I'm an intermediate standard and for my retirement just treated myself to the 814ce. It sounds sweeter, stays in tune longer, and is far easier to play than my Yamaha FG401. Feels very special and I know any faults are mine, not the guitar. I also know I won't suffer any buyers regret, thinking I should have gone for something better. I ride a Ducati Monster 1200R, a bike which far surpasses my ability as a biker. The 814 is the same, inspires me to improve every time I pick it up. Happy strumming Sean from the UK.
I have three Taylor, guitars of my own, I got the 814 that I bought in 2020, the one has a Bibble on the side, I have a 314, and the 5 to 4. Great playing guitars. All by Taylor as well.
To your point, when my brother was going to buy a new guitar a number of years ago...it was between a Taylor cutaway and I think a Gibson Hummingbird or something similar. He didn't find too many differences and was leaning toward the non Taylor. The sales clerk had my brother sit in front while the clerk played each guitar so he could fully hear them. He immediately bought the Taylor.
I’ve played about 8 of the best guitars I ever played. 😅 They were all different sounds but all had beautiful resonance and dynamic response. I’d suggest not limiting your search to one brand.
I just had a similar experience. I bought a Gibson J-45, and it blew my Taylor 414ce out of the water both in sound and playability. Before that, I loved my Taylor and figured it was the pinnacle of what an acoustic guitar could be, but this J-45 is in an entirely different universe, and now when I go back to my Taylor it feels like I'm playing a 2x4 and sounds completely dead.
Guess you haven't played guitar very long. There is no such thing as a "pinnacle guitar." I love all in my own collection which includes Gibsons and Taylors and your claim Taylor is less playable than Gibson is dubious.
Shawn, I’m a tailor guitar kind of guy, I have three Taylor guitars, my favorite is the 814CE, I bought that in 2020, I have a 5 to 4, and also at 314 as well. Love, my tailors, the playability is awesome,
Taylors are my personal favorite instruments. Not just the instruments, but the company as a whole. Their Grand Pacific is my best personal fit, and I love their GS Mini.
Taylor is a Socialist Co-Op Company; the workers bought the Company and own it! They have REAL Democratic meetings where they vote on the decisions for the health of the Company instead of hedge fund corrupt folks and one owner! They decided to continue to create THE best modern acoustics in the world and that's not what happens to Companies that sell as Taylor was doing! They vote Democratically who's the Pres, if they join the markets, their pay, healthcare, pensions, THEY OWN THE MONEY AND THEY WON'T SELL OUT FOR CHEAP PROFITS LIKE CAPITALIST CORPERATIONS ALWAYS DO! This is the new Freedom the world wants, to control our lives without corporate masters that ALWAYS without care, destroy their workers lives and products before they have to change their lifestyles, NOT VERY HEALTHY AS WE ARE WATCHHING THE RESULTS HERE IN THE u.s., FACT!!
I have always avoided Taylor because I was ignorant. I set out to buy a Gibson J-185 late last summer and stumbled upon a Taylor 314ce with a Torrified Sitka top and Sapele back and sides………I Love it! It is my go-to acoustic guitar! I like it more than my Martin, PRS, and 1905 Washburn that has been in my family since 1925. I am trying to become worthy of my Taylor!
I'd watched a bunch of your videos before, but I had never really heard your music, there are so many musicians on" the tube " (before this video), And then I listened to the stuff you posted on this video, and IMHO that music I heard was really entertaining I really enjoy it, you have your own groove, the music is fresh and I really enjoyed listening to it. thanks a shit load, really good music, "did I say really enough" Good shit, man!!!!
I'm sure I haven't played anywhere near as many as you have, but the best sounding (if not the best "playing" maybe) is my '53 Martin D-28. Talk about volume and sustain! Can't hold a candle to this beautiful Taylor cosmetically of course...it has it's share of well earned nicks and bumps over the last almost 70 years! 😄
before this video I thought this was the ultimate acoustic I had to have. The one downside you noted, trying to slide to a high fret position may be a deal breaker for me. One of the primary reasons I wanted a Taylor was the brighter sound and the cutaway for playing high notes. I may look at other Taylor options now. Thanks, Sensei!
I am going to give you a suggestion, get the Taylor, 814 builders edition, awesome Guitar, I already have the 814 CE, but the builders edition is a great guitar and it’s a cutaway. Grandela thorium.
Just recently sold my 816ce BE, and I agree, it's hands down the best guitar I've ever played. Only sold it because I found a custom GS - spruce over mahogany, black, and VERY blingy (essentially my dream guitar). Basically the 816, but glammed up! So now I have the best of both worlds - the best sounding/playing guitar, and one I have googly eyes for. Cheers, enjoy!
I'm starting to see guitars like people. There's all kinds with there own unique qualities. I had 3 Taylor's, one was liberated. Looking forward to someday owning a SC 28.
Hey from Calgary Canada. I just pulled the trigger on a Taylor Koa. Love it. NB. Play the specific guitar you are buying. Subtle differences even within models.
I have 2 Taylors. A 110e, my daily driver and a 224 grand auditorium urban ash. I also had a D28 which I recently gave away to a good home. The neck on the Martin is just different enough I couldn’t adjust. I love my Taylors.
