I have one of each. Both sound great, both have their applications. I prefer the Martin's warmer, more organic tone for playing unplugged and singing with because it is louder than the Taylor and I have a boomy voice (the comments suggesting the Taylor is louder aren't accurate, IMHO - the perceived volume increase in this video is due to the accentuated highs of the Taylor, and the Taylor cannot handle near the strum weight that the Martin can). On the flip side, when plugging in and playing live with a band, the Taylor cuts though like a knife, where the Martin can get lost in the mix unless you do some pretty heavy EQ'ing. Great video.
Thanks for your comment. I have a Taylor DDAE which cuts through exactly as you say. I have been wanting to get a D-28 for different aspects of the show (some are solo and some are duo where I think the D-28 would be very good) and your comment cleared this up. I think the sound on this video does nothing for Martin.
If I had to pick one as someone who has played electric for 40 years but is new to acoustic which would you recommend? I had always counted on the D28, but am considering others. I have no need for amplification.
I own both. My Taylor has the Engleman Spruce top which comes across as a little warmer than Sitka. Both nice guitars but then I bought a D18 and it quickly became my favourite.
I own a D28 and a 714ce V class. Both are out of this world. The Martin is louder with higher highs than the V class Taylor believe it or not. A 714 has a lutz spruce top which is close to Adirondack where the D28 is Sitka. Not completely apples to apples but the new V class 714 has every bit as much headroom as the D28. It’s unreal. If I could only own one, it would be the D28 but by a fraction of a hair. Taylor is not the frills and shrills treble machines they once were. The 714 v class is warm as a piece of toast.
Weird, listening with really good headphones the Taylor sound incredible, and I mean incredible, and the Martin sounds like a plywood pawn shop find, yeesh! I was expecting so much more from the Martin, this really changes my search for my next guitar, I've always been a dreadnought guy but that auditorium shape sounded magical.
Wow, both sound great. I lean towards the Taylor sound. I prefer the feel of a Taylor acoustic, in comparison to the Martin acoustic guitars that I’ve played as well.
Do this comparison with the new 714ce V-Brace. I did at several music stores and the new V-Brace technology really does make a beautiful difference. Taylor wins IMO. But, I wouldn’t kick the Martin out of my jam room.
Yes the V-Bracing does make a difference I have a new 714ce V and the sustain and tonal consistency is the difference, that said I can compare the 714ce to my Martin D-18 and I prefer the Martin any day of the week, but that's a comparison (Apples to oranges) unlike the D28. For me the 714ce and the Martin D-28 are really close, but it would be a better comparison to have 2 dreads or 2 cutaway's. Play-ability is another topic, but I think both guitar's are again neck n' neck. I say it's nice to have a mix like what I have, more fun too!
I think the Martin guitar is the sound that we come to expect on a recording but the Taylor stands out articulate great overtones if you're not playing bluegrass I would like the Taylor Guitar better all day long
I disagree with you, which is fine and the reason why we have the choice. To me the taylor is “muddy” when striking chords in the low register while the martin feels balanced which is what I’m after.
I have three Martins in my collection - a D28, D41 and D45 and I got to tell you, that Taylor 714ce really sounds good. I'm going to our local music shop tomorrow and listen again to a 714ce and also to a 710e and a 614ce. I'm impressed - especially the pickup.
Did you buy that Taylor? I was this close to buying the Martin HD28 and I keep going back to Taylor. I’m getting the 714ce or 814ce. I’m on the fence between which one. Any advice?
@@R.L.Humpert - I bought a Taylor 614ce and love it. What I eally wanted were the electronics - i didn't want to add them to one of my Martins, nor use a pickup that you slip into the hole under the strings To me, the 614 is not quiet as good sounding as the D28, IF you watch while they're being played, but if blind folded I'm not sure I could tell the difference between the 614 and the D28. Both sound great.
I think the Taylor sounds more open and crisp. Although the computer speakers don't do either guitar justice. Either one would sound great playing it live. I believe the new v-class bracing gives the Taylor a little more bass that they used to lack somewhat.
The Taylor definitely gives you move control when playing live, but you are right both are great. I'm still up in the air on V-class, not convinced it is actually better from what i've played and heard.
