Taylor AD22e vs Martin 000-15M - Acoustic Guitar Comparison
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- čas přidán 12. 10. 2021
- We did it! The new Taylor AD22e was dying to be compared to the ever-popular Martin 000-15M… and we just happened to have one in stock!! How do these two smaller-body Mahogany guitars compare. Which one would you choose?
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Pick the 000-15m for fingerstyle, trust me. The bass notes are so out there when you play it's incredible.
You can get away with some light responsive flatpicking with the 000-15M!
The Martin 000-15M has a vintage cool factor. From it’s small snowflake inlays to the open geared Grovers, it is pure old school Martin.
You read my mind! I wanted a comparison between these two guitars, and a few hours later, here it is.
I have a Martin 000-15 that’s been set up and I love that guitar! So sweet and rich sounding. It even smells good! 😁 I agree, Taylor’s always play great. BTW, purchased a Yamaha FSX5 from you ( Music Villa ) and was so happy your sales person asked how I wanted it set up. Incredible service!
Martin OOO15 And Yamaha FSX5 What do you like?
Amazing playing, as always! Woods being similar, I think the 2 body size in Taylor is closer to Martin’s 00. 😎
I’m a huge Taylor fan but I’m in love with 15 series Martins how they get such a warm sound from a small body guitar is just amazing .
Great comparison!
I owned a Martin D12-20 for 25 years. When it became damaged beyond repair, I replaced it with a Taylor 855ce 18 years ago. I've gone on to own several Taylors since then, and have added no Martins. But if I was in the market for a small bodied guitar based on the sound, I'd take this 000-15M over the AD22 in a heartbeat. Quinton: great job on your playing, as always. I also liked the term "caramelized" as you used it; describes my mini hog to a T.
When you guys post a video I like it before I even watch.
It should be noted that the Taylor is closer to a 00 and the Martin is a 000. Look at the size of the waists on the two guitars.
This.
The only true fair comparison is to a 00-15, the 000 has more natural bottom end and therefore sounds way different...
And if we are to do a true pairing of comparable models, the Guild M-20 must be included as well.
I got the Martin 000-15M. Sweet guitar. I never tried a Taylor though...🎶🎶🎶
I just bought a 000 15 today
Thanks for this video. Both sound great. To my ears, the Martin fits my tastes better and would be my choice… but…. Taylor, as Quentin says, out of the box, great playability and feel. Both are cool.
I’m a big 00015 fan. Love that particular Martin sound and feel but I agree, my Martins, and most others, needed. Set up. The Taylors I’ve had were as you described. Thank you.
One of these days I will add one of these Taylors.
I agree with the top end brightness on the Taylor being a bit harsh.
I own that very Martin as well as various Taylor’s, as well as Ovations. But the sound of the mahogany Martin is beautifully deep while my Taylor’s are easier to play, primarily because the radius of their necks are shorter than the Martins. I actually wrote to Martin and asked them to reduce the radius of their necks. The radiuses on my Ovations are shorter still.
You guys really gotta stop interrupting each other all the time and playing guitare over speech.
That said, great review! You guys know your stuff!
The taylor looks like a rich guy's guitar, the martin looks like something you would find in the hands of some old blues player living in a cabin at the edge of a city
I really enjoyed this demo and the slightly different chords Quinton. I was a songwriter but am now a guitar collector. I loved Taylor. I have a number of them. I love Guild - their higher end guitars. My first love is also my most loved a 1981 D-55.. I hated Martin, for 38 years until I bought an M36 in 2019. Then all hell broke loose and now I have 10 Martins. I was buying another new guitar and was waiting for the luthier to set it up for me. I got bored, saw the 000-15m on the wall, took it down and, well, you shoulda seen my jaw hit the ground. It came home too (with an installed pickup - my choice is the Fishman Matrix Infinity Mic Blend). Every time I think of thinning the herd, the Martin gets played and put back. Of all of my Taylors, there are only 2 or 3 I won't part with. The Martins - none I will part with. My Gibsons - goodbye. Guild (sorry those are staying). Lowden - bye. My McPherson, err nope that's staying. My string choice are Elixirs - Martin strings I won't have. One thing:, the 000-15m has a 111/16" neck - my preference. So my advice is to try everything one can. In fact, grab the ones you like the look of least. You may be shocked. Also on a last note: the Taylor V-bracing took something essential away. Give me an X-braced Taylor any day. (I have one). Okay, now I'll shut up! Thank you for the great demo!
