X vs V Bracing - 2018 Taylor 314ce Comparison

[@norcalranger]

To me, x brace sounds clearer and crisper. V has a more blended smoother sound. I prefer the x sound.

[@jocika022]

X - 1:25 V - 1:53 X - 1:32 V - 2:04

[@pirateunder40]

thanks for the comparison, i will keep my x-brace....

[@wadeclark8628]

I think it depends on application. On its own as a solo instrument the x bracing is fuller and more bold, but in a mix of instruments (stage or recording) I think the V bracing is more focused and would be easier to place or highlight (steps on fewer other instruments)

[@nate6920]

I want to love the new v series so much due to the great intonation higher up on the neck, but honestly the ol' X brace still does it for me

[@VisualparanormalChannel]

To my ear I like the traditional X. The V may have slightly more articulation but it lacks that woody sound and warmth of the X braced guitar.

[@jaydavis7258]

X Brace sounds way better. I’ve tried to be diplomatic in my opinions but the simple fact is the V Brace is thinner but well marketed.

[@kauko8124]

Jay Davis the x-brace seems to be a bit off adjustment with so much fret buzz, also I am keeping my x.

[@1ch0r41]

@@kauko8124 I heard that as well

[@Wistbacka]

I think X has too much emphasis of the lower end, and not enough clarity in the mids and highs. For strumming I would choose X, however.

[@HamRadioOps]

To my ears, X Bracing wins. More thick and bold bass frequencies than V bracing.

[@cohoonatube]

Surprised! I'll keep my X braced 710 CE... especially since Taylor stopped making my favorite guitar! :D Great demo, thanks!

[@b.manning7610]

X-bracing wins to my ears. It has a much richer sound. The V-brace has a more constricted tone. But what do I know.

[@Lisa-ec9qb]

I like the full-bodied sound of the X vs the 'stiff' or 'tight' sound of the V.

[@51Dss]

I think the X brace was more articulate and sounded more pleasing to my ear - I also think there isn't enough difference between the two to validate all of the hype and added cost of the V braced guitars - regardless prices I would opt for the X brace myself.

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Wasn't the 314ce already 1999.00.? In person the v class sounds fantastic.

[@terrydavis8957]

Quentin plays how I want to play. Great touch and feel. I just bought a 2001 314ce...that’s my 2019 Christmas present to myself, and it’s just a really nice guitar!

[@karinjahn-walter5846]

Buying today one from 2004, looking forward...as I'm more strumming it seems to me that I'll have more fun with the X

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I closed my eyes at the end of the video side by side comparisons and I couldn't tell the difference. Sounded like one continuous performance and I used decent headphones. I own a 2021 V brace 314ce

[@marcscordato4385]

Taylor has made wonderful Claims about V Bracing . I’ve played them , lovely guitars I would be happy to buy one . Having said that I own a 324 with X bracing and I have no desire to replace it with a V braced guitar the difference is so subtle .

[@BookClubDisaster]

Could the sound difference just be that the V brace is brand new and still sounds stiff?

[@MrPFMneto]

Yeah... Exactly what I was thinking, Ryan.

[@richardshank7659]

I’ll be honest highly unlikely as it takes several hours of playing before a guitar opens up really I mean like probably close to 100 hours. So nope sadly it’s not that it’s new

[@AlmostChadSmith]

Wow! It's crazy how noticeably different they are. The v has a buzzy treble and the x has a little bit of the buzz but it also has a fuller sound with bass that kind of evens it out. Thanks for the review, guys!

[@stevelandress]

I may be the only one here that prefers the V bracing but when I was shopping for a new guitar and tried both the X and V bracing, I spent my money on the V bracing. Listening to it in a KZbin video is one thing but actually sitting down and playing it definitely made a difference to me. I prefer the V bracing hands down.

[@rhbourne]

You’re not the only one. Much of tone preference is subjective, but sustain/tuning advantages are easy for anyone with ears to hear. I love the V series, and am buying one next month.

[@StoicTrader-]

@@rhbourne Let me know which model you get and how ya like it!

