"No contest" is a little over the top. The Gibson was a smidge better for sure. Give Taylor another year or 2 with the "18" body and they'll be better. But I really wish Taylor would quit even trying to compete in this category and leave Jumbos to Gibson and Bluegrass dreadnaughts to Martin and keep dominating everything else...
SJ-200 all the way! I have a Taylor 514ce Custom Bearclaw spruce top Blackwood back and sides that sounds better than the 618. Everyone hears and perceive sound and tonal value a little differently but to my ears the SJ-200 sounds better. I also have a Gibson SJ-200 STD Sunburst with a great projecting warm sound and plays beautifully.
Having played both instruments I can say that this video is not accurate, the mic doesn't fully capture the difference in the sound of these guitars. The Gibson in real life sounds quiet and dead - you really have to hit it hard to get any sound, the Taylor on the other hand is remarkably responsive for a Jumbo sized body. The reconfigured body anatomy, new bracing and a thinner finish implemented by Andy Powers really make a big difference.
The difference between one acoustic guitar to the next of same model can be sizable. Taylor's I guess are kind of the exception, they are über consistent. I think the slight natural compression of Gibson acoustics gives them a great warm sound that transfers into recording gold. That said I play my Martin 10x more than anything because it sounds better while playing it.
Of all the guitar comparison videos that I've seen on youtube, this is by far the best sounding and most well produced video that I've ever seen! Thank you so much for the video review. I have to say that the Gibson wins this one hands down!
I think the Taylor owned this matchup. The depth and clarity seem to compliment and emphasize the subtle expressions in the playing. Just sounds to me like a better, more serious instrument.
The Gibson has a deeper and fuller sound. Nothing wrong with the Taylor, just not as much volume or bass. It comes down to what we each like in a guitar. Both would work for me, but the Gibson J200 is an iconic instrument for a reason.
To my ear, the J200 is the best sounding Gibson there is, and this J200 certainly sounds richer, with greater depth and brilliance, than the Taylor. The difference is startling.
Play this video and close your eyes, just listen. It it's very hard to tell when the changes come. Both of these guitars sound amazing! I own the 618e, playability and responsiveness cannot be beat by the j 200. But the sound of the Gibson is amazing!
+EquipmentReviewer I slightly disagree. I tried that before reading this...You can tell when the changes come over a mic. The Taylor is very bright and has some great depth. However, the J200 just has more voice. It quite literally sounds like a deeper guitar. I own both of these guitars, just bought the Gibon two days ago. Until you hold them both hand in hand and can physically compare back to back, it's easy to be biased. Gibson has more volume and character. The taylor is as sharp as they come...but with a much lighter feel. I prefer the Gibson unless im having a session with the guys and picking some bluegrass. Bluegrass is all about that twang. This is probably the only time I choose Gibson over Taylor...or Martin.
***** I wouldn't dare undercut the 618, it is clear as a bell with some great range. I find it easier to play to J200 though. It just sounds so much bigger and fuller to me. But its a DIFFERENT sound in the end...not better. It's better to my ears...but I couldn't say its the better sounding guitar because you may like the crisp Taylor vs The warm Gibson. Totally your call. Microphones (even the good ones) don't do the taylor OR the Gibson justice.
The Gibson definitely has a more rounded tone with more bottom. May I ask if these guitars are demoed with the stock strings on each and which sets are used? In my experience with Taylor, they always come with Elixers which are incredibly bright but always leave me wanting for more low end--especially live. It would be interesting to hear each of these strung up and demoed with the same strings. Strings can make a significant impact on a guitars tone. GREAT DEMO but still apples to oranges
I like both.! Even though I play a Gibson Hummingbird I was surprised by the Taylor. I started off preferring the Gibson but I liked the tighter bottom end and brighter highs on the Taylor. I thought that the Gibson would be brighter and tighter. Perhaps the warmer mid tones on the Gibson mask some of the highs. I guess it all depends on what style of music you like to play, so there is no right or wrong. I love playing fast attack songs, so the sound of the Taylor would be my preference. However, live playing with a bit of eq will make the sound differences in these guitars irrelevant. Style rules unfortunately.
