Taylor 110e vs Martin DX1AE Comparison

[@lancebaker1374]

This is the third Taylor vs Martin video I've watched. The result is always the same: Taylor has a brighter tone, louder in the higher-middle range. Martin is more mellow, silky smooth, a bit more bass volume.

[@ramencurry6672]

You’re right. I just tested that Martin guitar model at a store and I noticed that it has that smooth mellow silky tone. Personally I actually liked it better than the more expensive D 18

[@ramencurry6672]

@Rob B it’s possible that the Martin guitar needs brand new strings for it to shine better but maybe not.

[@MOAB-UT]

@Rob B Get the Taylor at GC. You have 45 days to either love it or return it. I just bough it- ironically, about 3 hours ago. In an A/B comparison in the store, it easily won out over the Martin D-18 (I was shocked) and also the GPC-16e and a few others. Several others agreed. It has punch and clear mids and highs...and it's a Taylor so it plays amazing. Best of all, you will save about $1,000 over the next closest Martin which is really the D-18. On that one you would save closer to $1,700. I went in tonight with a pocket full of cash, ready, no excited to buy the D-18 and walked out with the Taylor and a big smile on my face. I too have 45 days to decide, but so far, I am very happy with my choice. FYI- this Taylor 110e fortunately still uses the the Fwd. Shifed & Scalloped "X" bracing...fortunately not the new V bracing (since 2018 on many high end models.) I, and many others hate the new V bracing. I really wanted to love and buy the $3k Taylor 714ce (looks and feels like a work of art) but it badly lacked base and mids. Hopefully this helps push you to grab one. Try a few and get the one that sounds good- they can vary. I tried the DLX next to it and it lacked the magic. I think it was the heavy coat of tone robbing gloss on it.

[@ComicKish]

get them both

[@kickpublishing]

Guys, be honest, you're probably VERY mediocre at singing anyway so either of these 2 guitars will do a fine job of drowning out your warbling so just buy the cheaper and then go out and spend the rest on beer - thank me later

[@akio2730]

LOL! Superwise suggestion !

[@kennybluet5527]

The President of The Internet that is very funny Mr president.Which would you recommend for just playing?Just played the Martin today and was fairly impressed.Thank you for your service.

[@MrPFMneto]

Lol

[@filipdemeyst8842]

I need a beer comparison video to do that

[@eversomborges600]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 the best comment

[@thespanielinquisition7167]

Taylor for fingerstyle by a country mile - Martin makes a good strummer. I solved this dilemma by buying both

[@dustinmcfarland2441]

I think you hit the nail on the head here. I totally agree with this statement. If you're gonna strum away, Martin all day. Fingerstyle, Taylor seems to be superior.

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

The new Taylor V class bracing changes things but only available so far on the American made all solid wood series. Worth checking out.

[@Kipeto24]

If you could buy both I would have just bought a higher end Taylor or Martin

[@PdudeZZ]

😆

[@jaymelynnmcintyre8574]

Me as well !!

[@jacobmajba5786]

The Taylor sounds amazing... until you hear the Martin

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Totally subjective as the man said, but I jumped in after Taylor started using layered walnut on the 110. Love it, sounds great. I played a Gibson J-35, which they may have discontinued now, but that one had solid walnut back/sides and beautiful Gibson sound and sustain all day long. Damn I wish money were not a factor. But now the Taylor V class bracing really has changed the sound in that sustain is better with no loss of volume and intonation so good. I am getting a 314ce which is lowest series to get American made, all solid wood guitar. Maybe when retirement comes I can dip into the 403b and get both a Martin and Taylor....

[@koofdome]

No guitar I've ever EVER played sounds as beautiful as a Martin. They are unbelievable.

[@paulcarter5117]

@@koofdome Lol, had a Martin X Series. I found and old 2001 Korean built Ibanez AW100 in a guitar center. It was filthy and had old strings on in. I took it home for $137.00. I cleaned it up and threw some Ernie Ball Earthwood 10s on it. The AW100 is still here at home but the Martin is not 😉👍

[@georgedavidla]

Very true. The Taylor sounds like a goose honking compared to the Martin.

