Taylor Versus Martin...Why are their guitars so different?

#CFMartin #Taylor #JeremyTheGuitarHunter
Martin and Taylor make very different guitars and I think I know why. They believe very different things about themselves and their guitars.
Martin believes they have made some of the most important guitars in the history of the world and Taylor believes that the best guitars are still out there.
Which world view do you believe?
This week I'm showing off my friends two Taylors.
He has a Taylor GA4-12 that is beautiful. Spruce top, Ebony fingerboard and bridge, Ovankol back and sides. Wonderful 12 string that will inspire you to play new music. Asking $1299 Shipped to the USA. Buy it here: rvrb.io/2009-g...
He also has a 2011 Taylor 410ce with Ovankol back and sides, spruce top, ebony back and sides. Asking $1199 free shipping to the Continental US. Buy it here: rvrb.io/2010-4...
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[@Klimwriter]

Never played a Taylor that I liked. I am looking for the total opposite of the 'Taylor sound'. The chimey, toppy sound just doesn't cut it for me. But they are amazing instruments, workmanship, innovation. Great stuff.

[@stephenfrink1762]

Bought a Taylor DN4 shortly after Hurricane Katrina destroyed my house. Worth every penny. It has aged and mellowed beautifully. If someone offered a trade for a D28 or D35 I might pause. I love it that much. I have a 92' Alvarez 12 string that survived the storm, floated like an ark in the flood; not a dreadnought style body but full size. Would not trade it for anything. Period.

[@WesTheMarketer]

As a Martin guy, I was skeptical about Taylor for a long time. Then I heard Alton Brown interview Bob Taylor 4 years ago. My perspective totally changed.

[@watchingthecrazyworld7761]

I bought my 1st Martin guitar like 3 months ago. Are they really that good? Did I just get a bad one? I have 9 guitars and the worst purchase I made was the Martin.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

Both are terrific guitars. I have played both extensively. I finally settled on a Martin D-28 Marquis. To me, the tone is just special. Not a knock on Taylors. As to 12 string guitars.. Taylors are so easy to play and sound wonderful. I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT. It is harder to play than a Taylor, but the tone is just magical.

[@noahjackson4094]

Your videos have helped me a lot. i'm recovering from a repetitive strain injury, but i've been watching your videos in the process. can't wait to get back to playing guitar. thank you Jeremy

[@jackcrowley493]

Sorry to hear that! I wish no man to experience such a thing. I hope you've recovered fully!

[@dewcodered88]

Great video! I recently found your channel and have been loving it so far. To me, I do love Taylor mades but... Nothing sounds like a Martin. To me their ability to balanced from the top string to the bottom string is just unrivaled. I finally a few months ago got my first expensive guitar in a Martin HD-28e and I couldn't be happier with what it can do. Keep up the great vids!

[@ptuffgong8504]

I walked in expecting to pick up a new Martin, the day I finally got a good guitar. Almost 3 hours later I walked out with a Taylor 812CE. Budget may have had something to do with it, but sometimes a guitar speaks to different people in different ways. Over a year ago and I've never regretted it since. I've even heard other 812CE's that didn't have the exact same sound as mine. Still love Martins too.

[@jeffro7p202]

Same with me. i wanted a martin for 25 years but couldnt bring myself to spend that much on a guitar then i finaly decided to and went and tried both and walked out with a taylor.

[@salvatorecapaccio8760]

I love both Martin and Taylor and I think you hit the nail on the head in that Martin doesn't change. They're like Harley Davidson. Why change what people want? I personally prefer Taylor. They just feel, look, and sound superior to me. But you can't argue about the quality and sound of a Martin. I will say though, in the models under $1,000, Taylor wins hands down. You need to spend at least $1,000 before Martin sounds good. However, the beauty of sound is that beauty is in the ear of the beholder. If you like it, you like it. There's no right and wrong.

[@gautamasakyamuni6688]

"You need to spend at least $1,000 before Martin sounds good" Much more than that,and Taylor definitely have a so much better playing feel,cheap side of Martin guitars catalogue are mostly overpriced crap.

[@rickciceran3181]

Try playing an 824 ce V class. You'll never wanna play another acoustic again

[@salvatorecapaccio8760]

@@rickciceran3181 I’ve been contemplating that one, but really want a sinker redwood/Macassar combo. I have 4 Taylors, but want one more… so hard to choose

[@el34glo59]

​@@gautamasakyamuni6688absolutely ridiculous statement. And Martins at least will age and change. Taylors all sound the same and never mature

[@richurro20]

@@gautamasakyamuni6688 Honestly, that's why I went with Taylor when I first started playing Guitar about 13 years ago. The first guitar I played at Guitar Center was a Martin Special X Style 000 Cutaway and it sounded so lifeless and dull. The second Guitar was a Taylor 114ce and I went home with it that day. Been a Taylor fan ever since.

