Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: dknelson on March 24, 2012, 10:03:53 AM
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Hello folks. My name is Don and I live in Ohio. I've been playing off and on for about 45 years but am still very much a beginner. I know that this is a Taylor forum and I naturally expect some bias here toward Taylor guitars but I'm hoping that some of you will have compared the two guitars that I am looking at and can share your thoughts on them. I have read a lot of posts here about the Taylor but have not seen the comparison that I am looking for.
I sold two guitars last week with the intention of replacing both of them with one nice acoustic electric. I sold a Taylor Solidbody Standard and a Seagull Artist Cameo. I liked both of those guitars but the electric was just something that I bought about a year ago because I have never really played an electric and wanted to mess with it for a while. It was fun but not really my thing. I have owned 4 Seagulls. Two S6 cutaways with Quantum II electronics. Cherry back and sides with cedar tops. I actually enjoyed both of those. I also owned a 12 string Seagull but ended up not playing it much. I then ran across a fantastic deal on a Seagull Artist Cameo and bought it. It was nice but I was not really a fan of the Maple guitar. So I sold the electric and cameo.
My intention early in the week was to buy a new Martin. I had pretty much settled on the DCPA1. I know that we all have different tastes but I think it is a beautiful guitar. I am not crazy about too much bling and the DCPA1 was just right for me. The problem turned out being that I had a HARD time finding one to actually hold and play. I travel in business and during my travels last week, I visited about 8 different music stores that sell Martin and only found ONE store that had it in stock. That store was Elderly's in Lansing, MI. I was in Flint for the night and called to see if they had any. I was told that they had two in stock. So I made a mad run over to Lansing. They had one hanging on the wall and said that they had another in the box in the back. Well, the one hanging on the wall was pretty good. I just wasn't 100% sold on the top. I know that I am probably too picky but I am determined that if I spend close to $3,000.00 on a guitar that it is going to look the way I want it to. I like a top that is consistent top and bottom. I don't like tops that are darker or lighter on the top half than the bottom half. I also like any grains and etc. to be fairly the same top and bottom. This one had a wide, maybe 3" wide, yellow band running the length of the top on the bottom. Light but very noticeable. They brought the one out of the back and it turns out that it was actually a return. The top looked nice but it had a ton of buckle rash on the back and a couple of other very small scratches.
After tormenting over it, I finally bought the one on the wall. Took it to my hotel that night. Played it a bit. I loved the deep bass that comes out of that Martin but after trying to tell myself all night that I could live with the top, I woke up the next morning and made the decision that I just wasn''t going to settle, I took it back and continued my search.
When I got back home on Friday, I started my search again. Nobody nearby had the DXPA1 in stock. I ended up driving to Guitar Center and they showed ONE in the warehouse and said that they if I bought it and then didn't like it that they would take it back. I was at the register just getting ready to do the deal when I decided to take another look.
They had a beautiful Taylor 814ce in stock. The top is beautiful, the back is very nicely matched with beautiful grain. The action is actually much more to my liking that either of the Martins that i had tried. I like a lower action and the Taylors, out of of the box, are just fantastic for me. The Martin would certainly require a setup to hopefully get it close to what I like.
Both guitars have wood binding which I like. The binding looks similar but the Taylor of course is Curly Maple and the Martin uses Ovangkol. A plus for the Martin is that for a guitar that is the same price as the 814ce, it comes with a bone nut and saddle.
The Martin did, I think, I stronger bass but a lot of that is probably the fact that is is a dreadnaught and has the bone nut. Now there is a G model of the Martin and I considered it too but I THOUGHT I wanted a dread and to be honest, what I don't like about the Martin G model is that due to the location of their electronics, it is very visible through the sound hole on the G series and looks awful in my opinion.
So, I ended up buying the 814ce yesterday and played it a bit last night. We had company from out of town and I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with the guitar but I got a little playing in.
