Taylor 214 vs Yamaha ll16?

woozor · #1 05-10-2011, 03:04 AM

Im looking either ordering the Taylor 214 or a Yamaha ll16. Which do you think is the overall best guitar in playability and tone?

The yamaha is cheaper and seems better value being all solid and both come with a soft hard case.

patticake · #2 05-10-2011, 03:28 AM

have only played the taylor, and i wasn't impressed - i actually prefer the 114 to tje 214. if it were me, i'd order the yamaha from some store with a great return/exchange policy. that way, if i didn't like it, it would be an easy exchange.

btw, why those 2 particular guitars?

Hendra · #3 05-10-2011, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woozor

Im looking either ordering the Taylor 214 or a Yamaha ll16. Which do you think is the overall best guitar in playability and tone?

The yamaha is cheaper and seems better value being all solid and both come with a soft hard case.

Used to own a 214CE and still own a LS 16. But if I am to choose, I'll pick the 214 CE anyday. Mostly for the great Taylor neck profile and tone balance across strings although I know the Taylor is a laminate back while the LS 16 is all solid.

On your case, the 214 to a LL16 is not a fair comparison as the LL16 is a dread while the 214 is a GA.

woozor · #4 05-10-2011, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patticake

btw, why those 2 particular guitars?

Because there in my price range and I havent come across anything else that is any good. Whether its low end martins/seaguls, second hand breedloves I didnt like any of them. Breedlove had best feel but sounded dull. Takemines was alright but overpriced for what they are.

And the yamaha is the ideal spec I wanted, solid wood ebony fingerboard, plus it looks great on top of that. Whilst comparing it to the Taylor, all I can see is your paying an extra £150 for the name. Or am I wrong?

edman · #5 05-10-2011, 04:57 AM

The LL16 would be my choice without question: Better tone, more volume, solid wood, gloss finish and equal quality.

The L Series have a 1.75" nut and come in 3 body sizes: dread, OM and jumbo (LL16, LS16 and LJ16).

If you want a Taylor GA spend a little more and get the GA3 or GA4. You will have to if you want a guitar along the same line as an LL Yamaha.

woozor · #6 05-10-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edman

The LL16 would be my choice without question: Better tone, more volume, solid wood, gloss finish and equal quality.

The L Series have a 1.75" nut and come in 3 body sizes: dread, OM and jumbo (LL16, LS16 and LJ16).

If you want a Taylor GA spend a little more and get the GA3 or GA4. You will have to if you want a guitar along the same line as an LL Yamaha.

I ordered the LL16 today so should get it within next couple days. I did read all threads on this forum regarding it and it seems a wise choice. So thanks.

convert66 · #7 05-10-2011, 03:21 PM

I have an LL16 12 that I recently purchased that I have become quite pleased with. I think you will be happy. The L series Yamaha's are really nice compared to the lower end models. But, then, IMHO the Lower end Yammies sound really great too, for the price.

patticake · #8 05-10-2011, 03:30 PM

try blueridge and recording king all solid guitars - great values, great tone. and try and find some eastman guitars to play - not their bottom of the line models, but the rest are stellar. amazing value, amazing quality, such great tone!

edman · #9 05-10-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patticake

try blueridge and recording king all solid guitars - great values, great tone. and try and find some eastman guitars to play - not their bottom of the line models, but the rest are stellar. amazing value, amazing quality, such great tone!

He said he ordered the LL16 today.

I think he made a great choice.

Buck62 · #10 05-10-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woozor

I ordered the LL16 today so should get it within next couple days. I did read all threads on this forum regarding it and it seems a wise choice. So thanks.

Yamaha makes great guitars.

I love my LL16.

Hope you enjoy yours.

killerteddybear · #11 05-10-2011, 07:47 PM

Here in San Diego I couldn't find any Yamaha L-series guitars... it's like they're mythical, or maybe at the end of their model run?

patticake · #12 05-10-2011, 08:41 PM

i know - can't find 'em in l.a., either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by killerteddybear

Here in San Diego I couldn't find any Yamaha L-series guitars... it's like they're mythical, or maybe at the end of their model run?

woozor · #13 05-11-2011, 09:45 AM

Well I got it through earlier on today and I am very pleased. Without even palying this guitar I took a big risk based on reviews, and i tried out every brand out there in the process.

This is like a cross between a martin and a taylor as far as tone goes and sounds amazing. The action needs to go down a bit, and some cosmetic mesh inside the guitar but who looks in there anyway.

Overall Its a great guitar and spec for the money and cant fault it.

leehop71 · #14 05-11-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patticake

try blueridge and recording king all solid guitars - great values, great tone. and try and find some eastman guitars to play - not their bottom of the line models, but the rest are stellar. amazing value, amazing quality, such great tone!

How would you describe the Eastman tone? Bright Warm? Do they make an OM size?
Jack

daza152 · #15 05-11-2011, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by convert66

I have an LL16 12 that I recently purchased that I have become quite pleased with. I think you will be happy. The L series Yamaha's are really nice compared to the lower end models. But, then, IMHO the Lower end Yammies sound really great too, for the price.

Is there a noticeable difference between the lower end yamaha's and the L series guitars? I own a fg700s and am very happy with it for now but will consider an upgrade in a couple of years and was reading about them, plus they look like pure quality too. also are they made in Japan the higher end L series or are all the L series from there? Thanks.