Excellent video. You were a great help in making my decision on a new 714. I went with the V class. This is my 55th year as a player, and this Taylor will probably be my last purchase. My son will inherit a great acoustic whenever my days are done.
@@jonstout7635 Funny, doesn’t seem that long ago I searched so many guitars for a great tone and on a very limited college budget bought the Giannini made of Brazilian rosewood. Still has beautiful tone and so many hours of play on it. I picked up a Taylor years ago and it was a “wow” moment. I wish I’d been able to spend as many years with this Taylor - but I’m really looking forward to it. And now at 66 hope I’ve still got some years left until my son inherites two loved guitars! 🙂
@@ronchappell216 Your Giannini has to sound rich and glorious. I'm glad you've had the discipline to keep in all these years and I'm sure you son appreciates that as well. Years ago I visited a friend in east Texas who had a Collings OM with a Brazilian back and sides. To me it was like a choir of angels coming out of that little body. That level of guitar has never been in my budget, and I had to sell off a lot of my other gear to get the Taylor. I bought a new Taylor GS-7 about 9 years ago from an online store. I didn't bond with it, but this time around as I was wondering what $3000 could buy, the V class bracing what delivering something that I felt was missing from earlier Taylors. For years I played a Gibson J-45 I bought at a store where I gave lessons back in the 70's. It was build it 1970 and it had a full and balanced sound. Stayed in tune, great intonation and was well into those years the finish was wearing away. An event in life required me to sell it (to Gruhn's) and nothing I had for the past 30 years made me smile as much until now. For 20 years I've played Larrivee guitars and enjoyed them, but at 65 I felt I had one last window of opportunity to get something of a dream guitar. The 714c has inspired me and I'm playing things I've never played on an acoustic before - new picking and strumming techniques. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
What a fantastic demonstration of the difference of sound with the different bracing. This is the way to do it. I own a Taylor Koa K24ce x braced. Before I made my final decision on the purchase, I turned my back and had the salesperson play both guitars in all styles, not knowing which one was being played. Through all of that, the x bracing sounded the best to MY ears. And that’s how I made my choice, and I have been thrilled with it ever since.
The V Class 714 is one of the most balanced guitars I have ever heard. I own one and the sustain, on the low strings is much better on the 714ce V Class than the 814ce or 914ce V class. The 714 ce V Class is the overall best sounding guitar I have owned and I have owed more than a few.
The V-Class bracing really shines when playing lines of individual notes. Each note is equally strong and clear across and up and down the neck. With X bracing notes almost totally disappear depending upon where you are on the neck. X bracing does produce a noticeably warmer sound. Obviously a matter of taste but I prefer the new V-Class. This is the best demo of V vs X that I’ve seen/heard.
After trying approximately 50 guitars (Martin, Gibson, Taylor x & v braced) and buying then returning several, I decided on the v braced 714ce. As with any guitar, even within the same model, not all are created equal. The v braced 714 I have sounds like the x braced in this video but with longer sustain and volume. It also has great intonation compared to an x braced. If you’re looking for a guitar don’t judge the v braced too quickly. I bought and returned three 814ce guitars (1 x and 2 v) and none of them had the sound I was looking for. I had given up on the v class when I found my 714. When it’s the right guitar the v brace enables several improvements.
I agree with you Nathan. I recently exchanged my 214ce cf sb dlx with a higher model 3x. First with 317e then 414ce sb special edition and finally settled with 714ce wsb. I’m a happy owner of this new v-braced guitar and sounds even better when I replaced the Elexir Nanoweb to Elixir Polyweb strings.
Great comparison, you covered the different ways people might play it, personally I find that although the ears are immediately grabbed by the brightness of the V, the X seems more balanced overall, both are lovely guitars though, thanks for the excellent demo
To my ears the V bracing has lost a lot of mids and boosted the treble which is great if you like that sound. However I found the X braced guitar to have a more even frequency response warmed by a prenounced mids response. Horses for courses, but I'd be looking for an X braced model.
I have a 2002 714CE, and I still love it. I concur with your statement. I had my hearing aids in, LOL actually do so I can hear higher pitches, and was thinking exactly what you said. My 714 CE is western cedar top. I love it because it mellows slightly on the higher tones but still gives the volume. Someone else might listen and not love it the way I do. The new ones are wonderful and I know the electronics are improved over my old 2002 version but I will not be trading it off for the new one, maybe wouldn't give it back if someone got me one for Christmas though. I noticed the difference in how they responded to being picked verses strummed and I did think the V Strut sounded really nice in the strummed pieces.
