Taylor 814 or Martin OM28?

[vindibona1]

Between the two, it would be the 814-X. The OM28 is a different animal entirely. I've played a number of the OM28's and they didn't do a thing for me. In the Martin lineup, similar yet different than the OM28, I'd push you toward a M36, probably one of my two favorite Martins. If you're looking for something with a little more definition and a bit more note clarity and projection, in the Taylor lineup the 814ceDLX-X is an excellent choice, especially if you swap the Micart saddle for bone. But the 814ce-X is very warm and lush and an excellent choice for many things. JMO

[Dbone]

Originally Posted by srbell

814 X braced for me.

+1

[Wade Hampton]

The only Taylor I've ever owned was a great-sounding Taylor 814, which was also by far and away the best-sounding Taylor I've ever played. I gigged with it some, too.

But as good as it sounded, it simply was not as musically versatile as my 000-42: not even close. I could and can just get a lot more tone colors and dynamic range from the 000-42. What the 814 gave me was a nice, balanced tone, but I couldn't get it to talk the way that my Triple O can.

So whether you get one or the other, I would say assess your playing needs plus your own musical aspirations. I do gig out and play a wide stylistic range of music, and my 000-42 delivers all that with ease, while the 814 simply did not. I mean, it sounded great on the music it sounded great on, but it just didn't deliver when I'd switch things around and use a different right hand attack when I needed to.

To use a knife metaphor, my 814 was like a high quality Buck sheath knife, really good for specific tasks. My 000-42 is more like the best possible Swiss Army Officer's knife, with all the tools I need for just about every task. I can use it to express whatever I need to express, which I couldn't quite pull off with the Taylor.

So I think that the Martin OM-28 is going to be your better choice here, eventually if not immediately.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

[AmericanEagle]

Taylor 814!

[SpruceTop]

A Taylor 814ce ES2 X-Class or V-Class as it's an all-arounder and is stage-ready!

[Eucatastrophe]

I highly recommend you consider the Martin OM-28 Modern Deluxe. It’s fantastic! Very responsive and a wonderful balance of fundamentals and sweet overtones. Love the maple bindings instead of ivoroid. And the shell inlay logo is a nice improvement over the foil. The gold frets and timers are also lovely.

I’m not so sure about the other Modern appointments. When I picked it up the first time I had no idea what Modern Deluxe meant. It was just the best sounding Martin OM I played that day.

Though I don’t own one I have purposely bought extra strings etc at that local shop just to play it a little more. I A-B’d it to a few other Taylors...814 and 914 and the newer 717. It was the best sounding guitar in the room Hahaha. Not only to me but a few customers and shop personnel too.

It sounded full when strummed, with a very strong, even slightly thumpy, bass. Fantastic in DADGAD fingerstyle too!

All that to say.. if at all possible...someday...I hope you can try one.

I love Taylor’s and the 814 is fantastic too. Especially the 2014-2018 Andy Powers Revoiced X bracing ones. I’ve played and owned Taylors for about 20 years. Currently I own a 2017 712e 12 fret and it’s not going anywhere. But That OM-28 MD haunts me

[silvereagle48]

I've had both. This isn't even a choice. Martin every time

[rolleiguy54]

i have the Martin OM Modern deluxe. I sold my taylor 610, Martin d28 Marquis. and I'm not looking back.

It does everything well.

[dkg1616]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

A Taylor 814ce ES2 X-Class or V-Class as it's an all-arounder and is stage-ready!

X2 - agree with this. I have an 814ce dlx v class and ABSOLUTELY love it

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by dkg1616

X2 - agree with this. I have an 814ce dlx v class and ABSOLUTELY love it

Me too - 814ce DLX V-Class is a most amazing instrument. However, comparing to a Martin OM-28? I thinks it's best to play them side by side and decide.

[Marty C]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

Me too - 814ce DLX V-Class is a most amazing instrument. However, comparing to a Martin OM-28? I thinks it's best to play them side by side and decide.

I have several Martins and I have always been a Martin guy. My wife and kids always purchased Martin attire for Father’s Day and birthdays. Hats, T-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.

I did this exactly. I played both these guitars side by side. I went home with the Taylor, even to my surprise. I didn’t expect it to sound so warm and full. I played in that store for about 2-3 hours. Everything from the 100 series up. Same with the Martins and Gibson’s. The 814 DLX V-class just did it for me. Plugged in was even better. The tone just seemed great and didn’t need lots of EQ that I couldn’t get from adjusting the knobs on the guitar. And now, with the deal they have, you can add a GS mini to that purchase for only $99.00! Hate I missed that one. The bevel on the upper side where my right arm rest on the guitar was a strong selling point for me. It was also nicely appointed, but not overly done.

In the end, like many others have said, it’s up to your taste and ears. Having a new guitar during this time at home sure makes the time pass better.

[Boozehound]

Depends on what else you have and what you want to do with it. If it is your only guitar I’d probably choose the Taylor (of the two listed).

I love Martins, but haven’t found a Martin OM that I love. After returning several, including some with upgraded woods, bracing, etc. I picked up my Santa Cruz OM/PW and that scratched my OM itch.

I have bought and sold many Taylors. I just can’t seem to find one that I love.

[Shadowfox]

I'll take the Furch https://youtu.be/MUmU6rE3a8g

[ahorsewithnonam]

Buddy has an 814CE V brace. Sounds great. But, when he’s over, he wants to play my OM28. They are both amazing. The OM28 is a little more intimate.

[Cuki79]

I'd say OM-28V if you can find one. I don't like the MLO neck