[@nope929]

@@paulcarter5117 you probably didn't like the high amounts of Bass from the Martin

[@fabianrosenthal4644]

I would truly love to see someone doing this comparison with the same set of strings on both guitars. Doesn't matter if they use the Martin strings or the Elixir strings, but the impact of strings is just too huge to be neglected. I own a Taylor 110 CE and a Cort Earth Mini and the sound of both guitars changed significantly when i switched to Martin strings (SP 80/20) or Elixir (80/20 Bronze Nanoweb).

[@lauriethornton1408]

A year and a half ago, my wife; I'm writing on her page; said, Jeremy, for your birthday I'd like to buy you a guitar. This is our budget. So we went to our local Long and MacQuades music store in Scarborough and the first thing I tried was a Taylor. It was great! I loved it but the salesman came in and said, Jeremy, that not the right guitar for you. I know how you play and you want a Martin. He handed my the Martin and wow! Yes, he was right. I'm a little heavy handed. I'm a strummer not a light delicate player. I wish I could play that way but I don't. I was hitting too hard for the Taylor. I was trying to get the Taylor to have a richer sound by strumming hard. It just didn't happen. The Martin was right at home with my style and when I did soften the attack, it sounded gorgeous! Took the Martin home and have no regrets at all. And I really love my wife!

[@georgemercer3013]

Now that's what I call a good salesman you can't play a Taylor very hard... it's more of a finger picking guitar or a song writer ... It's not a bluegrass guitar for sure...

[@brucemerryman7365]

Now that’s a great wife!!!

[@lucmc123]

Your wife is a keeper

[@garcemac]

Hey! Much love to McQuades Scarborough!

[@neworldman330]

Well first I fell in love with the Martin. But then I went back one day and played the Taylor. Which I bought without watching a review and without any research. Which is totally unlike me. But it sounds and feels amazing! Best value i've found in a long time. My opinion anyway.

[@ronj9448]

Seagull at this lower price point. Taylor and Martin above $1000 otherwise Seagull.

[@Suchac_cz]

I tried both, Seagull and this T110 and this Martin also in a guitar store, all cost almost the same. Seagulls are great instruments, but I bought this T110. I like its sound better. It is more "clear", catchy, ringy, more recognizable...

[@ronj9448]

@@Suchac_cz They are punchy. It is best that you actually tried them yourself vs buying online. You can feel confident in your choice.

[@Suchac_cz]

@@ronj9448 Definitelly. But the most interesting thing was that I watchded a lot of demo videos on YT of a Matin DX1AE and I liked it a lot, I was decided to buy one. But after I tried it at the strore I was greatly dissapointed. It sounded worst of all guitars I tried that day. You can feel that plastic in its sound...

[@ronj9448]

@@Suchac_cz Smart. I bought two guitars by mail. They are just guitars. Who cares? The ones I bought after trying many in the stores? I love them and they are my babies! Your guitar should speak to you and say "It is time to go home." Wonderful you discovered one that did.

[@Suchac_cz]

@@ronj9448 Yea, no doubt about that. And if you dont have enough self confidence, so you should take a more experienced friend with you. Or ask a guy from that store to demo it for you.

[@RussFaraci]

I have the orchestra version of each of these guitars (114ce, OXAE) and they both sound great. Taylor is obviously brighter and cuts through a mix better. It also has better materials I guess but that warm Martin sound.... hairs stand up. The martin sounds better through the pickup as well. For just vocal and guitar setup I would go Martin. For fingerpicking and or playing with acoustic band (mandolins fiddle, etc.) I would go Taylor. Martin wins in dreadnoughts but Taylor wins in orchestra/auditorium style but again its apples and oranges.

[@bradbennett7799]

Taylor hands down the winner

[@RussFaraci]

@@bradbennett7799 Its been 3 years now. I still own the Martin and sold the Taylor last year. I play in an acoustic band alongside an acoustic bass, vocals and a cajon rock box. I also use it alone for open mics. The pickup is hands down better and the sound is richer and less chimey for my playing. Finger pickers feel differently Im sure. Im more of a strummer with blues and folk style leads. Martin is king of dreads. Taylor maybe for concert soloists but thats just my opinion. I sometimes miss it and will end up with a GS mini at some point for travel/camp fires.

[@brookswilkins9353]

LOVE MY "POOR MAN'S" MARTIN, GREAT INSTRUMENT FOR THE PRICE AND SOLID ELECTRONICS.

