Martin Vs Taylor (The DEFINITIVE ANSWER)
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A Martin 00-15 mahogany. Just magic. But I love Taylor as well. Taylor’s always sound brighter to me, but with acoustic I usually prefer the warmer creamier sound of Martin.
Not me but I respect your opinion. I’m not a Martin fan. I’ve always loved Taylor’s because for me the Martin is too much bass not enough mids and treble for me.
If I want bass, I got bass, electric, muting and bigger guitars.
It varies from model to model. Dreadnoughts have more bass, An 000 is more rounded and better for fingerpicking. Also, the wood used makes a huge difference I’ve never liked the fact that Taylor uses a three-piece neck with a joint at the heel, and at the headstock, like the inexpensive Asian guitars. It obviously saves them money, but there is a sacrifice in tone. Martin carves their necks, out of a one piece block of wood.
yeah the Taylor is a bit brighter
I have a Martin 00-15M and It's my favorite guitar. I've had Gibsons, Martins and Taylors and if I could only have one, it would be my OO-15M
I was surprised by how different the two were
As a Martin owner, I instantly recognised that warm, resonant tone that instantly gives campfire vibes. Feels like the Taylor was tailor made (heh) for sitting well in a mix though
Martin as solo instrument - Taylor for studio use?
@Rovingdog628 Maybe you old cats should use your remaining powers of deduction to figure out through context clues that @Bacontruffle was referring to the two guitars in this video.
So I can buy both 😂
@@Juul096 You never need anyone's permission to do that king (aside from possibly your wife. Remember, happy wife happy life)
Exactly!
@Rovingdog628knock the dust off your brain and pick up on some context clues
As I've played literally a thousand different acoustics over my 57 years of playing, nailing it down to just one would be impossible. That said, I will break it down to a handful of categories...
Best Plying (Felt best in the hands) - My Mothers' 1964 Gibson Hummingbird
Best Live Performance instrument - 2004 Rainsong 12 string that I inherited from my Father
Best Studio recording instrument - 2 way tie between a 1990 Martin D-41 and a 1927 Washburn Parlor (not sure about the model number, or if it even had one)
Best campfire guitar - Yamaha FG-380
I have a 1934 Gibson L-7, sounds like jazz angels.
As a person who has visited guitar shops and picked up everything I found one vintage Martin that was it very expensive but the sound was amazing. I believe each person finds one or a few that it touches a spark within their new owners if you can afford it.
Do you mean FG-830? I can't find any model as a 380.
That was great fun to watch, Mike! I had a similar dilemma some time ago. Solved it by acquiring both a D-28 natural and a J-45 sunburst. If someone held a gun to my head I couldn’t come up with an answer other than my favorite is the one I’m playing now or, that I played last. Keep ‘em coming, kid!
Good choices
In college at the end of the 1990s, I pined for Taylor guitar but had no way to get one. When I got married, my wife bought me my dream Taylor. 2001 Taylor 614ce in blue with three piece back. The guitar sounds phenomenal and just stays in tune. I am so blessed to have a guitar that sounds and plays so good.
Taylor is Pepsi. Martin is Coke.
Jesus, the best answer I've seen
Amen 🙏🏻😊❤️
And I prefer Coke, as well as Martin.
Voilà ! Is’t a matter of taste.
Gibson is 7-Up?
I have a GWL from Costco which plays very well. I just replaced the plastic nut with a bone one and it keeps going. I love it. I tried both Taylor and Martin's and they're ok.
The best acoustic I ever played is a classical guitar : it's an Alhambra 7C classic, it's spanish and it sound marvellous and even though the neck is a chunky classical neck, I would never let it go. Plus, it's my first ever individual guitar that I didn't have to share with anybody.
Keep the good stuff up man and have a nice day.
Thought I was Taylor for life until I borrowed a friends BreedLove with Myrtlewood body. Not sure how much the wood choice vs the company is what makes this one so special. But after going along time not finding any myrtlewood guitar locally I ended up ordering one from Sweetwater fully prepared to return if not as comfortable/tonal as my friend's. It is practically identical. I'm all around super impressed with BreedLove and Sweetwater and really happy with this beauty.
What about those of us who worship at the altar of Gibson?
