When visiting Ventura from New Zealand, back in 1995, I went into the Wagon Wheel Boulevard where I’d previously bought a Taylor 710C, looking for a Baby Taylor to travel with. I tuned every BT in the shop, lined them up and played them all. There was one with mahogany finish sides and back, spruce top, that stood out clearly above the rest, which I took home. My kids are all learning to play on it, almost 30 years later. It has mellowed nicely, still not much bottom end, and not brilliant up high on the neck, but a great asset. So far, it has been allowed on every flight as hand luggage.
I'm listening with Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors, at full volume, and the Spruce sounded fuller (less bass, but somehow still fuller....) until the strumming. Then, it was night and day. The mahogany just SINGS and there's the fullness I couldn't hear before! I absolutely love it. Taylors are brighter than Martins imo, and so a mahogany Taylor is like the perfect storm haha
Have had BT1 over a year. Love it and like sound of it better than BT2 in every comparison video Ive seen but that my preference to each their own. The bt2 looks better though.
The spruce top tone is deeper and richer and sounds more "Taylorish" if you will. Having said that, if you carefully compare the chord stumming at around 3:30 and on, the mahogany "rings" much prettier to my ears.
Michael i mean... if you want a compromise for all styles go bt1, if you have a full size acoustic for the bassy modern stuff but you like some bluegrass, blues and reggae on the beach then go bt2
The bt2 is the first steel string guitar i have experience with (i am classical guitar player with some electric on the side) and never reliazed how big the ring actually is on the bt2 compared to the bt1 lol
The spruce top rings more, has more bell-tone articulation. The mahogany is warmer, has a bit more intimacy. Although I like the look of the mahogany, no question I like the sound of the spruce better. Listen to the wonderful overtone at 3:13!
Nice comparison. I've got the BT2 and I love the extra brightness it has. You can soften the 'ring' it has by picking nearer the neck and accentuate it when you want that 'jangle' (which I think is very distinctive). I know Gilmour played one of these on an acoustic set - I knew as soon as I hit 'play', just by this tone.
When Baby Taylors are well played-in they sound a LOT more rich and mellow. I base that comment on having bought a 1999 BT and both tone and volume are incredible. The only adjustment I had to make was to a a very thin shim under the NT neck (my guitar had no shim nor pocket, so I had to make my own shim).
I have a BT2 ( mahogany top / non electric) that my Dad gave me about 2 years ago. ( he owned it for about 4 years before giving it to me on my 50th Birthday because he knew I liked it ! I played it every time I went to my parents place ! 😄 as I just found it to be ultra comfortable ) It was his out of town work camp guitar , he already has 2 beautiful black Takamine’s And a Martin special? ( Maybe ?) anniversary Dreadnaught of some kind ( probably worth $8G? or so , it was given to him by a family friend that used to own it but passed away a few years back, sorry I can’t remember what anniversary model but it’s at least 30 or 40 years old and looks, sounds and plays very nice) he wasn’t playing the BT2 anymore as he retired and he asked me on my Birthday if I wanted it so of course I said Yes ! 😊 I am mostly an electric guitar player ( for 38 years now) so for me that’s part of why I wanted it , the small 3/4 size body makes it way more comfortable personally. Having almost always played electrics a full sized Dreadnaught feels like hugging a breadbox, until you get used to it ! 😄 I always have at least 6 different guitars within arms reach and when I don’t feel like playing an electric or I’m just trying to figure something out quick by ear. I find myself grabbing that Baby Taylor BT2 quite a bit ( a lot more than I thought I would) as it sounds great, is really easy to play and it’s quite comfortable for an acoustic, I definitely should change the strings though they’ve been put through the ringer ! It’s the perfect little guitar for lazy weekend mornings with a cup of coffee farting around on the couch ! 😄 and the action is fairly low for an acoustic as Pops had his luthier go over it and set it up a bit better than it was when he bought it cost a few bucks to get it done right but it plays like a dream and has a very nice midrange sparkle and warmth to it when played soft to medium hard picking, especially haunting slow single note runs with lots of bends etc 😊. At least check them out if this sounds like it might be your thing. I don’t think you will be disappointed in the least with the BT2 it’s a beautiful little guitar and I play it all the time , pretty much everyday for at least a few minutes 😊
I do 200 shows yearly at the mouse and play a pair Big Baby Taylors exclusively. I play standing up and these guitars feel about as heavy as a loaf of bread, great action, easy on the hands, good intonation for using the capo and sound amazing for 400 bucks? Outstanding!