So, I know that we all have drastically differing opinions on the perfect guitar and that it is different for each person but I'm curious if any of you have compared these two models and what your thoughts are. One thing that I have concluded is that the Martin is a beautiful guitar IF you find the right one. From all that I've seen so far, Taylor quality control is much better than Martin's. I would feel much more comfortable if I had to order a Taylor sight unseen that I would ordering a Martin.
I'm still driving myself crazy trying to decide whether or not to keep this 814ce or take a chance and order the DCPA1. For me, this is a lot of money for a guitar and I really want to get it right.
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Hi Don! Glad to have you here! ;D
Thanks for sharing your story. You definitely know what you want in a guitar...that's a good thing. I can't speak for that certain Martin model etc but you mentioned that the Martin had more bass etc. Martins in general have a "darker" sound than Taylors. Have you tried any Taylor dreads? Maybe try the GS line? Both the Taylor dreads and GS models will have significantly more bass than the 814...keeping in mind that the wood combinations are the same etc.
Don't feel guilty if you end up with the Martin. We all love our Taylors but more importantly we love music. Music trumps all.
Once again, it's great to have you here! :)
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Hey there Don. Welcome to UTGF! It's a great place. Hope you visit often.
You have definitely centered on a couple really nice guitars. And you have nailed the sound differences in a Martin stuff right on the head. I tried 6 different Martin 000-28s before I found one that did it for me. I am lucky I live in the Washington D.C area and have quite a few places to choose from when it comes to available inventory.
My bottom line up front ... IMO the Taylor has the edge and here is why I say that.
Given allot of details on both are the same (tonewoods, scale length, etc.) two things are standout for me. The Expression System in the Taylor is heads above. I'm not knocking the Fishman Aura ... just saying IMHO the ES is better. Second is the bracing. The Taylor CV bracing with relief rout makes a huge difference. I have this in a GA model and compared to my older GA it really makes a big difference.
Hope the feeling of "did I get it right" wears off soon. Personally, I think you got the right guitar in your hands right now.
Hope that helps ... dennis
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There is no universal "right", only what is "right for you".
IMHO you should play them both side by side. Also for $3000 you should explore other brands too.
I would include phone calls to past/present forum sponsor dealers (LA Guitar, Guitar Rodeo) and ask these same questions. They are good w/ advice, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
I would look on the Taylor web site (or ask a Taylor dealer) if/when a Road Show or Find Your Fit is coming to your area, and attend that.
For me, for all the reasons above (and more) I love Taylor as a company and for their products.
Back to you, even within Taylors you should really discern if the 814ce is "the" one, there are lots of models/woods etc for different players and styles.
Ultimately the "right" guitar is the one you can't put down, the one that inspires you to play and brings you joy (I got that advice from the Guitar Rodeo web site BTW ... works for me!).
-Gary K
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Don, I researched the heck out of Taylors before ordering mine.....which is an 812ce with a special order western red cedar top. Should be here this coming Tuesday!
I assume you've read some of Taylor's very good material on the characteristics of different body and top woods. If not, here's the link to get you started:
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/woods/body-woods/indian-rosewood
I've found that info to be very valid based on playing various Taylors in stores.
I personally went with Taylor because of (in no particular order), the feel of the action, the electronics, reputation for quality, beauty, and in my case I wanted a smaller, more playable size since I come from a jazz background and the 812 or Grand Concert series is the ticket for me. I'll be playing amplified most of the time. Dreadnought bodies are just to much bulk for me even though I have long arms.....I just like more compact dimensions.
You've definitely narrowed things down a lot, so your decision will be a good one.
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Consider an 816ce (GS body) and you won't be tormented anymore. And if you're not a big fan of adornments, try the 416ce Fall Limited Rosewoods and save half of what you paid or will pay for the 814ce or DCPA1.
PS.
I've A/B tested the Taylor 416ce-LTD against a DCPA1 and GPCPA1. To my ears, the Taylor has a more "Martinesque" low-end than the Martins. Playability-wise.. no comparison. Taylor all the way.... but that's just my opinion.