I just purchased a 414ce-R after playing about 21 guitars, 3 different shops, 4 top-tier brands. It is not as Warm as the X-brace, but the Sound and Playability are Phenomenal. I like the Airy high-end Chime, as I am a Strat guy. Nice comparison.
The X bracing guitar seems to have more mids (and bass?). Maybe more clarity and tiny bit of increased sustain for the V bracing one. But really difficult to spot a big difference apart from the mids and bass.
Wonderful presentation and playing. To my ears the 714 X brace series approaches dreadnought territory while still retaining the subtle clarity of an OM and Grand Auditorium responsiveness. Spot on. At some point I’d love to here the comparisons with the dual source pickups even though the two condenser mics really show off the innate acoustic properties of these beautiful guitars.
My friend 44 years ago had a Martin D-28 or 35 and when you played it, the bass response and percussive feel of the E and A strings was amazing. I have wanted that feel for 40+ years. Now that I can afford it, Taylor changed the game? Guessing I’m going Martin
The V bracing sounds like it would be a smaller guitar with much brighter high end and the X sounds like what you'd expect a big bodied Taylor to sound like. For recording, I can see the V bracing being much easier to work with, but in person it's hard to imagine not loving the rich low end of the X bracing guitar.
Been wanting a 714CE and this narrowed my choice. While the V had more articulation in the mids and highs, it lacked the warmth of the X and the X definitely was louder strummed. I'd like to hear the cedar top thrown into the mix.
V class far superior note definition, played them both myself at GC and 714 V was amazing enough to make me want to drop 3k on one... I’d say you can definitely hear each note of cords more clearly, especially when you’re holding one live... the X brace 714 sounds about the same as my 200 series Taylor...
I think the difference in tone was the finish and not the bracing. Sunburst finish gives guitars a darker tone due to the elements in the paint. Also the nut was white on the sunburst finish but black on the natural finish, so that may have been the difference in tone.
I own a V class 714 ce ltd (sinker redwood) and it sounds more like the x braced one. I personally love my v class guitar, but in this vid the x brace def sounds better.
X bracing seems to have a more focused sound. If they’re both new guitars then it’s a fair comparison, if not then it’s not 100%. I like the strum of the V but picking of X sounds better to my ear.
It is clear on this comparison that the V-Bracing does project a crisp and clean sound but it does lack the accompanying overtones that the X-Bracing provides. The V-Bracing promotes the fundamentals to such a degree that the overtones are slightly suppressed within the mix. There is an additional glassiness to the sound of the X-Bracing that IMO leaves it sounding fractionally more brittle and cooler tonally. In contrast, the X-Bracing projects a more balanced and harmonic tone resulting in a warmer and more interactive tonal range. In short, each note supports the following and previous notes to produce a more dynamic sound. Perhaps they just interact better or easier? My preference is the X-Bracing - for that warmer tonal quality and the V-Bracing where individual note clarity and projection is required.
I found the X-braced 714 ce to sound better and I was using my studio headphones to be sure....but that is just my opinion.....whereas if I owned and Played the newer V class braced guitar I may change my mind
Pretentious bollocks.. all individual merits and the names or bracing has its attractions to many. Martin Or Taylor.. I own a 414ce and Martin 000Crgte. Both fantastic guitars and individual in their own right.. to pursue a single standard is to pursue boredom for all eventually. Love your guitars and stop wallowing in drivel or pretentious bollocks.. change the guitars to shite strings and claim how good the bracing is
Excellent video. You were a great help in making my decision on a new 714. I went with the V class. This is my 55th year as a player, and this Taylor will probably be my last purchase. My son will inherit a great acoustic whenever my days are done.
Jon Stout that would be a lovely thing to inherit on many levels. Thanks for the kind words about the video, enjoy your new guitar. Jamie
Ditto almost. I’ve been playing my same Giannini for almost 50 years. Ordered the 714ce-V today. My son will enjoy one day.
@@ronchappell216 I've only had mine since June, but it already feels like an old friend. The tone, sustain, harmonics and intonation are amazing.
@@jonstout7635 Funny, doesn’t seem that long ago I searched so many guitars for a great tone and on a very limited college budget bought the Giannini made of Brazilian rosewood. Still has beautiful tone and so many hours of play on it. I picked up a Taylor years ago and it was a “wow” moment. I wish I’d been able to spend as many years with this Taylor - but I’m really looking forward to it. And now at 66 hope I’ve still got some years left until my son inherites two loved guitars! 🙂
@@ronchappell216 Your Giannini has to sound rich and glorious. I'm glad you've had the discipline to keep in all these years and I'm sure you son appreciates that as well.
