The Eternal Question

[TBman]

So I log into FB this morning and one of the first topics I see in one of the guitar groups I belong to is:

Which is better? Taylor Martin or Gibson?

At the time there were over 400 comments.

I was so tempted to post a link to a video of Stephen Wake playing his Larrivee and say "He's playing a Larrivee, now what?" You think practice has more to do with it?

Instead I kept scrolling..........

Remind me to review my guitar groups

[Gordon Currie]

Yes, the incessant chasing of 'one true answer' as opposed to information.

Seems to be a 'feature' of our time. Avoidance is the best strategy.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by TBman

So I log into FB this morning and one of the first topics I see in one of the guitar groups I belong to is:

Which is better? Taylor Martin or Gibson?

It's an important question, and I don't think we've ever reached a definitive answer on this forum. We'll have to try again.

[foxo]

Even though I prefer my Gibson, I’d probably vote for Martin due to their expansive product range and historic innovations in acoustic guitar design. Not a massive fan of the Taylor guitars I have played although I respect that they do make fine instruments.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by foxo

Even though I prefer my Gibson, I’d probably vote for Martin due to their expansive product range and historic innovations in acoustic guitar design. Not a massive fan of the Taylor guitars I have played although I respect that they do make fine instruments.

That's an interesting statement. In the last 100 years or so, I would describe Martin as one of the least innovative of the large guitar manufacturers.

Many who buy their instruments want "tradition". "Innovation" and "tradition" are typically opposite ends of the spectrum. Their recent foray into "liquid metal" bridge pins, composite material bridge plates and the new SC-13E are arguably innovative.

[foxo]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

That's an interesting statement. In the last 100 years or so, I would describe Martin as one of the least innovative of the large guitar manufacturers.

Many who buy their instruments want "tradition". "Innovation" and "tradition" are typically opposite ends of the spectrum. Their recent foray into "liquid metal" bridge pins, composite material bridge plates and the new SC-13E are arguably innovative.

I’m fairly new to this so I stand corrected. I guess I’m attributing too much weight to the dreadnought design which I believe was a Martin innovation?

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by foxo

I’m fairly new to this so I stand corrected.

My purpose was not to "correct" you, simply to state my opinion.

I guess I’m attributing too much weight to the dreadnought design which I believe was a Martin innovation?

It was a Martin innovation, but there are many guitars in the world that are not dreadnoughts - and seemingly an increasing number of guitar players discovering "life after dreadnought". However, the Martin dreadnaught hasn't changed in "significant" ways for a long time. Perhaps, the biggest change to them has been to use non-wood materials (e.g. HPL) so as to be able to offer them at a lower price to compete with imports.

I'm reminded of the car ads on TV boasting, "All new" and, "Completely redesigned". Funny, they still have four wheels, the same number of doors, a steering wheel, lights, brakes, gas pedal... the vast majority of what identifies it as a car remains the same. "All new", not so much. All new Marketing.

[rmp]

Originally Posted by TBman

So I log into FB this morning and one of the first topics I see in one of the guitar groups I belong to is:

Which is better? Taylor Martin or Gibson?

The right answer would be "yes."

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by TBman

Which is better? Taylor Martin or Gibson?

I've been wondering about that... keeps me awake at night.

[dnf777]

Fortunately, we all know the obvious answer here....

[Twin Six]

Originally Posted by dnf777

Fortunately, we all know the obvious answer here....

"It depends."

[llew]

Why I'm not on FaceBook. But the question remains.....by those who can't think of anything better to talk about?

[Jim Owen]

At my house the eternal question is “what do I want to eat?”

[leew3]

I own Taylors, Martins and a Larrivee and can't even answer the question in my own house! It seems whatever I'm playing that day is wonderful, typically because it is unique and distinct from the others.

[Br1ck]

We have our share of these threads. They form the basis of YouTube click bait titles. Proceed if you think it's good fun, skip if you don't.

I made the statement one day to a department manager in a well stocked store that I'd never played a Taylor I liked. He got out two and put them on stands. I played them, went over to him and said, I've never played a Taylor under $7K that I liked. They were really good.

All the XXX vs YYY threads are just entertainment. Most outrageous statement YouTube titles are to drive views. Even channels I like do this. They have to.