Yes, it comes equipped with a built-in Fishman pickup and pre-amp. It's also useful when you wan to tune... although that guitar rarely falls out of tune!
Sorry "how it sounds" is a poor way to compare guitars at this price point. It's like putting a Camero and a Mustang side-by-side and revving the motors. Forget sound. I can get decent sound out of a $100 guitar. Especially with a mic and a mixer. How do they perform? That's the question.
I've played both guitars at the Rochester House of Guitars...Both are excellent instruments, but the Gibson is fuller and richer, while the Taylor is brighter and cuts more. I personally like the Gibson. I even liked (and purchased) a Taylor 418 over the Taylor 618 because the 618 was a bit too bright for my tastes; I wanted the Gibson but didn't have the bucks for it right now. My plan is to trade in the Taylor for the Gibson after about a year. Does anyone have any experience with the Fishman Elipse Aura pickup that comes stock with the Gibson SJ200??
cant really tell because this test could be EQed even if its not EQed...and they were honest.. the Taylor could have been too new so we really have to go and play these to really find out which one is good in my experience gibson j200 was better than taylor 614ce.. but this one is taylor 616//so i kinda have a higher hope since it has bigger body than taylor 614..
Just tried every guitar in the shop - epiphone, Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Faith. I never normally do this, but for once in my life I actually had money. I bought the Gibson j200 - far and away the richest tone. So happy!!!!!!!!!!!
The Gibson sounds much nicer, but you pay for that sweet sound in the S-I-Z-E. The J-200 is not for everybody. Very deep body, and a deeper waist/wider bout. I have always felt that a lot of volume gets trapped inside the body, due to its depth. As a recording guitar however, they are wonderful.
I have a gibson j-45 and I love it! However in this comparison it isn't really fair the j200 is bibbies flagship model, so therefore they should compare it with taylors flagship model.
If you're a flat picker, the taylor is the way to go. Sharp crisp cuts and a twangy top E, which is good for those bluegrass round offs. The gibson is the way to go for everything else. Incredibly well rounded with a crap load of bass and mid. Has great high as well if thats what you want. Where you strum makes worlds of difference.
They sound quite similar to me. If I had to pick a difference the Taylor sounds a bit tighter when strummed but that should get better in a short time. Slightly more clarity on the individual notes from the Taylor.
Gibson clearly has more projection but i never worry about the headstock name because i have seen ibanez acoustics that outplayed martin in same price etc and just because one git beats another in one price range doesnt mean they all will. Either git would be a fine addition to any collection.
That's a nice sounding Gibson or maybe they just record very well. I tried 2 J-200's on Denmark street & a couple more at some shop in Epsom. They were all pretty terrible for the price. I stopped by Rose Morris also on Denmark street to see what they had in the way of Jumbo's & the 618e knocked my socks off. Form my personal experience & taste the Taylor wins hands down
Hi Johnny, this is how soundtest should be. Thx man! The Gibson sounds much better in my opinion. I had a Taylor before, but the high tones of a Taylor irritate me. Even my Epiphone EJ200 from 2007 sounds better than a Taylor.
Gibson wins there. However, I have to say I prefer the look of the Taylor. I've just tried one at my local store and the sound and playbility was awesome. I'll definitely will check them both out side by side before I buy a jumbo.