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hi Don,
good to see you here :)
WELCOME !
thank you for sharing a bit about yourself & your experiences in your guitar journey
from what i can gather so far, it sounds like you were happy with the S6 cutaways & i was
wondering if perhaps you may have possibly considered this guitar - all solid cedar/mahogany
http://www.normanguitars.com/st40cwgt4t.html (http://www.normanguitars.com/st40cwgt4t.html)
regarding the martins, it looks one of the DCPA1 was 'used' (buckle-rash') & the other
one, that was purchased & returned, seemed to have some 'run-out' in the top -
it sounds like you liked the bass response & that it has a bone nut &
saddle, but i was wondering how you felt about the rest of the guitar ???
the projection of the mids, the definition & clarity of the trebles, the balance &
responsiveness overall, the playability, not just the action, but the neck profile &
overall comfort of the guitar, the electronics (F1 aura) & the craftsmanship, etc
the 814ce seems to have better playability, possibly due a combination of
the action/neck relief, neck carve, light gauge Elixir NanoWeb 80/20s &
it sounds like you preferred the aesthetics of the woods (top & back) ...
just wondering how the 814ce sounds to you & which guitar you prefer tonally ???
seeing that the the position of the electronics in the GPCPA1 is a 'deal-breaker',
comparing a dreadnought to a grand auditorium would be a little 'one-sided', imho -
comparing a 810ce or a 816ce would be a more fair 'fight', but Taylor & martin
are 'completely different animals', especially in terms of tone & build process
i've had several martins, but i've yet to find a standard series model that
'trips my trigger' & the one that stayed with me is a 98 SWD, sitka/cherry &
interestingly enough, the cherry used on it most likely came from seagull
i played a new gibson hummingbird a few years ago, that in all honestly i should
have bought, but as good as it sounded & played, i just couldn't see put that kind
of investment into it at the time (BTO GSc adi top/bracing kind of $, but i digress)
if the guitar you have makes you want to pick it up & play it, that is
'the right one' for you, imho, no matter what it's made of, who makes it,
how it's made or where it's made ... for the time being, that guitar is 'it'
looking forward to hearing more from you -
good luck on your guitar decision, i hope you enjoy
the place & please make yourself comfortable :D
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Thanks for the replies folks. I left a lot of details out of my first post because I knew that it was already too long. I have looked at other models of both brands though. One that I actually liked was the 514ce with the cedar top. I liked my cedar topped Seagulls but after doing all the comparisons, I just decided that I wanted the spruce top. I actually have an old Ephiphone that I bought in 1971. It is a rosewood with spruce top. I had the neck reset and frets dressed about a year ago by a good local luthier and it is still a beautiful and great playing guitar. I have a son in Texas though and wanted him to have it so I shipped it to him a few weeks ago.
So, I have actually looked at a lot of guitars but I just posted about the two that I had narrowed it down to. The 914 has way too much bling for my personal taste. The 414, not quite enough. The 814 and the DCPA1 have just about the perfect adornments for me. :) I've always owned dreads but I kind of like the G series of the 814ce. The reason I was looking at the DCPA1 instead of the GPCA1 is because I really hate that Martin mounts the electronics on the G series to that is is sort of in your face when you look at the guitar.
I've been playing the 814ce a good bit this morning and at this point, I am about 90% sure that this is the one for me. The playability is amazing and the craftsmanship is excellent.
Your comments are helping. Thanks much.
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I looked at a DCPA1 a while back. I was trying to open up to everything, not just Taylors in my search and everything I read online about it said that it was an awesome guitar. I found one here in town and sat with it for about a half hour. It just wasn't my thing. I like Taylor's brightness (across the line) and the Martin's just don't have that same sound. They are really nice guitars but I need a bit more zing is the bottom line.
The one thing I would say however after reading your posts. You need to commit to the guitar. If you go into it with the thought that you will return it, it will never stick. I did that same thing when I was looking for my first "real" guitar. I bought a couple at GC because of their return policy. Knowing that I could always return it made it really difficult to love. I just looked over and over for the flaws and didn't think about the things that made me buy it in the first place. I ended up with a 710ce eventually (from a place without a return policy). I had that guitar for about 4 years and it helped me figure out exactly what I wanted in my next guitar. I haven't had the thought or problem since. If I have any doubt I won't buy the guitar in the first place. It takes longer that way but once you have it you never look back.
