Martin vs Taylor - Which Brand is Better ?

[@fabriciobenatti8714]

✨ You don’t need to choose the best guitar … you just to choose the one you like the most ! ( both Taylor and Martin are just GREAT ! ) ✨

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said ! Thanks for watching.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

Yes, interesting, however a local Luthier, tells me he has had many Taylor's that All problems with their pick/up's, never had That issue with a Martin, go figure...😮

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp I am not a fan of the Taylor pickup systems. Thanks for watching.

[@billsovitsky121]

I lean Martin. One thing I didn’t hear you mention is that both companies offer tours of their factories. I’ve been to both and it’s a great experience to see how these instruments are produced. Thanks Todd very informative.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Hi Bill ! I have had some nice comments about our conversation.

[@NickMcC]

Great point! I'd love to see both.

[@ontogeny6474]

Last time I went shopping for a guitar I just happened upon a Seagull S-6. For some reason it was parked along side with all the Martins, sort of out of place I thought. Anyway, I strummed a few chords and had to buy it. Way less expensive than the neighboring Martins and yet to my ear sounded sweeter. It's now my go-to choice in studio requiring very little (if any) EQ. You're right about the personal (subjective) nature of guitar choice. I liken it to a cat in the way they choose us people-- sometimes a guitar picks you and not the other way around. Thanks for a great video and hopefully you had a nice lunch afterward. :D

[@toddcwalker4208]

Yes, food did the trick. I own a Seagull S-6 as well in faded denim. It is one of my favorite guitars. Thanks for watching.

[@williamickes4648]

Great analysis and great comments right through to the end, thank you. I bought an entry level Martin DM about 12 years ago as motivation to practice, and it has worked pretty well so far. That said, the Taylors sound mighty fine too. Guess my folky country bluegrass side keeps me heading to Nazareth whenever I can, but good on the folks out west for giving us this choice!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Modern acoustic guitar building has definitely given us many options. The problem is that there are so many good guitars and so little money to buy them all. 🙂 Thanks for watching.

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

I've owned too many guitars, but it's because I've gotten good deals on them. Lowden, Breedlove (the early ones from the 90's to 2000's.) are among those. They are awesome guitars. I've played a buddys D-28 and just wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. Happy to give it back...quickly. About a year back I found someone getting rid of a 2006 Taylor 414-LTD in Walnut. It sounded great, but still needed love, which I gave it plenty. I've ended up with a guitar that plays wonderfully, beats the Lowden in tone and is set up for amplification. Taylors are well engineered. Martins have Mindshare with players, but it takes laying down serious $ to get one to my standards (like a D-42 and 45). In the meantime I'll pick up my Taylor and get my fix for the evening.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

@@Last_one_before_I_go yes,fair enough too

[@robertparsons5295]

I own 1 Martin and 2 Taylors. Both are magnificent.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Beautiful presentation. Thank you. I love both Taylor and Martin. I have owned older Taylor 310 (too big for me) and sold it purchase a new Taylor 214CE. Love it. I would also like to purchase a Martin 000-10E Mahogany.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thank you for watching. Enjoy your guitar(s).

[@CameraLaw]

Thanks for your thoughts. I always expect commenters to favor Martin, and I join them in this comparison, but the 717 is surely a close second. Gorgeous. I own one of each, but they are as different as night and day. I’d call my Taylor 614ce jazzy with clear note definition. The Martin 000-15SM is new but sounds vintage 30s, a Dust Bowl Woody Guthrie vibe. My favorite is always the one I just played.

[@toddcwalker4208]

So true about the 'one just played'. Thanks for watching.

[@KenGlasser]

Nice job Todd. I think what you said at the end is the most important for picking a guitar. Make sure it fits your body (is comfortable to play) and that you like how it sounds. If you don't like playing your guitar or it doesn't sound good (to you) you won't play it much. I will say this about Taylors - when I was first introduced to them I couldn't believe how low the action was. I imagine that Taylor spent a lot of time figuring out how to do that (and not have buzz and the other disadvantages of low strings). The guitar I owned at that point and the guitars I played in the 1960s & 1970s - well it seemed that getting the guitar comfortable to play wasn't high on the light of priorities. My current Martin D-28 is from 2013. It's fine to play but it's not like playing the Taylors I've tried out. On the other hand I find the D-28 sound more balanced. It's all in the ear of the beholder.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks Ken !

[@robertgarcia3031]

I have a 1978 takamine F340 that I have had for over 40 years. Took it to the mountains and the lake on my motorcycle all the time. The guitar sounds great and never goes out of tune. I love it.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I have many friends who own older Takamine guitars. They also love them. The electronics not so much, but the guitars, yes. Thanks for watching.

[@wrightwrjr]

I have owned several guitars. Blueridge, (which is underrated by the way), Epiphone, Gibson, Taylor 214 dlx and I currently own a Yamaha, (also underrated), and a Martin 000-18. I have played many more including the really expensive Martins and Taylors. My favorite guitar I have ever played is the one I always pick up and that's the 000-18 by Martin. I don't know if you've ever played one, but if you haven't you need to. I absolutely love it and in my opinion it is the best sounding and playing guitar I have ever experienced. Good review.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for watching. I've owned three or four Blueridge guitars...still own an OM that is one of my go-to guitars. I haven't had the opportunity to play a Martin OOO-18.

[@gpasc]

What this one have to the best plz?

[@dochort21]

Have a D-18E retro and a 414ce-R. Both great, but very different instruments that sit well in a a mix together and complement each other very well.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for watching. Keep enjoying both guitars.