Thanks for the feedback Jonathan! My local store has now both in stock so I'll be able to compare them side by side. In France, Taylor guitars do not retain their value as Gibsons. Although I like the Taylor design better, I have to make sure I'll like it for years otherwise I'll have a hell of a time trying to sell it afterwards ;o)
Nothing like the purr/growl of a GIBSON. Taylor is trying, and they do have their own sound, unfortunately it's "tinny" and uneventful. I own and perform with a GIBSON Songwriter CE (love it) and can feel the vibrations coming back into my chest when I'm performing. Inspiring. I have played numerous Taylor's...but in the end they just don't have the GIBSON depth. My next guitar will be an SJ-200 and then, if I can swing it, a HBIRD. I want these tone woods (rosewood, maple, and mahogany) in my collection and want it all in GIBSON if I am going to spend this kind of money. Steeped in history, big deep sound, and immediately recognizable on stage- sorry Taylor.
Nice comparison. If Page or Townsend had their choice what do you think it would be? Well let me help you out a little. The J200 wins hands down. As a matter of fact my J35 sounds better than that 618, just not as loud. The treble of the 618 is a bit harsh, where as the Gibson sounds as smooth as warm gravy. I must give credit to the 618 in the fingerpicking category for articulation, that was very good. Overall the 618 sounded mostly sterile and at times weak, void of personality, a robot.
I understand that you are a Gibson afficionado. Understandable if we're talking electric guitars. In the acoustic department however Gibson is dwelling on their past and Taylor is innovative and putting their mark firmly on this 'Golden Age of Acoustics' (that is ... now)! The many, many far better (and more affordable) acoustics nowadays prove this point. I test guitars for a guitar magazine and my own stage-axe is a Maton EMC100. Never owned a Taylor! Being biased is not my 'cup 'o tea'!
so a taylor for lead guitar and gibson for rythem ? funny thing is i seen a video from paramore on a rooftop, lead is using the taylor and rythem is gibson. you could be a pro =+}, personally like the gibsons tone in this demo out of the two but i dont know how to play a guitar yet ( realy wanting to learn but no idea where to start )
Very little difference between the 2 as far as I can hear using top quality headphones. Any difference could be down to strings & setup. You need to play both & see which feels better. I tried lots of J200's but ended up buying a First edition 618e. It felt better to me & has an awesome rumble when you strum hard which I really like.
As expected, the Taylor sounds anemic and tinny in comparison. Don't have to see the video to tell which is which. Gibson is richer with more depth and tonal personality.
Check out all other Taylor -vs- Gibson in different categories and see how "anemic and tinny" Taylors sound. This is the first comp I've seen where I prefer the Gibson over the Taylor(and that is for sound wise of course-aesthetically I think Taylors are winner hands down). I'd like to hear the 816 plugged in also. The 618 will open up and sound much better down the road and this is the first year making the Jumbo "18" body for Taylor. Also, the difference is no where near what you are suggesting sir.
we know what guitar is in your bedroom. try and hide youre biasedness in order to make an informed opinion. consistency isnt always a good thing. and every taylor ive ever heard has been consistently mediocre. they just cant compete with gibson and especially martin in the acoustic department. inho
A good comparison, both sublime jumbo guitars which have a very similar maple body sound. If you can find a shop that stocks both then that's the only way to really compare, by playing them right there alongside, especially with regards to their cost. I'm a Gibson and a Taylor devotee but I've a feeling I'd go toward the Taylor because of the modern feel and playability, despite the killer J200 looks. But would my heart rule my head???
I thought so too, but if you listen to it with your eyes closed and open when the better one is playing, it goes back and forth. Both guitars sound better than the other at different times.
Gibsons are obviously the best guitars out there. You ever heard "you get what you paid for?" That's true with Gibson not so much with Taylor. Sadly enough I have a Taylor and a Martin, and a Breedlove on the way should get here tomorrow. I just want to sell them all and get a niece Gibson. Haha. I'm such naïve buyer...
Good comment. I agree with everything you said and I also own a Taylor,One Martin and another Martin on the way because my son wants a Martin. I love my J-185 more than all of them combined.
I agree, but I still prefer the 'live-usefulness' of the Taylor and I like its sound ... and the consistency they have in building guitars. Gibson just isn't that good in that department!
