Gibson, Martin, Taylor anyone own/owned all 3?

[Gibson Artist]

So ive owned a couple Martins, now i own a Gibson acoustic but never a Taylor. Very tempted to try one and been researching acoustic models. From what ive heard the 114 sounded better than the 214s, the 110 was great in the budget lines and the higher end ones give J-200s a run for their money. They are often bright singers from what ive seen, only played 2 in a store but anxious to try another.

 

Just wondering, anyone owned all 3? Ive heard some bad rumours about them rushing the curing of the necks and that they are much more prone to warping than martin or gibson. That kind of scares me, but after owning takamine, gibson, martins, i believe id like to try a taylor sometime.

 

Any thoughts on models in the low-mid range?

[Markini]

 

Just wondering, anyone owned all 3? Ive heard some bad rumours about them rushing the curing of the necks and that they are much more prone to warping than martin or gibson. That kind of scares me, but after owning takamine, gibson, martins, i believe id like to try a taylor sometime.

 

Any thoughts on models in the low-mid range?

 

 

 

 

 

I have 4 acoustic Gibsons, Currently down to one Martin a 12 string, I have owned about 5 different models of Martin. I have 2 taylors a 110 and a mini. The Mini gets used quite a lot, very good recorder too.

 

I like Martins, I just don't care for the neck or some of the rosewood models. Obviously I am a Gibson guy. But I like all 3 brands. Seems to me just about all guitar manufacturers north, east, south. and west make

 

good guitars now a days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sg50]

I don't have a Martin. I don't have a Gibson acoustic. But I do have a cedar top Taylor. 512ce. I went into the store to shop for a Martin, but I left with a Taylor. I play it more than my electrics. It's expressive, fun to play, and comes to life when you play without a pick (I don't use a pick much). There was a lower end Taylor at the shop that sounded like a $250 laminate top. There were high end Taylors that sounded bright and boomy. The Martins I heard all sounded pretty similar -- balanced tones I'd expect from a $1200 guitar or so but nothing that jumped out at me. I picked the Taylor that I did because it was like no other acoustic I'd heard. It really stood out.

 

The only acoustics that have ever grabbed me, other than my Taylor, is a Yamaha classical my friend owns, a Breedlove that I saw on the rack used for $699 or so that I should have bought, a Martin GPCA cutaway something or other that felt pricey, and a Mahogany top Taylor dreadnaught that I also should have bought. As much as I want to love Gibson acoustic guitars, I haven't found the one that pulls me in yet.

 

Acoustics are special things. They're all different. In my experience, one can play a few of the same model and they sound quite different. You know that feeling when you pick up a guitar and say to yourself, "OMG this thing is ridiculous!"? That experience where every note is better than the last? That's the acoustic you want. It's worth waiting for.

 

Taylor uses different tech than the other guys: bolt-on laser-cut necks, poly finishes, weird top routs, different shapes, different electronics, and different bracing. But when you research Taylor, they demonstrate that these decisions are from experimentation, research, and ultimately discovery that drives them to use these technologies. They try new things and keep the good stuff. It might feel weird because there's no dovetail in the neck or you're putting car polish on it, but it works. The other guys seem to try out synthetic materials, call it innovation and that's about it. That's fine and all, but it just feels kind of cheap. I mean, there's nothing you can say about the stability of Richlite that will make think it's a better choice than Ebony. Maybe that's my bias.

 

I will say this: the craftsmanship on my Taylor is impeccable. The finish is perfect, the binding is sublime, and the inlays are understated and flawlessly executed. So, it bears repeating that each guitar is different. And while there are plenty of Taylors I wouldn't buy, my favorite guitar is a Taylor.

 

Go check some out. Find a local dealer who cares about his inventory and keeps his instruments tuned and set up. Ask him to demonstrate a few guitars, see if one speaks to you. It's worth it.

[Gibson Artist]

I don't have a Martin. I don't have a Gibson acoustic. But I do have a cedar top Taylor. 512ce. I went into the store to shop for a Martin, but I left with a Taylor. I play it more than my electrics. It's expressive, fun to play, and comes to life when you play without a pick (I don't use a pick much). There was a lower end Taylor at the shop that sounded like a $250 laminate top. There were high end Taylors that sounded bright and boomy. The Martins I heard all sounded pretty similar -- balanced tones I'd expect from a $1200 guitar or so but nothing that jumped out at me. I picked the Taylor that I did because it was like no other acoustic I'd heard. It really stood out.

 

The only acoustics that have ever grabbed me, other than my Taylor, is a Yamaha classical my friend owns, a Breedlove that I saw on the rack used for $699 or so that I should have bought, a Martin GPCA cutaway something or other that felt pricey, and a Mahogany top Taylor dreadnaught that I also should have bought. As much as I want to love Gibson acoustic guitars, I haven't found the one that pulls me in yet.

