Taylor 717 Grand Pacific vs Martin HD28 - New for 2019 Acoustic Guitar Buyer's Guide and Comparison

Ready for a new comparison? How about the new Taylor 717 versus the Martin HD28? Both are stellar instruments and play beautifully. Martin invented the dreadnought, and here we have Taylor's latest addition, which is also a dreadnought. The differences in timbre are certainly present, but what are your ears telling you? Take a listen to both and let us know what you think. Play A Note, Change Your Life!
#taylorguitars #martinguitars #taylorvsmartin #acousticguitar #guitarcomparison #guitarreview #guitardemo #playanote
Taylor Grand Pacific 717 → www.alamomusic.com/taylor-bui...
Martin HD28 → www.alamomusic.com/martin-hd2...
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[@danshorey9932]

The Taylor seems so much richer to me. I love both, but I think Taylor has addressed the issue for me, of being too bright. It’s edition, has brought a whole new dimension to the tone with the 717, and for me, in this demonstration, the HD28 seems to be one dimensional in comparison.

[@dgsoriano]

Taylor hands down! The Martin has great projection, a robust sound but it's still fuzzy and buzzy in its after sound. The Taylor on the other hand has all the good qualities: robust sound, clear detailed sound from every string, strong bass, clear treble, awesome sustain and intonation that is just incredible. I am totally sold out to the Taylor. TAYLOR ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimmarinella9455]

I love your playing. It's gotten me through some rough days. Thank you for your videos.

[@rmzzz76]

So in the last video you guys put up comparing a GP model to J-45 and D-18 I had to rank the GP last, but in the recording for this video that Taylor 717 is delivering exactly what I look for in acoustic sound. There is just the perfect balance between clang, shimmer/sustain and note articulation. I am very much a traditional guitar guy and have been very skeptical of Taylor, especially since they announced V-bracing last year as the second coming of the acoustic... However, I have to hand it to Taylor the 717 sounds a lot better than the HD28. At the least this video shows it's a better guitar for recording. All those overtones produced by the Martin HD28 are muddying the sound, the 717 hits a sweet spot. Hats off to Mr. Powers. I want one.

[@michaelforde4373]

You don't talk too much its pure sense to educate us on the nuances on these instruments bravo !!!

[@donadolfo11]

This Taylor impresses me, what is not true for a number of their models and sounds. Being basically a Martin guy and the HD 28 one of my favorites, this Taylor seems to be a real option to consider.

[@keatonrood8746]

I sat down for a few hours last night and play both of these at elderly instruments. Back and forth and back and forth and really tried to listen to the tonal qualities. And in all honesty, they’re two totally different things. The HD28 has soooo much room to build with intensity in. That thing has so much grunt, and with the thinner and scalloped bracing, it still interesting to listen to with the lightest touch. The Taylor is a Taylor. The 717 I don’t feel has really gone too far away from what a Taylor is. It’s super interesting with delicate playing, and you can give it some juice and it keeps up. For me, the Martin feels so relaxed even what you’re chugging the crap out of it. I had to give it to the Martin. If you exclusively play fingerstyle or more delicate stuff I would take the Taylor. But the stuff I place is sort of all over the place, and I feel like what Martin is doing has really helped accommodate the light playing, while being as interesting as ever with loud olaying

[@1olddoggie]

You do not talk to much. I love your reviews. I never miss them.

[@jeffgellis9507]

The Taylor has evenness to it across the entire range which I think I prefer. The Martin is the gold-standard but certainly, those that say it sounds so much better are expecting to hear the Martin sound. Blonds or Brunettes? I love them both. Good to have choices.

[@AlamoMusic]

For sure!

[@Denon395]

In general I am not a fanatic of the Taylor sound, but this Taylor pleasantly surprised me with its woody warmth and its balance, the sound timbre is simply majestic. According to my tastes I rank it among the top 2 of the best guitar sounds I have heard in my life.

[@randyfisher4495]

I actually bought the Taylor Grand Pacific builders edition 717e, but after having it for a couple of weeks I'm exchanging it for the Martin HD28. The HD 28 just sounds better than the Taylor in my opinion. The only way I can describe it is the Martin just commands the room!

[@georgemercer3013]

MARTIN HD28 OR D28 IS JUST A MARTIN...THE BEST... It's Secretariat of guitars....you can't beat it....

