Yamaha has really become the sleeper guitar brand. So much less expensive but they're knocking it out of the park with the sounds! That Yamaha sounds SO GOOD. Yamaha are underrated and Taylor are overrated, in my opinion.

@normancole3415

2 жыл бұрын

yahama makes a darn good line of guitars for the price from their lowest to top of the line all are pretty good

@deejay.s

2 жыл бұрын

Been saying this for years! 🎯

@talkychris

2 жыл бұрын

Yamaha iMO certainly offers the best bang for buck. Taylor 214CE QS is currently £1350 with I believe laminate Sapele back and sides. Yamaha APX1200II is £1250, has solid front and solid rosewood back and sides. Acoustically there's probably not much in it. Both good mids and highs. The Yamaha excels plugged in. I think it's visually much more appealing too with beautiful inlays. In the sub £2000 category Yamaha for me is by far the best option.

@MrArchie765

2 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree more, I have an AC5R and it sound fantastic!!!

@leisezechen5722

2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad that there are a lot people who buy brands and not guitars. That keeps the price for yamaha guitars moderate.

I love Yamaha's (I have 3 higher end ones)and the gentleman from Malta can really play. I enjoy watching him play... very skilled.

I have a Yamaha A3R that is my number one acoustic guitar. Solid rosewood back and sides, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard. I love it. I played a Yamaha and Taylor back to back at the store, and even did a blindfold test (inspiration from chappers and the captain) and actually found I preferred the the Yamaha's sound and the way it played, against a Taylor that was 3 times the price.

@TheRycooder

2 жыл бұрын

completely agree. Hate to be so general but Yamaha imho kills Taylors and to me they're very over-rated. Many other acoustics out there that are much better. I have a Blueridge 160A that kills almost every Taylor I've played.

@Gman44044

Жыл бұрын

I have ordered A3R, waiting to receive it eagerly

@LoftyAssertions

Жыл бұрын

Same here, blindfold test too! Except I went with the FGX3. The pickup and mic mix is also unbelievably real sounding, I've tricked guitarists into thinking it was a condenser recording by boosting the highs on 50% mic, there's just a high noise floor. My favourite guitar of all time and it was $1000 compared to my $7500 k24ce. It's so good I'm looking at getting the FSX3 too, or the AC3M. Yamaha are incredibly underrated!

@gregorykapanowski9540

11 ай бұрын

I agree I played every acoustic in the guitar center. The Yamaha beat the top-of-the-line Taylor in my opinion. The Taylor's were too bright and flat. The Yamaha had such a organic perfectly balanced tone. More warm than bright but each string and note rings clear.

@easilyoffended7772

9 ай бұрын

@@TheRycooder Taylors have patents others don't you def can tell in the action and playability.... Sound is subjective... But A taylor is generally smoother to play

My Yamaha LL16 made me a fanboy and believer. For the money, you truly cannot beat it.

@Wobbz9413

Жыл бұрын

I love my LL16D and LL16/12 too! I played some taylors, Matons, A Gibson when I bought the 16d, and Im convinced I walked out of the shop with the best acoustic there! I think the Epi "Inspired by" range are the only american owned guitar I'd buy these days. As far as factory produced, that is.

Guitar here, guitar there ... But Luke's playing, wooop wooop. And lot of it sticks also on you Rob. Great video, really enjoying those Malta videos. Keep it up.

Love the video guys I will say that I think the best comparisons are where you play the same lines on both guitars so that you just really get a feel of how the sound truly compares finger style, strumming, all of the above.

It's always fun to compare guitars and you did a spectacular job! I would have loved to see a more like-with-like comparison. A mahogany-top versus a spruce-top is going to muddy the waters even with Mahogany back-and-sides for both guitars. Well done, regardless!!!

Not sure if it was just the guitar itself, or mainly the difference in pickup positions, or both, but that Taylor sounded amazing plugged in. I've been pretty blind to the acoustic world apparently because Taylor has been making guitars with that system since 2014. That's news to me and I never knew it existed but it's really cool. If the under saddle pickup never caught on leading to the "classic" electro acoustic chime sound, the ES2 would have been the standard for sure if they were invented at the same time.