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

I owned a taylor 410 series for 5 years, loved everything about it. Traded it in for a Dave Matthews signature model, which is truly unreal. Love taylor, they take awhile to open up, but eventually you get the nice low end sounds after playing them for a few years. Great video, cheers

[@thesparkedbrain]

Taylor's are just too bright for me. Martin has that classic acoustic sound I am looking for.

[@skylork1990]

I have a Taylor 410. Its my current go to. I love Martins but I always get sucked back into the tones and playability of Taylor's.

[@CheccoVertigo]

The last part of the vid where Jeremy talks about how great guitars ultimately spark friendship is really a manifesto of what music really is about in the end. Preach!

[@williamfoley4630]

I’ve been fortunate to own several Gibson and Martin acoustics over the years . I recently bought a Taylor 520e all mahogany dread with slotted headstock and it’s without a bought the best sounding guitar I have ever played .

[@albertdb3]

Taylors play great, but I give the sound to Martin. Taylors have too much high end for me

[@gingerbeer914]

If you replace the bridge pins with plastic ones your highs will be gone. And if you want more highs in your Martin, put brass bridge pins in. I did that with a Cort, a Crafter and a Hudson parlor and they all improved A LOT and that for €1.20 per guitar, that's 20 cts per pin! (shipping has gone up since then, so it could be €1.80 now... that would make 30 cts per pin. You get the best deal if you buy 3 sets or so... at 4 they charge more for 'registered' shipping (who wants registered mail for orders under €22.- that you will have to pick up at the post office? I don't). Just look at what Jeffrey Yong uses in his guitars: all brass pins! www.jeffreyyongguitars.com/gallery And THIS is how they sound (two different models, same player): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJamiHV6oLGajtU kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaLOf42jaJabaK8

[@johnthibodeaux5189]

depends on the wood configuration. Taylor "projects" more than martin. Martin is subdued sound. and these two are not the same guitar so kinda hard to compare an apple to an orange than an apple to an apple.

[@aciddrive1019]

Don't agree with that - umpteen people have commented about the amount of bottom end my Taylor has - the bass has so much depth and sustain and I try to make as much use of it as I can, although I am very happy with the sound overall. It's one of the models with the cedar top. Having said that, I don't think these discussions about which brand is better than the other get us anywhere - when you're at the top of the market with Taylor and Martin you can pick up any guitar from their range and have very little to complain about. You might have preferences as far as sound and playability are concerned but there's so much to choose from in either range that there's a guitar for you in there somewhere.

[@salvatorecapaccio8760]

Depends on the model. Ever play an 18 series? My 818 is an absolute cannon.

[@buddyrye9190]

If you just play chords, get a Martin dreadnaught. Otherwise, solo and play more advanced on the guitars that shine: Taylor. No comparison.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

I have a Taylor 114e that's about fifteen years old and I love the grand auditorium style body. I feel the narrow waist gives it a more balanced tone without some of the boominess found in some dreadnought style guitars. Also the expression system electronics give it a great natural amplified sound. What's more, some of the Martin guitars have a relatively large neck profile which gives me a hard time because I have small hands.

[@redskysaturn75]

Hi Jeremy, I used to work in a guitar shop and have tried many guitars. I find cort guitars pretty good for their prices. The mid range models are really good and many artists have used them. Would you do a video on some of their models, it would really be great as cort guitars are so under rated. Thank you.

[@pawlowski6132]

Gimme a break.

[@Chinouk]

I got the Martin LX1E and the Taylor GS Mini-e. It depends on what mood I’m in when I’m deciding which one I’m playing. Just love them both 🤍

[@clementbretanno1116]

Thank you for the video both guitars are great especially the 12 strings. Few 12/strings guitars are good but this one you play is amazing. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@monkmchorning]

As a Martin owner, a have to concede that the Taylor sound is a little better balanced. On the other hand, I'm still in love with the bottom end grind of my HD-28.

[@el34glo59]

Buy a Martin GP. Balanced and boom

[@bobatlga1]

Hi Jeremy. I somewhat disagree that Martin does not innovate very often, although I know where you are coming from. They have stuck by their tried and true "traditional" x-braced guitars for over 100 years and they are the most copied guitar company in the world (they invented the dreadnought and many other types of guitars and were the original innovators that nearly guitar company has copied to some degree). They do stick mostly to their traditional roots, but they also have many guitars in all price ranges, with great sounding electronics and features like Taylor. They have their "15 & 17 series" for affordable, all solid wood guitars, yet they have their "X" series made of laminate back and sides with electronics for beginners. Then they have their amazing "Authentic" series of guitars made to be near exact copies of their iconic guitars from the 30's and 40's which really appeal to me (I own 4 different Authentics). And they have their VTS (torrified wood) guitars which are part of their higher end guitars as you mentioned. Their standard series like the D-28, D-18, D-35, D-41, and D-45 are amazingly great guitars. So I think they are very innovative both in the areas of product line and company Management (they did not lay off a single employee during the great economic downturn of 2008). Being a family owned business, they have survived since 1833 without having ever been sold to another entity and they have no stockholders to answer to (like Gibson). Now that's innovation! The great thing is that Chris Martin IV (Martin CEO) and Bob Taylor get along great as friends and work jointly on environmental projects to save forests and assure our kids and grand kids will have wood guitars to play. As you can tell, I am a Martin guy through and through. I own many Martins, and I have visited the factory a few times and have seen their amazing building techniques first hand. But I've also owned Taylors and I highly recommend them to those that like them, as they are also amazingly great guitars. I have one Gibson acoustic (J-15), which is a fine guitar and I do hope their quest to turn the company around is successful. I love any good quality guitar, acoustic or electric (especially Fenders in the electric world) and I know there is room for a variety of builders out there. We live in the best era of all time for guitar builders. I really enjoy your videos and appreciate what you do. It's a real ministry of sorts to those of us that love the guitar world. Thanks Jeremy!