[@maraviyoso8473]

I call this bullshit. I like Martin, but NOBODY in their right mind will do what you did. And how. . . convenient it is that you're talking about the exact two models on this video.

[@ronmiller7248]

@@maraviyoso8473 yeah, apparently Randy buys guitars without playing them first.

[@tommessina5973]

A much appreciated video. I just purchased a 717e and I also own a vintage D28 (which I do like a lot)...I think you did a very fair comparison. The Martin as you said is "a Martin" and it has a distinctive sound known throughout the world as the dreadnought sound. The Taylor in its own way is producing a "dreadnought"-like sound but using a different structure that I believe smooths out the low end frequencies a little more graciously than the Martin, enough to hear the difference. On the high B and E strings there is no doubt about which one is a Martin and which one is a Taylor. I like both the strong resonance of the Martin on the B and E and the purity of the Taylor's B and E is very sweet. Overall from top to bottom I think that Taylor's output is more balanced. And BTW you played both guitars in a very fair way so as not to favor one over the other. So again thanks for doing this video. I hope others will be helped by it too.

[@theedrc]

I guess some of those that commented are hearing something vastly different than I am. The Grand Pacific is nice, but the Martin to me has more I sound I want and enjoy. It simply has a better acoustic guitar sound to my ears on a good entertainment sound system. A great guitar and one I would choose. Martin’s are just unique, which is why I have two of them, the D-28 Authentic 1931 and the OM-28 VTS.

[@dannalezyty9550]

There both nice ,i bought the 717 ,its wonderful ,the d28 is great ,thats my next ,the 717 is special the demo you cant realy here the 717 ,when you play a good one you will enjoy the 717!

[@perrybrening8956]

Both are great in different ways, I own a Martin D-41 and this new GP 717e Honey Burst Builder's Edition. Martin is warmer, however the GP 717e has a vintage sound of it's own... and as for the playability of the two (I own) the GP is hard to put down. so relaxing to hold and play for hours in my Pick-n-Glide. love both guitars. compound neck on GP is worth trying, actually love playing it more so than my D41. Traditional Dreadnaught is less comfortable. Oh, almost forgot, you have to also experience the V-bracing and hear the intonation throughout the neck. Truly a break through in guitar making. again, a person HAS to own both. Great Review.

[@thomasrusso4506]

I recently bought the 717 it turned out to be a lemon turn right around and bought the HD 28 it’s a tone machine love it

[@maraviyoso8473]

BS. I love Martin, but I call what you say BS

[@jackderby22]

Great tone from both... Would love to try that Taylor in person but based on the video I would take the Martin... Good job and thanks!!

[@gregbaker3701]

Both guitars are freakishly amazing but I swear that Taylor has a built in subwoofer in there somewhere. BTW Chris, talk away brother. The knowledge you share is much appreciated man!!!

[@josephlaming8209]

They need to get a torrified Martin in there. (vts)

[@johnlord1399]

As a 717e WHB owner who ought to be a lot better than I am after all these years, I can say that the first Taylor I purchased opened my eyes and ears to what a great builder Taylor is. Admittedly, it was strumming a Martin that made me want a dread again, but the 717e filled that desire perfectly! Great review as always Chris, and I even broke down and bought a t-shirt at long last....

[@Sto1660]

Love the Taylor’s sweeter more mellow tone.

[@standifirdstephen]

Was looking for a new guitar and was in a deep personal debate between these two. This video was wonderfully timed for me. Thank you Chris for this outstanding comparison. Tough to test these guitars side by side since the 717s don’t seem to stay in stock very long (if you can even find one locally). Based on this video, I took a chance and purchased a 717e WHB from Alamo Music Center specifically. Arrived this week and I absolutely love it. The HD28s I tried out are outstanding as well but the clarity and playability of the Taylor won me over. I’ve heard Andy Powers say in an interview that the two ways to make a guitar better are to make it play better and make it sound better. My new 717e WHB is outstanding on both fronts. A really outstanding guitar all around. Very nicely done. Thanks again Chris for the outstanding videos and information you provide. Your technical knowledge and artistic abilities are very much appreciated.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for the feedback and congrats on your new instrument!