There were some weird audio issues - I think the video needs to be redone to be truly helpful. That said, I definitely feel like the Taylor had a much smaller sound (in dynamic range, not that it sounded like a small guitar). Almost like there was a compressor on it. Taylor has focused lately on making maple more of a mainstream tonewood because of sustainability. In some cases that can be good, especially for people looking for a sound that's more traditional. But for a jumbo guitar - which is boomier by nature - I say leave the brightness of the maple alone so it balances out the overall tone, as the Gibson seems to do quite well.
I agree, but I think the Taylor will excel if played amplified! I also think Taylor's are made with much more consistency than Gibson acoustic guitars!
Great job on the comparison!!! I thought they were very close actually. That Gibson would blow almost every other Guitar in this category away. I'd say the Taylor will sound much better in a few months or years and remember, this is the 1st edition Jumbo for Taylor. They will get better each year. Aesthetically, Taylor hands down and I'd like to hear that Taylor plugged in also.
In a live performance situation you would be much more likely to be digging in a bit more, as a result of that you would be getting that great big huge sound you expect from the J 200, and you would still get all the lovely crisp clean ringing notes as well. Gibson all the way.
The Gibson J200 and nothing compares. Only Gibson haters would disagree.
The Gibson sounds much better to me. Warmer, richer tone.
No contest. Gibson hands-down. Much more richness and depth.
"No contest" is a little over the top. The Gibson was a smidge better for sure. Give Taylor another year or 2 with the "18" body and they'll be better. But I really wish Taylor would quit even trying to compete in this category and leave Jumbos to Gibson and Bluegrass dreadnaughts to Martin and keep dominating everything else...
rtgray7
Taylors dominating everything else? Have you ever played a Lowden? fantastic fingerstyle guitars.
If thats the same mic, then the Gibson sounds way richer!
I'm a Taylor guy and I choose the Gibson!
SJ-200 all the way! I have a Taylor 514ce Custom Bearclaw spruce top Blackwood back and sides that sounds better than the 618. Everyone hears and perceive sound and tonal value a little differently but to my ears the SJ-200 sounds better. I also have a Gibson SJ-200 STD Sunburst with a great projecting warm sound and plays beautifully.
Having played both instruments I can say that this video is not accurate, the mic doesn't fully capture the difference in the sound of these guitars. The Gibson in real life sounds quiet and dead - you really have to hit it hard to get any sound, the Taylor on the other hand is remarkably responsive for a Jumbo sized body. The reconfigured body anatomy, new bracing and a thinner finish implemented by Andy Powers really make a big difference.
The difference between one acoustic guitar to the next of same model can be sizable. Taylor's I guess are kind of the exception, they are über consistent. I think the slight natural compression of Gibson acoustics gives them a great warm sound that transfers into recording gold. That said I play my Martin 10x more than anything because it sounds better while playing it.
Of all the guitar comparison videos that I've seen on youtube, this is by far the best sounding and most well produced video that I've ever seen! Thank you so much for the video review. I have to say that the Gibson wins this one hands down!
These video comparisons are the absolute best I have ever seen please do more!!!!
J200 sounds so much richer, warm, and deep. There is no match...
Of course Gibson) You even sitting with Gibson in your hands when you talking, not with Taylor :D
J200 has the sweetest sound hands down!
Gibson killed it
There is something in J200. Actually it's the one acoustic for me. Theory of a Deadman 'Santa Monica' song. That feeling
+Andrew Zeleno I was thinking the exact same thing. They use this exact acoustic in that song.
The Gibson J200 is by far the richest sounding acoustic guitar made.
I think the Taylor owned this matchup. The depth and clarity seem to compliment and emphasize the subtle expressions in the playing. Just sounds to me like a better, more serious instrument.
To my taste, the Taylor sounds like it would cut better in a mix.
There are some technikal problem, sometimes can hear stereo or nat ?
