Guitar Innovations or Hype?

[William2]

I watch a lot of guitar videos. The most recent is the new Taylor Gold Label GP. Man are they getting the press on You Tube with this guitar and its fan V class bracing and new improved neck adjustment system, extra deep body (5 inches) and Baggs sound system. I think it's designed to compete with the Gibson J-45. And then there is the new Martin 17 series with the GE bracing and other things. Today I saw the new Furch Blue performance model with its sound port on the upper bout but being several slits into the wood it is supposed to make the instrument louder by letting the body move more. Being a lefty and not getting to try these instruments out, I wonder if they are improvements or just a new thing to get a sale. I did think the new Taylor 717 did sound better than the other Taylors I've heard. I haven't seen any comparisons of the Martin D-17 vs the Martin D-15 to justify the price difference. And I don't know much about Furch except I've read its what Taylor would like to be LOL.

[B0WIE]

 IMO, most acoustic innovations are primarily driven by the need to sell a customer another guitar. They also sometimes serve the purpose of refining the build process or avoiding potential warranty claims. If one was to believe that the hyped/advertised innovations are meaningful, I'd like to see one of these high-tech instruments compared to a guitar built in the Martin factory 100 years ago where the modern acoustic was birthed.

[unclrob]

ITS'S NEW...IT'S IMPROVED....YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER YOU'LL PLAY.....ADDS THE TONE OF THE GOD'S


 

[William2]

ITS'S NEW...IT'S IMPROVED....YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER YOU'LL PLAY.....ADDS THE TONE OF THE GOD'S


 

LOL!!!!

[teh]

Larrivee's 24 series caught my attention last year with the short scale, 12 fret neck, vintage appointments and choice of body shapes. Admittedly, I haven't tried any of the recent innovations from competitors like Taylor's V bracing and urban ash, Martin's upgraded 2025 lineup and the new Gibson models including the satin finish models from all three companies. Here are my thoughts on innovation.

In 1916, Martin designed and developed the Dreadnought (Dreadnaught) guitar exclusively for the Ditson Company. When Ditson went out of business in 1931, Martin was able to sell the dreadnought under their own name. Martin really didn't really push the dreadnought for a couple of years but in 1935, the D-28 with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides listed for $100 and the D-18 listed for $65 in the Martin catalog. During the same time period, bandleader and guitarist/banjo player Perry Bechtel asked Martin to make a guitar with a 14 fret neck which ultimately became the Orchestra Model. Both the dreadnought and OM have become two of the most iconic and most duplicated body shapes in the industry. I consider myself fortunate to have one of each.

Source: Martin Guitars: A History (Richard Johnson and Dick Boak)

My understanding is that Jean Larrivee started out building classical guitars but over time he developed the L body which has become one of Larrivee's most iconic designs. Along the way, Larrivee has created an innovative bracing system, searched the world for the best sources of wood and added creative touches like a satin finish, maple binding and some of the best inlay work in the business. Last June, Matt Larrivee told me about the thought that went into the Baker T-Pro starting with their source of swamp ash for the bodies. The level of detail that went into this guitar is top shelf. I am also fortunate to own two L bodies (LV-03MT 12 string and an LSV-03 Forum VI) and a Baker T Pro, my first electric guitar. 

Source: My personal experience with Larrivee Guitars over the past 21 years.

[Sandstorm]

Seems like marketing a new product to guitar players is like shooting fish in a barrel, even when we are satisfied with our tone, guitar and set up, everyone seems to want to try and make it even better and we always have the itch to want to try a pick, pedal, different tone wood or bracing incase we find something better than what we have now.

[William2]

I'm just wondering when Martin and Gibson are going to run out of variations on a theme. I still haven't seen and comparisons videos of the D-15 vs D-17. I've heard a couple say the D-17 is superior, but they haven't proved it with a comparison. Or the Gibson J-45 vs this new Gibson J-45 with the thinner body. It's almost like the deale4s are in on something.

[teh]

Since I already have a new, mahogany topped Larrivee 00-24 that I love, I haven't been paying attention to the Martin offerings. Looking at the Martin and Larrivee websites, it looks like the Martin D17 and Larrivee D40 with an upgrade to a mahogany top would come in pretty close to the same price. Both would have scalloped bracing but I'm not sure if Martin's Golden Era bracing would be better, the same or not as good as the Larrivee parabolic scalloped bracing in a head to head competition. The D40 would also be available as an SD-40 for the same price but you'd have to wait for a hog top.

In my internet searches, I have seen a 1955 00-17 on the Guitar-Tex website in San Antonio, TX listed for $3,200 but the description indicates it may need a neck reset. Since 1955 is my birth year and my son lives less than 10 miles from the shop, that guitar looks interesting but it's been listed for quite a while. Since I'm on a self-imposed buying freeze right now and I have some nice guitars to play, the sense of urgency isn't there.

The two Martins I would consider would be one of two used 12 fret models (O-16NY mahogany or 00-21NY rosewood) if I could find the right guitar. The Larrivee that I need to look at is either an SD-24 or a custom variation of an SD.

In closing: While I'm sure there are some nice ones out there, I've never found a Gibson new or old, that knocked my socks off.

[William2]

I've pretty much decided on my last instrument. It will be an all hog Larrivee. I've owned three Martin hogs and love that sound. But this 17 series stuff is one game too many. The live videos of Larrivee mahogany instruments attracts me more as far as sound and I did get tired of that dark finish Martin uses.

[Silence Dogood]

Guitar marketing is pretty clever if you ask me (you didn't).  Taylor, Fender, Gibson (when it comes to LPs) have managed to sell the very same guitars with a different name to the very same people over and over again.  I'm still convinced the bulk of guitar players believe there is a magic guitar out there waiting to be discovered that will get them over that intermediate hump.  I used to believe that myself.  But hey, guitars are toys and there's really no harm done in the end. 

The new Taylors looks pretty slick, but I dislike the new headstock font quite a bit.  YMMV. 

[William2]

I think the new Gold Label Taylor is their best sounding instrument so far. I've never thought it, but I wonder if the ages of players go for a certain brand. Maybe younger players going for Taylor and older players Martin and Gibson?

[Rockysdad]

I think the new Gold Label Taylor is their best sounding instrument so far. I've never thought it, but I wonder if the ages of players go for a certain brand. Maybe younger players going for Taylor and older players Martin and Gibson?

And, the *smart ones* go for Larrivée. 

[B0WIE]

I think the new Gold Label Taylor is their best sounding instrument so far. I've never thought it, but I wonder if the ages of players go for a certain brand. Maybe younger players going for Taylor and older players Martin and Gibson?

I don't see it divided that way. For the casual players, much of it has to do with which artists/celebs play which guitars. For instance, Lowdens probably had very little in the way of a younger crowd until they developed a partnership with Sheeran. Players who get into guitars after their first can be influenced by any number of things.