Was considering a 000-15. Now I know 1 11/16. Nope - I prefer 1.75... I have an X-braced Taylor 324 Mahogany. Love it - except the action around fret 6 and above. Had new shims put in last year to "solve" this. Didn't solve the problem. I don't know how the guy says Taylor action is great all over the fretboard. I have not had that experience with my Taylor!
I’m a Taylor guy and I love the crisp articulate tone of many Taylors. I’ve got two 714’s - old and new - that I love. Here I give the sound contest to the Martin. Just sounds fuller to me. But the Taylor still sounds pretty dang good to me here. The thing that has struck me with my own Taylors (and I rarely see mentioned) is the tonal difference you get by simply changing your pick thickness. The thicker pick seems to give a much more Martin type sound to me. My preference is a medium gauge pick because to my ear it lets my Taylors sound most alive.
Taylor closer to L-OO Gibson. Could be body size.
714 is a great one!👌
The Martin sounds a lot more full and mellow. I definitely like it better! The guy on the left says the Taylor sounds more mellow. I don't get that. I think it sounds thinner.
Pretty sure I have the 000 s the same but slotted headstock... I ha a k & k pickup installed... I love it... Just recorded an album with it by micing it up and trying to record another 30 song project now under lockdown... 40 recorded songs within months of buying it... Its one awesome guitar....
I love the look and feel of the AD17, I have never heard or played mahogany.
I played the Taylor AD22e and the Martin 000-15M at the guitar store and although I love them both, I liked the sound of the Taylor better, plugged and unplugged. I also felt the Taylor was easier to play. Fast forward, I bought a Martin 000CJr-10E Junior Cutaway Electric-Acoustic Guitar with Gig Bag. Saving up to buy the Taylor AD22e.
I’ve had a Martin D-15M for several years. I absolutely love that guitar and it’s my go to for finger picking and strumming. No it’s not a D-28 flat picking cannon but that’s ok, I’ve got other guitars for that.
I’m trying the hardest I can to not be a hater in life. I just want people to be into what they’re into and really feel like they’re enjoying their true selves. But I have never once heard a Taylor guitar that sounded good.
Have you tried a Taylor 816ce Builders Edition (2021)? It doesn't sound like a Taylor. That extra sound port helps eliminate problems with hearing aids. (I play for folks who can't get out...nursing homes, memory care and assisted living) where the hearing aid thing is an issue.
For me it's slightly different I guess. Taylor guitars have their own sound, just like Gibsons and Martins do. And I think it's a very well balanced sound and I completely understand why people love them, but it's a sound that doesn't speak to me personally.
I'm much more of an electric guitar player. Some brands make guitars that sound and feel almost too perfect. I'm not sure how to describe it otherwise, but it's a sound that doesn't emote me. I have the same thing with Taylor guitars. I'm sure in the hands of great players they will work for me as well as any other guitar, but playing them myself never gives me what I want to hear. Maybe I'm just not good enough. 😊
Maybe you're not a lucky guy. I've never heard a Taylor that sounded bad.
Taylor makes guitars for I think specifically Taylor Swift fans
First time I've ever seen an A/B test where the sound is blended between the two, I've always been infuriated that editors could never figure this basic idea out for themselves. TY, I hope other channels see the penny drop.
What do you mean blended? Surely that's what you don't want for accurate comparison
@@rickyanthony It's the blending in and out of each guitar playing the same thing without any break, so you can hear the differences immediately. If you compare the way Alamo Music do it, they play a piece all the way through on one guitar, there's a pause, then another guitar plays the same thing start to finish. You just end up hearing two different (nice sounding) guitars separately and your ears have no chance of picking up any differences. It's such an easy and obvious fix to do it this way.