[@jeffmicheleweddingphoto]

Steve Landress yeah, the V sounded more clear and pronounced to me, though the X sounds richer. But I wonder how much the richness has to do with aging, which the V hasn’t had the chance to do, yet.

[@jasongomez4712]

Jeff & Michele Armstrong im thinking the same. Comparing a young guitar that hasnt developed that mature tone vs the x series which could easily be 10-15 years old, plenty of time to let that wood simmer and hone itself

[@JL_sounds]

Just played live with the v bracing for the first time. Hooked up it sounded so balanced and the sustain was unreal for the mellow parts of song and kept up with vocals.

[@sheridanhenson2886]

I've written to you about this a few times, but can I humbly suggest a mediumish pick on the strumming stuff? There's just so much pick attack in some of these videos and a lot of these guitars (like the 314ce) are being used by so many folks in rhythm applications where they really aren't digging in. Thanks!

[@jeffallenfrance]

This video implies that there is a single type of X bracing. Over the past 5 years, Taylor has released 5 new types of bracing patterns. And if we limit it to the 300 series, before Taylor released the performance bracing (not advanced performance) on the 500 and 700 series (in 2016 I believe), the 300 series had Standard II bracing. Then Taylor included Performance bracing with Relief Rout on the 300 (and 400) series in 2017. Now in 2018, the 314 and 414 GA models get the V-class bracing. The 314 has had 3 different types of bracing over the past 3-4 years. It might be good to be more specific on the year and type of bracing and this is important with so many changes related to bracing in just a few years.

[@brunocejas]

Qué manija la tuya.

[@LukeMaynard]

This is super helpful; thanks for the info! I have a 2016 Taylor 314ce coming to me, and it's really helpful to know what kind of bracing I'm getting, to a greater degree of precision than just "X brace." We'll see how it sounds, but it's not as if Taylor was producing junk before the 2017 changes. These guitars have been consistently great for years, and at this point, a guitar made of solid tonewoods that's been well-maintained and allowed to "sing" and resonate for 6 or 7 years may sound better than a brand new guitar with fancy V bracing right out of the box. There are so many factors that go into the tone of an acoustic instrument, and I'm trying not to worry too much about the specs on the page. The whole story of an instrument's tone is told only by the hands and ears.

[@jeffallenfrance]

@@LukeMaynard you are welcome. And now Taylor has introduced still again more bracing types of the past few years with new models. People easily get lost with it..

[@JeremyGalloway]

Is it just me or did he play worse on the V brace clips? I think I like the V better but cant tell for sure bc he’s inconsistent

[@ricardosotosan2279]

I definitely hear the difference that v brace makes in the 914 and 814. But the 314 x brace sounds a little more powerful than the 314 v class in my opinion.

[@DavidDorrJr]

I feel like everything he played on the V-brace sounded smoother, less buzzy and like he had to place less effort to get the sound he wanted. To me it seemed like he tried harder on the X-brace to get the sound he wanted. The X def has more boom, but the V had more clarity and a bit more overall balance....at least that is what I heard. I am enjoying reading everyone's thoughts :)

[@Thantas]

Right from the start he declared that he prefers boomy guitars. Perhaps x bracing guitar as a boomy one made him play differently for that reason, as he might enjoyed it a bit more.

[@martinkleinman2522]

pretty close, and it's very subjective. My metaphor would be that the V bracing makes the guitar sound more "maple-y" and the X bracing give off a more "rosewood-y" tone. But that's me. I prefer the X sound because it has more emotion for me; a fuller sound. The V sounds a bit more treble-y and tighter/focused. but wtf do I know? I'm just a weekend strummer.

[@martinkleinman2522]

maybe for a person doing at-home recording, the V would be easier to control. but I stand by my preference for the X, as an all-around guitar for multiple applications.

[@davy_pwc]

X brace all the way for me...happy to keep my old 814CE because of this video..thanks guys !!