 

Acoustics are special things. They're all different. In my experience, one can play a few of the same model and they sound quite different. You know that feeling when you pick up a guitar and say to yourself, "OMG this thing is ridiculous!"? That experience where every note is better than the last? That's the acoustic you want. It's worth waiting for.

 

Taylor uses different tech than the other guys: bolt-on laser-cut necks, poly finishes, weird top routs, different shapes, different electronics, and different bracing. But when you research Taylor, they demonstrate that these decisions are from experimentation, research, and ultimately discovery that drives them to use these technologies. They try new things and keep the good stuff. It might feel weird because there's no dovetail in the neck or you're putting car polish on it, but it works. The other guys seem to try out synthetic materials, call it innovation and that's about it. That's fine and all, but it just feels kind of cheap. I mean, there's nothing you can say about the stability of Richlite that will make think it's a better choice than Ebony. Maybe that's my bias.

 

I will say this: the craftsmanship on my Taylor is impeccable. The finish is perfect, the binding is sublime, and the inlays are understated and flawlessly executed. So, it bears repeating that each guitar is different. And while there are plenty of Taylors I wouldn't buy, my favorite guitar is a Taylor.

 

Go check some out. Find a local dealer who cares about his inventory and keeps his instruments tuned and set up. Ask him to demonstrate a few guitars, see if one speaks to you. It's worth it.

Cedar top? Now that is different, dont see many of those. I remember gibson had a cutaway series with a cedar top back in early 2000s and i wanted one bad but never got it. Funny you mention Yamaha, all over craigslist guys keep talking up the 70s Yamaha acoustics as some of the best ever made? As for Taylor, ive only played the 114 and 214, the 114 sounded better to my ears.

 

If i got a taylor it would probably be a low-mid range but i was intrigued last year by someone who offered me a T5 in a trade. I already had other deal going on tho..

[rocketman]

I tried out a whole bunch of acoustics for about 6 months before I settled in on a Taylor (310CE). I think that the Gibson sounds better unplugged, but the Expression System on the Taylor blew me away. I also agree that they are flawless. I never heard about the rumor you mentioned. I'd like to get a Gibson too, but I'm content with the Taylor for now.

[BigKahune]

.

Yep, I own/owned all 3 - also Epiphone, Takamine and Yamaha. I noticed from your gear list you no longer own a Martin.

 

The low end Taylors in the 100 series sound too thin for me. The 200 and 300 series a bit bright for me, but plugged in they sound great. Reminds me of the very popular Takamine offerings in the late 70s and early 80s that pioneered onboard electronics.

 

I haven't heard of the neck warp complaints you mention, and haven't had any trouble with mine.

 

Good luck in the hunt. . B)

 

 

.

[badbluesplayer]

I had a Taylor and it was too thin sounding for my taste.

[kidblast]

Ive heard some bad rumours about them rushing the curing of the necks and that they are much more prone to warping than martin or gibson. That kind of scares me, but after owning takamine, gibson, martins,

 

 

I my experience, (I've got two Taylors) it's urban legend. They both play great, and regardless what people here will opine, I think they sound fantastic. (to each his own)

 

The Gibsons do sound great, but, the action, with my small hands, doesn't work as well for me as the Taylors with the styles of music I play.

 

(A lot of alternate tuning finger style work)

[kidblast]

Cedar top? Now that is different, dont see many of those.

 

my 2005 Taylor GS is Cedar with Mahogany back and sides.

 

the tone is bell like clear, and the resonance quality of the mahogany is amazing. Your entire body feels the resonance.

 

This is great for finger style stuff, it doesn't have a cutaway, but that's not usually a problem.

 

a 314CE is my second taylor, it does not resonate like the GS, but it's a great playing/sounding guitar.

[kelly campbell]

I actually do have a taylor 114 and plan on buying a 400 series or maybe a 500..yes they are a thinner sound but it is probably the most comfortable and playable of the three Ihave of Martin taylor and Gibson...I love the tone of the j-45 the most but it should be in my opinion the best sounding. I have a 00015 M in the martins and it too is a little this but it should be I love it as well...So I have a Taylor 114 Martin 00015M and a Gibson J-45 as well as a DRS (Garrison Model)...I like all three manufacturer's for different reasons.

[Hall]

I own all three and then some. I own only one Taylor though. It's an 814 CE and one of the earlier neck joints. No complaints, but it is different ....... mechanical feeling, if that means anything. Materials, fit and finish are perfect. Action is good. Sound is somewhat "thin" compared to my other guitars, but it is the 'Taylor' sound. I bought one Taylor and I do play it from time to time, but I think one Taylor probably will do it for me.