[@bryanhatch6463]

I would have to go with that Martin. The Taylor sounds a bit chimey to me.

[@stephenmoleski8726]

Thanks Chris. Very informative and concise. I'm in the market for my "next step up" guitar and these vids are just what I need. Started with a Yamaha APX500 simply for budget and not having and educated ear. !.5 years later, having played almost every day striving to get better, I need something else. 49 years old!!! Never too late.

[@kindface]

Have you had the chance to compare the Yamaha FG700S with the APX500? If you have, which do you prefer?

[@iulianpopa8766]

Really different guitars, the FG700S doesn't have any kind of pickup, has a solid top and is a full size dread. The APX500 is a thinline guitar, smaller body, laminate top, but it has a great pickup for the price. If you're not gigging, get the FG700S and add a pickup later on when you need it. There's no contest really, the FG700S is the better guitar.

[@thomaspick4123]

I am considering a Crafter TC 035 natural. Can not afford those really expensive guitars. The Crafter is a solid top and sides.

[@wyzee6262]

Martin outruns Taylor when it comes to rich tone and power chords

[@patrickclark3337]

The Taylor sounds crisp and the Martin sounds more dull. But I might be biased because I have a Taylor!

[@Grebig]

They both sound great, I think it comes down to personal preference on which one sounds better to the individual...great video

[@dmytrokalinowski3107]

Really needed that kind of review. I'm choosing between the two at the moment. Thanks so much, Chris!

[@Iron_Sharpens_Iron]

Soooo which one did you get?

[@PulhaGarcia]

Taylor. More sound, better tone, although to my hears, same level of definition.

[@NitishShiggaon]

Thank you so much for clearing all the doubts I had in making the choice. And it's Martin for me!

[@zerosoma33]

By the way, this was one of the most comprehensive, complete, and yet simple and descriptive videos I have ever seen comparing two guitars. You know your stuff, I hope you go far in your profession. I don't always hand out gushing compliments - so way to go brother.

[@simonajibi6266]

zerosoma33 w

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

I agree. I use them for my hours of prepurchase research every time

[@murrayeaston2359]

Am just about set to buy this Taylor model, and as said by others, your presentation was succinct, articulate, well informed and straightforward. Many thanks, fella.

[@Keeping-It-Real-55]

Taylor definitely has those highs, and Martin has better bass. Both sound great, its what feels good to the individual.

[@thechonkconge]

Martin DX1AE or Taylor 114ce? Really torn between the two choices as they also fit my budget spectrum.

[@RedForceRising]

I've tried both guitars and used to play bass in several cover bands. I share the same sentiments as a lot of the other comments here: Taylor is cleaner and more suited to fingerstyle. If you play in a band the Taylor will cut through the mix better. However, if you're doing a lot of acoustic gigs and will play a lot on your own, the Martin is the better strummer and will project better. Both are great guitars.

[@cooloutac]

As a bassist you should want the Martin. And as a fingerstyle player like me I want that thumping Bass lol. All other guitars sound chinsy compared to a Martin even the lowest models imho.

[@armystrongbill]

Absolutely fantastic video. I've owned the DX1AE since 2010 and the tone is unsurpassed of course. The Taylor sounds great too, but the Martin tone is my thang. Cant beat it with good medium strings.

[@Dev9172]

Taylor guitars built in Mexico are so much better them the Martins . I was shocked . . I have a Taylor GS mini . I have played the 114 .214 . They play great . The fret boards are real Ebony . You dont get that with the Martins . They suck .

[@davidadkins2563]

does everything suck to you?

[@mhia4]

I thought they both sounded great, mic'd. Didn't care for either one plugged in direct. I have to say, to my surprise, I liked the Taylor better over all.

[@jojo-wo3ns]

mhia4 o

[@michaelharrop4155]

Spent the better part of 2 weeks testing out both. While I've always loved the easier stock Taylor setup, I need that deeper growl that the Martin always seems to have over the Taylor. I could easily take either one. The HPL back and sides on the Martin does not concern me especially because large temp and humidity changes are not a concern where I live. When MF had the Martin as their SDOTD for $359 it made my choice much easier. I honestly doubt I could find a better guitar at that price.

