Taylor AD17 vs 317e | Take a Look at the Most Affordable USA-Made Taylor
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- This comparison was a no brainer for us, and for many of you-- since the inclusion of the American Dream series in Taylor's lineup, we've wanted to compare it to the relatively-new 317e, which is another great Grand Pacific body style guitar. Both of these guitars are American made round-shoulder dreadnoughts with V-Class bracing; however, their wood pairings and adornments differ slightly. The AD17 utilizes a spruce and ovangkol pairing, while the 317e uses spruce and sapele. Take a listen to these demos and let us know which one you prefer!
0:00 Intro
0:42 Specs
10:38 Demos
18:00 Wrapping Up
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I bought the ad 17. Ive always wanted a martin and when i finaly had enough money i went down and played every martin i could afford they all sounded great but none really grabbed my attention and then i decided to try a taylor and the first one i picked up was the ad17 and i feel in love with it and love it even more now and i can say its one i will never get rid of.
*AD17* --- *317e*
*Strumming*
10:38 --- 11:27
10:57 --- 11:49
*Fingerpicking*
12:19 --- 13:08
*Mixed*
13:57 --- 14:49
*Open Tuning*
15:42 --- 16:51
Like hearing the two of you chatting. Keep on keeping on!
So I just got an AD17 as a gift for my son. After unboxing and playing it, I really want to keep it. It is an incredible sounding guitar for that price point. I chose it for my son for several reasons but primarily because of the minimalist aspect of the build, since my son is very much a minimalist. At some point, I’ll have to add one to my collection. It’s simply a guitar that resonates so well both sonically and viscerally when played. I have a 417ce with a lot of miles and years of playing on it that I bought in ‘98, and everyone loves its sound. This AD17 sounds even better to my aural tastes.
I bought a 317e today. I have to thank you guys for all of your great videos. I greatly appreciate what you guys do!
Chris, always a pleasure to hear your play.
You 2 should play some duets sometime during the demos when you have 2 different guitars!
This the best video I've found that displays the difference between the Taylor 317e and AD17e, which I can only attribute to the woods. Both sound amazing, but if it was my money, I'd go for the 317e. Fuller sound, more presence, a more whole-guitar sound than the AD17. I play more Dave Matthews style, which might favor the AD17 in a band setting for the hig end cutting through the mix, but I play solo more often than not, which makes the 317 more appealing. For the fuller sound.
I wished Cooper also played them guitars! Thanks for the comparison video! Great job guys! I preferred, the 317e sound
Great comparison test. I love all Taylor guitars.
I like the "Buy something!!" Chris you're great. 👍 Love your reviews enjoyable voice. Keep the guitars alive 🎶🎶🎶
Enjoyed your playing and commentary as always! What's up with the guitar lurking behind you guys on display?
Thanks so much for this comparison! Amazing testing and playing.
As a finger guitarist who plays a lot of artificial harmonics, I think the AD17 sounds much better than the 317. The singular tones the AD17 makes ring out much more and have more depth. I'm listening through a pretty decent headset, but I think the best way to compare is to just try things in person. Probably going to go today and try them out.
Agree, AD17 sounds awsome ... ua-cam.com/video/b8HfeUSKGeU/v-deo.html , I've also installed my own electronics that make the guitar sound amazing through the amp also ua-cam.com/video/WLDkeptoTBE/v-deo.html
You guys pretty much compared everything.... respect🙏
Fantastic video. I could listen to this all day long. Still can’t decide. Is there a “black top” 317E?
I’ve been watching your videos for years. This one was outstanding. Cooper made a good contribution and the comparative demonstrations by Chris was great. I had high quality headphones on and it confirmed what I’ve heard and felt in person. The 317 Grand Pacific is a fantastic guitar. I consistently preferred it to the AD17 in this video. Good string separation, not too many overbearing harmonics for a large guitar, better lower mid and bass response, and slightly fuller notes on higher frequencies.
That's some sweet play'in there Mr. McKee. Oh, and they both sound great. Guess I'd need to feel them both to decide but I like a plain look but not an cheapie unfinished feel.
