The New Taylor 724ce vs. K24ce | All Koa Showdown!

Previously, all-Koa guitars were usually reserved for the über-high end "Koa" series, with guitars like the K24ce, K22ce, and various Builder's Edition models. Now, with the 724ce and 722ce as redesigned, permanent members for the lineup, get all the Koa tone you love in a wildly different package. Take a look and a listen as Cooper and Chris compare the new 724ce with the luxurious K24ce.
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0:00 Intro/Specs
12:17 Demos
19:15 Final Thoughts
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[@Nashjersey]

As stunning as the K24 is to look at, the 724ce sounded more “ready to play”, like it has opened up already. Only time will tell. Great demo! Thanks. 🎶

[@muriloninja]

I have had the K24ce Builder's Edition for a few days now and my God it's unbelievable!

[@briandavis2179]

I really like how you played the same riffs on both guitars. Good variety of sounds to compare. Good sound quality. Very well done. They both sound great. Just two different tools to have in the tool box.

[@johnwashburn3793]

It is really great to hear Chris play again

[@mikegoh2569]

I think I prefer the K24ce. Sounds louder and more balanced when played. Wood grain wise, I like the K24ce as they looked much better. Great video comparison.

[@MichaelJones-gw8sg]

Taylor is to guitars as Yamaha is to pianos - they are very bright sounding. The Koa really warms it up and takes the edge off of some of that bright harshness.

[@natejohnstone6196]

Thanks for the head to head, this is exactly what I wanted to see! Your experience was similar to mine. I played both today side by side ... both are awesome, and I wish I could own both of course. I've come to love the sound of the K series, but the 724 had me fall in love immediately. Much more woody and open sounding, shows off the Koa qualities really well. For those who can't decide between an all Koa vs spruce/Koa, this one sounds in between to me for some reason. It's punchier than the K series' Koa tops and the sustain is insane. I lead worship with a band, and I have a breathier (ahem., loud) voice, and I think this is going to compliment it perfectly. My concern with the K series is that it would be to overshadowed by my voice, especially compared to my Ovangkol 410 from 2001.

[@chrisholland2990]

To my ears the K24ce has a deeper base but the 724 cuts through better. I have a k24ce 5 years old which I have not played a lot in favour my 2 grand concerts 712ce ( lutz and rosewood ) and 522ce. However put a new set of strings on the k24 and played it the other week and the tone seemed to have really mellowed and deepened..now its getting the play it deserves ... .. both guitars have their place !!

[@sadielampduo3762]

I owned a Luna Koa guitar because of the tone . I ultimately painted it twice . First black face and then silver metal flake . The tone never changed . I gave that Luna to Watermelon Slim in Clarksdale Mississippi, and he even took it further for his style. He added a high nut to it and uses it as a slide guitar now .

[@wojciechkubicki8008]

Hey! Both guitars look and sound great. If I were to choose I would definately go for 724ce, I prefer it design and satin finish, also it sounds less boomy and more balanced than k24ce plus the price of 724ce is really nice in comparison to k24ce.

[@philcottone2247]

First, I don't like steak so the analogy didn't work for me. However, both guitars sound great. Maybe slight edge to the K24 but not $2,000 worth. I purchased a 724ce Koa 2 days ago and i love it. I had decided to get a 814ce until I heard 724. When I played the 814ce and the 724ce Koa back to back, there was no comparison, I preferred the 724 and brought it home with me. Now excuse me, I want to go play my new guitar.

[@Mauitaoist]

And I want to go eat some steak rib eye

[@sean8553]

Steak is amazing! Maybe you like bug burgers. At least u have a nice 🎸.

[@philcottone2247]

@@sean8553 enjoy your coronary.

[@filmexpressreviews]

Today I went to the guitar store near me to buy an 814ce and absolutely fell in love with the 724ce Koa. No contest. I bought the 724ce

[@ronchappell216]

I've got a 2002 714ce I bought from you guys almost a year ago, a 2020 714ce I bought somewhere else - both of which I dearly love. Been listening to this video against your other videos with those other guitars. Wow, I love them all. I think my 20 714 has a little more clarity, and this new koa has a little more warmth, and the K24 here seems to edge them all out just a little. What great guitars. I wish my wallet was ready to add this new 724 to my small collection! Thanks for the great videos! (and to answer your question - I'm listening w/ fairly decent bose speakers on my desktop - so maybe a couple notches over my ipad)

[@texhaines9957]

I liked Chris' comments with respect to singing. Yes a 722ce might go best with my voice.

[@clovergrass9439]

You guys put a fireplace in the studio? I like the effect. Great review as always, thanks!

[@narssiklista120]

the new 724 to me sounded warm and more raw. cant wait to have one on my own. hehe

[@maximumaverage]

Prefer the aesthetics of the 724 honestly. Beautiful guitar

[@charlesbolton8471]

I agree. I think the K series (as well as the Presentation series) are just too ornate. I prefer the understated elegance of the 700 series Koa models. I would have to have mine without the cutaway though.

