Looking for a grand autitorium guitar - Page 3

marklcfc · #31 05-13-2022, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg257

Martin GPCs are very comparable to the Taylors x14s....maybe a slightly shallower body depth. More the Martin tone of course, which can be a good thing. I thought the GPC-16e were RW not mahogany ???

Bought the original GPC-PA1 way back when {which seemed as a direct answer to Taylor) and it was a really nice guitar.

Don't know if two versions as here is the RW but it looks the same in photos https://www.andertons.co.uk/martin-g...4aAjkpEALw_wcB

Which is better Mahogany or RW?

marklcfc · #32 05-13-2022, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg257

Martin GPCs are very comparable to the Taylors x14s....maybe a slightly shallower body depth. More the Martin tone of course, which can be a good thing. I think the GPC-16e comes in RW too.

When you say more of a Martin tone how would you explain that?

More of the guitar players I like have played Martin's than Taylors so that's in the back of my mind. One being the Martin D-35.

But Guild F-20 and Guild M-20 are also popular ones too, any idea how does the Guild sound compare to a Taylor / Martin?

jmjohnson · #33 05-13-2022, 01:35 PM

Seems they make them in both RW and 'hog.

It depends - on you, really.

I like RW as a broader range of tone, more color, but do enjoy mahogany too as long as its not too bright. I do know I had a GPC-PA 1 (RW) and a PA2 (mahogany) and the RW just had "more".

https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.c...or-tone-woods/

jmjohnson · #34 05-13-2022, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marklcfc

When you say more of a Martin tone how would you explain that?

More of the guitar players I like have played Martin's than Taylors so that's in the back of my mind. One being the Martin D-35.

But Guild F-20 and Guild M-20 are also popular ones too, any idea how does the Guild sound compare to a Taylor / Martin?

Typically a Martin will sound more like a martin, and a Taylor will sound like a Taylor. Its how they build/voice them. I think traditionally Taylors are thought to be a bit brighter/crisper more modern sounding than a typical Martin, which is a more classic warmer yet vintage sound.

One of my all-time favorites was a Guild D-40...awesome sounding guitar (it was a dread). Not so sure about the smaller bodies, but they do build quality. Issue is check the nut width...may be 1-11/16" vs 1.75".

jp2558 · #35 05-13-2022, 01:45 PM

A few years ago Martin was making GPC-35E and GPC-28E models, part of their Standard Series. They didn't build many of either but I've seen used ones recently for ~$2500 USD. I have a GPC-35E and am quite happy with it as its a cutaway and has built in Fishman electronics.

I also like Pro Series Takamine, which are well built, and have excellent on board electronics. And they play and sound fantastic.

marklcfc · #36 05-13-2022, 04:16 PM

I've found a used Martin GPCPA1 but thats more than the new GPC's earlier mentioned. I heard that was one of the best though

jmjohnson · #37 05-13-2022, 06:59 PM

Yeah - the details on the pa1 were awesome - the binding, the pearl rosette, the headstock, the aura electronics. BeAutiful!

Perchman · #38 05-13-2022, 07:29 PM

I’m seeing suggestions such as the Taylor 814 which is an amazing choice but with a substantial price tag. If you can play a Breedlove Pursuit cedar top over Sapele back and sides, I think you’d be pleasantly surprised for the price.

marklcfc · #39 05-14-2022, 04:39 AM

So is a used GPCPA1 preferrable over a new GPC-16E?

jmjohnson · #40 05-14-2022, 05:30 AM

If it was in excellent condition? For the asthetics & finish at least, personally I would lean towards the PA1 over a -16e.

But a new 714ce would also be on that list to consider over a used GPC.

marklcfc · #41 05-14-2022, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmg257

But a new 714ce would also be on that list to consider over a used GPC.

What is the action like on Martin compared to Taylor? I heard the Taylor was low which I like, I also read the Martin was high, which wouldn't be ideal.

lowrider · #42 05-14-2022, 06:17 AM

I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, but the Martin 16 Style Rosewood Special from Guitar Center and Musician's Friend is a great guitar and probably the best deal in the GA/GPC category;

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/...sewood&index=2

marklcfc · #43 05-14-2022, 06:20 AM

Does the colour of the wood make a difference between these?

https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/produ...racing-natural
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/produ...caAuXGEALw_wcB

marklcfc · #44 05-14-2022, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrider

I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, but the Martin 16 Style Rosewood Special from Guitar Center and Musician's Friend is a great guitar and probably the best deal in the GA/GPC category;

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/...sewood&index=2

I don't think that's available in the UK

jcpharm · #45 05-14-2022, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marklcfc

What is the action like on Martin compared to Taylor? I heard the Taylor was low which I like, I also read the Martin was high, which wouldn't be ideal.

Action can be adjusted by a professional setup which i would highly recommend when buying such a nice guitar. i once had a Martin GPC which had high action but after a setup, it played smooth like butter.