Do you like which one better? Martin vs Taylor

[N+1]

Originally Posted by TBman

Off topic, nice tune in your sig.

That's very kind. Thank you. To put it back on topic, the guitar is a Taylor (can't remember which one) badly recorded! I can't hope to match your own guitar-playing expertise, alas.

[Samogitian]

Originally Posted by ascotia

I wrote this in another thread but I'm curious what others may have to say about it here:

I've noticed that the age distribution here on AGF seems to skew toward the 50s-70s range, and among this age group there seems to be a particular affinity for Martins (and Gibsons to a lesser degree).

In my observations, a majority of the singer/songwriters from the golden age of folk music largely played Martins, and I think this may explain the sentimental attachment to Martins for guitarists who lived through that era. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that because there weren't nearly as many choices at that time and because sound is totally subjective. One person's opinion isn't any more right than another's. I just think a lot of people are devoutly loyal to Martin and won't allow themselves to be converted to Taylor or any other brand.

Personally, I was never really interested in higher-end guitars until a few years ago. After I tried a ton of guitars from the big 3, there was really no competition to my mind's ear. Taylor won, hands down.

I think you are right. Newbies come into this with fresh eyes, with no allegiances, they pick up a Taylor and find it easy to play, easy on the eyes, whereas Martin compared is opposite of that in both categories. My personal inspiration was that my favorite fingerstyle players used Taylors, none of them were old even though they covered old songs.

This poll may look a lot different in 20 years or so, if guitars are still a thing.

[geoawelch]

Originally Posted by Kerbie

I think that's selling short a lot of people who disagree with you. Taylor wins for you and that's fine. Those who prefer Martin, however, are just as likely to choose Martin for perfectly justifiable reasons that are every bit as valid as yours. They may like the sound, feel, tone, quality, mojo, service, etc. The reason a player has stuck with a Martin may have nothing to do with whether or not he allows himself to be converted.

Agree here wholeheartedly.

Have had a number of both Martins and Taylors, both lower and higher priced, and I’m always “wanting a little more” with the Taylors.

Cheers,

George

[rabbuhl]

I've got a 214CE a long time ago and it has been a struggle. Changed to an ES-2, lots of set ups to finally get the action to where I like it, and tried lots of strings (different brands and gauges) before settling on Martin Retro strings 12s.

I got a Martin OMC-15ME last year. The Martin Retro strings are perfect. I had one setup and the action is great. I can play that guitar all day long.

[EZK123]

I've just never found a Taylor that really drew me in.

I'm drawn more to USA made Breedloves than either in most cases (my D-35 being the exception).

[dhr911]

I own a Martin, I’m not adverse to buying a Taylor.

[alien]

I admit to liking Martin guitars the best. They just have the sound that I like. I have played some Taylors that sound good, but not quite good enough for me to buy. Though I have been impressed with Taylor 12 strings. But I doubt I will give up my Guild 12 string.

[pattste]

I like them both. They both make a wide variety of guitars so it is hard to compare. I played some nice custom Taylors through the Taylor Road Show. I also played a Martin OM 28 Modern Deluxe at a Martin event last year that was the best production acoustic I've ever played.

[Hawkeye_gurl]

As of right now I don't own either but out of the guitars I've tried, heard, and have seen, I think Martin for tone and Taylor for aesthetics. Martin's have a very classic aesthetics and tone and Taylor has amazing modern aesthetics but also good tone. Both are great companies! You really can't go wrong with either. But for my ear, and from what I know, Martins are what a guitar sounds like if you asked the average person to close their eyes and imagine a guitar. The Martin sound is just iconic.

[Spineycat]

I always wanted a D28 but I think I’m about to buy a Taylor 717e

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Spineycat

I always wanted a D28 but I think I’m about to buy a Taylor 717e

I predict you wouldn't regret getting the Taylor 717e!

[cdkrugjr]

It's interesting in that I Love the sound of a Taylor, but I don't care for how it plays, finding it too crowded for my fat little fingers.

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by cdkrugjr

It's interesting in that I Love the sound of a Taylor, but I don't care for how it plays, finding it too crowded for my fat little fingers.

Yes, interesting, as most Taylors are 1.75 at the nut and 25.5 scale. Which Taylors have you played? I have fat fingers as well, and my 324 feels fine, just like my Martin and Webber, which also have long scale and 1.75 nuts. Overall, the Martin feels the tightest, but the neck shape might have something to do with it.