closer to the old martin sound than my Taylor

[kspeced]

I have played my Taylor 214 ce for several months now and, try as I might, I haven't fallen in love with the sound. A vintage Martin is our of my price range, but what I'm wondering about is if there's another guitar in the $1,000 -1200 price range that might have more of a Martin sound? I understand this is pretty subjective. It's mostly the treble strings on the Taylor that don't have the sound I prefer. I've put medium gauge phos/bronze strings on the Taylor, but still it hasn't been the sound I would like. Any ideas?

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Find yourself a used 15 series for under $1K. They're out there.

[kspeced]

A used 15 series by what maker?

[12barBill]

Maybe you could look into a Blueridge.

[SingingSparrow]

I will assume Bob meant the Martin 15 series - which is, indeed, a fantastic recommendation and well within your budget.

I wonder if the traditional series line of eastman guitars would provide the sound you are looking for.

The question does remain however if it is, say, the 15 series sound that you are chasing in your head? Or, is it an old D-18 you fell in love with? An OM-28 you once heard someone play or played yourself?

perhaps that insight would be helpful to you? cheers.

[lowrider]

Martin Road Series

[JayBee1404]

Originally Posted by kspeced

A used 15 series by what maker?

Errrrmmm…CF Martin! https://www.sweetwater.com/martin-15/series

[rollypolly]

I just got a 214dlx and with the elixirs it came with it was very Taylory in tone. Nothing wrong with that, I liked it, but I put on some silk and steels I had laying around and wow, it basically just sounds like a Martin now. Maybe less bass and more treble, but changing that tone was that simple for me.

[rmoretti49]

GHS Vintage Bronze strings help tame brightness. Simple and cheap experiment before you make a major move on a different guitar.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by kspeced

I have played my Taylor 214 ce for several months now and, try as I might, I haven't fallen in love with the sound. A vintage Martin is our of my price range, but what I'm wondering about is if there's another guitar in the $1,000 -1200 price range that might have more of a Martin sound? I understand this is pretty subjective. It's mostly the treble strings on the Taylor that don't have the sound I prefer. I've put medium gauge phos/bronze strings on the Taylor, but still it hasn't been the sound I would like. Any ideas?

Taylors are one of the worst guitars in regards to hearing the tone. If you're in the player's position, above the sound hole, you're probably not hearing what the guitar sounds like. (It happens with most brands, but its especially acute with Taylors). First (if you haven't already) either have someone else play your 214ce for you, or do a recording/playback, so you can hear the "real" tone. Then, if you're still dissatisfied, look for the Martin sound-alike.

Sometimes when I'm recording with my 814ce, I think "I despise this guitar's thin, wimpy sound". Then I listen to the playback, and I think "my gawd! that guitar sounds sooooooooooooo good! Allotta power and bass!" Serious.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by kspeced

A used 15 series by what maker?

Oh yes, sorry. If you're looking for a Martin sound and can't quite make it up to the standard series, a Martin 15 series is a terrific value.

[TBman]

I don't think the OP can make their Taylor sound like a Martin. Maybe put on a set of Martin Monels and leave them on for a year or so.

Seriously though, the only Taylor I have ever played that didn't have that Taylor chime was a 322. I think the Taylor chime has its place, (I like it for a lot of tunes) but not if you are looking for a Martin tone. Just get a Martin.

[YamaYairi]

1. A used Martin 00018. You might have to stretch your price range a tiny bit, but it's worth it. Save your money and buy something really nice.
2. A used Larrivee.
3. An Eastman.

[baw3]

musicians friend sells the Martin Custom D classic for 1380. These are really good sounding guitars. I dont know if thats in your budget but if it is you really should check one of these out. They are worth far more than what they are selling for. I owned one several years ago and I actually liked it better than some of their standard series guitars. Sometimes M. friend will give you a discount if you ask. 10 to 15 per cent. If you are looking for the Martin sound you should just buy a Martin like someone else said. I dont think any of my Eastmans sound like Martins. They have their own voice.

[Neil K Walk]

Look for a used Martin D-15M. They should fall squarely in your price range. Personally, I wouldn't look at any other brand no matter what anybody else suggests because in the end we all have our biases.