[@jimmy5634]

And you should. That’s the best Taylor for the money ever produced.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

To me the V brace sounds more like sounds you would get from a good (unplugged) thin-line acoustic-electric then what you get from a full bodied guitar. Definite loss in the low end. And the mids and highs just don't sound complete, if that makes sense. If it WAS a thin-line acoustic electric you would have to use an amp and EQ to make the sound completely full.

[@vocalion9519]

The V braced guitar certainly sounds more polite when pingerpicked - especially during the tune “Summertime.” One would absolutely consider choosing based on the style of music you expect to play.

[@ericlackford2070]

My Taylor 324ce with V bracing has a beautiful tone , very different to my Gibson Dove.

[@codezionjr]

X-brace for me. A bit more low end. But I like the V-brace inlays LOL!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Taylor have put quality specialists in the embarrassing position of having to push their marketing to the end user. I have always said the wonderful thing about an acoustic guitar is it is "honest". There is no hiding. If no comparisons were made buyers would be skeptical and lose faith in the dealers - By providing comparisons people can immediately hear why X bracing has been used for the past 100 years. Well Taylor - you have what you strived for. A totally unique and "revolutionary" technology - Does anyone remember Gibson robot tuners?

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

The V brace has more dry fundamental tone and the X brace is more rich in harmonics. The V brace would be good for recording, blues, jazz. The X brace more of a singer/songwriter guitar, bluegrass, western, pop. Sweeter, warmer tone. Thanks for letting me feel good about my X-brace, again (I liked the x-brace better on your last comparison, too, so glad to have it confirmed today). Maybe I can score a cheap x-braced 712 12 fret now.

[@BeatlesTribute]

On the very last example at the end of the video: It really does bother me that guitars that expensive have such fret buzz. Other than that. The V bracing sounds more true to the note. It also sounds louder. But a little colder. But, if you're playing live you can adjust the EQ a bit and maybe use some light chorus.

[@tlove9125]

I like the X still. This was closer than the last comparison where I thought the X was clearly the better sounding guitar. The V in this case, seemed to accentuate those higher notes which to my ear I wasn’t really digging. Everyone’s tastes are different and it’s great to have such a wide selection of instruments out there.

[@mixstagram]

I felt the same. The V cuts through with the highs more, but the X is more bold and full sounding overall.

[@djfox1555]

X brace is definitely louder/more boom. But the overtones and balance across strings sound similar on both. Both are great honestly. Just try both and pick the one for you.

[@lawrencec.4589]

Whether X or V sounds better, the preference is personally very subjective in this comparison - it’s up to you! Both are really pleasing to the ears. You cannot go wrong with either. However, hyping innovation for the sake of marketing product “improvements” & change isn’t necessarily a good thing - it could be done just to create buzz and brand interest to lift sales activity. Summary: I’d prefer the black GAP crew-neck sweater over the Navy Blue alternate. How about you?

[@tarasmatiychuk2376]

The V sounds dull. Do you think they'll make a 12 fret in vbrace eventually?

[@drothberg3]

Great video! For all the mystical marketing mumbo-jumbo that V bracing is like the second coming, we learn here that it's a giant helping of nothing. X bracing sounds at least as good to me, but then I like Martins better, to say nothing of Collings or Santa Cruz or Huss & Dalton.

[@oisinfitzgerald5401]

I think the picked lead notes are definitely more articulate on the v bracing, but the X bracing sounds so much warmer. And the strummed bracing guitar sounds kind of tinny to me when strummed, as if someone has gotten an equaliser and purposefully muddied the mids.

[@razorblack9938]

I think the best would be to try out these two guitars in a music store to really mesure the differences between them. But concerning this video I much prefer the x-brace...

[@thomdushane]

razorblack 99 agreed. But also you're hearing both with the same mic on the same video side-by-side, so it's still a legitimate comparison when they are equal footing. Also, he asked for your opinion. ..

[@lindyloulie80]

I have done just that, and hands down the X wins. No contest.

[@roostershooter76]

The 6 people that 'Thumb downed' this video are the suckers that bought into the 'V Bracing Marketing Hype'. I much prefer X bracing. The V bracing sounds muffled!