[@kipshaw284]

And beyond sound and playabity - aesthetics! I've never liked the looks of the Martin Dreds, although I've had them and loved them. They always struck me as being designed by an engineer, not an artist. Square shoulders, not much of a waist - seemed like all it needed was a pocket protector attached to the top. Don't get me wrong, I love Martins; my favorite of my guitars is a Martin 000-28VS. But his Taylor 717 is a stunner. I've got one coming from Sweetwater.

[@leevitalone]

I really enjoy your reviews and thank you, I would be interested in acoustic comparisons that had more attack in the demo/comparisons there are so many artist that use acoustics like those who peak my interest IE Jade Bird, etc. Keep up the great work.

[@saltwatersaddletramp7229]

There is a reason that everybody compares their guitars to a Martin!

[@maraviyoso8473]

Everyone compares things to what happened first

[@707king]

@@maraviyoso8473 not always true.. they compare things to the gold standard.

[@maraviyoso8473]

@@707king not always; but in this case it is.

[@707king]

@@maraviyoso8473 you don’t think Martin is the gold standard by which all acoustic dreads are compared?

[@maraviyoso8473]

@@707king I don't care. Of course, Martin created the dreadnought and it's been a hugely successful guitar brand. But what exactly is a "gold standard?"

[@weed491]

I have the new Taylor 717 Grand Pacific and I absolutely love it ! Better than any guitar I’ve ever owned, and I’ve had way too many, including lots of Martin dreads, and Santa Cruzs, and lots of other really good ones. The tone is phenomenal ! I put a small Martin style Tortis pickguard on it and black Gotoh delta tuners, the rounded binding all around is really nice, and the rolled fingerbored edges are really nice!!

[@JB-hq9yj]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m looking at a 717 myself. How is the playability with the medium gauge strings? Did you change the gauge/ string brand?

[@weed491]

HonorNeverDies7 yes I put Santa Cruz mid tension strings on it! They make every guitar they go on sound better, they are mediums but have total string tension between med and light, which is a little easier on the guitar, and they last a long time, only bad thing is that cost 18 bucks.

[@The_Wood]

Brand new HD-28 owner here and could not be happier. Makes the Ibanez and Fender acoustics I have been playing sound sick. Crazy expensive but...worth every dollar.

[@davidpomella6786]

I have an HD28VS that is 20 Year old....needless to say that the tone is amazing....I listened to this video with headphones and in my opinion the Martin D-28 is stiil the best, I felt the Taylor' s tone is not as rich as the Martin D-28 but thats just my opinion

[@jimo1294]

I like the shape of the Taylor better. From a tone standpoint, I thought the HD28 won with flat-picking although it had a noticeable "boom" on the low-end. From a finger-picking standpoint, I'd give it to the Taylor for note clarity. I think I could fall in love with either!

[@drothberg3]

That was actually pretty easy for me. To my ear, the Taylor sounded much better for fingerstyle; the Martin sounded much better for flat picking. As I play more with a pick, the Martin would be my choice.

[@maxwellfan55]

David I was thinking the same. Only as far as flat picking is concerned it depends how hard you dig in to achieve that authentic bluegrass sound, and I think this guy was picking fairly light and evenly, not overdriving the guitar at all. So it's going to mean checking these out. This Taylor is certainly causing a lot of interest, looks the business and darn comfortable to play.

[@ndoc7]

I love both. I´m buying both. Love the sound of the Martin and love the looks of the Taylor.

[@garysummitt7833]

I first liked the sound of the Taylor best over all but like David I can't afford either of them but again great video

[@thongamchan775]

I like the Taylor 717 e Grand Pacific Builders edition as the sound is much brighter and focussed one.

[@africanriftvalleyfish8287]

The overtones on the Martin are amazing!

[@dougstump2520]

To my ears, the Taylor provided clearer lows and highs... the Martin the sound seemed bunched up in the midrange. The bottom line is that choosing the right guitar for you is akin to choosing a wizard wand - you have to go to the shop and play them and at some point the guitar chooses you. I have never owned a Martin but I always play their line up when shopping. There is a muted aspect to them that doesn't fit well with how I play - it's possible that part of the reason is that a lot of Martin's ship with medium gauge strings - but I won't know how much of a factor that is unless I restrung it in the shop. Having said that, I have been frustrated with my Taylor in that I'd like to get clearer bass notes out of her. Perhaps the best guitar for my style of playing was a Gibson dreadnaught years ago, but I wouldn't spend money on anything coming out of that factory today. Martins seem be consistently high quality guitars, and Taylor has perfected the production of the instrument. I wish the new Taylor lines had a gloss finish, do not like the matte finish at all. I also think with the new production facilities in Cali, Guild perhaps should be mentioned at this level, as well. Thanks for the video.

