X Bracing sounds richer in this comparison and confirms my experience playing a V- class Taylor in person. Personal preference of course... not necessarily relevant to someone else's taste.
Excellent demo, this captures what I was hearing when compared a new 914ce V-class braced to an 814ce X-braced. There is a notable increase in volume and sustain, but also a very distinct mid-range scoop which in my opinion makes these guitars sound very thin. Although the X-braced models don't have the benefit of balanced volume sustain across the fret board, they have a much richer tone... As far as I'm concerned X-bracing delivers find volume and sustain across the fretboard. Certainly not a problem to fix by introducing a limitation in tone. If you do a lot of lead playing, you may love V-Class braced, but if you do a lot of strumming you may find that you much prefer X-bracing. I know that I did.
They both sound good the difference between the two systems is very slight to my ear. The X sounds a more woody sound while the V produces slightly more sustain and is a bit more distinct It’s not a make or break deal to me on either guitar.
The 324ce is a fine instrument and well-reputed amongst many. I could understand someone not liking the mahogany top because it has a very distinct and relatively uncommon tone but that doesn't make it gimmicky by any means.
Did Taylor change the bracing on the Standard? Near the end, the bracing on the Standard and V-Class are both diagonal. In my opinion, the main difference is in the upper registry, and was not demonstrated here...
Just got a 314ce V Class and I understand what long time players feel is missing but I am loving this guitar more and more. It sings in a way I can't describe, maybe it is the more precise intonation on all notes of chords or the sustain lasting through multiple chord changes, but not overwhelmingly. There are trade-offs but I think it is only a matter of time people start trying out and playing V bracing and discover what Taylor found so revolutionary...i find it sings beautifully. The last guitar comparison on this video is the best imho. I went back, played it again and closed my eyes for both and have to say the standard is really nice(almost seemed he was hitting it a little harder when I first watched) and very familiar sound, I am not sure the difference between it and my 110ce is all that perceptible..the walnut, even though layered on 100 series, has a nice sound, but the V class on that one stood out well with eyes closed and really listening. To me, the difference is the "chaos" or jangling sound at the beginning of chords is lessened and I don't miss it. It is like that standard sound you've heard a million times in a smoky bar is suddenly fresh and new in a good way. But both are great.
The x bracing is giving more bass with that mic setup,all of my guitars are x braced.I'm not saying v bracing is bad,just a different sound so i'll be sticking with x bracing.
My Opinion the best demonstration that i saw. for sure we will see bad/good guitars in V bracing as with standard bracing. bcoz guitar is not just the bracing. in this demonstration the standard is better, in both guitars and in all playing styles
If the dealers are willing to let go of the lousier guitars at let's say a 50% discount, I'll grab two or three!! Honest! One 414CE Ovangkol and a 914CE and possibly a K24CE too!! Acoustic Fellowship! You know me! I'm Nicholas. You can PM me if you're willing to sell me the lousier X bracing Taylors at 50% discount!!
The V-Class bracing sounds thin and lacking in complexity as compared to the X bracing to my ears. I've watched a number of videos and get the same impression each time. There is more treble in the V-class, but only because there is less bass. Taylors never had a lot of bass, and now they're really lacking. I much prefer the X bracing.
To my ears, the standard bracing has a warmer, more appealing tone. I've seen other comparison videos and felt the same way. I haven't compared the two styles "live" myself, but based on what I hear online, I'd give V-bracing a pass.
Wolf - Shssh! Don't say it out loud! There are a lot of folks who faithfully felt that the V-bracing is a godsend and beats the X-bracing hands down! Seriously! I'm waiting for these folks to flock to the V-bracing and they'll sell their X-bracing at hefty discounts! That's when I can grab my 914CE or K24CE! :D
If you compare two similar guitars you will probably notice similar differences. I think it's all about manufacturing because they do away with the centre X joint and are able to push the price up. Also this system isn't new it's merely registered by them, guitar bracing patterns are as varied as the weather it's just punters want the same thing. Not impressed at all.
