Martin D-28 and Taylor 810 Compared

[Bobby1note]

A few years ago, I went shopping for a high-end acousic with the thought that I'd be coming home with a Gibson SJ-200. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed at the store when I tried it out. I had played an early 90's version of this guitar, and was blown away by the tone. I then turned to the Martins, and tried several models, including the D-28. As much as I like the Martins, they just didn't do it for me.

The salesman handed me a Taylor 810 ce, and THAT WAS IT. That baby followed me home. Absolutely wonderful guitar. It has quite literally changed the way I play and approach chord progressions with lead work. It made me a much better player. I was suddenly hearing things I've never noticed with other guitars. The tonal balance is superb in my opinion, and the playability,,,, well, it's a Taylor.

Don't get me wrong. I've played and owned some great Martins (and still do), and I love the Gibson SJ-200, especially those from the early 90's.

If I were looking for a "strummer", I'd most likely be looking at a Guild F-50r w/D-Tar. This guitar is a tone monster. Suuuuperb. A veritable 6-string "orchestra". Strike a "finishing chord" on that baby, and you're not about to forget it anytime soon.

Bob

[rmyAddison]

Different strokes for different folks, no right or wrong.

I had an 814ce and kept it a shorter time than any other guitar I have every owned, did not work for me, give me Martins and Collings.

But if Taylor works for someone else, good for them. We are all entitled to like "what we like".

[Thundergun]

Originally Posted by miffdove

That's a very good point. I suppose there might be some Taylor bias having it in the Taylor forum. heh

How bout if it was in the Martin forum?

[zmf]

Ah, 2007. Things were simpler back then. Martin vs Taylor. Much more complicated now.

[Tnfiddler]

I sold a 1995 810 to fund my D41 and I will say that the only areas that the D41 completely covered the 810 was the bottom-end, overall volume and looks. The 810 was way easier to play and had a much more complex tone. They’re both fantastic guitars and the 810 is the one that got away that I wish was still with me.

[jpricewood]

I avoided Taylors for a long time because everyone said they are thin sounding. Well...I'm loving the K14c (cedar) I just picked up. I won't be selling my Martins, but I might pick up another Taylor. They have a very pretty, airy tone, and their playability allows me to pull off songs that I struggle with on my Martins.