Always went to guitar stores and played Taylor’s. Loved the way they felt, and played, like most people agree, they are so comfortable and easy to play, but the sound just wasn’t what I wanted in a guitar. I had the most typical reaction, too much treble, too bright etc. Then on one visit I tripped over a 416ce. Was blown away! Now I own (3) 16s (Grand Symphony) in different models, and looking for #4. If you are like me, try a 16 model in your favorite tone wood. Just be aware they come with and recommend medium gauge strings for the guitar because of the large top.
The best guitar I've ever played? It's got to be a Furch Yellow GC-SR: grand auditorium with a cutaway, spruce and rosewood. It's wonderfully responsive to both delicate and heavy playing, has excellent sustain and such rich, rich tone. In some ways it's comparable to Taylor's I've played, especially in terms of playability. It's quite similar to the 714c in fact, but only about 60% of the price. I've owned my Furch for nearly a year and am still blown away by its tone each time I play it.
I had a 2016 Taylor 816ce that I owned for about 4 years. Not the builders edition. Paid around $3200 for it. Ultimately I sold it because I fell in love with a Taylor 324ce ($2200). There’s a definite sweet spot with Taylor guitars when balancing features and price. For me it’s the 3/4/5/6 series. Loved that 816, but that was a lot of dough and I lean more towards the way you previously thought, the higher you go…it’s just bells and whistles
@@seandaniel23 Blackwood back and sides, mahogany top…just a touch darker in tones than most Taylors. Love it. Oh, meant to add…the 816 I had sounded HUGE the bigger body shape is super fun. You feel it against you as you play. I can only imagine that the extra sound hole on your builder takes it to another level.
The thing about Taylor's is what you don't see in any one guitar but is present in every guitar across the line. The neck setting system is just so repeatable and efficient. So if you are a traveling artist and your guitar gets damaged, you can go to Guitar Center and walk out with a replacement and it will play the same, and sound quite close. You could sift through a boutique luthier's guitars and maybe find one that you like better, but if something goes sideways you can't replace it. I would love to know how many times Leo Kottke has had to get an emergency replacement on the road. He is hard on his equipment, but anywhere in the US he can get a replacement that plays the same and sounds enough the same in probably 4 hours.
I always had the same thought process as you about any guitar priced over let’s say the $2,000 mark. I owned a Taylor 814ce about 12 years ago and like an idiot sold it. That 816 is pretty darn special for sure. I think if Taylor would just eliminate the so called cutaway they could lower the price because of the reduction in labor. I don’t like the look of it either. Your playing and Adrians’s vocals were something I would pay to sit and listen to if I had the opportunity. Well done.
I've owned a Taylor 816 CE for many years and it still remains my favorite (among the many I still own/play and have had over the years) for many of the reasons you mentioned in the video. The downside you mentioned doesn't exist on the older 816 CE's which are true cutaways with the same electronics. And, as an aside, your videos are a real treat (and often a hoot) without pretense that usually has great adaptable practical techniques. Keep doing what you're doing, it's appreciated.
Sounds great. Thats how I feel about my Taylor 414ce-R. I played 17 guitars ( 5 brands ) and choose this guitar = Sound & playability was incredible. I'm not as high on the ES-2 system as you. oNe LoVe from NYC
I do like the GS shape. I played a Taylor GS Maple ( brown sugar) 12 string that blew me away. Best sounding 12 string I ever played. Wish I had bought it at the time.
Ok, here's the opposing view on the Taylor 816e. I had one and I really liked it. I had no intention of selling, ever. One day in my local guitar shop I picked up a Yamaha AC3M DLX. I just could not believe that I was liking the sound better than my Taylor 816ce. I went back the next day, sat with the Yamaha for about an hour and I walked out with it and sold my Taylor 816ce. Taylor 816CE=$4000.00 Yamaha AC3M Dlx I believe was $900.00. It's not that I'm saying the Taylor 816ce isn't a fabulous guitar because it is. To my ear (I admit that it's an old ear) the Yamaha was a better sounding instrument.
I’ve been “playing” guitar since 11/2017. I just know chords, I make up my own stuff, I don’t know a single song really BUT, Taylor has always felt the best across all of their models to me I felt during my time testing guitars relentlessly at my local GC and Sam Ash dealers. My favorite overall guitar I owned was a 000-18, and my favorite sounding ANDA playing guitar was a Yamaha LS-26. I prefer the GA/S/000 body styles and less gimmicks when playing as well. I love these types of videos Sean. I guess you’re feeling a little better after COViD? Thank goodness!
I have a Taylor AD17 and it plays great, but it sounds like a mini. The best guitar I've ever played is my Orangewood Ecko (Live). A deeper sound and it plays so easily (smooth). I always go through the action and make sure it set to a 'Low-Med.' action. At the rear action and Nut, the strings are dead-on.
I really enjoyed the sound of the violin and guitar together - really got my attention. I have a Martin HD 28 which I love - plays really well and has a great sound. I have a Taylor GS mini which plays really nice as well.
Wondering if, also, that 2nd sound hole is directing some sound waves to the strings, to enhance the sympathetic vibrations, or sustain the overtones, or boost their function?
I love watching people fight over Taylor vs Martin. I wanted to offer up the idea that it's okay to love them both. I do, anyway. I'm fortunate enough to have a Taylor K24ce Builders Edition and a Martin oo-28vs 12 fret. Couldn't be more different and I couldn't love them both more. If someone asked me to pick the better one I couldn't.