@@bsideguitar I just recently bought the 714 ce v-class and it definitely has a little more bass response and the intonation is better as well. It also has more sustain which is good depending on your playing style. Ive have noticed though that the projection is more forward meaning you don't hear the differences as much when you are playing the guitar, but if your in front of it you hear it. I can feel it though you know what I mean. The vibration and resonance is just there with this one. Maybe its just this guitar but I like it better than the 2- 800 series and 600 series that Ive owned. I guess over all the sound is more balanced than previous models.
Hands down the Taylor sounds better and deeper and crisper. I have a few Taylor’s and am wanting to buy a Martin HD 28 but I keep going back to the Taylor. Even the sweetwater rep reccomends the Taylor 714 over the Martin because the Martin has a more boxy sound and I see that now from this review.
I’ve got both. The v-braced to me is more articulate and the older bracing is warmer generally - but I really like them both. For me though the v-braced almost always seems like the better instrument.
Had both and they were both traded for something else . Have a 514ce and would really like another D28 , however, any Martin's I've tried recently have been disappointing. Then some. Taylor for the win ( at least for now ) !
I own a d28 and it sounds incredible, in this comparison the Taylor sounded much better. It’s hard to imagine a taylor sounding that much better than my d28.
Taylor definitely has the look, meaning if your after a pretty guitar, Taylor wins definitely, I like Martins too, I wish Martin would do more of the teardrop sunburst
It’s odd because you’d think the Martin could compete but it doesn’t. The Taylor is far better. Now I’m back to buying another Taylor and I own 2 already. I wanted a Martin but I guess after the research Martin just doesn’t compare as well to Taylor x or v class
Hey since I listed this over a year ago I have actually sold My Taylor. I now have a Martin 000-18 and Martin HD 28 custom special and boy were my beginner wars bad. Martin is night and day better sounding than Taylor. Taylor makes beautiful guitars in looks but yes the sound is more treble and tinny and I think other than maybe the 414 and 714 series they can’t come close to the bass and low end sounds that Martin just booms out. I was wrong above about Taylor. They wouldn’t even be My 3-4-5 choice. Although I do like my GS mini for trips. 🤷🏼 at least unlike my wife I can admit when I was wrong. 😂
I was very surprised of the sound of the D28. I expected way more! It sounded tinny to me as others have mentioned. The Taylor sounded much better to me. I was actually looking into buying a D28 . Of course hearing in person is the real test but this video...wow. That D28 sounds off.
Taylor 700 series are a perfect combination of ton, clear sound and warmness! I think generally martin guitars are more valuable but in this comparison taylor is better! I would rather have a taylor 700 series always!
I currently own a 90 D28P. I’ve also owned a Taylor 510. My Taylor impressed me - regret selling it. But back to the video, were both recordings done miked? Or are we comparing D28 mic vs Taylor’s onboard system? Also, strumming is such a small aspect of a guitar’s voice. Some finger or flat picking would have been helpful. Last point, I don’t think if this 710 as a true dread. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
Great video. Taylor? Martin? Who hasn't gone into a music store and compared these 2 very guitars? I have compared these 2 models a few times over the course of the week and I'm going back again to make a final decision and purchase....hopefully I can decide lol but this video has helped.
@@bsideguitar I recently picked up the guitar after leaving it for 30 yrs. Life got busy. I almost forgot how much I loved playing guitar early in my life. I can tell you that after a long 24 hour shift at the fire dept the guitar is so therapeutic and so peaceful.
@@bsideguitar so here's the thing. When I decided to pick up the guitar again I rushed out and bought a 12 string Exotic Woods by Ovation lol because as I always wanted one. Needless to say as a beginner it's difficult playing a 12 string . So I'm now looking at the Taylor Builders 912, the 814, 714, Builders 614 and the Martin 28 Modern DLX. I'm terribly confused. They all sound great and are all beautiful. Any advise?
I would recommend calling Chad at Music Villa in Bozeman, MT Their number is 406-587-4761 That guy know so much about all of those he can get you the right guitar. I love the Martin Modern Deluxe though (if I had to choose)
I liked the Taylor714ce most, do not know their prices, kind I surely cannot afford buying them, even used in Brazil, because they cost twice the price and dollar is extremely high at the moment, nice video, useful even for me knowing I would never could buy any of them. I have recently bought a 1995 Washburn D-10E, does anyone knows it?