[@philipdeppen9450]

Have u played a Yairi masterworks by any chance

[@donaldj.trumpet4205]

Same feelings

[@AndyKimbel]

That Martin is well.. It's a Martin. I am a big fan of Taylor and have two in addition to 13 others, all fine instruments. When it comes to that 60s-70s acoustic guitar sound, yea, the Martin owns it to this day. The complexity of the overtones generated by the HD28 are remarkable even here on a computer watching KZbin. If one is looking for the warm complexity of overtones then Collings rules. Yes, a different price point but truly incredible guitars in so many respects. Taylor in my own opinion plays and sounds like a Taylor. If one wanted a Martin because it plays and sounds like a Martin, then get the Martin right?. Taylor offers uniqueness and plays like there is no tomorrow. The sound, the comfort, the ease of moving around on the neck the overall build quality, make them highly desirable by many. I own a few Taylor Guitars not because they do it better, but rather they present a different unique approach and sound inspiring me do it a little or a lot differently. Ultimately, It does all come down to the sound yes? Every model guitar presents a different feel and presentation, and thereby emotion to a particular song. That is what it is all about for me. The guitar asks and almost guides me along. I comply as the instrument usually exceeds my expectations. All guitars do not express all of what you feel in expressing a particular musical passage accurately. Put it on your lap, start a relationship and see how it works in partnership with you. Let go and play. There is nothing better.

[@ArielCardona]

Taylor began in 1974. They weren't even around in the early 70s

[@AndyKimbel]

@@ArielCardona To be accurate here, Bob Taylor’s journey into luthiery began in the early ‘70s, when he built his first instruments in the wood shop at school. At first, he was simply trying to replicate the Echo Ranger 12-string he saw in a store-front window. Taylor wasn’t even aware of Martin Guitars when he began building instruments. He designed and built guitars purely based upon an instrument free of preconceived notions of what an acoustic guitar should be. He based his designs only on what he felt and desired. In 1974 as you had stated, Taylor and Kurt Listug were laboring over instruments in the back of a small guitar store in Southern California. When the owner of the shop decided to move on, the duo bought the place and Taylor Guitars was born. Listug focused on the business side of the company, and Bob Taylor took responsibility for the guitars. I was first introduced to Taylor Guitars shortly thereafter by an owner of a guitar shop somewhere near or around New Hope Pennsylvania. I had only played, owed and heard of Martin, Guild and Gibson as the leading quality builders. The guy put a Taylor in my hands to compare to a Martin. I was very impressed and couldn't put it down. Of course, the guitars were built by hand at the time at a rate that could not come close to what they are building currently. (Excluding Covid) He said to keep your eyes and ears on these guys obviously for all the right reasons. Looking back, I should have bought it! Although I have a variety of guitars, I am continually thankful for the support and partnership that Taylor Guitars has provided me in my career. An amazing company, truly fantastic guitars and such good people.

[@NHail]

great quality video, thanks

[@carljohnson4691]

I'm a Gibson guy, myself, but I love that Martin - it defines the sound of a dreadnought. While the Taylor Grand Pacific sounds better than their 10 series dreadnoughts, it still doesn't sound like a dreadnought, to me. It sounds good, but I wouldn't give up my Gibson CL-20 or J45 for it. For what it's worth, some of the best-sounding guitars that I have ever heard were Guild D-55, D- 40, and F-50 models.

[@clarkcuts2720]

My surround sound says the Martin, my Shure in ears say Taylor. I'm partial to Taylor's and the new/ different sound is a welcome breath of life into the lineup. At the end, prefer the shape of the hd28 but would take the Taylor based on sound

[@geezusLive-OF]

I would take both as well. Love both sounds in different ways.

[@rickhenderson4065]

A fair comparison. Two different sounds . My preference: Martin.

[@danstevens1024]

There is a reason that Taylor didn’t come out with a new, improved version of their Dreadnought. They came out with the Grand Pacific. It’s shape doesn’t even track with a slope shoulder dread like a J-45. Taylor is looking ahead to create new sounds for contemporary music styles. If you play Bluegrass buy a Martin Dreadnought! For a versatile guitar with a rich sound buy a Taylor 717. I currently play an OM and like it’s versatility and now I’m quite interested in the 717. It will take the market awhile to figure this out. In the meantime, Taylor management must be frustrated with their dealers forcing these perhaps inappropriate comparisons.