They’ve all gone over to Martin…
That was entertaining, kudos! In this particular case it’s the Martin for me. I’m a Martin guy myself, but I’ve played many really great ones from both brands. A matter of personal taste. Keep the great vids coming.
I know right? I once criticised an amp modeller and I spent 15 months in guantanamo bay. And when I got out it still didn't have plugin support.
so glad mike is on yt, content like this weekly really is a treat
I like that he used comparable guitars, and I was confronted with the same decision a few years ago. You can't go wrong with either guitar as both companies are about quality. The Martins are warmer while the Taylor's are brighter and yes, it seems people who play a lot of electric guitars prefer Taylors for acoustic because of the neck. I bought a Taylor 214CE and never seriously considered the Martin. But if I had purchased a Martin, I know I'd be happy with that today just as I'm very happy with my Taylor. Buy the one that suits you but you can't make a bad decision if you're choosing between a Martin and a Taylor.
Loved your video. I was Taylor exclusive for my acoustics until about 2-3 years ago. My first Martin was HD28 and I LOVE. That does not mean my Taylor’s have been kicked to the curb. I still love them and play as much if not more than newer Martin. Depends on song as they all have unique sounds/playability that I try to match to what I want to play. If you can justify a few different guitars of different brands (I also have a Maton I am quite fond of), go for it! The differences will inspire you in different ways or just be fun to experience how a given song sounds on a different type guitar in woods, body shape, manufacturer. If you can only have one guitar, pick the one that feels best in your hands with sound you like. You can really make anything sound good on on whatever your favorite guitar is!
That’s why I have a 2009 Taylor 814ce and a 2019
Martin OMCE blaze burst 1 of 50 custom shop. I love both of them equally the same. Each have their own unique voice. Since I couldn’t choose one over the other, I kept both.
I'd love to see you do a video like this with some lesser known acoustic guitars, like Collings, Breedlove, and Maton.
Great Stuff Mike!! I appreciate and respect what you provide!!! \m/
I love both Martin and Taylor, because I don’t have the funds I only own one acoustic which is the 314CE. It’s my favorite guitar that I’ve ever owned. My dad has a Martin HD28. I pull it out of the case and play every time I go over there.
Martin has a warm tone, Taylor is a bit brighter but both sound great!
I currently own a Taylor 314, but I am looking at a Martin.
The lovely thing about acoustic guitars is that they are individuals. Here one is more resonant, the other brighter. Your milage may vary...and how you hear it that day can be affected by so many things.
Nice video Mr Mike 👍
I played every single guitar in a little shop and walked out with a Guild.
I’ve owned a taylor 322ce and tried a bunch of martins, but my favorite acoustic guitars have always been Yamahas. Currently I own an LS36 and a Yamaha AC5R. I ended up selling my 322ce because I didn’t like it as much as the Yamahas, I never picked it up. It was still a great guitar. The neck shape on the Yamahas are just perfect to me, the tone is balanced and lush, fit and finish is literally perfect on both.
Highly recommend trying the FG5 and FS5 if you haven’t or their newest model the FG9, incredible instruments. If you ever get the chance to try the L series I think you’ll be blown away, but they’re very rare in the US and are available in low quantity due to being made by a single luthier (top model). Anyone else like Yamahas?
I have a Martin and a Yamaha! Love 'em both. The Yamaha goes outside the house, but the Martin stays in! :)
I've been lucky to pick up a 1966 fg-180. What a great sounding guitar it is.
I have an African mahogany A3R in tobacco sunburst. It is the best guitar I have ever owned.
Yamaha LL16M owner and love it!
My cheapest guitar is an fs820 in black with cream binding. And I've played it pretty much every day for 5 years. I love the red label 3 and 5 series too. In fact I couldn't tell any difference between them.
May I ask what microhpone you use in your videos? it always sounds so nice.
Excellent video. You did a great job of explaining the differences between the two. Well done!