[@kanexx2]

A very good and informative presentation. Your knowledge on the subject matter is evident as well as your skill as a musician. Great Job! I am in the market for a new acoustic and I probably watched this video three times. Helped a lot! Thanks.

[@stephensmith1034]

I have the DX1 and it's my go-to guitar. I own five acoustics, including a Taylor. Love the sound and it plays so comfortably. I strongly recommend it for all the reasons mentioned here.

[@David.A.Fulbrook]

I've own the Martin Dx1ae since it came out as I was waiting for them to add the electronics. Got it from Sam Ash and hand delivered in case to the UK. I think it has a tone like no other guitar, very vintage. They moved the battery pack to the outside and added dots to the later ones, I believe they also changed the bracing?? If you find an old one buy it the wood ages very well.

[@jeffpage5281]

Thanks for this. I'm buying a Taylor 110ce next week. Martin makes great guitars, I just can't pay $600 for a plastic one. The Taylor sounded loads better anyway. Probably because it's made of wood! Cheers!

[@0713mas]

Based on your video, I feel like the Martin sounds better plugged in. That said I don't love the sound of a U.S.T. I'm a LRbaggs guy have one in my 1996 714, sounds amazing. I recently played both guitars at GC. and I've got to say I liked the Taylor better but I'm probably biased.

[@steamingheartbeat]

The Taylor is a hero, the Martin is a love song. It is like comparing things you can't compare. It depends on the style of music you want to perform. Both are great instruments!

[@jmoakley1]

Excellent comparison.

[@Guitarraeficaztutorialesytabs]

ANd what would be the types of music for each? I mostly play fingerstyle like Tommy Emmanuel songs.

[@Mromarcito23]

Martin has Very nice bass and low notes. Taylor has a very nice mid and great highs. Both sound very good. I've played both The DX1 and 110 at GC. I leaned in close to the sound hole to hear really good and The Taylor sounded much much better. The Martin was just too muddy

[@kartpilot63]

Taylors playability and crisp clean mids and highs won me over! Martin's lack of playability and muffled sound made this a no brainer!

[@paulcarter5117]

Went to Guitar Center today with the intentions of getting either the Taylor 110e or the Martin DX. Played both of them for a good while. I can say this one thing for sure, they both sound pretty darn good. The only major difference to me was it took more effort to play the Martin opposed to playing the Taylor. It was almost work to play the Martin. It wasn`t as effortless as the Taylor. The neck on the Taylor just has a better feel and begs to be played. The Martin seem to scream stop if that means anything to you. It seems you have to fight it to play it. All in all it could be just me though. I did find the the Taylor is more crisp tone wise that the Martin but the Martin has a more mellow tone. Both are good, but for me, hands down the Taylor. My new Taylor should be here within 3 days!!!!

[@Guitarraeficaztutorialesytabs]

I just got a taylor big baby to re sell, and a martin gpx1ac for me, and I second that. The martin has a bit of a higher action that can be lowered by sanding the richlite bridge a couple milimeters (and i do not dare to do that, even though I can sand, but wood), maybe that might enhance the playability (I already loweredthe saddles to the lowest possible). I am a bit dissapointed because of that, I find myself wanting to play the taylor more than the martin. The sound of the Martin is rich and mellow and even with dead strings I can definetely say it is beautiful, but the taylor (despite having a smaller body and smaller sound) has a diffferent shimmer at the end of the chords that makes it mesmerizing TO ME. The Martin has that same shimmer, maybe if I put some new strings I fall in love with the martin, but I am really tempted to trade it for a 110e. The martin does have a thicker neck, not much, but it is noticeable.

[@j_music_8779]

Both are nice guitars. I own the Martin and really like it. 👍

[@trevorgwelch7412]

I bought the Taylor 110e ... excellent sound but I don't like that there is no finish - simple looking , it needs a gloss finish .

[@davidwinokur2131]

The Taylor has better definition, note articulation and projection. Also, the Taylor pickup system seems to perform better. To me the Martin sounds muddy and is weak when plugged in. (Proud owner of a Taylor 414ce-R) Side note: The Taylor bolt on neck is super easy to reset. I can do mine in less than 15 minutes. A complete tool set with all the required shims is available from Taylor for $50US.

