A Martin 00-15 mahogany. Just magic. But I love Taylor as well. Taylor’s always sound brighter to me, but with acoustic I usually prefer the warmer creamier sound of Martin.

I was surprised by how different the two were As a Martin owner, I instantly recognised that warm, resonant tone that instantly gives campfire vibes. Feels like the Taylor was tailor made (heh) for sitting well in a mix though Martin as solo instrument - Taylor for studio use?

Taylor is Pepsi. Martin is Coke.

As I've played literally a thousand different acoustics over my 57 years of playing, nailing it down to just one would be impossible. That said, I will break it down to a handful of categories... Best Plying (Felt best in the hands) - My Mothers' 1964 Gibson Hummingbird Best Live Performance instrument - 2004 Rainsong 12 string that I inherited from my Father Best Studio recording instrument - 2 way tie between a 1990 Martin D-41 and a 1927 Washburn Parlor (not sure about the model number, or if it even had one) Best campfire guitar - Yamaha FG-380

In college at the end of the 1990s, I pined for Taylor guitar but had no way to get one. When I got married, my wife bought me my dream Taylor. 2001 Taylor 614ce in blue with three piece back. The guitar sounds phenomenal and just stays in tune. I am so blessed to have a guitar that sounds and plays so good.

That was great fun to watch, Mike! I had a similar dilemma some time ago. Solved it by acquiring both a D-28 natural and a J-45 sunburst. If someone held a gun to my head I couldn’t come up with an answer other than my favorite is the one I’m playing now or, that I played last. Keep ‘em coming, kid!

I like that he used comparable guitars, and I was confronted with the same decision a few years ago. You can't go wrong with either guitar as both companies are about quality. The Martins are warmer while the Taylor's are brighter and yes, it seems people who play a lot of electric guitars prefer Taylors for acoustic because of the neck. I bought a Taylor 214CE and never seriously considered the Martin. But if I had purchased a Martin, I know I'd be happy with that today just as I'm very happy with my Taylor. Buy the one that suits you but you can't make a bad decision if you're choosing between a Martin and a Taylor.

The best acoustic I ever played is a classical guitar : it's an Alhambra 7C classic, it's spanish and it sound marvellous and even though the neck is a chunky classical neck, I would never let it go. Plus, it's my first ever individual guitar that I didn't have to share with anybody. Keep the good stuff up man and have a nice day.

Thought I was Taylor for life until I borrowed a friends BreedLove with Myrtlewood body. Not sure how much the wood choice vs the company is what makes this one so special. But after going along time not finding any myrtlewood guitar locally I ended up ordering one from Sweetwater fully prepared to return if not as comfortable/tonal as my friend's. It is practically identical. I'm all around super impressed with BreedLove and Sweetwater and really happy with this beauty.

I have a GWL from Costco which plays very well. I just replaced the plastic nut with a bone one and it keeps going. I love it. I tried both Taylor and Martin's and they're ok.

That’s why I have a 2009 Taylor 814ce and a 2019 Martin OMCE blaze burst 1 of 50 custom shop. I love both of them equally the same. Each have their own unique voice. Since I couldn’t choose one over the other, I kept both.

Loved your video. I was Taylor exclusive for my acoustics until about 2-3 years ago. My first Martin was HD28 and I LOVE. That does not mean my Taylor’s have been kicked to the curb. I still love them and play as much if not more than newer Martin. Depends on song as they all have unique sounds/playability that I try to match to what I want to play. If you can justify a few different guitars of different brands (I also have a Maton I am quite fond of), go for it! The differences will inspire you in different ways or just be fun to experience how a given song sounds on a different type guitar in woods, body shape, manufacturer. If you can only have one guitar, pick the one that feels best in your hands with sound you like. You can really make anything sound good on on whatever your favorite guitar is!

That was entertaining, kudos! In this particular case it’s the Martin for me. I’m a Martin guy myself, but I’ve played many really great ones from both brands. A matter of personal taste. Keep the great vids coming.

The lovely thing about acoustic guitars is that they are individuals. Here one is more resonant, the other brighter. Your milage may vary...and how you hear it that day can be affected by so many things. Nice video Mr Mike 👍 I played every single guitar in a little shop and walked out with a Guild.

My main acoustic is a Taylor 510 with englemann Spruce top I bought about 19 years back. I had the pickup replaced many years ago, and it still plays and sounds great. I also have a GS Mini, which is my beater acoustic. I recently was gifted a left handed Martin, after my old theatre professor passed away. I’d love to get it set up for right handed play.

