which guitar would you buy?

[omni]

http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/models/nylon/ns32ce.html or

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?m=000C-16SGTNE&s=6&p=ge

It has to be between these 2.Any opinions?

[Whalebot]

Martin without a freaking doubt. The Taylor is a newer model, looks and plays like a standard guitar whereas the Martin just exudes 'classical' even though it is technically not a classical. The Martin hasthat beloved Cedar top and the Taylor has a SPRUCE top on a NYLON string guitar, it's foolishness if you ask me, Spruce does not lend itself to a nylon string guitar. Period. I have played both side by side and I can honestly say that I like the Taylor, but the Martin blows it out of the water. Not even the same category in my book.

[omni]

Well, I played the Martin last night and I loved it, I have not played the Taylor yet. I am pretty new to nylon string guitars. I have played electric for many years though.

[Hudman]

You need to play the Taylor. I'm not a classical guitar player. I know I like Martin steel string acoustics far better than Taylor. I never played a classical by either company.

[omni]

Originally posted by Hudman You need to play the Taylor. I'm not a classical guitar player. I know I like Martin steel string acoustics far better than Taylor. I never played a classical by either company.

A friend of mine has the Martin, their is no place around here to try the Taylor though.

[Hudman]

Originally posted by omni A friend of mine has the Martin, their is no place around here to try the Taylor though.

 

 

It's hard to go wrong with a Martin.

[guitarswh]

I've played them both as well. I vote Martin.

[kwakatak]

I haven't tried either but I say go with the Martin. I base that solely on personal opinion, the allure of a cedar top and the fact that Martin has been around a lot longer and started out making nylon string guitars.

My only reservation is the mahogany back/sides. Have you considered trying the EIR version?
http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=c&m=000C-16SRNE


BTW - Larrivee also just recently came out with an 03 series classical guitar. Jean Larrivee began by making classical guitars and adapting the design to create a steel-string adaptation in his L-body size. They're worth a look-see too if you're able. Here's a link with a soundclip:
http://www.guitaradoptions.com/store/product.php?productid=18179&cat=0&page=1

Sorry to hit you with other choices. I respect that you want a "one or the other" opinion, so feel free to disregard everything past the first paragraph in my reply.

[omni]

kwakatak, what is wrong with mahogany back and sides? The Larrivee is nice but not what I am looking for.

[kwakatak]

Originally posted by omni kwakatak, what is wrong with mahogany back and sides? The Larrivee is nice but not what I am looking for.

 

 

There's nothing wrong with mahogany really. On steel strings at least that wood combo just doesn't float my boat for classical, jazz or Celtic-style music that I've ever played or attempted to play. I prefer using mahogany/spruce on smaller-bodied acoustics for playing blues just because there seems to be less sustain to my ear.

 

Again, just my opinion. Please bear in mind that I have barely any knowledge about classical or nyln string guitars so my opinion is hardly informed.

[omni]

I heard that mahogany has a woodier tone the rosewood when used on back and sides.

[Queequeg]

Originally posted by kwakatak There's nothing wrong with mahogany really. On steel strings at least that wood combo just doesn't float my boat for classical, jazz or Celtic-style music that I've ever played or attempted to play. I prefer using mahogany/spruce on smaller-bodied acoustics for playing blues just because there seems to be less sustain to my ear. Again, just my opinion. Please bear in mind that I have barely any knowledge about classical or nyln string guitars so my opinion is hardly informed.

 

My understanding is that the soundboard (top) determines your sustain. When the top stops vibrating, your sustain is gone. I don't think back or sides affect sustain. They may shape the sound or texture of your guitar's voice. I, for one, would fail the blind taste test on this in most cases, and I have a few guitars with mahogany and a few with rosewood. We are forever kidding ourselves on what we hear & think we hear. All too many variables (strings, saddle, bracing) further complicated by imperfect brain (speaking only for myself of course)

Hey, tell me I'm wrong.