[@lebe220]

Hauser (famous classic guitars in Germany) told me that all "Western" guitars sound bad.

[@R.L.Humpert]

That was a well thought out reply. I agree with you on most all of it. I wish I had Jeremy’s knowledge right now because I really need to sell this Taylor 324ce before my wife kills me for buying another Martin! Take care bro!

[@Texfire]

FYI, for those who are looking at the GA4-12, the nut width on Taylor 12s is 1 7/8", whereas the 400 series have a 1 3/4" nut width. I picked up a used 856ce this year, and it's absolutely the best sounding, easiest to play 12-string I came across. I like it so much that I'm looking for a used Taylor 6-string to match it.

[@grog5564]

I own a Taylor and a Martin. Taylor T3/B which is a semi hollow body electric. I also own a Martin GPCPA5 one of the Performing Arts Martins. I admit that right now I play electric more than acoustic. I love my Taylor. It is VERY well made, has wonderful tones that lean towards the Jazz and Blues type of tone. It also has coil splitting for the pickups. My Martin has the composite neck they put out. I hate it. It is so rough you could file your nails on the back of your neck. My guitars are in a music room, with controlled humidity at 50%. I am a left handed player, so my guitars are made for me. Taylor will make ANY of their line left handed for you at no extra charge. No other manufacture will make that guarantee. Because of my Martin, my next guitar that will be acoustic will be a Taylor.

[@jesseserna8424]

There’s a Martin 12 string acoustic/electric guitar at a local music store for sale $649 new and it sounds beautiful.And yes it sounds better (my opinion) than the Taylor…I’m going to put it on lay a way.

[@EzyoMusic]

I’ve always gravitated to that modern, sort of hi-fi sound of Taylor guitars, especially with their V-bracing. I recently got a 424ce as my first really nice acoustic and it’s absolutely wonderful.

[@BobbylightRCE]

I’ve had many guitars. My most high end was my Breedlove. I’ve had my Taylor for about 2 years now. I swear I fall in love with it over again every time I play it. It was a well spent investment. I have always been curious about Martins. Lost of musicians use them like John Mayer , Eric Clapton , Chris Cornell ect. I’ve tried playing them and I don’t find the hype or tone that surprises me. Gibson’s are beautiful from the outside but I don’t find any use for them at all.

[@maxstephens815]

I have a 510-L9 Taylor, I have a Less Paul, I have a Dean, an old Epiphone, an fg180 Yamaha from1968, I had a D-28 Martin. I've had a tele and a strat and a Villager. All top of the line guitars but none of them compare with the Zager 900cl I just bought. I've been playing for over 50 years. Take it or leave it

[@mikeunderwood8569]

The sound from the six string reminds me of my Uncle Eddie sitting around playing John Prine - Please Don't Burry Me.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

You’re a great player, personality, and filmmaker. With your energy I’m sure you’re channel will get really big. Ignore the haters, I believe in you. Subbed. Ps if you’re ever in the San Diego area do a tour of the Taylor factory, it’s pretty sweet.

[@yanickwitschi7588]

I loved the chord progression at 6:12 but couldn't find anybody who figured out the chords in the comments so I tried it myself. I'm a beginner so please have mercy with my guesses but maybe someone enjoys it too: Imho it's E5, Emaj7, Esus2, C#min7, Esus2 and Asus2. Here's the fingering (starting from the low E): x 7 9 9 0 0 (E5, use fingers 3 and 4 for the 9s and place finger 2 already on fret 8 so you can just lift finger 4 for the following Emaj7) x 7 9 8 0 0 (Emaj7) x 7 9 11 0 0 (Esus2, going back to Emaj7 after that and then repeat. This one is quite a stretch with your pinky.) x 4 6 6 0 0 (C#min7) x 2 4 4 0 0 (Esus2) x 0 2 4 0 0 (Asus2, leave pinky where it is from Esus2 and use it as anchor) You'll notice that you may also play the lower E on all/most chords but it felt too bassy on my guitar so I left it out everywhere. But up to your taste :-) Enjoy! PS: you may try to play a little embellishment on the final Asus2. Try playing it with your ring finger instead of your pinky and place the pinky on the highest E on fret 4 (x 0 2 4 0 4) for a beat (Amaj9 that would be then, I guess) :)

[@JeremySheppard]

Wow! You’re close! It’s called “the Kingdom” by bethany Dillon. Watch her and you’ll see how she drops off the E5 and plays an A before the C#.