I've never really met a Taylor that I really liked... especially plugged in. They all tend to sound alike. I've mixed probably hundreds of them. That Yamaha is pretty cool though

@thesandman775

2 жыл бұрын

The electronics aren't great. I'm fact, they're pretty bad in my experience. The unplugged sounds are generally very good, and with proper electronics, they'll compete with any brand. Where Taylors accel is that they're playability is nearly unmatched in the large brands.

@Chundynator

2 жыл бұрын

unplugged in my experience they sound great, they just need better electronics

@ianpaterson4956

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that Nick, plenty of them around....

Very cool, as always.

That Taylor has a pick retrieval hole! That's brilliant!

@elmaestroco

Жыл бұрын

Then what's the fun in it? Shaking the guitar for 5 min is part of the amusement :)

Robb, I can't say I've ever listened to your music. I just haven't gotten around to it. But damn, I've been watching you on Andertons for god knows how long and I've been watching your channel for a while but, Jesus you play great music. And hearing this little bit on acoustic was just tasty. I gotta look into your music. I'm more Dream Theater /Orbit culture but man.

@sonjavasey5197

2 жыл бұрын

I’m not into heavier music…but loving his Clockwork Wolf stuff 👍🏻

I have a 1972 Yamaha FG200 that I inherited from my Dad. A FG800 and a FG3. All fantastic guitars for me. I had a Martin D15M and sold that to by the FG3. I don't regret it at all. I opted to get the FG3 and not the FGX3 because I only play at home these days and don't have or need an acoustic amp.

I was lucky enough to get a 324ce for my 40th Birthday last year and it's truly stunning.

Really impressed with Luke's playing. 👏👏👍

@LukeGreck

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much kind sir! 🙏

JP Cormier recommended the Yamaha FG5 , and I bought one. It sounds better than any Taylor I ever played. Listen to this one, it is thin and Treble heavy, no bottom or balance at all. There was a shop full of Taylors In my town , I played them all, they were all thin sounding. My FG5 is beautiful and balanced. Every type of music sounds good on the Yamaha.

@stephenmeeker2489

2 ай бұрын

Same, same. Yamaha is a dovetail neck with scullpted X-bracing. Sonic projection is full, rich, and clear. Tone is more like a Martin than a Taylor. Had many Taylor's but the FX5 Dreadnought is now my favorite. Comparable to guitars at at least twice the price. Sweet.

Nice to hear Rob play something on an acoustic for a change. 👍

I have never really liked the look of a spruce top, but after playing a few with spruce tops they are just my favorite in terms of sound and resonance

@haikat4

Жыл бұрын

Me neither but the aged finish on the Yamaha looks good to me.

They’re different creatures. I have a Taylor, Martin, and high-end Yamaha. They all have different strengths. Fit and finish, all are a horse apiece. All very meticulously made with quality woods and components. Taylor and Yamaha have Ebony fretboard, and the Martin Richlite…..all of which feel really good. All 3 have quality preamps (ES2, Fishman, Atmosfeel). They all sound great plugged in. They’re all very even, but the Taylor is a little bit thinner with a brighter, higher end. The Martin is the “chunkiest”, and the Yamaha is as close to perfectly balanced of the three. All are comfortable, extremely playable, and the neck on the Martin being the beefiest. Overall, for me to rate them: 1) Yamaha 2) Martin 3) Taylor Any of the 3 are a solid investment, but in my opinion based on overall build quality and sound, this reflects my personal opinion.

Damn that's clean.

I have not played that many Taylors but I love my Yamaha CPX-5 so much that I bought a CPX-1000 and that guitar is awesome...

Yamaha. Hands down.

That Taylor just sounds really pretty 😍

The Yamaha has a 70s acoustic guitar tone to my ear. A bit of a nostalgic vibe like James Taylor era music.

I've wanted a 900 series Taylor for a long time.

I have bought and sold so many acoustic guitars in the past 25 years yet, I keep and gig with my Yamaha's. Taylor is a well crafted guitar but, if you have a tuned ear, you will realize it doesn't hold a candle.