Wow great comparison, extremely close, I prefer the ad-17 a bit cleaner sound to me. But I'd be happy with both thank you guys enjoy your videos. Robert SLC
They sound completely different! The sapele body 317 suits my ears much better! My current go to is a Japanese built Takamine CP4DC-OV, with Ovangkol back and sides. Now I wish I would have bought the standard P4DC with sapele... love that sound! I like the non-bound look, and finish of the AD, but would spend the extra to get the sapele tone,(isn’t sapele the cheapest tone wood?)... We all like different things, but to me, the difference between Ovangkol and Sapele tone isn’t even close... love the Sapele!
This channel turned me from not wanting an acoustic guitar at all to wanting a taylor so badly haha
I bought a 314ce from you guys. Nice guitar!
I would like to hear both with same strings on both. the Ad comes with non coated D Addario. 317 have elixir nano webs. that alone can make a tonal difference. nanowebs new are a bit warmer toned vs an uncoated string when new.
To my antique ear I like the sound of the AD17 more when finger picking. I get more out the individual sting tones.
So THAT'S what my 317 is supposed to sound like. But seriously folks, great review and demo. I had not heard the AD17 before and was surprised by the richness of the tone. However, I'll stick with the 317.
Could you make a comparison between the 314 and the 317?
I've had a couple Taylors over the years but could never get used to the fretboard. Today I bought the Taylor AD17 (non-electric). I Love it! I think it's the second best guitar I've ever owned. I'd like to make it my go-to. I simply can't put it down. I did however, have to get rid of the craps strings that came with it and put on my favorite: D'Addario Phosphor Bronze (XS) 12-53 (White Casing) strings. Now my fingers glide on that fretboard. To me it's a really good guitar for finger-picking.
This guitar really amplifies the sounds. I strongly recommend that novices like me try it out. It's a guitar that you'll keep, forever.
Agree with you, it plays like butter, even with the original strings to me ... ua-cam.com/video/b8HfeUSKGeU/v-deo.html , I've also installed my own electronics that make the guitar sound amazing through the amp also ua-cam.com/video/WLDkeptoTBE/v-deo.html
12:18 vs 13:07< winner immediately you can hear the difference in clarity, and sustained resonance (and the separation of tones) , especially after the hammer-ons- the clarity and sustain rings out true for a long time and then blends or harmonizes so well together, no fight for space or any wave canceling. To me there is no mistaking the sound quality here. It is a very distinctive difference. I tend to weigh the better options of acoustic guitars on these exact things when played finger style, because that's what I play mostly and to me that's where it matters. Finger style helps you hear the ease of playing that instrument + the quality of tone where picking doesn't do the same.
I have to say when listening to both side by side, the 317 has more of that Taylor sound that I want when I reach for a Taylor. The AD17 is nice and I would be proud to own one, but the 317 wins in this case.
I agree! The 317e wins in this case.
Do you consider the 300 more Taylor than the ad?
@@SuperImmunologist No, I think they both have the Taylor sound. But I liked the way the 317 sounded for my ears in this demonstration.
I would like to hear both with the same strings. the Ad comes with non coated D Addario. 317 comes with Elixir nanowebs. both phos bronze.
@@leesamuelson Nice catch! Some of the AD’s have Elixirs but you’re right about this one…shocking consider Taylor’s got an epic hard on for Elixirs. Tho, their name came off the HD Lites…probably cause they got caught in bed with D’Addario.
Thank you for the demo. I've tried both at different times. The 717e Builders Edition felt better to me but the AD17 black top would be my choice here to sing with.
That compound neck on the Builder's Edition Grand Pacific is mighty fine.
Can you add alhambra classical guitars and takamine acoustic guitars to the comparisons
I like the Builders edition 517. Just a truly great guitar.
Hello very good video ! but which guitar is the lightest ? i like very lightweight guitar !
How does an AD17 compare with a spruce/ovangkol 400-series Taylor? I know there's no 417 but is the wood in the AD up to that standard, or is it the finish and appointments which keep the price down?
I've had a 414ce with Ovangkol back and sides. I now have an AD17ce like the one demonstrated. They've stopped using ovangkol on the 400 series, and its exclusive to the AD series. I absolutely love my AD, and as much as I loved my 414ce-O. I'm a huge fan of ovangkol, which fills the gap between mahogany and rosewood. It gives the midrange that you don't get from Rosewood, but has the high-end and low-end you get from the rosewood. The finish and quality are just as good as any other American-made Taylor, it's simply just a must more stripped down version. I now have a 414ce-R, and to be honest I go to my AD more than I do my 414ce-R.