[@joshclark4425]

I absolutely love the videos that Alamo Music Center put on KZbin, very informative and non biased, because of their videos I have gone to my local guitar store with alot of knowledge and have walked out with the guitars I love! My wife doesn't love Alamo because of that..lol. thanks Alamo Music Center!

[@fredrailsback1778]

Great comparison video. Answered all my big to medium questions. The 'back-to-back' audio work was very impressive. You really took your customers needs and wants into consideration on this. Thanks very much for doing this. My preference is the Martin.

[@patrickanderson260]

I have a Martin X! Love it as a nice Guitar. Taylor not yet!

[@angelrivera3729]

Martin DX1AE not, bindinig,not inlays,blended woods, then what we have? I;m very disappointed with Martin and Taylor as well. I will buy a Yamaha instead.

[@kindface]

Which Yamaha would you consider (in a similar price range as this Martin and Taylor) and in which way do you prefer the Yamaha over them? I'm asking as I'm a beginner.

[@jadslash]

Fuzzy Bunny u know nothing

[@tikigodsrule2317]

Taylor no bottom all sparkle, great pickups. Martin all bottom no sparkle, lousy pickups.

[@viniciusnotharangeli5328]

$800 and it's starter Guitar??? Really?? Do we leave in the same world?

[@daniellowell926]

I think the martin sounds richer.

[@rustinonthevine]

This is crazy bc I was in the guitar shop today and my choice ended up coming down to these same two guitars! It was a tough choice. The Taylor seemed better at first b/c it is brighter and louder but fortunately I kept playing both over and over for about an hour and eventually that brightness of the Taylor seemed a little hollow and lacked depth while the Martin continued to provide rich and balanced tone. Both are great guitars, the Taylor might be better for playing live in front of an audience b/c it's sound will wow an audience immediately but for songwriting and composing the Martin will give you the rich, well-rounded tone you need. I did play the Martin through an amplifier and it sounded magnificent. If you want the Martin to sound like the Taylor just adjust the tone knob towards the bridge and turn up the treble!

[@ramencurry6672]

The Martin is better. More rich.

[@rickk1235]

Thank you for doing this video. They're both very close in sound but I think I favor the Taylor just slightly over the Martin.

[@earth5023]

i bought the martin, god it sounds and feels amazing

[@bretfisher7286]

Very informative, thanks. Something's sacriligeous about manmade materials in a guitar...Ha ha! (I'm kind of kidding, almost. But not really. Some of us are traditional and old world. We see a guitar the same way people see a violin. It's an heirloom, a piece of craftsmanship and a piece of art made with great skill, out of wood. The idea of a plastic violin is an outrage!)

[@_oBSOLEte_]

Hey I'm buying an electroacoustic instrument. 12:26 Taylor 12:53 Martin. It's night and day. Plugged in Martin FTW.

[@woamqi1]

what do u think about the action of the 110? i have that guitar and i find it kind of hard to play if you r not a professional. I found that it has an amazing acoustic sound for fingerpicking (like playing Blackbird) but for strumming it's not the best option (i insist, if you r not an advanced player)... what do u think?

[@xheartinhandx]

Take it to a luthier and have them set it up for the way you want it to play.

[@wootton900]

I have owned both let me weigh in here !! The taylor just blows my mind everytime i touch them and strum them the tones and the brightness and most of all the volume its great,, But it really only shows that 1 sound you can pick quiter notes etc but its like a fast car it wants to perform.. The Martin is also a loud guitar for sure but the difference for me is the ability to strum along quietly and play those sweet melllow fingerpicking styles and then Bam when you hit it it wakes up and the overtones are amazing. It is so hard to choose between these 2 models i had the 214ce or the dcx1rae both cutaways , i chose the dcx1rae after going back and fourth. And after a couple months i couldn't help but wonder about the taylor so the option here would be buy them both if you can best value for performance guitars going these cheaper range models are

[@Mychannel-ft6vg]

my choice is Taylor, great sound

[@RRW276]

It's interesting, I hear people comment on how hard the Martin X series is to play. I live in a quite large well known city, but all we have are Guitar Center's. The Martin's they have on the wall (outside 'THE' room) have incredibly old/nasty strings and they're high af off the fingerboard. You can any Taylor from the wall and, for the most part, it's setup well and has new Elixirs. Naturally people think they are easier to play, and they very well may be for that person. But the Martin's are just hard and so people skip over them for Taylor's. I've seen in it in a few cases. What they don't know is that that Martin could most likely have some major setup work done to play nicely like the Taylor. But then that's more $.