I bought a Guild D25M as a kid, 40 years ago, not knowing that it was all mahogany. It has been my friend and writing companion for the whole time now. Poor thing is beaten to hell, because it's a player, period. If I had to choose one item (other than a person) to pull out of a burning building, it would be my mahogany D25M. That preference is borne out here as well. Where you really hear the difference, is when strumming hard (at 3:23 in this video). The mahogany projects more and, I think has a more balanced tone with respect to the high strings. The treble strings are richer-sounding and really ring out more. I'm goin' for the BT2.
I played them both at GC they both sounded good I’m still thinking about B1 or B2, I need to go do another test, last time I had an issue with the intonation on the 12 fret, the salesman suggested a GS mini, but I liked the comfort and easy playability of the baby.
In this recording the mahogany sounded brighter and more balanced, like a larger sized martin (except the heavy strumming, then it was a mixed bag). Funny how that works.
Thing about stika spruce is the sound with age changes as it ages, by the time I wear the frets off the guitar they sound more mellow, that harshness is gone . they are both finely crafted instruments I almost gave the bt1 away yesterday but played it that night decided to keep it
Yeah, it's a bit tough for me at times too. It's like, at first I thought for sure the two had it over the one insofar as fuller and warmer..then..it was like ...now wait a minute..lol.
BT2 is the choice for me. Taylor sound only mellowed a bit. BT1 is to tinny for my liking. BT2 is more balanced. I am so going to get one of these soon. Went to look at 214ce Deluxe tonight at GC and picked up the BT1 was the only one they had there. I spent an hour jamming on this little guy. A guitar you could just leave out all the time and play it everywhere. I plan on taking mine with me to work and play it on my lunch hour. Best mini guitar I have ever played and I've been playing guitar for 19 years.
cfoltz97 I play Martin guitars and love Taylors only think they have to much brightness. The BT2 is the perfect balance between the two makers in my opinion anyway. The punch of a Taylor with the sweet melodic tones of a Martin.
Ever thought of demoing two of the same model? I'm curious about how much variation there might be in the build and materials of instruments that are identical on the spec sheet.
I LOVED your "side by side" comparative sound video! Besides their looks, essentially, the Sitka top gives it a brighter, "clearer" sound & the Mahogany a softer sound. A bit less loud? This difference is even more apparent when you pick it rather than strummed. I enjoyed it. I would know what to get (IF they still exist). Thank you. :-) Mario
Kinda weird i know mahogany should sound mellow or dark and spruce bright. In this case, the bt2 which is mahogany sounded brighter and louder than the bt1 spruce top. Hmmmmmm
hi, i'm looking to buy a guitar and I have small hands so I have been watching a few reviews for suitable options. Just wondering what your view is on the Epiphone PR5E also?
Un elemento claro es q entre más toque el spruce abeto con el tiempo mejora más el sonido en cambio las maderas oscuras son maderas de un solo tono el envejecimiento no las mejora las mantienen
BT1 tries too much to sound more than it really is and its a little too brittle and screams modern generic pop sound, the BT2 has more balanced matured midrange with a slight hint of boxyness which gives that charm of a smaller size
@michael H That was very good writing my friend. I purchased a BT2 and like the sound, however, was curious about the BT1. You summed up everything in fantastic words what most people are hearing, but could not write.
Oddly, the spruce seems fuller and deeper. Until you get the strumming, in which case, strangely, the mahogany is the one that seems quite a bit fuller and less lute-like, although it adds some perhaps unpleasant brightness.