[@TaenyKim23]

I listened to the original song. Both are good, but tbh I enjoyed his version more. It's sounds better when played a little bit fast

[@choiceblade]

Well, your candor and passion inspire me to share. I'm a four chord strummer and experienced vocalist who's allways been "afraid" to devote to guitar practice. I've vocalize for 1.5 hours daily without more than 1 day off per week for over a year and a half. Vocals are good now with room to grow. I just met a cocreator who can do it all pretty well and I'm just really comfortable to mess up around her. I'M PLAYING STUFF I NEVER THOUGHT I'D COME TO DO, AND IT'S FAST. Everything's fast in the beginning, I know. But hey man, that's my story. I"m stickin' with it cuz I could make music for people now...or soon at least. You got my sub on the first video, dude. Thanks!

[@hidesertmusic]

I’ve been a Taylor guy since the 90s. My first one was a Leo Kottke 12-string. The next day I bought a 410. The serial # was 4044, one of the earliest 410 models. Noe I have a 450 12-string from 1996. It’s Mahogany back and sides with a bear claw spruce top. I wish you Gould give it a strum. It is for sale by the way😇

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I’ve always preferred the brighter sound of Taylor guitars. More than even different types of electrics with different pickups… the Taylor sound seems to be unique… especially compared to the warmer sound of Martin guitars (that I’ve heard or played). This is a perfect example of”different strokes for different folks.” Thanks for the demo and hope your neighbor’s guitar found a happy new home.

[@stevenjgw9]

I'm glad we are all in this together , thank you .

[@seangoff9578]

A lot of guitar guys love saying Torrified and have no clue what it means. The word torre in Latin languages means “to toast”. Torrada means toasted. Torrified wood is, roughly put, toasted wood. They heat it in kilns to stiffen the fibers and draw out the moisture which lends to more volume and resonance. Now you know what it means when they say the wood is torrified.

[@MrRonDear]

Excellent video, your information was amazing. I love your passion for great guitars.

[@russclark6780]

I have a '72 Martin D18 and I'm looking for a D35. Having said that, the question is which of these two Taylors would I rather own? The 410 is a good sounding guitar. It's bright and chimey and projects well. The GA4-12 though is one of the best sounding 12s I've heard or played. I think the 12 is the one I'd rather add to my collection. You also mentioned he keeps the action high to eliminate buzz with a capo. A Thalia capo with the correct radius 12 string insert will solve that issue. Anyway, just my two cents. Love your channel Jeremy. Keep 'em coming!

[@thomasfontenot4881]

Funny you mentioned Thalia, im thinking about getting one of the capos, their nice looking slides and I definitely wanna try some of those wooden picks.

[@gingerbeer914]

You should try a Blueridge BR-160-12 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6rdc3p3e7R8bLc kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHrcZq2Gp5mBj7c

[@420ambookcompany]

I have a gem late 71 D-35 for sale if your still looking. Per Martin it's a late 71 maybe finished in 72.

[@russclark6780]

@@420ambookcompany Thanks 420 but I already found one. Good luck with yours. Shouldn't be hard to sell!

[@michaelmcaninch8639]

I really love the things that you have had to say in your last couple of videos that I have seen. It's not just the demos and the gear. It's much more than that. It's the philosophy behind the music and the drive that makes us play. The spiritual boost that creativity can instill in a person. You words are an inspiration and remind me why I do play.

[@t4texastom587]

I have Taylor, Gibson, and Martin. I'll choose Martin over any guitar.

[@glennholmes9705]

I've certainly like Taylor's and Martin's. I do love the Taylor 12 stg. Martin's are OK. For 12's the best I've played is a Guild J model. I spent almost 5 yrs working @ Guitar Center stores where I got to play and see a few outstanding Martin's and Taylors. I got to see, play and then sell a Taylor 612 CE which to this day is probably the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen. The wood grain on the back was outstanding. At about this time I wasn't so hot on Martin's. I felt they were surviving more on their reputation than their quality. But we had, up until that time, only a small handful of good quality Martin's (there was this 000-38 I did like). The majority were under $1000. One day a D-42 came to the store and I got it ready to display and play. Once tuned up I strummed a chord. I felt that chord through my body. It hit my soul. It was the most beautiful sound I've heard. Needless to say I have a new level of respect for Martin guitars now.

[@daddycharlie4025]

Every Taylor I've played is awesome...very resonant with lots of sustain...

[@57ebartley]

My #1 was up to 7 months ago a Martin Something D 16 GTE with Aura system. Don’t know the exact model number. But I’ve pretty much switched to the Godin A6 Ultra. Being a live looper one man band type guy, I love the smaller footprint, and it plays more like an electric with of course I started on years ago. Still love my Martin for playing acoustic with out being plugged in. I would buy a Taylor for the right price as well. I own one of there nylon string acoustics with the Expression system. Sounds great plugged in

[@briankavanagh7191]

Without a Martin guitar being played how can you compare them? Title should have been which Taylor would you like to buy from my neighbour! Nice tone on the 12 but owning either would be a pleasure.