@@seandaniel23 that would be cool. Maybe don't approach it as a shootout, maybe approach it as two of the top American companies and highlight their differences. So people can choose which one is right for them and their application.
I had a Taylor that I loved, but after my Martin 000-18e, I sold it. Never heard or played a guitar that touched it. Including my buddy's D41. Although comparing a 000 to a dreadnought is Apples and oranges of course. Not a bluegrass guitar, but sounds incredibly warm and plays like butter.
I have carefully drilled 1-1/2" soundports into the upper part of lower bought of 4 of my guitars to provide a better unamplified player sound. Several UA-cam videos on how to do this "surgery" without damaging guitar finish.
You can tell the difference and the 816ce sounds incredible. I guess when you are comparing guitars from the same builder, I would think spending more would get you a better sounding guitar. I do love the tone and there is a clear difference.
For $4k, it better be a great guitar. I have a Taylor guitar and I love the sounds it produces. It is a 114e which is closer to the entry level guitars they offer than that 4k one, but even so, it sounds and plays wonderfully. So, I guess you could say I'm a Taylor fan boy because if anyone asks, I'll direct them to check out Taylor guitars over any other mass produced guitars.
I have a Taylor 114ce. And love it. I see more and more guys on here playing Taylor’s all the time. If I could afford a more expensive model I would definitely get one. Taylor forever 👍
Hello Sean, I own one of these guitars but don't play it as much as I would like, I find its hard pressing the strings down, it comes with twelves and I'm thinking of going with thirteens but don't want to lose any sound, do you find it hard to play or is it just me, I noticed in this video that your playing a lot of bar chords and make it look easy. Love the song and the music, beautiful.
I have played a lot of high end guitars and I have to say my Martin D-28 has met and exceeded my expectations. I have also built a few guitars and toured the Martin , Gibson and Collins factories and still come back to the Martin. The Taylors always seem to have a compressed sound which I am not a fan of. By the way, what happened to your Martin D-35?
Thanks for making this video. Yo've helped me decide to not get a soyndport on my guitar. I can only afford one and I need the cutaway, and was wondering if the soundport cutaway was accessible like a standard CE model. I love the idea of the soundport and it looks and sounds great but i can't compromise on playability. Stunning guitar though.
I bought my first Taylor yesterday and I can’t stop playing it is the best I’ve ever had..the always told me that Taylor guitars where the best..the only thing is the price after tax it came down to 2000 dollars for a guitar.
Hands down is an Olson, but mucho bucks and it may require a new homeowner's insurance policy or negotiations regarding first born children to get near one of these. 2nd is probably my Taylor 814 CE or a Moon (a Scottish builder) 'Dougie Maclean Signature'. My Martin D-35 and D-35-12 are pretty nice too. The D-41 is a little disappointing though but it's pretty. The Taylor got all my attention for a couple years much to the chagrin of the rest of the stable. Anyhoo, about 10 years ago I started tuning my top 6 steel string performers in different open tunings to save time; C, D, DADGAD, E and Std. Usually with string sets optimized for each. Usually leave the 12 detuned a half or whole tone for playability, hand cramps and neck stress; no truss rods in any of my Martins. I have had a couple neck resets over the years to optimize the Martins for me. But there all keepers for life.
I own Ten high end guitars and seven are Taylors, 1980 Martin D-28 in mint condition with original case and key and a new Gibson J-45 sixties model and I love everyone of my guitars but Taylor are my favorite.Ive owned twelve different Martin guitars including a D-45 and this 1980 is the best sounding Martin I've ever heard but I got a 2015 614ce that most people think sounds better than the Martin, Gibson has the Martin beat I think also,But when I go to my 914ce and K-24 ce and my 814ceDLX and my816ce then it's hard to choose from these guitars,I love the 614ce so much I bought a 2019 614ce builders edition WHB.I just never had except my 1980 Martin guitar been a Martin guy,Taylor hands down my favorite guitars then Gibsons and Guilds my second choice and don't really think theres a better Martin guitar than my 1980 but it still rates third.Also have a Baby Taylor and a Epiphone Dove that really surprised me how easy and good sounding for a much inexpensive guitar than my others.😮I bought my 816ce brand new in 2015 mine don't have the sound port the only guitar i didn't buy brand new is my 1980 Martin D-28.
It’s $6,299 now. Nope I am wrong this one 2:40 is now $3,999. Not sure about that first number. I will go see if I can find where I got it. Found it. K26ce has a cutaway port and is the $6,299.
I’ve only been playing off and on for 10 years. Five years ago I had a 316 CE all my friends said The Guitar sounded amazing. I had to let it go three years ago, a regret that lingers more than any human love I’ve had to let go. Taylor has since discontinued that model… I will find love again someday. Who said you can’t buy love? US$4000.
To sum up then... the only thing that is wrong with the guitar is the gimmick (and you don't like bells and whistles anyway) which is probably what Taylor was hoping to be the big selling point... I suspect less visits will be afforded to you at Taylor but I'm pleased that your review on this guitar is honest. I wouldn't pay 4K for an acoustic regardless. Great videos btw regards
I have a pretty good relationship with them so I think they actually enjoy the feedback. It's tough though, because one of my favorite things about it is the secondary sound port, but my least favorite thing is the cutaway...but the cutaway IS the secondary port!