[@violaoeacessorios9389]

Gostei do som dos 2 violões. As sonoridades dos vilões são muito boas. Valeu pelo video!

[@1olddoggie]

Another great video! I vote for the K24ce. Will buy one before I die. Andwhen i pull the trigger, it will be from Alamo. Your videos are the best on the intetnet. Chris, i nevet tire of your version of Amazing Grace! It always is a blessing to me! I love you both. You give such great reviews!iving tbe Jazzmadter I bought from ALAMO and wear my hoodie often!

[@andrewhumphrey1047]

They need to put the Grand pacific 717 neck shape on these.

[@jerryfrench2981]

The reason Andy Powers messes with the bracing is because he doesn't want a 724 sounding as nice as the K24 which costs a heap more. I have a K24 & have just ordered the 724CE. I'm looking forward to seeing / hearing the difference in person.

[@VaibhavMittalIndia]

Hey any experience that you’d like to share?

[@willybloyer8632]

Je ne comprends pas … K24 ou 724 même barrage V-Class revoyez vos infos 😅

[@user-sp1ym5qu9z]

@@willybloyer8632 Although they have V bracing the placement is different. I have both guitars both Koa but they don't sound similar. Suggest you go & play them so you can understand the difference. .

[@texhaines9957]

Noticeable voice difference between these especially with headphones. I think the 722ce is still my preference, with 724 and Alamo K then maybe K24. Do they have a 721e?

[@glenncampbell913]

Steak comparison was spot on! I love the steak only. Don’t like seafood that much anyway!

[@isaacalvarez6515]

oh man, I should've asked Cooper for a picture. I just bought a pack of strings from him.😮 by the way great recommendation on the strings.

[@AlamoMusic]

I'm glad you dig em dude! Thank you again for comin in.

[@2musiclover534]

I hear the deeper density of tone in the K24CE that I think has to do with the thicker finish. A deeper/tubbier tone, less quick transients from greater mass for the same stiffness I think. Gut level, like K24CE new, but believe that that the 724CE will break in more beautifully over a lifetime. Sorry...just realize I'm stating the obvious as they covered the same towards the end in the commentaries.

[@rexrathtar3893]

At first glance, I much preferred the K24, but the 724 grew on me the more you showed it. Beautiful grain on the back (did you show the back of the K24? I missed it if you did). Would still give the slight edge in looks to the K24. K24 does sound better to me; seemed to have more dynamics to its sound. I'll have mine rare, hold the onions*. *Having just checked the prices, hold the steak as well. I'll just have fries.

[@wesleygilbert9605]

Love your vids guys & the podcasts are great too Keep up the great work

[@paulmax9871]

I do believe that the 724 sounds clearer. The K24 sounded muffled in comparison. But it’s hard to make a good decision when listening with a tiny speaker on a tablet. Thanks for making a video on the subject. How does the 722ce compare to the 724ce?Does it have close to the same projection? I really enjoy your videos! Thanks again

[@Therapyxx]

Will compare it this Saturday. Reply to me so that I will see a comment and I'll give you feedback :)

[@lorigilmore5521]

I own a 2012 K24 CE. LOVE it. I like the deeper, fuller sound of the K24. It's my baby and I love that guitar. I have to be faithful.

[@fpw2205076]

Cuando comparas ambas guitarras, al tocar la K24 tu mano derecha toca con mayor fuerza y efusividad!! quizás no lo quieras hacer, pero es lo que se ve en tu mano derecha.

[@tom5216]

I looked close at a Taylor 816 and found it came with a bellied top and a bridge I could get a credit card under. It went straight back. I have 3 Taylors that are perfect but they do get it wrong sometimes. Oh and I forgot my 414 that had the original expression system that went phoof after 4 plugged in sessions. It’s now fixed with an ES2 fitted by Taylor Netherlands but cost me £400 to sort out.

[@MichaelJones-gw8sg]

I have a K26ce, and the fret markers or "Dot Inlays" are small RED florets. Have you ever seen one with red florets?

[@victorcifarelli6394]

Great demo. To my ears the 724 sounded better (clearer?) so the description of the 724 having immediate presence (like a Fender DR) seems appropriate. Now if I could only find a store that had an example of each model so I could AB them ...

[@markstaggs7342]

I bought new a2019 K-24 and it gets better sounding everyday,I love mine but I have seven high end Taylors guitars besides the K-24 and I have Martin and just bought a Epiphone Dove because I really was impressed with it. Not nothing compared to the Taylors or Martins but for the money it's a really good sounding and playing guitar,I would recommend a Epiphone Dove to someone who is looking for a really good investment without spending a fortune.My K- 24 is lots better sounding that this 700 model and if you played my K-24 you would hear it.

