I really wanted to love the Taylor Academy series, but something about the neck didn't do it for me. The beveled armrest is such a cool touch. Then I picked up the Martin Road series. It felt like they had taken an imprint of my hand and shaped the neck to fit it. I guess the bottom line is that if you're stepping up, you are the one who has to put in the time to play the guitars. The right one will sing to you. I like to play a G chord, and listen hard for musicality and sustain. then have someone play it for you in the style you're accustomed to. I'd love to see you guys do a 'How to test drive a guitar" video. That would be great!
I just stepped up (a really big step) from a 200 dollar Ibanez acoustic electric to a 214ce dlx that I found in perfect condition used on reverb for $900 and it came with 4 sets of strings and a Taylor strap. It was an absolutely unbelievable deal.
I bought a "step-up" guitar from your shop. I just wanted to say how great the experience was and how happy I am with my Taylor 114e. It is an awesome guitar for the price.
I actually have that "blue guitar", bit different color. It was "gifted" to me. It's a terrible guitar, however the first thing I did was put nylon strings on it and it's playable. It stays in tune and works...The only reason I've kept it is that I have small kids and pets. Having this junk guitar allows me to keep it out in the office, where I spend most of my time. My real guitar is kept in a case safely tucked away. I use the junk guitar to practice when I'm thinking about something. Then I get all excited and bring out my real guitar to hear it. I'm not advocating anyone purchase the "blue guitar" on purpose, but if you somehow ended up with one: NYLON STRINGS. It won't be your best guitar, but it will be something you don't have to worry about if you live in a busy house.
Cooper's point about body shape is so important. I played an Epiphone dreadnought for years and never fully fell in love with it as it felt very bulky for me as a smaller person. I was even smaller when I got it at 15 years old and I didn't really know what I was looking for. It was hard to play, especially sitting on my bed, but I loved playing guitar so much that I toughed it out for 10+ years with that guitar. I recently upgraded to a smaller, rounder Martin Road Series guitar and the way it fits my body and the way it plays is a night and day difference. I feel kind of stupid not making the switch years ago, but the wait was well worth it.
Last Christmas I couldn't play guitar, this Christmas I own an Ibanez RGA61AL, Epiphone Les Paul Custom and an a Taylor 224ce-dlx. I've learned a lot of guitar in this year and having nice instruments is definitely helping with that.
The tip about body shape is 100% spot on. I bought the fender dreadnaught off Amazon as my 1st guitar and probably would have stopped playing if I had not recognized I needed a smaller body guitar to play more comfortably.
Alamo Music Center has to be one of best music stores in the country. Love your videos. I am inspired and educated thanks to both Chris and Cooper. Thanks.
My step up/second first guitar was a Big baby Taylor. I was trying a bunch of guitars out and getting a bit disappointed by the price versus the sound (to my newbie ears). Tried this out and fell in love. I’m in Canada, so went to my LGS. But thanks to watching way too many Alamo videos :) I knew I was stepping up to a solid top quality guitar. It sounded gorgeous, was so comfortable to play, and came with an awesome gig bag! The calluses are back! Thanks for all the videos!
I absolutely love your videos and I rely on them for knowledge. One thing I do have a hard time with is when I go to your website and try to look up specific gear it gives me a bunch of irrelevant options that aren't even close to what I'm looking for. I live in Lititz, PA but I like to patronize places that give great info and opinions that are helpful to me. I wish you had a better search bar that's more user friendly. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was worth a mention. Thanks Chris and Cooper! You guys rock!!
I just got a Takamine GD93CE. What a difference and what a beautiful guitar it is. I had a look at your other recommendation of the Taylor A12e or 114 but those were a bit more expensive and i dont play often or well enough to pay the difference. I will definitely go for a full solid if i stick to it properly for a few years. Being from Europe it was not exactly feasible to buy directly from you guys :(
i know this is an older video but i just saw it today, and near the end you said something that really hit me, "don't just get a good deal on the wrong guitar" i have fallen prey to that a few times and wish i would have heard this back then, thanks for content on all your videos and the one on practice where you say to get out to the senior centers and nursing homes really melted my heart, i teach a beginners guitar class and we are doing that this year now that covid has been reduced, thank again
First guitar was a plastic 'Elvis Presley' acoustic half size with a clip on button chord learning gadget. Later I inherited a Watkins Rapier electric. I played it using a transistor radio as an amp. First real purchased guitar was an Eco Ranger 12 acoustic which I got age 15 and I still have it now. I'm at the point of having a good Yamaha acoustic and I want to move up to a Taylor or similar guitar. I also have a few electric guitars having sold lots in the past few years.
In October, I picked up a former neighbor's left-behind late 60s Emperador as my first guitar. I'm looking to step up to an Epiphone EJ200. Maybe one day I can look towards a Taylor or Martin. Here's hoping I'm on the right track!
I currently play an Ovation 1771lx. I like the feel of the neck sliding thru my hand and definitely the sound I get out of it. I got it for $190 with case used in great shape. My next guitar will probably be a higher end Ovation. Thank you all for the content. I'm learning as I go...
I ordered a free Ibanez acoustic using reward points from a program at work. I kept it for a couple weeks, then traded it in for a Taylor Academy 12e. Love this guitar! Then as I browsed through my local music store, I saw a great deal on a 2016 LTD Taylor 514ce. I bounce between the 12e and the 514ce. But the difference between that Ibanez and the 12e was mind blowing. The action, the sound, the tuning stability. I’m not sure if I stuck with that Ibanez if I would have progressed as far as I have with the Taylor’s.