[@normcote270]

AWSOME tutorial Jeremy, very good playing as well, I ve had two American Taylors but I had to sell them both due to bad shoulders, can't play large boddied guitars anymore, I was nearly in tears upon the sale of them both. Taylors are precise and I love the bolt on neck that can be shimmed if it needs to be for string height or if the headstock breaks just buy a replacment neck. Martin's imo. do not sound as bright and brilliant as Taylor, just my preference.

[@el34glo59]

Martins are designed to be warmer

[@michaelchristmas2572]

I used to only want a Martin and I thought Taylor’s were crap. This video just changed my mind.

[@buddyrye9190]

I have a 2003 Taylor 600 SPEC (which stands for ‘special’) - it’s a Maple grand concert guitar with koa headstock and koa strip on the back. It also has a rosewood binding and snowflake inlays: I’ll never go with Martin as I think almost all grand concert Taylors sound better than a D28 and D35. I don’t care if my boy John Mayer plays Martin, Taylors are lightyears ahead of Martin with innovation and Martin just sells their old stuff without much thought of risking anything substantial... I’ve been playing for 30 years.

[@redbed1604]

I have a 2000 410MA Taylor Guitar. I bought it new in December 2000 for myself to have a Christmans present. (I was recently divorced). This guitar has never been worked on and has never needed to be worked on. It still sounds great, and has no scratches anywhere on it. This was the first good guitar that I ever bought and I still play it a lot.

[@Bossanovawitcha]

It’s just technology and precision versus rusticity. Very glad there’s room for both. You need to check out the Taylor grande pacific dreadnoughts you’ll love the comfort.

[@martinlopez758]

I'm a "get the good one and keep it" kind of guy. My tools and toolbox are 35 yrs old, my motorcycle is 20, American Strat is 19 and my Taylor 314 is 25 yrs old. Love it sounds better now than the day I bought it brand new. If I'd have bought a Martin 1st I'd have that instead. Both great

[@ryan_raus]

I love the feel of a Taylor, but I will say there’s something beautiful about the sound of a Martin. I personally run an all mahogany 12 feet Taylor (322ce) that cuts a lot of the high end that’s known with Taylor’s. Absolutely perfect!

[@Bigbird4000gt]

Wow that's massive . How do you even hold it 👀😅

[@kedd7636]

Mr. Sheppard, As an owner of a couple of Martins and an 810 Taylor, and being older than I once thought I would be, let me suggest that you show these runs, licks, and riffs in detail (e.g. the one in "G", as well as your NY covers. Talk about the guitars as well (the new Martin reimagined are incredible, imo) but show off your stuff so others can learn it - it's that good. Thanks

[@brandondornan9524]

I'm a Taylor guy always!! Their so bright and godly in their tone and feel and look! 👌❤

[@jlr3636]

This might be a long story and I wish I could post a photo. My brother’s father-in-law was a lawyer, living in La Mesa,Ca. Somewhere around the 60’s/70’s, the story goes, Taylor needed some legal work done. I think this was about the time of the purple guitar for Prince. Turns out Taylor was low on funds and paid the legal fee with two guitars, a 6string and a 12 string. When we did some remodeling on his house you could see them displayed in the living room. Later on the house was burglarized and both were stolen. Later the 12 string was recovered and returned to the lawyer. I’m pretty sure it has mahogany back and sides, spruce top, and a distinctive mustache bridge. It basically never been played but has some scratches from being stolen. The guitar sits on a stand, probably the original strings, the family doesn’t really have an interest in its history, however they just display it as an object. I would love to purchase it and have it restored but I don’t think there’s much chance of that happening. I could be off on some of the time line. I don’t think I can include photos in the comments.

[@amarantebarba9443]

Great video but you didn't really compare Martin vs. Taylor.

[@JeremySheppard]

Yup. In practical terms but philosophically I did.

[@evimlck4579]

I too was waiting. But the Taylors sound awesome! I love the shape of their bridges.

[@lnugent1000]

Hes sell one of the Taylor's for his neighbor.

[@G_Demolished]

It’s rude to play a Martin when you’re trying to sell a Taylor. He’s just being a good wingman. 😉

[@patrickwa6575]

Martin vs Taylor, both great guitars that sound and feel different. Martins tend to be warmer, have a fuller sound. Taylors are brighter and tend to stand out better with other instruments. Same thing with Gibson vs Fender. Personal preference and intended use will influence a decision. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

[@TheGorillafoot]

I got a Taylor 210e DLX. I take it everywhere. It's covered in dings because it's my go to. It's been a parties and camping with me. Don't let dings and scratches bring you down. A guitar that's played is gonna get them. Sad but true. Tune your Taylor down a half step and you will really have a versatile guitar (I find them very bright).

[@hamonthecob]

The Freshman! Love it. And it sounds great on that 12!!!!