Really, their both fine. The Martin sounds bright and moderately scooped, while the Taylor sounds very warm with an upper mid emphasis. The Taylor sounds like analog vinyl and the Martin sounds 32-bit digital
I don’t think this is a good comparison. You cannot compare a dreadnought to grand auditorium. The Taylor has A tighter waist which accentuates the highs. These are two different guitars. I particularly like the Taylor in this video because I can hear all of the notes within the chord. Martin sounds dead and just a blur. I do like Martin guitars however but the sound of Taylor’s and Martin’s is vastly different. Taylor’s to my ears sound very pretty and pleasant . Martins sound more true and organic. It’s more of a purist sound.
I hate that Taylor puts out all these cutaway models. If I'm shelling out $3k for an acoustic guitar I want all the wood I can get for my $3k. Most acoustic players aren't playing their guitars like a Les Paul where you need to reach the last 3 frets. This is Taylor's way of getting more money using less wood. I like full bodied acoustic guitars and Taylor regularly offers them in their lower price range. You can't tell me this ain't about getting more money for less wood. You can believe it's untrue, I wont.
The Martin is a loud muddy mess, the Taylor has too much bottom end. Not sure if it’s the player or just really bad examples of each guitar... something is way off from my experience with these guitars...
Are they strung with the same strings theres no way martin strings can compare wit elixars i hate martin strings on anything Martin is not doing themselves any favors by putting crap strings on there guitars
I was surprised that the Taylor had a warmer sound. The Martin was (for lack of a better word) tinny. I did not expect that at all.
I have one of each. Both sound great, both have their applications. I prefer the Martin's warmer, more organic tone for playing unplugged and singing with because it is louder than the Taylor and I have a boomy voice (the comments suggesting the Taylor is louder aren't accurate, IMHO - the perceived volume increase in this video is due to the accentuated highs of the Taylor, and the Taylor cannot handle near the strum weight that the Martin can). On the flip side, when plugging in and playing live with a band, the Taylor cuts though like a knife, where the Martin can get lost in the mix unless you do some pretty heavy EQ'ing.
Great video.
Thanks for your comment. I have a Taylor DDAE which cuts through exactly as you say. I have been wanting to get a D-28 for different aspects of the show (some are solo and some are duo where I think the D-28 would be very good) and your comment cleared this up. I think the sound on this video does nothing for Martin.
If I had to pick one as someone who has played electric for 40 years but is new to acoustic which would you recommend? I had always counted on the D28, but am considering others. I have no need for amplification.
Both are great guitars, and I've played them both and love the sound. But I love the Taylor just a little more.
I own both. My Taylor has the Engleman Spruce top which comes across as a little warmer than Sitka. Both nice guitars but then I bought a D18 and it quickly became my favourite.
Taylor sounded much better - I purchased the 714ce and couldn't be more pleased!
Oddly, I have to say that the 714ce was much fuller and made the martin sound dull lol
totally agree
I own a D28 and a 714ce V class. Both are out of this world. The Martin is louder with higher highs than the V class Taylor believe it or not. A 714 has a lutz spruce top which is close to Adirondack where the D28 is Sitka. Not completely apples to apples but the new V class 714 has every bit as much headroom as the D28. It’s unreal. If I could only own one, it would be the D28 but by a fraction of a hair. Taylor is not the frills and shrills treble machines they once were. The 714 v class is warm as a piece of toast.
Did the same test in the shop, amazing how accurate this video is.
Great video. I have a D28 and am seriously considering a 712ce that is in a local shop.
Weird, listening with really good headphones the Taylor sound incredible, and I mean incredible, and the Martin sounds like a plywood pawn shop find, yeesh! I was expecting so much more from the Martin, this really changes my search for my next guitar, I've always been a dreadnought guy but that auditorium shape sounded magical.
Would have like to hear some finger picking also .
The Taylor has more mid range . The mating has better base but less midrange.