Just saw this. I went from a 1/2 scale yamaha, to now getting a guild 120ce, coming in the mail soon. I'm so amped, looks like I did well based on ur vid. I enjoy your content so much, thx for all the help!
I bought 2 step up all solid guitars by Furch. A used dreadnought cedar/rosewood and a new OM all mahogany. They sound different, but great. I love them both.
My first guitar I bought in 2014 and got a Martin D-16RGT. Had it for 2 years, sold it and bought my dream guitar in 2016 which was the 2016 J45 Custom with abalone and Rosewood. Had it now for 7 years and absolutely love it. Never found a guitar I love more than it. I love it more than 40 series Martins
My first guitar was a Les Paul copy from the Sears catalog. I still own it 35 years later. It needs more work than it’s worth to make it playable. One of these days I’ll buy a wall hanger and put it on display
It could be argued that at this sort of price point that electronics are something that you should think carefully whether you will need. I have no plans for performing / recording so I chose one of the non-electric Taylor Academy series which was at the top of my budget, rather than a lesser guitar that was inflated by the addition of electronics.
First guitar, a Montgomery Ward. Airline made by Harmony as a Regal HH6600. 23 years later, a Washburn, then 19 years after that a Taylor 614ce. More years & guitars since then. Several from Alamo
@@MrHeliosoul the Washburn is an older acoustic dreadnought I learned on & been across the country. It & I had some serious cold & dry the 1st Montana winter. The 914 is new, a memorial to my wife who departed recently. Day before she went to the ER for the last time, she told me to order or get a guitar at Christmas or my birthday for me and have it come from her. That's what it is. From Alamo. I volunteer sing and play for memory care & other retirement communities.
Good idea for a video. My first was a Yamaha FG300A, from 1993 or so. Bridge pulled up from the body (still not sure what to do with it.) Stepped up to Taylor 110. Loved the Yamaha but nowhere close to the Taylor.
Thank you for all of your videos. You are helping me a lot in decision making. After I look at your buyers guide and make some determinations on additional specs you mentioned here I will be calling you with my "list" of needs and desires to see if you can find what I want. So far I haven't quite found everything I am hoping to find. I think it's more aesthetics that I'm having trouble finding. I hope we will be able to find one that meets a few of the more important desires. I adore you both you're super sweet and love the detail in your videos. I feel so blessed that I found your channel just as I am looking for a guitar. I have been learning on my boyfriend's fender cd60sce which I was in love with until Cooper made me fall head over heels for hopefully a future Taylor. ..the sound... And Cooper, if I were younger I would come grab you by the hair and drag you away to be mine. Lol you melt my heart and you remind me a lot of my son who is also a sweetheart. I can't wait to speak or chat with you both when I get my list finalized. I hope that I can get input from you both. I like the different points you both bring to the table.. again thank you I love all your videos. Warmest regards
I went from an Ibanez PF dreadnaught that was $200 I begged my dad to get me because going into high school I signed up for guitar class… to graduating high school and saving up to get a Taylor 412ce. From 14-18 years old, that dreadnaught was just not me, even after puberty and growing into it haha, I’m a shorter guy! I liked the neck on it, but the Taylor NT neck is sent straight from heaven. I made sure my little brother’s first guitar suited him after learning my mistakes. His first acoustic (and only guitar!) is an Ibanez Artwood, Grand Concert with a solid Engelmann spruce top. That was 10 years ago and it’s aged beautifully.
The Breedlove Concert body is a great shape in a step-up guitar if you buy the level with all solid woods body. It's easier to play than a dreadnought. I have a Breedlove Signature Organic that was all solid and had a torreafied top for $250 less than the Taylor Academy series at the time.
Can you do a series on acoustic guitars that have a hallows bodies, Almost like Parlor guitars, easy to Hold , small but powerful enough for Tones. Etc.
In May or June, I stepped up from a Takamine GS330S, which I love, to a Taylor 214ce which I got from Alamo Music. I live in Texas so I just went to Alamo and picked it up. I gave the Takamine to a teenager learning guitar. Her skills are already passing me up. She loves that darn guitar. Now, I love the Taylor 214ce but I'm already trying to figure out what my next step-up is going to be.
I just love you guys. I bought the best-sounding guitar that I could find at my local hock shop. I have no idea why I even thought that was the land of good deals, but I ended up with a very nice Alvarez, despite my ignorance.
Just bought my step up last week. In 1999 I bought a $200 Cort, which I still love. I now also own an Alvarez Masterworks concert body. All solid wood and also a hard case for $500. It's really a beautiful guitar. It was very difficult buying a guitar right now with covid. I went to guitar center and Sam Ash and they were practically bare with guitars. It was shocking how many empty hooks there were. Also I don't know enough about the feel of a guitar to know if I like it or not so I just did some research and had to order it online. It's very nice but the action is just a little high. I hope I can correct that in the future.