[@scouser2230]

I have all my life, and I am now 75, played Martins because all of my acoustic guitar heroes played Martins. When I started playing Taylor was not even in existence. I have nothing against Taylor’s guitars, I think they sound great, but at this stage I have no need for another guitar.

[@toddcwalker4208]

As a 74 year old, quickly approaching 75, I agree about our guitar heroes. The 1969 Martin D-28 I sold back in the 1970's is the one that I allowed to get away. Thanks for watching.

[@torgeirmortensen940]

Hi Wispy, What an interesting demonstration. This triggered my interest because of a very good sound quality.. IMHO, the first Taylor you played was the best, very good balance overall tone layers. The second best, was the Martin, very good -but a little on the hi tone end and a little crispy (lots of overtones in high end -harmonics -due to string I'll think). The second Taylor was kind of dull, compared to the two other, again IMHO. Thanks for doing this.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for the comment and for watching. I'm enjoying talking about acoustic guitars, working through my personal collection.

[@NickMcC]

400th comment! I'm so fortunate to have a nice Martin and a nice Taylor. They're different but both very lovely. I love that Taylor and Martin are such different companies that make such different products that appeal to different situations.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said !

[@timcastle165]

I have an older Squier, can’t afford a Taylor or Martin. Great video, new subscriber..

[@architeuthis-matt-p5l]

You can afford the taylor gs mini, i got the mahogany, and i don't play my other guitars anymore, so light, sound so great, pick one up for $599 !!

[@jameswilliford5478]

Great video! Thanks for posting. Best guitar is a subjective thing and hopefully no one is so narrow minded that they claim one as best...it's actually only best in their opinion, which may or may not be shared by others. That being said I started on workhorse budget Yamahas and moved to higher end Yamahas and loved them until I got a nice Taylor. I now have three Taylors and they were my favorite players...until I recently bought my first Martin. I had tried a few Martins in local guitar shops and wasn't really impressed, but when I was getting gear gas again I started researching and found a budget Martin on line that was on sale at a really good price. I decided to give it a try thinking if I don't really like it I'll just return it. I'm glad I did...the budget Martin is now my favorite. To me it feels, sounds and plays better than my Taylor that was more than twice the price. I still like my Taylors, but for me and my personal opinion only my Martin blows away the Taylors that I have and the Yamahas I have had in the past. I haven't tried Gibson yet...maybe if I hit the lottery I'll give them a try.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for your comment. You are correct...it is subjective. Enjoy your guitars.

[@hollowbodymusic]

I own both and much prefer the rich deep tone of my Martin

[@evandrovasques]

What a nice review! This guy knows his craft

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for watching and your kind words.

[@alanparks7919]

Like so many on here, I own Martins, Taylors, Gibson, etc. I love my guitars. Touring for six million miles, my 52-year old Martin OO-21 has had a neck reset and full rebuild. My ‘82 D-12/28 needs a neck reset and the bridge glued back on right now. My custom Taylors are bulletproof. Taylor just has construction and QC down to a fine art form. Both brands speak to me for different reasons, and the variety of sounds is neat for different songs. Taylors record a lot better than most guitars. I’d be honored to own all three of yours played here, but the clarity of that 717 won for me.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Touring for six million miles ? Wow ! You must have loads of great stories to tell. I agree that the Taylor's are well built, and that they record well. That being said, I wish I had my '69 D-28 that I sold in the late 1970's back again. Also a Spruce/Rosewood Gibon J-35 I sold before realizing how good it was. I played the 717 yesterday. Great guitar. Thanks for watching. If you ever want to tell your stories, let me know. We could chat on my podcast.

[@scotthuberty6406]

I have a Martin D-28 that I bought new in 1974 (blue case). I have had the the intonation issue, that the 70's era D-28s are know for, fixed by the factory, for free. I had my guitar tech add a LR Baggs pickup added about 15 years ago that I play through a little Crate CA30D acoustic amp, mostly for myself now. I have 3 other guitars, a Sonata YS 12 String, a Guild S4CE (made in Westerly, RI) and a Gibson Les Paul Custom, plus a Epiphone Mandolin, and a Epiphone banjo. I have never played a Taylor but when I listened to you play both I felt that the Taylors had too much a jangle sound to me.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Keep enjoying your D-28, and your other guitars. There are times when I like a guitar with a jangle, but not always, thus I own too many guitars. Thanks for watching.

[@bruce1779]

Thank you and well done. I struggle with my Martin guitars. Even after a proper set up, I feel like I'm fighting the instrument for every clean note. HD-28 and 00-28

[@toddcwalker4208]

I have had good luck with two guitar tech's who have been able to set up my guitars. That being said, Taylor Guitars do seem to be better in the playability department. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your Martins.

[@pigjubby1]

When I bought my Taylor in 1994, I chose it over Martin because it had a better action and played better. I liked the sound of the Martin better.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Playability will win out over sound most days. A great sounding guitar that fights the player takes away of the fun. Thanks for watching.

[@romangrayjr]

I prefer Martin. But I don't own one. I own a fine Taylor 818e First Edition. Through unusual circumstances, I had several HD-28's in possession for months at a time (one at a time), and they were all dogs. I came across my gloriously wonderful Taylor at a store soon after, and bought it (around 2013). Since then, I've heard several Martins that I feel are superior. The finest being a Johnny Cash D-35, if I remember correctly. But I've never come across a Martin for sale that I prefer over my particular Taylor.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@romangrayjr The best guitar is the one that plays & sounds the best to the player, regardless of name brand or price. Enjoy that Taylor !

[@stevenwithaph9785]

Every guitar I get I take it to the luthier and have him set it up

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@stevenwithaph9785 Best way to do it !

