[Sordid Tales]

New member, first post. I found this forum about 2 months ago while doing research on a 2007 Taylor 214ce that I just picked up. Anyway, having 7 years of guitar repair experience (I'm by no means the next Dan Erlewine, or a great builder)

Having had a collection of 14 acoustics total (now down to 5) I've noticed several things. But, it's also brought some questions that I cannot answer myself.

Right now my collection comprises of a 2007 Taylor 214ce, 08 Seagull S6 Cedar GT, 1975 Alvarez Yairi DY-75, 70's Sekova, and an Ibanez AEF20.

The Taylor and the Seagull are the brightest. I tend to like this, as they're not overly bright, but provide great clarity (and with Pho Bronze strings, good bass response). Here's the spinner, they both feature bolt on necks.

Now most people who are familiar with acoustics know of Taylor's NT (New Technology) Neck, and Seagull seems to have followed in their footsteps with almost the exact same construction (I've taken a few apart ) But they don't promote it much like Taylor does.

The Alvarez is the darkest of them all. I'm very compelled to say "muddy", but I believe that has to do with the fact that my ears have adjusted to the Taylor sound.

Unfortunately acoustics rely on so many small details to form their sound that it's almost impossible to compare one brand to another. Martin vs. Taylor vs. Lowden vs. Seagull vs. whoever else.

Here's my question. Is it unreasonable to form the opinion that bolt on neck acoustics give a brighter sound? It's almost glass like in clarity but still incredibly smooth (especially with Godin's Quantum II electronics).

Anyone else have an opinion?