[@yiren7061]

Both are fantastic instruments! I went to the shop for an hd28 I also tried Gibson songwriter but I came home with a 717e WHB

[@sugarlife485]

I am a lifelong Martin guy! But I am shocked to say that in this case the Taylor has a more robust forward ...sound...very distinct and unlike any taylor I have ever played or heard....Send me that taylor please:))

[@TheHeliumSkater]

I feel like the taylor sounds like a beefier grand auditorium, which I love, the thing I've learned over the years though is you just gotta play them, you hear the instrument differently when playing it and what feels better. Either way you go, Martin or Taylor make sure it's what you naturally want to play more, for me it's mainly Taylor's over Martin's but sometimes it's the other way around.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice review and comparison!! I own Martin and Taylor. Taylor is perfectly an electric acoustic guitar. Martin is a king of an acoustic guitar. This is it for me.

[@josephgrega2005]

I identify with a lot of the comments below. First off, I love Alamo Music Center's reviews. Well done and on target! I was stationed in San Antonio several times for training, and loved the town (the job...not so much). Anyway, as was mentioned, the HD commands the room. Yes. Big. Boomy (medium strings?) Awesome, but I agree - it can be also be muddy ref: Doug Stump comments (especially if your not a perfect player - I don't have long, skinny, fingers) ....and I have found that my Martin eventually hurts my fingers? Hum...medium strings that came with the guitar I suspect. I also want to lower the action on my Martin (and it seems there is plenty of space to do that), which will be done professionally. I also have 6 used very nice Taylor's (I don't think any with V bracing) ; all used. The playability - specifically the neck, the ease, is just great. I don't know why. The best I have is an older 815ce. Really nice all around....not as loud as the Martin. But the bottom end is slightly "clearer" if you will. But it could not replace the Martin (note - my used 815 does NOT have a cut away and is a dreadnaught style - which I think is not common to most of Taylors guitars), which may make it just marginally louder? (I also have 2 oddball Gibsons...Gibson Rosewood Parlor...super fun and easy, and a older CL30 Deluxe, which is the guitar that sits out and is the go to for impulsive play and messing around anytime) . So, if I had to choose one dreadnaught, it would be the Martin HD-28, and make some changes (strings, action) to best meet your needs.

[@seanfried5583]

What strings on each guitar? What pick? What mic? The Martin is way louder. The Taylor sounds more in tune. Both are good. Taylor seems more like a finger picker, the Martin seems like it would like strumming a flat picking better. This is apples to oranges. The Taylor doesn't seem to have much in common with the Martin dread. The Taylor definitely doesn't over take the Martin but it sounds real nice. Perhaps the best Taylor I have heard so far.

[@patserrao2347]

Both awesome guitars, but the HD28 just has a fuller/richer sound with more sustain. I wonder were both guitars using the same strings? He doesn't mention that in the video. Well done Alamo!

[@AlamoMusic]

Good question! I believe they both had different strings!

[@andrewhumphrey1047]

Taylor GP will have Elixir Nano Mediums. The Martin will have either Light or Medium Martin SP Lifespan PB

[@northcoastviking]

I've played the Taylor 3,5,& 717 GPs; the all have something I like, but none of these with enough of "it" to pull the trigger on one yet. I have, of all things, a Taylor GS Mini in Koa--which is an AMAZING little tone machine and friendly player, and now my go-to player, while my Collings DS1A becomes a case-queen. When Taylor releases a Limited Edition of the GP in Koa, I will run, not walk, to my Taylor dealer for one!

[@DavidHBurkart]

I think Taylor has hit a home run with the 17 series. D28 has been hitting home runs for years. Love 'em both, room for 'em both, would buy them both if I could, but will have to make due with my Hummingbird AGR, Martin D35, Seagull S6 & my vintage Epiphone F140. That is the circle of my acoustic stable at the moment.

[@dibuccio]

Love them both and I own them both. For me, I prefer the Taylor as it offers a more focused midrange that the Martin is missing for my ears. The Taylor records better and somehow allows me to hear better when I’m playing it which in turn inspires me to play and create more music than I do with my Martin. Just sharing my thoughts...