A week or so ago I was in Musicians Workshop, an Asheville music shop that has room dedicated to Taylor acoustics and I spent some time going around the room and played some of the more expensive Taylors. Admittedly the G816 was not one of them. I didn't see any more expensive than $2500. However, each of them seemed to fall short of the Larrivee I own and love. Like your G83 it cost me about $1200 and when I compared it to an older Taylor being sold for $2500 the Larrivee sounded and felt as good if not better. I encourage you to try one. I am not trying to change your mind about your Taylor although I know there are other guitar makers out there, way out of my price range and aside from Larrivee, that seem to have something that Taylor does not in their design.
So much of it boils down to personal preference. Taylor makes some great guitars and that is certainly one of them. But of all the guitars that I've tried that I can't afford to buy, there's always been something, like a tinny component in the sound, or maybe a bit too much brightness? in Taylors that kept me away. But again, that's just personal preference that I prefer a warmer woody sound I guess.
Theres always someone tougher and there is always someting better. Any taylor is a great guitar.... but when you get into the 800 series , its on like donkey kong
Yes, but yes. It's very nice but in my experience as a CSGB (Compulsive Serial Guitar Buyer) and a compulsive Cereal buyer I find that the tone is a touch less important than the feel. Plugged in tone can be tweaked but it's all about the playability me thinks. I'm lucky to have a really nice Martin acoustic but plugged in it's way short of the best I've played. All that said, the real question is can that Taylor go up against the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse? At $k I'd expect nothing short of an end to plague, pestilence, famine, flood and commercial TV. Sending man hugs from Oxford UK.
I'm actually (silently) with you that tone is less important than feel, but we can't say that out loud on UA-cam of those Tone Horsemen will come for us.
I'm an intermediate standard and for my retirement just treated myself to the 814ce.
It sounds sweeter, stays in tune longer, and is far easier to play than my Yamaha FG401. Feels very special and I know any faults are mine, not the guitar.
I also know I won't suffer any buyers regret, thinking I should have gone for something better. I ride a Ducati Monster 1200R, a bike which far surpasses my ability as a biker. The 814 is the same, inspires me to improve every time I pick it up.
Happy strumming Sean from the UK.
I have to agree. Currently have 5 Taylors. Absolutely love them all.
I have three Taylor, guitars of my own, I got the 814 that I bought in 2020, the one has a Bibble on the side, I have a 314, and the 5 to 4. Great playing guitars. All by Taylor as well.
I only have one Taylor but it seems like this is gonna change after tonight.
Love the song at the end.
Adriana has "it", that special quality of voice that is now instantly recognisable.
She's pretty great :)
@@seandaniel23 Yes. Pretty & Gr8 👁👁.
Good at retrieving watches in the rain too 🤣🤣
Really enjoy seeing you here thanks for your effort, appreciated.
To your point, when my brother was going to buy a new guitar a number of years ago...it was between a Taylor cutaway and I think a Gibson Hummingbird or something similar. He didn't find too many differences and was leaning toward the non Taylor. The sales clerk had my brother sit in front while the clerk played each guitar so he could fully hear them. He immediately bought the Taylor.
The ultimate test :)
I’ve played about 8 of the best guitars I ever played. 😅 They were all different sounds but all had beautiful resonance and dynamic response. I’d suggest not limiting your search to one brand.
I just had a similar experience. I bought a Gibson J-45, and it blew my Taylor 414ce out of the water both in sound and playability. Before that, I loved my Taylor and figured it was the pinnacle of what an acoustic guitar could be, but this J-45 is in an entirely different universe, and now when I go back to my Taylor it feels like I'm playing a 2x4 and sounds completely dead.
killing me.... best guitar I've played is my 414ce
He must have gotten a dud 414 ce. Mine is Awesome.
Guess you haven't played guitar very long. There is no such thing as a "pinnacle guitar." I love all in my own collection which includes Gibsons and Taylors and your claim Taylor is less playable than Gibson is dubious.
Agree with you, j45 is the best
I bought a J45 Standard brand new in 2021…outstanding guitar.
Nothing like finding a guitar that feels and sounds sweeter than what you knew before
You know it Mike!
Shawn, I’m a tailor guitar kind of guy, I have three Taylor guitars, my favorite is the 814CE, I bought that in 2020, I have a 5 to 4, and also at 314 as well. Love, my tailors, the playability is awesome,
wow the fullness of the guitar sounds amazing. I'm gonna have to hit Sweetwater sound when they get more in stock and hear it in person :D
It's a good idea :)
Congrats on 400k, Sean! I seem to recall you were at 58k when I started watching.
It's great how you make rhythm cool no loud distortion or lead stuff just for is rhythm guys
Tryin my best!
Taylors are my personal favorite instruments. Not just the instruments, but the company as a whole.
Their Grand Pacific is my best personal fit, and I love their GS Mini.
Grand pacific is such a good one.
Taylor is a Socialist Co-Op Company; the workers bought the Company and own it! They have REAL Democratic meetings where they vote on the decisions for the health of the Company instead of hedge fund corrupt folks and one owner! They decided to continue to create THE best modern acoustics in the world and that's not what happens to Companies that sell as Taylor was doing! They vote Democratically who's the Pres, if they join the markets, their pay, healthcare, pensions, THEY OWN THE MONEY AND THEY WON'T SELL OUT FOR CHEAP PROFITS LIKE CAPITALIST CORPERATIONS ALWAYS DO! This is the new Freedom the world wants, to control our lives without corporate masters that ALWAYS without care, destroy their workers lives and products before they have to change their lifestyles, NOT VERY HEALTHY AS WE ARE WATCHHING THE RESULTS HERE IN THE u.s., FACT!!
