL

[@dalehockin]

Patrick Schnall I played both today, and I have big hands and noticed the Taylor was a little more cramped

[@randyshaves7956]

He said they had the same nut width, but even if they're not the same 1/16" difference in the nut widths is no deal breaker anyway. LOL Get real, that MAY BE at most 0.0104166667 inches distance between each string depending on spacing, there may be no difference at all. That isn't going to make or break any guitar player. Plus, the Taylor's electronics are way superior and their hard shell case that comes with the 214CE sells for $199.99. It is one of the nicest cases I have ever seen.

[@marksh24]

Patrick Schnall I agree they should make this more known but...I would only buy a 100 or 200 series Taylor for that exact reason. They rest are too wide for me, almost unplayable. To each his own I understand. Also I’m mainly an electric player so there’s that. I want an acoustic to feel as close to my electrics as possible or the change is too drastic. It’s not bullshit though, that’s why companies make different products for different tastes.

[@shawnsnow6413]

@@marksh24 Same here. I prefer 11/16 over 3/4.

[@heloification]

Hmm I have massive hands and own a 214ce DLX and I have had no problems

[@JohnNesbit1957]

People love the Taylor because it costs more. Whenever Chris compares a Martin with a Taylor he plays the Taylor a little bit louder, and the Martin a little softer. He makes more on Taylor sales than the less expensive Martin. I've owned a Taylor 814Ce and now own the Martin featured in this video. There's no comparison. The Martin is the better guitar. Even my Yamaha's LL16 sound better than Taylor's and the Martin. Pricey does not mean better.

[@stringbender57]

Good review! I own a Taylor 210ce but will be purchasing the Martin GPC-11e. I think the Martin sounds better both acoustically and plugged in than the Taylor did. The Martin has more fullness with clarity and definition while the Taylor was too muddy acoustically and too thin plugged in. You forgot to mention that the Taylor does not have a built in tuner like the Martin. I think the Taylor is much more appealing to the eyes than the Martin, but the Martin is the clear winner for me!

[@SynthMan65]

I just bought the Martin GPC-13E yesterday and I just cannot get it out of my hands. So, that bias aside. To my hear, the Martin seems to have less mid range and more high end brilliance overall where the Taylor seems to be slightly more muted on the highs. The GPC-13E was the sound and utility I was looking for in a guitar and I was prepared to spend twice the amount. I just feel in love with it at first grip. Can't wait to record with it tonight to see how the pickups sound.

[@ronhigdon4475]

Me too!!!!!!!!!

[@lanelederer175]

Both are great. I'll get the Martin, it's cheap and the sound is comforting. When funds get better I'll add any Taylor 3 series and up.

[@danielmorales6151]

3 series is just looks

[@richardshank7659]

@@danielmorales6151 strongly disagree. Played my cousins 314 and then a 214 at a store. The 214 is good don’t get me wrong but the 314 was just so full sounding.

[@richardshank7659]

Thing that saddens me is now anything above the 3 series is now v braced with no choice of x bracing on standard models. Wouldn’t buy a Taylor above that range as I just don’t like v bracing that much.

[@juujuubees379]

@@richardshank7659 I strongly disagree I tried 214ce Dlx and the 314ce, 214 was clearer more full and played better hands down for me 214 dlx and saved 400 bucks.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Could someone please tell me the name of the song he plays starting at 6:35? He plays it in almost every demo, but I don’t know the name?

[@redxpro7768]

It sounds a little like classical gas to me.

[@keithfreeman4015]

I played both these guitars today. I went home with the Taylor. I do wish it had a built in tuner.

[@sarahgracebrooks2629]

Ok, I just purchased the same TAYLOR and the Beautiful hard Case for 700 US dollars...................so I will choose the one I bought! I believe EVERY GUITAR , even the same model always has a different sound. So the beauty is in the EAR of the beholder! My plywood Yamaha FG 180 From 1969 sounds as good as either of these guitars.

[@scottdavis9384]

Love both but the Taylor was more warm to my ears.