Honestly starting to really like and hate acoustics at the same time. been playing for 15 years and started out with acoustics and always have been playing them mostly due to convenience (just pick it up and hit a string and there's sound). owned a martin DX1, never had the chance to touch a taylor but i do own an Eastman AC222 now which back when i bought it would be my definitive guitar. it's definitely got its qualities and it really scratches that taylor itch for me which i thought i needed, but man i really want some kind of (possibly sloped shoulder) dreadnought back in my collection for that big solid wall of sound. but that really depends on your personal use... picked or fingerpicking, band or solo? what kind of response and volume fits you as a player?
For me it’s always been Breedlove. Created by ex Taylor designers and luthiers, and it sounds amazing in a full band, and multiple recordings, and I’ll never deviate.
Can you explain which model. Because most of breedloves I’ve picked up are rough to the fingers and dead sounding.
@@david8252 I completely agree. Their fretboards have always been really dry feeling to me making it harder to change positions
Sounds amazing in a full band translates to; doesn’t stand up on its own. Martin for the win.
I have a breedlove all Koa, and while I agree, it's magic and has a great sound/playability. My 000-28 martin blows it out of the water. Both great guitars, and I'm sure I'll own more breedlove guitars in the future. I would not put them in the same category as a high end Martin however.
I have always been underwhelmed by Breedlove guitars.
😂 Good one Mike
If you are primarily an Acoustic player, I'd pick the Martin. Electric players who also play Acoustic tend to like the Taylors for the feel of the neck. Can't go wrong with either really.
Agree with this. The Taylor necks are familiar to electric players.
Even acoustic players can appreciate not having to work harder than necessary. There's something to be said for maintaining the strength to dig into any old shoebox with strings you get handed, but I would assume that most of us like there to be as little barrier to comfortable playing as possible. Taylors have nice action, which shows that acoustics can have nice action. Why are we ever defending high action? I have been an acoustic player my whole life, but I don't want to have to overplay to project volume. That's what electronics are for. I want to relax, and feel like my guitar is working with me.
My main acoustic is a Taylor 510 with englemann Spruce top I bought about 19 years back. I had the pickup replaced many years ago, and it still plays and sounds great. I also have a GS Mini, which is my beater acoustic. I recently was gifted a left handed Martin, after my old theatre professor passed away. I’d love to get it set up for right handed play.
@Rovingdog628 You have to replace the nut or the strings won't fit.
I was listening via PCM Result-6 monitors fed via an SSL 2+ audio interface. The guitars definitely sounded different, but as to which sounded better, that would depend upon the player, the arrangement and the song. The strummed Taylor definitely cut through the mix better than the Martin. I would love to know how different they are to play. Great video though.
Best acoustic guitar I've ever played; Gibson J-160E. There was a music store in Bridgeport, CT (can't remember the name but I doubt it's still there) that had once, and I was lucky enough to take it off the wall and play it for a few minutes. It sounded and felt exactly like I thought it should feel.
My bandmate and l were using Taylors 110e and 114ce for years. We thought we sounded bright together. I switched to Martin DCPa5 and now we have a more balanced tone. Though l still miss the bright crisp tone of my Taylor, lm loving the low ends of my Martin. Now l have my eyes on an affordable (German Brand)Baton Rouge AR21 ACE for finger picking . Within $300-$350 price range but with a tone comparable to a Maton and a look of a Taylor.
They are both equally awesome and separately awesome! They are just awesome. Fantastic guitars!!
My Larrivée OM-03R is my number 1 acoustic
I've always wanted to try a Larrivee!! I've heard they are phenomenal guitars!! I just can't find any in the wild here in the cornfields of southern Illinois 😢
@@mikemaysmusic5519 shameless plug: check out my TH-cam channel (L&M Guitar Corner), I have a couple of videos about my Larrivée, including a comparison with a Martin 000-28EC
Love the chill vibes!
Thank you for telling the definitive answer
I like how he didn't choose not to say the definitive answer and picked a side
I recently discovered your channel. Very well done, your format and style and presentation and content and production are among the best I’ve seen. Bravo. You will reach a million subs one day. BTW, I’m an old guy with a Taylor 314ce. But I’d really like to also have a Martin, well, because……
My main squeeze is an Alvarez YAiri. My friend has a really valuable Martin D-45 Snowdrop. I tried that once. It was really cool.
My favorite acoustic guitar is the Larrivee L09. It was only 1575.00 back when I bought it 25 years ago.