@@WahrheitMachtFrei. Oh right of course. Lot's of them don't bother editing for the primary purpose, in many types of demo videos. I try to remember to do it myself if I am in the market because our ears and brains are easily fooled.
Two other details for comparison would be scale length & strings. The Martin being a longer scale & their own brand of strings while the Taylor is shorter & if it's straight from the factory will have Elixirs.
The Taylor is much brighter but a love the earthy sound of the Martin.
I've played both (the Taylor mostly) but when I really got my hands on the Martin, it just blew me a way. Unreal fullness
Loved them both. The Taylor was brighter and more appealing to me.
Interesting! The Taylor seems more articulate to me, with individual chord members and intervals speaking with clarity. The Martin sounds fuller, like the chords are single entities rather than structures of individual notes. Cool instruments!
Both sound great. I actually like the combination of the Mahogany/Sapele. Definitely a bit more opened up than the Mahogany. I lean toward the Taylor on this one.
I had a set up done on my 00015m at Traverse City Guitar company , then it played as good as my Taylors, but it took that, but those guys are perfectionists there.
I've got a martin 000 - 15 and love it !! Mine is a 2005 with a LR Bragg's pickup and magical to play and sounds great !
I love what Taylor does with their sustainable woods, dedication to playable guitars and their desire to push design forward. That being said I have never found one that I've liked. They all have that sterile sound to me. I can play a $5,000 builders edition that I don't like as much as a $500 X series.
Nail on the head mate - I have a Sigma 00m15 copy I bought from a pawnbroker for £150 - it’s superbly playable and I prefer its sound to either of these.
Superb clarity and richness of tone is not the same as character.
Sterile sound is a great description. Couldn't put my finger on what it was about them but that is it.
I'd have to agree with you. Almost like Taylor was made for a studio. I've had them all at this point everything from D28 to j45 to 714ce. So when I had the 714ce I should it because my Sigma ooome had a better pronounced sound to play along with others. So I sold the 714 and now I play the sigma and have a ooo-15m I picked up. Martin is hands down for me the acoustic brand to play. That's just my opinion which means fuck all lol I've been playing for 30 years at this point.
@@jacobreagan4374 Also, not fun to play. The fun factor is everything.
Hi guys. Thanks for your great videos! They're very watchable and informative! How would you (or any of your viewers) compare the Taylor AD22e with the Guild M-25e? Many thanks!
The Martin's tone is far richer to my ears,
I think both sound great, Martin is more for strumming, and Taylor for arpeggios
I'm not a big Taylor fan. I love the GS Mini because for what it offers at the price point it's an unbeatable guitar. The GP body models have been so uninspiring, but this AD22e is a great sounding guitar. It has some tonal character there I do like over the Martin 000-15m, but... and this is just preference, there's a sweater character to the 000-15m's sound that just more appealing to me. Truthfully, I'd love to own both of these and if I buy another Taylor it will probably be the AD22e. AD22 gives you electronics, 000-15m gives you a hard case. Take your pick!
Another superb comparison. Sometimes I wish you could precede these comparisons with a "blindfold" test where the audience doesn't know the brand (Of course, you would follow up with a "reveal."). Why? Based on the responses, I get the impression that the opinion is determined as soon as the brand is mentioned, and before the respective guitar is played. This is especially true of Martin vs Taylor comparisons.
IMHO, I have a Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 (the 000-15M on steroids, and then some), an amazing instrument. However, the AD22e is also an amazing instrument and would, arguably, be played more often.
Thanks again!
God damn right I don't want no Taylor
I lived and breathed my '64 Gibson LG-0 all mahogany parlor acoustic from age 12 to 22 (1978- 1988). My brother happened to have our mom's '65 Gibson LG-0 spruce top version. I preferred the personal envelope of sound projection and full gambit of warm, baroque reminiscent tone of the 100% mahogany parlor...you can shut your eyes and transport yourself to the woods of the 14th century when you play. However, being an Ohio boy, I played plenty of bluegrass too, and my little Gibson blended perfectly with my brother's early '60's Gibson Dove.
The Martin certainly shines more. I just ordered one, can't wait.