[@Beatles123ful]

Great comparison, big fan of the Martin Hd 28 but have to say the Taylor sounds like older broke in vintage feel more complex overtones, martin sounds new. Amazing job by Taylor on this guitar defiantly a game changer.

[@rmzzz76]

Please do an A-B comparison of the 717 to a Gibson Advanced Jumbo.

[@arthurchin5711]

I love the warmth and balance of the HD28 when strummed but I know the Taylor will sound killer in a mix!

[@geol3713]

Would love to see a list of top finger picking guitars. Somewhat new go the channel so I’m not sure if there already is one

[@RandyBelinda]

A perfect representation of what a “modern” dread sounds like versus a traditional dread. To my ear an HD will always be the classicdread

[@user-if5cs4tv3x]

yeah, and def not the ORIGINAL d it was based on

[@tyleranderson9190]

I’m not mush for rosewood, but the Martin sounds better to me!

[@pablo9364]

Goooood comparison

[@davidmacleod9313]

Both are stellar! (I know I just pissed off the cork sniffers. Lol) If I had to choose,,it would be the Taylor because, for me, they are more comfortable to play. (It seems to me that when you play the Taylor, it’s as if you “want” to play. (Some fine playin’ I might add!)

[@keithmahorney6533]

To my ears the Taylor wins hands down. The best of both worlds in my opinion. Sounds good strumming and finger style. I think Taylor has nailed it here.

[@powbobs]

HD-28 is amazing.

[@69telecasterplayer]

I want one of these Grand Pacific guitars real bad. I love the honey burst. I am the original owner of my D-35 and I don't think Taylor's Martin Killer is going to replace the Martin dreadnaught as king but these models do look and sound great.

[@johneckstein6912]

It does seem that the HD28 is louder, particularly stemmed. That could be a factor in deciding which to purchase, but in comparing overall sound, it might make sense to equalize the volume. I do think that the finger picked samples favored the Taylor, and the other ones gave the Martin a chance to shine. I have a Taylor 512 (1991) and 555 (1998) and just recently got a Martin M-36. I am happy with all of them.

[@rickysafer2895]

Taylor seems to be a little louder, but both guitars sound amazing.

[@T.C..]

Really enjoy your comparisons....How about comparing the Martin DCRSGT to the Yamaha A3R or A3M

[@bleufishtv]

Im getting a taylor 1997 taylor 810 this weekend . Ooo

[@Big.E]

I also loved the D28 just its looks lol. But the 717 was so very beautifully warm sounding. You could send me both as a present I would be eternally grateful ha ha ha great demo :+)

[@AlamoMusic]

Haha we couldn't send it as a gift but we can get you a great deal if you get in touch with us!

[@SSLICKTEXXZ]

Hey Chris, It seemed to my untrained ear that the Taylor was slightly easier for you to navigate. If I’m right, would you attribute that to the design of the neck and setup or your familiarity with Taylors above other brands? Or am I just wrong? 😆 Either way great video! 👍

[@Bossanovawitcha]

The GPs are blowing my mind. Instant classics.

[@DaveAni]

CHRIS - may not be the right place for this, but would it be possible for a comparison video between the Martin GPC-15ME vs the Taylor 324ce V-Class?? Would love to know your thoughts on these and if you lean one way or the other. Thanks! Dave

[@alexscott7226]

Like them both...but as a Martin guy I have to lean towards the HD28...

[@BaktaBak3]

I'm a Martin fan......however....that 717 Taylor has the look & sound I like if I were to purchase a full size dred. Both are excellent guitars. Would be so hard to chose if you could only afford one. I have the Martin Dred Jr. and and Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy and love them ! The full size Dred are just too big for me.....but yes....I do like Dreds !

[@scottperry8162]

I love the hd28 it sounded awesome!! The Taylor grand Pacific is the best sounding Taylor guitars they're incredible

[@reverb508]

It's weird. The Martin sounds "bigger", but I don't necessarily know if that means it sounds "better". Playing alone in my house, I would probably prefer the deep bass that the HD-28 provides. In a recording or live setting, though, I think I'd prefer the Taylor. That low end from the Martin sounds great alone, but it can really muddy up a mix. I think when Andy Powers talks about making the Grand Pacific models sound like "those old bluegrass records", he means he tried to make it sound like a Martin D-28 with a high pass filter and some compression.