That guitar sounds really lively and balanced. I'm sure even a piece of firewood would sound good in your hands, though! Great vid as always.
Aw thanks!
I have always avoided Taylor because I was ignorant. I set out to buy a Gibson J-185 late last summer and stumbled upon a Taylor 314ce with a Torrified Sitka top and Sapele back and sides………I Love it! It is my go-to acoustic guitar! I like it more than my Martin, PRS, and 1905 Washburn that has been in my family since 1925. I am trying to become worthy of my Taylor!
I'd watched a bunch of your videos before, but I had never really heard your music, there are so many musicians on" the tube " (before this video), And then I listened to the stuff you posted on this video, and IMHO that music I heard was really entertaining I really enjoy it, you have your own groove, the music is fresh and I really enjoyed listening to it. thanks a shit load, really good music, "did I say really enough" Good shit, man!!!!
Thanks so much for taking the time! Glad you liked it!
I'm sure I haven't played anywhere near as many as you have, but the best sounding (if not the best "playing" maybe) is my '53 Martin D-28. Talk about volume and sustain! Can't hold a candle to this beautiful Taylor cosmetically of course...it has it's share of well earned nicks and bumps over the last almost 70 years! 😄
I LOVE the cut away sound port on both the 816ce and the 326ce. It's like playing in 5.1 Dolby surround sound..
There it is. It rings like a bell. The GS is my favourite body shape from Taylor.
before this video I thought this was the ultimate acoustic I had to have. The one downside you noted, trying to slide to a high fret position may be a deal breaker for me. One of the primary reasons I wanted a Taylor was the brighter sound and the cutaway for playing high notes. I may look at other Taylor options now. Thanks, Sensei!
Glad it was helpful! Yes, it's SUCH a great guitar, but def not a 'true' cutaway.
I am going to give you a suggestion, get the Taylor, 814 builders edition, awesome Guitar, I already have the 814 CE, but the builders edition is a great guitar and it’s a cutaway. Grandela thorium.
Just recently sold my 816ce BE, and I agree, it's hands down the best guitar I've ever played. Only sold it because I found a custom GS - spruce over mahogany, black, and VERY blingy (essentially my dream guitar). Basically the 816, but glammed up! So now I have the best of both worlds - the best sounding/playing guitar, and one I have googly eyes for. Cheers, enjoy!
It’s decent…
Great review. Thanks for your honesty about Taylor buying you the guitar.
You are the reason I own two GA3s. They are the only Taylor’s I own and consider myself mostly a Martin man but I do love the tone from those GA3s.
Such a great guitar.
I'm starting to see guitars like people. There's all kinds with there own unique qualities. I had 3 Taylor's, one was liberated. Looking forward to someday owning a SC 28.
Hey from Calgary Canada. I just pulled the trigger on a Taylor Koa. Love it. NB. Play the specific guitar you are buying. Subtle differences even within models.
I have 2 Taylors. A 110e, my daily driver and a 224 grand auditorium urban ash. I also had a D28 which I recently gave away to a good home. The neck on the Martin is just different enough I couldn’t adjust. I love my Taylors.
Always went to guitar stores and played Taylor’s. Loved the way they felt, and played, like most people agree, they are so comfortable and easy to play, but the sound just wasn’t what I wanted in a guitar. I had the most typical reaction, too much treble, too bright etc. Then on one visit I tripped over a 416ce. Was blown away! Now I own (3) 16s (Grand Symphony) in different models, and looking for #4. If you are like me, try a 16 model in your favorite tone wood. Just be aware they come with and recommend medium gauge strings for the guitar because of the large top.
I just bought myself a Taylor 724ce and it is the best guitar I’ve played by far! Love a good Taylor
The best guitar I've ever played? It's got to be a Furch Yellow GC-SR: grand auditorium with a cutaway, spruce and rosewood.
It's wonderfully responsive to both delicate and heavy playing, has excellent sustain and such rich, rich tone. In some ways it's comparable to Taylor's I've played, especially in terms of playability. It's quite similar to the 714c in fact, but only about 60% of the price. I've owned my Furch for nearly a year and am still blown away by its tone each time I play it.
I had a 2016 Taylor 816ce that I owned for about 4 years. Not the builders edition. Paid around $3200 for it. Ultimately I sold it because I fell in love with a Taylor 324ce ($2200). There’s a definite sweet spot with Taylor guitars when balancing features and price. For me it’s the 3/4/5/6 series. Loved that 816, but that was a lot of dough and I lean more towards the way you previously thought, the higher you go…it’s just bells and whistles
I know a lot of people love the 324s. I need to check one out!
@@seandaniel23 Blackwood back and sides, mahogany top…just a touch darker in tones than most Taylors. Love it. Oh, meant to add…the 816 I had sounded HUGE the bigger body shape is super fun. You feel it against you as you play. I can only imagine that the extra sound hole on your builder takes it to another level.