[@Pelletgagecom]

That's why I bought my Taylor 110. The action was best by far.

[@newfielad47]

Just bought a 110 cut away taylor from Kitchener store love it!!!!

[@larrylion3632]

I own a Martin DX1RAE (the "rosewood" look, otherwise the same as the DX1AE) and I also have a Taylor 114e, although I did try the 110e. IMO, the Martin is a better guitar all-round. The tone of the Taylor is skewed to treble unplugged, the Martin is more even. The Fishman pickup in the Martin is way better than that of the Taylor ES-T. To make the Taylor work in our band, I have to use a soundhole plug, and goose the EQ on the PA system a lot, whereas the Martin can be played as-is, and still sound somewhat normal through the PA, with less piezo quack than the Taylor. I think the Taylor is better made, though, and the bolt-on neck is a big bonus. I would have thought that the Martin's extensive use of "man-made" materials would have made it resistant to humidity extremes, but reading the comments here, I guess that is not the case. I have not had any problems with humidity, yet.

[@zerosoma33]

Well said. The martin indeed sounds better, but the taylor is made with better components and plays nicer. My solution? Own both.

[@larrylion3632]

Update: after a few months of playing, the Martin did start to exhibit some idiosyncrasies: (1) It only sounds great with Martin strings. I do not know why that is the case, because there is no logic in that. I've tried various brands, but the Martin SP's or coated strings sound best on this guitar. (2) The frets started to move a bit, so the man-made material needs some settling-in time. After 4 months, I needed the frets leveled, as #2 and #4 fret became out of level with the others. Never seen that on a Taylor. No big deal, but the man-made stuff is not infallible - it will probably move some more. (3) I had to replace the saddle with a Martin pre-cut bone unit, as the plastic one started wearing way too fast. Other than those issues, the cheap & cheerful Martin has seen a lot of action now, and is behaving very well.

[@windwardpro]

+Larry Lion I don't understand how you can say the Martin has better electronics. The Martin here sounds great unplugged but is noticeably inferior to the Taylor with the direct sound, hands down.

[@patrickguyum]

+windwardpro All subjective. You must like the much brighter tone more than anything, because that's what Taylors always end up being, bright bright bright bright bright.

[@rasss556]

Larry Lion you got a fake taylor then😂

[@josephblalock3543]

Taylor seems louder but Martin seems warmer. Full disclosure, I own a Martin X series. Would love to pick up a Taylor to keep it company though.

[@surfczar]

I have a Martin Custom X series, and I am seriously considering the Taylor 144 Concert body.

[@danmcbmusic]

The playing in this 16 minute video starts at 11:35, and is pretty nice ... sigh ...

[@alamo11]

alamo music... must be a good company

[@ricklynn6176]

I've owned both... still have the Martin. Enough said...

[@staceystrickland5302]

I’ve had the Martin for 4 years now and am very pleased with it. I use it with a Fishman mini loudmouth. Great review. I know that the all solid wood folks are probably not going to like either one, but after watching numerous reviews like this one, I’m fine with the modern materials. That fretboard will never wear out!

[@Allisonramere]

Thank you for the thorough comparison. Learned a lot.

[@grgemflynn]

The Taylor's got me with its rich tone and adjustable neck love it

[@justhavnfunhere590]

I just bought one of the martin X series guitars. I love it. It sounds as good plugged as it does unplugged. It is a very beautiful sounding guitar for the money. The neck is actually very pretty.

[@koofdome]

Nothing beats a Martin

[@ricklynn6176]

Whether you prefer the Taylor, or the Martin. I think we can all agree that the guitar sounds better with the mic in front of it rather then directly plugged in LOL

[@arthurogle7581]

Never saw many guitars with pick scratches above the neck as in the Taylor I bought. As a rule I never scratch any guitar I play. So I'm puzzled how a picker could put scratches in the Taylor 110e? Somebody gettin wild and crazy at a gig? Go figure. The scratches on the 110 I bought are superficial as a worse case scenario.

