C + C (music factory) you two are IMHO the most chilled, unpretentious, informed and trustworthy reviewers on the 'Tube. Thought it was worth saying. 👍
I ve got a furch vintage 1 om sr and fsx5.....sorry but furch is so better..... Yamaha make great guitar but....come on...furch kills everybody on his way
I was kicken around a guitar store one day when a FSX5 cought my eye... 100 cords later I brought it home. I play it as much as my 914ce. I play 3 hrs a day writing my own music... trust me they are amazing
Guitars under 1000$ “to give away or have around to travel”, what? That would apply to 100$ but definitely not a 900$ guitar 😂 I have a FGX5 and it’s magical, love it.
I wanted an FGX5 so badly for years, but decided it probably wasn't for me. Found a used one for half of the current retail price. Now I mourn those lost years. The FGX5 is a better playing/sounding guitar than my Gibson J45.
@@mylerism Man, that's so typical. I've heard so many people complain how underwhelming a regular modern J-45 is. I've not played one, but I've listened yo them on TH-cam and most of the time they're so uninspiring.😔
@@mylerism If you really want to give it another go, you can still: install short shaft lightweight open tuners, install unslotted pins, remove the undersaddle element, put heavier gauge strings on. All of that cumulatively might give you +30% tone. I'm dead serious.
I grabbed a like new FGX5 for $900 including the Yamaha hard case. I feel like I got a steal. It's become the guitar I've bonded to the most since guitar center busted up my Larivee neck.
@@odelljl Now That's very interesting, I sincerely hope they compensated for the damage, I recently bought a yamaha Transacoustic c/a/way, WOW, it is simply fantastic
Yamaha LS-TA, LL16 are also amazing, Alvarez Masterworks and Laureate are just killing it in this price range, and also Dowina from Slovakia, hand made small shop, awesome in this price range
Haha no "how could you leave out..." comment but I have become an Eastman fan after recently buying their lowest-priced all-solid wood model for $600 to be my "campfire guitar" and am so impressed with the quality I got for that price. So they probably have something worthy in the $1000-$2000 range but I have no doubt these were all great choices.
Another top notch video chaps. Big fan of Furch and Taylor but in this price range, the Yamaha Red Label series is streets ahead of the competition in terms of bang for buck. The FSX5 is now my main touring guitar because it gives you everything you want and need for an everyday gigging instrument.
Maybe 3 years ago, I got a used 214ce dlx for $950 and I absolutely love the thing. Crazy that a new one now goes for $2000. I feel like I got an incredible deal.
After watching one of your videos I stopped in a GC to check out a guitar that y'all demonstrated. I actually did know more about it than the salesperson. I have been considering the Yamaha or the Alvarez Lauriette lately. I bought something else, but it will be my secret because y'all don't want to hear it. It was at the top of your price range.
I recently went to a famous guitar shop to buy my first American Strat and came home with a 214ce Plus instead. I picked up the Taylor and started strumming, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a fantastic guitar! Layered rosewood back and sides? Who cares, it sounds and feels great!
I have a 2009 214ce that sounds amazing. The top just vibrates like crazy. Not crazy about the nut width. I keep thinking I’m going to sell it until I play it. Just wish it had a 1 3/4 nut.
@@MyDadWasALifeguard the problem is I have an old Squier Classic Vibe 50s Strat that is the best playing and sounding Strat I’ve come across. I paid $350 for it brand-new in 2010 and I have yet to find another one at any price that I like as much.
I have a Yamaha LJ 26, which is above this price range, and I also have a Simon & Patrick Woodland Pro Folk (from the Godin family) which sit below $1k. Both solid wood guitars, both quite different, but it's the Simon & Patrick that I play more frequently -- an amazing guitar for the price. I mainly prefer the more petite neck and its more "woody" sound to the Yamaha.
While this was very informative as well entertaining, Just like others Martin 16 and especially the 17 series get short shrift at every turn. Those,with the 15 series are the backbone of Martins and never get their due. The 16 series used to be a mainstay for a couple of years of experiments, some good, some bad. I own a 2011 50th Anniversary model D-16GTL(lefty). Its a cannon when needs but sweet then just as well.They messed with the 17 as well, But has become GREAT all round guitar and at an obtainable price. Everything seen here was well presented, thank you!
Goodness that Furch sounds wonderful. In a more perfect world Yamaha, Furch, and Yairi are the most beloved, respected, and best-selling acoustic guitars in the world. Yamaha A(C)5R/M a close honorable mention?
The Taylor 314ce - v class is over £2000 here in the UK and I simply dont understand how Taylor can justify such a price for a guitar that is mass manufactured, and has a laminated (Taylor call it 'layered'') back and sides, especially when compared to similar, totally hand made, all solid wood guitars from Furch, Eastman and Dovina. I have an all solid Eastman AC 522CE, which simply blows the Taylor out of the water, in every respect, and cost me £600 less than the Taylor. And, before someone responds by saying the heritage brands retain their value better than the newer Furch, Eastman etc brands, I dont buy guitars to trade them in or sell them on, so resale value means nothing to me. For me ,its all about the sound and build quality of the instrument and ensuring I get the best possible value for my spend.