It does sound good glad you found your favorite. My favorite is martin d28
The thing about Taylor's is what you don't see in any one guitar but is present in every guitar across the line. The neck setting system is just so repeatable and efficient. So if you are a traveling artist and your guitar gets damaged, you can go to Guitar Center and walk out with a replacement and it will play the same, and sound quite close. You could sift through a boutique luthier's guitars and maybe find one that you like better, but if something goes sideways you can't replace it. I would love to know how many times Leo Kottke has had to get an emergency replacement on the road. He is hard on his equipment, but anywhere in the US he can get a replacement that plays the same and sounds enough the same in probably 4 hours.
So true. they all play great across the board.
I always had the same thought process as you about any guitar priced over let’s say the $2,000 mark. I owned a Taylor 814ce about 12 years ago and like an idiot sold it. That 816 is pretty darn special for sure. I think if Taylor would just eliminate the so called cutaway they could lower the price because of the reduction in labor. I don’t like the look of it either. Your playing and Adrians’s vocals were something I would pay to sit and listen to if I had the opportunity. Well done.
Sean you are getting better as ever.
Sean, did you do a setup on it or have you been playing it with standard setup? Or, maybe they did a setup for you?
Congrats with 400K!!!
Thanks so much Dexter!
I've owned a Taylor 816 CE for many years and it still remains my favorite (among the many I still own/play and have had over the years) for many of the reasons you mentioned in the video. The downside you mentioned doesn't exist on the older 816 CE's which are true cutaways with the same electronics. And, as an aside, your videos are a real treat (and often a hoot) without pretense that usually has great adaptable practical techniques. Keep doing what you're doing, it's appreciated.
The 816 is a great guitar. Not gonna lie I personally still love your ga3. Love the sound. I have the 114e and it sounds beautiful. Great vid!!
Dude give some props to the violinist!😎
He's legit the best on earth
Great video and it's always nice to hear Juliana
Thanks Cam! We've only played it 5,000 times at this point.
@@seandaniel23 it's still a banger
Where can I find this song!? I love it, need to have it!
Sounds great. Thats how I feel about my Taylor 414ce-R. I played 17 guitars ( 5 brands ) and choose this guitar = Sound & playability was incredible. I'm not as high on the ES-2 system as you. oNe LoVe from NYC
I do like the GS shape. I played a Taylor GS Maple ( brown sugar) 12 string that blew me away. Best sounding 12 string I ever played. Wish I had bought it at the time.
Ok, here's the opposing view on the Taylor 816e. I had one and I really liked it. I had no intention of selling, ever. One day in my local guitar shop I picked up a Yamaha AC3M DLX. I just could not believe that I was liking the sound better than my Taylor 816ce. I went back the next day, sat with the Yamaha for about an hour and I walked out with it and sold my Taylor 816ce. Taylor 816CE=$4000.00 Yamaha AC3M Dlx I believe was $900.00. It's not that I'm saying the Taylor 816ce isn't a fabulous guitar because it is. To my ear (I admit that it's an old ear) the Yamaha was a better sounding instrument.
You're definitely right that sometimes a particular guitar will just seem like 'the one'. Glad you found it!
Kevin; David Crosby tells a very similar story with Takemini(sp?)
Congrats on 400k subscribers!
Thanks so much!
I have a Taylor GS , maple back/sides,
Love the comfort sizing,
You more than earned the guitar…
Wasn’t free.
Thanks so much Ira!
I’ve been “playing” guitar since 11/2017. I just know chords, I make up my own stuff, I don’t know a single song really BUT, Taylor has always felt the best across all of their models to me I felt during my time testing guitars relentlessly at my local GC and Sam Ash dealers. My favorite overall guitar I owned was a 000-18, and my favorite sounding ANDA playing guitar was a Yamaha LS-26. I prefer the GA/S/000 body styles and less gimmicks when playing as well. I love these types of videos Sean. I guess you’re feeling a little better after COViD? Thank goodness!
Awesome. I'm getting LS56 Custom II ARE.
@@pankajjoshi2032 I want an LS so bad! I’m excited for you.
I have a Taylor AD17 and it plays great, but it sounds like a mini. The best guitar I've ever played is my Orangewood Ecko (Live). A deeper sound and it plays so easily (smooth). I always go through the action and make sure it set to a 'Low-Med.' action. At the rear action and Nut, the strings are dead-on.
Very cool Stephen, I have an Orangewood Sage that I like a lot.
I really enjoyed the sound of the violin and guitar together - really got my attention. I have a Martin HD 28 which I love - plays really well and has a great sound. I have a Taylor GS mini which plays really nice as well.
Passionate beautiful vocals with excellent unassuming guitar accompaniment ♥️🌹🤗🤗🤗
Thanks so much!
Wondering if, also, that 2nd sound hole is directing some sound waves to the strings, to enhance the sympathetic vibrations, or sustain the overtones, or boost their function?
I love watching people fight over Taylor vs Martin. I wanted to offer up the idea that it's okay to love them both. I do, anyway. I'm fortunate enough to have a Taylor K24ce Builders Edition and a Martin oo-28vs 12 fret. Couldn't be more different and I couldn't love them both more. If someone asked me to pick the better one I couldn't.
Adriana Super sweet sounding vocals ! Great picking as always Sean.
How about you do a comparison with the Martin which you thought was your dream guitar at the time
I thought about that but it's kinda unfair. The D-35 is just so DIFFERENT. Maybe I still will though
@@seandaniel23 that would be cool. Maybe don't approach it as a shootout, maybe approach it as two of the top American companies and highlight their differences. So people can choose which one is right for them and their application.