[@1olddoggie]

Another great review! You provide great information. To do that, you have to talk about the guitars. Please don't shorten your explanations. I watch these to listen but also to learn. And you always do an excellent job at doing both!

[@richardgreen9393]

The discontinued Taylor 710 is the guitar that can hold it’s own with the Martin D28

[@ronbzoom8531]

Love the Matin sound but love the Taylor visual astetic.

[@markstaggs1246]

I will have that Taylor guitar

[@BPToneReview]

I own both except my D28 is custom shop with VTS top and aged toner/binding. The 717 is most definitely up there with the Martin. Does it beat it? Nope, it’s just different. 717 is old and broken-in sounding but with a wonderful clarity and big low end and mid range. It really just depends how you like your acoustic EQ’d. I find it astonishing that Taylor is dipping into the Martin/Gibson territory and playing ball.

[@dennism7191]

I loved the low end of the Taylor and was surprised by it. I have not played either but in sound, the Martin seemed louder when strummed and the Taylor projected better with finger style. Overall sound for me, as a non-audiophile, had the Taylor as my fav.

[@dannypeaks2170]

Both sound fantastic. If I was blind folded I think I would say that this was a comparison of a D18 and a D28 with the Taylor sounding sounding like the mahogany D18 with its super strong fundamentals and low over tones. While the hd28 sounds just like what it is: an awesome rosewood dred. Weird opinion I know. I couldn’t pick between the two; both great, both very different. Makes me curious what the mahogany version of the Taylor sounds like especially since this rosewood model sounds so much like a mahogany guitar to me.

[@stargator4945]

For me the Taylor commands more on the melody and the Martin does command the harmonics. So If you sing and want the room filled of harmonics to fit your voice the the Martin is better. If you want to stitch out the melody the Taylor would have the advantage, however compared to the D-18 or the 517, both large ones are more full of sound and the difference is not as large. Especially if you don't have the direct comparison. Question is how do they compare on the playability with strumming and picking and how good are they if you use the electric part as both are available with Electrics. That is what counts on a large audience or if you do recording.

[@andreasbrunenberg5983]

The Taylor reminds me, in it's look and sound, of a Goodall Standard Rosewood, that i had years ago and unfortunatly sold. Do you have one available in the shop ? That would be a great comparison.

[@metalplatedfacejob410]

one thing I would like to point out is no two guitars are going to have the same sweet spot when it comes to the mic position. Love the martin sound and in this shoot out it has way more presence and upper mid forward sound. It sounds good but change the mic position and that all changes quick. The tailor is in reality more balanced then the martin and would be the better choice in a studio setting more often then the martin. With the right mic and position on either of them all bets are off when it comes to which is better. These two guitars and a J45 would cover it all in my opinion. I think in time the GP will become a staple sound in any serious musicians line up, but I don't think anyone of them replaces the other as far as quality and voicing. You need more then one color to paint a picture, black and white gets boring.

[@harrys.5550]

For a Dread, between those 2 I’d pick the Martin. I love Taylor’s for fingerpicking with their Grand Auditoriums. I own a few for that purpose and their ease of playing. I just sold my Taylor K14ce Builders Edition. I bought the hype with the V bracing and made a purchase without playing. Unfortunately for me the guitar sounded a bit dead. The lows and highs were not as prominent as I hoped. Alot of midrange tones. It was even but not what I like. Not for $5k. Beautiful guitar, though.

[@PeterBalletta]

They both sound great but as a Martin guy, this is the first Taylor that I would consider buying if I was in the market to buy. ....however, given the choice I'd never trade my Martin '15 OMC-28E for either of these, it's that good.

[@johnedwards9741]

The best way to describe my impression of both guitars is that the Taylor sounds like it's playing "at" you and the Martin sounds like it's playing "with" you. I love both. The intonation of the Taylor is exceptional. I would have a hard time picking one over the other.

[@bhr788]

If Tony Rice played a Taylor, everyone would play a Taylor. They're different instruments. D28s play like hell but sound great. The Grand Pacific sounds like nothing else on the planet. Comparing them is fun, but you should play them both and just choose what you prefer.

[@africanriftvalleyfish8287]

IMHO, two completely different sounding instruments. I prefer the Martin.

