Scouring online, I found very few resources directly comparing the two guitars, despite being the same price point from the two most-known acoustic manufacturers. In fact, Taylor and Martin have always been ⦠Chris Mckee compares Taylor's 314ce to Martin's GPCPA4. Itâs got a Sitka spruce top; the back and sides are sapeleâa sit-in for mahogany. I thought it might be useful to others to share my experience, having spent a total of 4.5 hours comparison testing. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The neck design meant chord flying is a dream, and while fingerpicking is suitably engaging, it doesn't have quite the same airy feel of the Taylor. It makes perfect sense. I compared it to the Martin DCPA4, GPCPA4, and a GPCRSGT they had there. The Sonitone faithfully reproduces the sound of the guitar, nothing more, nothing less. Both guitars are equipped with pickup systems. As for the Martins, the DCPA4 had the best tone, followed by the GPCPA4. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. Since the Taylor 214ce is the company's best-selling guitar, the model has been treated to many special editions. I'm about to pick up a new acoustic, and have narrowed it down to the GPCPA5K and the 114ce. It's difficult because I'm looking to upgrade my electric guitar from an Epiphone Les Paul to a G&L Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow too. Taylor 214ce Standard. The 214ce is a serious guitar, that is great for gigging, the studio or even living room jams, and with the solid Spruce top will continue to sound better ⦠I'd love to hear the opinions of others though! Registered Member. Recently, I had the opportunity to play the Martin GPCRSGT and thought the sound was dull and almost "muddy". The site may not work properly if you don't, If you do not update your browser, we suggest you visit, Press J to jump to the feed. Sorry Bob. If you do prefer that warmer kind of tone, then the 114ce will be a better choice for you and as a bonus youâll save a few dollars. Let's dive in! Let's start off by saying if I only could have one it would be the Martin DCPA4. Since you seem to like the GP body style, I'd recommend saving for something like this. GPCRSGT: The Fishman Sonitone pickup system is much simpler, with only volume and a single tone knob (dark to bright). In a perfect world, maybe I'd own both. How do current or past owners of either guitar feel about them? I threw this together early this morning. The guitarâs Sitka spruce top features a high quality gloss finish, but what really sets the 214ce apart in terms of aesthetic appeal is the gorgeous satin finish on the layered Indian Rosewood sides and back. I would save up a little more and buy something made in the US. After playing an embarrassing number of guitars at GC, I settled on two: the Taylor 214ce and the Martin Road Series GPCRSGT. guitar player, but I'm unsure if it would forgive you for wanting to be anything else. Resonance is understated but pleasant, low and mid ranges are very present and even. Answer Save. For ⦠I have no regrets! Certainly not rich and bold/loud like the Taylor. Adding sparkle and reverberation in a mix is much easier than trying to increase low end and body. I ended up buying a Cole Clarke, because it has a completely different vibe to the others, and more significantly it was different to the one I had at home. Are you currently confused in choosing between Taylor 110e and Martin DX1AE? I'm not asking which is "better," and I understand that the ⦠- Once the guitar bug has bitten you and you know you're going to stick with it, it's inevitable that you're going to want to upgrade your beginner guitar. I think I've narrowed it down between a Yamaha AC3R, a Martin GPCRSGT, or a Taylor 214ce DLX. Which one should I go with, and why? I saw one for sale locally on Craigslist ⦠Happy playing! The Martin looks okay, but has a strange side input and no top pickup/tuner which is slightly dissappointing. Of course, both guitars are made by well-known manufacturers. It has a no-nonsense voice that's perfect for the mellow singer-songwriter style en vogue right now, but with a little love I'm confident it will perform in a pop context too. Taylor 214ce guitar costs around $200-$300 more than other company guitars, and yes thatâs a problem for many. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thank you!! If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field or ask the community. For Iron & Wine-style performances, something darker and intimate, I'm not confident the Taylor could pull it off. The insane expressiveness of this guitar sometimes made it feel like the guitar was driving me, not the other way around. So Iâd almost want a guitar that resonated the sound all the time once the strings are broken in. 214ce: There is something ephemeral and magical about the Taylor. The 114ce is part of the Taylorâs 100 series of acoustic guitars. It would need more mix processing, but I believe its sound is ultimately more versatile. The neck and fingerboard shaping is also different. In comparison to the 214ce, the 114c⦠the Taylor 214ce is refurbished model . The ES2 system seems to subtly enhance the overall sound of the guitar. This classic and affordable Grand Auditorium acoustic-electric guitar boasts layered Indian Rosewood back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, and a matte finish. 57 1. I don't know what Martin is thinking with those Lifespan strings, but I can only describe them as "crusty.". The Martin will be a fuller sound but the Taylor will cut through the mix better. The GPCRSGT is a bit thinner ⦠I liked the tone of the 414ce, but I liked the Martins better for playability and tone. 57 1. Lose control for even a second, and it's liable to do things you don't expect or want. That's not really a lot of time, at least in the context of musical instruments brands. This is a very dynamic guitar, translating (for better or worse) every nuance of your playing. It sings with impressive resonance, and has a quality that feels "mixed." I know it's a lot of money, but I think in 10 years you'd laugh at not spending an extra couple hundred for such a beautiful companion. That's the type of mindset C.F Martin is known for, traces of which can be found in any of their current vintage acoustic guitars. The neck is made from sipo, another mahogany subs⦠Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. Usage: My formal background is in studio engineering, and I've been playing guitar at a low-to-middle-intermediate level for my entire adult life. The GP in the name stands for grand performanceâa relatively new body style for Martin, sort of a 14-fret mini jumbo, slightly wider and deeper than an OM (15.75 inches wide compared to 15 and 4.5 inches deep compared to 41/8). I won't go into the designs, but suffice to say they are positioned and designed differently, and thus have very different character. Please, if you have any experience with any of these, I'd love to hear about it. The GPCPA3 is a very similar guitar to the OMC-1E. Great info. Martin VS Taylor â The Sound. I have a 214ce that I bought specifically for acoustic (amplified) performances, and I'd agree with everything you said about it. Taylor Guitars. This is one guitar Iâd never, ever part with. GPCRSGT: The best way I can describe the Martin is "forgiving." Both Martin and Taylor offer a variety of body shapes and combinations of wood that result in a whole range of different tones so weâll have to speak pretty generally. Lv 7. Between the 814CE and the GPCPA1, I wholeheartedly recommend the Martin. It comes at a more affordable price point, yet it boasts superb tonal qualities. 2008 Taylor 314ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar - YouTube High end is sparkly, mid-range is even and balanced, and low end is acceptable. Taylor's 214ce Rosewood is a star of the 200 series. The Taylor 214ce is a Grand Auditorium-bodied acoustic guitar ⦠It exchanges a measure of nuance for an almost "compressed" and even play feel, as if it were absorbing mistakes. The Taylor 214ce is a member of the Taylor 200 line. It appears the only difference is you get an electronics upgrade (the new ES2 expression system, mine has the ES1) and you get a hard shell case instead of a hard taylor ⦠Our GPCRSGT boasts all-solid-wood construction. Its the same as a 214ce except it came with a hard shell case and an expression system upgrade from the ES-T system. These guitars have laminate Sapele back and sides. Both Taylor 110e and Martin DX1AE are acoustic-electric guitars that happen to be available in the same price range. Over to You. I am looking to upgrade from my current guitar which I've had for about 7 years, a Fender DG200SCE. tootall1121. While tone shaping isn't as expressive, I found that the control knobs (which reside just inside the soundhole) were much easier to address during play. My advice to anyone thinking about a serious acoustic guitar is the following: stop in to a George's Music near you and try as many guitars as you can, ⦠Will the Martin you linked (GPCPA4) sound