[@nicholaspopeney5791]

My heartstrings are rapped around Taylor guitars and the factory very close to home makes me a proud owner.

[@JeremySheppard]

That's how I feel about Huss and Dalton. It's awesome living close to such great guitar builders. PRS isn't too far from me either.

[@cwgoog]

Taylor 12 strings are magical. I love the wider nut width. I’ll guess it’s 1” 7/8 ?

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Just purchased a Taylor 414ce-R in March 2020 - Loving it, while on Covid-19 Lockdown in NYC. Happy I got it, when I did. (however) Martin's have a Superior expression system and a more comfortable heel-joint.

[@keng633]

Bought a 410 CE a few years back, love it. I am a beginner and I found the smaller neck of a Takamine to difficult to play on, which was what I had first. The minute I picked up my friends 416 CE I knew I wanted a Taylor.

[@CarlosUbaldo]

The Martin sounds a lot better to my ears.

[@krismcreynolds984]

Dick

[@williamosdborne3396]

We need more people like you sir.

[@BradleyMcTaggart]

I absolutely love Taylor 12 string guitars. I’m not a fan of their six strings though. Depending on the asking price I might be interested in the 12.

[@BradleyMcTaggart]

Loved hearing some Neil Young on the 12 btw!

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I was told that Taylors are mainly machine built, whereas martins are hand built. Martin has brought in some machine work lately, though. I really like them both, taylor is said to be a very environmentally concerned company. But Martin is the icon of factory guitars.

[@paulblanton1793]

You need both Martin and Taylor as musician I think. They are tools for different jobs. Martin’s low end full sound is perfect! But sometimes you need more open high end chime and that’s Taylor to me. Enjoy them all😃

[@mitchellhorner3898]

You know I’m not a huge Taylor guy but you did these beauties justice! Great informative video! Now... how about getting your neighbours 70s D28 for a video... lol

[@JeremySheppard]

He offered today. Maybe I’ll do it.

[@HenryPipes]

Jeremy Sheppard that would be a great video!

[@UltimatePowa]

Just got a 1968 Martin D12-35 myself My name is Taylor so I do like the Taylor guitar, but damn man, hard to compete with this one

[@ricardosotosan2279]

It's interesting that you think that the cutaway will adversely affect tone. I've recently played two taylor 814s, one with and one without a cutaway. To my ear, the 814ce (with cutaway) had a more refined sound.

[@buddyrye9190]

Ricardo Sotosan - typically, a guitar will sacrifice tone when a cutaway is done. Your case is unique.

[@walkertongdee]

Buzzing up the neck usually is a case of the lower bride insert being too low, the strung fret distance should be higher the closer to the lower bridge you gel.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

Ive had 4 taylors ranging from the 100-300series and gs mini (the one i still have). All great guitars, but i love the traditional guitar sound. So now I have Gibson J15 and a Martin 00015m. Alot of it depends on the type of music you play.. i play more country/blues, and folk. So for me Gibson and Martin just check that box better. However i love my GS mini for travel and couch picking

[@danielallen7384]

I thought this was Martin vs Taylor. It was Taylor vs Taylor.

[@jamesmorrison2063]

I have Taylors and Martins. Why would Martin innovate much? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I've heard artificially aged guitar tops. They just don't sounds as good as an old, well played, naturally aged acoustic guitars. I love my Taylor 12 strings. A 2010 855ce and a 1978 855, (Just like Neil's). I have a 2006 Martin HD28 and a 1995 Martin HD28. The older one is louder and sounds a little different. No two acoustic guitars sound the same.

[@haroldyeager6124]

I learned to play on my Dad’s J-45 he bought I new in 1962. I still have that guitar today. So when I compare acoustic guitars, the bar is high. I gave up looking for a new guitar that sounded like that guitar or better a few years ago. I did buy a new Guild 12 string that was built in RI. In 1996. But they are two very different guitars and not really comparable in my opinion. But between a Martin or Taylor? Martin wins every time, hands down. Taylor’s are good guitars and many love them. They just don’t ring my bell.

[@blinddg5064]

New title: “Who wants to buy one of my neighbor’s Taylors ... also why?”

[@LuNaaaaaR]

Why not?

[@WorkingDemo]

Of the hundreds of Taylor’s that I’ve ever played, I liked a total of 3. Taylor Pro: They are stable and consistent in their sound. Con: They are boring and sound dull. They don’t ever sing in a full voice, as you want every guitar to have. I prefer Martin’s and Martin knock offs for the exact reverse reasons. Pro: They sing. They aren’t perfect singers (usually), but when you push them they sing in the voice they have. Con: They have been wild and unpredictable. The overtones and chimes can take up too much attention, but they are never boring.

[@russseuffert803]

A really interesting video Jeremy. And nice guitar playing too. I have a Martin D12-20 (1970 build) and a Taylor 110e (prototype/Mahogany top 2017 build) and to me it's like having two classic cars from the 50's, one a Chevy and the other a Ford. You get the best of both worlds. My 12 string Martin is an incredible guitar with a fabulous sound. And the Taylor is equally as good for a 6 string model. All that I need for acoustic playing is in these 2 gtreat guitars.