Wow, both sound great. I lean towards the Taylor sound. I prefer the feel of a Taylor acoustic, in comparison to the Martin acoustic guitars that I’ve played as well.
Comparing a dreadnaught to a grand auditorium body is a strange comparison. You should compare the d28 to the 716.
Such an UNBIASED review bro.. Good Job.. are the guitars with the same string brands? D28 for me sounds more FULL....
Do this comparison with the new 714ce V-Brace. I did at several music stores and the new V-Brace technology really does make a beautiful difference. Taylor wins IMO. But, I wouldn’t kick the Martin out of my jam room.
Yes the V-Bracing does make a difference I have a new 714ce V and the sustain and tonal consistency is the difference, that said I can compare the 714ce to my Martin D-18 and I prefer the Martin any day of the week, but that's a comparison (Apples to oranges) unlike the D28. For me the 714ce and the Martin D-28 are really close, but it would be a better comparison to have 2 dreads or 2 cutaway's. Play-ability is another topic, but I think both guitar's are again neck n' neck. I say it's nice to have a mix like what I have, more fun too!
Those aren’t riffs. Those are chords being strummed. I vote for the 714ce. Thanks for the demo.
I think the Martin guitar is the sound that we come to expect on a recording but the Taylor stands out articulate great overtones if you're not playing bluegrass I would like the Taylor Guitar better all day long
in that case I prefer the Taylor, more open and more round to my ears !
And nothing beat the playability of Taylor.
It really is true that nothing plays like a Taylor!
Taylor by a landslide!! It made the Martin sound like a Estaban guitar
Fake news
I disagree with you, which is fine and the reason why we have the choice. To me the taylor is “muddy” when striking chords in the low register while the martin feels balanced which is what I’m after.
@@vivien1252 I’m just kidding! I’ve got 2 Martins and they are fine. Besides Martins have been here since early man 😂
This recording is crap
I have three Martins in my collection - a D28, D41 and D45 and I got to tell you, that Taylor 714ce really sounds good. I'm going to our local music shop tomorrow and listen again to a 714ce and also to a 710e and a 614ce. I'm impressed - especially the pickup.
Did you buy that Taylor? I was this close to buying the Martin HD28 and I keep going back to Taylor. I’m getting the 714ce or 814ce. I’m on the fence between which one. Any advice?
@@R.L.Humpert - I bought a Taylor 614ce and love it. What I eally wanted were the electronics - i didn't want to add them to one of my Martins, nor use a pickup that you slip into the hole under the strings To me, the 614 is not quiet as good sounding as the D28, IF you watch while they're being played, but if blind folded I'm not sure I could tell the difference between the 614 and the D28. Both sound great.
Great video. Both are amazing. IF I had to pick one? Hard but D2* has a sound that I love.
I think the Taylor sounds more open and crisp. Although the computer speakers don't do either guitar justice. Either one would sound great playing it live. I believe the new v-class bracing gives the Taylor a little more bass that they used to lack somewhat.
The Taylor definitely gives you move control when playing live, but you are right both are great. I'm still up in the air on V-class, not convinced it is actually better from what i've played and heard.
@@bsideguitar I just recently bought the 714 ce v-class and it definitely has a little more bass response and the intonation is better as well. It also has more sustain which is good depending on your playing style. Ive have noticed though that the projection is more forward meaning you don't hear the differences as much when you are playing the guitar, but if your in front of it you hear it. I can feel it though you know what I mean. The vibration and resonance is just there with this one. Maybe its just this guitar but I like it better than the 2- 800 series and 600 series that Ive owned. I guess over all the sound is more balanced than previous models.
I still really want an HD-28 one day.
Both sound good but I thought the Taylor had more brightness and clarity. I have an hd 28 and have a714 coming. Can’t wait hear the difference.
Hands down the Taylor sounds better and deeper and crisper. I have a few Taylor’s and am wanting to buy a Martin HD 28 but I keep going back to the Taylor. Even the sweetwater rep reccomends the Taylor 714 over the Martin because the Martin has a more boxy sound and I see that now from this review.
Better comparison would've been Taylor 710 or 810 ! Love my 810, killer sound and neck play-ability.
Do you have the v-class or traditional bracing?