I totally agree about the cutaway. I'm keeping mine anyways.
Loved the guitar, top end Taylor's are really hard to beat. Also loved the song, is that an original from you guys?
It definitely has a sweet and unique voice.
I had a Taylor that I loved, but after my Martin 000-18e, I sold it. Never heard or played a guitar that touched it. Including my buddy's D41. Although comparing a 000 to a dreadnought is Apples and oranges of course. Not a bluegrass guitar, but sounds incredibly warm and plays like butter.
Sounds amazing..... How often do you play St. Armands?
Any of the Martin’s come close that you may have played when you did the tour?
I'll try and talk about this on the next QA.
Great guitar and nice performance
I still love the sound of my D-42 and my old D-28, that said my last 2 guitars have been Taylor's. I tend to buy them to fill a sound.
Bought an 812 DLX 12fret, similar praise for my guitar
ooo i've seen those! So cool!
I have carefully drilled 1-1/2" soundports into the upper part of lower bought of 4 of my guitars to provide a better unamplified player sound. Several UA-cam videos on how to do this "surgery" without damaging guitar finish.
I will 100% NEVER attempt this
@@seandaniel23 exactly what I was thinking.
Hi Sean, have you recovered from Covid? it seems so
Yup! Tested negative yesterday. Feeling good!
Such a great guitar! Why don’t you use it in your videos since this one?
I think you are only missing a solid demo reel to land that Hallmark role. 😅
Congrats on the 400k!
Thanks so much! Demo reel coming soon ;)
You can tell the difference and the 816ce sounds incredible. I guess when you are comparing guitars from the same builder, I would think spending more would get you a better sounding guitar. I do love the tone and there is a clear difference.
For $4k, it better be a great guitar. I have a Taylor guitar and I love the sounds it produces. It is a 114e which is closer to the entry level guitars they offer than that 4k one, but even so, it sounds and plays wonderfully. So, I guess you could say I'm a Taylor fan boy because if anyone asks, I'll direct them to check out Taylor guitars over any other mass produced guitars.
The 114s are so good!
I have a Taylor 114ce. And love it. I see more and more guys on here playing Taylor’s all the time. If I could afford a more expensive model I would definitely get one. Taylor forever 👍
Love my taylor!!!
Hello Sean, I own one of these guitars but don't play it as much as I would like, I find its hard pressing the strings down, it comes with twelves and I'm thinking of going with thirteens but don't want to lose any sound, do you find it hard to play or is it just me, I noticed in this video that your playing a lot of bar chords and make it look easy. Love the song and the music, beautiful.
So I'm 5'8 and new to guitar so I have a problem reaching over the body of a large guitar.
Sounds like you need this:
sweetwater.sjv.io/nLD37M
Hey Sean, beautiful guitar. Do you like a cutaway or non-cutaway more, as far as looks, and sound? Thanks.
I have played a lot of high end guitars and I have to say my Martin D-28 has met and exceeded my expectations. I have also built a few guitars and toured the Martin , Gibson and Collins factories and still come back to the Martin. The Taylors always seem to have a compressed sound which I am not a fan of. By the way, what happened to your Martin D-35?
You'll be seeing the D35 later this week. Love that guitar. Just a different sound/feel but it's amazing.
Thanks for making this video. Yo've helped me decide to not get a soyndport on my guitar. I can only afford one and I need the cutaway, and was wondering if the soundport cutaway was accessible like a standard CE model. I love the idea of the soundport and it looks and sounds great but i can't compromise on playability. Stunning guitar though.
I loved the performances Sean, but give up my cut-out . . . . I don't think so!!!!! LOL!!!
I bought my first Taylor yesterday and I can’t stop playing it is the best I’ve ever had..the always told me that Taylor guitars where the best..the only thing is the price after tax it came down to 2000 dollars for a guitar.
Hands down is an Olson, but mucho bucks and it may require a new homeowner's insurance policy or negotiations regarding first born children to get near one of these. 2nd is probably my Taylor 814 CE or a Moon (a Scottish builder) 'Dougie Maclean Signature'. My Martin D-35 and D-35-12 are pretty nice too. The D-41 is a little disappointing though but it's pretty. The Taylor got all my attention for a couple years much to the chagrin of the rest of the stable. Anyhoo, about 10 years ago I started tuning my top 6 steel string performers in different open tunings to save time; C, D, DADGAD, E and Std. Usually with string sets optimized for each. Usually leave the 12 detuned a half or whole tone for playability, hand cramps and neck stress; no truss rods in any of my Martins. I have had a couple neck resets over the years to optimize the Martins for me. But there all keepers for life.
So nice without pickguard..😁 have u tried Eastman..
I LOVE the pickguard! I haven't tried an Eastman yet.
@@seandaniel23 I mean the GA3..as a fingerstyle player I prefer no pickguard..😁
interesting choice but have you tried a Martin OMJM? that's the one i have and i wouldn't trade for any Taylor in the world.
I haven't tried it but i should!
I would also pay full price for the 2nd one if the first one was free, honest!