These are the gentlemen that got me looking into the ethos of Taylor Guitars, and buying a used Academy 12 and a 12e on clearance in late April and May 2020 as I started learning to play. My first string instrument: a Coronado (Gambles store brand) banjo ($250 used in 1985) that would not stay in tune so I gave it to a neighbor. Is the Breedlove Pursuit Exotic Concert E Sitka-Koa my step-up? Or is it the Ibanez AS73FM semi-hollow body with Vox Mini3 G2 amp? Always learning... Blame GAS for my Guitarsenal. Thanks, Chris, and Sneezy (1/4 tsp of cinnamon every day keeps the passages clear). Our Christmas Eve service launches at 9 a.m. Central on TH-cam's First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d'Alene channel. The Tech Coordinator and I finished the last of the 3-hour recording sessions (add an hour since the sound guys are "First In, Last Out") Monday night, after we figured out how the many video clips should sequence, after TC's editing each one. "Thumbs Up" are appreciated by all involved in these productions, not just the actors. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I stepped up from a low end Ibanez acoustic electric to Taylor Academy 10e , I am so attached to my Taylor though but eventually would like to step up to the Taylor GT Urban Ash. I am stuck to this brand
I play "step-up" guitars on stage. Stuff I can replace if damaged, lost, or stolen. I was playing my Gibson 1953 J-50 with a Bill Lawrence in the sound hole with the R&B band I was in at a Community Christmas party in a town hall. After intermission, I picked up my guitar and walked over to the mic and looked down to see a six inch crack in the side of my guitar. Some drunk had tripped over my guitar. I played the blues with feeling for the last set.
i just got another student who wants to learn and she got a guitar from a friend. and the guitar isn’t optimal for learning in general, but in this case it’s just the wrong instrument, because it’s a huge dreadnought and the woman is under 5 feet and she just disappears behind the guitar. i lent her a cheap roundback and a capo and it’s kinda makeshift shortscale guitar and last week we went to a huge music store and we found a very decent instrument for 200 € that is similar to my gs mini, but the lower bout is even narrower. it sounds small, sure, but there is a demand for smaller guitars and i‘m thankful for the small body hype because finally my students can get an acoustic guitar that really fits. ❤
yeah those yamahas give you a ton of playability at a low price. now i want something with choice tonewoods for recording and live performance, and, not gonna lie, name brand does give you some credibility
The intro caught me off-guard because I'm stepping up from a $28 guitar (Juarez - 038C) to a Yamaha FSX800C lmfao. Awesome and enjoyable video as always! :D
Playability and tone are the two most important factors in my humble opinion, Is the instrument easy to play and does it have a rich tone. If it does don't pass it up. I have a Mexican Martin, two Seagulls and an Epiphone John Lennon LE. I love them all and they all have these two qualities. I've tried out many others and have walked on by.
I had he Taylor academy 12 with the bevel. IMO that or a GS mini is about as good as it gets for a beginner. Ive been playing guitar for 25 years and was blown away how good both of the Taylor’s i mentioned are. One thing i will say, my gs mini koa plus has a MUCH more durable finish. On my academy Taylor, my pinky nail made hundreds of indents, not the best finish and the tops are completely bare wood. BUT a great guitar none the less. IMO go with a GS mini!! And Taylor, add a 2 dollar pick guard!
I'm of the belief that the best entry point is something a bit better than "entry" level point. Will take more time out-grow, easier resale, better playability, and there is an implied commitment that you are going to take you new endeavor. With any product, the quality vs price curve is steepest at the start.
Advice required between fenderCDS140E (all mahogany) and Yamaha's FGX830C. I already have a solid case so I wouldn't factor it that much. Just looking better Guitar between these two. I play lots of rhythm and now learning finger picking... thanks in advance 🙏🏻
Hey Chris & Cooper. Do you think the Yamaha FSX800C would be a good first guitar? I’m looking for something easy to play for someone with smaller hands & comfortable. Thanks
So great that you gents keep attending to the seeding, care and nurturing of folks starting out in guitar. You had mentioned Yamaha A series set up as receiving extra attention. I think that extra attention may pertain to the 3 & 5 series. I bought the Chinese factory, rosewood laminate AC1R on the web for $479. It did require sanding down the saddle. My side-by-side comparison demonstrated that this AC1R outplayed other $2,300 solid rosewood guitars. If I hadn't have experienced it, I never would have thought that laminate rosewood could sound as good as it does. Because of my AC1R experience, and that in prior videos you had made the distinction between laminate, essentially press board, verses layered, actually pressed layers of specific woods, I think it's important to keep informing folks of that distinction. Layered rosewood in the AC1R carries an amazing, high quality rosewood sound. I would also encourage young stepper-uppers to take a playing friend along and listen from a few feet in front of the sound hole. It's different from what one hears playing. I believe one only really starts to hear the guitar and feel the guitar after ~ 3 days and multiple playing sessions in your preferred playing area. Listening in front can help bring that process to the in-store experience. Thank you, again.
funny that you used these two guitars as example for this video. I actually own a yamaha guitar just like the one in the video and i sold it and just bought the taylor 12e. I love this taylor guitar, very elegant body shape and good size for girls.
What about a tookamany for my 1'st Guitar ? I have a chance to get an older one for $150.00 off my neighbor and it looks new and has a case with it Or should I save up for a better one ?