The AD27e is actually Sapele back/ sides with mahogany top. The 327e is Tasmanian Blackwood back/sides and mahogany top. That would be another great comparison, AD27e with the 327e that is. I ended up going with the 317e myself. No regrets!
Chris: only a $400 difference between these two guitars
Me with a $200 guitar: 👀
@real_MrMime Yes, BUT, you are watching this video, so I believe you intend to buy a high quality guitar at some point... I have played for 55 years, and played lots of crappy guitars over the first 30 years, but, through hard work, am now able to afford high quality guitars. I am not a collector, so do not buy guitars I won’t take to a gig or open mic. My current go to, a Takamine P4DC is not cheap, but is worth every penny. Keep working hard, and look forward to your first non $200 guitar!
Remember the greatest instrument in the world, is the one YOU are making music on. I am a midpricey guy, and love all my guitars. I don't see the need to go highend at the moment. And I am enjoyin every second I play guitar, even all the years, I played my crappy 100$ ebay guitar, which I still have, and will probably keep, till I die, lol....
@@jed1166 my $200 guitar is now worth $20,000 40 years later. So one can only hope for their $200 guitar today!
@@gosman949 NICE! Please tell about your guitar! What is it? In 1973, while a junior in high school, my best friend bought a Hummingbird for $500.... wonder what it is worth today? (At the same time, I bought an Epiphone dreadnought $85, AND a set of Wilson Staff golf clubs... the new clubs helped me improve noticeably, and were an impetus for a 45 year career as a golf professional and coach. Loved his Hummingbird, but sure I made the right decision).
@@jed1166 1964 Fender Stratocaster
I like the 317e, but I prefer mahogany to rosewood, so the 317e w/ sapele sounds more like mahogany.
I just took home an AD17. My only regret is that y’all didn’t make the “commission” on that. I don’t think I would have considered Taylor without this video.
I ended up purchasing the AD17e as my first Taylor. I noticed the back feels thinner than other guitars I’ve played. For those of you who’ve had Taylor guitars for a while, what’s the durability like?
I don't think you have reasons to worry, they're very durable. But of course it all depends with any guitar how you're treating it, if you know what I mean...
The Christmas sales, I was looking at the AD 17e. For 80 bucks more, you get the 317. I agree with Coop... 317 sounds richer, fuller; and no roughneck here, nice and smooth neck. Then there's the case ! It's a Cowboy Tooled Hardcase ! Check it out, Beautiful !
I'm looking for the day they come out with a taylor 417e-r
I'm worried about the longevity of eucalyptus for fretboard and bridge! Looking at purchasing a new AD model, but I'm just unsure how it will hold up!
What an awesome sound, and the price$400.00 😳😳😳!
When I began this acoustic journey 40yrs ago “1981” I paid $372.00 for a custom Yamaha as my beginner guitar! This brings me Joy to see Taylor producing such an amazing opportunity for future Jim Croche, And my most influential...
James Taylor, (born March 12, 1948, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.), American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who defined the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. Bob Dylan brought confessional poetry to folk rock, but Taylor became the epitome of the troubadour whose life was the subject of his songs.
Oh man..you are so wrong.
#1. His name is Jim Croce, not Jim Croche... #2. I like James Taylor’s body of work, but Paul Simon wrote more good songs than anyone. And, unlike Dylan, (great poet who could not sing or play a guitar proficiently), Paul Simon, in addition to being a great poet / story teller, could really sing, and was one of the greatest acoustic guitarists of all time...( rated in the top 100 guitarists by Rolling Stone)... the very best!
You’re going to be very surprised when you start shopping for one lol
I went to my favorite music store about ten days ago and played both of these. Actually, just the 317 without electronics. They have a deticated Taylor room. I switched back and forth between the AD17 and 317 several times. Ultimately, I came home with the 317. It sounds better and feels better to me (the neck and fretboard especially). It might not matter to most people, but the 317 is also a more attractive guitar. It also comes with a much better case that looks awsome.