I've always wanted a nice Taylor. Always heard good things about them, pricey but they sound great. This one, not so much. I like Yamaha better. More resonance.

Wow. Just wow. I have been drooling over Taylor's guitars, and even in thos video, just look wise, that Taylor...phenomenal. however...when it came to the sound. That Yamaha just.....clobbers the Taylor. Am I the only one who thinks that? If I owned both of these guitars, unless I made just tons of money, I'd kick myself every time I picked up the Taylor.

@karlburmeister1552

5 ай бұрын

Especially plugged in. To me the plugged in Taylor sound horrible.

There's a special place in hell for people who eat greasy chips while playing $2500 guitars.

Well. I have a Taylor 312CE 14 fret and it was worth every penny.

That Taylor is beautiful

I have both a Taylor 324CE and a Yamaha LL16. The Taylor is nearly 3x the price of the Yamaha, but I actually prefer the Yamaha. Could be because my tastes have changed, and prefer the fuller range of the Yamaha, due to a spruce top / rosewood back and sides, as opposed to the Taylor with a mahogany top / Tasmanian blackwood back and sides. The ES2 Pickup system in the Taylor takes a bunch of work to get a nice tone, and I'm not really sure I like it all that much. The Yamaha pickup system isn't anything spectacular, but is more pleasing to my ears without having to make any EQ changes. Having my time back, I would have saved my money and just bought the Yamaha. Both are nice guitars, but I just really dig the Yamaha over the Taylor.

I have not played tons of Yamahas, but I own an FGX830C (my first & only guitar). I don't dislike it, but I loved the contoured, ergonomic feel of the Taylor 114CE, the action, and richer tone. It just screams 'YES', to me. Taylors are definitely overpriced, but they can obviously command that price & still remain in business, so the demand for Taylor has always been there. I've yet to fall in love with a Martin.

@cugir321

3 ай бұрын

I have a FS800 that has the best neck I've seen in 20 years....can play it tuned down a whole step with no relief....maybe .002. Essentially zero. Sound is just average unplugged. (Medium strings). Sound is great with a magnetic pickup. a monster playing fast leads. Tuned standard it can be capo'd anywhere without buzz. That's the only problem I've seen with Chinese made Yamaha's....the neck or fingerboard can be a bit off. Can usually be fixed but is the pain in an ass with cheap yammy's. I refret so isn't a big issue for me. I use stainless frets on my refrets...and a zero fret setup with a zero glide nut. It's rare I see a Martin or taylor I really like. They are over rated over priced. Japanese made Yammy's are more consistent then either.

I tried these both guitare today and i can tell that if i had the chance, i would buy both because they are completely different guitar. The sounds of the Taylor sound very smooth and more equilibrate between the High and Low. But from my point of view, I just fell in love with the Yamaha which provides such a rich and varied sound that I have no choice but to give my vote to the Yamaha.

That sounds fresh 🤘🏼😈🤘🏼

I own Yamaha LL16D, quite content but now, after 5.5 years later it hursts my shoulder if I play it more or flamenco style. So, now looking at LS36II or LS56II, exceptionally hard to find in the entire country.

Although I respect the quality and tones of Taylor guitars , I will never be able to afford one, and I have NEVER been disappointed by the quality or tone or costs of my various second-hand-bought Yamaha guitars. This session makes me want to give my classical guitars a bit of a rest, and pick up a steel string jumbo again. Thanks for a great presentation, guys!!!

How can you compare a spruce top to a mahogany top they are so different . Compare like for like would be more helpful.

I bought 2 guitars from Olimpus music, a Taylor K28e 12 years ago and lately a Yamaha FGX5 which costs less than half the price of the Taylor, got to say that I prefer the Yamaha with regarding sound, maybe because the Koa needs years to warm up, looking forward to try the Yamaha FG9, let me know if you have one coming guys, Viva Malta!

I can't say I've compared Yamaha with the tailor but I just purchased the Taylor 326 CE Grand Symphony soundhole and truly love it whether it's plugged in or not

@danherrick5785

Жыл бұрын

Does the pick retrieval hole work?