My 810 has Traditional bracing. Played v-class bracing and wasn’t impressed.
Agree. That’s why I got the 714 with traditional.
I’ve got both. The v-braced to me is more articulate and the older bracing is warmer generally - but I really like them both. For me though the v-braced almost always seems like the better instrument.
Had both and they were both traded for something else . Have a 514ce and would really like another D28 , however, any Martin's I've tried recently have been disappointing. Then some. Taylor for the win ( at least for now ) !
I own a d28 and it sounds incredible, in this comparison the Taylor sounded much better. It’s hard to imagine a taylor sounding that much better than my d28.
If you listen longer...the Martin feels better in the ears...it has a more solid warm sound and sounds classy
At first, I liked the Martin better.. I’m a Martin guy too. But for most of the video, the Taylor sounded better to me.
Martins usually take the heavy strumming better, but the Taylor sounded sweet with your strumming style
Taylor definitely has the look, meaning if your after a pretty guitar, Taylor wins definitely, I like Martins too, I wish Martin would do more of the teardrop sunburst
Or more of the Taylor shape. They did with THE GP but they stopped making a lot of the good models. I love the rounded shoulders and body
I'm a Martin collector and I have to say ; the Taylor is much brighter and louder.
It’s odd because you’d think the Martin could compete but it doesn’t. The Taylor is far better. Now I’m back to buying another Taylor and I own 2 already. I wanted a Martin but I guess after the research Martin just doesn’t compare as well to Taylor x or v class
@@R.L.Humpertlol
Hey since I listed this over a year ago I have actually sold
My Taylor. I now have a Martin 000-18 and Martin HD 28 custom special and boy were my beginner wars bad. Martin is night and day better sounding than Taylor. Taylor makes beautiful guitars in looks but yes the sound is more treble and tinny and I think other than maybe the 414 and 714 series they can’t come close to the bass and low end sounds that Martin just booms out. I was wrong above about Taylor. They wouldn’t even be
My 3-4-5 choice. Although I do like my GS mini for trips. 🤷🏼 at least unlike my wife I can admit when I was wrong. 😂
I was very surprised of the sound of the D28. I expected way more! It sounded tinny to me as others have mentioned. The Taylor sounded much better to me. I was actually looking into buying a D28 . Of course hearing in person is the real test but this video...wow. That D28 sounds off.
Taylor 700 series are a perfect combination of ton, clear sound and warmness! I think generally martin guitars are more valuable but in this comparison taylor is better! I would rather have a taylor 700 series always!
I currently own a 90 D28P. I’ve also owned a Taylor 510. My Taylor impressed me - regret selling it. But back to the video, were both recordings done miked? Or are we comparing D28 mic vs Taylor’s onboard system? Also, strumming is such a small aspect of a guitar’s voice. Some finger or flat picking would have been helpful. Last point, I don’t think if this 710 as a true dread. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
Walked in to buy a Martin walked out with a Taylor. Unbelievable sound and craftsmanship
Which model did you get?
5Box Music 614ce - balanced and warm! I Love it!
@@michaelutley7661 614ce is a killer guitar
Great video. Taylor? Martin? Who hasn't gone into a music store and compared these 2 very guitars? I have compared these 2 models a few times over the course of the week and I'm going back again to make a final decision and purchase....hopefully I can decide lol but this video has helped.
Thanks for the kind words. Keep in mind the Taylor now has V-Class bracing so that does change it a bit.
@@bsideguitar I recently picked up the guitar after leaving it for 30 yrs. Life got busy. I almost forgot how much I loved playing guitar early in my life. I can tell you that after a long 24 hour shift at the fire dept the guitar is so therapeutic and so peaceful.
@@bsideguitar so here's the thing. When I decided to pick up the guitar again I rushed out and bought a 12 string Exotic Woods by Ovation lol because as I always wanted one. Needless to say as a beginner it's difficult playing a 12 string . So I'm now looking at the Taylor Builders 912, the 814, 714, Builders 614 and the Martin 28 Modern DLX. I'm terribly confused. They all sound great and are all beautiful.
Any advise?