The guitars you mentioned are great options, however the 314ce does have solid back/sides- everything made in America has solid, whereas the 200 series and below have layered.
The 314ce V-class is all-solid, but your point still stands. $2,500 here in the U.S. I’ve seen a lot of used US-made all-solid Taylors trade for under 1,500 just locally recently, so I’m not even really sure they hold their value that well. I’ve always thought that, quite ironically, the cheapest Taylors are the best Taylors. You get all the workmanship and the dedication to quality in a no-frills instrument with sustainable materials. I’d buy both a 210ce and a 212ce and Aero cases for both before I spent the same money on a 314ce.
Eastman guitars are made in China, so price might be slightly lower....in 40 years they willl be the YAMAHA of today....if Xi Xinping doesnt start a war....
I have the red label Yamaha.. It is my favorite I also have the inspired by Gibson's j45 and hummingbird. Also excellent guitars along with the masterbuilt excellente. The one I play the most and the one I can't put away is the Yamaha 🙌 I'm not a wealthy man so this price range is pretty much where I operate it's nice to have such wonderful guitars in this price range. I watch you guys videos all the time, tremendous information and in-depth descriptions. You guys rock
I would suggest that people interested in guitar start thinking outside of the Martin, Taylor, and Gibson box. For example, McKenzie & Marr build wonderful guitars at a reasonable price. Solid-body acoustic guitars, ebony fingerboard and bridge, quality spruce top, and a beautiful high-quality case for $1299. Satisfaction guaranteed. For the major acoustic manufacturers (Yamaha excluded), it’s become just a money game getting customers to pay more for less.
A few years ago I was shopping for a birthday present “real” acoustic, which I assumed would be Taylor or Martin. Came home with an Oregon made Breedlove after falling in love with the tone and playability at a much better price point.
I agree with the traditional hard-shell cases. My old PRS case is so heavy! It's ridiculous! Google says it weighs 16.4 pounds! Lol 😱 (case only, no guitar inside it!)
The year was 2000 and my hair wasn't as high and tight as it is now, but i remember walking into guitar center and purchasing a taylor 314. I sweet talked the salesman down to 700 for the guitar and 300 for the case for 1000 bucks out the door. This was a solid wood hand made taylor, made in america with spruce and sapele tonewoods. 1000 bucks out the door, after tax.
All the comments are for the Yamaha FG! I gotta add another. I bought one when it came out and have fallen in love. It’s the guitar I always want to pick up. Sold my 63 J-45, prefer it over my Taylor 814 and Martin ooo-17. If you’re on the fence just buy one already!
They feel, sound, and look great. Some people have reported needing a setup, but many have reported theirs were setup great out of the box. I love mine. I have an LF70. Absolutely worth consideration.
Great choice of guitars there - although if it were down to me, I'd have had one of the Eastman acoustics instead of the Taylor. Great video, as usual, thanks guys.
for the epiphone i think you were talking about the dr 400 masterbilt. super cheap, solid mahogany back and sides, and spruce top. I have one and its insane how good it is for the price.
Great list! Pretty much nailed it imo. Also Martin D10, D13 & D16, Yammie LL16 series, & Alvarez MD & Laureate are bangers in this price range. Absolute bangers. - Stock'm!! :D
Great video guys, just an interesting comment,my Luthier here in NZ. said he has many customers with problems with the Taylor electric ( expression) system? that's had to be fixed? Sincere regards 😊😊
You guy were talking about cases vs bags. Have you heard of the CRIC company, it's an offspring of Godin guitars that make an hybrid bag/case that is very interesting. It's a high density styrofoam case that is very solid and light that is encased in a gig bag. It has the protective quality of a case without the weight and the shoulder harnesses that let's you carry it around like a gigbag.
@@LegsON Well, I have one that I bought to replace the old hard case that I had since I bought my Guild in 1979, because it was breaking down. To tell you the truth, I prefer the case to get a dent rather then the guitar. After all, the job of a case is to take the beating instead of the guitar. Case is easy to replace, guitar not so much.
Way to know Alamo are the best guitar shop on You Tube and really know there stuff ? Because they recommend both a Furch and the fantastic Yamaha Red kabek series in their choices here! Hats of to you guys as always I've been following you for years and actually bought the OM size Version of the FGX5 when it first came out and was unheard of , about 5 years ago and remember the guy in the shop here in Paris reccomemnding It , saying It had just arrived and don't be put off by the plain and simple look ! This was before you first reviewed It but I knew you would and I knew you would say all the great things younhave about It when you did so I remember at the time I also played the dread version the one you arer reveiwing here back to back with a D18 and honestly there was no comparison, the Yamaha was just so much better in every way including playability and at half the price So Its fantastic to see it once again getting the recognition it deserves I own a quite blingy Taylor 2017 custom shop Sinker/Amazonian rosewood GS and a Custom Rainbow Furch series with Alpiine spruce / Cocobolo , both beautiful sounding and very differeent guitars and pricy but my little OM Red Label Yamaha is easily the best value and quality you can get for this kind of money Honestly do not hesitate to buy one , you won't be dissapointed !
