Breedlove Atlas vs. Larrivee 03 vs. Martin 15/16 vs. Taylor 314

[schuur451]

Obviously my prive range is $1000 or thereabouts. Of the four guitars listed above (ask if you want clarification), which have you all played, and could you describe their sound, both plugged in and unplugged? What is the action like? What styles do they lend themselves to? What is your overall description of their tone/playability?

 

I guess I just want to get a good idea of where I should focus my attention, since Breedloves are hard to find where I live, and none of my buddies have played or owned one. I've heard a Larrivee played live many times, and it definitely had good tone for general rock or pop stuff. I've never heard the Martin or Breedlove, like I said. Thanks for any help you can all offer.

[Cldplytkmn]

you could search... those guitars are discussed alot

[gibson185]

The best for me is Taylor. The best for you, ???

[t60 fan]

For me, a real L,M or T vs an overseas-Breedlove is not a "apples to apples" comparison. Bang for buck its hard to top the Larry's, but I went with a 314CE because I fell in love the the one I found.

[Phishmonkey]

I would group the breedlove with guitars like Takamine EGs. The tone just doesn't seem full to me. Probably a bad combo of a smal body and mass prduced quiality. If you're going to spend Taylor money then you should check out Alvarez-Yairi. The build quality is really top notch.

[dmkkeng]

I haven't tried the breedlove however I have played the other three - I doubt you would be dissapointed with any of them.

 

The Martin's have a distinctive sound to them, I don't much care for it - definitely not as bright sounding as the Larrivee or Taylor. Also the Martin guitars tend to be more expensive when compared to an equivalent Larrivee or Taylor. I also like the ebony fretboard on the Larrivee and Taylor, I believe the Martin 15 series has a rosewood fretboard.

 

Another consideration would be your preference of wood for the top, bottom and sides of the guitar. I prefer a spruce top and rosewood back and sides. The Larrivee 03 series comes with a rosewood option for the back and sides however you would have to go to the Taylor 700 series to get the same configuration.

 

From a setup/ playability point of view, I prefer the Taylor guitars. I found on average the Larrivee's not be setup as well as the Taylors. Also the Taylor's seemed to be easier to play.

 

From a quality of sound quality point of view, I prefer the Larrivee. The Taylor is brighter than the Larrivee.

 

From an electronics point of view, by all accounts the Taylor expression system should be better however I have yet to be convinced that it is any better than the other systems.

 

If it was my choise I would likely go with the Larrivee 03 with the rosewood option.

[studyscoot]

If you're gonna do the taylor thing, try out a 414. They aren't much more expensive than the 314, but they are awesome guitars. The difference in price is only about $100. ($950 for a 314, $1050 for the 414).

[d28andm1911a1]

I like Larrys, but in the same price range I'd buy the Martin.

I have a 0015 and D28 and have played a lot of 16s. 15s and 16s are great guitars for the money. And if you keep it you will get more free warranty work in 30 yrs than you paid for the guitar. And we know what Martins will be like in 100 yrs.