I own Ten high end guitars and seven are Taylors, 1980 Martin D-28 in mint condition with original case and key and a new Gibson J-45 sixties model and I love everyone of my guitars but Taylor are my favorite.Ive owned twelve different Martin guitars including a D-45 and this 1980 is the best sounding Martin I've ever heard but I got a 2015 614ce that most people think sounds better than the Martin, Gibson has the Martin beat I think also,But when I go to my 914ce and K-24 ce and my 814ceDLX and my816ce then it's hard to choose from these guitars,I love the 614ce so much I bought a 2019 614ce builders edition WHB.I just never had except my 1980 Martin guitar been a Martin guy,Taylor hands down my favorite guitars then Gibsons and Guilds my second choice and don't really think theres a better Martin guitar than my 1980 but it still rates third.Also have a Baby Taylor and a Epiphone Dove that really surprised me how easy and good sounding for a much inexpensive guitar than my others.😮I bought my 816ce brand new in 2015 mine don't have the sound port the only guitar i didn't buy brand new is my 1980 Martin D-28.
What about the 224ce koa deluxe grand auditorium a/e guitar. It's in my budget, like you've mentioned. Thank you.
I'll have to try and get one!
It’s $6,299 now. Nope I am wrong this one 2:40 is now $3,999. Not sure about that first number. I will go see if I can find where I got it. Found it. K26ce has a cutaway port and is the $6,299.
Are you serious?!
@@seandaniel23 to get it with that tuned port? I think so. I think it is in the 900 series now.
@@seandaniel23 the builder’s edition is 814ce $4,999 but without the port. With one of the builder 816ce with port for $3,999.
@@markoconnell804 ah ok, yeah mine is the 816 so same price still
I’ve only been playing off and on for 10 years. Five years ago I had a 316 CE all my friends said The Guitar sounded amazing. I had to let it go three years ago, a regret that lingers more than any human love I’ve had to let go. Taylor has since discontinued that model… I will find love again someday. Who said you can’t buy love? US$4000.
Best is subjective but I think you should try a McPherson 4.5. Great Taylor you got there btw.
Haha isn’t that McPherson like 10,000.00?
Wait until he gets his hands on a pre war Martin. The Taylor will absolutely get demolished haha.
I disagree but your going to spend a small fortune fixing and making the Martin even playable.Get real.
You all need to check out Larrivee.
I want to!
To sum up then... the only thing that is wrong with the guitar is the gimmick (and you don't like bells and whistles anyway) which is probably what Taylor was hoping to be the big selling point... I suspect less visits will be afforded to you at Taylor but I'm pleased that your review on this guitar is honest. I wouldn't pay 4K for an acoustic regardless. Great videos btw regards
I have a pretty good relationship with them so I think they actually enjoy the feedback. It's tough though, because one of my favorite things about it is the secondary sound port, but my least favorite thing is the cutaway...but the cutaway IS the secondary port!
The Santa Cruz Firefly is killer, check one out.
A week or so ago I was in Musicians Workshop, an Asheville music shop that has room dedicated to Taylor acoustics and I spent some time going around the room and played some of the more expensive Taylors. Admittedly the G816 was not one of them. I didn't see any more expensive than $2500. However, each of them seemed to fall short of the Larrivee I own and love. Like your G83 it cost me about $1200 and when I compared it to an older Taylor being sold for $2500 the Larrivee sounded and felt as good if not better. I encourage you to try one. I am not trying to change your mind about your Taylor although I know there are other guitar makers out there, way out of my price range and aside from Larrivee, that seem to have something that Taylor does not in their design.
I've heard amazing things about Larrivee, but somehow have never played one!
@@seandaniel23 Their factory is Oxnard now so the next time you're in LA check them out.
So much of it boils down to personal preference. Taylor makes some great guitars and that is certainly one of them. But of all the guitars that I've tried that I can't afford to buy, there's always been something, like a tinny component in the sound, or maybe a bit too much brightness? in Taylors that kept me away. But again, that's just personal preference that I prefer a warmer woody sound I guess.
Check out some Gibson Acoustics. Completely different sound from Taylor and Martin. Great feel, necks, and sounds.
I actually tried a G45 last month and really, really like it!
@@seandaniel23 try a j185, or a hummingbird. You'll be hooked.
How have Hallmark not hired you yet?? 🤷🏻♀️ Congrats on 400k!
Which acoustic strings do you use? What's on the Taylor? Thx
The Taylor has Elixir .12 phosphor bronze but I switch back and forth between those and Bog Street coated strings.
I found a second major flaw right away...
It has at least one 0 to much on the price tag! 😁
haha cmon!
@@seandaniel23 the sad reality is that I live with less than that price tag for a whole year...
Try a set of D’Addario XT’s.
Have you had the chance to compare Taylor’s equivalently priced and similar tone wood guitars to Martin’s, and if so what is your conclusion?
Theres always someone tougher and there is always someting better.
Any taylor is a great guitar.... but when you get into the 800 series , its on like donkey kong
You know it!
Yes, but yes. It's very nice but in my experience as a CSGB (Compulsive Serial Guitar Buyer) and a compulsive Cereal buyer I find that the tone is a touch less important than the feel. Plugged in tone can be tweaked but it's all about the playability me thinks. I'm lucky to have a really nice Martin acoustic but plugged in it's way short of the best I've played. All that said, the real question is can that Taylor go up against the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse? At $k I'd expect nothing short of an end to plague, pestilence, famine, flood and commercial TV. Sending man hugs from Oxford UK.
I'm actually (silently) with you that tone is less important than feel, but we can't say that out loud on UA-cam of those Tone Horsemen will come for us.
But will it shred?! Cheers Sean!!
We're gonna find out!