[@kenwells8203]

I had a beautiful blonde 1976 Alvarez for 39 Years before it was stolen from my church office. I loved it. I replaced it with a Taylor 310e that is beautiful, and sounds great. It is clean, crisp, balanced, and plays wonderfully.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Bummer that the Alvarez was stolen. Hopefully it will reappear.

[@Frank-pe9pk]

In 1974 after taking lessons I had saved for another guitar. Told my teacher that I was looking for a D28. He blindfolded me to play 2 guitars, a D28 and an Ibanez D28 copy guitar. After 20 minutes I chose the Ibanez for $250 vs Martin at $599, which I had saved for. All these years later the Ibanez is still $250 but the Martin is $2500+. The Ibanez font today is different than mine. It sounds as good as my friends Martin and I will never sell it.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Great story ! Thanks for watching.

[@tworoaddogs]

I walked into Guitar Center with a pocketful of money and a lifelong dream of owning a Martin…..then my eyes caught a Taylor’s 414ce special edition on the wall. I pulled it down, played it and walked out the door with it. No regrets!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy that Taylor ! Thanks for watching.

[@johannesbar9354]

Went in a store to buy a Taylor 3 weeks ago. Came out with a Martin D10. What a difference !

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy that new Martin ! Thanks for watching.

[@stevenwithaph9785]

Did the same thing D13 zircote

[@mimeeks3]

I am partial to Taylor, but know Martin makes an amazing instrument, and hope to be able to add a D28 to the collection of 3 Taylor’s I own…..

[@toddcwalker4208]

I hope you're able to add a D28 into your collection soon. Thanks for watching !

[@Kenneth-nVA]

I was strictly an electric guitar player up until about 15 years ago… I’m 60! I recently went on a journey playing everything. Taylor 400 through 800 series ( there was a 914 but I gave up at that point…) I’ve played Breedlove, Tocoma, J-45’s and lastly Martin! Overpriced… I think so but OMG , I picked up a 2024 D-35 and I was completely blown away! Didn’t expect it… didn’t want to admit it but I walked out without it! Returned 3 hours later and walked out with it! I honestly never really played one but the sound, neck and just feel is undeniably! I’m going to say it but people will call Martin’s the top guitar and yet, their D-35’s are grossly underrated! I’m telling you, if you see one, play it!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Congrats on your D-35. I agree that it is overshadowed by the D-28 and D-45. I've only had the pleasure of playing one (back in the early 1970's). It was suffering from low humidity, but if I remember, it had a nice sound. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@leelossi1257]

I preferred the Martin.....very balanced sound. The Taylor 717 is darker.....sounds great though

[@henrymorgan6087]

I own a couple of Taylor’s…a 1999 310 and a 2022 214ce…I enjoy both…borrowing a friend Martin X model to get a feel for Martin. All fun stuff…I write a bit of cowboy poetry n out it to music as best I can and play campfire settings and help beginner players get started…enjoyed your video sir

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thank you Henry. A friend of mine owned a Taylor 310 from the same time period - it was a really nice guitar. Keep writing cowboy poetry. It would be fun to read.

[@SKOVDEPETE]

Wonderful interview. Itś gotta be fun or it will nevvver happen. As a growing intermediate guitar player I understand, lucky enough to own several guitar brands and sizes..- it often comes down to this, 1. Looks, 2 Fit, 3, Playability, 4. Sound. I only play for hobby, so I don’t often perform- I hav two cheap guitars, probably the ones I play the most on, because one stands next to my dinner plate on the floor, the other nesxt to my favorite reclining chair. I have other guitars around the house, but it all comes down to playability an fun. The more I play the better ”it” sounds. I dooo love the high end guitars. Don´t get me wrong. But, I actually cherish each and every one of them. They’ve all taught me something 😊

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said ! Thanks for watching.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

It’s really a dumb question but this gentleman did a good job of explaining the differences. It’s the Mercedes vs BMW argument. Both are expensive and worth it. I have both brands in each brand’s high end models. A HD-28 and a 814ce. They’re completely different sounding instruments. So, your choice or preference depends on your ear, your musical needs and the style of music that you’re playing. Let’s say that you’re playing country, folk or bluegrass or flat picking then Martin is your choice. It will simply sound more like what is expected. If, for example, you’re playing contemporary worship or rock, then the acoustic shrill of the Taylor is difficult to beat. With that said, a really good player can make either guitar sound outstanding on any song.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said ! Thanks for watching.

[@mfascuba]

I’ve had a couple Taylor’s and more than a couple Martins. Two of my Martins have binding falling off of them. One of those is a $6k signature model. My next one will likely be a Taylor.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Sorry to hear about your problems with the binding. Hopefully Martin's warranty took care of it for you.

[@mfascuba]

@@toddcwalker4208 the first one it happened to is a 2012 D-18 that I bought used. It’s been relegated to “beater” status because of the binding issue and several botched repair attempts that I had tried with different repair techs. It’s ok on that one, I didn’t pay full price in the first place. Second is the round shoulder dreadnaught Jimmy Buffett signature guitar that they did around 2018. There are around 90 of them in existence. It sounds gorgeous but I don’t take it out of the case because of the binding. That one needs to go back to the factory to get repaired correctly. I’m the original registered owner and it’s under warranty.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@mfascuba Bummer about the binding on both, but especially the Jimmy Buffet.

[@vegaa.1645]

I own a Martin D12 koa, after owning a Taylor 114 and a ad27 mahogany model with V class bracing. The Martin D12 koa has the highs you hear on a Taylor and the low end you expect from Martin. It has been my favorite guitar this far!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Sounds like a great guitar ! Thanks for watching.