This is a funny video. I always look forward new ones from Mike.
My parents bought my a Taylor DN8 for my high school graduation back jn 2010 and it still sounds and plays amazing. I've played a friends Martin a couple dozen if times and it was awesome too. I honestly wouldn't be able to decide between the two companies if I was starting over but because I've owned a Taylor for so long I think I'll stick with them. I'm also from San Diego and it's tight that Taylor has a facility here.
For two years I agonized over which iconic acoustic to buy. I am a proud owner of an Ovation, made in US, that I bought in 2005 for $1100. It still sounds amazing. Finally decided on the taylor 414c. What an amazing guitar. Worth every penny. I am toying with getting a Martin road series but the Taylor was and is amazing
Love the ol Ovation
Go with Martin, the bright Taylor will get to you in time
Ovations are great in a flood if you need a flotation device. Trust me!
Is the scale length, body size and bracing system the same ? So many variables !
Mike, thank you. That was fun!
Why does it have to be either or or? Why not both?
I have a Martin Sc-10E that is great all solid wood fish man pickups a cutaway it is gorgeous and sounds amazing and dark
I have a Martin 000-15S and a Gibson J35. Very different sounds but both great. Then this summer I picked up a Yamaha FSX5 - which is a wonderful guitar too.
Id say either is fine. I could make that martin sound brighter with the right strings and picks. I could make the taylor sound warmer with the right strings and picks too. But they definitely lend themselves naturally to a different kind of sound. Not night and day but different. At the end of the day they both sound like high end guitars. If you have one enjoy it.
i just bought my Taylor AD17e yesterday, i'm so happy with this guitar, my first all solid guitar! the sound is incredible, but the cons is the fact that came with elixir strings, which i hate that super bright sound. Awesome video mate!
I love my custom shop D18. Sounds great, and just stays in tune
4 minutes in, and I didn't really care how the rest of the video went. Subbed. Your delivery is great, and whatever you ended up with in the end will match that.
I have a 214ce and I like it,I've had 2 Martin's and I love the neck on the Taylor. I've had it for 2 years. I hate to say it, but I rather have a Martin. I have tried to tame the Taylor down with different strings but it is bright. I am thinking about trading in for a Martin. They are both great guitars. I had a j45, that was amazing should have kept it. Do you have any ideas how to tame the Taylor down. Great video!!
Brilliant vid, made me laugh 😂 I’d be happy with either guitar, they are both a work of sonic art
In this comparison, I think I liked the Martin. I am fortunate to have one of each. A 000-15SM and a 614ce BE. They don’t sound at all like each other, which is great, so I cannot compare them. But … the one I love the most is, almost always, the one I just played. These are two seriously good companies striving to put phenomenal instruments into the hands of musicians. And almost any of the usual complaints may be addressed by trying a different pick or set of strings.
@Rovingdog628 The main problem with any guitar review is that it usually looks at a guitar straight out of the box using the strings that came on it. Nothing wrong with that, in general, but find a good luthier to properly set up the guitar and some strings that meet your taste and your opinion might change. It took me four sets of strings to find one that maximized my 1989 Alvarez Yairi dreadnaught (the answer was mid tension Santa Cruz), now I'm perfectly content (the prior choices were Martin 80/20, PB, and Retro).
In this comparison I liked the Taylor better, but really I think every guitar player needs one of each, or maybe a couple of each.
Classic! Great video. Thanks for sharing 😂
Best acoustic I ever played in my life was neither a Martin or Taylor...it was 1967 Guild d55...absolutely magic
Man, I don't think someone asked you this, but I really loved your glasses! What's the brand?
I have a Martin 000-18 and a Taylor 414CE and my most loved, favorite sounding guitar is, by far, my boyfriend’s Gibson G-200. It blows both my Martin and Taylor out of the water. Hoping to get a G-Writer EC or Hummingbird in the future. I was made for Gibson.
Best acoustic I've played: Santa Cruz D Model - Saving up my pennies for this one.
Best acoustic I own: Eastman AC722CE
Great review!!
I have an early 60s martin baritone ukulele and 1996 martin d18vs, those are my all time favorite instruments.