[@kbmitch]

I had a 110 and the action got higher somewhat over several years. I like my action fairly low so I brought to a Taylor repairman and he unbolted the neck and changed out the shims. It took about 20 minutes. It was then just how I like it. If you want the action to be lower or higher, take to a dealer that is qualified to do the repairs and he can adjust it to how you like it. You cannot do that easily with the Martin glued neck joint.

[@valueofnothing2487]

Would you stop playing the pretty chords? Any lousy guitar can sound decent with suspended chords. The hardest thing a guitar can is create great G an C chords. Play they second and third fingers of the c cord. Listen if the notes are fighting each other. Good intonation check. And for G, listen to the b string. And g string. On the Taylor, these can be harsh. On the Martin, the full G chord can be a bit muddy. Also, the Taylor is a bit more expensive, at 699 vs. 599 for Martin. I think you can get all solid wood Blueridge, Yahmha, Seagull for ~ $800. Not that these are the greatest instruments.

[@dcolaris]

I went to the store yesterday to try out the Taylor 110e and Martin DX1AE, in my ear the Martin sounded a bit muddy. I eventually came home with a Taylor 114e, I fell in love with the balanced sound and its playability.

[@simonajibi6266]

dcolaris

[@simonajibi6266]

dcolaris s

[@Kippu1]

Yes, and Taylor uses all wood in their guitars unlike Martin which uses compressed kraft paper for the back and sides in their DX series.

[@FretFriendGWaL]

I'm thinking of buying the Taylor 110e. It's £100 less than the Martin too in the UK and if you shop around, you will get one for £499 ($635 US)...

[@shawn2571]

The Taylor definitely sounds better, i just bought the Martin 20th anniversary edition, but kind of wishing i would have held out for a Taylor. I didn't realize the martin had so much fake wood on it. But it does sound better than my cheapy yamaha. Lol

[@ahighervibe4086]

No one ever mentions the nut width when reviewing a 100/200 series Taylor, which is a bummer because it is a HUGE factor in the comfort /playability dept. Personally, I ABHOR the narrower nut width on the lower end Taylor's. I wish Taylor would make ALL of their nuts the same width throughout their entire lineup!

[@kevinmoulton2480]

I can’t imagine a more thorough review. Thank you.

[@theviolinoob]

Taylor all the week

[@AndrewHank1]

I had a Martin DXMAE similar to this one, and now I play a Taylor 110e. I think Taylor is in better in quality even for a lower-priced guitar like the 100 series, comparing to Martin's X series.

[@leofonsecamusic8929]

I agree

[@arturocepeda2525]

Totally wrong

[@anon8577]

Just bought the DX1AE, I love it. I don't how you can call these budget end guitars. Cost me 539 British pounds. Now to me that is expensive. Yes I understand guitars can go into the thousands, but 539 pounds is a shit load of money to me. This was the first guitar I picked up in the shop and I fell in love with the sound of it. I hope it serves me well for many years. Price is irrelevant it is simply what you make of it. I'm proud to play this guitar, my first Martin.

[@antoniotaurisano8301]

the acustic sound is excellent in both guitars, the plug-in instead is terrible :(

[@Gunkaleh]

I've tried to like Martins but every one I've played has sounded a little dull and thumpy to me. I currently have 3 Taylors and, for me they're more articulate, expressive, and easier to play. I can coax the subtleties out of a Taylor but have trouble with the Martins. I'm still looking, however. I'd love to own a Martin. Thank you for the informative review.

[@MegaBurnley1]

Found your comparison video, really useful, I went for the Taylor 110e absolutely love it.

[@joedub8871]

The Taylor sounds like a much better guitar, I picked up a DX1 martin in a shop awhile back and gave it a strum, it felt good and i liked the neck on it, alot of people don't. But it could sound a bit 'muffled', potentially at least, depending on the player and the strings. The Taylor seems to have alot of clarity ? How do they compare price wise ?

[@CookieRoger1]

Just bought the Martin and I love it.Taylor are good too.