[@39MercFlathead]

Over the past 20 years, I've played 2 Taylors that I liked: a 714 ce and a GA Custom. Over the past 60 years I've played many dozens of Martin's, Gibson's and Larrivees that I've loved. I try to stop by my favorite shop once a week to try out new stock. I get by other quality shops a few times per year. I often like Alvarez Yari, Faith and Breedlove also. I expect to be really impressed by 10% of the Larrivees, 5% of the Martin's and 1% of the Gibson's. Rarities like Santa Cruz, Collings, Huss & Dalton and Bourgeois I expect to love 50% of the time. But Taylors very seldom knock my socks off. My current dreadnoughts are a Breedlove I bought 15 years ago and a Santa Cruz I bought 25 years ago. I am currently in love with a Larrivee OM 50 that I will buy if I get the money before someone else and I would love to find a really good Gibson slope shoulder and a really good OOOO or M size Martin at the same time I am rolling in cash. But Taylors seldom impress me. Oh, I've never played a 12 string that compared to the Guilds from the 1960s and 70s. I traded a 1968 F212 for a fiddle in 1987 and have regretted it for decades.

[@cleangaming8173]

Man... This kind of video really makes me want to learn guitar.

[@MtnLiner]

Gee, that’s too bad. If only there was some way to get free lessons.

[@cleangaming8173]

@@MtnLiner haha, I know. But I'm learning the piano at the moment, so don't have the time (or brain power) to start learning guitar at the same time.

[@twistedthrifterb6220]

Me too and I'm 55 lol.

[@tinman8518]

@@twistedthrifterb6220 I was 32 when I took up guitar. Never sorry for one second. Best thing you'll do for yourself.

[@twistedthrifterb6220]

@@tinman8518 Thank you for your encouragement.I'm 55 and I broke a string lol I'm gonna have to get one and watch a tutorial on how to change it.lol I appreciate your comment and I ain't gonna die till I can confidently play a few tunes.You rock thanks again.❤

[@DropkickM16]

A few years ago, I went down to the guitar store motivated to buy an acoustic guitar (my first in a decade, playing electrics instead) and was convinced I'd probably bring home a Gibson jumbo or a Martin. After playing through all the Gibsons and Martins, I tried one of the mid-range Taylors and loved the clarity of its response, and walked out with an 814ce. It's all down to personal taste, of course, but the dull/muddy sounds of those Martins I played that day (even in the $4k+ range!) were a real disappointment.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice performance!! GA4-12 is what I am looking for. Perfect condition as far as you play. I wish Taylor will produce 154 or 152 which are more affordable 12 string.

[@marcscordato4385]

Martin makes a fabulous Dreadnaught but for small and medium size guitars I prefer Taylor. Also Taylor makes wonderful 12 Strings.

[@marcscordato4385]

Kahokukomohana Everyone is entitled to there opinion but the fact of the matter is Taylor Enjoys total domination of the 12 string market. In my view the play great have great intonation and sound fabulous . 12 strings are tricky a cheap 6 string is fun a cheap 12 string sucks it doesn’t hold its tune it plays horribly . Taylor has nailed the science of making a playable 12 string its nearly as easy as a 6 string .

[@franklauriekranitsky2782]

Great video Jeremy! I've been a Taylor fan since 2001. Had the opportunity to visit the Taylor factory in El Cajon Calif. and got to meet and talk with Bob Taylor at the Anaheim Namm show. I have got a 2001 Taylor 410ce with Fishman electronics and I just love it! Just recently purchased a 2014 Taylor 857ce 12 string. The 12 string is a lot more challenging to play but the sound is just out of this world. Look foward to watching more of your video! ROCK ON!

[@cbayardelle]

Every time I compare a Martin to a Taylor the Taylor sounds very bright

[@sparks2749]

Never could afford a Martin or Gibson,...Guild...etc,... but I did manage to buy 2 Taylors! At $800 each this was a stretch for me, but the quality of sound was so superior to the Gibsons and Martins I had tried out, it was a no brainer. I bought a 12 string and a cut away 6 string. Both sound amazing with or without a P.A. and recording is a dream. I also have 2 Epiphone J200's (I had to have the Natural and the Black finish) they have a different tone, and play awesome!

[@roberthealy1814]

I like the 410.. always loved the cutaway Design

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Nice. Thanks for the vid. But my Yamaha FG410 bought new in 1984 is as playable and sounds as good as a Martin or Taylor. If one bothers to learn about set up and adjustments, one doesn't have to spend thousands of dollars for an excellent playing/sounding guitar. Unless the headstock name is that important.

[@Aarrmehearties]

If one bothers, is one a member of the British Royal family?

[@JeremySheppard]

I’m with you! Those Yamahas sound great. Buzzcrushtrendkill The problem is that they don’t play as well, even if you’re a master of set ups. Also, they are laminate back and sides to it doesn’t make financial sense to reset the necks. Thanks for watching!