Years ago I visited a friend in east Texas who had a Collings OM with a Brazilian back and sides. To me it was like a choir of angels coming out of that little body. That level of guitar has never been in my budget, and I had to sell off a lot of my other gear to get the Taylor. I bought a new Taylor GS-7 about 9 years ago from an online store. I didn't bond with it, but this time around as I was wondering what $3000 could buy, the V class bracing what delivering something that I felt was missing from earlier Taylors. For years I played a Gibson J-45 I bought at a store where I gave lessons back in the 70's. It was build it 1970 and it had a full and balanced sound. Stayed in tune, great intonation and was well into those years the finish was wearing away. An event in life required me to sell it (to Gruhn's) and nothing I had for the past 30 years made me smile as much until now. For 20 years I've played Larrivee guitars and enjoyed them, but at 65 I felt I had one last window of opportunity to get something of a dream guitar. The 714c has inspired me and I'm playing things I've never played on an acoustic before - new picking and strumming techniques. You can teach an old dog new tricks!
What a fantastic demonstration of the difference of sound with the different bracing. This is the way to do it.
I own a Taylor Koa K24ce x braced. Before I made my final decision on the purchase, I turned my back and had the salesperson play both guitars in all styles, not knowing which one was being played. Through all of that, the x bracing sounded the best to MY ears. And that’s how I made my choice, and I have been thrilled with it ever since.
The V Class 714 is one of the most balanced guitars I have ever heard. I own one and the sustain, on the low strings is much better on the 714ce V Class than the 814ce or 914ce V class. The 714 ce V Class is the overall best sounding guitar I have owned and I have owed more than a few.
Lutz or Cedar?
@@brianwhite3771 Lutz. Great guitar for the money and just beautiful.
The V-Class bracing really shines when playing lines of individual notes. Each note is equally strong and clear across and up and down the neck. With X bracing notes almost totally disappear depending upon where you are on the neck. X bracing does produce a noticeably warmer sound. Obviously a matter of taste but I prefer the new V-Class. This is the best demo of V vs X that I’ve seen/heard.
After trying approximately 50 guitars (Martin, Gibson, Taylor x & v braced) and buying then returning several, I decided on the v braced 714ce. As with any guitar, even within the same model, not all are created equal. The v braced 714 I have sounds like the x braced in this video but with longer sustain and volume. It also has great intonation compared to an x braced. If you’re looking for a guitar don’t judge the v braced too quickly. I bought and returned three 814ce guitars (1 x and 2 v) and none of them had the sound I was looking for. I had given up on the v class when I found my 714. When it’s the right guitar the v brace enables several improvements.
I agree with you Nathan. I recently exchanged my 214ce cf sb dlx with a higher model 3x. First with 317e then 414ce sb special edition and finally settled with 714ce wsb. I’m a happy owner of this new v-braced guitar and sounds even better when I replaced the Elexir Nanoweb to Elixir Polyweb strings.
The older Taylor to me definitely has a better sound, tone.
Great comparison, you covered the different ways people might play it, personally I find that although the ears are immediately grabbed by the brightness of the V, the X seems more balanced overall, both are lovely guitars though, thanks for the excellent demo
To my ears the V bracing has lost a lot of mids and boosted the treble which is great if you like that sound. However I found the X braced guitar to have a more even frequency response warmed by a prenounced mids response. Horses for courses, but I'd be looking for an X braced model.
Pronounced.
great time to be buying used X braced guitars as people sell for the V-class. I just picked one up real cheap.
I have a 2002 714CE, and I still love it. I concur with your statement. I had my hearing aids in, LOL actually do so I can hear higher pitches, and was thinking exactly what you said. My 714 CE is western cedar top. I love it because it mellows slightly on the higher tones but still gives the volume. Someone else might listen and not love it the way I do. The new ones are wonderful and I know the electronics are improved over my old 2002 version but I will not be trading it off for the new one, maybe wouldn't give it back if someone got me one for Christmas though. I noticed the difference in how they responded to being picked verses strummed and I did think the V Strut sounded really nice in the strummed pieces.
Versus!
Bloozaholic ya nailed it
Fantastic playing. The V-class one really stands out to me. Incredible sounding guitar. Probably will end up buying it.
the X one for me
I just purchased a 414ce-R after playing about 21 guitars, 3 different shops, 4 top-tier brands. It is not as Warm as the X-brace, but the Sound and Playability are Phenomenal. I like the Airy high-end Chime, as I am a Strat guy. Nice comparison.