Hey Mike! Ive owned taylors and martins. Love them both, but have you played a Furch? I recently picked up a Furch green om-sm, used and probably thee best guitar Ive ever owned. If you havent played one, do check them out.
Martin OM-28, Martin D-35, Taylor 410 (1990), Taylor Custom TF, Gibson J-200. Emerald custom Full Carbon. I've had most of these for years. The Emerald and Taylor TF just 3-4 years. They are all wonderful but very different instruments. I wouldn't even begin trying to say one is 'better' than another.
For me it’s was a vintage Martin in Hollywood Guitar Center. I picked it up and it was like it played itself it was old and very expensive the sound was so perfect my heart was pounding ya it was the absolute best one I ever played. I have some each one has it’s own spark. Still looking for a Martin 12 string with that spark
The definite answer is to own both! They both sound great...
Well, that final was unexpected
What kind of strings did you use ?
I really enjoy your guitar videos, Mike. Informative, fun, educational. I have played guitar 30+ years and I can’t pick one favorite. I do have a few that I have loved:
Taylor Leo Kottke 12-string
Taylor Leo Kottke 6-string
Collings OM1
All three of those guitars sound completely different. I love the Collings for the size, and the Taylor‘s for their deep gravelly sound.
The Martin is warmer but I prefer the Taylor.
I’m gonna take the cop out answer: it depends what type of music you’re looking to play and whether you’re playing solo or with a band!
not a cop out, facts
My Gibson J45 Studio walnut. Right behind it is my Taylor 414ce or 214e.
Takamine GS-330S
So very happy I found your channel. On the advise of a friend, I bought a Taylor. It's a Gt Urban Ash. A great couch guitar. I'm learning it for the first time at age 68. Love it. Uber quality.
That was fun Mike!
What about Gibson?
Martin is "THE sound." Taylor is nice and bright and sits well in the mix (I find them ridiculously easy to mike up). For me, the winner was a Larrivee C-09!
Martin is "THE" sound because it's the first one in the category. They unintentionally established the "standard" of the sound of an acoustic guitar. There's nothing wrong with that but just for the discussion, what if it were not? I think if we want to compare them objectively, the "standard" should not exist at all, like an experiment without a control.
But comparing them objectively is stupid. Just go with what your heart feels is the right one. 😂😂
I honestly like the sound of Gibson acoustics over both Taylor and Martin. The best guitar I’ve ever played was Gibson j 45 and I’ve yet to find a guitar from any other brand offer that is as good as the gibson
My most recent guitar purchase was a J45. I tried out a lot of guitars before buying it. It's a great guitar. That said, I am considering doing a road trip to try out some Boucher guitars. I'm really impressed with what I have heard of them.
I have a 49 Southern Jumbo and a 2013 Dove. The dove is my go to these days. It rings like a wide open bell and still has tons of bottom end.
right there with you. I have owned a lot of all three, but Gibsons always have that something something. keepers.
Great vid! One thing though : Taylors have bolt on necks and once your acoustic needs a neck reset you'll be happy to have a taylor, I own a 214ce DLX, couldnt be happier (especially after a much needed neck reset 🙂)
Definitely this takamine of mine , solid nude rosewood , I keep it away for shows . My go to acoustic is 69’ harmony.
I laughed out loud at your dream sequence. Both of those sound really good. I’d go with the Martin for looks alone. The Taylor is probably better for all around use, and still is as easy to play as the new Martin SC models. I bought and sold the SC-1O. The neck is nice and thin but was a bit too wide for my smaller hands.
I have owned about 10 Taylor guitars from the GS Mini, 214ce, 310, 324, 414, a couple 814’s. And several T5’s/T5z. Same with Martin guitars. About 10 or so in 1k-$2500 range. Breedlove, Cole Clark, Seagull, all versions of the Fender Acoustasonic, a couple Rainsong carbon fiber, several Takamine models. The only one that has survived this comparison is one of the Takamine models. I played it a couple hours in church this morning. It’s just a great sounding, comfortable little instrument. ETN70BC is the model. No longer in production.
Good video, Mike. I would be happy with either one.
Furch - the lovechild of the two. The color series for more taylor-esque sound, vintage series for folks leaning more towards the Martin.
You did such a good job on this! Full disclosure: I’m a Martin guy.