It’s almost embarrassing. My mother worked at Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo. When I expressed interest in a guitar she asked around at work and found someone selling a used but mint Epiphone Sorrento made there in Kalamazoo. About 3 years later I decided an acoustic would be more practical I sold the Epiphone and got a Gibson LG-1. So my 1st guitar experience is different than most. I had my beater experience later when I was swindled out of my Gibson and got a cheap nylon string that buzzed.🎸
my first guitar was a framus texan i bought used for #25 (UK) in 1970, then i got an eko 12 string, cos all my friends had one, then i got a 1970's gibson j45 but a square shoulder model (cos i couldn't find a slope) which i hated, the neck was horrid, it sounded crappy and i swapped it eventually for a 60's J50. i got a 66 J45 around 1975 tha i still have. for some years i had a dione 6 / 12 doube neck acoustic that had brass(ish) frets, bridge and nut, that was always fun, i think it was ash. the case was like a wardrobe. the J50 spent about ten years in it's case under the bed in my parents home, and was still in tune when i picked it up when i moved.
My first guitar was an $18.00 Western Auto acoustic guitar. in 1967. My neighbor was going to help teach me to play. The strings were so high off the neck, a747 jet could fly under the strings. Frustrated, I gave up. My dad said it made great starter firewood. I have the Taylor Academy 12e. still procrastinating my guitar education.
You guys do excellent vids that really inform. One point that you kind of touched on, but perhaps could be expanded upon is that of diminishing returns. At some point, the increase in cost brings only minor improvement in quality/sound/playability, but rather primarily esthetics.
MY FIRST GUITAR WAS AS "SILVERTONE" FROM SEARS & ROEBUCK CO. MOM & DAD PROBABLY DIDN'T PAY OVER $10 FOR IT. THIS WAS IN 1955 [& I STLL HAVE IT] MY NEXT GUITAR I BOUGHT IN 1964 EPIPHONE TEXAN FT79 [I STLL HAVE IT] NOW I HAVE A MARTIND D42 & A GIBSON DOVE. WOW - WHAT A JOURNEY
My very first guitar was a Segovia left handed acoustic it really sucked it wouldn't even stay in tune. At the time my options were very limited because I play left handed I did a minor upgraded to a beaver creek its tuning was better but i ended up getting a yamaha FG-820 that is when I started to actually like playing guitar I still have my yamaha but I made a upgrade to a seagull S6 original because I wanted something made in Canada. I love my S6 it stays in tune its fret board is a little wider than most guitars that make it easier for people like me with fat fingers and the body is nice comfortable size it isn't big like some and it's just so easy to play.
Sounds like a question for "Rapid Fire" with Andy Powers on Taylor Guitars Primetime... Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Pacific returning in January. My first guitars: a Taylor Academy 12 and 12e, unless you count the Yamaha FG730S that I bought for a daughter's 4-H Music Camp...
@@charlesbranch4120 I was kind of curious when I heard Chris say this in the video but not really say anything much more than the guitar has a strap button because it is Taylor's bolt on neck. I started watching Taylor Prime Time Around it's 5th episode and haven't missed a single episode since. I even won a trivia question and got Bob Taylor's with his signature in it. Pretty cool!
Helpful tips start at 4:50
I really wanted to love the Taylor Academy series, but something about the neck didn't do it for me. The beveled armrest is such a cool touch. Then I picked up the Martin Road series. It felt like they had taken an imprint of my hand and shaped the neck to fit it. I guess the bottom line is that if you're stepping up, you are the one who has to put in the time to play the guitars. The right one will sing to you. I like to play a G chord, and listen hard for musicality and sustain. then have someone play it for you in the style you're accustomed to.
I'd love to see you guys do a 'How to test drive a guitar" video. That would be great!
I think "how to test drive a guitar" is a good idea.
I always find Taylor is much more comfortable play, Martin necks practically cut and bruise my index finger
I just stepped up (a really big step) from a 200 dollar Ibanez acoustic electric to a 214ce dlx that I found in perfect condition used on reverb for $900 and it came with 4 sets of strings and a Taylor strap. It was an absolutely unbelievable deal.
Congratulations. Also I hate you, but good find.
I bought a "step-up" guitar from your shop. I just wanted to say how great the experience was and how happy I am with my Taylor 114e. It is an awesome guitar for the price.
I'll definitely check with Alamo now that I am back in central Texas before I buy.
I actually have that "blue guitar", bit different color. It was "gifted" to me. It's a terrible guitar, however the first thing I did was put nylon strings on it and it's playable. It stays in tune and works...The only reason I've kept it is that I have small kids and pets. Having this junk guitar allows me to keep it out in the office, where I spend most of my time. My real guitar is kept in a case safely tucked away. I use the junk guitar to practice when I'm thinking about something. Then I get all excited and bring out my real guitar to hear it.
I'm not advocating anyone purchase the "blue guitar" on purpose, but if you somehow ended up with one: NYLON STRINGS. It won't be your best guitar, but it will be something you don't have to worry about if you live in a busy house.
Cooper's point about body shape is so important. I played an Epiphone dreadnought for years and never fully fell in love with it as it felt very bulky for me as a smaller person. I was even smaller when I got it at 15 years old and I didn't really know what I was looking for. It was hard to play, especially sitting on my bed, but I loved playing guitar so much that I toughed it out for 10+ years with that guitar.
I recently upgraded to a smaller, rounder Martin Road Series guitar and the way it fits my body and the way it plays is a night and day difference. I feel kind of stupid not making the switch years ago, but the wait was well worth it.
Someone tried to sell me an Epiphone Jumbo. The price was right but it wouldn't be a good size for me.