Looks like the comments have no love for the Epiphone sj-200. I'm really interested in it... Might y'all possibly do an extended review of it? The Gibson inspired headstock does make it look a lot better. Thank you fellas for all the great content and the wonderful humor!
@@sammelchi how is the neck? Meaning does it feel a little too thick? Probably not, as you stated you are loving it... I had bought an Epiphone Jumbo type off the web years ago and the neck felt too chunky... Anyway... thanks for giving a nice comment about it!
I had a Taylor 114 ce and a 214 ce, both are good guitars but I sold the 214 because to my ear my particular 114 sounds better. My 114 is about 8 years old now and has aged very gracefully.
Yes! One of the best values for all solid wood guitars (D-140 = mahogany, D-150 = rosewood). There’s a real prejudice out there against foreign-made instruments. These Guilds are very well made in China. I have a D-140, worth every penny I paid for it…
Furch is unstoppable. Blue Master’s Choice Gc-CM came home with me the very first day I played it. I chose it over gloss-finished Yellow models (the all-rosewood which is GORGEOUS and a spruce/rosewood bevel duo) because of the deep, rich, three-dimensional sound it produces. It’s not as slick-playing as a Taylor neck, but it’s fast, way faster than a Yamaha AC5R, and the massive slab of ebony fretboard lends a solid, rich feel. The Gc body creates impressive bass and volume. I love this guitar and feel it plays and sounds like it cost me thousands of dollars… BUT IT DIDN’T. I chose this over a $4k Martin GPC Inception, $2k Taylor AD14ce, Various Breedlove Oregon myrtlewood guitars from $2-3k, and Yamaha A5R, AC5R. Personally, only the Yamaha AC5R sounded even close to ‘as good’ (it’s all subjective) as the Furch. Put it this way: hold a Furch, feel it’s soul.
I want an FS5, but I noticed in demos the notes get kind of lost in the sauce when strumming. Then my other issue is I own a Yamaha LS6 which is probably the best sounding guitar around $500 BUT something about their necks trick my hand in to squeezing the hell out of them. I’m constantly reminding myself to ease up on my grip with that guitar. Those two things kept me from pulling the trigger. Just ordered a Furch instead. We’ll see how I feel about that one because they can be shimmery and I’m not a fan of TOO much shimmer, but they seem to have a complimentary shimmer to them so I’m anticipating satisfaction.
I have the 15 series with the cutaway and I love the sound and feel more than any acoustic I’ve ever played and my first American made guitar. However, I use a looper frequently and slap the guitar for percussion and the side actually cracked from pretty normal use with my Yamaha and aria dreadnaught. Since been fixed for not too much but the luthier said it was due to some corners they cut with the bracing to keep cost down.
I really wish Yamaha would make a sloped shoulder guitar. I really want one and the Taylor AD17 is top on my list. I am a huge Taylor fan but I am wanting a really nice Yamaha acoustic.
Have you tried Eastman? They have some nice slope shoulder dreads at reasonable prices (under $2k new for all slope shoulder dreads). I have a sweet spot for slope dreads, but there aren't as much options as normal dreads.
@lewisbeeman or if you are willing to pay more than $2k but under $3k for a new guitar, check out Iris guitars. They are very light and responsive. Their DF model is a slope dread. Price varies depending on customizations. They are made in the USA, too, if that's something that matters to you. Their necks are on the chunkier side, though.
The Epiphone you speak about was dr400mce. I remember that review and wanted to buy one, but it was already sold out. So I got IBG Hummingbird instead.
I wouldn't be surprised if the 15 series eventually moves out of Nazareth. The first Martin I bought was a DX1, HPL back and sides, made in the USA. Times change.
Taylor 214ce DLX review: Got the 214ce DLX that came with the hard taylor case for 1100 EUR (Thomann sale), seems to be discontinued now. It is just a 214ce plus but with the gold tuners and diamond inlays from what I understand in the specs, however the body looks a bit more like the standard 214ce. The sound unplugged was typical bright and crisp, but not as full as I hoped to be honest. However the playability is its strong suit in my opinion, and as a mainly electric guitar player it felt really good for both fingerpicking and strumming. It made me question why Fender bothers with those Acoustasonics when these Taylors are already not that far from electric guitar necks and comfort (vintage electrics at least, not shred machines) :p But yes, the 214ce seems to be better suited to being plugged in than mic'ed. So if you need a work horse for gigs I would recommend it. For unplugged sound I think a full solid wood body could be potentially a better choice. That said, I believe the original price without the sale was around 1600 EUR for the DLX model, which for just the tuners, inlays and hard case is totally rediculous. I would never have bought that taylor for this much, and that explains why the discontinued it probably. I guess the case added 200 EUR alone, but like many comments explain already a hard case doesn't need to be a consideration when buying on a budget, it just adds to the price without a serious benefit. TLDR: good sounding in the price range at around 1000-1400 but probably not top spot in the competition. great playability, seriously recommend at least trying it out.