My main squeeze is an Alvarez YAiri. My friend has a really valuable Martin D-45 Snowdrop. I tried that once. It was really cool.

so glad mike is on yt, content like this weekly really is a treat

I love both Martin and Taylor, because I don’t have the funds I only own one acoustic which is the 314CE. It’s my favorite guitar that I’ve ever owned. My dad has a Martin HD28. I pull it out of the case and play every time I go over there. Martin has a warm tone, Taylor is a bit brighter but both sound great!

I'd love to see you do a video like this with some lesser known acoustic guitars, like Collings, Breedlove, and Maton.

I know right? I once criticised an amp modeller and I spent 15 months in guantanamo bay. And when I got out it still didn't have plugin support.

May I ask what microhpone you use in your videos? it always sounds so nice.

Best acoustic guitar I've ever played; Gibson J-160E. There was a music store in Bridgeport, CT (can't remember the name but I doubt it's still there) that had once, and I was lucky enough to take it off the wall and play it for a few minutes. It sounded and felt exactly like I thought it should feel.

Great Stuff Mike!! I appreciate and respect what you provide!!! \m/

I’ve owned a taylor 322ce and tried a bunch of martins, but my favorite acoustic guitars have always been Yamahas. Currently I own an LS36 and a Yamaha AC5R. I ended up selling my 322ce because I didn’t like it as much as the Yamahas, I never picked it up. It was still a great guitar. The neck shape on the Yamahas are just perfect to me, the tone is balanced and lush, fit and finish is literally perfect on both. Highly recommend trying the FG5 and FS5 if you haven’t or their newest model the FG9, incredible instruments. If you ever get the chance to try the L series I think you’ll be blown away, but they’re very rare in the US and are available in low quantity due to being made by a single luthier (top model). Anyone else like Yamahas?

My bandmate and l were using Taylors 110e and 114ce for years. We thought we sounded bright together. I switched to Martin DCPa5 and now we have a more balanced tone. Though l still miss the bright crisp tone of my Taylor, lm loving the low ends of my Martin. Now l have my eyes on an affordable (German Brand)Baton Rouge AR21 ACE for finger picking . Within $300-$350 price range but with a tone comparable to a Maton and a look of a Taylor.

My favorite acoustic guitar is the Larrivee L09. It was only 1575.00 back when I bought it 25 years ago. This is a funny video. I always look forward new ones from Mike.

Is the scale length, body size and bracing system the same ? So many variables !

They are both equally awesome and separately awesome! They are just awesome. Fantastic guitars!!

Classic! Great video. Thanks for sharing 😂

😂 Good one Mike If you are primarily an Acoustic player, I'd pick the Martin. Electric players who also play Acoustic tend to like the Taylors for the feel of the neck. Can't go wrong with either really.

Thank you for telling the definitive answer I like how he didn't choose not to say the definitive answer and picked a side

My parents bought my a Taylor DN8 for my high school graduation back jn 2010 and it still sounds and plays amazing. I've played a friends Martin a couple dozen if times and it was awesome too. I honestly wouldn't be able to decide between the two companies if I was starting over but because I've owned a Taylor for so long I think I'll stick with them. I'm also from San Diego and it's tight that Taylor has a facility here.

I love my custom shop D18. Sounds great, and just stays in tune

Love the chill vibes!

I have a Martin 000-15S and a Gibson J35. Very different sounds but both great. Then this summer I picked up a Yamaha FSX5 - which is a wonderful guitar too.

Martin OM-28, Martin D-35, Taylor 410 (1990), Taylor Custom TF, Gibson J-200. Emerald custom Full Carbon. I've had most of these for years. The Emerald and Taylor TF just 3-4 years. They are all wonderful but very different instruments. I wouldn't even begin trying to say one is 'better' than another.

Furch - the lovechild of the two. The color series for more taylor-esque sound, vintage series for folks leaning more towards the Martin.

What kind of strings did you use ?

Best acoustic I ever played in my life was neither a Martin or Taylor...it was 1967 Guild d55...absolutely magic

I have a Martin Sc-10E that is great all solid wood fish man pickups a cutaway it is gorgeous and sounds amazing and dark

Honestly starting to really like and hate acoustics at the same time. been playing for 15 years and started out with acoustics and always have been playing them mostly due to convenience (just pick it up and hit a string and there's sound). owned a martin DX1, never had the chance to touch a taylor but i do own an Eastman AC222 now which back when i bought it would be my definitive guitar. it's definitely got its qualities and it really scratches that taylor itch for me which i thought i needed, but man i really want some kind of (possibly sloped shoulder) dreadnought back in my collection for that big solid wall of sound. but that really depends on your personal use... picked or fingerpicking, band or solo? what kind of response and volume fits you as a player?