Recently purchased the Martin 000-15 (after about a year of research, and debating on whether to continue to save toward a “higher end” guitar). So far, I’m very pleased with my decision. It sounds darn good and I’m especially impressed with the low end. Re:Taylor, I had a 500 series once, (cedar top), but I never really grew to love the sound of it. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t good so it didn’t get played much - ended up selling it. 🤷🏻♀️. To each his own. (But get the Martin if you’ve narrowed it down to these 2, lol).
I had a cedar Seagull. It was very flat and sounded dead. It did open slightly maybe like 1.5-2 years in and warmed up a little bit. But spruce and magaony have so much more character. To me, cedar sounded like it wasn't sure what to sound like lol.
Sound/voice wise, I liked the Martin 000-15. The 2 Taylor American Dream guitars I've tried, I didn't like the feel of the neck. Maybe the AD22e is different with the neck. If I had a choice for a mahogany back and sides guitar, I'd look for a Martin 000-18 VTS. Not sold on mahogany top guitars.
Hi Tex. I've listened to both in this video, the Martin sounds sweeter (to my ear). Taylor sounds "sharper"...
Owned a martin 000-15m its still one of the best sounding, best playing guitars I ever owned
That Cmaj7 really opens up that Martin. I'm sold just on that chord.
I really like the 00-17s for a mahogany guitar. But that’s like the price of both those guitars.
Martin is my dream guitar. One day i will take it home 🤩
I own three Martins but do not own a Taylor but have my eye on the solid Koa. I agree with playability but I also agree that my ear leans to the Martins that I pick up and play.
that Martin 000-15M is my second favorite Martin standard production guitar next to the D-18. I'm telling ya, the Martin hogs are the truth!
Does Martin make a 1.75 nut Mahogany?
@@danherrick5785 this same guitar but its a 12 fret version. Its called a 00015sm. I have one and it is money.
Oh yeah! I have a 00015m and the only other guitar I would like to have is a D18.
I have the 000-15M-StreetMaster version and it looks and sounds fantastic. Sold my Taylor 210ce to get it. But......I'm mostly an electric player and I have a hard time playing with the Martin, even after replacing the tall factory saddle with a Martin medium one. The Taylor played much more like electrics do, I probably should have kept both.
Amazing play and review. In this case I prefer Martinresonant tone but prefer Taylor shape. Looks like Gibson small shape and cool.
I've owned a 000-15m for the past 10 years and it just keeps getting better with age.
I went with the 000-16 for the adirondack spruce VTS and the rosewood back and sides. I got zero regrets
I have a Martin 000-15. It has this immediate old soul vibe that I was looking for. I played the AD 22e in a store. Great playability. But it sounded too "modern" to my ears.
maraming salamat po!!! MABUHAY!!!
I had a 000-15M, but had to sell it. Great guitar
I have the Taylor K26ce Edgeburst and I love the KOA tone! I've played the AD22e at a local music shop and I don't think it stands up next to the 000-15M Martin which is by my home office desk and played daily. The Martin has twice the sustain and a sweetness for gentle picking that is lost on the Taylor. After hearing this particular Taylor now again on your video, I still feel the 000-15M is the one to get.
Most mahogany top guitars have a more mid range and are somewhat compressed. I really like the look and sound of mahogany top guitars
The Taylor sounds bigger but I'm not sure I'll ever get over the top end brightness - the Martins always sound more balanced to my ear.
As is the usual case between these two makers:
Taylor: sparkle right in your face, bright, works best in a loud band where you want to hear your acoustic.
Martin: warm, boomy, signature sound that we’ve all come to appreciate and love.
Martin 000 15m has a warm sound . Taylor sounds also pretty good . I ll get both hehe
Os 2 violões são muito bons. Parabéns pelo video.
I love martins Taylor and Gibsons and all kinds of acoustic guitars
Both are good. Martin for open low sound . Taylor for playability and. Sweet sound.want both.