[@scouser2230]

I agree with your assessment however, I would not pay more for the fancy finishing. The satin finish and different bracing to my ears make it a superior instrument. Taylor likely shot themselves in the foot by developing this substantially cheaper but better sounding Koa model and competitor.

[@larrydunn4626]

unless it's the mic, there something really offputting about the bass of the k24ce in this video... thunk, thunk, thunk. for that reason I'd pick the 724ce based soly on sound quality. Also ai like the darker treble quality of the 724ce.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

The K24 has a more open sound than the 724ce, but I like the character of the 724ce. Over time it should really shine.

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

I wanted to like the 724 better, but.... I liked the sound of the K24 better. I am not a fan of the inlay though... too much. But both are fantastic guitars.

[@robyoung2755]

This comparison was very relevant for me as I have experience with Koa wood in both solid body and Taylor guitars. I have learned that for me, the thinnest least finish sounds best. In this video, I was surprised to find the tone of your playing on the K24 far superior to the 724. More conviction? I am currently evaluating a 2007 712ce which sounds like it has a 1" thick 1080's Ramirez Classical finish on it. Also not sure about the 3-piece back rather than 1 or 2 since I feel the fewer joints the better. Bottom line...Why don't you two come on up to Overland Park, KS and stay with me for a few days away from the hustle and bustle and we can play "evaluate" some guitars! - Rob.

[@kylebliss]

Thanks for the video. Is the player striking the bass notes with the pad of his thumb or nail? It sounds like the pad...for me that makes it really hard to make any comparisons in that tonal range.

[@Katherine-15-12]

I Love yhe 724CE. Is on my shopping list.

[@JonnyBoss83]

What exactly is "builders addition"? Excuse my ignorance. I'm a Gibson acoustic/Fender electric guy. Taylor are alien to me.

[@Mark021611]

the K24ce is the definite winner here, in my humble opinion.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Cooper, what's for dinner? When I get down there you can tell me where to eat. I'll buy!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Yes I heard a big difference. The expensive one sounds great but too much bling.I would rather try this 722E, smaller and shorter scale.

[@mougabo]

logical sense would be to save money, but that k looks so so so so so so so good.......... only way to decide would be to play both in person for an hour and then pull the trigger

[@torturedblondie]

got a question: i got a 422ce-k limited (koa). do you think this one would be an upgrade or is the one i have closer to the k-series?

[@skentmar105]

Hey! What's wrong with chicken fried steak!!!??? ; - } Seriously, thanks, guys . Great review.

[@roquemendoza1994]

fantastic guitars

[@michaelroy1202]

Both sound great but the K24 has a more refined resonance and more chime on the treble strings. I thing the K24 is a better built guitar

[@federicoines1848]

They sound the same to my esrs the only diference is the price range

[@charlesbranch4120]

Don't choke... I learned the Heimlich Maneuver in 1974, which another busboy in Grand Teton Park demonstrated was like an Allen Page (Vikings) tackle. Chew your steak well before swallowing. (Evaluate well before buying.) I noticed those tonal differences between the satin finish Signature Organic Concert and gloss finish Jeff Bridges Signature Organic Concert from Breedlove. Other than the differences in neck inlays and B-stock demo small finish delams, it's the finish that is definitely warmer and more open with the former. I have no complaints with either, since I'll have occasion to visit with the former and my son in law, and take the latter along on the trip so he can try it out. According to the catalog description both are listed as "semi-gloss", but a couple years ago these may have been finished differently. "The Dude Abides..." Just a thought about sound ports: will a 1-1/2" vacuum hose fit? For cleaning or piping sound to another location...

[@Ddbt219]

How must it cost in usa? k24ce

[@donaldspencer1052]

Does this mean that my 714ce sucks now? I’m kinda bummed that they stopped the 714ce

[@RandyBelinda]

I’m a huge Koa fan, but not as a top wood. To my ear Koa tops sound compressed, volume-attenuated and without distinct tonal character. I’m sure Koa has its place, especially in the studio but neither of these guitars do it for me.

[@texhaines9957]

Prime steaks? Now we're getting to the meat of the matter.

[@Pusangtono]

Cooper’s steak assesment 👍🏻

[@markinmemphis]

I hate a pointless pick guard on a hard top.

[@shermanbanker6793]

These do not sound remotely similar to me at all. The K24 is so much louder, more harmonic complexity, and brighter. The 724 sounds like an all mahogany guitar to me.

[@dominicasilvestre4568]

I vote for K24CE...

[@Progmium]

They need to hire John Petrucci to describe the sound! "Chocolatey" "Velvety", lol

[@kk-GUK]

Very close sounding but man that K24 is jangly. Not a fan of Koa.

[@flylippfantom8425]

Ok first I'm Italian and love meatballs 😋

[@Pusangtono]

Cooper’s steak assesment 👍🏻