Anyone besides me think Martin and Taylors - are a big rip o

[vaijem777]

Taylor's are gorgeous guitars, and I'm sure they're good for some things. *But, for the most part, they seem to be ideal for guitarists who can't handle a "real" acoustic. *The thin, bolt-on necks, low frets and low action seem designed for an electric guitarist who wants to add some acoustic texture once in awhile. *Taylor's sound GREAT plugged in, but...unplugged they are lacking. *NO bottom end worth mentioning, and they've always sounded more than a little tinny to me. *

Now, a nice dreadnought or jumbo Lowden, Martin, Larivee, Breedlove...etc....any of those will destroy a Taylor any day when it comes to the realm of acoustic sound. *Remember, an acoustic guitar is designed to be played...well, acoustically! *NO amps/EQs/etc. *A fine, high-end, hand-made acoustic should have enough volume to fill up a good sized room without amplification, and should have great tone all across the spectrum. *

As I've moved more towards electrics in the last couple of years, I myself have considered picking up a Taylor. *But, out of the dozens that I've played, I have yet to find one that comes anywhere near the Martins and Lowdens I've had in the past. *Taylor's necks ARE nice and fast, but...a great neck doesn't make the guitar sound any better. *

[Polaris20]

vaijem777 on 9:20 pm on April 18, 2002
Taylor makes some gorgeous guitars, but...tonally I find them lacking. *I guess I'm old-fashioned in that I can't really take seriously an acoustic guitar with a bolt-on neck. *There's a lack of artistry there. *With a nice Martin D-28, 35 or 41, there's just something there. *I'm particularly fond of the pre-1970 Brazilian rosewood Martins. *There is a certain purity of the instrument that comes through in the feel and sound. *However, I'm currently a devoted Lowden fan. *They're incredible! *

Seagulls are great for the price, but again...bolt-on neck. *Same with most Tacoma's (at least the Chief and Roadking flagship models). *Taylor's are just fancier versions. *

There are benefits to both, I'm sure. *Just as there are benefits that a Strat or an RG have over a Les Paul or a PRS (and vice versa.). *It all boils down to personal taste, but...when it comes to acoustics, I
prefer a hand-set dovetail joint over a couple of screws anyday.

In either case...you get what you pay for. *There is a reason that a Martin D-28 can cost upwards of $2K. *There is a lot of work and man hours that go into the making of one. *However, I have a hard time justifying an even higher price for a comparable Taylor. *Once the neck and body are ready...two bolts are all it takes to complete the guitar. *

Just my $.02 worth though. *

(Edited by vaijem777 at 10:23 pm on April 18, 2002)

The Seagull I plan on buying isn't a bolt-on, it's a setneck like a normal acoustic.

The Tacomas are bolt on, and I think they sound really thin, even the Chief that I played. The necks are fantastic though.

[big al]

I guess everyone has their own opinion on "good tone" but I have not played anything that sounds better than my Martin D-35 (1976).
Keep in mind, some acoustics get better with age.

[jeffrey]

If you go high enough in the line of each maker, they both make excellent guitars. The rest is personally subjective.

I've played Martins I like. I've played Martins I hate. I've played Taylors I like. I've played Taylors I hate.

I just happen to own a Taylor (K14C) instead of a Martin. I just liked this one more overall; fit, finish, tone, playability.

To each his own.

[BucketBot]

You want to check out a bad acoustic guitar? Go to your local dealer and inspect a Gibson. Pay close attention to the fretboard. Especially the bound fretboards. I use to work for the acoustic division. Oh, the stories I could tell. They need to change there slogan from 'Only a Gibson Is Good Enough' to 'Only a Gibson Is Glued Enough'.
IMHO I would way rather have a Martin or a Taylor.

[jemsite]

Originally Posted by BucketBot

You want to check out a bad acoustic guitar? Go to your local dealer and inspect a Gibson. Pay close attention to the fretboard. Especially the bound fretboards. I use to work for the acoustic division. Oh, the stories I could tell. They need to change there slogan from 'Only a Gibson Is Good Enough' to 'Only a Gibson Is Glued Enough'.
IMHO I would way rather have a Martin or a Taylor.

ROTF. Out of curiosity, what is your opinion on the Seagull Artists (500-750 range)?

[BucketBot]

Originally Posted by jemsite

ROTF. Out of curiosity, what is your opinion on the Seagull Artists (500-750 range)?

I have never played one. I'll have to go see if the local dealer has them. I think they do. I do need a new acoustic. I did happen to get a Gibson Elvis Dove before I left. Although as an emplyee I only had to pay less than 1/2 retail and I got to inspect it every step of the building process.