It all depends on what kind of player you are. If you strum mostly, then the Martin would be the choice. But if you're a finger picker, that Taylor would be the one.
funny though, that Martin begs to be fingerpicked (or strummed).. both amazing guitars
The Martin IS the Gibson LG-0 all mahogany parlor acoustic! Just needs the screwed down pick guard.
Easy win to the Martin in my opinion. The Taylor sounds cheap in comparison. I personally think the Martin 00015M is one of the best sounding guitars you can buy. That’s why I got one!!
I’d have to give it to the Martin. Better tone. Very authentic!
You can have the Martin adjusted to your playing style. You can't adjust the Taylor to sound like the Martin. I'm not going to bother to look up the exact specs but the AD22 looks more like a 00 size than 000 so is this really an equal comparison?? Smaller guitar, smaller sound?? Then we can discuss Elixir vs Martin strings. What would the Taylor sound like with Martin phosphor bronze strings and vs versa. Not a fan of Elixir string btw.
I like elixirs because I have enough acoustics that changing strings is too time consuming. they're the only coated strings I think sound pretty good. to your point - I agree, it's not quite apples to apples. I hear some of that gortex on the Taylor. I just got the 00015m today though, and they have Martin coated on it, so really they're both coated strings stock (and the elixir are better imho)
I've been looking at the martin for a long time but would prefer a 1 3/4 nut width. Just a question for you all. Would you say the taylor is more versatile? I'm leaning towards the taylor slightly now because of the nut width and it appears to be more versatile. I've played tye martin and enjoyed it, im yet to try the taylor, anyway all comments and suggestions welcome.
Martin 000-sm is a 12 fret version with the wider 1 3/4 nut. The new guild m-20 also has a 1 and 3/4 nut.
I have had nothing but Taylors for over 35 years and I love them. Currently I have a 1997 814ce that I play on stage. My 26 year old Taylor has served me well however, the Martin 000-15m is nice and clear and a lot warmer than the Taylor I currently own and this AD22e, but I think if I were to choose between the Martin or the Taylor I would choose the Martin as it has a very nice warm and clear tonal quality and hey, it looks good to boot. Oh yeah, I'm still keeping my Taylor. Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.
I also find Taylor guitars easier to play than Martins, primarily because the radius of the neck curvature is an inch shorter. The neck radius of my Ovations are shorter still and closer to the solid body electrics making them easier still. But I love playing my Mahogany Martin and hearing its rich tones booming from its dreadnought body.
Martin's are acoustic guitars first, Taylor started primarily as acoustic electrics, and they do a fine job. Martins peers are Collings, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton, Santa Cruz, some Gibson and Guild, etc., not Taylor, just different DNA. Bought an 814ce when they first came out, my Martins at the time included a D-18GE and HD-28V, the Taylor lasted a week..............
Not really a Martin fan boy, I prefer Maton's. That said I own a 00015m and it is a stunning guitar.
I wouldn't buy either of them. There are much better guitars at this price point IMO. Nice video as always guys.
Like what?
@@krismcreynolds984 The list is long. Both of these brands are notorious for charging premium prices for fairly middle of the road instruments available for significantly less elsewhere.
I do like some Martin's at higher price points, but these don't interest me. The new solid Alvarez Range (including a 12 fretter) at under a 1000 notes make a lot more sense. So do the sub 1k Eastman's and epiphone.. Larrivee also make some superb guitars. Yamaha are always worth checking out. There are lots more choices like Dovina and Furch to name two.
@@banjo1434 I'm happy to pay more for a comparable guitar that is not "Made in China", which is where most of the "significantly less elsewhere" guitars are made, unfortunately.
How much can I expect one of these to open up in a few years
Like to see a 3-way with Taylor AD22e vs Martin 000-15M vs Guild M-20
The Guild M-20 is a concert-sized guitar, more like an 0. It’s a great size for fingerpicking.
Guys, what is mic used here?
I would like to see the same A/B test with the identical instruments 10 and 20 years down the road. Tough to evaluate a brand new acoustic guitar.
The Martin will be better. Not baked on hardened finished.
Different nut widths, I guessing, the Martin is narrower, makes it easier for some to play.