@PeterRiggall-op8ud

6 ай бұрын

@@danherrick5785❤

I like the sound of Yamaha A5R aoe great. Taylor is good but very expressive and brighter sound

Easy. BOTH! I own both and love both!

I think the full dreadnaught and D18 style of the yamaha really cuts through the mix......I love yamaha guitars...always have and own a few..I think the Taylor would accompany a vocalist really well...melo balanced tone....both beautiful guitars but that yamaha has the tone for days

Fine playing, chaps. Maybe have a run-through to get the levels next time? 🙂 The Yamaha is a terrific acoustic box. They seem to have edged the sound just a little bit towards that Martin thing. I'm sure the plugged-in sound is better than it is on this video. The Taylor has the great ES2. That pickup gets some stick but for me it's a winner. My Taylor is a keeper and I do sometimes covet a Gibson, but you just can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

I prefer my higher end Yamaha acoustic. However, there are some Taylor guitars that I enjoy. The Taylor 214 ce sounds really nice to my ears, and my local guitar store got a custom 214ce with a KOA top that sounded really nice. For $1000 the 214ce is my Taylor pick.

Im planning on travelling to malta in july. Very hyped but can you share the cons?? Know you love it there!

@RobChappers

2 жыл бұрын

Hey man, well honestly the driving is very bad… and you can’t drink the tap water! But apart from that I love it here :-)

@Nickbaldeagle02

2 жыл бұрын

July? Enjoy sweating your balls off.

@RobChappers

2 жыл бұрын

@@Nickbaldeagle02 Truth

I think you meant the pickup on the Taylor is behinf the "Saddle"

The nut or the saddle. I believe you meant to say the saddle?

I don't have the best hearing ability but darn that taylor sounds freaking amazing both plugged in and mic! Not taking away from the Yamaha.

Yamaha guitars at that price point sound as good as those expensive brands. Unfortunately, guitar players shop for a brand not not always what sounds best. I am drawn by taylors, martins as much as the other guys, BUT anytime i go at music store and player a few guitars, I end up spending most of the time there on the Yamaha. I own lower end yamaha APX700ii which less the a thousand canadian. Quality, sound amazes me…

To me the best music gear scent is a new Mesa Boogie amp head. Smells like Christmas to me.

I prefer Yamaha LL36 and I also have a 1993 Yamaha LL23 and am looking at getting a Yamaha FGX5 Red Label and won't need anything more ever. I also have a Taylor 214 CE Koa back and sides which is the most beautiful guitar Ive ever seen and sounds amazing.

The difference, I think, is that Taylor has constantly improved. I bought a relatively cheap Taylor 10 years back. Here is a playlist of my original songs with all chords and solos played on the Taylor in different styles: kzread.info/dash/bejne/np19p8GHl8TTl7Q.html&ab_channel=MarioAlleckna

A simple online search will show you that Taylor's are notorious for cracking. They sound great, but I don't want to invest money and time in something that destined to break. Yamaha's on the other hand are built to last, sound great, look great and can rival any Taylor for a fraction of the price.

@Wobbz9413

Жыл бұрын

Yes! Noone mentions that!

@richurro20

9 ай бұрын

Owned 5 Taylor's for over 10 years and none have cracked on me. Probably getting mixed up with Martin.

@asandiegoguy

22 күн бұрын

Never heard this - I’ve had 4 Taylor’s the oldest being a 2003 714ce. None have any problems.

I own both and I prefer my yamaha

I have an AC3R, and the A5R. Both are outstanding! The A5R might be the best playing guitar I've owned, and at $1600, there's no comparison! I, like a lot of you, played a dozen or so high end Gibson's, Martin's, and Taylor's, before trying the Yamaha. The tone, voice, and electronics, at the price point of the Yamaha, was really a no brainer. So far, they have held their value too, which will be the slam dunk if it holds!

Is there any ml3/ t-style guitars in the Chapman range with trem systems?

@RobChappers

2 жыл бұрын

ML3 BEA is what you’re after mate

The Yamaha sounds so much better, to my ears at least. The Taylor sounds "ploinky" and lacks bass in the tone. Cheers 🍻

So how do these compare to a Godin ?

