HFT 445 > Taylor 414 or Martin D18?

[Number8]

Hello Gang -

 

I thought I'd share the details of the experiences I've been having as I shop for a "higher end" acoustic.

 

Thus far I have been trying out Taylors (all new) and Martins (new and used). My price point has been around $2k +/- $500 or so. That has me looking at 400 series Taylors and Martin D18s and 28s. Here is what I have found (all points are made relative to my 445):

 

Taylors: Bright but not loud. Easy to play but not as easy as the 445. Left me wanting in the low end. i tried larger sizes with only marginal improvement in bass.

 

Martin: As easy to play as the 445 but not easier. Harder to coax volume out even with the Adirondack top model. Fretboard was nicer and the neck was great. Nonetheless, overall it wasn't as responsive as the 445.

 

Disclaimers: I'm a novice when it comes to evaluating the comparative qualities of acoustic guitars and I am likely overlooking some subtle yet important considerations. Nonetheless, I am not a person who has a hard time talking himself into buying another guitar and I'm more inclined to forgive shortcomings than to let them keep me from buying something.

 

At the end of the day, I sincerely prefer the 445 to any of the Taylors and Martins I've tried in that price range. There's a lesson for me here i do believe. I need to be happy with what I have even if it looks like someone spent the last 20 years throwing nickels at the top)

[heritagefan7]

I just did this routine a month ago. In add'n to what you listed, I also played guilds, Epi masterbuilt, (didn't play the 445 b/c I was looking for a cutaway) Gibby, seagull and Breedlove. I ended up choosing the Takamine pro series. I couldn't believe I bought an import, but the Takamine just sounded good unplugged and amazing plugged it. I immed had it checked out when I bought it by a trusted professional who gave it really high marks--build quality is great, 2 pickups, wonderful electronics, neck is almost dead perfect and the action is super playable. Solid spruce top, solid rosewood back--laminated sides---bone nut and saddle...It's the PRO 5 NEX series. The Pro 6 is a little above 2k as is the pro 7...I got a deal as I found this one in CA. as a store demo--but it's completely brand new---I think the store was in CA--called Music Power??? Sorry all abt the long review, I just know what it's like to go thru this---so thought I'd offer help--or maybe muddy the waters. IF I was going w/ a D body *& no cutaway, I would prob have bought Brent's 445.

 

Best on the search Number8.

[morg21279]

not to make this more confusing, but I just sold a carbon fiber composite acoustics that would blow the taylor or martin away, and I've owned martin, collings and huss and dalton and lots of high-end acoustics.

 

you should be able to find a used one for about 1000 - 1200. Make sure you play it if it's an early one (from the original LA factory) as some came out better than others. FWIW, I had a bone nut and saddle installed, and replaced the fishman UST with a K&K - kept the Fishman electronics,

[Number8]

not to make this more confusing, but I just sold a carbon fiber composite acoustics that would blow the taylor or martin away, and I've owned martin, collings and huss and dalton and lots of high-end acoustics.

 

you should be able to find a used one for about 1000 - 1200. Make sure you play it if it's an early one (from the original LA factory) as some came out better than others. FWIW, I had a bone nut and saddle installed, and replaced the fishman UST with a K&K - kept the Fishman electronics,

 

Thanks. What's the make? Rainsong?

[Guest HRB853370]

not to make this more confusing, but I just sold a carbon fiber composite acoustics that would blow the taylor or martin away, and I've owned martin, collings and huss and dalton and lots of high-end acoustics.

 

you should be able to find a used one for about 1000 - 1200. Make sure you play it if it's an early one (from the original LA factory) as some came out better than others. FWIW, I had a bone nut and saddle installed, and replaced the fishman UST with a K&K - kept the Fishman electronics,

Plus used guitars sound better as they age!

[morg21279]

the make is composite acoustics - previously independent, now owned by peavey.

 

These are all carbon fiber, so they actually don't age. My 8 year old CA sounded the same when I sold it as the day I brought it home.

[bolero]

make sure you try a couple Larrivee's, I think they are fantastic

 

my Larrivee pushed my D18 and J200 out the door

[volhoo]

I recently purchased a used (great condition 1992) Martin D-28 and am thrilled with it. The price was 1600 and well worth it. I also played the Taylors, the Gibsons and other Martins, but couldn't pass up this one.

 

I also have a Martin D-17 (2002 all mahogany) and it is not as bright as the D-28.

 

I always wanted a D-28 so it was an easy choice for me.

 

I was really impressed with the Taylors and will probably get a mini soon as well.

 

 

-

[Number8]

make sure you try a couple Larrivee's, I think they are fantastic

 

my Larrivee pushed my D18 and J200 out the door

 

Kidsmoke holds those Larrivees in high regard as well. I need to try one of his out the next time I get the chance.