[@buddywoolsgrove]

Got to be X, just sounds mellower!!

[@mouselim72]

X bracing wins for me. The V-bracing sounds very constricted, louder volume and more concise notes but sound gets less sustain. EDIT: I will really laugh my head off if Taylor's sales drop and they revert back or retain the X bracing line :)

[@MrPFMneto]

How old are those guitars? You gotta ask yourself that question. Wood age probably will affect the tone more than bracing... If you are not a Luthier, it's a difficult comparison, especially on KZbin, don't you think?

[@kingsleyronald5958]

... never felt the urge to comment before however, the 300 series I think the best tone wood combination either spruce/sapele or mahogany/blackwood Taylor offer but ... the V class simply is not cutting it against the X bracing - that said, no two guitars are identical and maybe this is a slightly muted V and a super-dooper X?

[@mars-lpv3458]

How well do they work with singing? Do they take up mid range etc??

[@bobparsonsartist564]

I don’t claim to have that great of ears, but I shut my eyes and listened, and the V brace notes didn’t seem to compete with themselves. Which can sound thinner. But the clarity wins the day for me. You can really hear it in the end session. With my eyes shut I could hear when he switched, not so much by the tone but by the way the wave sounded. The X brace sounds like it boils out of the guitar, whereas the V brace almost has an extruded sound, less interference. Hard to describe. I think “Better” all depends on what you like to hear. I’d go with the V. I always play amplified, and you normally have more options with clarity at the start of the signal path.

[@giuliocarmassi]

In all the comparisons I've heard the older X bracing sounds warmer, fuller, more organic. I wish they offered both!

[@scottfishkind5335]

I prefer the X- bracing overall timbre. This is consistent in every comparison I've heard online through headphones and when I recently played a v-class guitar at a guitar center in Nashville I was pretty underwhelmed by the tone. I'm sure some people may prefer the V-class tone and that's great but it's definitely not for me

[@marcscordato4385]

I’ll give Taylor the benefit of the doubt let’s say all there claims are true it’s more even and has better intonation and that’s fine but in the end all we really care about is how does it sound . The V class sounds nearly identical to the X class so the V bracing is a none issue I just bought a Martin 00015 the bracing is not scalloped or forward shifted but the sound is warm and woody in the end it’s about the sound not the bracing

[@liquidSpin]

For those of you commenting your views from only hearing it on KZbin I highly recommend you go and try both out at your local guitar shop (hopefully they carry both) I did and I will say the biggest difference is the V brace sustains and sounds louder which makes it ideal for both strumming and finger picking. Is the V brace worth upgrading if you already own a high end Taylor or any other acoustic? No not really. It's your money and choice so in the end u make that call for yourself. But which is better? My opinion the V brace because it really is a great all in one package.

[@AcousticGuitarsForMe]

I think the tendency is if you own a X brace you may knock the V brace. Kind of natural. I know that V brace sounds great on the 324. Maybe it's the hog top? Don't know but it sounds great to me. On this model I am not hearing much difference at all.

[@MadDuck]

hands down x-brace.. I'm so glad i found this video.. I was going to buy a new 314ce with v-bracing, however I'm going to buy a used one now :)

[@kennygee83]

i find the X brace has a better low end, the V better in everything else.

[@drewkingson]

I think there is a big difference in both the top and bottom ends of the tonal spectrum - the x-braced more articulate , clear and pleasing. The v-braced sounds like my ears are partly plugged up

[@EveningCrow]

Yeah... X brace still sounds better and they know it haha

[@MackyMartin]

EveningCrow the v brace sounds like it was choked or something. I. Agree the x brace sounds better, more alive and responsive (haven't tried personally, was just judging through the video.)

[@razorblack9938]

I agree

[@DJWRailroad]

Agreed, more volume, slightly better sustain, slightly but still noticeable. However, since these are entry-level guitars novice or even intermediate players may not notice those differences but ... yup, definitely better overall sound on the X.

[@S16E1]

I also think the X brace sounds richer.