Last Christmas I couldn't play guitar, this Christmas I own an Ibanez RGA61AL, Epiphone Les Paul Custom and an a Taylor 224ce-dlx. I've learned a lot of guitar in this year and having nice instruments is definitely helping with that.
The tip about body shape is 100% spot on. I bought the fender dreadnaught off Amazon as my 1st guitar and probably would have stopped playing if I had not recognized I needed a smaller body guitar to play more comfortably.
Just bought my step-up guitar, a Martin Jr. from you guys! Excited for it to make its trip to MI!!!
Would love to see a video on a step up from a mid priced (500-800) to what comes after that
Alamo Music Center has to be one of best music stores in the country. Love your videos. I am inspired and educated thanks to both Chris and Cooper. Thanks.
My first guitar was a Yamaha classical guitar (nylon string). I still have it, it’s 52 years old.
If it's right for you, why spend the extra bucks!
My step up/second first guitar was a Big baby Taylor. I was trying a bunch of guitars out and getting a bit disappointed by the price versus the sound (to my newbie ears). Tried this out and fell in love. I’m in Canada, so went to my LGS. But thanks to watching way too many Alamo videos :) I knew I was stepping up to a solid top quality guitar. It sounded gorgeous, was so comfortable to play, and came with an awesome gig bag! The calluses are back! Thanks for all the videos!
I absolutely love your videos and I rely on them for knowledge. One thing I do have a hard time with is when I go to your website and try to look up specific gear it gives me a bunch of irrelevant options that aren't even close to what I'm looking for. I live in Lititz, PA but I like to patronize places that give great info and opinions that are helpful to me. I wish you had a better search bar that's more user friendly. Maybe it's just me but I thought it was worth a mention. Thanks Chris and Cooper! You guys rock!!
I just got a Takamine GD93CE. What a difference and what a beautiful guitar it is. I had a look at your other recommendation of the Taylor A12e or 114 but those were a bit more expensive and i dont play often or well enough to pay the difference. I will definitely go for a full solid if i stick to it properly for a few years.
Being from Europe it was not exactly feasible to buy directly from you guys :(
i know this is an older video but i just saw it today, and near the end you said something that really hit me, "don't just get a good deal on the wrong guitar" i have fallen prey to that a few times and wish i would have heard this back then, thanks for content on all your videos and the one on practice where you say to get out to the senior centers and nursing homes really melted my heart, i teach a beginners guitar class and we are doing that this year now that covid has been reduced, thank again
First guitar was a plastic 'Elvis Presley' acoustic half size with a clip on button chord learning gadget. Later I inherited a Watkins Rapier electric. I played it using a transistor radio as an amp. First real purchased guitar was an Eco Ranger 12 acoustic which I got age 15 and I still have it now. I'm at the point of having a good Yamaha acoustic and I want to move up to a Taylor or similar guitar. I also have a few electric guitars having sold lots in the past few years.
In October, I picked up a former neighbor's left-behind late 60s Emperador as my first guitar. I'm looking to step up to an Epiphone EJ200. Maybe one day I can look towards a Taylor or Martin. Here's hoping I'm on the right track!
Buy the one that makes your heart sing when you play it.
I currently play an Ovation 1771lx. I like the feel of the neck sliding thru my hand and definitely the sound I get out of it. I got it for $190 with case used in great shape. My next guitar will probably be a higher end Ovation. Thank you all for the content. I'm learning as I go...
It's no longer my only guitar, but I still like my little nylon 1/2 size starter guitar. It has a cool sound, in my opinion.
I ordered a free Ibanez acoustic using reward points from a program at work. I kept it for a couple weeks, then traded it in for a Taylor Academy 12e. Love this guitar! Then as I browsed through my local music store, I saw a great deal on a 2016 LTD Taylor 514ce. I bounce between the 12e and the 514ce. But the difference between that Ibanez and the 12e was mind blowing. The action, the sound, the tuning stability. I’m not sure if I stuck with that Ibanez if I would have progressed as far as I have with the Taylor’s.
I’m genuinely surprised to see that the bridge still didn’t snap on the blue guitar.
Just saw this. I went from a 1/2 scale yamaha, to now getting a guild 120ce, coming in the mail soon. I'm so amped, looks like I did well based on ur vid. I enjoy your content so much, thx for all the help!
I bought 2 step up all solid guitars by Furch. A used dreadnought cedar/rosewood and a new OM all mahogany. They sound different, but great. I love them both.
My first guitar I bought in 2014 and got a Martin D-16RGT. Had it for 2 years, sold it and bought my dream guitar in 2016 which was the 2016 J45 Custom with abalone and Rosewood. Had it now for 7 years and absolutely love it. Never found a guitar I love more than it. I love it more than 40 series Martins
My first guitar was a Les Paul copy from the Sears catalog. I still own it 35 years later. It needs more work than it’s worth to make it playable. One of these days I’ll buy a wall hanger and put it on display
My first was a 1981 Fender F-15 and still have it. Can adjust the saddle up and down using two screwws
My first guitar was a Hondo II classical. Nylon strings. Loved it.
It could be argued that at this sort of price point that electronics are something that you should think carefully whether you will need. I have no plans for performing / recording so I chose one of the non-electric Taylor Academy series which was at the top of my budget, rather than a lesser guitar that was inflated by the addition of electronics.
very valid point
First guitar, a Montgomery Ward. Airline made by Harmony as a Regal HH6600. 23 years later, a Washburn, then 19 years after that a Taylor 614ce. More years & guitars since then. Several from Alamo
Wow you got a 614 c e and a 914ce LTD? Very nice! I have a Washburn as well! A WASHBURN Mercury series from mid the mid-90s to be exact!