I prefer the overall tone of the Taylor though the projection and bass response from the Martin is obviously exceptional. Despite the deep bass which emanates from 000-15, I believe the Taylor has a slightly warmer sound and the Martin has a more pronounced treble.
do both guitars have the same strings. The Taylor seems lighter/silkier strings
Wow I was not expecting the AD22 from Taylor. This is a nice comparison video. Both guitars sound great on my Bose headphones. Another comparison that would be great is an AD27 to AD22.
Thanks for the great video!
This is pretty much always the story with Taylor. They play great. They're built really well. They look amazing. And they sound... meh.
I disagree. They do have some issues:
1. In spite of being better than run-of-the-mill, the proprietary Expression system is not as good as other competitor brands.
2. A lot of people (at least in my experience) have no clue how to properly EQ a Taylor guitar. Again, thanks to (1), their line-in captures a lot of brightness. You need to fight it with a bit of bass and compression.
3. The sound becomes too bright when you move away from Dreadnought models or larger.
But they're still fantastic guitars. Their playability is top-notch as you said. I own a 410ce (now discontinued). Sitka spruce top, ovangkol body, dreadnought. It's a fantastic guitar.
czcams.com/video/6nvZ5RqehRA/video.html
@@aaron.debattista Disagree all you want. It doesn't change the fact that Taylors just don't sound as good as Martins or Gibsons. And I'm not talking about their electronics. I've speculated for years that it comes down to their bolt on neck joint design. Its the only thing they're doing significantly different than other guitar makers.
Wouldn't call it fact but an opinion. But yeah you're free to think that, everyone has different preferences :).
A martin is a martin they just go up in value and they sound better then any guitar.taylprs are nice but was there's Taylor's in the 1940s.no was there's Martin's yes
The Taylors are more biting and midrangey whereas Martins just more warm, natural and organic. My impression when I play a Martin is, "Wow, this is how an acoustic guitar should sound." But again, it's all preference and what your ear is willing to accept or reject.
Wô! Great video! In fact, I owned a 000-15, and an Academy 12 from Taylor. Obviously, it is not a good omparaison but I still love the playability and the grand concert body. So I was very excited with the new AD22 and to hear the comparaison. I am with Quinn, sound goes to Martin and playability I am sure goes to Taylor. Hard choice!!
What are the prices of each guitar
Play whatever you like and what inspires you. In my personal opinion, Taylors sound too harsh and tinny. They always make my ears hurt. But I can respect the craftsmanship, dedication to sustainability and playability of Taylor guitars. I adore Mahogany topped guitars and Martin won this shootout.
To me, the Sapele back and sides and the larger sound hole on the Taylor makes the difference in tone. Brighter, not as much bottom. A clear difference. Matter of taste.
If you can get your focus off the brand wars, watch and listen closely to how each guitar responds so different to the attack. The Martin seems to have a bit more headroom when Quentin leans into it hard, whereas the Taylor sounds a little more refined with arpeggiated chords or fingerstyle. It really depends on what you like, and I would go with the Taylor here.
Are the Martin 15 Series Guitars finished with Nitrocellouse Lacquer?
Yes, I believe so but it's a satin finish.
The Taylor sounds muddy after the Martin. What is the difference in price, please?
Listening on good headphones, for my taste the Martin has a more pleasant tone. The Taylor has some jangle in the mids that sound kinda "cheap guitar" ish. I agree they play better than other guitars so great for long performances on stage. In the studio I'd pick the Martin to mic up. If I had the Taylor I'd be using an EQ to try to make it sound like the Martin.
I normally find taylor to be too bright for my tates and prefer a bassy martin . But in this comparison the tayloir made the martin sound muffled imo. I'd go with the Taylor here which is a huge surprise for me. Most notable differences with the playing at the end.
Can you compare the Martin whith Guild? Have a nice day!!!
000 all the way
Taylor sounds like it has thinner strings- less presence? Less something.
Thank you for the review. The constant popping of your mics are quite distracting to be honest.
Im wondering how 000-10e compares
Great a/b at the end, really allows you to hear the differences. I'll happily do a little extra setup to have the Martin dialed in, they really do have a classic sound.