Interesting Taylor & Martin size comparisons

[Bob Womack]

I've often heard the Martin OM (Orchestra Model) and 000, which share the same-sized body, compared to the Taylor GA (Grand Auditorium). I played and photographed the two side by side and compared them. Here is a Taylor K14c next to a Martin OM-28:

The GA body is fairly obviously larger in length, width and depth than the OM. Some have called the GA a "dread with a narrow waist."

That got me thinking so I set up another comparison between a Taylor GC (Grand Concert) and an OM. It is the same Martin OM-28 next to a Taylor 312ce 12 fret short scale. Don't let the neck difference throw you:

Ah, now those are more comparable in all dimensions!

The actual dimensions found on the Internet come out to:
Taylor GA: 20" long x 16" wide at lower bout, 11-1/2" upper bout, x 9.5" waist x 4-5/8" deep at lower bout
Taylor GC: 19-1/2" long x 15" wide at lower bout x 11-1/16 upper bout x 8-3/4" waist x 4 3/8" deep at lower bout
Martin OM: 19.3" long x 15" wide at lower bout x 11.25" upper bout x 9.5" waist x 4.1" deep at lower bout

Just FYI and hope it helps!

Bob

[mr. beaumont]

I owned a Taylor 414 for a few years, and in the end, it was still too big for me. When I finally played a 000, I realized what I was missing out on. 000/OM is the goldilocks size for me.

[rollypolly]

That Taylor 312 has me tempted! Those are all good looking guitars though.

[GoPappy]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

That Taylor 312 has me tempted! Those are all good looking guitars though.

I have the 522e - same size but all mahogany, same 12-fret neck and the same slotted headstock. They are VERY comfortable to play.

[Brent Hutto]

It’s been a while since I owned some of these but I’m pretty sure I recall that a Taylor GC, Gibson L-00, Martin OM and my long scale “concert” sized classical guitar could for the most part fit in each others cases.

To me that size category is the absolute max for any kind of long-term playing comfort for me. It’s fun to play a Dred or Jumbo for a few minutes but it gets tiring/uncomfortable after an hour or so.

[KevinH]

I think this is why I really like the Taylor GC body size and find an OM a little too big. The GC has the same lower bout but is narrower in the waist than the OM, which helps it sit lower (I play sitting down). And the 0.5" shorter scale, along with the 12-fret configuration makes for a much shorter reach out to the nut on the GC. All that, for me, makes the GC really comfortable to play.

[mawmow]

Well, I am at ease playing my Taylors 322 and 412ce
as well as my Martin OOO-18 and Larrivee OM-09,
but a little less with my Martin OODB : I mean the
body depth also get into the equation.

Anyway, I am lurking toward some Taylor GC as well
as Matin GPC models.

[pieterh]

I’ve always understood that the GC (x12) body size was the equivalent of the OM/OOO size and practical experience (ie trying them) would bear this out.

[619TF]

I don't know if there's a similar one for Martins but here is a great rundown on the sizes in the Taylor line:

https://youtu.be/4485QPVnm0o

[jricc]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I owned a Taylor 414 for a few years, and in the end, it was still too big for me. When I finally played a 000, I realized what I was missing out on. 000/OM is the goldilocks size for me.

Yes this! Had a taylor 114 and was too big for me, 000 is the sweet spot. Though currently really digging my Gibson G-00

[Dru Edwards]

The GA is a very comfortable guitar that has a 16" lower bout width which is not only bigger than a Martin OM/000 but also bigger than a standard Martin dread body as well.

[GoPappy]

I've got a side-by-side pic of my Taylor 522e (GC) and Martin CE0-7 (00 size) that is a very interesting size comparison. I'm not sure how to post pics here.

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by GoPappy

...I'm not sure how to post pics here.

Instructions for posting pictures are here.