Taylor 322-12 fret, 000-17SM killer?

[PDXMike]

While there are undeniably many similarities between these two guitars, I would in no way make the claim that the 322-12 fret is a 000-17SM killer! Each has its own unique tone, and the different bracing pattern on each will contribute to that. Furthermore, I would venture a guess that the person considering purchasing a 000-17SM is not the same person that's considering the 322-12 fret, simply because one will have a more "traditional" voicing and one will have a more "modern" voicing. Both are fantastic instruments, and each will have its own advocates.

On a side note, one could say that the real 000-17SM killer was C.F Martin IV, seeing as it was discontinued in 2016!

[lodi_55]

Originally Posted by cooper59

not even close. had the 522 which is even better but still a taylor. just mahogany. not even close in my opinion

Sorry, not sure what you're trying to say here. "Still a Taylor"?

BTW, I agree that the 322 SEB 12-fret is a very nice guitar.

[PTC Bernie]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

It's easy enough to order one without the electronics.

Yes, but the issue there is Taylor's use of, IMHO, aesthetically inferior woods. If I plunk my money down there's no guarantee that I won't have a big white stripe running through the ebony fingerboard or bear claw or some other issue. To me that's a deal killer. If I saw that in a guitar hanging in a shop I would pass on it just as quickly as the ones with the ES2 or other systems where there are holes all over the body. Right or wrong, that's just one of my criteria.

I don't say that to start the whole environmental debate, please don't go there. I'm just saying that there's a reason I've never bought a guitar that I haven't laid eyes and hands on.

I'll keep looking and when I find one that checks all the boxes I'll pull the trigger.

Again, I know I'm a picky old son of a gun and will readily admit it.

[smurph1]

Originally Posted by PDXMike

While there are undeniably many similarities between these two guitars, I would in no way make the claim that the 322-12 fret is a 000-17SM killer! Each has its own unique tone, and the different bracing pattern on each will contribute to that. Furthermore, I would venture a guess that the person considering purchasing a 000-17SM is not the same person that's considering the 322-12 fret, simply because one will have a more "traditional" voicing and one will have a more "modern" voicing. Both are fantastic instruments, and each will have its own advocates.

On a side note, one could say that the real 000-17SM killer was C.F Martin IV, seeing as it was discontinued in 2016!

You took the words right out of my mouth. I truly love the "warmth" of my 000-17SM. Not saying the Taylor is bad, but I'm a geezer who is still stuck in the 1970s.

[slice]

Both very nice IMO, but I preferred the 000-17SM, just sounded better to my ear.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by PTC Bernie

Yes, but the issue there is Taylor's use of, IMHO, aesthetically inferior woods. If I plunk my money down there's no guarantee that I won't have a big white stripe running through the ebony fingerboard or bear claw or some other issue. To me that's a deal killer...

I'm guessing that Pelham blue wouldn't cut it, either, right?

[SpruceTop]

... and that Morado fingerboard on the Martin 000-17SM is so cool! The only thing better than that would be if the fingerboard was Richlite or that inferior striped-ebony like Taylor uses.

[cageyOne]

I remember when I cared about what a guitar looks like

[cageyOne]

Originally Posted by slice

Both very nice IMO, but I preferred the 000-17SM, just sounded better to my ear.

I thought the 17sm sounded better too

[Kupuna50]

Both are well built. No question.
The Martin has a more full tone than the Taylor, with a more pronounced bass response. Excellent for blues or gospel style music.
It's up to YOUR ear.
As for the 'holes' from the ES system - not a great idea from Taylor. I, too, wish they would offer something less intrusive.

[ronbo]

I would agree that the 000-17sm definitely has a lot of bass response, but my experience was that it was at the detriment to the table response...it was too dark for me. The way Taylor has done their mahogany guitars seems to be more balanced with a nice mix of bass and trebles. I have a 526 that is quickly becoming my favorite guitar, such a joy to play and sounds equally good to my ears playing it and listening to it. Had a buddy in the local bluegrass jam play it and he liked it a lot, but did comment that "It was still a Taylor..." he's funny that way