Dave2311 wrote:Administrator wrote:Dave -
If you decide to purchase another guitar, let me know first. I will get you the best guitar for the price.
I'm trying to decide on Taylor or Martin. First Quality appears to be out of the Martin models i've narrowed down to. (DX16GT, DX1) Their site says they will have more GTs in August. I'm not in a hurry, just trying to make a good decision. The prices appear to come down to materials, micarta vs. rosewood on fingerboards, HPL mahogany vs. solid mahogany or sepele on the rear and sides, etc... I will definitely go thru you and First Quality on it.
Dave,
Again I urge you to go to guitar shops and play guitar if you haven't already. Shumaker's up in Stuart (US1 and Kanner) is a dealer for both Martin and Taylor. Both are excellent guitar makers but have a totally different sound. Depending what you want to play, you should familiar yourself with their individual "sound". Generally, Taylors are sweet, precise and their electronics are very good. Taylor lovers often call Martins too "boomy".
Martins are generally deeper tone-wise with more overtones and a throatier sound. Their volume is usually higher and are the pick (along with the Martin clone makers) for bluegrass players. Martin lovers usually feel the Taylors are anemic and thin sounding.
As far as back and side material, I feel solid wood is always the best because as good as it sounds now, soild wood seems to continue to get better with age. An HPL (high pressure laminate) back and sides guitar will change a lot less over the years. I am talking years,not months, here.
I would figure out the artists you like the sound of, find out what guitars they used on the recordings, and go out an play, play, play. SOund preference is subjective between guitar models, let alone makers.
George's Musician Superstore in the PalmBeach Mall also carries both Martin and Taylor. They havemore lower end Martins than they do upper end Martins. You might find what
your looking to try there.
Hope any of this helps.