[@charlesamery-behr3153]

Great comparison Chris. i do think folk come to this with their own brand perceptions. I would have liked to hear the comments if it was a "blindfold" test where we don't see what you are playing! I love what Martin is doing with the GPC-13e. It does look like they are responding to Taylor's popular Grand Auditorium shape. I think the Martin has a lovely warm, mellow mid rich tone mic'ed. The Taylor typically has more articulation where you hear each string, rather than a blend. I think it is more balanced across the the strings. If you want it to sound more warm you can always EQ I guess. The comparison of the pickups (line) is a different matter altogether. The Martin's Fishman has that awful piezo fizzy sound that had me skipping ahead. To me its like fingernails on a chalk board. A real shame! A mic'ed guitar always is going to sound the best, but the Taylor ES2 is excellent and 100% useable. What's better value - Solid wood or a hard case? It's your preference I suppose. Remember most of the tone comes from the top, not the back & sides, so the Taylor tone will also blossom and mellow over time. I think that a comparison should have been with the new Taylor 214ce Plus which was released at the same time as the Martin at Namm 2020. I think the Plus is about $300 less than the Deluxe reviewed here. Tut the Taylor Aerobag is far better than the Martin soft bag. Taylor 214ce Plus wins that contest hands down, in my opinion.

[@jeffclemmons8129]

I bought the Martin just waiting for it to arrive . But I like the burst on the Taylor

[@allancarter8810]

Taylor has a deeper tone. Martin has the twangy tone. I like them both and wonder how the Taylor laminate will hold up over time. I would suggest getting both and use them for various types of songs that you like.

[@wesispradlin9961]

First of all you are the best at doing reviews and have watched so many of your reviews. I have Taylor, Martin and Gibson guitars. I started out just wanting martin guitars, finally warmed up to the Gibson and Taylor. I love the 214ce it is now my favorite.

[@EliNews]

Martin 6:14 Taylor 7:10 Martin 8:04 Taylor 8:57 Martin 9:50 Taylor 10:37

[@michealhuskeymusic4508]

Solid wood will be better in the long run. Martin wins again.

[@amandasuze]

Personally I like the Taylor better. I think it sounds warmer and sweeter than the Martin. I also just like the looks of the Taylor better than the Martin

[@AlamoMusic]

Fair statement!

[@SoupKitchen91]

Starts playing at 6:13

[@markusbuergin6934]

I picked up the Taylor 214 e dlx a month ago. I loved the acoustic sound, playability, dynamic response. I was not so crazy about the sound plugged in. My main complaint is it started to buzz from the resonance body. The buzz came either from a loose brace or the battery case. I returned it yesterday for a refund. Researching the problem, I found that this is not a single occurrence.

[@markusbuergin6934]

Happy Ending. So after returning the Taylor, I got second thoughts and called Guitar Center. I really loved this guitar, I spoke to the guitar technician. He had a closer look at the guitar and found 2 cables, that were loose and should have been taped down. I tried her out again today and the buzzing is gone. I’m glad to have her back 🤓

[@yeiij]

@@markusbuergin6934 thx for sharing this experience

[@1956chip]

Two nice guitars. Question: How do you change the battery on the Martin GPC 13e? 1) do you have to loosen the strings and poke your hand through the soundhole for access? 2) or is there an outside battery compartment (like the Taylor) at the bottom of the guitar? Thank you.

[@1956chip]

@@rosemarycaldwell231 Thank you for the info and that's good news.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Martin Sounded Better - C'mon - if you can't hear it ???

[@paulkline3011]

I just played both back to back and for me the Taylor 214 CE DLX was easier to play and sounded better to my ears for my playing style. I'm more of a Metal player but wanted an acoustic for home use and something I could bring to jam around a camp fire. I ended up buying the Taylor yesterday. I just wasn't feeling the Martin.

[@DROID1018]

In my opinion the Taylor sounds warmer and less bright. I researched both of these and chose the Taylor (214 ce non deluxe) due to the playability of the Taylor. Also, w/ the electronics they have in acoustic guitars these days, solid wood versus laminate doesn’t make as much of a difference as what electronics are inside. Unplugged? Well like I said earlier, do you like bright or warm sounding? As far as the Martin having solid wood, funny thing is, I’ve never heard of the woods he mentioned.

[@joshcrane4107]

Playability??? I played both recently and preferred the taylor's feel. I honestly can't hear the difference between the solid and the laminate.

[@rickysreviewsandhowtos]

there is no question on the playability the Taylor all day, but your right he didnt even mention it. I've played both models and the Martin's playability really is not bad but the Taylor is faster and easier to play

[@Beachbumartist]

Martin is all botton end and the Taylor has more wide range of sound. What is the difference in the 214 deluxe and the 214 standard? I don't care about a gig bag or case or the electronics ut the acoustic sound, thanx. The 214 standard is $899 so why pay $500 more for the deluxe?