[@ronnance]

I play both. This comparison really emphasized the Taylor’s sweetness in dialing back the attack sounds. That model is also the least chimey Taylor I’ve heard. You can’t go wrong with either one. I’d prefer the Taylor for a solo gig and the Martin for a group sesh.

[@timothyclair4978]

That Pacific sounds Terrific! Ha The almost dread. Might be in my goldilocks zone. When I read Taylor's initial description of the Pacific and the design ideas, I thought finally they are trying to work their way around to Martin sound. LOL. And they did a darn good job. tc (D-15ce, D-42e, 612ceTF)

[@keyofb9513]

Taylor excels in fingerpicking hands down. Martin loyalists are always going to pick their team. I guarantee (well no, I’m guessing haha) that if you did a blind test of these a good chunk of Martin loyalist would pick the Taylor

[@ahnenpost5237]

yes, fully agree - the Martin can be as bad as it can be, the Martin-fans will always choose a Martin. They hear something, that is not there, and they don't hear, what other guitars do better.

[@musikvonandreas]

​@@ahnenpost5237 in the end it's all subjective.. I usually prefer Martins tonewise but I wouldn't consider myself a Martin fanboy.. I own different brands but Martin is my favourite

[@josrin3528]

The Martin just has that perfect sound, what a bluegrass tone/vibe. The Taylor has a clear note separation, great if recording or to give a different dimension when playing with other various guitars,

[@stephanr.244]

I'm planning to buy the 717.

[@johnfarmer4099]

I think I’m getting confused between the two. If you could stay still for say, thirty seconds after playing each one, I think it would help

[@densphoto]

As for me, I want both. For standing in the jam circle I'd play the Martin. Thinking it would hold up better. But, the Taylor.... I'd like when it's just me playing my songs, in my mind a nice sound for that purpose. Not that it wouldn't hold up to the circle, just how I'd do it if both were available to me.

[@Iamnickdude09]

Dennis Smith circle jerk?

[@phlipbs]

Hi Chris--awesome comparison, thanks. I always love your reviews. No, I don't think you talk too much. Most of your tips and opinions are gems. I have an older HD-28 so I am biased. Still prefer it. The 717 I'd love to play in-person; it sounds awesome and I bet it's a little easier to play -- but it sounds a bit too soft around the edges. Keep up the good work!

[@louisp.7584]

Apples and oranges in my opinion. The Martin was crisp with more range, higher trebles and lower bass notes. It had a snap to the sound. The Taylor was laid back and very mellow. I think you should have compared it to the rosewood J45. Both the Taylor and Martin sound pretty nice to my ears, but if I was forced to make a choice I would go with the Martin. But that fits in better with music I am currently playing (bluegrass).

[@rtgray7]

I own a Taylor 416ce-FLTD, 514ce and an 812e and love them all but I've been craving a dreadnaught so I have been saving for a Martin D or HD28. After watching this?? Great video. Two great guitars. And please keep talking...

[@jameschristopher9141]

In every instance the Martin sounds distinctly better. The Taylor sounds muddy, not the note separation or presence of the HD 28. I play a 1981 Guild D-40.

[@jameschristopher9141]

I've been to both factories and taken the tours. (Taylor twice) Love both companies, they are American Treasures.

[@rtgray7]

For me, I like the Taylor meaty tone a little better when finger picked and the Martin when a little more when strummed but both are great in each scenario. I don't see standing out over the other. I hope to tour the Martin factory soon as I have a relative living close by now. May never make the Taylor tour but I'd love to. I am seriously looking at a Guild D55 I think it is. Thanks for your input.

[@hotwireman49]

How did the necks compare? I have two taylors and both necks give me a cramp in my hand. Selling them both. My main go to is an Eastman E20D which I have been playing since 2014 andI love love love it, but it isn't a martin and I think that is what I will get after I sell the taylors. Just wondering though, did Taylor finally thicken up the neck on this new model?

[@davidframe887]

Both sound great. Very different.

[@osvaldocorreia7726]

Ja tive o prazer de tocar estas duas guitarras. Talvez juntamente com a gibson j45 sejam as três melhores guitarras da atualidade. Pessoalmente prefiro a martin. Tb há um pormenor muito importante na comparação. A taylor daqui a uns anos irá manter o som que ouvimos agora enquanto que a martin por ter acabamento de alto brilho irá envelhecer com maior qualidade e terá um som muito melhor a cada ano que passa