Taylor 414ce or Martin d-18. Which one first?

Originally Posted by djqsrv

...but every time I go to pull the trigger the thought of the d-18 stops me...

That's because it's the guitar you really want.

Originally Posted by djqsrv

...When I think of ordering the d-18 I stop because I already have 2 dreadnoughts...

Two is a good start.

[GuitarLight]

I would choose the Martin D-18

[Dieselten]

The D18 is a Mahogany classic dreadnaught, and many have reputations as "banjo-killers" in the Blugrass genre. This is a huge compliment because a Bluegrass banjo is a loud, bold and brassy instrument. Any guitar that can cut through a banjo is a real keeper, and D18s are prized for that particular quality. So the D18, played softly or loud, is a real winner on most counts.

That said, I have been astonished by the acoustic tone, volume and balance of a little Guild GAD-30RE I bought a number of years ago. The pickup is invisible, there are no tone or volume controls to disfigure the guitar (you handle all that on the amp if you play plugged in), the neck is gorgeous and it plays easily, sings sweetly and sounds like it cost four times its actual price (i.e 6K instead of the 1.5KAust I paid for it). At the money, nothing came close to it.

[Groberts]

I own a Taylor 814CE (current model with the new bracing) It is truly exceptional. I am not sure if the 400 series have been granted those new design refinements yet. But that said, I played a few current / new D18's recently and they are truly classic, responsive, musical and engaging. I would heartily recommend a D18. But ultimately, it comes down to which instrument inspires you when 'you' play. That is the ultimate acid test.

[otavio]

I think that Taylor 510 should be the taylor choice to compare with D18.

I had both, and decided to sell d18 even with a bit more warm in the tone..
Taylor smashed D18 in playability field...(dreads are not to comfortably to play, for this i´m ordering a 0018)
This was 10 years ago, so the Taylor it´s even better.
Not regret a bit.

[rmyAddison]

Another vote for the iconic D-18, great guitars...........

[joseriverasound]

I had a 414CE that I bought sight unseen, I know my fault, and sold it because it was uninspiring. There is no contest, Buy the Martin.

[ukejon]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I own a Taylor 814CE (current model with the new bracing) It is truly exceptional. I am not sure if the 400 series have been granted those new design refinements yet. But that said, I played a few current / new D18's recently and they are truly classic, responsive, musical and engaging. I would heartily recommend a D18. But ultimately, it comes down to which instrument inspires you when 'you' play. That is the ultimate acid test.

A most thoughtful answer from a Taylor owner. Nicely said.

[healyf52]

D-18 for sure. I bought one 40 years ago (new) and still have it. Taylors are nice too, but not on the same level as Martins.

[B-Nads]

I have a 514, and I'd probably swap it for a D18 even though my only other acoustic I have at the moment is a dread ;-)

[kcnbys]

Originally Posted by healyf52

D-18 for sure. I bought one 40 years ago (new) and still have it. Taylors are nice too, but not on the same level as Martins.

False.

Since you (the OP) intend to get both guitars anyway, the decision as to which to purchase first should really come down to which guitar best meets your current needs/desires for a new guitar. Both are fantastic guitars. At this point in my life, I'm a dread guy primarily, so I'd go with the D18. I've played very few dreads I like better than the new D18's. However, the 414ce is extremely versatile, has electronics, has the NT neck, which will cost you far less down the road if a neck reset is ever needed, and is generally more "playable". It's also probably a bit more comfortable to play, since it has a narrower waist. Based on your original post, it sounds like your gut is leaning toward the D18. If that's the case, that's probably your answer for which to buy first. The good news, is that your NOT deciding on which one, just which one right now.

[The Blood]

I just bought a used D-18GE from a forum member and am really enjoying the tone and playability. These offer a lot of tone for a relatively small outlay, IMO.

But for me there was clearly a mojo factor in the purchase, as this model seems to be what all the cool guys (Clarence White, Doc Watson, Jim Kweskin) were playing back in my youth. For such a spartan offering, this model has stood the test of time like no other, and can be found on many landmark recordings. I've always wanted one, but couldn't justify it when I already had a great D-28, until I learned that the GE models have the 1 3/4 nut and then I immediately had to have one.

I guess the same thing happens with cars where its nice to drive around in something that has a little history.

[lodi_55]

In my opinion, this thread does less to guide the OP and more to act as a vehicle for fans of a particular brand.

Is it too much to ask to provide some detail behind your response? Have you ever played the 414? Do you know what it is? I've played the 414 (I've owned two, now only the Nylon version). IMHO, its one of the most versatile guitars out there and if you can get the FLTD (Taz Blackwood) it gives you an even more balanced tone with some good bottom end.

Does that help or should I just say "another vote for the iconic D18"?

[WCTrail]

Originally Posted by AmericanEagle

This forum is heavily biased in favor of Martins.
Many will quietly bash Taylors, so I am not sure
you will be getting unbiased opinions here.

I don,t think people bash Taylor many love them on the forum we all have what we think is the best sounding. Heck one of my guitars is a Larrivee many dislike them the important thing is I like it that,s all that matters.

[djqsrv]

We'll work side tracked me today as I found out I need to travel for the rest of the week and possibly some of next. So the purchase is going to have to wait. I am sure I will flip flop a few more times by the time I make it to the store. Today I am feeling like the Taylor is going to be first. Most of my playing is just me sitting in my music room alone. I haven't played out for many a moon and have no intentions of doing so again. I think I'm wanting the smaller body guitar right now as I have never had one. Well I'm not counting my classicals. I know the d-18 IS the dreadnought that I want. The 414 IS the medium body guitar I want. (The larrivve p-03 IS the parlor I want but that's for another day altogether) Right now power and volume is not the driving factor. If I was playing out and unplugged it would be the d-18 for sure. I think I'm just a little more intrigued by the Taylor right now. Well at least I can torture myself pondering this one for a bit longer.
Anyway. Thanks for all the advice.