@@MrHeliosoul the Washburn is an older acoustic dreadnought I learned on & been across the country. It & I had some serious cold & dry the 1st Montana winter. The 914 is new, a memorial to my wife who departed recently. Day before she went to the ER for the last time, she told me to order or get a guitar at Christmas or my birthday for me and have it come from her. That's what it is. From Alamo. I volunteer sing and play for memory care & other retirement communities.
Good idea for a video. My first was a Yamaha FG300A, from 1993 or so. Bridge pulled up from the body (still not sure what to do with it.) Stepped up to Taylor 110. Loved the Yamaha but nowhere close to the Taylor.
Thank you for all of your videos. You are helping me a lot in decision making. After I look at your buyers guide and make some determinations on additional specs you mentioned here I will be calling you with my "list" of needs and desires to see if you can find what I want. So far I haven't quite found everything I am hoping to find. I think it's more aesthetics that I'm having trouble finding. I hope we will be able to find one that meets a few of the more important desires. I adore you both you're super sweet and love the detail in your videos. I feel so blessed that I found your channel just as I am looking for a guitar. I have been learning on my boyfriend's fender cd60sce which I was in love with until Cooper made me fall head over heels for hopefully a future Taylor. ..the sound... And Cooper, if I were younger I would come grab you by the hair and drag you away to be mine. Lol you melt my heart and you remind me a lot of my son who is also a sweetheart. I can't wait to speak or chat with you both when I get my list finalized. I hope that I can get input from you both. I like the different points you both bring to the table.. again thank you I love all your videos. Warmest regards
I went from an Ibanez PF dreadnaught that was $200 I begged my dad to get me because going into high school I signed up for guitar class… to graduating high school and saving up to get a Taylor 412ce. From 14-18 years old, that dreadnaught was just not me, even after puberty and growing into it haha, I’m a shorter guy! I liked the neck on it, but the Taylor NT neck is sent straight from heaven.
I made sure my little brother’s first guitar suited him after learning my mistakes. His first acoustic (and only guitar!) is an Ibanez Artwood, Grand Concert with a solid Engelmann spruce top. That was 10 years ago and it’s aged beautifully.
The Breedlove Concert body is a great shape in a step-up guitar if you buy the level with all solid woods body. It's easier to play than a dreadnought. I have a Breedlove Signature Organic that was all solid and had a torreafied top for $250 less than the Taylor Academy series at the time.
I just think it's cool that Cooper was a customer and Chris sold his first Taylor.
Love the videos guys! Never stop making content together, you guys have a lovely energy :)
Subscribed years ago. Always interesting demos and tips. Great insight!
Thanks you two! 🎶🎶🎶
Best guitar advice I ever got, throw the case away.
Can you do a series on acoustic guitars that have a hallows bodies,
Almost like Parlor guitars, easy to
Hold , small but powerful enough for
Tones. Etc.
In May or June, I stepped up from a Takamine GS330S, which I love, to a Taylor 214ce which I got from Alamo Music. I live in Texas so I just went to Alamo and picked it up. I gave the Takamine to a teenager learning guitar. Her skills are already passing me up. She loves that darn guitar. Now, I love the Taylor 214ce but I'm already trying to figure out what my next step-up is going to be.
Time to go Martin. You're welcome :)
Just bought mine last month, a beautiful Cort Seven Stars Limited Edition
THANKS FOR ALL YOU KNOWLEDGE THAT YOU SHARE WITH US
My first guitar was a Martin D1R. I still have it 25 years later.
My Yamaha FGX820C has strap buttons. I think this was a great upgrade. Love my Yamaha.
I just love you guys. I bought the best-sounding guitar that I could find at my local hock shop. I have no idea why I even thought that was the land of good deals, but I ended up with a very nice Alvarez, despite my ignorance.
GS mini to a 322ce love them both
Always love your videos, and love recapping old videos 👍
Just bought my step up last week. In 1999 I bought a $200 Cort, which I still love.
I now also own an Alvarez Masterworks concert body.
All solid wood and also a hard case for $500.
It's really a beautiful guitar. It was very difficult buying a guitar right now with covid. I went to guitar center and Sam Ash and they were practically bare with guitars. It was shocking how many empty hooks there were. Also I don't know enough about the feel of a guitar to know if I like it or not so I just did some research and had to order it online. It's very nice but the action is just a little high. I hope I can correct that in the future.
Alvarez make some excellent guitars.
These are the gentlemen that got me looking into the ethos of Taylor Guitars, and buying a used Academy 12 and a 12e on clearance in late April and May 2020 as I started learning to play. My first string instrument: a Coronado (Gambles store brand) banjo ($250 used in 1985) that would not stay in tune so I gave it to a neighbor. Is the Breedlove Pursuit Exotic Concert E Sitka-Koa my step-up? Or is it the Ibanez AS73FM semi-hollow body with Vox Mini3 G2 amp? Always learning... Blame GAS for my Guitarsenal. Thanks, Chris, and Sneezy (1/4 tsp of cinnamon every day keeps the passages clear). Our Christmas Eve service launches at 9 a.m. Central on TH-cam's First Presbyterian Church of Coeur d'Alene channel. The Tech Coordinator and I finished the last of the 3-hour recording sessions (add an hour since the sound guys are "First In, Last Out") Monday night, after we figured out how the many video clips should sequence, after TC's editing each one. "Thumbs Up" are appreciated by all involved in these productions, not just the actors. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I stepped up from a low end Ibanez acoustic electric to Taylor Academy 10e , I am so attached to my Taylor though but eventually would like to step up to the Taylor GT Urban Ash. I am stuck to this brand
I bought 224 ce K DLX 2 days ago as a step up from my Fender FA 345.
