Martin or the Taylor 414ce

[Guildman]

Throwing out something to chew on. I bought a Martin GPCRSG over a year ago. MIM but a solid wood guitar....richlite fingerboard. Got a chance at a 2013 414CE, natural. Going to look at it tomorrow and probably take the Martin to AB. Other than "the one that speaks to me" what might others have to say/add. The 414 is priced under market so that part is its favor. I would sell the Martin if I go with the Taylor.

The electronic, ES, etc is a small factor. Of course I want it to work. I'm the type to put more on sound and feel of it as an acoustic.

Thanks in advance!

[Earl49]

I'd go for the 414 myself, but at one point I owned four Martin guitars and now own none. I still have my 414ce (ovangkol) from 2001 and its a great guitar.

[Jeff Scott]

Try some standard series Martins before (18 and up) you buy.

[DukeX]

You should buy and play what you want. Simple as that. Both are nice guitars, just different.

[Guildman]

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

Try some standard series Martins before (18 and up) you buy.

I have a 000-18e retro that will be sold at the estate sale when I depart.

[Shadowfox]

Personally, I don't like ovangkol, but think the rosewoods 414 are nice! Check Reverb and play some in a GC.

[AZLiberty]

In general I probably like the 414 better, but I simply hate the ES system.

[jcpharm]

i would compare with new (2019) Martin GPC-16E with solid EIRW B/S. i think that one is MI America, but is technically not standard series so can be had for <$1.7k new.

[Guildman]

Originally Posted by jcpharm

i would compare with new (2019) Martin GPC-16E with solid EIRW B/S. i think that one is MI America, but is technically not standard series so can be had for <$1.7k new.

Thanks but this is a local sale in rural USA. It's pretty much how much better I will like the Taylor and assuming it is in new condition as seller is stating. Pics seem to indicate. I never owned a Taylor but always felt like the 414 would be the one if so.

[BT55]

I owned a 414ce for a number of years and really enjoyed it. Martin and Taylor guitars have different tonality and you can’t go wrong with one of each.

[ChrisE]

Play them both and remember there is nothing wrong with having a Martin (or 2) AND a Taylor.

[keith.rogers]

Definitely take your guitar to A/B, and if possible, another set of ears to give you objective feedback.

Size-wise they are essentially the same - my friend and I have swapped our guitars/cases and confirmed it, though the Taylor headstock makes the overall length of his (714ce) a bit longer, and snug in the Martin case.

Out of the [factory] door, the Taylors almost always have better action, but the necks are quite similar on those two. I've tinkered with my Martin and my friend finds the action a little low compared to his Taylor.

BUT, if you play plugged in, you really should test them that way. The ES system is not well loved, though I've heard some that sound fine. The ES on the 714ce croaked and so now it has plugged holes and something else with those soundhole controls. Electronics replacement can be expensive, and if you use it that way, and don't like its sound, it's no bargain regardless.