[@southjerseyjim5049]

Interesting. Just went on the Martin factory tour a few weeks ago. Listened to this without reference to the video so as to make it a “blind” listening test. I’m shocked that (A.) I heard a difference and (B.) that it was the Martin that I much preferred. I didn’t expect that as I prefer brighter guitars. However, the Martin sound palette has a greater depth and richness to it. It seems more “balanced” and “expansive” to my ear, as compared to the Taylors which seem more one dimensional - for the lack of a better term.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Taylor guitars are a dream to play. The sound is terrific. After searching for my ultimate acoustic, a dozen years ago or so... I bought a used 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. LOVE IT! Play it every day. Collings is great as well. If the Guild D-55 came with a 1 3/4" nut width I might have jumped at it. TOTTALLY satisfied with the Marquis and would only trade it for a Martin D-28 GE Brazilian... NO WAY I could afford it though.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Some guitars just speak to us. Enjoy that Martin. Thanks for watching.

[@SylvesterDigiovanna]

Nice video, thanks for posting. I had a martin D28 that sounded great, but for some reason never sucked me all the way into loving it. Then i found someone selling a 90's yamaha fg460sa in great condition and really fell in love with it. To me it sounds like the boom of the martin plus the shimmer of the Taylor. Then i bought a really cheap new yamaha to beat around, and its not as nice as the others, but still amazing for the money in terms of pkayabikity and sound. Id keep a martin for having something that will hold its value and its beauty and nostalgia, but play yamahas, which leaves the taylor sort of in no-mans land for me, even though great guitars.

[@toddcwalker4208]

You are not alone in your love of Yamaha Guitars...I hear it from many folks. Thanks for watching.

[@dennisyounkin644]

I completely agree, I prefer Martin because of the lower end and as a singer song writer player it fit my voice. I very happy my wallet allows me to buy really nice Martin Guitars! But then I Love my Seagull original S-6!! All guitars have their place in my world!! Thanks.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Where can I hear your music ?

[@darrellfxdwg]

I own 3 Martins but I'm pretty confident if I were to look for a guitar with a little different sound I would likely go for a Guild. I actually gigged a Guild F-35 in a bluegrass band for a while and it showed well for itself.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Guild is a reputable brand, especially the older ones. Thanks for watching.

[@rickhernandez-z9t]

I love the sound of the Martin's guitars. They have a unique sound.

[@toddcwalker4208]

That they do. 🙂

[@musicaldrops]

I just recorded a 3 song EP. I tracked my Martin D16 and Taylor 114ce both in stereo and it turned out fantastic! Blending both gave a great tone!

[@AcousticGuitarsForMe]

Both are great. All about perception.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

@@AcousticGuitarsForMe yes, fair enough, however my Luthier overhear (New Zealand) always reminds to not forget, he's repairing Taylor Electric's, but Never had to do that on Martin's. Go figure

[@JohnA000]

Well I guess it is a matter of preference. But I love Martin guitars. I have had several and I love the sound and the workmanship is excellent. I never owned a taylor but have played a few. I really have no desire to own one. They sound good and I suppose are well made but to me they can't hold a candle to Martin.

[@hayshallman5903]

I’m not a Taylor fan because of the the brightness or what we say it sounds tinie . I play a Collings D2h and a Breedlove legacy . I find the Collings is much like a Martin in the low end but much better balanced the Breedlove is my cutaway so I have both options on stage. I also own an old Washburn dreadnought that has a wonderful sound for open or different tunings . I use it to play the rain song on . I think basically it’s in the ear of the beholder. I have owned a few martins and I let one get away that I regret a 1946 D-18 that had great overtones but I needed the cash at the time and she’s been gone for 8 years now. Play many brands and sizes and find what’s right for you. One other thing the string selection matters immensely!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Agree on the string selection. Also the pick, if a player uses a pick. I sold a my 1969 Martin D-28 back in the 1970's when I needed cash. I keep looking for it to come up for sale. Thanks for watching.

[@karlberardi4351]

Nice review, and I agree with your assessment, and I’ve described the qualities of guitars using Taylor/Martin comparisons. But, it’s time we dragged ourselves away from terms that we’ve come to assume are universal. We could 86 terms that require a subjective value like warmth, shimmer and move toward terms like, overtone and sustain, terms that can be measured and quantified. Now we get into strings and picks and arguments of energy in/ energy out and all that. It all comes down to yada, but some terms do at least suggest a subjective analysis. Was that too cranky? Hope not.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Not cranky at all. I'm amazed by players who ask about sound, and I use terms like sustain, overtones, warmth, shimmer, etc., and I get a blank stare. In the end, it all comes down to what the player likes. It's almost like trying to describe the taste of food. Good comment(s). Thanks for watching.

[@surfvern]

Great comparison on these two guitars, you emphasized the sound of both but I wished you had mentioned the strings make and gauge. But overall great comparison and presentation.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for watching. Guitars have medium gauge (13-56) Elixir Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze strings.

[@edfulginiti8798]

I rotate between a Martin (now discontinued) a Yamaha (Japanese made) and three Taylor’s. I find favor with them all…but pressed, I’d go with the Yamaha…FG5.

[@careyolson3446]

Thank you. As a couch and fireplace player, I prefer Martin. All were guitars to be proud of...

[@toddcwalker4208]

Regardless of 'brand', the best guitar is the one we enjoy the most. Enjoy your Martin.

[@brianralph5036]

I have played both I just like the way a Martin plays better.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@brianralph5036 Martin definitely has lots of loyal fans. I must admit that I favor Martin.