[rct]

I gigged a Taylor 410? 414? Expensive one, late 90's very early 2000s, somewhere in there. Only lasted 8 or 9 months. It just didn't work for me, so delicate, so well put together, so cork sniffin good that it ended up weak plugged in. Like, weak. Too much money for too little playing fun, I found it a chore to put it on for the third set, traded it away and I don't even have the stuff I traded it on.

 

I finally own a Martin this year after a lifetime of borrowing, using, trying to keep, and just wanting one. I'm not a campfire player at all, but always just wanted one for how they always feel, and my 000-16GT is superb.

 

I've never owned a Gibson acoustic, the neck has always been too bulky for me, but they sound divine.

 

My last gigging acoustic, and I still have and use, is an Ovation Custom Legend 1869, 'spensive Connecticut made drop shipped straight from their house to mine, year 2000 or so. Neck is just awesome for an electric player, right from Tele to Ovation to Les Paul without a thought, and it records so well it is on almost everything I do. If I can decently record my Martin I will probably sell the Ovation to a collector that needs an 1869, I don't really need it anymore.

 

At this point in life, I wouldn't buy another acoustic except for a really pimped out orchestra from Martin, but I don't see that happening until I retire altogether and let the other dozen or so guitars go.

 

Good luck! It would be a great fun experience to have all three!

 

rct

[fingers galore]

I haven`t actually owned all 3 but I had an interesting guitar buying experience. I went acoustic shopping 6 months ago. I was hell bent on getting a Hummingbird. So I get to the shop and try out the first one and was underwhelmed. I tried a few more Gibsons and had the same reaction to all of them. Beautiful guitars no doubt, but the tone was not what I was expecting. I guess I was used to my brother`s Martin which I played quite a lot. So I browse and try different guitars, low priced Martins and a few other brands. I had heard how great Taylors were so I checked a few out. Wow! Very nice! I play quite a few and decide on one that felt the best. Beautiful! Ebony fretboard and all I was ready to buy. It was Saturday afternoon and the place was busy. I was with my wife in a small room playing and waiting for the sales rep to come back to tell him I want to buy the Taylor. While I am waiting I decide to try out a few other guitars that were more expensive on the the back wall. I take down a Martin, play one chord and was blown away! I knew I wasn`t going home with the Taylor. I ended up getting the Martin which cost twice as much. It has a Richlite fretboard but I couldn`t care less. It plays and sounds incredible. I had to have it. Btw, this is now my second guitar with Richlite. I also have a Midtown Custom.

 

I read on a forum that some people had issues with Taylor necks. I personally can`t believe that after playing a few of them. But who knows.... Anyway, this was after I already bought my guitar. If I find the link I will share it.

[Gibson Artist]

.

Yep, I own/owned all 3 - also Epiphone, Takamine and Yamaha. I noticed from your gear list you no longer own a Martin.

 

The low end Taylors in the 100 series sound too thin for me. The 200 and 300 series a bit bright for me, but plugged in they sound great. Reminds me of the very popular Takamine offerings in the late 70s and early 80s that pioneered onboard electronics.

 

I haven't heard of the neck warp complaints you mention, and haven't had any trouble with mine.

 

Good luck in the hunt. . B)

 

 

.

Yeah i had a few Martins, most notably the D16 rgt and omcpa4. Both great gits for the money but im always trading and trying new guitars, it drives my woman crazy but i jus say i have guitar adhd. I love the epiphones, especially the hummingbird, but i broke mine and snapped the head so i chucked it in the trash. Im not rich so i usually sell what i have to get what i want plus a little cash sometimes. Right now i am REALLY tempted to sell my ej200 to buy the epiphone j45 reissue, its only 200 but looks and sounds great. As far as Taylors go the door is wide open for me, ill look at anything if i like the tone, only price will keep me away from the higher end models.

[darling67]

I've owned a Gibson, Martin…

 

But no Taylor.

[surfpup]

No specifics given as far as your budget, but I can tell you what my lower end acoustic experience has been. I was searching for a decent acoustic for under $1000 a few years ago. I tried everything I could find in that price range. I tried new and used Martins, Taylors, Epiphone Masterbilts, and Blueridges. I was unimpressed with all of them - except, surprisingly the Blueridges. I know they are made in China, but boy do they ring. Overall I found the Taylors too thin and bright and the Martins in that price range sounded dead - as did the Epi Masterbilt. Anyway, I ended up finding a Gibson CL-10 made in Bozeman for only $610 and it was better than all the other contenders. My dream guitar is a J-45, but until then I am quite happy with this CL.