The Mahogany sounded more open and jangly to me. I believe I could hear more overtones with it. Which suited some styles where the spruce suits others, to my humble ear at least. I won't get specific as its a subjective thing.
Why in the ef did they not put an inlay on the third fret? I can't believe it was to save money. Basically makes the guitar useless for new players, kids looking to start guitar etc
I would think that the smaller guitar would naturally be brighter and thinner so the mahogany could really balance those issues out. The mahogany guitar is more articulate than many bigger and far more expensive mahogany guitars I have played.
My old BT2 sings like a tiny angel sprinkled with fairy dust. Thanks for the video, Tony!
When visiting Ventura from New Zealand, back in 1995, I went into the Wagon Wheel Boulevard where I’d previously bought a Taylor 710C, looking for a Baby Taylor to travel with. I tuned every BT in the shop, lined them up and played them all. There was one with mahogany finish sides and back, spruce top, that stood out clearly above the rest, which I took home. My kids are all learning to play on it, almost 30 years later. It has mellowed nicely, still not much bottom end, and not brilliant up high on the neck, but a great asset. So far, it has been allowed on every flight as hand luggage.
I'm listening with Sony MDR-7506 studio monitors, at full volume, and the Spruce sounded fuller (less bass, but somehow still fuller....) until the strumming. Then, it was night and day. The mahogany just SINGS and there's the fullness I couldn't hear before! I absolutely love it. Taylors are brighter than Martins imo, and so a mahogany Taylor is like the perfect storm haha
i have the bt1 and i absolutely love it
Have had BT1 over a year. Love it and like sound of it better than BT2 in every comparison video Ive seen but that my preference to each their own. The bt2 looks better though.
The spruce top tone is deeper and richer and sounds more "Taylorish" if you will. Having said that, if you carefully compare the chord stumming at around 3:30 and on, the mahogany "rings" much prettier to my ears.
If only there was a way to get the nice low e string sound of the spruce but also the wonderful ringing of the mahogany
Michael i mean... if you want a compromise for all styles go bt1, if you have a full size acoustic for the bassy modern stuff but you like some bluegrass, blues and reggae on the beach then go bt2
The bt2 is the first steel string guitar i have experience with (i am classical guitar player with some electric on the side) and never reliazed how big the ring actually is on the bt2 compared to the bt1 lol
I have the BT2 and to anyone who's thinking of getting it... Yes yes yes! Amazing guitar.
How much did you buy it? Which currency? Thanks
Can you please tell us the price
Just bought one today.
@@shaeztenesterline3024how is it
The spruce top rings more, has more bell-tone articulation. The mahogany is warmer, has a bit more intimacy. Although I like the look of the mahogany, no question I like the sound of the spruce better. Listen to the wonderful overtone at 3:13!
Thanks for this reviewing as I'm looking to buy one of these. I'm leaning towards the BT1.
I like the BT2 asthetically and sound-wise better. Definately want to pick one up.
I think the mahogany top provides a bit more punch and volume, which is sorely needed in this size of guitar. It's very pretty also.
Great Review for anyone considering purchasing a Baby Taylor
Nice comparison. I've got the BT2 and I love the extra brightness it has. You can soften the 'ring' it has by picking nearer the neck and accentuate it when you want that 'jangle' (which I think is very distinctive). I know Gilmour played one of these on an acoustic set - I knew as soon as I hit 'play', just by this tone.
what concert does Gilmour one on of these? never saw that
This video is such a great help - thank you so much! Kind regards from Amsterdam :)
When Baby Taylors are well played-in they sound a LOT more rich and mellow. I base that comment on having bought a 1999 BT and both tone and volume are incredible. The only adjustment I had to make was to a a very thin shim under the NT neck (my guitar had no shim nor pocket, so I had to make my own shim).
I lean towards the mahogany top model, a more subtle sound to my ears I guess. What a great format this is for us to make our own judgement upon!!!!!