-Dave
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So, I have actually looked at a lot of guitars but I just posted about the two that I had narrowed it down to. The 914 has way too much bling for my personal taste. The 414, not quite enough. The 814 and the DCPA1 have just about the perfect adornments for me. :)
Your comments are helping. Thanks much.
Exactly how I felt about the 800 series Taylors. I figured that since I'm spending a bit of money, the aesthetics have to please me or it is a "no-go". I like the looks of the maple bodied Taylors but they're a little too bright sounding for me. I don't care for the sunburst finishes on the 700 series but again that's personal taste. The 900 series are beautiful but as you say, a little too much bling for my tastes.
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I've owned several Martin's over the years, and I always find myself going back to Taylors. In my opinion, and I stress that, the 814ce is Taylors best all around guitar. It seems like it handles everything well. Maple is by far my favorite tonewood, but when playing in a group, I usually pull out my 814ce. I hope you find what you are looking for, I know I have ;D
Also, thanks for joining. We need more people who aren't scared to say the name Martin around here ;D
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Also, thanks for joining. We need more people who aren't scared to say the name Martin around here ;D
I've never once gotten the sense that it's not okay to talk about other guitar brands, especially since many of us own brands in addition to Taylor.
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Well, my wife gave some advice too. She told me to stop stressing over it and just enjoy what i have. :) The decision is pretty much made. I do like the Taylor neck. It feels very similar to the neck on the Taylor Solidbody that I just sold. Easy transition. :) The Seagull had a wider neck. I have fairly big hands so it didn't bother me but the Taylor actually feels a lot better to me.
I also think that I got a fair deal on it. Not spectacular at any means but a few hundred cheaper than the $XXXX.00 that everybody has them advertised for. Due to the fact that I bought it in town, I had to pay the taxes on it but even at that, I ended up paying $XXXX.00 out the door. I am OK with that.
I think that it is good for the style playing that I do. Like I said, I'm very much an amateur but the music that I enjoy and try to sort of play is along the lines of James Taylor, Neil Young, Dob Dylan...a little Willie Nelson and Randy Travis thrown in for good measure. Mostly light strumming and some flat picking.
edited for price
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Good choice Don. I love my 814ce, and yes I like it better than my Martin M-36(and it is a very good guitar).
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Also, thanks for joining. We need more people who aren't scared to say the name Martin around here ;D
I've never once gotten the sense that it's not okay to talk about other guitar brands, especially since many of us own brands in addition to Taylor.
It was a joke, hence the emoticon at the end
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Well folks, I tried all weekend to love it and just didn't. I took it back a few minutes ago. I can't tell you why but it just didn't do it for me. So, I'm back to my search. I'll check out some of the models that you have suggested and also try to find somebody with the DCPA1 in stock so I can do some real comparisons. I know that when I find the right one, I will know it.
Thank you all so much for your excellent feedback.
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Also, thanks for joining. We need more people who aren't scared to say the name Martin around here ;D
I've never once gotten the sense that it's not okay to talk about other guitar brands, especially since many of us own brands in addition to Taylor.
It was a joke, hence the emoticon at the end
I don't know the language of emoticons because I never use them. I didn't realize they cancel out everything that precedes them.
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I'll check out some of the models that you have suggested and also try to find somebody with the DCPA1 in stock so I can do some real comparisons.
I never really understood the Performing Artist Series. It's a blatant ripoff.
Funny story:
A few years back at MIAC (the Toronto trade show), I took a walk over to the Martin booth to visit my buddy Bruce. As I walked up to their booth, Bruce was sitting there texting. I was sure he saw me walk up, but he kept his eyes on his screen. I, in turn, paid him no attention.
I picked up the GPCPA1 (a wannabe 814ce) which they had on display. I checked it out for a few, and set it back on its stand as Bruce looked up at me.