A store near me is selling off the remaining X braced Taylors at a deep discount, and I am pretty sure I am going to get one this week. This video is helpful and the x sounds better to my ear in this video, the problem is that the mic placement is the same for the two guitars which is logical but because they are built different, the sweet spot might not be in the same place for each guitar.
Thank you! I understand your point... Mainly for the comparison we felt it would be better to keep the mic in the same place, consistency-wise. Good luck picking up one of the Taylors!
The V Class bracing has a very heavy, dense tone to me, I like it. It's like a dobro sound. The standard Taylor is also nice, but I always found Taylors to sound a bit tinny, so the V Class fixes that I think. Either way, I still prefer martin :D
V-Class mellow & deeper bass make it more balance and sound like martin, i like standard more, cause it's brighter and punchy, and that is what i love from taylor
Not a good review. One of the main differences in bracing is the tone up and down the neck. This wasn’t in the mix at all. Those making a decision w/o this added ; well guess you know what you are doing. Good luck 👍🏻🍀
What I think would be a great comparison is to have the same songs by V and X class played into music recording software, then have the reviewer show us in the software the tonal differences.
can you recognize the bracing in blind audition?? no way. Need to talk about technical advantages/disadvatnages of both. At least V-shape should resist strings tension better, in theory, and not to lift the bridge with the upper bout.
Just like tonewoods, you certainly can hear the differences in them and perhaps even point out which is which. But there are so many factors that go into a guitar, every single one will sound different. That's a guarantee ;)
X Bracing sounds richer in this comparison and confirms my experience playing a V- class Taylor in person.
Personal preference of course... not necessarily relevant to someone else's taste.
Excellent demo, this captures what I was hearing when compared a new 914ce V-class braced to an 814ce X-braced. There is a notable increase in volume and sustain, but also a very distinct mid-range scoop which in my opinion makes these guitars sound very thin. Although the X-braced models don't have the benefit of balanced volume sustain across the fret board, they have a much richer tone... As far as I'm concerned X-bracing delivers find volume and sustain across the fretboard. Certainly not a problem to fix by introducing a limitation in tone. If you do a lot of lead playing, you may love V-Class braced, but if you do a lot of strumming you may find that you much prefer X-bracing. I know that I did.
They both sound good the difference between the two systems is very slight to my ear. The X sounds a more woody sound while the V produces slightly more sustain and is a bit more distinct It’s not a make or break deal to me on either guitar.
Thank you for your comment! We agree, they both have their own sound but none is better than the other.
I prefer the STANDARD version above all !
I was told by a guitar builder that my 324 ce is nothing more than a gimmick! I spent 2000 on it and sounds great to me. Thoughts?
Thoughts incoming:
That sounds like something the builder could've kept to themselves haha. Also, if the guitar sounds great to you: It does.
The 324ce is a fine instrument and well-reputed amongst many. I could understand someone not liking the mahogany top because it has a very distinct and relatively uncommon tone but that doesn't make it gimmicky by any means.
Did Taylor change the bracing on the Standard? Near the end, the bracing on the Standard and V-Class are both diagonal.
In my opinion, the main difference is in the upper registry, and was not demonstrated here...
Just got a 314ce V Class and I understand what long time players feel is missing but I am loving this guitar more and more. It sings in a way I can't describe, maybe it is the more precise intonation on all notes of chords or the sustain lasting through multiple chord changes, but not overwhelmingly. There are trade-offs but I think it is only a matter of time people start trying out and playing V bracing and discover what Taylor found so revolutionary...i find it sings beautifully. The last guitar comparison on this video is the best imho. I went back, played it again and closed my eyes for both and have to say the standard is really nice(almost seemed he was hitting it a little harder when I first watched) and very familiar sound, I am not sure the difference between it and my 110ce is all that perceptible..the walnut, even though layered on 100 series, has a nice sound, but the V class on that one stood out well with eyes closed and really listening. To me, the difference is the "chaos" or jangling sound at the beginning of chords is lessened and I don't miss it. It is like that standard sound you've heard a million times in a smoky bar is suddenly fresh and new in a good way. But both are great.