I would recommend calling Chad at Music Villa in Bozeman, MT Their number is 406-587-4761 That guy know so much about all of those he can get you the right guitar. I love the Martin Modern Deluxe though (if I had to choose)
Taylor for me 🎸
i have both . so i,m lucky . BUT i,m also quite deaf. so great to READ what people think. thank you.
Actually I like the Taylor better and I have the d28 my honest opinion
Thanks for the comment. I’m playing acoustic this weekend and the Taylor is going to get the nod.
In this video, Taylor!!!!!!!!!
I think Taylor 714ce sounds better (to my ears)
Definitely a more pronounced high and mid range.
To me 714 sounds much better and I've ordered that one.
You’re going to love it. Great guitar.
I liked the Taylor714ce most, do not know their prices, kind I surely cannot afford buying them, even used in Brazil, because they cost twice the price and dollar is extremely high at the moment, nice video, useful even for me knowing I would never could buy any of them. I have recently bought a 1995 Washburn D-10E, does anyone knows it?
They’re Both great . Liked your playing Too
Thanks so much. They are both excellent instruments.
They're both so nice, I'll let their used prices determine which one I buy....first.
That's an uncharacteristically thin and metallic-sounding D28. Not typical!
Really, their both fine. The Martin sounds bright and moderately scooped, while the Taylor sounds very warm with an upper mid emphasis. The Taylor sounds like analog vinyl and the Martin sounds 32-bit digital
I don’t think this is a good comparison. You cannot compare a dreadnought to grand auditorium. The Taylor has A tighter waist which accentuates the highs. These are two different guitars. I particularly like the Taylor in this video because I can hear all of the notes within the chord. Martin sounds dead and just a blur. I do like Martin guitars however but the sound of Taylor’s and Martin’s is vastly different. Taylor’s to my ears sound very pretty and pleasant . Martins sound more true and organic. It’s more of a purist sound.
josh schneider I get you point but what about just finding out which sounds better, regardless of body style differences.
sir i want to record taylor 714CE guitar for my songs
can u record it for me ??
i will be happy to pay for the job
That Taylor is alive, the Martin is muddy. I like both but the Taylor killed the 28.
Taylor, is the best!
Hey dude. What year is this 714? Is this the V braced or X braced model?
Great question! This is a last year X brace. I got it right at the transition and was not super impressed with the V
5Box Music so you like 714ce x braced better than the v braced?
Taylor takes it allll day
Does the 714 have V bracing or X bracing?
white nut means x brace. If it was black it would be v class.
Taylor over martin in this demo
Taylor is the best 🙈
D28 seemed more midrange, Taylor more even-toned.
714ce looks better sounds better and looks a better built guitar
I love Martin guitars but this one does not sound good to me at all.
🤷♂️
I hate that Taylor puts out all these cutaway models. If I'm shelling out $3k for an acoustic guitar I want all the wood I can get for my $3k. Most acoustic players aren't playing their guitars like a Les Paul where you need to reach the last 3 frets. This is Taylor's way of getting more money using less wood. I like full bodied acoustic guitars and Taylor regularly offers them in their lower price range. You can't tell me this ain't about getting more money for less wood. You can believe it's untrue, I wont.
Strangely enough, the Martin sounds brighter (too bright) on my tiny office speaker..I'd have to listen to it again on my headphone..
Show this.....taylor 714...win.....i think...🤔
the martin sounds dull compared to the Taylor. Taylor every day and twice on Sunday!
Your heavy handed playing over modulated both.
Your heavy handed criticism over modulated my brain :/
That Martin doesn’t sound as good as other d28s....
É uma estupidez comparar estas duas guitarras, a martin d28 é em tudo uma guitarra de nivel muito superior
No no escucha bien el video. El Taylor E’s mas superior que el Martin.
The Martin is a loud muddy mess, the Taylor has too much bottom end. Not sure if it’s the player or just really bad examples of each guitar... something is way off from my experience with these guitars...
Don't be fooled. Just a terrible recording of both guitars, not a good comparison
the martin tried hard … and lets be honest here …. the martin looks very plain beside the taylor
Are they strung with the same strings theres no way martin strings can compare wit elixars i hate martin strings on anything Martin is not doing themselves any favors by putting crap strings on there guitars
Too much talking...
Taylor wins