"What the :o ?", I said. "Worked for us!"
He laughed, but I think he was well aware that their guitar was quite the homage to the 814ce...
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I never really understood the Performing Artist Series. It's a blatant ripoff.
Now, now, Steve. I seem to recall Taylor has a few DN models in its lineup.
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I never really understood the Performing Artist Series. It's a blatant ripoff.
Now, now, Steve. I seem to recall Taylor has a few DN models in its lineup.
Sure.
So does everyone else.
The only person who could look at the Performing Artists and not see that they're rip-offs is a person who lacks the benefit of sight.
I mean, seriously...
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Well folks, I tried all weekend to love it and just didn't. I took it back a few minutes ago. I can't tell you why but it just didn't do it for me. So, I'm back to my search. I'll check out some of the models that you have suggested and also try to find somebody with the DCPA1 in stock so I can do some real comparisons. I know that when I find the right one, I will know it.
Thank you all so much for your excellent feedback.
hi Don,
i hope that you will consider checking out wildwood music in coshocton -
they show to have all the models in stock that you may be considering comparing
hey Steve :D
i thought the PA series was more 'inspired' by the 814ce (cutaway shape,
older style fretmarkers & bridge) & the 414ce (solid ovangkol binding) ;)
the 1 - 5s have the 16 series mortise & tenon neck joint & hybrid X scalloped bracing -
http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=144:gpcpa1&Itemid=88 (http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=144:gpcpa1&Itemid=88)
it's interesting that a model 1/4 the $ has the same bracing pattern ???
http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=927:gpcpa5k&Itemid=8 (http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=927:gpcpa5k&Itemid=8)
looking at the glass half-empty, it'd sort of be like the 100 series bracing pattern being used on the 800 series or
i guess another way to look at it would be half-full (the 800 series CV bracing pattern being used on the 100 series)
in order to step-up to 'Standard series' specs, one has to pony up the $ for this one (right in-between a 900 & PS)
adi/madi, scalloped-X GE forward shifted 5/16" adi bracing, dovetail neck joint
http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=929:gpcpa1-madagascar-rosewood&Itemid=8 (http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=929:gpcpa1-madagascar-rosewood&Itemid=8)
koa 'PS' ?
http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=928:gpcpa-koa&Itemid=8 (http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=928:gpcpa-koa&Itemid=8)
pre-97 DNs had square shoulders, more hummingbirdesque & in 97, the redesign
used more a rounded D-XXesque style shape ... & the RTS3 had a 'teardrop' 'guard :o
imho, in the grand scheme of things, i think it's about all a 'wash' -
the rosewood that was received from martin was paid for ...
it's all good :)
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Thank you. Yes, I do plan to get by there but my schedule is making it difficult. I actually have a meeting about an hour from there today but I looked at their website and saw that they are closed on Sun, Mon, and Tue. :( I don't think I will have another chance this week and have to go to Michigan on Saturday. Maybe I can get by there sometime next week.
In the meantime, I'll be stopping at just about every guitar shop that I happen across but most around here just don't have much mid to high level inventory.
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I once fought the same fight everyday. I have a home studio. I have some very nice guitars. I really like Martins and Taylors and have a J45 Custom that is one of the best guitars I have ever owned for sound. The simple reality is this. Martins have their niche and Taylors have their niche. If you like that classic "Martin" tone with more bass overtones and historical significance that is unmatched then get a Martin. If you like that "piano precision like" sound quality of a Taylor with innovations in guitar building that Martin is copying (Performing Artist) then get that. I for one couldn't decide so I own both. IMHO, the F1 Aura is FAR superior to the Expression. It isn't even close. However, it is a bit more complicated where as the Expression is three simple knobs. To me, picking between a Taylor and Martin is like choosing which one of your kids you love more. I for one, have always played more Martin Guitars. However, I am smart enough to realize that there is room at the table for many different guitar makers and tone woods. I go nuts when I read how defensive some owners get about their brand or model. The only thing that matters is what appeals to your ear and your feel. Period. Don't get caught up in anything else. I have a DCPA1 that is easier playing than my Taylors and sounds wonderful and different to me than any of my other guitars. I like it so much, I am buying a Madagascar to get even more of the classic Martin tone. At the same time, I have my sights on a 814CE Spring Ltd Coco..... Tom"ay"to - Tom"ah"to. You can't go wrong either way. Enjoy the ride! 8)
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Well, my schedule has changed a bit so I'm going to be able to get to Wildwood Music today. It looks like they have everything in stock that I want to check out. I'm especially interested in the Martin DCPA1 and also will try the Taylor 810ce and the 816ce. I'm thinking that one of these three is going to be the ticket for me but am going to keep an open mind. I like the gloss finishes but who knows, I may see a 4 series or something else that may reach out to me.