Saddle. Nut is at the top. Right?

I love the early Taylors, but my take is that you get much more bang for the buck with a higher end Yamaha. And that goes double for the TA (transacoustic) models with built in chorus and reverb. These effects are not electronically amplified, although there is a battery on board, but the "electronics" simply enhance the natural vibration of the top.

Yamaha guitars are for playing. Taylor guitars are good, but more like living room or wall ornaments ime. I’ve had a few of each brand and actually prefer the Yamahas. In this video the Yamaha sounds better.

Love my FG5

Yamaha. I traded my Taylor 214ce for my Yamaha FGX3. The build quality and sound isn't even close. For the same $1000, Yamaha blows Taylor and Martin away.

In all fairness; comparing a grand symphony body to a dread is somewhat apples and oranges, but oh well. I have a higher end Yamaha AC3M and a Taylor 214 CE DLX limited edition ( quilted sapale back/sides). Those are very comparable IMO. Aesthetics and sound are close. But the Taylor (IMO) wins due to unplugged sound and playability. One thing to note about Taylor is the bolt on neck. A full reset costs about $30c compared to maybe $200 for a glue on neck. I also have a 40 year old Solid top Yamaha dread that is absolutely fantastic.

@dustinglass

5 ай бұрын

Do you still like the Taylor 214 more than the Yamaha? I have a Yamaha AC3R, and am considering switching to a Taylor 214CE.

The pickup system in the Yamaha reminds me of my old Ovation. Too much piezo "quack." I wonder if the mic blend knob was turned down too much? I think Yamaha makes very nice guitars to compete in the $300 range, but at higher pricing and quality the Taylor is a more refined instrument.

Name of the song 10:33?

Not a Taylor fan but the Taylor pickup sounds great.

@user-ru6pu3xo7k

Жыл бұрын

I have a taylor gs mini with es 2, its sound in the connection seems very bad to me compared to cort gold where Fishman Flex Blend. Taylor, in my opinion, is very weak in connection. My opinion

The Yamaha sounds fantastic! The Taylor sounds like you're playing in a tiny box! If anyone thinks the Taylor is better they need to get their ears syringed!

The standards and consumer expectations are set so high, I'd love to see a review that says 'nah this brand is a bit shit'. Rob and Luke, awesome as always thanks for the internetainment

@RobChappers

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly there aren’t really any really shit products out there any more… or at least none I’d bother reviewing! Back when I was a kid it was very different :-)

Yamaha for me

I recently bought a Yamaha FG 850.. all mohagany top, back and sides. It's tone and projection are far superior to a Taylor I owned that cost 4 times as much.. I did like the Taylor pickup system. But the price to quality ratio is undeniable..

im 73 i would take a yamaha over taylor anytime

Yamaha provides good bang for the buck in my experience.

@9alt0

2 жыл бұрын

They make really solid nylon string guitars as well. The cg-171/172sf seems to be the gold standard for entry flamenco (much better than cordoba)

If you were fair in comparing a 2500 taylor to a Yamaha you'd have picked the FG5 not the 3.

@Wobbz9413

Жыл бұрын

Not reaĺly. The 3 blows that taylor thing away. The 5 would leave it trembling in the gutter!

@kimdecell5096

10 ай бұрын

@@Wobbz9413 Taylor's are shit . My low end yamaha sounds better than that talor. I'm not joking.

Nice 👍

My Yamaha FG830 sounds amazing for the money

Yamaha for the win. I prefer Takamine plugged in.

great demo guys i have a yamaha fgx800 really a great concert sound think wild horses i did go the music store and will buy the 214 cek it is a lot lighter and and more rock honky oh i do cringe a little seeing someone eat potato chips and play a taylor

The plugged in sound on the yamaha sounds far better. You can always add a bit of highs or mids in the eq through an amp or plugin but getting the base of the overall sound there is most of the battle and the yamaha seems to win this one easily.

Cosmetically I just can't abide that weird partial cutaway on the Taylor.