I think the BT2 sounds like a balance between what I like about the BT1 and what I like about the LX1 in terms of sound.
thought the same!
3:15 made it all that clear
thank you, you just saved me 5 minutes of my life
Bt2 sounded warmer to me. The bt1 was a lil too harsh or bright for my liking. Bt2 for me please lol
I have bt2e, love so much, awesome sound 🥰❤😻
The BT1 felt like it almost had too much high end for me. Not that anyone cares two years after the video was posted! Nice recording quality.
Hi Rachel, I care ♡
Me too! I’m shopping for one of these now, and all the comments are helpful 😊
New strings
I have a BT2 ( mahogany top / non electric) that my Dad gave me about 2 years ago. ( he owned it for about 4 years before giving it to me on my 50th Birthday because he knew I liked it ! I played it every time I went to my parents place ! 😄 as I just found it to be ultra comfortable ) It was his out of town work camp guitar , he already has 2 beautiful black Takamine’s And a Martin special? ( Maybe ?) anniversary Dreadnaught of some kind ( probably worth $8G? or so , it was given to him by a family friend that used to own it but passed away a few years back, sorry I can’t remember what anniversary model but it’s at least 30 or 40 years old and looks, sounds and plays very nice) he wasn’t playing the BT2 anymore as he retired and he asked me on my Birthday if I wanted it so of course I said Yes ! 😊 I am mostly an electric guitar player ( for 38 years now) so for me that’s part of why I wanted it , the small 3/4 size body makes it way more comfortable personally. Having almost always played electrics a full sized Dreadnaught feels like hugging a breadbox, until you get used to it ! 😄 I always have at least 6 different guitars within arms reach and when I don’t feel like playing an electric or I’m just trying to figure something out quick by ear. I find myself grabbing that Baby Taylor BT2 quite a bit ( a lot more than I thought I would) as it sounds great, is really easy to play and it’s quite comfortable for an acoustic, I definitely should change the strings though they’ve been put through the ringer ! It’s the perfect little guitar for lazy weekend mornings with a cup of coffee farting around on the couch ! 😄 and the action is fairly low for an acoustic as Pops had his luthier go over it and set it up a bit better than it was when he bought it cost a few bucks to get it done right but it plays like a dream and has a very nice midrange sparkle and warmth to it when played soft to medium hard picking, especially haunting slow single note runs with lots of bends etc 😊. At least check them out if this sounds like it might be your thing. I don’t think you will be disappointed in the least with the BT2 it’s a beautiful little guitar and I play it all the time , pretty much everyday for at least a few minutes 😊
BT2 for bluegrass and blues. BT1 has a more balanced modern sound.
jefflg1967 agreed
perfect words. dot.
I just bought bt1 $180, love the sound
Idk why rhe small taylors all are amazzzzing
I love that everyone has a different ear. Some just hear the same thing differently. So interesting
To me, the BT1 has a warmer sound whereas the BT2 has a brighter sound. They are both nice, its a matter of personal preference.
I do 200 shows yearly at the mouse and play a pair Big Baby Taylors exclusively. I play standing up and these guitars feel about as heavy as a loaf of bread, great action, easy on the hands, good intonation for using the capo and sound amazing for 400 bucks? Outstanding!
I bought a Guild D25M as a kid, 40 years ago, not knowing that it was all mahogany. It has been my friend and writing companion for the whole time now. Poor thing is beaten to hell, because it's a player, period. If I had to choose one item (other than a person) to pull out of a burning building, it would be my mahogany D25M. That preference is borne out here as well. Where you really hear the difference, is when strumming hard (at 3:23 in this video). The mahogany projects more and, I think has a more balanced tone with respect to the high strings. The treble strings are richer-sounding and really ring out more. I'm goin' for the BT2.
Me too m'friend!!x
I played them both at GC they both sounded good I’m still thinking about B1 or B2, I need to go do another test, last time I had an issue with the intonation on the 12 fret, the salesman suggested a GS mini, but I liked the comfort and easy playability of the baby.