Gibson beats the Taylor by a long shot.
Gibson has more depth...
Nothing will ever beat a Gibson J200 when it comes to overall tone. Believe me, I've tried it all and nothing packs a bigger punch than a J200.
Gibson sj200 all the way....a drool worthy acoustic guitar for those intrinsic acoustic guitar lovers.
Gibson wins it for me - the Taylor sounds much thinner
The Gibson has a deeper and fuller sound. Nothing wrong with the Taylor, just not as much volume or bass. It comes down to what we each like in a guitar. Both would work for me, but the Gibson J200 is an iconic instrument for a reason.
To my ear, the J200 is the best sounding Gibson there is, and this J200 certainly sounds richer, with greater depth and brilliance, than the Taylor. The difference is startling.
Gibson has a richer full sound
This is such a good way to compare guitars
Play this video and close your eyes, just listen. It it's very hard to tell when the changes come. Both of these guitars sound amazing! I own the 618e, playability and responsiveness cannot be beat by the j 200. But the sound of the Gibson is amazing!
+EquipmentReviewer I slightly disagree. I tried that before reading this...You can tell when the changes come over a mic. The Taylor is very bright and has some great depth. However, the J200 just has more voice. It quite literally sounds like a deeper guitar. I own both of these guitars, just bought the Gibon two days ago. Until you hold them both hand in hand and can physically compare back to back, it's easy to be biased. Gibson has more volume and character. The taylor is as sharp as they come...but with a much lighter feel. I prefer the Gibson unless im having a session with the guys and picking some bluegrass. Bluegrass is all about that twang. This is probably the only time I choose Gibson over Taylor...or Martin.
Snakedoctor O'Reilly How does the j200 play verses the 618? I own the 618. To me it plays amazing, as it should, considering the price.
***** I wouldn't dare undercut the 618, it is clear as a bell with some great range. I find it easier to play to J200 though. It just sounds so much bigger and fuller to me. But its a DIFFERENT sound in the end...not better. It's better to my ears...but I couldn't say its the better sounding guitar because you may like the crisp Taylor vs The warm Gibson. Totally your call. Microphones (even the good ones) don't do the taylor OR the Gibson justice.
The Gibson definitely has a more rounded tone with more bottom. May I ask if these guitars are demoed with the stock strings on each and which sets are used? In my experience with Taylor, they always come with Elixers which are incredibly bright but always leave me wanting for more low end--especially live. It would be interesting to hear each of these strung up and demoed with the same strings. Strings can make a significant impact on a guitars tone. GREAT DEMO but still apples to oranges
GiBSON sounds way better
I like both.! Even though I play a Gibson Hummingbird I was surprised by the Taylor. I started off preferring the Gibson but I liked the tighter bottom end and brighter highs on the Taylor. I thought that the Gibson would be brighter and tighter. Perhaps the warmer mid tones on the Gibson mask some of the highs.
I guess it all depends on what style of music you like to play, so there is no right or wrong. I love playing fast attack songs, so the sound of the Taylor would be my preference. However, live playing with a bit of eq will make the sound differences in these guitars irrelevant. Style rules unfortunately.
Taylor sounds too tiny and light on all model except new 914ce. So I don't like taylor guitar.
Great comparison. Perfectly done. And with a fantastic song, no less - tnx!
Gibson, while always an ugly looking guitar, sounds fuller, nicer
For my ears the Gibson sounds nicer. I would buy the J 200.
No comparison in this comparison...J-200 is the choice. Not really fair, as the maple sides and back on the 618 make for a drier, thinner tone.
Mmmmm, J-200s are made of. . . MAPLE
Does the J200 have electronics too? That would make a difference. Gibson sounds great but $1000 better?
Yes, it comes equipped with a built-in Fishman pickup and pre-amp. It's also useful when you wan to tune... although that guitar rarely falls out of tune!