[@GTAMONTHLYS]

the martins always seem to prouducr a warm, even tone. Most people who sing will already be “filling” the upper part of the Fz spectrum..and that’s why personally i feel martin goes well with any type of singer and application, it’s not “too” bright. Well rounded

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GTAMONTHLYS]

Alamo Music Center Texas boys represent 🙌🏽

[@AlamoMusic]

Righteous!

[@desdearibasiempre2545]

Thats a martin made of formica the same from kichens. And i make kichens gabinets. That martin is a money throw. A met someone got one and he allways have to be gluwing the formica in the edges. People dont pay 800 hondred dolors for a formica guitar onley cus is a mart.........in. it is not a good guitars.

[@seamusbrowne4909]

Solid wood back and sides pure Snake Oil. Only the TOP Matters.😊😋🤗

[@roaddog7542]

100% agree. I prefer laminate for the back, sides and neck. It's much stronger which is good for sound projection and less effected by temperature and humidity. Like a drum the top should move and the rest rock solid.

[@TheBrianthurnher]

Martin all day effortless to play.

[@steamingheartbeat]

To me the Taylor is very open and defined and loud. The Martin is smoother and more well balanced from lows to highs. Both are great guitars. I tend a little more to the Taylor. But that's only MY opinion.

[@relentlessmadman]

one of each please!

[@BRADRANCH]

I just bought 2 of these to gig with. USA made black label and I bought a Mexican made black label Martin. Both solid top spruce. Apparently there are some that are all laminate or they are listed wrong on some sites. I'm a little confused about that. Could be the black labels are solid top and the tan are not, not sure. I'm not saying these are the best on the planet. They are NOT HD-28 quality of sound. But I've played for a living my whole life and can tell you as a gig guitar you would NOT be at any disadvantage using one of these Martins and they sound really good. Mine were the non pre versions, I added a K & K mini' pickup ran to a Presonus channel strip with the upgraded tube where I can compress, EQ and shape the sound going out as to not be totally at the mercy of a sound guy LOL.,using a volume pedal on the floor, and have been gigging with it. The Taylor I'd been using I paid $2500 for and its an amazing guitar. Switching to the Martin I fair easily as well. It's a wonderful instrument.

[@jessmonsam25]

I'd like to see a comparison of the Taylor a10e vs Martin Dx2e both are close in price

[@iangordon8078]

It is time to start........start embracing the engineered woods into non-collectible guitars, the martin sounded outstanding and where it has the edge on the Taylor is that it is built to last forever without really any special care. It will be the guitar that I pickup and play at home when I just want to practice or jam a bit, rather than the HD-28 which is precious. Placing an order for the RAE version now.

[@MelconWagner]

My good friend has this Taylor and compared to my Yamaha and my Ovation it actually sounds a little thin and plastic-like in comparison. From the sounds of things in this video, I can hear that thin tone as well. But not from the Martin. This video has definitely assisted me in making my decision in purchasing a Martin DX1AE. Thank you Alamo Music Center!

[@cooloutac]

That's how the Martin makes all other guitars sound lol.

[@rogert438]

As Alamo Music says, each person will have his own preference bases on the tone and feel they like. So Talor fans don't get so up tight. They are both great guitars. My choice is Martin, but that does not make Talor any less of a guitar. People who really love music and understands vibrations will appreciate both for the quality of tones they produce. People who judge a guitar by what it made of, wood / plastic etc close your eyes and start to listen!

[@brambrg]

love the bright sound of Taylor

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

I love Martins because I sing when I play, and don't play with a band. I would probably get a Taylor if I start playing with a band. After watching the demo, I prefer the Martin sound. The Taylor is way too bright for my taste on its own.

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Great comparison video! I agree with the point your make about the tone being subjective. It really just depends on what the player prefers! especially when you're choosing between 2 great guitars like the Taylor and the Martin. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@neilkinney6600]

I'm not a guitar expert so I would say it's pretty much like Ford and Chevy cars! A matter of taste.

[@scottmongeon2331]

I have the 110c Taylor and love it also have the D12x1ae Martin 12 String and that sounds beautiful

[@juannanez8896]

Do these have the same strings or not? because for all you know the difference on the sound could be due to that. I know with elixirs most guitars sound good.

[@rbnsouto2282]

Thnks for this awesome review it helped me a lot! I just bought a DX1RAE and she sounds beautifully!!! Once again thkx a lot for your help and keep up the awesome job!!