Thank you I appreciate your attention to detail and honesty with the many videos I’ve watched.
Damnnn, my grandpa used to have a blue guitar like that. Miss him quite a bit.
I play "step-up" guitars on stage. Stuff I can replace if damaged, lost, or stolen. I was playing my Gibson 1953 J-50 with a Bill Lawrence in the sound hole with the R&B band I was in at a Community Christmas party in a town hall. After intermission, I picked up my guitar and walked over to the mic and looked down to see a six inch crack in the side of my guitar. Some drunk had tripped over my guitar. I played the blues with feeling for the last set.
I wish you should feature Guitalele’s.
Lol I started and on really nice Takamine my dad had and now I’m going to a road series Martin
Love ❤️ you guys . Question
Is it worth to buy Yamaha FG 180 guitar used.
That FG is an incredible value. Needs an 1-3/4" nut, though.
Great stuff as always,didn't need to watch this but did anyway ! thanks.
Still waiting on a review on the new Taylor 814ce.
Thanks for this video guys!!
Right now I am looking for my step-up guitar, probably a Taylor 114ce or something like that.
Thanks for the advices👍👍👌
I Would like to know what you gentlemen think about the Baby Taylor BT1 and BT2 ?
i just got another student who wants to learn and she got a guitar from a friend. and the guitar isn’t optimal for learning in general, but in this case it’s just the wrong instrument, because it’s a huge dreadnought and the woman is under 5 feet and she just disappears behind the guitar. i lent her a cheap roundback and a capo and it’s kinda makeshift shortscale guitar and last week we went to a huge music store and we found a very decent instrument for 200 € that is similar to my gs mini, but the lower bout is even narrower. it sounds small, sure, but there is a demand for smaller guitars and i‘m thankful for the small body hype because finally my students can get an acoustic guitar that really fits. ❤
yeah those yamahas give you a ton of playability at a low price. now i want something with choice tonewoods for recording and live performance, and, not gonna lie, name brand does give you some credibility
The intro caught me off-guard because I'm stepping up from a $28 guitar (Juarez - 038C) to a Yamaha FSX800C lmfao. Awesome and enjoyable video as always! :D
Same 😂
Chris' first guitar reminded me of Monty Python:
"There are some... who call me... ...Tom."
Playability and tone are the two most important factors in my humble opinion, Is the instrument easy to play and does it have a rich tone. If it does don't pass it up. I have a Mexican Martin, two Seagulls and an Epiphone John Lennon LE. I love them all and they all have these two qualities. I've tried out many others and have walked on by.
I had he Taylor academy 12 with the bevel. IMO that or a GS mini is about as good as it gets for a beginner. Ive been playing guitar for 25 years and was blown away how good both of the Taylor’s i mentioned are. One thing i will say, my gs mini koa plus has a MUCH more durable finish. On my academy Taylor, my pinky nail made hundreds of indents, not the best finish and the tops are completely bare wood. BUT a great guitar none the less. IMO go with a GS mini!! And Taylor, add a 2 dollar pick guard!
Very helpful video, you made some great points
I have a Yamaha fg839 I’m getting f
Or Christmas. My first guitar was a Dixon I still have it.
I'm of the belief that the best entry point is something a bit better than "entry" level point. Will take more time out-grow, easier resale, better playability, and there is an implied commitment that you are going to take you new endeavor. With any product, the quality vs price curve is steepest at the start.
I went from Sima D28 to a Martin D15 Costume then Eastman D10 treaded top and now have landed on a Yamaha Red Label 😂
Been a great journey
Advice required between fenderCDS140E (all mahogany) and Yamaha's FGX830C. I already have a solid case so I wouldn't factor it that much. Just looking better Guitar between these two. I play lots of rhythm and now learning finger picking... thanks in advance 🙏🏻
Hey Chris & Cooper. Do you think the Yamaha FSX800C would be a good first guitar? I’m looking for something easy to play for someone with smaller hands & comfortable. Thanks
I absolutely love your channel!!!
Great video guys as usual.
Your opinion on the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro 2 ?
So great that you gents keep attending to the seeding, care and nurturing of folks starting out in guitar.
You had mentioned Yamaha A series set up as receiving extra attention. I think that extra attention may pertain to the 3 & 5 series. I bought the Chinese factory, rosewood laminate AC1R on the web for $479. It did require sanding down the saddle.
My side-by-side comparison demonstrated that this AC1R outplayed other $2,300 solid rosewood guitars. If I hadn't have experienced it, I never would have thought that laminate rosewood could sound as good as it does.
Because of my AC1R experience, and that in prior videos you had made the distinction between laminate, essentially press board, verses layered, actually pressed layers of specific woods, I think it's important to keep informing folks of that distinction. Layered rosewood in the AC1R carries an amazing, high quality rosewood sound.
