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I drove down to the Edmonton South L&M this morning to pickup some strings. Of course I went into the acoustic room. I tried 4 Taylor XX4ce models (and another 322e 12 fret). The 414ce, 524ce, 614ce and 714ce. Also a similar spec'd and priced Martin Grand Performance model.
Now I have an idea (sort of) what the Taylor sound and Martin sounds are. It's like having a great Tele and a great Strat. Both sound wonderful, but you just have personal preference for one over the other (In this case, I'm a Strat guy) I'm drawn do the sound of the Taylor, particularly the mahogany topped ones. The 524ce was glorious. My second choice was the 714ce cedar top and Koa back/sides, with the Martin GP a hair behind. All sounded very good, despite the noticeable wood differences. I surprised myself at being able to hear the difference between woods. But there is just something about a mahogany topped guitar that stands out so far to my ear. I even heard the difference in some YouTube Vids (I have a decent set of powered digital monitors)
The 524ce costs $1100 more than the 322e. I walked out with two sets of strings.
Now I have an idea (sort of) what the Taylor sound and Martin sounds are. It's like having a great Tele and a great Strat. Both sound wonderful, but you just have personal preference for one over the other (In this case, I'm a Strat guy) I'm drawn do the sound of the Taylor, particularly the mahogany topped ones. The 524ce was glorious. My second choice was the 714ce cedar top and Koa back/sides, with the Martin GP a hair behind. All sounded very good, despite the noticeable wood differences. I surprised myself at being able to hear the difference between woods. But there is just something about a mahogany topped guitar that stands out so far to my ear. I even heard the difference in some YouTube Vids (I have a decent set of powered digital monitors)
The 524ce costs $1100 more than the 322e. I walked out with two sets of strings.