Id say either is fine. I could make that martin sound brighter with the right strings and picks. I could make the taylor sound warmer with the right strings and picks too. But they definitely lend themselves naturally to a different kind of sound. Not night and day but different. At the end of the day they both sound like high end guitars. If you have one enjoy it.

I have an early 60s martin baritone ukulele and 1996 martin d18vs, those are my all time favorite instruments.

I recently discovered your channel. Very well done, your format and style and presentation and content and production are among the best I’ve seen. Bravo. You will reach a million subs one day. BTW, I’m an old guy with a Taylor 314ce. But I’d really like to also have a Martin, well, because……

For two years I agonized over which iconic acoustic to buy. I am a proud owner of an Ovation, made in US, that I bought in 2005 for $1100. It still sounds amazing. Finally decided on the taylor 414c. What an amazing guitar. Worth every penny. I am toying with getting a Martin road series but the Taylor was and is amazing

Neither one the old limited series Takamine are miles better than both. I worked at a music store and played them all. Martin fretwork and just the feel of it isn't good for me. Taylor's necks are too thick and sticky. The sound on both are slightly odd for me. Sound wise the Gibson song writer cutaway is up at the top too. However it doesn't sound of feel as good as those old Takamine limited series. The feel and playability of those are perfection. The sound is just right. Absolutely none of the thousands of other acoustic guitars I've ever played come close.

I was listening via PCM Result-6 monitors fed via an SSL 2+ audio interface. The guitars definitely sounded different, but as to which sounded better, that would depend upon the player, the arrangement and the song. The strummed Taylor definitely cut through the mix better than the Martin. I would love to know how different they are to play. Great video though.

My Larrivée OM-03R is my number 1 acoustic

i just bought my Taylor AD17e yesterday, i'm so happy with this guitar, my first all solid guitar! the sound is incredible, but the cons is the fact that came with elixir strings, which i hate that super bright sound. Awesome video mate!

In this comparison, I think I liked the Martin. I am fortunate to have one of each. A 000-15SM and a 614ce BE. They don’t sound at all like each other, which is great, so I cannot compare them. But … the one I love the most is, almost always, the one I just played. These are two seriously good companies striving to put phenomenal instruments into the hands of musicians. And almost any of the usual complaints may be addressed by trying a different pick or set of strings.

I laughed out loud at your dream sequence. Both of those sound really good. I’d go with the Martin for looks alone. The Taylor is probably better for all around use, and still is as easy to play as the new Martin SC models. I bought and sold the SC-1O. The neck is nice and thin but was a bit too wide for my smaller hands. I have owned about 10 Taylor guitars from the GS Mini, 214ce, 310, 324, 414, a couple 814’s. And several T5’s/T5z. Same with Martin guitars. About 10 or so in 1k-$2500 range. Breedlove, Cole Clark, Seagull, all versions of the Fender Acoustasonic, a couple Rainsong carbon fiber, several Takamine models. The only one that has survived this comparison is one of the Takamine models. I played it a couple hours in church this morning. It’s just a great sounding, comfortable little instrument. ETN70BC is the model. No longer in production.

For me it’s always been Breedlove. Created by ex Taylor designers and luthiers, and it sounds amazing in a full band, and multiple recordings, and I’ll never deviate.

Both Martini and Taylor are plenty good for me! I happen to own a Martin Road Series which is my absolute favorite. I got it used on Craigslist for $420 about 3 years ago. It was dried out and had a high action and smelled like marijuana. I took some off the saddle and humidified it, and it sounds and plays great! But I'm sure there are Taylors that would make me just as happy. I now know to avoid plywood top guitars. Also, if you want a lower price point, Seagull guitars are great. And even lower, the Yamaha's are a great value.

Best acoustic I've played: Santa Cruz D Model - Saving up my pennies for this one. Best acoustic I own: Eastman AC722CE Great review!!

Brilliant vid, made me laugh 😂 I’d be happy with either guitar, they are both a work of sonic art

In this comparison I liked the Taylor better, but really I think every guitar player needs one of each, or maybe a couple of each.

Man, I don't think someone asked you this, but I really loved your glasses! What's the brand?

Why does it have to be either or or? Why not both?

Definitely this takamine of mine , solid nude rosewood , I keep it away for shows . My go to acoustic is 69’ harmony.

I have a Martin 000-18 and a Taylor 414CE and my most loved, favorite sounding guitar is, by far, my boyfriend’s Gibson G-200. It blows both my Martin and Taylor out of the water. Hoping to get a G-Writer EC or Hummingbird in the future. I was made for Gibson.