[@zicostars]

X brace all the way

[@rolandfuchslocher4103]

I think, there is no reason to change the guitar because of x-bracing or v-bracing. The player creates the sound, not x or v. All Taylors sound very well for me.

[@patrickroe3260]

I have a 312, X braced. I find the V braced 312 just slightly more defined. No huge difference. I am not that sold on the V brace. I don't find anything wrong with it, either. I am not sure I wouldn't hear a slight variation in a second X braced guitar. Acoustic guitars being organic, I have come to expect similarities and differences on a day to day basis. I

[@timshenk4731]

The X-bracing sounds like a more solid guitar while the V sounds a bit cheaper to me. I wonder if the V-cuts the cost of labor and time and that's why they switched. Sad if that's the case. I had a 314 with x-bracing and am a little disappointed that my new Taylor might not be the same.

[@clyntonmoorcroft6413]

It almost sounds to me like the tone is choked a little on the V bracing. X bracing seems to breath more and has some more natural woody overtones to my ears.

[@tokairic3925]

V brace sounded slightly brighter with a little more clarity, but they are so close. I don't think the difference is enough to make a clear choice between them, and not enough to make a big price difference worthwhile - so X brace wins.

[@thomdushane]

I know you guys have a business to run and Taylor is kind of painting you into a corner with the new bracing push. One thing a guitar store, or build shop for that matter, can't do is try to mold the consumers opinion to fit their narrative. Sorry guys, the X sounds better to me.

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

thom dushane I wonder if sometime they could work on a modified V brace that brought back richness but kept better intonation. But Andy Powers basically said he doesn't care if there are people that don't like it and they are all in on it and moving forward..Bob Taylor may eventually have to get involved with design again and overrule powers.

[@vonkak]

I prefer the x (like the low side). I have one question... Is there any chance to get tabs of this version of Summertime? Thank you.

[@nickspitzley8539]

Hot take. I don't think the v class has less lows. I think it has more mids.

[@superdavywavy]

I really heard a difference with the chords. The x-brace chords had a fundamental freq to them that sounded a little harsh but the v-brace... it's fundamental freq in those chords rang like a bell with high definition. Everything before the chord test sounded identical and equally wonderful.

[@rusty9679]

V brace sounds like a damn banjo. I’ll stick with the X.

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Rusty I don't care what you do of course and i am not a shill, but do you mean it sounds that way to you here or in person? I would check it out in person. I love my new 314 and have older taylors and other nice guitars. It is different but beautiful intonation everywhere, it sings. I had trouble getting one. Between 2 shops they sold 3 of the 314ce v class in the same week.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

I agree totally! The "V's" are more of a new marketing gimmick and it sucks! You can't hear the tonewood at all, only tin!. People I've talked to from Nashville, TX to CA hate them and folks who buy them are reselling them on reverb.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

@@jimgodofbiscuits I tried the 314 when it first came out and it sounded horrible!

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Deborah McAlister You know after owning it for a while now I am noticing it does sound kind of thin compared to X bracing. At first what I was playing down the neck sounded good but it is all midrange and thin for many styles. You would think they could not sustain continuing if after some time enough people figure it out and stop buying v class. I am now looking for a good solid wood mahogany back and sides or figured maple like Gibson Dove ( if only money were no issue) and spruce and/or cedar top, or all mahogany. Newer Yamaha Red Label sounds like something I would like to try...always liked my old Yamaha laminates I sold over the years to get all all solid wood..

[@ArielCardona]

You haven't heard any banjos in person, have you?

[@dadgadfolkmusic200]

The x bracing is the clear winner. Fuller sound with a great bass response. The bass response on the V bracing is lacking

[@Full_Deflection]

To my ear, the X had a deeper bass and the V was much more balanced across the frequencies. I think the X would be better suited to busking and the V would be better suited at brunch or in a coffee shop. They both have their strengths, but I like the balanced nature of the V.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

Q! Teach us how to play that fingerstyle section you do at the end for the A/B! That was cool!