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Well, my schedule has changed a bit so I'm going to be able to get to Wildwood Music today. It looks like they have everything in stock that I want to check out. I'm especially interested in the Martin DCPA1 and also will try the Taylor 810ce and the 816ce. I'm thinking that one of these three is going to be the ticket for me but am going to keep an open mind. I like the gloss finishes but who knows, I may see a 4 series or something else that may reach out to me.
Hot dog! Have some fun today!
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I hope you will reconsider playing another 814ce especially since you might be trying out a number of guitars. I've played identical Taylors which sounded and played differently from one another. Who knows...maybe an 814ce just might whisper sweet sounds in your ear. ;)
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Well, my schedule has changed a bit so I'm going to be able to get to Wildwood Music today. It looks like they have everything in stock that I want to check out. I'm especially interested in the Martin DCPA1 and also will try the Taylor 810ce and the 816ce. I'm thinking that one of these three is going to be the ticket for me but am going to keep an open mind. I like the gloss finishes but who knows, I may see a 4 series or something else that may reach out to me.
Hi Mr. Nelson,
Could you do me a favor and play this guitar as well and let me know how it sounds (if not too much of a bother to you). I've been eyeing it for awhile. It's a 2011 Fall Limited GSce Cocobolo. Thanks and goodluck in your guitar search.
(http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3462.jpg)
(http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3477.jpg)
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Well, my schedule has changed a bit so I'm going to be able to get to Wildwood Music today. It looks like they have everything in stock that I want to check out. I'm especially interested in the Martin DCPA1 and also will try the Taylor 810ce and the 816ce. I'm thinking that one of these three is going to be the ticket for me but am going to keep an open mind. I like the gloss finishes but who knows, I may see a 4 series or something else that may reach out to me.
Hi Nelson, I couldn't recommend them enough. I got my new GS8e via WildWoodMusic...Don and Marty were soooo nice and helpful! :D
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Fire, I'm sorry but did not see your message before I was already done there.
Well folks, I bought a guitar but I did end up going with the Martin. Ended up not buying any of the guitars that I went to look at though. I tried the 810ce and the 816ce. Was leaning toward the 816ce when Don pulled out a custom shop Martin. It was absolutely the guitar for me. Although I had previously said that I really wasn't interested in the GPCPA1, this one changed my mind.
So, I ended up buying a custom shop GPCPA1. It may well be the only one around exactly like this and certainly wouldn't appeal to everybody. It is Indian Rosewood back and sides but has an Adirondack top. Dovetail neck joint, 5/16" Golden Era forward shifted bracing. I was a bit surprised that the Adirondack top would be the one that rang my bell but it surely did.
Thanks for recommending Wildwood Music. Don and Marty are truly nice people and very easy to deal with.
Here's their description off the website:
We asked Martin's Custom Shop Luthiers to make their new Performing Artist GPC model with the Traditional dove-tail joined neck! It was made with Premium East Indian Rosewood and powerful Adirondack Spruce, with the hand-scalloped "Golden Era" pattern bracing on the top! The appointments are the same as on the new "Performing Artist -1" Series; but, to bring back a touch of Martin Tradition, we added the old Martin stamp to the back of the headstock. We also added the Traditional polished and beveled Tortoise pickguard, and made certain to add a bone nut and saddle. The pickup system on this guitar features the brilliant Fishman Fl Aura! But we saved the best comment for last--the magnificent sound! Wait until you have this "power-up" in your arms!