Re-due this comparison with Taylor's new revamped 618e :)
Suggestion .. change the camera angle please for future entries.. less headstock view. Love the vids though.. thanks very much.. keep em coming.
Sorry "how it sounds" is a poor way to compare guitars at this price point.
It's like putting a Camero and a Mustang side-by-side and revving the motors.
Forget sound. I can get decent sound out of a $100 guitar. Especially with a mic and a mixer.
How do they perform? That's the question.
WTF are you talking about? Hi, bottom is not question in this difference. Gibson has more color. That's it
The Gibson is obviously the winner.
to my ear, the j200 has more bass, and I'm a sucker for bass lol
I've played both guitars at the Rochester House of Guitars...Both are excellent instruments, but the Gibson is fuller and richer, while the Taylor is brighter and cuts more. I personally like the Gibson. I even liked (and purchased) a Taylor 418 over the Taylor 618 because the 618 was a bit too bright for my tastes; I wanted the Gibson but didn't have the bucks for it right now. My plan is to trade in the Taylor for the Gibson after about a year. Does anyone have any experience with the Fishman Elipse Aura pickup that comes stock with the Gibson SJ200??
cant really tell because this test could be EQed
even if its not EQed...and they were honest..
the Taylor could have been too new
so we really have to go and play these to really find out which one is good
in my experience gibson j200 was better than taylor 614ce..
but this one is taylor 616//so i kinda have a higher hope since it has bigger body than taylor 614..
thank you lol. i was just about to post a comment like this
The Gibson SJ 200 overall tonality response is far superior to both Taylor models 618 and the 818.
Nothing Better Than a Gibson ##!!!!!
Just tried every guitar in the shop - epiphone, Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Faith. I never normally do this, but for once in my life I actually had money. I bought the Gibson j200 - far and away the richest tone. So happy!!!!!!!!!!!
The Gibson sounds much nicer, but you pay for that sweet sound in the S-I-Z-E. The J-200 is not for everybody. Very deep body, and a deeper waist/wider bout. I have always felt that a lot of volume gets trapped inside the body, due to its depth. As a recording guitar however, they are wonderful.
not even close. the J-200 is far Superior. if you want a expensive thin sounding Jumbo, get the Taylor
Much more resolution on the Gibson...can hear all the individual strings. Taylor isn't even close
I have a gibson j-45 and I love it! However in this comparison it isn't really fair the j200 is bibbies flagship model, so therefore they should compare it with taylors flagship model.
I'm a Taylor guy (I own a 814CE and I love it) but the Gibson sounds way better. Sounds fuller, warmer and just projects better.
If you're a flat picker, the taylor is the way to go. Sharp crisp cuts and a twangy top E, which is good for those bluegrass round offs. The gibson is the way to go for everything else. Incredibly well rounded with a crap load of bass and mid. Has great high as well if thats what you want. Where you strum makes worlds of difference.
gibson;sound has most brillant!!!!!!!
Actually to add to my comment below, I think all J-200s are maple...I thought the one you wasn't....its just the finish.
Will this Taylor be iconic 80 years from now. There’s your answer. Ive got a 200 Original, so warm. Sorry Mr. Taylor !
They sound quite similar to me. If I had to pick a difference the Taylor sounds a bit tighter when strummed but that should get better in a short time. Slightly more clarity on the individual notes from the Taylor.
the gibson is absolutely beautiful . love martins though
Gibson sj
j200 is way better to me. subjective of course. I came from jazz and classical background.
Both have a great sound however to me the Gibson J200 had a fuller warmer sound, the Taylor is nice but a little thin.
Gibson clearly has more projection but i never worry about the headstock name because i have seen ibanez acoustics that outplayed martin in same price etc and just because one git beats another in one price range doesnt mean they all will. Either git would be a fine addition to any collection.