Yamaha FS5 Red Label is my go-to. Best skit to date.
It’s a great fingerstyle guitar!
the real question is why not both? edited to add that mic did an awesome job
Good one Mike! You crack me up. In the last 52 years I have had only one steel string acoustic guitar and I need no other. I bought an Alvarez model 5024, aka Dove, in 1971. It's a copy of the Gibson Dove from the "lawsuit" era. The tone is warm and rich and sounds like no other guitar.
hey, what's that blue banjo-like guitar hanging on the wall called?
Resonator guitar
I have a Martin GPC-16E. Still in the honeymoon period. I only have eyes for her! But I've learned never say never! Who knows what the future will hold?
I have always loved taylors. I sat in a music shop and went back and forth between taylors and martins and the taylors were always just slightly warmer and gentle which I prefer. Obviously it varies guitar to guitar but I realy love taylors....also taylor koa guitars are immaculate to look at.
Martin: matte, woody, traditional
Taylor: bright, crisp, articulate
Both Martini and Taylor are plenty good for me! I happen to own a Martin Road Series which is my absolute favorite. I got it used on Craigslist for $420 about 3 years ago. It was dried out and had a high action and smelled like marijuana. I took some off the saddle and humidified it, and it sounds and plays great! But I'm sure there are Taylors that would make me just as happy. I now know to avoid plywood top guitars. Also, if you want a lower price point, Seagull guitars are great. And even lower, the Yamaha's are a great value.
i have a gs mini from taylor and a 2000's martin maghagany dreadnaught from my father and both are great guitars and i go back and forth between the two. the taylor is travel size so easier to play than the bigger martin but man the martin just has the bass the taylor cant get. i would probably myself go with a martin.
The answer is simple, buy both.
I love my Yamaha FG5 Red label .
Yep. I have the FS5 Red label.
I love the FG5, I tried one out while I was in Japan and it will be the next acoustic I buy!
Haha! Loved it!
For me, it depends on the song or genre. Some call for crispness, others smoother or more bass.
I’ve always had a Taylor 410. Never given it much thought ….. until now.
Ive owned both, and I love my Taylor. Its louder and brighter and is just easier to play. Just my opinion.
This does nothing to resolve my dilemma but was fun to watch and helps me discern a little better what to listen for.
I have a Gibson Dove Custom that was the first guitar that genuinely and thoroughly seduced me 28 years ago. It still makes lovely sounds and is incredibly responsive, but in ways I can’t explain it no longer feels like my guitar. Maybe my ego no longer requires a dreadnought and might like an auditorium or parlor model or something like that.
And when I check Reverb and see Dove Customs from the same vintage advertised for 3-4 times what I paid for mine … Time to go exploring. Thanks for the signposts.
Well done, Mike! This is a really super video- great content, and super sound thru that “mike”. Bob from Spokane Valley, WA USA
Played a gibson hummingbird once. Ive never played an acoustic that good since
I own both a Martin (00018) and two Taylor’s (Lutz spruce/rosewood and a Koa) and play mainly finger style. My Taylor’s when new sounded bright and since aging have warmed up to a nice balanced articulate sound. Martins are overall warmer, with higher highs and lower lows, louder, project with a fuller sound. Taylor grand concert fits my body better (I’m a shorter male with small hands) and they are just easier to play. I like the deeper bass and fuller sound on the Martin though when a song or tune calls out for it. I don’t know if I could really choose one guitar over the other. With the two guitars you played I like the Martin sound more
To me, I do not like to think in terms of one or the other, but to the strengths of each.
Many get too caught up on the whole brand loyalty and all that, but to me the beauty of any instrument is the voicing, and understand how that sound applies to different contexts.
Certain guitars will always just speak to you, and I have played Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Fender, PRS and others, and when they do speak to you, thats when it makes sense.
Likewise, I also love my cheapo Gretch Jim Dandy, it just has a certain mojo to it, its lo fi sounding and kinda boxy, and that sound just inspires me to take it wherever it takes me.
I would add a third comparison to the standard tests we see. Reviews like to focus on hearing them side by side, but rarely, if ever have i stumbled upon those who play them together is a mix, and how they compliment each other, instead its just pitting them against each other.