Thanks for sharing your experience Jim! Always happy to hear someone elses opinion on the matter!
The x bracing is giving more bass with that mic setup,all of my guitars are x braced.I'm not saying v bracing is bad,just a different sound so i'll be sticking with x bracing.
My Opinion
the best demonstration that i saw. for sure we will see bad/good guitars in V bracing as with standard bracing. bcoz guitar is not
just the bracing. in this demonstration the standard is better, in both guitars and in all playing styles
Standard best for me.
Very good demonstrations! I'm wondering if dealers will now have problems trying to sell standard braced guitars...
I think the V brace comes at a premium price (;-)
I still prefer the standard vs the V. Braced. I tried a few out and they weren’t what I was expecting.
If the dealers are willing to let go of the lousier guitars at let's say a 50% discount, I'll grab two or three!! Honest! One 414CE Ovangkol and a 914CE and possibly a K24CE too!!
Acoustic Fellowship! You know me! I'm Nicholas. You can PM me if you're willing to sell me the lousier X bracing Taylors at 50% discount!!
The V-Class bracing sounds thin and lacking in complexity as compared to the X bracing to my ears. I've watched a number of videos and get the same impression each time. There is more treble in the V-class, but only because there is less bass. Taylors never had a lot of bass, and now they're really lacking. I much prefer the X bracing.
To my ears, the standard bracing has a warmer, more appealing tone. I've seen other comparison videos and felt the same way.
I haven't compared the two styles "live" myself, but based on what I hear online, I'd give V-bracing a pass.
Wolf - Shssh! Don't say it out loud! There are a lot of folks who faithfully felt that the V-bracing is a godsend and beats the X-bracing hands down! Seriously! I'm waiting for these folks to flock to the V-bracing and they'll sell their X-bracing at hefty discounts! That's when I can grab my 914CE or K24CE! :D
If you compare two similar guitars you will probably notice similar differences. I think it's all about manufacturing because they do away with the centre X joint and are able to push the price up. Also this system isn't new it's merely registered by them, guitar bracing patterns are as varied as the weather it's just punters want the same thing. Not impressed at all.
I can't tell exactly until I play them, but is the V more "strident" sounding/feeling, and the X a little "bouncier/spongier"?
A store near me is selling off the remaining X braced Taylors at a deep discount, and I am pretty sure I am going to get one this week. This video is helpful and the x sounds better to my ear in this video, the problem is that the mic placement is the same for the two guitars which is logical but because they are built different, the sweet spot might not be in the same place for each guitar.
Thank you! I understand your point... Mainly for the comparison we felt it would be better to keep the mic in the same place, consistency-wise. Good luck picking up one of the Taylors!
Jafffa Road - What Store? I am considering a Taylor, but would Only purchase one with the X-Bracing. Appreciate any information - please.
The V Class bracing has a very heavy, dense tone to me, I like it. It's like a dobro sound. The standard Taylor is also nice, but I always found Taylors to sound a bit tinny, so the V Class fixes that I think. Either way, I still prefer martin :D
V-Class mellow & deeper bass make it more balance and sound like martin, i like standard more, cause it's brighter and punchy, and that is what i love from taylor
Not a good review. One of the main differences in bracing is the tone up and down the neck. This wasn’t in the mix at all. Those making a decision w/o this added ; well guess you know what you are doing. Good luck 👍🏻🍀
Good point Robert, indeed we didn't take this into consideration.
Would love to have heard some commentary from the player .
X bracing retains the high overtones that v class eliminates.
What I think would be a great comparison is to have the same songs by V and X class played into music recording software, then have the reviewer show us in the software the tonal differences.
can you recognize the bracing in blind audition?? no way. Need to talk about technical advantages/disadvatnages of both. At least V-shape should resist strings tension better, in theory, and not to lift the bridge with the upper bout.
Just like tonewoods, you certainly can hear the differences in them and perhaps even point out which is which.
But there are so many factors that go into a guitar, every single one will sound different. That's a guarantee ;)
@@thefellowshipofacoustics thats for sure, that's why no need to compare the sound. Need to compare technical pros/cons