[@scottmorris7546]

The Martin modern deluxe guitars are flat out amazing. I have the 000-18 and the 000-42. The notes fly out of them.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy your beautiful guitars ! Thanks for watching.

[@Hippie-i8g]

I have both, but can anyone advise me on a question, please! Love Ovation, Takemine, Alvarez, I guess I like Japanese guitars. Which will I like better? Had a Taylor 314, about 20 years ago and it was ruined. Loved this guitar, but it was hand made. Bought a 224, which I don't play much. Big question: Are Taylor guitars still hand made in El Cajon, CA?

[@toddcwalker4208]

The low number Taylor's are built in their Mexico factory just South of San Diego. Based on your like of Ovation and Takamine, you may prefer a Taylor, but each guitar is different, so definitely try as many as you can. Purchase the one that speaks to you. Thanks for watching.

[@nhm1069]

They both are great guitar makers. I own three Martins, two Gibsons, and other guitars but zero Taylors - not that I have anything against Taylor. Each of my guitars has a specific purpose and I haven't had a need for a Taylor (yet). Ultimately, you get what you pay for and it comes down to what you're looking for. Sometimes people make unfair comparisons between the two brands (like a $3,000 Taylor compared to a $1,000 Martin). They are both great investments.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - I appreciate it. Do you use your guitar for studio work, live gigs, or both ?

[@nhm1069]

@@toddcwalker4208 Mostly I play in church and I upload videos to youtube. I'm too busy with a career and a family to spend too much time playing but I do enjoy it. If I can ever retire then I'll probably spend most of my time playing guitars. Thanks for asking.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@nhm1069 I look forward to watching some of your videos. Much good luck to you. I produce both audio and video podcasts (Wispy Mop Music Acoustic Radio Podcast Series). It would be an honor if you'd join me on a podcast. You can reach out to me directly (todd at toddcwalker dot com).

[@thetexasbeachbum9929]

Martin all the way. Mic drop.

[@toddcwalker4208]

🙂

[@rodger2499]

Great comparison. I bought a Taylor 210e several years ago and really liked it except when playing it my right arm got sore from the top edge of the body digging into my arm. The shop where I take lessons had Taylor reps come in to show the new models. I was talking to a Taylor rep and explained to him my one complaint with my 210e. He said that the body of a 210e is kind of large and suggested I try the new 512ce. The 512ce fit my body perfect. So what do I do, I bought the 512ce, and the shop was able to sell my 210e for more than I expected. Lesson learned from my experience is a guitar needs to feel comfortable when you are playing it. It's like shoes, if they are too big they're not going to work for you.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Happy to hear that you found the guitar that works for you. Thanks for watching.

[@rodger2499]

@@toddcwalker4208 I forgot to mention that I also have a Fender Stratocaster, and a PRS McCarty 594, and a Fender Jazz Bass. I found that learning bass has been very helpful with timing and it's just fun. Recently, I designed and have manufactured my own guitar pick. I never found a pick that worked for me. So, me being a design engineer, I designed, 3D printed numerous prototype picks before finding the correct geometry for a pick that works great. I'm now manufacturing these picks in Colorado. If interested I can send you some to try out for yourself.

[@Ksantipacat]

I had a Taylor 324 which I recently sold. A beautiful Smokey burst with a matte finish. It was so beautiful but I didn't want to play it. The two guitars I'm playing right now are Martin D16M and a Gibson gospel from 1994. I thought the Martin was amazing, but This old Gibson has just got a great setup and feels perfect for me. The Gibson just draws me to it, so I play a lot more when it's sitting on my dresser.

[@toddcwalker4208]

The older Gibson Gospel models are somewhat rare, but good guitars. Enjoy yours. Thanks for watching.

[@cowboy7x]

I've had 3 Taylor's. They were ALL 310's .The reason I liked this model is that they sounded the most like my Martins. One thing I absolutely think is genius, is the Taylor's neck joint design. My current 310 and HD28 are both great. But if I could only have one, it would be my Martin.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I helped a friend sell his Taylor 310 (years ago). It was a great guitar ! Agree on the Taylor neck design.

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

Interesting, my Brother in Law had,a Taylor, but it failed on him😢

[@cowboy7x]

@@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp Failed on him? OR....was it that he failed on playing it? HA! Seriously, I've have a friend that's had a couple with problems too.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp That's a bummer.

[@bryantcochran5065]

The bracing patterns are different, that leads to tonal differences. Neck profiles are a bit different too. Which one feels best, and sounds best when you're playing it? That's the one you should buy.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said. Thanks for watching.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

Find a used Martin 00015 in a pawn shop. Talk them down to a grand. You'll be in love forever. Slap a KnK mini in it. No battery, no hole, no quack. Gig. Make money. Leave that 4000 Taylor in the glass case at the store. I had one. It was like i married for looks and she doesnt even like me.

[@toddcwalker4208]

15 series Martins are great guitars. Mahogany doesn't work as well for me as Rosewood, but the 15 series is terrific.

[@goplad1]

I've have yet to play a Taylor I felt lived up to its reputation. I'm a Martin man all the way. Runner up is Guild. I love my Guild D-25.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Guild D-25 is a tried & true guitar. Many of my friends own the red version. Thanks for watching.