For me it’s was a vintage Martin in Hollywood Guitar Center. I picked it up and it was like it played itself it was old and very expensive the sound was so perfect my heart was pounding ya it was the absolute best one I ever played. I have some each one has it’s own spark. Still looking for a Martin 12 string with that spark

Good video, Mike. I would be happy with either one.

My Gibson J45 Studio walnut. Right behind it is my Taylor 414ce or 214e.

Martin is "THE sound." Taylor is nice and bright and sits well in the mix (I find them ridiculously easy to mike up). For me, the winner was a Larrivee C-09!

Excellent video. You did a great job of explaining the differences between the two. Well done!

Well, that final was unexpected

4 minutes in, and I didn't really care how the rest of the video went. Subbed. Your delivery is great, and whatever you ended up with in the end will match that.

Great vid! One thing though : Taylors have bolt on necks and once your acoustic needs a neck reset you'll be happy to have a taylor, I own a 214ce DLX, couldnt be happier (especially after a much needed neck reset 🙂)

This does nothing to resolve my dilemma but was fun to watch and helps me discern a little better what to listen for. I have a Gibson Dove Custom that was the first guitar that genuinely and thoroughly seduced me 28 years ago. It still makes lovely sounds and is incredibly responsive, but in ways I can’t explain it no longer feels like my guitar. Maybe my ego no longer requires a dreadnought and might like an auditorium or parlor model or something like that. And when I check Reverb and see Dove Customs from the same vintage advertised for 3-4 times what I paid for mine … Time to go exploring. Thanks for the signposts.

I have a 214ce and I like it,I've had 2 Martin's and I love the neck on the Taylor. I've had it for 2 years. I hate to say it, but I rather have a Martin. I have tried to tame the Taylor down with different strings but it is bright. I am thinking about trading in for a Martin. They are both great guitars. I had a j45, that was amazing should have kept it. Do you have any ideas how to tame the Taylor down. Great video!!

Mike, thank you. That was fun!

Good one Mike! You crack me up. In the last 52 years I have had only one steel string acoustic guitar and I need no other. I bought an Alvarez model 5024, aka Dove, in 1971. It's a copy of the Gibson Dove from the "lawsuit" era. The tone is warm and rich and sounds like no other guitar.

I love my Yamaha FG5 Red label .

Takamine GS-330S

i have a gs mini from taylor and a 2000's martin maghagany dreadnaught from my father and both are great guitars and i go back and forth between the two. the taylor is travel size so easier to play than the bigger martin but man the martin just has the bass the taylor cant get. i would probably myself go with a martin.

hey, what's that blue banjo-like guitar hanging on the wall called?

So very happy I found your channel. On the advise of a friend, I bought a Taylor. It's a Gt Urban Ash. A great couch guitar. I'm learning it for the first time at age 68. Love it. Uber quality.

You did such a good job on this! Full disclosure: I’m a Martin guy.

I really enjoy your guitar videos, Mike. Informative, fun, educational. I have played guitar 30+ years and I can’t pick one favorite. I do have a few that I have loved: Taylor Leo Kottke 12-string Taylor Leo Kottke 6-string Collings OM1 All three of those guitars sound completely different. I love the Collings for the size, and the Taylor‘s for their deep gravelly sound.

That was fun Mike!

Hey Mike! Ive owned taylors and martins. Love them both, but have you played a Furch? I recently picked up a Furch green om-sm, used and probably thee best guitar Ive ever owned. If you havent played one, do check them out.

I honestly like the sound of Gibson acoustics over both Taylor and Martin. The best guitar I’ve ever played was Gibson j 45 and I’ve yet to find a guitar from any other brand offer that is as good as the gibson

What about those of us who worship at the altar of Gibson?

What about Gibson?

The definite answer is to own both! They both sound great...

I’m gonna take the cop out answer: it depends what type of music you’re looking to play and whether you’re playing solo or with a band!

Team Martin all day - They have such a commitment to quarry that goes back a century… still making ONLY quality guitars.

Haha! Loved it!

The 314 is ferocious, I bought one a couple months ago and it surpasses almost any other guitar I have (including more expensive Taylors). Amazing Guitar.

Yamaha FS5 Red Label is my go-to. Best skit to date.