[@dondeese7167]

Let’s all face it, Taylor is trying to find a way to sell more guitars. Last year when I was looking to upgrade my Taylor 314ce to a Taylor 814ce, I went to a local store to hear the difference for myself in person, the x-brace was way better to my ears, the v brace wasn’t even close. I bought the x-brace 814ce. This year, with the hype of the new Taylor 17 series, got me wanting another guitar to add to my collection, but I just can’t get past the v brace so I went with a Martin. Taylor needs to bring back the x-brace.

[@richardshank7659]

If they can figure out a way to bring some bass back into the v bracing then I’d be interested cause on the high end high mids sound really good and smooth. The low end missing from the v brace kinda turns me off to them.

[@ReverbPhishr]

Never liked Taylor guitars until I tried the 314ce with V bracing. Definitely the best acoustic I've ever heard.

[@matsonhill3646]

I agree. Waiting for mine to be delivered. 314ce V.

[@slash2jimi]

I was about to buy this guitar and I started checking out Cole Clark guitars and im happy to say I went with one of those instead

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

** edited..Obviously you have to try these in person. I found playing the V brace 314ce in person sold me quite quickly* edited 11/21/2020. As time passes and I try other guitars I am torn. The Taylor 314 is so solid and shape is perfect for me and fretboard is close to self playing, but I am thinking the sound is too thin some days and I consider selling and finding a used X braced 314, or lately been thinking Gibson J-45 or something like it, and other days it seems to sound sweet and nice playing the same thing in both cases. It does occasionally sound a little like a banjo on certain open chords and I don't know. I do not have money to spare, getting a Taylor all solid wood was my goal for years...V brace just happened to have rolled out just before I bought it. It was 1999.00, paid 1699.00 HELP. :) sorry but what does anyone think would be fair to ask for it, it is still in very good shape with no real noticeable wear beyond pick scratches on the guard..playing most days for a year, but some new guitars at GC on the wall have as much wear and sell as brand new. I keep it humidified. The case looks like absolute brand new...I don't play professionally....only at home. I would lose on a trade but most convenient. Taylor should offer this in both bracings.

[@GroovesAndLands]

Martin will not be reinventing their bracing

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

GroovesAndLands I know Martin is traditionally..for a looooooong time more conservative, and maybe you are a decision maker who works at Martin checking out the competition and comments?, but you are probably right. Unless the V bracing takes off in an unprecedented way, you never know. Could be Taylor will have to put their egos in check and bring back their X bracing. But anecdotally, for me the Martin GPCPA4 sapele which is as close to the 314ce as they get in shape and woods, and one was in stock while i waited on more 314's, but it did not compete with the feel and tone of the taylor V....i waited and love this guitar!

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

If you count the neck as part of the bracing i see Martin made a huge move on neck attachment with ability to adjust intonation...hmmmwonder what is next :)

[@jimgodofbiscuits]

Jfre 2 I appreciate your advice man....I have it for sale though cause I agree on X bracing. Found a local shop with a variety of Godin acoustics (no seagulls...higher end) and Larrivee which I am liking the tone. Basically a Martin with X bracing but differences in other top bracings. They also are licensed EVH, Jackson, Gretsch and Charvel...loving the pro so-cal they had on the evh amps.

[@curiosityunleashed]

In next Quinton's lick of the week can you teach the lick you played at 1:36 and 2:12 ??. If you have only time for one then the lick at 2:12 please make a lesson for it .

[@leesamuelson]

again I hear that the X brace sounds more full or wider tonal range. the V brace more focused. much stronger mids but lacking low end. here is a thought! from what I am hearing with the V brace( I have personally played a 814ce V brace-- i have the latest X brace 814ce) after playing and hearing what I would like you guys to do is play the two V braced together and the 2 X braced together. REASON-- well to me because of the more focus on the V braced I don't think one will hear as much of a tonal difference in woods as a person does in the X brace. Would be interesting to hear. IF that was the case then if a person likes the V braced then one could get by with the lower end model and the only thing upper end would offer is aesthetics more. Would love to hear the side by side of the 314ce V and 814ce V.. the 314ce X and the 814ce X. I will put money on a bigger tonal difference with the X bracing!