Bingo ! Bought the same model.The case alone is worth the upgrade. Can't recommend it enough!
I walked into the guitar shop with the intentions of buying the 317e but walked out with a 224ce/dlx. I know, I know...but the 317e is an all solid guitar, but what matters is how the guitar feels and sounds to you! I have a Yamaha FGX800ce that gets a lot of compliments.
I have the 224ce/koa dlx as well. I've had it for 4 years and it just keeps getting better and better as the koa top opens up. I was also looking at an entry level all sold, but the 224 just really was so fun to play and sounded so good!
the 317e sounds warmer and softer than the ad17e. I have an ad17e blacktop, love it , but right now I'm looking for a softer, warmer sound as well and either a 317e or a 315ce will probably fit the bill. I hear the sapele as way closer to mahogany than given credit for. thanks for a great review
The 317, to me, has a fuller more rounded tone. The AD17 sounded "tinny". Good comparison.
It is a bit more tinny in real life as well. It’s a great recording guitar with vocals, tho.
It’s got a hint of Martin low end sound in there as well that the Elixir brightness are overshadowing a bit.
So weird, in this video the 317 sounds better to me, but I played both of these yesterday at a shop and the AD17e sounded better to me. It was the AD17e black top though so I’m not sure if there’s much of a difference.
thx!
Interesting!
417!!! would be cool! 817 too. I learned I just don't like Sapele as a tone wood.
have a ad17 as well and feel like mine sounds a bit more natural and less bright. feel like i am hearing a lot of "very new string brightness"
Last night, on "Rapid Fire Q&A with Bob Taylor" He was asked if he'd ever consider opening a "museum room' of prototypes and first guitars of a new model. Can you guess the answer? Being Bob, you know it was a "rapid fire Q" with an "elaborated A"... And since Bob, Andy and Kurt aren't the owners any more, they can keep their lips tighter, and we still won't know what's new until the new guitars are shipped. Speaking of which, I don't think they got around to the question whether they've caught with last year's backlog of orders. I'm certain they're working on it, though.
Thanks for this review!
What? Who owns Taylor now?
Love the clean look of the AD17, but the 317 sounds better to my ears. Hard decision for sure!
Both guitars sounded great. They seemed pretty close tonally, until Chris hit them hard strumming. Then, that 317e really rang out! It wouldn't be an easy choice to make, given the price difference, but I think the 317e edges out the AD17. Maybe the best choice would be to forget about the electronics, split the difference, and go with a straight 317.
I agree, I played them both, 317 was louder with less effort, but I loved the sound the AD17 made.... Compared the AD17 and 317 with Eastmans E10ss,E20ss and Gibsons J45 standard & Deluxe. They all had extremely beautiful sound, Gibson was loudest and had a lot of punch and deep roar to it, just little too expensive, E10ss actually sounds best out of them all. Ended up walking out with the AD17 as the E10ss had no pickup and for some reason that changed my mind..... anyway, I got home and didn't like the strings on the AD17e, 2 days later put some Elixir Phosphor bronze 12/53's on it... what a difference that made!!! MUCH MUCH LOUDER, RESONANT and it just sounds beautiful now!! 4 months later and I'm still in love.
@@stellageldenhuys6295 bro is the body of 317e a dreadnaught? Or smaller?
@@stellageldenhuys6295 thank you for this, it’s like you read my mind and answered all the questions I had about all of the guitars I’m interested in 🙏🏻
@@bogart5131 317 is exactly same body as the AD17. Slope shoulder Dreadnought, same shape as 717 and AD27 etc. Just different wood pairings and features. 317 had Sapele back & sides with Spruce top.
@@giddyrightonup 1 year later and with Martin Retros on my AD17..... this Guitar is so beautifully sounding now!!! Can't wait till it's like 10 years old!
317e has a better bass response. If that 317e didn't have the black pick guard it would be perfect.
I have a 317e and I'm having the black swapped for the tortoiseshell!
@@chadkelley how are you doing that?
@@joshkcochran Taking it to a local authorized Taylor luthier.