I bought my first guitar 40 years ago. $500 for soft case Takamine, EG-332C (cut away with pickups). I played it all the time. Soon, after I played Taylor, Gallagher, and Yamaha. The models all were between $800 and $1000,but the difference was "YUGE", I m holding that Take' even as i write this and it has not aged well, not being tunable up the neck and quality of sound. I was new to guitar but was a French horn and trumpet player music major in college. I should have known better but I let the guys at the store convince me that this Japanese made guitar was as good as all others, especially at the price. I CONTINUE to be disappointed in my first purchase. PLEASE, hear me, DON'T BUY A CHEAP GUITAR. What is $1000 compared to a LIFETIME of being dissatisfied and disappointed with your purchase. Not to mention the enjoyment of playing a "good" guitar. You will hold this instrument close to your body, touching it, it will become a way of communicating your very soul, spend the extra! Blessings
C + C (music factory) you two are IMHO the most chilled, unpretentious, informed and trustworthy reviewers on the 'Tube. Thought it was worth saying. 👍
Got a Yamaha FSX5, not even comparable to others in this price range: woods, manufacturing, electronics... It's just on another level!
Agreed, Taylor is now way over priced for what you get, Yamaha now has so many quality options nothing really compares
I ve got a furch vintage 1 om sr and fsx5.....sorry but furch is so better..... Yamaha make great guitar but....come on...furch kills everybody on his way
@@leraph3904 your opinion, which is totally fine
@@leraph3904 Now that's very interesting
I got the FSX5, partial thanks to these guys. It's a forever guitar, no doubt.
Got an open-box FSX5 after hearing a Chris/Cooper review. Fantastic guitar for the price. No regrets.
I was kicken around a guitar store one day when a FSX5 cought my eye... 100 cords later I brought it home. I play it as much as my 914ce. I play 3 hrs a day writing my own music... trust me they are amazing
I have the girl version FSX5
I picked up a Yamaha FGX5 based on your review years ago. Love it.
Got a deal on an FGX5 and it’s on its way to me now. I’m super hyped! I’m hoping it will be a “forever” guitar for me.
What's the verdict?
Alamo sold me the FGX5 last year and It’s simply the best buy I’ve ever made for guitars.
First guitar was FS830 and then bought LL16D. Would someday love to buy FSX5. Amateur couch and campfire player here these are wonderful fit.
Great list. A (more than) honorable mention is the Alvarez Laurette series.
I’m so disappointed Cooper didn’t demo the FGX5! 😢. I love that guitar
Just got the FG5. It immediately blew me away. I love this guitar as much as, maybe more than my much more expensive guitars.
Guitars under 1000$ “to give away or have around to travel”, what? That would apply to 100$ but definitely not a 900$ guitar 😂 I have a FGX5 and it’s magical, love it.
I wanted an FGX5 so badly for years, but decided it probably wasn't for me. Found a used one for half of the current retail price. Now I mourn those lost years. The FGX5 is a better playing/sounding guitar than my Gibson J45.
Glad for you?
Is J-45 a standard model?
@@LegsON yep, standard
@@mylerism Man, that's so typical.
I've heard so many people complain how underwhelming a regular modern J-45 is.
I've not played one, but I've listened yo them on TH-cam and most of the time they're so uninspiring.😔
@LegsON I really wanted to love the J45. I've changed up the strings, use bone nut and bone saddle. Just doesn't do it for me
@@mylerism If you really want to give it another go, you can still: install short shaft lightweight open tuners, install unslotted pins, remove the undersaddle element, put heavier gauge strings on.
All of that cumulatively might give you +30% tone. I'm dead serious.
Great episode you guys. Fun to jam with too! (talking to you Cooper ;-)
I grabbed a like new FGX5 for $900 including the Yamaha hard case. I feel like I got a steal. It's become the guitar I've bonded to the most since guitar center busted up my Larivee neck.
how? It’s 1800€ here 😂🤷🏻♂️
@@Agantross it was used but pristine and I got a good deal. 😊
@@odelljl Now That's very interesting, I sincerely hope they compensated for the damage, I recently bought a yamaha Transacoustic c/a/way, WOW, it is simply fantastic
the martin 00015 is a really great guitar had mine a good few years now still love it like i did they day i got it
Yamaha LS-TA, LL16 are also amazing, Alvarez Masterworks and Laureate are just killing it in this price range, and also Dowina from Slovakia, hand made small shop, awesome in this price range
Haha no "how could you leave out..." comment but I have become an Eastman fan after recently buying their lowest-priced all-solid wood model for $600 to be my "campfire guitar" and am so impressed with the quality I got for that price. So they probably have something worthy in the $1000-$2000 range but I have no doubt these were all great choices.