[@jettsom]

V class sound is more focused, cleaner, punchier, better note separation in the highs. X brace has more bass, grit and presence. Both are good. For fingerpicking V class is the bomb. For chords, strumming then X brace.

[@michaelappollo6770]

Part of the challenge is we have no idea how old or "played in" the X-braced model is, unless I missed that in the video. The V-braced model seems very tight and needs to be well-played before we hear its full voice. I think it will open up a bit. That being said, I still can't hear enough difference to warrant all this fuss. The difference could just as easily be one guitar next to another guitar, same model, same production date. I stated this on another thread, I don't care what it looks like under top, it just has to sound good. I understand a brand needs to be front and center, and Taylor has achieved this, so kudos to them. As for effectiveness of the new bracing, it's really a non-issue to me.

[@docpearson]

I probably should not say this but I just have to. Some of the chords you play in the middle of the neck sound like garbage want to be beautiful barchords but are not. But that aside. I like the x bracing more in this 314 model. However think the “V” bracing in the 12 fret sounds better with the 312 model.

[@lindyloulie80]

I think the reason the difference between these two guitars is not as pronounced as the video comparing the X and V braced 814's was due to the HUGE difference in wood combinations. You will never get the wonderful sound of a solid wood body and sitka spruce top when playing a guitar with a laminated body like sapele. Ain't gonna happen. Of course there are many more differences in the components of the two models (314 vs 814) which will also contribute to the overall sound and response of the instruments, but the woods are key. Also, let's not forget that the type, quality, thickness of the wood and scalloped vs non-scalloped used for the bracing makes a big difference as well.

[@fireflame608]

You realize the 314ce is SOLID sapele not laminate. Laminates are anything from the 200 series down.

[@lindyloulie80]

@@fireflame608 I stand corrected! Thank you! I'm not really all that familiar with the Taylor lower line of guitars except to say that the few that I have played were very well made and easy to play. IMHO they don't stack up to lower line Martin's tonally, but they are, in general, easier to play than Martins. Truth be known I am totally into the top line Martins and Santa Cruz, however if I were asked to help a newbie choose a guitar to start on Taylors would be right up there for their easy playability, their quality build and generally good intonation.

[@Bds737]

I’m shocked how much better the X bracing sounds.

[@danherrick5785]

V Brace = cheaper to manufacture Hence the marketing stradegy... And the bit about intonation. If Taylor CAN'T tell that the x brace sounds better than the v brace - how are we to determine "they" CAN hear the intonation difference........

[@Wistbacka]

X-bracing has much more bass and less mids and highs. Really great strummer though. V-bracing is much more balanced (imho) with less bass and where the mids and highs also get space to exist. Really clear how much brighter the highs are. Perfect for me personally who play fingerstyle with t occasional strumming.

[@MOAB-UT]

Nice video. Can anyone please let me know what year and model that X brace 314ce is in this video? I do want X brace but prefer those nicer fretboard inlays. Many of the older 314cs's just have plain dots. I mostly see the nicer inlays on V brace models 2018+...but this one has them. I have seen these small inlays on the 414ce but never on the 314- not even builders edition. I spend 20 minutes doing online searches and can't find one image of a 314CE with these inlays. From the looks of these inlays on a 314, I would have guessed it was a newer V brace model. It's a very minor point but for $2,000'ish, I want it to not only sound special, but to look special too! Thanks!

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Both guitars were new in stock when we filmed so both should have a 2018 SN.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@TheAcousticLetter Thanks. I've done more research and concluded that you were playing a 2017ce. In 2018, they went with V bracing and different inlays. As I'm sure you already know (maybe others don't), if you look at any Taylor with a 10 digit serial number, the 2nd and 7th number denotes the year. If it all starts with a 1- it was made in El Cajon, CA. Can you (or anyone) please share your opinion and help me decide between a 2017 314ce, D18, J45 or J15? I know the Gibby's have a shorter scale- not sure if I need it. Also, I want good overall tone. Definitely not a base deficient V series Taylor. I like the idea of a cutaway to reach higher frets and also electronics, but I can mic at home. Great tone and playability are my priorities. I know it is subjective and you "just have to play them all and pick the one you like." That being said, in general, in your expert experiences, is one a really good all a rounder? Price is not a big factor- I will pay if it's justified, but like most, I appreciate value. Thanks!