better than the Taylor? Thanks for visiting. Obviously I wasn't able to record the guitars, but I'll share a few notes on my impressions of the sound as I believe they would translate to tape. Background: After 10 years of "making it" with my $400 Seagull S6 Original Dreadnought, I finally decided to upgrade my acoustic. Given that Martin have been around, and indeed popular for so long, the sound they give is what many people think of as âthe ⦠3 Answers. Martin GPCPA5K vs Taylor 114ce. For me, the Martin represented a true middle of style, dynamics, and sound â while still having a voice of its own. Like you, I went in and spent hours trying about 6 guitars, switching back and forth before going home to sleep on it. The sound of an acoustic guitar is a very subjective thing and one playerâs âwarmâ is another playerâs âmuddy.â That being said, both Martin and Taylor guitars are excellent-sounding instruments and have done much to define the sound of an acoustic guitar in their respective eras. Iâd actually expected to get the Martin, but figured Iâd need to go up to the next bracket/price range to get a Martin that would change my life. Even at the $1000 price point, sacrifices and choices have to be made, especially when taking your own play style and skill level into account. Caveat: These are one player's opinions formed over the course of two days, playing solo and working with a surprisingly talented GC rep around ~2 hours each. The Taylor feels and plays so smoothly and is so expressive. Taylor in that way holds many licenses on ⦠The Taylor immediately makes you into a different (better?) The Mic was positioned about 3 feet from me, probably at forehead level - probably not an optimal placement. It's highly expressive, almost to a fault, and it really sings. Smooth but somewhat lacking low girth. Beyond the standard 214ce, Taylor ⦠Good review. Don't get me wrong, the MIM Martin & Taylors are really nice quality, but at the 500-700 price range. and the Martin GPCPA5K is Brand New (both are almost same price) i live here in italy so im gonna buy it Online from united states.. thanks in advanced!!! The 214ce's fingerboard slopes back slightly at the edges, and its neck is slightly smaller. Taylor 114ce vs 214ce vs 314ce May 8, 2018 by Marko Taylor, or Taylor Guitars, is one of the world-class leaders in the guitar manufacturing industry â itâs not a coincidence that weâre so interested in pitting their finest models against each other, as these guys arenât capable of making a bad guitar. The Yamaha has been claimed as the most durable, however I'm not sure if I agree quite yet. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Hey r/guitars,. I like elixir strings, but unless I keep fresh strings on all the time, that sound subdued as well. A few days in, I'm still thinking about the magic of the Taylor. Taylor 214ce: Standard, Deluxe and Plus. I play a mixture of strumming and fingerpicking, and needed a versatile guitar that could do both live. I came home to sleep on it, as both guitars have their strong points. Depending on your situation, you may want to upgrade to a great guitar. High end tones are a bit subdued (due in part to Martin's stock Lifespan strings) during fingerpicking, but come out rich and controlled when strumming. What helped drive home the decision was my GC rep's willingness to re-string it with the Elixir Nanowebs the Taylor uses (and which I'm used to playing) for testing. Ipad recorded, using an Apogee MiC. The low action allows and fast ebony fingerboard allows for an almost effortless play feel, but I found it, along with the narrow neck profile, meant I'd flub chord shapes at an above-expected rate. I tried the 214 when I was looking, nice guitar. While a great deal of development is helped through machines, a large number of the devices Taylor utilizes were outlined by Taylor and stay restrictive to Taylor. In contrast to C.F Martin, Taylor Guitars started their journey not so long ago in 1974. The Martin feels like a trusty sidekick you're totally in charge of, but also has your back when you fuck up. Martin DCPA4 vs Martin GPCRSGT vs Taylor 214ce - Video Comparison. Hey GS, long time lurker first time poster. Taylor Swift has one and so does Jason Mraz. