Taylor Guitars Showdown: 512ce vs 514ce (Urban Ironbark)

[@twinrock54]

Of all the review videos I've seen in the past couple of days, this one seems to bring out the best in the tone of the guitar. Well done.

[@IsaacSayler]

Beautiful guitars! I love the 514ce, but the 512ce sounds really good as well. Can’t wait to play one in person!

[@camp0017]

I used to own several dreadnougths and a grand concert guitar. Finally bought a grand auditorium one and found that it has the perfect dynamic range for me - both for fingerpicking and strumming. All my guitars were solid spruce top, so the body shape certainly makes a difference.

[@eliasnievespiano]

I like the 514ce sound! I’m looking forward to play one in person. Nice chord combination bro!

[@jabomiles6947]

These are both great sounding, beautiful guitars. I would be proud to own either.

[@billa6348]

I bought the 514ce and love it so much I'm fighting the urge to buy the 512ce (12 frets are my primary guitars--but the 514 has changed my definition of "primary ). I own/have owned at least one model from each of the Taylor 300, 400, 500 (mahaogany), 600, 700 and 800 series and my quest for the perfect guitar ended with the Urban Ironwood. I know tone is subjective, but this guitar breaks all stereotypes. I play fingerstyle acoustic and there is nothing---NOTHING--in my years of playing that matches the tone of this wood pairing. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and try one. (Damn, I think I just talked myself into getting the 12 fret--argh!)

[@satelliteRadar]

Nice job with this comparison. These both sound amazing. Love my Taylor. ❤

[@rzh3443]

This is a surprisingly good find! Nice balance and depth. It is a unique and pleasing sound based on this. Have to try one at the store. Who knew?

[@johnviolette5511]

drool.... beautiful tone from both. But just a bit deeper and pleasing to my ears with the 514ce.

[@davegallagher7428]

I just got a new 324CE builders edition that I really like. I wish that it had more rosewood qualities which this tone wood seems to have. 🤦‍♂️

[@guitarcams]

I have the 512ce 12 fret best guitar I have played

[@texhaines9957]

These are warmer sounding than the woodier sounding Mahogany backed guitars.

[@rickrickard2788]

Grand Auditorium is just so full & rich sounding.... Will there be a 12 string version by chance?

[@PammyMartin-music]

Beautiful!

[@58DRMart]

Love the comparison. Are you using the pick up with the mic? Is EQ set flat?

[@angusdevine7045]

I like smaller body guitars but it would have to be 514

[@chad6124]

512 for me please........have a 414

[@DavidLockard]

Just out of curiosity, what is that microphone you guys are using to record the guitars in this series? It looks like a blue Neumann logo on it from what I can see in the video, but I can't seem to find any mic that looks anything like that. Thanks!

[@gabrielobrien21]

It's a vintage KM84 - guy who mixes these. I also highly recommend the Telefunken M60 FET, Shure Sm81 or KSM 141, and the Audio Techinca ATM450 on a budget. I've recorded tons of artists with these.

[@DavidLockard]

@@gabrielobrien21 Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it! I'll check out those recommendations you gave.

[@shelvinarce2469]

Esooo Dani..!!💯🇲🇽

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

514ce

[@revelation12ministries51]

I've owned many Taylors over the years, but I quit buying them when they opted to put the ES2 in every model...you can't get one without a pickup now. Even if I wanted to plug in, the ES2 sounds horrible. Huge disappointment in Taylor over this.

[@gabrielobrien21]

The ES2 sounds great. It doesn't sound like an under saddle pickup. You can order any Taylor model without a pickup and install whatever you want. ES2 user guide: vimeo.com/670970756

[@GerardoHernandez-fq1mx]

Taylors sound like you are scratching steel. Such thin sound and without any personality. And that scratchy background noise when you fingerpick it. I have tried so hard to like Taylors over the years and I just can't. I think artists use them out of convenience, road worthiness, and knowing Taylor will ship them a replacement if something happens.

[@JasonVarnon]

I tried to love them but I agree. These sound awful. No body…just thin and airy.

[@tjcpt1]

I find Martin most like playing a bass. With both of them you just have to find one with the right voice. Tone is in your fingers.

[@jackaro2]

The Alamo music demo of these models sounds pretty good

[@exhalejackie]

It is of course only your opinion, which you are entitled to. I own Taylor’s, Martins and Gibson acoustics. They all have their pros and cons. I will say this, in terms of playability , nothing beats a Taylor.

[@melaniemyer8281]

This video doesn’t cover much - guitar sounds very thin and twangy 514 is better but don’t think these guitars would fit a singer/songwriter type style of playing/strumming?

Not my cup of tea. Don't like the cutaway design of Taylor guitars. Plus you are forced on ALL models electronics. I have no need.

[@gabrielobrien21]

You can order any Taylor model with no cutaway and no electronics.

@@gabrielobrien21 true but I just have the Taylor Academy dreadnought, no electronic. That will suffice! Prices are very high for the new ones. This boomer has no need!

[@gabrielobrien21]

@ Academy Series are great. I have the Academy 12-N (see the Pehuenche video they posted this week) and it's great.

[@UkeMan1000]

Better to have electronics and not need it than to need it and not have it I’m my opinion 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@twinrock54]

@@UkeMan1000 Good point. Get a Fishman Matrix and run the cord out the soundhole. It sounds pretty good and you don't have to drill the guitar, plus you can use the pickup in other guitars.