Martin 0001XAE vs Taylor 114 - what would you choose & why?

[mashup]

In my quest for a smallish gigging/busking & generalknocking about guitar, I have whittled it down to one of these 2. Just wondering from any other players who have had the opportunity to compare the 2 head to head, what they thought of them, what one they'd choose & why.

[lecp1702]

I had to make same kind of choice beetween a 000 Martin and a Taylor Grand Auditorium. Both are nice, but you have to choose

They both have 1 11\16'' neck and a solid top. The Martin come with a pickup but it's also an option with the Taylor.

But the size of the body is different:
114: 16" width, 4 5\8'' depth, 20'' lenght
000x1: 15'' width, 4 1\8'' depth, 19 3\8'' lenght

So different size, different sound!
The Taylor is bigger, as big as a Dread, but with a thinner waist, wich make it confortable to play. More bass, but still good mid and high(in my opinion)

Martin is smaller, so more confort, less bass, mid and high more present(again it's my opinion)

I have tried both of them several time, and I also had the chance to try other model: 214 to 714, om1, 00015-00016 and some other.

My body told me to go with the Martin, more confort. But my ears told me Taylor. And by the time a came to a decision, I had a little more money, so I when for the GA3

I'm sure you have heard this before, but try them both if possible and let your ears be the jugde. My guess here is that 50% will go for Taylor and the other half will choose Martin!!

Hope this help a little
Phil

I would go for the 000X1AE. In fact, I already did. In my search for a relatively inexpensive guitar for scary gigs, travel, etc., I played many of the lower echelon Taylors, Martins, and other brands. The 000X1 (before there was the 000X1AE) was my favorite by quite a bit. I thought it had more depth, richness than the 114 Taylors. I actually liked the Big Baby better than the 114 models I tried. Just my opinion here, of course.

[Jeremy]

Having owned both (currently have the 000X1AE) I'd suggest the Martin. Both are great guitars but the Martin to me has a deeper and richer sound and the smaller body makes it even more comfortable than the 114 (which is comfortable in its own right).

[steve s]

When I was trying out guitars in that price range at our local GC, there was nothing even close to the 000X1AE, be it Taylor, Epiphone, or whatever.

Steve

[LeeM]

000X1AE for me. I played a Taylor, little bit more expensive and it was nice, but I'm a Martin guy, so I'm biased

[mashup]

Thanks guys. I was already leaning towards the 000X1AE anyway because I prefer what I feel is a warmer sound that comes from it, as opposed to what I find a more brighter, thinner sound of the 114 (Not that it sounds thin at all though, just different). My ears prefer the Martin & your feedback has helped me make up my mind on this one. & the 000 is cheaper! Great! Thanks guys

[GibbyPrague]

Ive played both and would opt for the Taylor. I actually prefer the laminate Taylors to their solid wood cousins as I find they have a bit more bite and attitude.

Also the Taylor construction is outstanding as is the playability.