Not only do the guitars sound great, the musician is great too.
The X bracing guitar seems to have more mids (and bass?). Maybe more clarity and tiny bit of increased sustain for the V bracing one. But really difficult to spot a big difference apart from the mids and bass.
I dont heard any difference in bass...in mids yes. I prefer the warmer sound of the x bracing...nice sound
Wonderful presentation and playing. To my ears the 714 X brace series approaches dreadnought territory while still retaining the subtle clarity of an OM and Grand Auditorium responsiveness. Spot on. At some point I’d love to here the comparisons with the dual source pickups even though the two condenser mics really show off the innate acoustic properties of these beautiful guitars.
V-class sounds amazing!
I liked the V too but Id still go for the X bracing. Its sound is what an acoustic guitar should have, for me.
My friend 44 years ago had a Martin D-28 or 35 and when you played it, the bass response and percussive feel of the E and A strings was amazing. I have wanted that feel for 40+ years. Now that I can afford it, Taylor changed the game? Guessing I’m going Martin
The V bracing sounds like it would be a smaller guitar with much brighter high end and the X sounds like what you'd expect a big bodied Taylor to sound like. For recording, I can see the V bracing being much easier to work with, but in person it's hard to imagine not loving the rich low end of the X bracing guitar.
Been wanting a 714CE and this narrowed my choice. While the V had more articulation in the mids and highs, it lacked the warmth of the X and the X definitely was louder strummed. I'd like to hear the cedar top thrown into the mix.
Xbraced has its own depth y dynamics…but I will buy the new Vclass tomorrow!Ty your sound demo is the best
V class far superior note definition, played them both myself at GC and 714 V was amazing enough to make me want to drop 3k on one... I’d say you can definitely hear each note of cords more clearly, especially when you’re holding one live... the X brace 714 sounds about the same as my 200 series Taylor...
I think the difference in tone was the finish and not the bracing. Sunburst finish gives guitars a darker tone due to the elements in the paint. Also the nut was white on the sunburst finish but black on the natural finish, so that may have been the difference in tone.
black nut on v braced models white on x braced
I own a V class 714 ce ltd (sinker redwood) and it sounds more like the x braced one. I personally love my v class guitar, but in this vid the x brace def sounds better.
X bracing seems to have a more focused sound. If they’re both new guitars then it’s a fair comparison, if not then it’s not 100%. I like the strum of the V but picking of X sounds better to my ear.
Beautiful.
It is clear on this comparison that the V-Bracing does project a crisp and clean sound but it does lack the accompanying overtones that the X-Bracing provides. The V-Bracing promotes the fundamentals to such a degree that the overtones are slightly suppressed within the mix. There is an additional glassiness to the sound of the X-Bracing that IMO leaves it sounding fractionally more brittle and cooler tonally. In contrast, the X-Bracing projects a more balanced and harmonic tone resulting in a warmer and more interactive tonal range. In short, each note supports the following and previous notes to produce a more dynamic sound. Perhaps they just interact better or easier? My preference is the X-Bracing - for that warmer tonal quality and the V-Bracing where individual note clarity and projection is required.
Do you have the tabs for the songs played?
I noticed the sound difference between both models when you started strumming x braced guitar was more duller and brighter than the v based guitar
duller and brighter at the same time?
@@TheSilence1 yeah it sound quality sounds low but it has a bright sounding pitch
I found the X-braced 714 ce to sound better and I was using my studio headphones to be sure....but that is just my opinion.....whereas if I owned and Played the newer V class braced guitar I may change my mind
Certainly different. I’d love to be able to sound test my 310CE against a new one.
3:11
Nice t-shirt!
I prefer teh x brace its overall more toneful. v brace sounds boring to me
i want to record this guitar for my song
i will pay u
ru interested ?
lmaooo
x better
Pretentious bollocks.. all individual merits and the names or bracing has its attractions to many. Martin Or Taylor.. I own a 414ce and Martin 000Crgte. Both fantastic guitars and individual in their own right.. to pursue a single standard is to pursue boredom for all eventually. Love your guitars and stop wallowing in drivel or pretentious bollocks.. change the guitars to shite strings and claim how good the bracing is
X braced sounds better.
Sounds fine, but no more pleasing or balanced than any other decent guitar.
Another Taylor engineered to leave out lower mids and bass. Where's the innovation in that?
Nothing special ...