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Congrats Don! Glad you settled on a guitar that ran the bell.
Sure hoping for some pictures soon. Sound clip if you can.
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Congrats @dknelson!
-Gary K
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OK....I was asked to post pictures so here you go. And YES, I KNOW it is a blatant ripoff. :)
[attachment deleted by admin]
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I'm sure you will enjoy it. The fret markers look nice, and I like the binding. Enjoy!
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Fire, I'm sorry but did not see your message before I was already done there.
Well folks, I bought a guitar but I did end up going with the Martin. Ended up not buying any of the guitars that I went to look at though. I tried the 810ce and the 816ce. Was leaning toward the 816ce when Don pulled out a custom shop Martin. It was absolutely the guitar for me. Although I had previously said that I really wasn't interested in the GPCPA1, this one changed my mind.
So, I ended up buying a custom shop GPCPA1. It may well be the only one around exactly like this and certainly wouldn't appeal to everybody. It is Indian Rosewood back and sides but has an Adirondack top. Dovetail neck joint, 5/16" Golden Era forward shifted bracing. I was a bit surprised that the Adirondack top would be the one that rang my bell but it surely did.
Thanks for recommending Wildwood Music. Don and Marty are truly nice people and very easy to deal with.
Here's their description off the website:
We asked Martin's Custom Shop Luthiers to make their new Performing Artist GPC model with the Traditional dove-tail joined neck! It was made with Premium East Indian Rosewood and powerful Adirondack Spruce, with the hand-scalloped "Golden Era" pattern bracing on the top! The appointments are the same as on the new "Performing Artist -1" Series; but, to bring back a touch of Martin Tradition, we added the old Martin stamp to the back of the headstock. We also added the Traditional polished and beveled Tortoise pickguard, and made certain to add a bone nut and saddle. The pickup system on this guitar features the brilliant Fishman Fl Aura! But we saved the best comment for last--the magnificent sound! Wait until you have this "power-up" in your arms!
congrats Don :)
i guess you saved Marty & Don the trouble of putting pics of that one up on their site ;)
i like the grain on the rosewood & the teardrop pickguard looks like it belongs there
thanks for sharing how it all turned out & for the pics ... nice 8)
enjoy er :D
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OK....I was asked to post pictures so here you go. And YES, I KNOW it is a blatant ripoff. :)
I prefer to call it a copy honoring Taylor's excellent taste. :)
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"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Congrats on your new Martin.
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There is absolutely no doubt that it is a visual knock-off of the 800 series. That is what attracted me to it. The 800 series Taylors are my favorites by far. That is where the similarities end though. I like Taylor guitars and that is why I went back and tried the 810 and the 816. For this time though, it was just that Martin sound that I was looking for. Not better than the Taylor and I know that most Taylor fans much prefer the Taylor sound over the Martin but this time it was the sound of this guitar that I was after. I will say that playability is similar for both models. The Taylor neck is fantastic and playability, in my opinion, is second to none but Martin did a great job on the neck of this one. For me, playability was pretty much a toss up. I love both guitars but this time, this was the sound that I was looking for. I have to admit that the electronics played no part in my decision. I never even plugged either guitar in to an amp. To be honest, if either of these had no electronics I would have been fine with that. I like the cutaway style though and they just both have electronics. I may use it somebody but for now it will be mostly unplugged.
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That's a special feeling. Here's to many years of great music together.
And thanks for posting the pics!
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Hey, good guitars are good guitars. I bought a D-35 Sun, that's in the shop for a neck reset now. I may or may not keep it.
Steve
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Congrats Don-
That's the prettiest of the Martin Performing Artist series that I've seen to date. I like the look of that OM pickguard much more. All in all, it looks like a high quality instrument, and I've no doubt that the Adi top and traditional bracing make that one special guitar. So glad your search had a happy ending!