I just bought a 317, non-electric version. Let’s see if I like it, I’ve been wanting a fuller sized acoustic so I ended up selling my 224ce-K to pay for it. I checked Taylor’s website for size differences, there really isn’t aside from the obvious apathetic. The GP is the same length, width and depth as the GA. Just the waist is where it differs, that and the wood used, bracing, that sorta thing.
Do you like it?
@@vegaa.1645 it’s good! I think I would upgrade to the 517, it just has more all around sound. I had the chance to test out a 517 and 717, side-by-side and to my ears the 517 wins. The 717 is more bass heavy, which isn’t a bad thing if you like that but for me, I prefer the 517. My 317 is more midrange and highs, definitely cuts through the mix.
what is the most favourite guitar you guys like?
AD17 would make a better bluegrass guitar. 317 sounds good on its own. Def more mids on the 317. Both are true to Taylor form, great.
I might be biased by owning an AD17 Blacktop, but I think that the Blacktop is the sweet spot in the AD lineup. And it's possible that I just got a really good one. No matter what, the 317 sounds more like a traditional Taylor and the AD sounds more like what I wanted in a slope shoulder dreadnaught guitar.
I actually feel the same way. Maybe its the black paint on the top, but I’ve played several AD17s and compared the blacktops to the naturals and the blacktops always sound better to my ear
Glad for you, but I have to say that I've got the natural AD17 for half price of the black top version... it also looks better to me in natural, but each with their own preferences
I want to see a 617
In my opinion, one sounds better for strumming (AD17) and one sounds better for finger picking (317E). Also, the 317E sounds better higher on the fretboard (5th fret and 7th etc), while the AD17 sound better lower (3rd fret or so).
317 had more bass and had brighter trebles
Which sounds the best is very subjective to the ears hearing it. I have an AD17e which I bought new in October of 21. I also have ears that has had a lot of loud noise exposure over many years in underground coal mines. I love my AD 17e, and both sound great, but I give the overall nod to the 317e.
When the GP body was designed to sound different than the traditional Taylor lineup, I always considered it leaning more towards Martin tone (but not quite) vs the Taylor tone. So listening to these two models basically emphasizes that intended tonal design difference more. I think both sound great. I would probably go with the AD.
Finally
I listened to the AD and said "wow,sounds good. " When I heard the 317 I said, "WOW, sounds really good. "
Those strings on the AD17 suck big time!! I put Phosphor bronze on the AD17 and it sounds brilliant now, louder, more resonant!! It just sounds beautiful now!!
What's better than both of those and less 💰?
Yamaha FG5 & FGX5.
317 is slightly woodier so I prefer it
I’m with you, Chris! I like the AD17 better than the 317. The first Taylor I played when I was shopping for a dread was the 317. I didn’t like it as much as I wanted to. But when I played the 717, I was sold. That was my gateway into all things Taylor. Anyway, I got to play the AD17 blacktop early last month and really, really liked it! But it sounded just a little too much like my 717e... This video was great and allowed me to do a side by side comparison I couldn’t do in person, and it confirmed my first impressions. That new song at the end is awesome, and it actually was the one song I thought sounded better on the 317...
14:18 14:28 AD
15:11 15:20 317
Good video, but from a timing perspective we need to practice a li'l more.
Exactly, how are we supposed to know which one has better timing?
317E for the win
American dream yes has binding i personal see one with a broken top that i fix cus iam a luthier in puertorico the deferent is that she comes with wood binding but is make of the same wood of the top. Trust it have binding.
Taylor is just above of everything.Taylor is the king of all acoustic guitars..
Lets not get carried away
Furch
Eastman.
AD17 al day every day. The 317 sounds like you put a blanket over it.
Taylor is not saying that all the american dreem line is made with 3 pices back. They arent saying it.
317 is Richer for sure!!
317e
Ignore the AD ones and just go with the 300 series (picked up 317e myself)… faaaaaaaar superior finished product and what a mellifluous sound, just hmmmm… i got the AD27 initially and returned it..note to myself never go with mahogany top.. spruce is the shimmering sound of guitar that i hear in my head.. mahogany just sounded dull, especially if strumming..
317 was fuller more defined
317 takes it
Lol I have a $100 guitar I’m just watching for a dream
You think after 4 years of playing I’d have a new guitar lol
Chris, always a pleasure to hear your play.