Same! Got a great deal on a E1OM all solid, amazing piece. Very happy with it👍🏼
I have had the Taylor 214ce plus for about 2 months, and I love it, was worth every penny
Hey, you took my request! Love this one!
Worth the whole video to hear the amazing playing on the Furch.
Another top notch video chaps. Big fan of Furch and Taylor but in this price range, the Yamaha Red Label series is streets ahead of the competition in terms of bang for buck. The FSX5 is now my main touring guitar because it gives you everything you want and need for an everyday gigging instrument.
Is it good for fingerstyle??
@@Lesnar161 I can’t speak for the Dreadnought version as I don’t own it but I’ve really enjoyed playing fingerstyle on the FSX5.
Maybe 3 years ago, I got a used 214ce dlx for $950 and I absolutely love the thing. Crazy that a new one now goes for $2000. I feel like I got an incredible deal.
That epiphone sounds amazing ❤
After watching one of your videos I stopped in a GC to check out a guitar that y'all demonstrated. I actually did know more about it than the salesperson.
I have been considering the Yamaha or the Alvarez Lauriette lately. I bought something else, but it will be my secret because y'all don't want to hear it. It was at the top of your price range.
I recently went to a famous guitar shop to buy my first American Strat and came home with a 214ce Plus instead. I picked up the Taylor and started strumming, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a fantastic guitar! Layered rosewood back and sides? Who cares, it sounds and feels great!
I have a 2009 214ce that sounds amazing. The top just vibrates like crazy. Not crazy about the nut width. I keep thinking I’m going to sell it until I play it. Just wish it had a 1 3/4 nut.
Funny..they’ll be an American strat in your future I bet
@@MyDadWasALifeguard the problem is I have an old Squier Classic Vibe 50s Strat that is the best playing and sounding Strat I’ve come across. I paid $350 for it brand-new in 2010 and I have yet to find another one at any price that I like as much.
I love my FG5! Easily rivals guitars that are twice the price and more
I have a Yamaha LJ 26, which is above this price range, and I also have a Simon & Patrick Woodland Pro Folk (from the Godin family) which sit below $1k. Both solid wood guitars, both quite different, but it's the Simon & Patrick that I play more frequently -- an amazing guitar for the price. I mainly prefer the more petite neck and its more "woody" sound to the Yamaha.
Can relate! I have a guitar that sounds much more lush, like a piano, but I honestly seem to gravitate more towards the simpler mellower punchier one.
Yamaha Red Label for me
I think you forgot the Alvarez Masterworks, particularly the MD70 and the MP60 that are really amazing guitars!
They’re under $1000
While this was very informative as well entertaining, Just like others Martin 16 and especially the 17 series get short shrift at every turn. Those,with the 15 series are the backbone of Martins and never get their due. The 16 series used to be a mainstay for a couple of years of experiments, some good, some bad. I own a 2011 50th Anniversary model D-16GTL(lefty). Its a cannon when needs but sweet then just as well.They messed with the 17 as well, But has become GREAT all round guitar and at an obtainable price. Everything seen here was well presented, thank you!
000-15M for the win here and honorable mention GPC-15ME, both such exquisite guitars for the price points.
Goodness that Furch sounds wonderful. In a more perfect world Yamaha, Furch, and Yairi are the most beloved, respected, and best-selling acoustic guitars in the world. Yamaha A(C)5R/M a close honorable mention?
Really well done and informative. Thank you.
The Taylor 314ce - v class is over £2000 here in the UK and I simply dont understand how Taylor can justify such a price for a guitar that is mass manufactured, and has a laminated (Taylor call it 'layered'') back and sides, especially when compared to similar, totally hand made, all solid wood guitars from Furch, Eastman and Dovina. I have an all solid Eastman AC 522CE, which simply blows the Taylor out of the water, in every respect, and cost me £600 less than the Taylor. And, before someone responds by saying the heritage brands retain their value better than the newer Furch, Eastman etc brands, I dont buy guitars to trade them in or sell them on, so resale value means nothing to me. For me ,its all about the sound and build quality of the instrument and ensuring I get the best possible value for my spend.
The guitars you mentioned are great options, however the 314ce does have solid back/sides- everything made in America has solid, whereas the 200 series and below have layered.
That epiphone looks and sounded very nice. 😊
Solid wood back and sides…the first guitar they reviewed was the 214ce, unfortunately, they identified it as a 314ce…
The 314ce V-class is all-solid, but your point still stands. $2,500 here in the U.S.
I’ve seen a lot of used US-made all-solid Taylors trade for under 1,500 just locally recently, so I’m not even really sure they hold their value that well.