Gibson sounds better.. but this could be alittle unfair to taylor..618.. because 618 is new,,,
how old was the Gibson?? thats what i want to know
That's a nice sounding Gibson or maybe they just record very well. I tried 2 J-200's on Denmark street & a couple more at some shop in Epsom. They were all pretty terrible for the price. I stopped by Rose Morris also on Denmark street to see what they had in the way of Jumbo's & the 618e knocked my socks off. Form my personal experience & taste the Taylor wins hands down
umm.. definitely the j200.. no question.
first place forgibson.., second place forgibson.. & third place forgibson..!!
Hi Johnny, this is how soundtest should be. Thx man! The Gibson sounds much better in my opinion. I had a Taylor before, but the high tones of a Taylor irritate me. Even my Epiphone EJ200 from 2007 sounds better than a Taylor.
Good Ol’ Boys play Martins. Bad Boys play Gibsons. Choir Boys play Taylors
I love Taylors too, But the J-200 nailed this easily. must be a Who fan.
I love both Gibson and Taylor but The Gibson J-200 wins in the sense of sound and resonance.
gibson is my choice. NIce video btw. The shootout videos should all be like this. thank you.
Gibson wins there. However, I have to say I prefer the look of the Taylor. I've just tried one at my local store and the sound and playbility was awesome. I'll definitely will check them both out side by side before I buy a jumbo.
The Gibson does sound better, however when in the arpeggio parts the Taylor sounded better in my opinion.
Thanks for the feedback Jonathan! My local store has now both in stock so I'll be able to compare them side by side. In France, Taylor guitars do not retain their value as Gibsons. Although I like the Taylor design better, I have to make sure I'll like it for years otherwise I'll have a hell of a time trying to sell it afterwards ;o)
for some reason to me trebly and resonant guitars offer more fun to play.
the j 200 is the best acustic made out side of a guild 45 or 50 model.great full tone .most guitars are eather to trebelie or to much bottom end .
Gibson by far. I have never seen a Taylor winning a comparison.
Gibson puts that Taylor to shame
Nothing like the purr/growl of a GIBSON. Taylor is trying, and they do have their own sound, unfortunately it's "tinny" and uneventful. I own and perform with a GIBSON Songwriter CE (love it) and can feel the vibrations coming back into my chest when I'm performing. Inspiring. I have played numerous Taylor's...but in the end they just don't have the GIBSON depth. My next guitar will be an SJ-200 and then, if I can swing it, a HBIRD. I want these tone woods (rosewood, maple, and mahogany) in my collection and want it all in GIBSON if I am going to spend this kind of money. Steeped in history, big deep sound, and immediately recognizable on stage- sorry Taylor.
I had the same model J200 vintage and gigged with it. I also had a J45 Rosewood Custom. I’m a Gibson chap and believe me. They are. Awsome instruments
Nice comparison. If Page or Townsend had their choice what do you think it would be?
Well let me help you out a little. The J200 wins hands down. As a matter of fact my J35 sounds better than that 618, just not as loud. The treble of the 618 is a bit harsh, where as the Gibson sounds as smooth as warm gravy. I must give credit to the 618 in the fingerpicking category for articulation, that was very good. Overall the 618 sounded mostly sterile and at times weak, void of personality, a robot.
I understand that you are a Gibson afficionado. Understandable if we're talking electric guitars. In the acoustic department however Gibson is dwelling on their past and Taylor is innovative and putting their mark firmly on this 'Golden Age of Acoustics' (that is ... now)! The many, many far better (and more affordable) acoustics nowadays prove this point. I test guitars for a guitar magazine and my own stage-axe is a Maton EMC100. Never owned a Taylor! Being biased is not my 'cup 'o tea'!
Me too I go with the Gibson!
