Martins/Taylors?

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  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,160
    The Martin tour is pretty high on my list of factory tours. Martin has been building guitars since 1833.I think they have it pretty well figured out by now. 

    My six string is a US-built DCX1E from the early 2000's. It's great, stays in tune, plays well, and it sounds better with every passing year. I have seen used models from 2010 that were made in Mexico. The Mexican-made ones I've played have all been very nice too.

    I also own a few Martin acoustic bass guitars that are all higher in the product range than the X-Series. The fit and finish, quality of materials, tone and playability are world class. 

    It's safe to say that I'm a Martin fan. 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    dudeman said:
    The Martin tour is pretty high on my list of factory tours. Martin has been building guitars since 1833.I think they have it pretty well figured out by now. 

    My six string is a US-built DCX1E from the early 2000's. It's great, stays in tune, plays well, and it sounds better with every passing year. I have seen used models from 2010 that were made in Mexico. The Mexican-made ones I've played have all been very nice too.

    I also own a few Martin acoustic bass guitars that are all higher in the product range than the X-Series. The fit and finish, quality of materials, tone and playability are world class. 

    It's safe to say that I'm a Martin fan. 
    Some nice stuff there, dudeman!  I hope you get a chance to do the tour!
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,160
    edited June 2017
    Me too. I did the Carvin factory tour the last time I was in San Diego. It was pretty cool but they don't have nearly the history that Martin has. 

    I've been through the Heritage Guitars factory too. That was really impressive. It was cool to see how Gibson used to build guitars. 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • dpduke69
    dpduke69 Raleigh, NC Posts: 187

    Wanted a Taylor acoustic for years and got my first as a college graduation present from my folks. Got the 314ce and later a sunburst 714ce but they just never quite felt right even though I was dead set on being all Taylor. Great sound and playability. Broke down and tried some more Martin's and absolutely fell in love with the feel and the sound. I now own a sunburst Martin D-41(funny enough a gift to myself after paying off my student loans) and couldn't be happier. Best acoustic I've ever played.

    2013: Charlotte
    2016: Greenville Columbia
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,160
    Taylor makes fine guitars but the ones I've played don't have the character that a similar Martin has. I played a bunch of Martins at Elderly Instruments today and it just reinforced how I feel about them.
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV
  • StuffnJunk
    StuffnJunk Posts: 897
    edited July 2017
    As the OP let me provide an update - my friend ultimately went guitar shopping himself, and picked out a Taylor 214ce Deluxe Grand Auditorium for double the price his wife had told me to spend. He loves it.

    I know that of course the best way to buy a guitar is to try them out yourself, as many of you have said. But his wife asked me to get him one as a surprise, so that's why I was going, and asking you guys for insight. Thanks for the input.
    Post edited by StuffnJunk on
    "I'll tell you what: If all I had was Pearl Jam, and I didn't have another band in the world, I would not be worried. Because in there is the essence of making great music. You don't have to use it all at once, but it's there." - Neil Young
  • dudeman
    dudeman Posts: 3,160
    Glad it worked out. It was nice of you to help your friend out, too.

    My uncle has a 214ce and it's a joy to play. Nice guitar. 
    If hope can grow from dirt like me, it can be done. - EV

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