Very similar when strumming fast. But on playing chords once, the bt2 has more wood resonance, and a bit more sound projection.
Amazing video! Thanks! Helps me to decide
I'm pretty biased and I personally love the warmth of a mahogany guitar
Yeah!same here!!😇
What’s the size of these guitars? Like a traveller size? Or just like the regular ones?
These would be considered travel size guitars.
In this recording the mahogany sounded brighter and more balanced, like a larger sized martin (except the heavy strumming, then it was a mixed bag).
Funny how that works.
Spuce is better than mahogany imo, it doesn't sound as compressed and mid range is a bit harsher on the bt2
im from Brasil. Your video is very nice and good to choose. Thank you very much.
Thing about stika spruce is the sound with age changes as it ages, by the time I wear the frets off the guitar they sound more mellow, that harshness is gone . they are both finely crafted instruments I almost gave the bt1 away yesterday but played it that night decided to keep it
Still have your BT1? I am trying to find a Baby Taylor in good used condition. Can't afford a new one. Interested in selling it?
To my ears the spruce was a bit too bright and a touch harsh. The mahogany was more mellow....like honey for the ears :)
I have the mahogany. You are right!
Agree
for me it's exactly the opposite hahaha
the mahogany sounds brighter and dirtier as the spruce sounds more closed and clean... just my impressions
Yes
sitka gets more mellow and rich over time
Dis buenas guitarras, según gustos o preferencias, me decidí años por caoba más grave pero estoy encantado 🥰 con ella… solo toco Parlor s
Yeah, it's a bit tough for me at times too. It's like, at first I thought for sure the two had it over the one insofar as fuller and warmer..then..it was like ...now wait a minute..lol.
I choose taylor BT2
Wow, thank you for this!!
BT2 is the choice for me. Taylor sound only mellowed a bit. BT1 is to tinny for my liking. BT2 is more balanced. I am so going to get one of these soon. Went to look at 214ce Deluxe tonight at GC and picked up the BT1 was the only one they had there. I spent an hour jamming on this little guy. A guitar you could just leave out all the time and play it everywhere. I plan on taking mine with me to work and play it on my lunch hour. Best mini guitar I have ever played and I've been playing guitar for 19 years.
cfoltz97 I play Martin guitars and love Taylors only think they have to much brightness. The BT2 is the perfect balance between the two makers in my opinion anyway. The punch of a Taylor with the sweet melodic tones of a Martin.
Ever thought of demoing two of the same model? I'm curious about how much variation there might be in the build and materials of instruments that are identical on the spec sheet.
I LOVED your "side by side" comparative sound video! Besides their looks, essentially, the Sitka top gives it a brighter, "clearer" sound & the Mahogany a softer sound. A bit less loud? This difference is even more apparent when you pick it rather than strummed. I enjoyed it. I would know what to get (IF they still exist). Thank you. :-) Mario
very good comparison
Good filming. They both sound ok. Dark one is a little brighter. I think they both need better strings.
What is the microphone used here?
Kinda weird i know mahogany should sound mellow or dark and spruce bright. In this case, the bt2 which is mahogany sounded brighter and louder than the bt1 spruce top. Hmmmmmm
song at 2:15 ?
I think bt1 looks better but bt2 sounds better, its a hard decision
Exactly my struggle, which one to take ?! :/
I like both. But had to go for bt2 because it looks 10 times better
A great Review, and yes we hear the difference.Thank you.
Thanks for the comparison 👍
hi, i'm looking to buy a guitar and I have small hands so I have been watching a few reviews for suitable options. Just wondering what your view is on the Epiphone PR5E also?
Hi, I subscribed to the newsletter - how do i get access to the tabs?
Send me an email please..... chad@musicvilla.com
Spruce for strumming and mahogany for picking.
Mohagony for me. Anyway what string and gauge do u recommend for this?
I think the mahogany top works well with this guitar.