[@lenwhatever4187]

I needed a small (1/2 size?) guitar for use on our boat. I was planning to buy a student model but I showed my wife a Baby Taylor and a similar sized Martin while we were there. The Taylor and the Martin were similar priced but in that size the Taylor was much nicer sounding, Clearer, articulate and louder too. So we have the Taylor. We already have full sized guitars (Simon& Patrick from Quebec) so I have not really spent time with full sized guitars. I also like the Baby for playing with other people because it adds colour to the mix. My wife does like the size better than her full sized guitar. I really can't comment on the Martin/Taylor differences in general though, The Martin you played did sound like it had a bit of a mid scoop by comparison. The DLX was different again , more of a performance guitar in cases where being heard was more important than a certain sound, not a bad sound but more present for sure.

[@toddcwalker4208]

It sounds like you're enjoying that little Taylor - congrats. Thanks for watching.

[@GuitarsRule]

I bought a Martin because it was a 175th anniversary, thought it may appreciate more over time. That deeper sound is unamplified sound. Taylor guitars can be set up with slightly lower action than Martins, they play incredibly well up the neck. With the Aura electronics system on the Martin, you can approach the more sparkled sound of the Taylor. Tough choice.🎶

[@toddcwalker4208]

Tough choice equals owning too many, for me that is. Thanks for watching.

[@austenrobinson2747]

The one that’s best? Depends on the 10 fingers attached to it and what sounds best TO YOU. me I like my Martin. Don’t really like Taylor’s but I may be biased.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I agree about the ten fingers. One person's best guitar may not be a like for others. Thanks for watching.

[@tomgray6093]

Love that shirt! Steve Guttenberg would be jealous.🎶👍

[@toddcwalker4208]

I enjoyed each one of Steve's movies. I'm honored. Thanks for the compliment.

[@lar57jsy]

Guitars and audio recording mixes that have a brighter chiming sound are enjoyed more by the over-50 years old crowd as it helps compensate for their hearing losses. The term I've heard more of lately is "air". That's those highest frequencies.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I like 'air' in a guitar's sound. Thanks for watching.

[@thoang101]

Your Taylor 717 sound so good.

[@toddcwalker4208]

It's my recording engineer's favorite guitar for studio work. Thanks for watching.

[@gybx4094]

I own a Martin 000-18 and a Martin D-35. I also own a Taylor 555 Jumbo 12-sting. All three of them are excellent, but they each have different sounds and different advantages.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy your guitars - thanks for watching.

[@gpasc]

How about the 000-18?

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@gpasc The OOO-18 is a great guitar. It has the nice woody Mahogany sound and a shorter scale length for easy playing.

[@new290767]

I own a Taylor 710ce which looks amazing but is quite bright and if i am doing a poppy type song where i just want chords to blend in i use that also got a Martim 018 which i love, i have done quite a few acoustic songs with it, ie just fingerpicking and chords, it just sounds so good on its own, much more character than the Taylor

[@johnwashburn3793]

I currently own two Martin guitars. I have never owned a Taylor. I prefer the neck shape of the two that I own, as well as the wood combination. Both are red spruce and mahogany (D-18GE and CEO 7).I do own a couple with rosewood and I have been playing them a bit more lately, but I must adjust my hearing to the tone. I have typically gigged with my '82 Washburn Tanglewood, as I can control the feedback and tone better than I can with the Martins.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Some of my better live performance guitars are in the lesser expensive category. Garth Brook's personal signature Takamine guitar had all laminated woods, even the top. I was told that it was designed that way to minimize feedback when amplified for live performance. The same model produced for consumers had a solid top with laminated back/sides. Enjoy your Martins.

[@mikelongstaff7579]

Lower resale means you can pick up a nice used Taylor for a good price. So better for a used option. Better still if you have a good luthier you can get a neck reset cheaply, you can pick older ones in need of a reset for very little. I have 3 Taylors 312ce, 314ce and UA Gt but no Martins yet because they hold their value! All 3 of those guitars cost £1400 (some had dings) , which would only get me one Martin. Too scared to try one as sure I would want it!!

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy those Taylor's ! Thanks for watching.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

The difference in used guitar valuations between brands is likely because there is still a huge and specific vintage market for Martin guitars. When I was a guitar dealer way back when, there was virtually no vintage market for Taylor guitars. I don't know if that has changed since then, but I doubt it. So, every new QUALITY Martin guitar (say, a "15" or "16" series guitar and up) will eventually command some premium as a vintage guitar. As it stands right now, I don't know that 30 or 40 year old Taylors are (everything else being equal) any more valuable than a two year old Taylor. That may change in the future. Old Gibsons also command large premiums. Again, tradition and legacy.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Makes sense. Where was your store ?

[@kayeninetwo3585]

@@toddcwalker4208 In the Midwest. By the way, thanks for the video.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@kayeninetwo3585 I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. Best to you.

[@HumbleHeartMinistry]

I think my Zagar is every bit as good.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy that Zagar ! Thanks for watching.

[@ThomasWJames]

I lean towards Taylor. Martins have a more deeper, fuller sound; but to me they just sound “lower” or more “muffled”. I love the twangy bright sound of the Taylor, I’m just drawn to it more.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I have played 'not so good' Martins, and 'not so good' Taylors. Each were consistent with their brand's soundscape, but there are good ones and bad ones, and of course many that are just average, which is why I buy and sell so many guitars. I'm always looking for the perfect guitar. As one of my viewers said, his favorite guitar is the one he's playing. 🙂

[@georgevadnais3516]

I learned from you. I like Martin but my heart go for Taylor.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I like them both. Each guitar I own has a slightly different voice, but all nice. ;-)

[@bltefft]

I own and play a Taylor CE 614 and a Martin D-45 (and D-28). I wouldn't get rid of any For some reason, I keep the D-45 in my gig bag to play on the road and my Taylor and D-28 in my home's den for instant playing when I'm in the mood, which is every day. My wife as a Taylor GS Mini that she loves, says my Martins are too big for her (she's 5'1")

[@toddcwalker4208]

The Taylor GS line of guitars is terrific for folks of smaller stature (and children). I always lusted over a D-45, but never had the pleasure. Keep enjoying your guitars. Thanks for watching !