I’ve always thought that, quite ironically, the cheapest Taylors are the best Taylors. You get all the workmanship and the dedication to quality in a no-frills instrument with sustainable materials. I’d buy both a 210ce and a 212ce and Aero cases for both before I spent the same money on a 314ce.
Eastman guitars are made in China, so price might be slightly lower....in 40 years they willl be the YAMAHA of today....if Xi Xinping doesnt start a war....
I picked up a 314ce and GS Mini mahogany on the summer sale with BOGO sale last summer and paid $1998 for both. That was hard to beat.
hell ya
Is anyone doing deals like that right now?
@@evdien5962 not that I know of. That was summer of 2023.
I have the red label Yamaha.. It is my favorite I also have the inspired by Gibson's j45 and hummingbird. Also excellent guitars along with the masterbuilt excellente. The one I play the most and the one I can't put away is the Yamaha 🙌 I'm not a wealthy man so this price range is pretty much where I operate it's nice to have such wonderful guitars in this price range. I watch you guys videos all the time, tremendous information and in-depth descriptions. You guys rock
This video was much needed
I would suggest that people interested in guitar start thinking outside of the Martin, Taylor, and Gibson box. For example, McKenzie & Marr build wonderful guitars at a reasonable price. Solid-body acoustic guitars, ebony fingerboard and bridge, quality spruce top, and a beautiful high-quality case for $1299. Satisfaction guaranteed.
For the major acoustic manufacturers (Yamaha excluded), it’s become just a money game getting customers to pay more for less.
A few years ago I was shopping for a birthday present “real” acoustic, which I assumed would be Taylor or Martin. Came home with an Oregon made Breedlove after falling in love with the tone and playability at a much better price point.
I agree with the traditional hard-shell cases. My old PRS case is so heavy! It's ridiculous! Google says it weighs 16.4 pounds! Lol 😱
(case only, no guitar inside it!)
Thanks for another great Vid guys ! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
The year was 2000 and my hair wasn't as high and tight as it is now, but i remember walking into guitar center and purchasing a taylor 314. I sweet talked the salesman down to 700 for the guitar and 300 for the case for 1000 bucks out the door. This was a solid wood hand made taylor, made in america with spruce and sapele tonewoods. 1000 bucks out the door, after tax.
All the comments are for the Yamaha FG! I gotta add another. I bought one when it came out and have fallen in love. It’s the guitar I always want to pick up. Sold my 63 J-45, prefer it over my Taylor 814 and Martin ooo-17. If you’re on the fence just buy one already!
Any thoughts about the Alvarez Laureate line? Solidly in this price range.
They feel, sound, and look great. Some people have reported needing a setup, but many have reported theirs were setup great out of the box. I love mine. I have an LF70. Absolutely worth consideration.
Great choice of guitars there - although if it were down to me, I'd have had one of the Eastman acoustics instead of the Taylor. Great video, as usual, thanks guys.
for the epiphone i think you were talking about the dr 400 masterbilt. super cheap, solid mahogany back and sides, and spruce top. I have one and its insane how good it is for the price.
Great video as always. Any reason why the Yamaha A3R/AC3R/A3M/AC3M were not included?
Fabulous guys. Cheers from Australia 🌏. Home of Maton guitars.🙂🎵
Great list! Pretty much nailed it imo. Also Martin D10, D13 & D16, Yammie LL16 series, & Alvarez MD & Laureate are bangers in this price range. Absolute bangers. - Stock'm!! :D
I have both the Fg3 and the fsx3
I love them both.
Uppurraded the fsx Whith both Bone nut and saddle.
Great video guys, just an interesting comment,my Luthier here in NZ. said he has many customers with problems with the Taylor electric ( expression) system? that's had to be fixed? Sincere regards 😊😊
The 224ce-K DLX that I bought 5 months ago was $1920 including tax but I might have chosen the Bevel-Duo Furch if it was at to store that I went to.
You guy were talking about cases vs bags. Have you heard of the CRIC company, it's an offspring of Godin guitars that make an hybrid bag/case that is very interesting. It's a high density styrofoam case that is very solid and light that is encased in a gig bag. It has the protective quality of a case without the weight and the shoulder harnesses that let's you carry it around like a gigbag.
They take too much space and dent.
@@LegsON Well, I have one that I bought to replace the old hard case that I had since I bought my Guild in 1979, because it was breaking down. To tell you the truth, I prefer the case to get a dent rather then the guitar. After all, the job of a case is to take the beating instead of the guitar. Case is easy to replace, guitar not so much.
Way to know Alamo are the best guitar shop on You Tube and really know there stuff ? Because they recommend both a Furch and the fantastic Yamaha Red kabek series in their choices here! Hats of to you guys as always
I've been following you for years and actually bought the OM size Version of the FGX5 when it first came out and was unheard of , about 5 years ago and remember the guy in the shop here in Paris reccomemnding It , saying It had just arrived and don't be put off by the plain and simple look !