Yamaha Red label has way more projection, just sounds way better. That being said, the Taylor does sound muddy. Their two different guitars, with different build, woods.

I have a Yamaha ll-ta, Yamaha AC5M, Taylor GS mini-e koa and some lower tier Yamahas. My Yamaha ll-ta is the best sounding guitar I've heard, but the little Taylor is so comfortable and easy to play that It's the one I always reach for. Seriously thinking about checking out the Taylor AD22e and the 224ce-k to see how they sound in person.

@gavkatz7045

Жыл бұрын

Which do you play most I’m debating these exact two

@billimbriale8535

Жыл бұрын

@@gavkatz7045 He just told you.

@MarianoPerez

Жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Yamaha ls series? It will give you the sound signature of the ll in a comfortable smaller body.

@jonflores5832

Жыл бұрын

@@MarianoPerez tried the LS TA had it for a month and it sounded great in the mids and treble. However the bass wasn’t to my expectations. So went with the LLTA and it sounded much better, but wasn’t as bright. Still prefer the LLTA despite that.

Luke sounds exactly like Bernardo Silva when he speaks

I wish I could 'DON'T really play acoustic very much', like that.

Nice... Yamaha for me

I love my Yamaha.730s

I sold my Taylor 210ce and bought Yamaha A3R, no doubt, A3R is much better!

Who is this luke ?what is his full name

No doubt, Yamaha.

Are you guys comparing Yamaha with a guitar twice its price? Pretty fair comparison I'd say...

I really think it is an unfair contest they are different size bodies on these acoustic guitars, giving them a different sound, the yamaha dreadnaught of course sound will highlight the bass and mids and the taylor grand symphony will be more articulate and cleaner in the higher registry. No contest.

Damn man, I dont touch my guitar unless my hands are impeccably clean. I guess I am missing out on that "Potato Chip Grease Mojo."

@UserConn

2 жыл бұрын

Same here

@MrArchie765

2 жыл бұрын

I think that’s the first guitar video that I’ve seen where someone was eating and drinking as they reviewed the guitar!!!

@jed1166

Жыл бұрын

I heard that “chip oil” was great for keeping the fretboard from drying out…

At a similar price point; Yamaha > Taylor or mostly any other major brand for that matter. There is no ifs and buts about it in terms of sound, playability and build quality.

Atmosfeel steals the show! I like the sound of Taylor unplugged, but plugged in, that one sounds bad to my ears. I've hears and played several Taylor's plugged in and unplugged. They've all sounded good unplugged. Plugged in, I actually prefer the ES1. With the right PA system, ES2 can sound ok. But that Atmosfeel on the Yamaha, even on full piezo, sounds more natural than the Taylor to my ears.

@All_who_wander

Жыл бұрын

Love the srt2 in the a models

Okay. So. I have been playing for 27 years. I own a lot of nice guitars. I am not a perfect player, but I know my stuff decently. That being said I was going to buy a Martin 000-18 or J45 as my 40th bday present to myself. Then I saw this Taylor 326. Then I played this 326. Then I bought this 326. It is now a year that I have owned it and it sounds even better with a little age. I would not trade it for any other acoustic other than a builders edition 826. Taylors are like the PRS of acoustic. They are polarizing. You either love them and want 10 or you don't. I don't like PRS, but I LOVE my Taylor. So does everyone else who hears or plays it. To each their own. Best 2400 dollars I have ever spent on a piece of musical equipment.

Yamaha all the way. I have a 1976 Yamaha FG 300 and a 2013 Martin HD35 and the 300 is my baby...my go to guitar.

The Taylor sounds kind of boxy to me. Much prefer the Yamaha.

Yamaha sounds better believe me don't waste your $$$ for Taylor guitar

@susanroycroft89

9 ай бұрын

That's a very interesting comment, and I am inclined to agree, Every Yamaha Iv'e played ( an' Iv'e been playing for 60 years now) have All been excellent guitar's, & only need little things done to them to make them sound excellent, eg- bone nut and saddĺe ( make sure you do it right) check action and adjust, maybe add a zero fret & you've got a really great guitar in your hands 😊😊😊

Prices.