Taylor sounds dull and muddy.. Gibby punches, and is a strumming beast
so a taylor for lead guitar and gibson for rythem ? funny thing is i seen a video from paramore on a rooftop, lead is using the taylor and rythem is gibson. you could be a pro =+}, personally like the gibsons tone in this demo out of the two but i dont know how to play a guitar yet ( realy wanting to learn but no idea where to start )
Very little difference between the 2 as far as I can hear using top quality headphones. Any difference could be down to strings & setup. You need to play both & see which feels better. I tried lots of J200's but ended up buying a First edition 618e. It felt better to me & has an awesome rumble when you strum hard which I really like.
As expected, the Taylor sounds anemic and tinny in comparison. Don't have to see the video to tell which is which. Gibson is richer with more depth and tonal personality.
Check out all other Taylor -vs- Gibson in different categories and see how "anemic and tinny" Taylors sound. This is the first comp I've seen where I prefer the Gibson over the Taylor(and that is for sound wise of course-aesthetically I think Taylors are winner hands down). I'd like to hear the 816 plugged in also. The 618 will open up and sound much better down the road and this is the first year making the Jumbo "18" body for Taylor. Also, the difference is no where near what you are suggesting sir.
tell me another one! lol
we know what guitar is in your bedroom. try and hide youre biasedness in order to make an informed opinion. consistency isnt always a good thing. and every taylor ive ever heard has been consistently mediocre. they just cant compete with gibson and especially martin in the acoustic department. inho
A good comparison, both sublime jumbo guitars which have a very similar maple body sound. If you can find a shop that stocks both then that's the only way to really compare, by playing them right there alongside, especially with regards to their cost. I'm a Gibson and a Taylor devotee but I've a feeling I'd go toward the Taylor because of the modern feel and playability, despite the killer J200 looks. But would my heart rule my head???
This is the way to do a sound comparison! All you other cats out there doin review videos take notes
I thought so too, but if you listen to it with your eyes closed and open when the better one is playing, it goes back and forth. Both guitars sound better than the other at different times.
Solid Gold versus Brass. The grand old Flat Top has it by a mile.
Gibsons are obviously the best guitars out there. You ever heard "you get what you paid for?" That's true with Gibson not so much with Taylor. Sadly enough I have a Taylor and a Martin, and a Breedlove on the way should get here tomorrow. I just want to sell them all and get a niece Gibson. Haha. I'm such naïve buyer...
Good comment. I agree with everything you said and I also own a Taylor,One Martin and another Martin on the way because my son wants a Martin. I love my J-185 more than all of them combined.
I agree, but I still prefer the 'live-usefulness' of the Taylor and I like its sound ... and the consistency they have in building guitars. Gibson just isn't that good in that department!
The Taylor sounds like a Taylor. The Gibson sounds like a jumbo should.
There were some weird audio issues - I think the video needs to be redone to be truly helpful.
That said, I definitely feel like the Taylor had a much smaller sound (in dynamic range, not that it sounded like a small guitar). Almost like there was a compressor on it. Taylor has focused lately on making maple more of a mainstream tonewood because of sustainability. In some cases that can be good, especially for people looking for a sound that's more traditional. But for a jumbo guitar - which is boomier by nature - I say leave the brightness of the maple alone so it balances out the overall tone, as the Gibson seems to do quite well.
I agree, but I think the Taylor will excel if played amplified! I also think Taylor's are made with much more consistency than Gibson acoustic guitars!
Great job on the comparison!!! I thought they were very close actually. That Gibson would blow almost every other Guitar in this category away. I'd say the Taylor will sound much better in a few months or years and remember, this is the 1st edition Jumbo for Taylor. They will get better each year. Aesthetically, Taylor hands down and I'd like to hear that Taylor plugged in also.
The Gibson is a bit more shallow so the sound literally bounces off the back of the guitar which probably gives it more volume and a warmer sound.
Gibson. Excellent, superior wanted vibration
I think so that the Gibson j-200 it's much better
Gibson only!
In a live performance situation you would be much more likely to be digging in a bit more, as a result of that you would be getting that great big huge sound you expect from the J 200, and you would still get all the lovely crisp clean ringing notes as well. Gibson all the way.