[@toddcopling9643]

I am no expert. But I am in a guitar making school and building a very fine guitar. The Luthier teaching me claims that in will be the best sounding guitar I have ever played. Which means that it will need to sound better than my 1996 Martin D28 and my 2016 Taylor 414ce . I started playing a yamaha classical guitar over 50 years ago. It was affordable for my parents, and it still gets played every day in the bathrooms when I sit down. Amazing acoustics in there and no wasted time. I bought a second Yamaha 20 years ago, a FG432s because of the solid top and beautiful sound. It has been the work horse and endured being knocked around. An amazing value. I have other guitars as well. When I got the slightly used Taylor 414ce ia month ago, I fell in love with it and, after I played it and tried to rotate the Yamaha acoustic back into the mix, it was more than my older fingers wanted to work. If I had to sell everything, except for one (not counting the classical that is worth practically nothing, but priceless sentimentally) it would be the Taylor with it’s playability, brighter sound and has the electronics. There is a reason that people spend $2000-$3000+ on a guitar. The sound to some might seem minuscule, but to me it is absolutely worth it. My hope is to be able to repair old guitars to give them new life. I can’t wait to get back in class to add some bracing to my project. For those interested, I am building a Martin style OM. But with some Taylor style upgrades. If anyone has old Gibson guitars the don’t play, I am interested. Bottom line is that the best guitar is played. The luthier that is teaching me can make my old Yamaha sound like a million bucks.

[@peaceisthegift9961]

Taylor's aren't all (at all) 1 3/4s. I have a taylor that's 1 11/16ths which I love and a Martin that's 1 3/4s. Neither company has any relation or correlation to nut width, or change of width from nut to bridge, or nut to 12th fret. Everything else you said is great! Good playing too.

[@3cardmonty602]

Been working on a Taylor 714CE for a customer of mine. What a nightmare. It has a different radius than Martin’s. The neck moves with the humidity and weather. The frets move - different ones pinging at different times. They’re cases are built like Brick Sheithouses - weighs 15lbs alone. The ebony fingerboard & tuners are beautiful. But I’ll take a Martin over a Taylor any day of the week. BTW - the top has cracked on the owner 3x’s over the 20 years of life on the Taylor. Oh - one more thing - I’m not impressed by the sonic qualities of the Taylor. Let’s give this new Taylor bracing system 3-5 years and let’s see if these braces start falling off. I know for one, that if you put steel strings on a classical guitar - YOU WILL CRACK THE TOP - or at the very least rip the bridge off the top. And this new bracing system is somewhat based on a classical guitar bracing system. Not good. I’ll stick with Old Reliable, Boom like a Cannon Martin Guitar. And No, I am not affiliated with Martin in any way. I’m Just a luthier in New Jersey.

[@markstaggs7342]

You stick with martin I'll take Taylor over martin any time day month and year and I own both ,Never a problem with any of my Taylor's and I own seven Taylor's I've owned seven different Martin's the binding came off four of them and could not keep them in tune ,Taylor for my money and play and sound

[@kensettle3184]

Taylor's always seem to be lacking a bit on the low end to me. Especially if you play one next to a Martin D-18, D-28 or higher.

[@JeremySheppard]

I agree

[@franciscolopez3229]

I hope you can find a way to get hold of a 1975 Pro Martin W-200 which some say is a copy of they're a copy of the D-28 and conduct a comparison using the same kind of strings. By the way, if I may suggest sir, try using identical set of strings when doing a comparison for every guitar you test it may make a lot of difference, you know what I mean. Oh, before I forget, I myself own a W-200 I mentioned above. Great videos by the way, sure appreciate it.

[@retiresoon5639]

I played a couple of Taylor 12 strings at Sweetwaters gear fest. I sold my last twelve string about 9 years ago and if it wasn't for problems with my hands I would ave bought one of them.

[@michael.j.willson]

You're video work is pretty awesome!

[@lightfoot413]

Taylor sounds really good.and these two are no different Thanks Jeremy...

[@scottperry8162]

What a great video thank you !! We're in a great age of guitar building you can really get a nice guitar without selling your first born lol

[@sallysigler727]

So where’s the Martin?

[@terrymartyn1599]

Allways love watching your stuff 😎

[@markoshun]

Taylor radius is 15 whereas Martin is 16. Nut width on most Taylor higher end models and present day Martin D18, D28, and OMs are 1 3/4"

[@henrydunn9420]

Trying to compare a 6 string and a 12 string, might as well throw in a banjo also

I really enjoyed the first 🎸! Would love to hear, " A world of our own" by the Seekers!!!

[@samburkes7552]

Great 12-string song! So is "I'll.Never Find Another You".

[@paulzomerfeld4955]

How do you compare a 6 string to a 12 string?

[@jimstone6071]

Lucky enough to have one of each...love them both but very very different..the Taylor sounds fantastic with Elixer pb..the Marin must have Martin Retros monel....love them both..