I wish I could play like you
2:05 sold me
BT2 by a mile for me... just the sound I was looking for:)
I bought the mahogany, lovely guitar, I play it eeeevvverryy day,
nice review! i heared the difference. thank you
I'm looking for a guitar I can use for acoustic blues and I think the BT2 would be my choice.
Proof that wood affects tone
Wow, the BT2 has a lot more punch in the lower and high mids frequency. Prefer the sound of the BT2 personally.
great video!
Un elemento claro es q entre más toque el spruce abeto con el tiempo mejora más el sonido en cambio las maderas oscuras son maderas de un solo tono el envejecimiento no las mejora las mantienen
And correct me if I am wrong, but as we play it, times makes a difference? Makes the wood sound differently?
Spruce is quieter and balanced mahogany is punchy balanced and powerful bt1 is bright
Bt1 is much crisp but bt2 has a loud and soft plz tell which to buy
BT2 has less brightness and chimeness than the BT1 but i think the BT2 still sounds nice and warm.
Mahagoni has more Mids? I like the Spruce Top a little more - thanks for the video!
anyone know the song he's playing at 1:19 in drop d?
+romeo coloma yy
Just came to the comments to find out the same.
Hello. What guitar should i use with that small guitars size? Especially for arpeggio? Thanks
I like these guitars but no turtle shell pick guard
HI did you say three quarter inch scale length ? Don´t think so, please what´s the real scale lenth, thanks
@Acoustic Letter..great vid man, thanks!
BT1 tries too much to sound more than it really is and its a little too brittle and screams modern generic pop sound, the BT2 has more balanced matured midrange with a slight hint of boxyness which gives that charm of a smaller size
Michael H i
@michael H That was very good writing my friend. I purchased a BT2 and like the sound, however, was curious about the BT1. You summed up everything in fantastic words what most people are hearing, but could not write.
exactly! if you want a smaller version of a full size, bt1; if you want a small size that sounds like one, bt2
I like more BT2....two incredible sound
Very helpful! Thanks man.
still like the BT1, both sound rad tho..
Hi..may I ask what brand/gauge.of string string are you using ?thanks
micoj soriano Taylor Baby comes with Elixir Nanoweb Phospher Bronze light 12/53s. Don’t know if that’s what the reviewer was using though.
Anyone knows the song at 3:15? I want to learn it so bad
Hello Tony, from your ears what sounds more low end? The BT1 or the BT2?
BT1 loses nothing to the BT2 yet adds an extra element in the sound.
The BT2 looks better but definitely lacks the mids. I think sounds is what really counts when taking about these guitars.
What bag I need give for Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar, Mahogany Top?
THANK YOU
2:16 riff is..? from where??
BT2 sounds better! I have both BT1 and BT2 so I also knew this to be true!
Oddly, the spruce seems fuller and deeper. Until you get the strumming, in which case, strangely, the mahogany is the one that seems quite a bit fuller and less lute-like, although it adds some perhaps unpleasant brightness.
Jesse Watson yeah... one is a bit murky on the bass, the other is a bit too ringy on the high
The Mahogany sounded more open and jangly to me. I believe I could hear more overtones with it. Which suited some styles where the spruce suits others, to my humble ear at least. I won't get specific as its a subjective thing.
To me ...The BT 1 sounds clearer , BT 2 still a great sound but a bit duff compared .
4:13 What song is that?
Why in the ef did they not put an inlay on the third fret? I can't believe it was to save money. Basically makes the guitar useless for new players, kids looking to start guitar etc
My bt2 has inlay on the 3rd fret.
So does mine 👍🏻
I would think that the smaller guitar would naturally be brighter and thinner so the mahogany could really balance those issues out. The mahogany guitar is more articulate than many bigger and far more expensive mahogany guitars I have played.
Can you make a review of the cort earth mini f adirondack please?
i need help please. is it ok to put it in soft case of taylor bt2 with the humidfier? or should i need to find a hard case?
It is fine. Infact taylor recommends keeping the guitar in the case with the humidifier. I have a Bt2 and love it.
I like the one with the mahogany better.