[@1funkybasslady]

No, they are NOT close in tone! Once again, the X brace is far more full and resonant. V brace sounds sterile and thin.

[@dnottis]

prefer X

[@wesdenham3847]

Dang, I almost sold my X to buy the V...no more.

[@jackthemurray]

I sold my 2019 V to buy a 2017 X. Very glad I did!

[@nellatrab]

X bracing sounds way better, not as loud, but x bracing has much more dimension....never had a problem with intonation

[@KrlosRodz]

Every X vs V comparison video ends up the same!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

No Comparison X- Bracing is much much Better. The V Bracing Sounds like a Cheaper, thinner Guitar.

[@christophermccauley4113]

video says 'unlisted' under its title for some reason

[@chewwahooi5810]

X braced all the way .

[@kangmyungku]

The X-bracing is much punchier and clearer. V bracing is soft but not strong.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

always both well-dressed and good-looking dudes!

[@scottf2199]

They seemed fairly close - preferred the V-brace for those chords at the end

[@kauxkaux]

How to know what bracing a guitar has? about to buy a 314, I am a noob and the guy at the store doesn't even know what I am talking about.

[@TheAcousticLetter]

There should be a label inside if it's a V-Brace..... If the guy at your local store doesn't know that then perhaps you should give us a call at Music Villa. We have a 314 V-Brace in stock now. www.musicvilla.com/taylor/300-series/314-v-class [e-mail]

[@pauls3423]

The quickest way to differentiate the X vs V brace is to notice that the V brace 314 has a black (graphite) nut vs white for the X brace. Taylor also added an inlay to the headstock. Since nut can be changed...serial # date for a 314ce X brace is prior to 05/2018 but I don't have the exact production changeover date. The label for the new V brace has been changed and of course you can try to see the bracing inside.

[@henry1237]

X for me 100%

[@Paul-ur5kc]

Well, this kinda sux... except for the slow strumming at the end the X had a more complex, thicker tone. The V sounded thin. I just ordered a 314ceVCI from sweetwater and it's currently plowing it's way through the snow to Florida. I bought a Martin GPCRSGT from Musicians "Friend" 1.5 years ago that sounds great but came with a nick at the 6 o'clock position of the soundhole but it ended up having fret problems as well and now after spending over $150.00 trying to fix it I'm done with it. I tried contacting Martin a number of times through their website but they never acknowledged the messages at all and their Facebook website was no help. The Martin is a thousand dollar guitar but c'mon, manufacture them with level frets or at least with necks/frets that can be repaired. I should have returned it to MF the second I saw the nick upon opening the case but I didn't and they Hurricane Irma had us running for cover so whachagonnado... Sooooo, I hope this Taylor will be a keeper. Thanks for the vid, guys!

[@StoicTrader-]

How'd you end up liking the v class paul?

[@jasongomez4712]

I agree, the x definitely sounded better in this video. But the v brace is a very new guitar with no time to let the wood settle to expose its tonal potential. the x brace played could easily be 15+ years old, plenty of time to let that voice mature. I am going to have to try these out in person because i really think the v brace can win some people over in the coming years.

[@xetexuk12]

V brace more constrained, X brace sounds louder

[@rfrveloso1979]

I honestly think they messed up a wonderful guitar. For me it is a huge downgrade in sound quality. Hate it. To the point I wouldn’t buy a 314 if it was V bracing, only if I could find and old x bracing. Otherwise I’d happily stick to my 214. You can clearly hear a huge difference soundwise, and I just can’t understand what they were thinking. I mean, why? Problem is you don’t get to choose from the two options, because new 314s are all v bracing now. That really annihilated all my dreams of getting my hands on a 314. Unless I go for an used one with the right bracing.