[@stormengine3261]

Personally I believe the martin spruce tops are perfect for live Recorded performances but a maple top Taylor is perfect for Live human heard performances. As for microphone recorded performance the Martin d-15 or 14 fret elongated body is perfectly genuine to a recording over a spruce top guitar

[@stormengine3261]

I love mahogany strings biasedly

[@toddcwalker4208]

I appreciate you watching and commenting. Continue enjoying your guitars.

[@ezrvs]

I’ve owned three Martins (D18, Lx1 & D35-12). I presently own a 310, a 355-12, a Mini-rosewood & a 414CE -R Taylor. I also have a Martin backpacker guitar. The only one I don’t like is the backpacker…it just doesn’t fit me and I have trouble holding it!!

[@dharleyfan1]

Martins are all mids and low end. Taylors are more balanced and have less bottom end . The one thing that will ALWAYS bring me to TAYLOR, is that if it needs a neck reset, unlike a Martin that would cost me a $500 to $1,000 dollars, and take a couple of weeks at least to get done. I could take my Taylor in and get the neck reset in 20 minutes and it would cost me less then $100. Yeah I'll take a Taylor.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Taylor definitely has engineered advantages due to Bob Taylor's 'figure out the problem & find a solution' ability.

[@lanceriffle4841]

The Martin sounded best to me fingerpicking but less so stumming. I have always found Taylors had better action out of the box. In a store the Martins always sound the best but IMHO they also need a set up. Kind of a pain when spending Martin money.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I agree that the Martin sounded better finger-picked than strummed.

[@jeffrey3498]

The mahogany Taylors, for example the 324, sounds warm on the bottom end.

[@rmzzz76]

The reason Taylor guitars don't tend to hold their value as well is because Taylor's niche in the marketing is innovation. Taylor has been around since the 1970s and yet they don't have any iconic models comparable to a D18, D28, Gibson J-45 or J-200. The most iconic guitar Taylor has built, which any dealer can confirm, also happens to be their best seller, is the GS Mini. That's also the model that holds value the best. By "innovation" I mean they are always making changes and claiming their new pickup technology, new finish, new bracing design, whatever it is that's new supersedes everything that came before it... It was very sad to me seeing that for their 50th anniversary this year they have not a single reissue, that's because there's nothing sought after in their back catalog... C.F. Martin makes much more subtle changes, being the company responsible for the most sought after golden era / Wartime guitars from the 1940s, C.F. Martin's and Gibson's sell on legacy and tradition not innovation.For the type of buyer looking for a Martin, the older often the better.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Well said. Thanks for watching.

[@ronhammar1154]

I dont really like taylor guitars all that much and here is why ! Martins are generally better sounding and here is the important part Martins hold their value much better ! I like your Martin best ! Did you use the same strings on all three ? Strings make a big difference ! Almost everyone I know would prefer a Martin guitar !

[@toddcwalker4208]

Yes, all three have Elixir Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb medium gauge (13-56) strings. Thanks for watching.

[@tomf429]

My Martin D-18 is 51 years old. I bought it in 1973 for $325. I play in a bluegrass group. I was looking for a 2nd guitar a few years ago. I went to a music store and spent several hours playing many guitars. None of them had the tone, especially in the low end, of my D-18. Some of the Taylor’s were nice, but none of them thumped. I settled on a PRS SE made in China for $800. That was 5 years ago. I play both many hours a week. When we are outside in the heat or humidity, or if it’s cold during winter, the PRS holds tune better because the sides are laminate.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Tough to find a guitar better than your old Martin. Cherish that baby.

[@jameswilliford5478]

I actually preferred the sound of the Taylor 214 DLX in this video.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I was pleasantly surprised by how good it sounded. Another reason my studio engineer likes it.

[@gfurstnsu]

I have never found a guitar that sounds as good @s m😊y dad’s 1945 MARTIN D-18. My dad purchased it new in 1945. In 1962 I took it to the Martin factory and they replaced the worn frets and refluxed the bridge. Bo😊it 20 years ago I passed it on to my nephew and it is still loved. What guitar has a history like that? In the summer of 1964 I hitch hiked all over Wyoming with it a pod played in bars when I ran out off money. The tone only improves with time. It has convince me that the Martin guitars have the edge on all other guitars! I’m never without one at 82 years of age!

[@toddcwalker4208]

So glad your Dad, you and now your nephew have been the owners of a wonderful Martin - congratulations !

[@VidarLund-k5q]

Those vintage Martins are usually considered the best ever made, particularly pre WW2.

[@RustyRhodes-ox1xo]

Martin quality has fallen off. Taylor is by far a better guitar.

[@geryloftis7985]

All sound good however the Martin in my opinion sounds better.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks for your comment, and for watching.

[@thomaspaine6496]

Taylor needs more maintenance. The truss rod shifts and the frets pop up after a few years the preamp is more useful however.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I have only seen lifted frets on guitars that suffer from low humidity. Taylor's service department is considered to be excellent. Did you return it to Taylor ?

[@dmdeblois]

I tried numerous midrange $$ D bodies of various brands. For what it's worth, I drove home with the Martin.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy that Martin ! Thanks for watching.

[@kevinwatkins3856]

There is no “better” in guitardom, imo, just “personal preference”.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Ditto. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelparsons5352]

I actually play an Epiphone Dove. But to your last point ...42 years ago I serenade a beautiful young lady and we have been together since❤. Keep playing for the fun and the girls 😊

[@toddcwalker4208]

Congratulations on the 42 years !