This was before you first reviewed It but I knew you would and I knew you would say all the great things younhave about It when you did so
I remember at the time I also played the dread version the one you arer reveiwing here back to back with a D18 and honestly there was no comparison, the Yamaha was just so much better in every way including playability and at half the price
So Its fantastic to see it once again getting the recognition it deserves
I own a quite blingy Taylor 2017 custom shop Sinker/Amazonian rosewood GS and a Custom Rainbow Furch series with Alpiine spruce / Cocobolo , both beautiful sounding and very differeent guitars and pricy but my little OM Red Label Yamaha is easily the best value and quality you can get for this kind of money
Honestly do not hesitate to buy one , you won't be dissapointed !
I never take a hard case out of my house. All guitars that leave my house travel in a gig bag.
Love the shorts, cooper looks fit
Taylor pricing is simply out of line...period.
Which US guitar company's pricing isn't?
Looks like the comments have no love for the Epiphone sj-200. I'm really interested in it... Might y'all possibly do an extended review of it? The Gibson inspired headstock does make it look a lot better. Thank you fellas for all the great content and the wonderful humor!
Just got one last week and I am simply in love with it
@@sammelchi how is the neck? Meaning does it feel a little too thick? Probably not, as you stated you are loving it... I had bought an Epiphone Jumbo type off the web years ago and the neck felt too chunky... Anyway... thanks for giving a nice comment about it!
Eastman makes great guitars in this same price range.
I don’t think they’re a Eastman dealer. Rarely hear them mention the brand
31:12 Cooper mentioned why there isn't any Eastman in this video. They don't carry the guitars at the moment
Great video!
I had a Taylor 114 ce and a 214 ce, both are good guitars but I sold the 214 because to my ear my particular 114 sounds better. My 114 is about 8 years old now and has aged very gracefully.
Guys, 140 and 150 from Guild Westerly series... All solid Woods for around a 1000 USD (150) or less (140)
Yes! One of the best values for all solid wood guitars (D-140 = mahogany, D-150 = rosewood). There’s a real prejudice out there against foreign-made instruments. These Guilds are very well made in China. I have a D-140, worth every penny I paid for it…
They're BELOW 1000$.
Thanks, that's interesting stuff. They are all good guitars, of course.
We need more Cooper in shorts shorts. 😂
haha
Furch is unstoppable. Blue Master’s Choice Gc-CM came home with me the very first day I played it. I chose it over gloss-finished Yellow models (the all-rosewood which is GORGEOUS and a spruce/rosewood bevel duo) because of the deep, rich, three-dimensional sound it produces. It’s not as slick-playing as a Taylor neck, but it’s fast, way faster than a Yamaha AC5R, and the massive slab of ebony fretboard lends a solid, rich feel. The Gc body creates impressive bass and volume. I love this guitar and feel it plays and sounds like it cost me thousands of dollars… BUT IT DIDN’T. I chose this over a $4k Martin GPC Inception, $2k Taylor AD14ce, Various Breedlove Oregon myrtlewood guitars from $2-3k, and Yamaha A5R, AC5R. Personally, only the Yamaha AC5R sounded even close to ‘as good’ (it’s all subjective) as the Furch. Put it this way: hold a Furch, feel it’s soul.
My Yamaha FSX5 made in Japan for 1300 € blows the Taylor away!
000-15m was a great deal with hard shell for $1.5k a few years back. But now with a gig bag for $1.8k, I don't know if I'd buy it again.
Haha, you beat to the comment on adding Eastmans to this list.
I would take a Martin Road Series over the Taylor 200 series.
I got a Taylor 214ce dlx in 2019 and it came with a hard shell case. 1300.00 Guitar Center
I got a used one from the same year for $950. It looked brand new when I got it and basically still does. Love that thing
@@cosmic5789 great deal. I would snag another one in a minute. I love them.
Best feeling guitar i ever played was an old man's Guild acoustic
I want an FS5, but I noticed in demos the notes get kind of lost in the sauce when strumming. Then my other issue is I own a Yamaha LS6 which is probably the best sounding guitar around $500 BUT something about their necks trick my hand in to squeezing the hell out of them. I’m constantly reminding myself to ease up on my grip with that guitar. Those two things kept me from pulling the trigger. Just ordered a Furch instead. We’ll see how I feel about that one because they can be shimmery and I’m not a fan of TOO much shimmer, but they seem to have a complimentary shimmer to them so I’m anticipating satisfaction.
I have the 15 series with the cutaway and I love the sound and feel more than any acoustic I’ve ever played and my first American made guitar. However, I use a looper frequently and slap the guitar for percussion and the side actually cracked from pretty normal use with my Yamaha and aria dreadnaught. Since been fixed for not too much but the luthier said it was due to some corners they cut with the bracing to keep cost down.