One who has been playing and touring for years, ( well decades), I can tell a Martin guitar by hearing it in an instant. Nobody does what they do and the type of guitars they produce better. I know the Martin folks and hang out with them often at NAMM and have demo'd their guitars at several events with great joy. Truly wonderful instruments for what they do and played by so many both pros and amateurs' alike. Taylor in my opinion, produces more guitars with rather diverse personalities. They seem a bit more "playable" in terms of zipping around the neck for whatever reason. To say that one is better than the other would be impossible, as selecting the right guitar is very much a personal decision. The guitar and the guitar player have to form a relationship. It takes two. The guitar and the one who is landing the tunes with it. When you put a guitar in your lap, whether it be a Martin, Taylor, Guild, Gibson or whatever make and model, it is as much as about feel as it is sound. I learned how to play guitar on my mothers 1951 0017 model that she bought new for $75.00 and still has it! I have several Taylor guitars and have been to the factory quite a few times. The Martin is a more hand crafted instrument. They deliver about 55, 000 guitars in a year where Taylor is in the hundreds of thousands. Don't be mislead in in thinking that those numbers make Taylor a better guitar, they just have so many models and are able to produce them with robot controlled lasers and such that make each guitar so precise. They will sometimes come out with a terrific limited edition using a special wood and once it's sold out, it's gone. Their product line and diversity of woods in each is enormous. Don't be concerned by what top is matched with what back and sides, put in in your lap and see if it does it for you. If you really want to get serious about great guitars, then one must try a Collings, Santa Cruz, Larrivee and such. There truly is a world of difference (and price) there. But again, one can pick up an inexpensive Yamaha, Alvarez and such and find that is "the guitar". It does it, regardless of the financial ability to afford a much more expensive instrument. It all comes down to the players sound and feel for one's own music and what they want to project to the audience that they share it with. Get inspired, create, perform!!

Ive owned both, and I love my Taylor. Its louder and brighter and is just easier to play. Just my opinion.

I've been basically a Martin guy for the past 17 years. My best sounding (to me) guitars are Martin HD-28 rosewood, Martin OMC-18 Laurence Juber Custom mahogany, Epiphone Excellente ovongkol, Martin OMC-16 ovongkol, Gibson J-45 walnut, Maton Tommy Emmanuel Queensland maple, and Alvarez Yairi Folk all mahogany. I sold the 3 Taylors I had but liked the sound of less well (326 urban ash, Koa 224 koa laminate back & sides, & GS Mini koa laminate back & sides). I prefer the Martin's more prominent lower range and sweet, chimey, but less "sparkly" middle & upper range than most Taylor's I've owned or played in guitar stores.

I have only played a Martin a few times and I have a Taylor 1978 . I couldn't say they are both awesome guitars but I think the Martin has a richer full sound but I have small hands and the Taylor feels better to me . I would like to add a Martin to my collection some day .

I have a Martin GPC-16E. Still in the honeymoon period. I only have eyes for her! But I've learned never say never! Who knows what the future will hold?

The answer is simple, buy both.

Taylor for me. I had a 110E that I played hard for years and it never let me down. Bought it off my older brother for 300 bucks, busked with it and made about a grand, then sold it for 500. I miss that thing but kids are expensive.

I've had a bunch of Martins and Taylors and my favorite (?)... was a Larrivee LV-05E. 🙂

I am first hand a drummer. But I have played in sessions rookie and pro. I have been playing acoustic guitar since I was probably 8 years old, and had been playing a 1980's Ovation acoustic for years until my ex wife lost the storage unit with my guitar forever lost. I always loved the neck profile on that guitar, later to discover a Taylor fit my hand so well! Taylor is the bees knees for me ...exceptional tone and feel. Hands down, the best guitars I've ever played in my life

Owned a Martin D18 years ago, now a Taylor 224ce Koa special. Apples and oranges. Mahogany vs koa.. Dreadnought vs grand auditorium. Both amazing. I love the neck on the Taylor - easier to play. I loved the sound of my Martin, but not so much the neck and action. This: You really have to go model by model, and even then we are talking real wood, and so it varies even between two of the same model. The store had two of my Taylor model in stock-one was clearly better. I have heard huge variations in Martin dreads over the years. This is why I recommend actually playing any guitar you buy. A great name should guarantee a great sounding guitar. It certainly improves your odds- but you still need to play it. Try not just different brands, but different shapes, different woods, etc. to get a feel for what works for you. Secret: your playing ability is more important than what guitar you are playing. As long as it holds tune, doesn't buzz, and doesn't sound like cardboard, it will work. I played a $26 pawnshop dread for a while before the Taylor. With good strings and lots of playing, it opened up and sounded way better than seemed possible, based on my first impression. Remember, I had owned a Martin D18 and Guild D40 in the past. Issues with the neck and frets finally caused me to buy something better. But that Johnson dread- probably only $150 even when new, has great sustain, legit bass, and reasonable tone. We all want better guitars. But we all need to be better guitarists. Okay, maybe not Tommy Emanuel or Billy Strings, but most of us mortals.