UPDATE: My Soul at war over Martin HD-28 or Taylor 717BE, NEW WHB wins!

[Corbis 12]

Just amazed, and I mean AMAZED how different the two guitars sounded.

You always hear slight differences in any of the same model, but this was night and day. At first I thought it was just me, and I took the WHB back to the tech and said "make my 717e be sound like this!"

They changed the action and strings on my month old one,but even after all that the guitar tech, and all the other guys who worked there were all in agreement, there was something special about the WHB one. The top on that was real special, you could even feel it in the vibrations against your chest.

I didn't watch to switch (as he was changing the strings, I had hoped the change would equal the WHB, but something inside me said it wouldn't), I really like the natural top better, not a huge fan of sunbursts, and even don't think this one is a particularly good one, but sometimes (always?) the guitar picks you.

Funny, after I went to play that one against the HD-28 that was haunting me, the haunting stopped.

[Strumming Fool]

Sounds like you found your guitar for a lifetime. I'm sure you'll get used to the burst as tone trumps all else. God bless!

[Frettingflyer]

Another story with a happy ending. Sometimes a wood guitar just has that “something” special that another doesn’t. Glad you found that one.

[Corbis 12]

FrettingFlyer,

See you have a lucky 13. I have the Blackbird Rider. Loved it so much was thinking of getting a 13 at one point, bummed the company does not make either anymore.

[Frettingflyer]

FrettingFlyer,

See you have a lucky 13. I have the Blackbird Rider. Loved it so much was thinking of getting a 13 at one point, bummed the company does not make either anymore.

Me too. The good thing is that even a used one should be fine unless the owner was really abusive! I am fascinated with the eKoa instruments they now make but neither the Savoy nor the El Capitan “did it” for me.

[Jubbo]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum as I just bought my first Taylor.

I found this post as I went through exactly the same thing.  With COVID-19 the stores here in the UK are being very understanding.

I saw the videos of the 717e and really liked the look and sound. So I ordered online. When it arrived I was super excited. However, when I played it I was totally underwhelmed. I can't explain why. Just the sound and feel. Something didn't gel. So I returned for a refund.

I have always been a Martin guy and own 2 so figured it must be that.  I am just tuned to the look and feel of Martin's. So I ordered the HD-28e. It arrived. It is a truly impressive instrument. I couldn't fault anything. However, it just didn't seem right for me.  The sound was so big and jangly.   

Then I found this thread. It got me thinking, maybe I didn't have the right 717e.  So I found another online and ordered (I did explain to the seller I wasn't sure and may return). The guitar arrived.  Right off the bat I was disappointed. There was a large ding on the neck and scuffs over the body.  I called and complained and asked them to collect it.  As it was a weekend they said they would get back to me Monday.

I had made up my mind to keep the HD-28e as I was so disappointed at the condition of the Taylor. However over the weekend I opened the case and played the Taylor.  Wow.  I blew me away.  Not just the sound, but the way it feels.  It has such a clarity. I didn't even pick up the Martin again and it has been returned.

On the Monday the dealer called about the 717e explained they were very sorry and we're shocked at the pictures I sent.  However, with COVID-19 it has been a challenging time.  I said it was no problem, I understand, but I thought I was buying a new guitar in new condition.   I managed to get a decent amount refunded. In addition I got the Baby Taylor as part of the promotion.

So I am really happy with the 717e. Dings and all, a great guitar.

Many thanks to the original poster.  As I may never have found this guitar without your post. 

Jubbo

[Corbis 12]

Jubbo, sometimes you pick the guitar, sometimes the guitar picks you!

Congrats, and goes to show that even with the same model, the differences can be huge.
5 Months later and I'm still in love with my 717.

Wishing you and yours all the best during these trying times

[Steve350]

I own a Martin HD28v and really love it. However, I am ready to pull the trigger on a 914ce v bracing. I also own a Gibson J45. I think with this Taylor acquisition, I will have covered all my bases regarding acoustic guitars. The videos I’ve watched and listened to make the 914 and wonderful sounding guitar. I’m just figuring out who to buy it from. Musicians Friend seems to be closed. I think it might be Guitar Center. I’ll post when I get it and do a short comparison to the Martin and Gibson. I was reading that the strings of choice seems to be 10’s or light gauge. Am I correct with this. It will be mainly used for strumming and some solos no finger picking. Thanks.

[Rev Roy]

I’m glad I didn’t have to make that choice. I’ve got both (my D-41 has the same bracing, woods, etc as an HD-28) and I LOVE them both.

[Frettingflyer]

I own a Martin HD28v and really love it. However, I am ready to pull the trigger on a 914ce v bracing. I also own a Gibson J45. I think with this Taylor acquisition, I will have covered all my bases regarding acoustic guitars. The videos I’ve watched and listened to make the 914 and wonderful sounding guitar. I’m just figuring out who to buy it from. Musicians Friend seems to be closed. I think it might be Guitar Center. I’ll post when I get it and do a short comparison to the Martin and Gibson. I was reading that the strings of choice seems to be 10’s or light gauge. Am I correct with this. It will be mainly used for strumming and some solos no finger picking. Thanks.

Steve, the GA’s (X14’s) all come with light strings from the factory(12’s) as far as I know. The 914 should be a nice complement to that collection.

[Strumming Fool]

I own a Martin HD28v and really love it. However, I am ready to pull the trigger on a 914ce v bracing. I also own a Gibson J45. I think with this Taylor acquisition, I will have covered all my bases regarding acoustic guitars. The videos I’ve watched and listened to make the 914 and wonderful sounding guitar. I’m just figuring out who to buy it from. Musicians Friend seems to be closed. I think it might be Guitar Center. I’ll post when I get it and do a short comparison to the Martin and Gibson. I was reading that the strings of choice seems to be 10’s or light gauge. Am I correct with this. It will be mainly used for strumming and some solos no finger picking. Thanks.

Steve, the GA’s (X14’s) all come with light strings from the factory(12’s) as far as I know. The 914 should be a nice complement to that collection.

Good information on the GA factory set up. If you prefer medium gauge strings, the 914 can handle them. It may require a slight truss rod adjustment,  but it's  no big deal.

[Corbis 12]

I’m glad I didn’t have to make that choice. I’ve got both (my D-41 has the same bracing, woods, etc as an HD-28) and I LOVE them both.

Pride cometh before the fall Reverend 
I'll try to stop being jealous later, after I'm done salivating over that beautiful photo.