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information and entertainment. Relevance. I enjoyed the Taylor sound more. I've played them at Guitar Center and it is a very good guitar and I think a bit less expensive than the Taylor 314ce. So I was wondering what you thought of these 2 guitars in terms of quality. Once you hit a grand, I think it's worth investing more. Learn More. Taylor nylon-string models are integrated into the 200-800 Series and are designated by the letter âNâ at the end of the model name. I think I've narrowed it down between a Yamaha AC3R, a Martin GPCRSGT, or a Taylor 214ce DLX.. For me, the Taylor easily is the most aesthetically pleasing, I also enjoy the simplicity of the pickup (just bass, mid, ⦠They all have different qualities that make them special. Martin and Taylor both offer a great selection of tonewood combinations, and they even have custom shops if you want to design a completely new guitar from the ground up. I remember being turned off by the Martin and feeling sorry for it for not having fresher strings as I felt they may have held it back. GPCRSGT: The Martin's sound is like "everyguitar, but elevated." You can find a good used on in your price range easily. For me, the Taylor easily is the most aesthetically pleasing, I also enjoy the simplicity of the pickup (just bass, mid, treb buttons). Martin DCPA4 vs Martin GPCRSGT vs Taylor 214ce - Video Comparison Martin DCPA4 vs Martin GPCRSGT vs Taylor 214ce - Video Comparison. Martin vs. Taylor: Sounds. You're at that awkward price point, where you just need to go a liiiiiitle higher to get an instrument that'll last you a lifetime. This immediately opened the high end, gave a nice subtle increase to resonance, and made fingerpicking smoother, present, and enjoyable. Series. KAOS Gear Demo - Martin Performing Artist GPCPA4 - YouTube: pin. This guitar begs for long-session play, and I found myself repeatedly coming back to the comfort of its vibe after sessions with the hotter Taylor. Logged Taylors:â14 PS14CE-FLTD, 814-CE ... 2011 Taylor 814ce 2012 Taylor 214ce-n 2011 Taylor GS Mini 2012 Blueridge BR-40 2012 ⦠Martin gpcrsgt vs martin dcpa4 vs Taylor 214ce soft strum and Martin gpcrsgt vs martin dcpa4 vs Taylor 214ce soft strum and picking: pin. Over time however, and likely in part as a function of my skill level, I found playing it akin to riding a mustang. It sounds wonderful, rich and even, but it doesn't have the "pageant queen" sound the Taylor has. Thanks for reading and I hope this comparison has helped you to learn more about the differences between the 114 models and the 214 models. Post Dec 13, 2017 #1 2017-12-13T11:06. That's a great idea and honestly one that I've considered greatly. Related: Taylor 214ce Full Review. Instead it trades some shimmer and sparkle for a reliability and even-keel tonality I came to greatly respect. Iâve been playing around with the same ones and felt like I heard the same results. Explore the Taylor Guitars Line. 2105 Taylor, 2015 Martin, and 2016 J45. yell03. You can't go wrong with either of these incredible guitars. 514ce-N = 500 Series nylon-string Grand Auditorium with a cutaway and electronics. I played the Taylor 214ce DLX and absolutely loved the sound. yell03. Now that weâve taken a brief look at the Martin D-15M, itâs time to look at the Taylor side of our Martin D-15M vs Taylor 214ce comparison. Straight off the wall it sounded like a recording. Last year My decision came down to the same two model guitars and I also bought the the 214ce. The GPCRSGT has a more traditionally-flat fingerboard, and a very slightly larger neck. After playing an embarrassing number of guitars at GC, I settled on two: the Taylor 214ce and the Martin Road Series GPCRSGT. GPCRSGT: The Martin has a much more "lived in" sound. 214ce: Even light fingerpicking rings out confidently. (I came to a realisation when I went home to sleep on it that my Cort was actually pretty decent and I liked its tone, but the Cole Clarke has a really compressed, buttery sound which was forgiving and suited my ability). Putting low end in is never as successful as removing it. The USA made Martin DCPA4 has the tone, deep lows and bright highs and it plays very well. The two-band tone controls (treble and bass) provide a ton of tone-shaping capability, but I also found the control position inconvenient to adjust while playing. Martin's and Taylor's are so different that it is strictly a personal choice. I am looking to upgrade from my current guitar which I've had for about 7 years, a Fender DG200SCE.. Nothing against Taylor, I still really like them, but that Martin OMC-1E has a great feel and the tone is just incredible. I grew to love the GPCRSGT throughout this process because of how approachable and inviting it is. Also coming from my seagull S6. I hope this helps anyone looking to make a similar decision. I also tried the Taylor 114ce, 214ce, 314ce and 414ce. Cookies help us deliver our Services. 