[@buddyryeSE]

Thanks for the clickbait title.

[@chriskozak7356]

Martins have such a depth of tone that makes Taylor's sound brittle. The only brands for me that come close to Martin are Collings and Eastman

[@toddcwalker4208]

It's quite amazing that Eastman has rivaled many of the big brands for quality, playability & sound. Nice guitars.

[@tankcrowe7668]

Ive never played two guitars of the same maker and model that sounded or played exactly the same. I never figured out how people order a guitar online without playing it. Ive found above the 4 thousand dollar range sound and playability become negligible.

[@toddcwalker4208]

I agree. No two pieces of wood sound exactly the same when made into a guitar, even if cut from the same tree(s). Playing before buying is the best way. And yes, the sound isn't always tied to price. I own two or three inexpensive guitars that sound much better than a few of my $3,000-$4,000 guitars. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@teleguy5699]

When you are left handed, good luck "trying" a guitar before buying one. You are lucky if there is 2 models of an acoustic and maybe three electric. Once, a reputable site here on KZbin steered me towards Yamaha for my first acoustic, so I go to the website and they only have 3 different models, none in my price point, and one was a Jumbo I knew I didn't want.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@teleguy5699 I agree that it's difficult to find a left-handed guitar, electric or acoustic, in most guitar shops.

[@teleguy5699]

@@toddcwalker4208 It's a slog for sure. If it wasn't for the internet, I wouldn't have the guitars I own. I only buy from places I can return if there is issues. Just ordered a 00015sm from Sweetwater coincidentally. The guitar they found out was all scratched up during inspection. Plus one for they actually do inspect them before shipping. I got their only other model and hammered that they set it up and look it over with a fine tooth comb. If it's shite, I'll send it back. Other places had this model, but one said on the fine print all sales are final. Are you kidding me? With an online transaction? gtfo!

[@tedkord1968]

I've liked a lot more of the Taylors I've tried than the Martins I've tried.

[@toddcwalker4208]

What brand do you own and play most ? Thanks for watching.

[@giantsofdelawarecounty]

It depends on the player. It doesn't matter if you cant play very well. The thing about Martin is they hold their value and they do have the better sound. Always have. I notice you used a cheaper Model martin for the comparison. You would have to, to get a close comparison. My advise is if you can't afford a Martin buy cheap. If you want the best that holds its value buy a higher Quality Martin.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Good advice. My gear videos to date have all been using my own guitars, except for the two highlighting my friend Dan's that he's selling. Many of my personal guitars are expensive custom boutique builds, but others are inexpensive guitars that I 'just wanted to try'. As much as I enjoy playing my Martin's and Taylor's, they are just part of my guitar toolbox. I wish I had my 1969 D-28 back (I keep hoping it'll come up for sale)...it was a phenomenal guitar that I never should have sold (sold it in the late 1970's after temporarily losing my singing voice). My singing voice came back, the Martin did not. Thanks for watching.

[@markbare2817]

I have a 2019 Taylor 914ce LTD with the sinker redwood top, and I've never heard a Martin cover all the frequencies like this guitar does; bass, mid, treble response phenomenal and very loud or very soft too if you fingerpick it. Harmonic overtones just bloom out of the soundhole!🎶🎼🎼🎶

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@markbare2817 Hi Mark - I love sinker redwood tops ! Congrats on a great guitar !

[@bobsmith1098]

I enjoyed the video and the discussion. But, tell the truth ... did you just do a guitar comparison video scordatura at least a 1/2 (and possibly a whole) step low? It could just be my ears today, though. I didn't have my tuner handy...

[@toddcwalker4208]

Yes, all of the guitars are tuned down a full-step in this video. My video comparing carbon fiber to wood, I tuned all to pitch.

[@petedavid9946]

Even though all the guitars I own are far superior to my playing ability. That said, I do have favorites. My all around favorite is a Taylor 914ce. It has bright highs but also accurate bass. However, my Martin and Takamine guitars are easier to play in my humble opinion.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Interesting that the playability of the Taylor is inferior to the both the Martin and Takamine. Is it possible that a set-up will improve it ? Might be worth a try.

[@petedavid9946]

@@toddcwalker4208 Awesome suggestion. I like to fancy myself as a good setup guy and maybe even a wannabe luthier but I’m obviously not. Having to admit my shortcomings in that area I did take my 914 to a local setup guy once. He noted that I like very low action but he just couldn’t get anything how I liked and, since I love the factory aesthetics of the Taylor I refused to allow him to change any fretting which was his suggestion. I’m really a hack player and figure that multiple hand injuries decades ago changed my hands to be rather, um, unique. I’m certain that you are correct that a great setup guy could very well make my favorite 914 conform better by my busted mitts but I’m just too afraid to have a very expensive (at least for me) guitar modified. Thanks for your suggestion which is honestly the most likely reason why it doesn’t play as easily for me.

[@reggiehucks1010]

I think electric guitar players like the Taylor neck profile better. By the way, where is the Gibson love?

[@toddcwalker4208]

I'm a big fan of Gibson's, depending upon the year. Unfortunately I don't own one at the moment. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@draftplus]

I don't have any experience with a Martin, but I have a Taylor 310CE and it has always sounded dead like a $100 guitar. Never got a good sound out of it.

[@toddcwalker4208]

That's a bummer. Maybe time for a new guitar.

[@Brianemersonpt]

Great video! Very fair, great playing. I own and love both brands.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Enjoy both your guitars. Thanks for watching.