I really wish Yamaha would make a sloped shoulder guitar. I really want one and the Taylor AD17 is top on my list. I am a huge Taylor fan but I am wanting a really nice Yamaha acoustic.
Have you tried Eastman? They have some nice slope shoulder dreads at reasonable prices (under $2k new for all slope shoulder dreads). I have a sweet spot for slope dreads, but there aren't as much options as normal dreads.
@@hoangnguyennguyen1032 I haven’t been able to try any Eastman but I wouldn’t be opposed to
@lewisbeeman or if you are willing to pay more than $2k but under $3k for a new guitar, check out Iris guitars. They are very light and responsive. Their DF model is a slope dread. Price varies depending on customizations. They are made in the USA, too, if that's something that matters to you. Their necks are on the chunkier side, though.
LL guitars are kind of sloped.
Martin road series $1,000 solid guitar great instrument. Taylor make fine guitars too.
Great review , just curious if Coop bought the shorts from Bob Weir? 😅😅😅
I want to love Taylor guitars..I really do
Look for the Martin 15 Series to possibly be made in Mexico in the near future.
Great guitars
I have a YAMAHA A5R ARE I bought maybe 5 years back for $1800.00 cdn from Long and McQuade.
The Epiphone you speak about was dr400mce. I remember that review and wanted to buy one, but it was already sold out. So I got IBG Hummingbird instead.
One Eastman. Go..!
Eastman is an amazing brand
I wouldn't be surprised if the 15 series eventually moves out of Nazareth. The first Martin I bought was a DX1, HPL back and sides, made in the USA. Times change.
This comment section is so awesome. Everybody talking about how good the Red Label Yamaha is. (Shhhh! I don't want them to go up in $).
Damn, timing on this video. I just purchased a guitar after month of looking at options in this price range (1700-3200 nzd)
How about reviewing the Sire Larry Carlton A4 acoustic for $534?
I have 3 Eastman’s in this price range and I Love them all. I also Love my Yamaha’s…..
Taylor 214ce DLX review:
Got the 214ce DLX that came with the hard taylor case for 1100 EUR (Thomann sale), seems to be discontinued now. It is just a 214ce plus but with the gold tuners and diamond inlays from what I understand in the specs, however the body looks a bit more like the standard 214ce.
The sound unplugged was typical bright and crisp, but not as full as I hoped to be honest. However the playability is its strong suit in my opinion, and as a mainly electric guitar player it felt really good for both fingerpicking and strumming. It made me question why Fender bothers with those Acoustasonics when these Taylors are already not that far from electric guitar necks and comfort (vintage electrics at least, not shred machines) :p But yes, the 214ce seems to be better suited to being plugged in than mic'ed. So if you need a work horse for gigs I would recommend it. For unplugged sound I think a full solid wood body could be potentially a better choice.
That said, I believe the original price without the sale was around 1600 EUR for the DLX model, which for just the tuners, inlays and hard case is totally rediculous. I would never have bought that taylor for this much, and that explains why the discontinued it probably. I guess the case added 200 EUR alone, but like many comments explain already a hard case doesn't need to be a consideration when buying on a budget, it just adds to the price without a serious benefit.
TLDR: good sounding in the price range at around 1000-1400 but probably not top spot in the competition. great playability, seriously recommend at least trying it out.
Red Label chads RISE UP🙌🏻✊🏻
May I ask what did you mean about the Martin D28 controversy? Never heard anything around this and I'm curious!
Furch all day
Kinda closely followed by Yamaha, surprisingly
Martin GPC-16E
Can’t believe the Martin 000-16 Street Master didn’t make the list with the wood combo and at 1999.00 last I checked
Because it is a bonfire guitar comparing to a FGX5 just more than half of its price lol
@@toddcagle4245
Value per dollar is not quite there
I have a Martin 000-15M and that looks like a 00-15M. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the 00.
Can you compare AC5r with FSX5
doesn't Martin now make a GPC 15 and Streetmaster GPC 16? I love the 000-15m but a change-up would be the GPC body style. ;)
I bought my first guitar 40 years ago. $500 for soft case Takamine, EG-332C (cut away with pickups). I played it all the time.
Soon, after I played Taylor, Gallagher, and Yamaha. The models all were between $800 and $1000,but the difference was "YUGE",
I m holding that Take' even as i write this and it has not aged well, not being tunable up the neck and quality of sound.
I was new to guitar but was a French horn and trumpet player music major in college. I should have known better but I let the guys at the store convince me that this Japanese made guitar was as good as all others, especially at the price.
I CONTINUE to be disappointed in my first purchase. PLEASE, hear me,
DON'T
BUY
A
CHEAP
GUITAR.
What is $1000 compared to a LIFETIME of being dissatisfied and disappointed with your purchase.
Not to mention the enjoyment of playing a "good" guitar. You will hold this instrument close to your body, touching it, it will become a way of communicating your very soul, spend the extra!
Blessings
Irregardless isn’t a word
How is the Yamaha A series not in this list? Crazy.