[Number8]

I recently purchased a used (great condition 1992) Martin D-28 and am thrilled with it. The price was 1600 and well worth it. I also played the Taylors, the Gibsons and other Martins, but couldn't pass up this one.

 

I also have a Martin D-17 (2002 all mahogany) and it is not as bright as the D-28.

 

I always wanted a D-28 so it was an easy choice for me.

 

I was really impressed with the Taylors and will probably get a mini soon as well.

 

 

-

 

Not trying to impugn those makers by any means. GPuma has a D35 that I would give up a thumb for.

 

$1600 for a D28 is a really good deal.

[RhoadsScholar]

Martin gets my vote, D18, D28 or D35 should be in your price range......

[Steiner]

I recently purchased a used (great condition 1992) Martin D-28 and am thrilled with it. The price was 1600 and well worth it. I also played the Taylors, the Gibsons and other Martins, but couldn't pass up this one.

 

I also have a Martin D-17 (2002 all mahogany) and it is not as bright as the D-28.

 

I always wanted a D-28 so it was an easy choice for me.

 

I was really impressed with the Taylors and will probably get a mini soon as well.

 

 

-

 

Every Martin I've met has been of equal intelligence.

 

[tulk1]

make sure you try a couple Larrivee's, I think they are fantastic

 

my Larrivee pushed my D18 and J200 out the door

That was going to be my suggestion. We play Larrivee acoustics and electrics on stage. Wonderful stuff.

[Number8]

the make is composite acoustics - previously independent, now owned by peavey.

 

These are all carbon fiber, so they actually don't age. My 8 year old CA sounded the same when I sold it as the day I brought it home.

 

I had the chance to play a bunch of these yesterday (CA, Rainsong and another brand out of San Fran). They were indeed remarkable...and my goodness...LOUD. One day, some notable folk guitar player is going to pull one of these on stage and it's going to be a watershed event.

[chico]

Being the HFT445 fanatic I am, I'm enjoying this read. I have always wanted at D28 and maybe sometime I'll pick up a used one.

[Kuz]

Used Collings can be had at that price range and will blow any acoustic away. I brought my Collings Dreadnought to PSP and Kenny said it was twice as loud as a 445 playing next to me.

[gpuma]

Used Collings can be had at that price range and will blow any acoustic away. I brought my Collings Dreadnought to PSP and Kenny said it was twice as loud as a 445 playing next to me.

I call dibbs if you are going to sell your Collings in the same price range of a used d28!

 

Just saying

 

;-)

[Kuz]

I call dibbs if you are going to sell your Collings in the same price range of a used d28!

Just saying

;-)

The OP said he had $2500 to spend. With some searching I bet you could find a used Collings for that.

 

I was lucky because I bought my two Collings in the early '90s before the cost the rediculus amount of money they do now.

[gpuma]

I agree, with 2500 and a little luck you can get one. I was just busting your chops :-)

[kidsmoke]

I do love Larrivee's, and they're worth trying out before you drop that kind of money. But in my opinion, when playing high end acoustics, their is a lot of variation in the sound you'll get, even more so when playing used guitars. My preference is to always buy used, and always play them first.

 

I'm not familiar with the carbon fiber variety, but I've played guitars by every brand mentioned here and been floored by the sound, and also encountered dogs (to my ears and or hands) from nearly every brand here mentioned. the exception to that is Taylor. I can honestly say that I've yet to play a Taylor I liked. I'm sure they're out there, but from the dozen or so I've played, I've never been engaged by one.

 

The one that had me looking for the door and weighing the value of my friendship with the owner was a Collings C10. I still avoid that guys living room for fear of what I might do. What a glorious guitar.

 

Another reasonably priced top notch brand to consider (used) is Bourgeois.

 

best value...Larrivee...you can find those from 800 - 1800 all day long.

 

Otto, I'd love to spend an afternoon pickin', I really want to try your 445 after your comments here, and I've got a Larrivee and a Bourgeois you're more than welcome to wrestle with.

[zguitar71]

Collings for 2k used is the route I would take. I have a Santa Cruz d-pw that I bought used for 1900. It is great and sounds as good as a comparable Collings. The biggest difference in the two used is the hit or miss tone of the SC verses the always good sounding Collings. Play some Collings dreadnaught guitars and you probably will want one no matter the price.

[Number8]

 

 

Otto, I'd love to spend an afternoon pickin', I really want to try your 445 after your comments here, and I've got a Larrivee and a Bourgeois you're more than welcome to wrestle with.

 

Sounds good. Have you started planning the Chicago Winter Muster yet?