 

[kelly campbell]

No specifics given as far as your budget, but I can tell you what my lower end acoustic experience has been. I was searching for a decent acoustic for under $1000 a few years ago. I tried everything I could find in that price range. I tried new and used Martins, Taylors, Epiphone Masterbilts, and Blueridges. I was unimpressed with all of them - except, surprisingly the Blueridges. I know they are made in China, but boy do they ring. Overall I found the Taylors too thin and bright and the Martins in that price range sounded dead - as did the Epi Masterbilt. Anyway, I ended up finding a Gibson CL-10 made in Bozeman for only $610 and it was better than all the other contenders. My dream guitar is a J-45, but until then I am quite happy with this CL.

 

[duane v]

Had a Martin D28 and used to play my old singers Taylor 814 and they are both good guitars, but they cant touch my two Gibby acoustics

[quapman]

Have never owned all 3.

 

But when I did treat myself to a real acoustic I had it down to 4.

Gibson, Martin, Taylor and Larivee(they are kind of a big deal up here)

 

So with that I have to mention that acoustic and electric guitar buying for me are 2 completely

different animals.

Electric is all about the feel. Acoustic is all about the sound.

For me,, not saying you, for me. That's how it works for me.

 

I spent 4 or 5 days deciding. I don't spend 2 G's on a guitar very often(only 3 times in my life)

so when do I have to be damn sure.

 

So after the first day it got down to a D-28 and a J-45.

They both sounded great,, and they both actually felt kinda great.

In fact,, the D-28 was winning out on the feel.

 

 

So the last day, I had the sales geek play them for me so I could just listen.

Standing in front of me facing me.

And the clincher, was behind me in a blind test based only on my ears.

I chose the J-45 that day. And have never looked back.

To my ear it just sounds beautiful.

 

The moral here isn't recommending one over the other.

The moral is,, who cares what we think.

If I'm spending 2 large on a guitar the last thing

I care about is what anyone on here thinks of my purchase.

 

Pick one based on what you want,, not what I want.

If you do that, you can't go wrong.

[Gibson Artist]

Had a Martin D28 and used to play my old singers Taylor 814 and they are both good guitars, but they cant touch my two Gibby acoustics

When i bought my fender amer delux tele off craigslist the guy selling it had some really sweet gear. He had fender and G&L teles, gibson sg standard, sg with p90s, handwired princeton clone amp by marsh and a Gibson J-200. He had the action set real low, oh my gawd was it amazing.

 

Before, id always thought the Guild 212 12string from 1980 i played once was the best sound id ever heard from an acoustic until i heard the 200, not even close, the 200 blew me away. I was so flabbergasted he let me play his baby, the maple on it was just unreal and beautiful beyond measure, it had projection for days. If i ever come into money im buying one for certain but i kept thanking the guy for letting me play such an amazing instrument.

[SteveFord]

How do the upper end Guild models (D55, for instance) stack up with the Gibson, Martin and Taylors?

 

I've always liked the Guilds but am hardly an acoustic guitar expert.

 

 

 

[Gibson Artist]

How do the upper end Guild models (D55, for instance) stack up with the Gibson, Martin and Taylors?

 

I've always liked the Guilds but am hardly an acoustic guitar expert.

I played a D-55 once in the 90s but none of the 2000+ Guilds. It was pretty sweet, the 212 actually outperformed many of Guilds higher priced models so its not always about range, some models are just amazing.

[Frances50]

I own two Gibson 6-string acoustics and a Taylor 12-string acoustic. So, I can't vouch for a Taylor 6-string guitar. I've never even played a Taylor 6-string. But my 12 string is amazing. Never owned a Martin.

[BigKahune]

How do the upper end Guild models (D55, for instance) stack up with the Gibson, Martin and Taylors? ...

 

As with any manufacturer, there are always variations between individual guitars. But on the whole, IMHO the upper end Guild models stack up just fine with G/M/T. Fender has had Ren Ferguson (Gibson Acoustics' former master luthier) working with the Guild folks and they were turning out some very nice guitars (I was also very happy to see them return to producing electric models). Not sure how the recent move will affect all of that.

 

 

.

[rct]

As with any manufacturer, there are always variations between individual guitars. But on the whole, IMHO the upper end Guild models stack up just fine with G/M/T. Fender has had Ren Ferguson (Gibson Acoustics' former master luthier) working with the Guild folks and they were turning out some very nice guitars (I was also very happy to see them return to producing electric models). Not sure how the recent move will affect all of that.

 

Didn't Fender close the original Guild factory and then sell the name and the inventory? That could have a fairly profound effect. There are no more American Ovations because of that whole dealio.

 

rct