I would also encourage young stepper-uppers to take a playing friend along and listen from a few feet in front of the sound hole. It's different from what one hears playing. I believe one only really starts to hear the guitar and feel the guitar after ~ 3 days and multiple playing sessions in your preferred playing area. Listening in front can help bring that process to the in-store experience.
Thank you, again.
Enjoying from seattle
funny that you used these two guitars as example for this video. I actually own a yamaha guitar just like the one in the video and i sold it and just bought the taylor 12e. I love this taylor guitar, very elegant body shape and good size for girls.
What about a tookamany for my 1'st Guitar ? I have a chance to get an older one for $150.00 off my neighbor and it looks new and has a case with it Or should I save up for a better one ?
I have a A10 (for 2 years now) with sapele neck and I love it! is my step-up guitar from a "Viskaya" 🤣
Now that I have watched this… I can now understand in your review of the 000jnr Shawn Mendes 😅
Chris never reviews or mentions Takamine :(
I love my 2007 Storm Ltd, better than a Taylor that cost $1000.00 more.
I love my 2007 Storm Ltd, better than a Taylor that cost $1000.00 more.
I love my 2007 Storm Ltd, better than a Taylor that cost $1000.00 more.
I love my 2007 Storm Ltd, better than a Taylor that cost $1000.00 more.
I love my 2007 Storm Ltd, better than a Taylor that cost $1000.00 more.
It’s almost embarrassing. My mother worked at Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo. When I expressed interest in a guitar she asked around at work and found someone selling a used but mint Epiphone Sorrento made there in Kalamazoo. About 3 years later I decided an acoustic would be more practical I sold the Epiphone and got a Gibson LG-1. So my 1st guitar experience is different than most. I had my beater experience later when I was swindled out of my Gibson and got a cheap nylon string that buzzed.🎸
my first guitar was a framus texan i bought used for #25 (UK) in 1970, then i got an eko 12 string, cos all my friends had one, then i got a 1970's gibson j45 but a square shoulder model (cos i couldn't find a slope) which i hated, the neck was horrid, it sounded crappy and i swapped it eventually for a 60's J50. i got a 66 J45 around 1975 tha i still have.
for some years i had a dione 6 / 12 doube neck acoustic that had brass(ish) frets, bridge and nut, that was always fun, i think it was ash. the case was like a wardrobe.
the J50 spent about ten years in it's case under the bed in my parents home, and was still in tune when i picked it up when i moved.
love you guys
For me it’s all the bells and whistles and Lrbaggs..😁
It's funny. Because my first guitar was that $40 guitar from Amazon. and then my step up guitar was that taylor academy 12e. 😆
My first guitar was an $18.00 Western Auto acoustic guitar. in 1967. My neighbor was going to help teach me to play. The strings were so high off the neck, a747 jet could fly under the strings. Frustrated, I gave up. My dad said it made great starter firewood. I have the Taylor Academy 12e. still procrastinating my guitar education.
We're going off tonight
To kick out every light.. ♪♪♪
Or like stepping UP from a Taylor to a Martin! LOL!
You guys do excellent vids that really inform. One point that you kind of touched on, but perhaps could be expanded upon is that of diminishing returns. At some point, the increase in cost brings only minor improvement in quality/sound/playability, but rather primarily esthetics.
MY FIRST GUITAR WAS AS "SILVERTONE" FROM SEARS & ROEBUCK CO. MOM & DAD PROBABLY DIDN'T PAY OVER $10 FOR IT. THIS WAS IN 1955 [& I STLL HAVE IT] MY NEXT GUITAR I BOUGHT IN 1964 EPIPHONE TEXAN FT79 [I STLL HAVE IT] NOW I HAVE A MARTIND D42 & A GIBSON DOVE. WOW - WHAT A JOURNEY
My very first guitar was a Segovia left handed acoustic it really sucked it wouldn't even stay in tune. At the time my options were very limited because I play left handed I did a minor upgraded to a beaver creek its tuning was better but i ended up getting a yamaha FG-820 that is when I started to actually like playing guitar I still have my yamaha but I made a upgrade to a seagull S6 original because I wanted something made in Canada. I love my S6 it stays in tune its fret board is a little wider than most guitars that make it easier for people like me with fat fingers and the body is nice comfortable size it isn't big like some and it's just so easy to play.
I'm physically attracted to my Taylor 414ce-R but unfortunately it has a very low libido.
Boy have I had some terrible hand me down guitars. I'm sure I won't ever outgrow my Fender GC 140, if I ever get to play it at all well.
For a first guitar playability is No. 1, 2 and 3
Why does Taylor's bolt-on neck designate that it has a strap button?
Im no expert but maybe its because jf there wasn't a button and you drilled the neck to fit one, you might compromise/damage the bolt on system.
Sounds like a question for "Rapid Fire" with Andy Powers on Taylor Guitars Primetime... Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Pacific returning in January. My first guitars: a Taylor Academy 12 and 12e, unless you count the Yamaha FG730S that I bought for a daughter's 4-H Music Camp...
@@charlesbranch4120 I was kind of curious when I heard Chris say this in the video but not really say anything much more than the guitar has a strap button because it is Taylor's bolt on neck. I started watching Taylor Prime Time Around it's 5th episode and haven't missed a single episode since. I even won a trivia question and got Bob Taylor's with his signature in it. Pretty cool!
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah Gentlemen...the videos have been a pandemic godsend. Thanks!
Good riddance 2020...