Taylor 314 CE vs Maton EBG 808 C - Acoustic Guitar Shootout | Adam Rafferty

I hope you enjoy this "acoustic guitar shootout" between my Taylor 314 CE vs Maton EBG 808 C (Michael Fix Model)

I have been playing my Maton Michael Fix model Guitar faithfully for about 11 years now, but in some of my recent videos I've been drawn to my Taylor 314 CE.

Many viewers asked "did you switch back to Taylor?" or "Where's the Maton?"

No, it's not a "switch" I just like changing things up! And since I am home due to Corona Lockdowns, it's giving me a chance to revisit some of the teh guitars in my collection!

In this video, I'll compare the Acoustic properties of each guitar and also compare the Pickup / Preamp / DI sounds.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
0:56 Viewers ask "did you switch to Taylor?"
1:51 A look at my Taylor 314CE Guitar - when & why I got it
3:44 A look at my Maton EBG 808C Guitar - when & why I got it
5:39 Guitar shootout on "Little Fingers"
5:54 Shootout #1 - Acoustic Properties
7:03 Shootout #2 - Pickup / DI comparison
8:09 Conclusion & which should YOU get?
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What sounds best to YOU? Please leave a comment below!

Love,

Adam

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[ServantofChrist]

This is the video that got me to order this exact Michael Fix model from artisan guitars in Nashville and sell my Taylor 314ce. Have had many guitars come and go but none sound like the Maton. None! And still play it, it’s incredible!!

[Spudsoffroad]

Just bought myself an M225 which has some sort of pre amp installed (aftermarket) loving the Maton sound!

[feralman]

Agree 100%. I have a Taylor and a Mason too, for this exact reason. I play my Taylor acoustically and/or if I mic it. and I use the Mason when plugged in/live.

[chrishammonds]

I own 2 Maton’s In the SRS series and love them both.

[dadgadfolkmusic]

thank you, both guitars are lacking a good bass projection when played acoustically and that also applies to the 314 plugged in.

[adamrafferty]

Hey - what sounded best to you? Leave a comment below and let me know what YOU think! :-)

[plimtaku]

This is a great shoot out thanks. I have a Taylor which is my main live acoustic and it’s always been problematic getting it to sound good. So much so that I have two pick-up systems in it. I think you nailed it when you mentioned how they are voiced. Lots of bass and sparkle.

[wellcpires]

I have a Taylor 314 CE and also didn't like the Expression System pickup. I have installed the LR Baggs M80 and I'm very satisfied.

[greglarry]

Thank you for the video. Great comparison. You can really hear the highs on the Taylor.

[SeverinGomboc_Musik]

that's a great comparison Adam! thanks for the vid. But i also have to say: you sound good on any guitar man.

[bluesmaniaman]

Very nice shootout!! I have both Maton EBG808ARTIST and Taylor 912ce since 2013 and feeling the same on your video. Now it’s clear!! Keep on playing my babies.

[edcharland]

Thanks Adam. I play several Taylors, but never tried a Maton...yet!

[Trifoiler]

Adam, nice comparison. I always thought when plugged in the Maton’s - sound superb. Whatever Maton has going on inside their electronic pickup sounds richer & full then both, Taylor’s & Martin’s, from what I have heard during live small stage performances. You are spot on!

Love to see n hear more videos like this from you. Keep them coming!

[carldavies]

Love it and a great comparison. I play a Cole Clark and a Mini Maton at home, but I am an ex English Aussie living in Aus. I also play a Simon & Patrick and working my way (wallet wise) to a Taylor. Thanks for the great work.

[nledelnr]

Brilliant. Thanks for doing more than the side by side. Adding your personal experience with the sound of each in different settings helps in-experienced guitar shoppers make better choices.

[michaelbrown]

I noticed that while your video stated that the EQ settings were nil, on the Taylor I could see that they were not! For a Taylor EMS the "0" setting has the EQ knobs at "12 O'clock". The Treble and Bass knobs boost about 12 o'clock, and reduce below 12 o'clock. So actually the EQ was certainly flat - in fact, flat out pedal to the metal!

[picker]

New pickup system! Bought a new Taylor 814ce in 2006. It had the ES1 pickup system which failed. They replaced it and it worked ok but like you it sucked plugged in. After years of trying different amps, a Fishman Aura Spectrum and Baggs Para DI I was ready for trading guitars. My last ditch effort I self installed a K&K style soundboard pickup system made JJB. It transformed my guitar into the wonderful rich sounding acoustic I had hoped for. With any preamp and good amp it's incredible. Look for a better pickup and you will be happy. Please note I haven't used it on a bandstand so feedback may be an issue there. Works great in my home studio.

[rickbarber]

Wow. The Maton sounded much fuller than the Taylor. I'm a huge Taylor fan and have heard them display unbelievable tone in a live setting. But in your shoot out I concede the Maton won. Enjoyed the vid!

[Acoustic_Music-hx]

I recently tried a Schertler Jam amp and it makes my Taylor 314 ES2 sound truly amazing with a little eq tweaking. A session pedal from LR Baggs improves the ES2 system considerably too. Have not tried IRs though. Would love to hear your thoughts on IRs.

[henryolsenguitar]

Cool video man, I really enjoyed watching!