214ce: If you're planning to record an intricate classical fingerpick, or wide-panned acoustic strumming in a heavier pop or rock mix, the Taylor voicing is perfect. Over summer vacation a few weeks ago my father in law offered to put up a few dollars towards a new acoustic guitar for me. Very interesting and detailed review. Both are "Grand Auditorium/Performance" body profiles, and ⦠I was even considering saving up for this Gibson Songwriter which is my dream acoustic-electric instead of the Taylor... New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. So, it isnt a Taylor vs Martin preference, it comes down to craftsmanship. Its design demands a degree of playing perfection I can't always guarantee. And the Taylor 214ce certainly looks the part. The Martin a I played had a richlite fretboard which I wasnât a fan of either. Went with a Yamaha AC3R. Taylor 214ce Vs Martin GPCPA4 Decision Considering the prices, Taylor 214ce easily comes out as the winner. 214ce: Like the guitar itself, the ES2 pickup system captures and enhances every dynamic and percussive nuance. From Alan Jackson to Katy Perry, from Keith Urban to Daria Musk, youâll find at least a couple of your favorite musicians on the Taylor roster. Taylor 214ce Vs Martin GPCPA5K anyone? Thank you! Is the Taylor 214ce for you? Essentially the same guitar but by different builders. The 214ce line of guitars is a great guitar for someone looking to get the traditional Taylor look, feel and tone, at a budget-friendly price. The winner also needed to display a suitable recording voice for pop, indie folk, electronic, and occasionally blues. This makes them slightly warmer in tone compared to their older brothers in the 200 series.When comparing the 114ce side-by-side with the 214ce I could definitely notice the difference. I currently play acoustic predominantly, however want to become more versatile and learn guitar pedals/electric stuff too. Jack Johnson has some video's of him playing a Martin and John Mayer has a couple of Martin signature models. This is a place where fellow guitarists are encouraged to share their gear, playing, and opinions in a casual setting, as well as partake in discussion to cultivate further interest in the passion we all share. Background: After 10 years of "making it" with my $400 Seagull S6 Original Dreadnought, I finally decided to upgrade my acoustic. Let's start off by saying if I only could have one it would be the Martin ⦠I was at first set in the Martin but the more I tested it did sound more subdued. Press J to jump to the feed. I really liked the Martin too, but it seemed like a cheaper model by comparison. I have a pet theory that the Martin feels slightly less premium because of the cost involved with supplying a hard case vs. gig bag. Any thoughts? The 214CE is one of Taylorâs best-selling guitars. I suspect it would need very little mix processing, but the weaker low end does concern me. I own a 2013 fall limited 214ce. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. As soon as I heard it, I swiped my card. Taylor guitars are nothing short of acoustic guitar royalty. What's the Best Guitar: Taylor, Martin, or Gibson? Now if we could just buy both then we wouldnt have this issue :), Yeah Iâve pretty much guaranteed myself to re-string every 2-3 months ð. I ended up buying the Martin. Neck design is a big factor in this section. I played through a Fender Acoustic SFX 2x80-watt combo amp. It is also flexible and versatile, and the Expression System-T pickup system ensures great sounds when playing plugged. Again I believe the stock strings play a role in this. If you played me identical songs in a blind test on both guitars, I'd likely choose the 214ce most of the time. Taylor, Martin is a favorite among professionals gibson g45 vs taylor 214ce hobby players alike style is suitable for just about,! The 214ce has a 25.5" scale and 1.6875" nut width, the GPCRSGT has a 25.4" scale and 1.75" nut width. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Taylor 214ce also has a matching Rosewood veneer headstock and clean electronic controls on the upper shoulder, giving it the feel and look of much more expensive Taylor models. Both are "Grand Auditorium/Performance" body profiles, and that manageability was one of the driving upgrade factors. I know that's probably not what anyone wants to hear, but you'll get a superb instrument out of the extra couple hundred.