Stopped into Alamo Music today while traveling from Florida. Expected to buy a Martin D18 or one of the GPC series. Left with the Furch Orange Master Choice SPA (Baggs). Never considered Furch before, I think I'm going to love my choice. Just lay on it a bit for a big full sound. Plug it in and great quality amplified sound. Just the right amount of eye candy.. Couldn't be happier!
I recently purchased the Furch Red Master’s Choice and have since fallen in love with it. As a Taylor (214ce Koa’s, and 514ce and 814ce V-Bracing models) and PRS (too many to note) owner, I must say the Furch has a certain je ne said quoi that is difficult to quantify. The reason I say this is because much of the Furch experience is delightfully subjective - but even more is not. The sound of the Furch is simply the best I’ve heard - unabashedly subjective, I know. I’m a bit of a sound snob and often find something to complain about the sonic quality of most guitars. Owning a studio that focuses on hyper realistic 3D cinema audio technology does that to you. Clear. Clean. Defined. Delightful. This has been my Furch Red experience so far - even on the entry Red. The Sitka Spruce sings effortlessly - so much so that I prefer the tone of Sitka over its European counterpart after sampling each on other models. The construction is second to none. Look closely - it’s flawless. The materials are first class, joinery perfect, abalone sparkles and is beautifully set, inlays are perfect and the interiors are clean and finished well. The overall design tells a story of no detail bring overlooked. Even the case is indestructible it seems! My one niggle was the strings. Mine had 11’s (Ernie Ball?) on it. I simply didn’t care for them. I swapped them out for Elixir Phosphorous Bronze nanoweb 12’s. For me, it was a significant sound and playability improvement - yet another subjective measure of delight. The only real negative, if there are any is to be expected - the Furch experience comes at a price. They’re not inexpensive but I believe provide a worthwhile investment for those wanting a guitar to call their own for a lifetime. As always, Alamo did a great review. It got me to our Furch dealer and whipping out my card. I want to thank all of you for opening my eyes to the experience of this wonderful instrument.
I ended up going with Elixir Strings 16545 Acoustic Phosphor Bronze Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating. Sound brilliant. One small complaint. I cannot seem to find the built-in gin and tonic dispenser on this instrument. Still not quite perfect - but pretty close nonetheless!😋
Well, let's speed R&D up a bit, shall we? I have noticed that I'm starting to get too much blood in my alcohol system. I cannot dance as well, am not nearly as funny or philosophical, and certainly am not as handsome - and my dog doesn't like me as well. I believe we can all see the dangers of such catastrophic design failures. It's simply not pretty. Keep up the good work. 🤪
As an owner of several taylors, would you say judging from your personal experience, the money spent on this Furch seems to buy less value, equal, or more value bang for buck?
Chris...I’ve been watching a lot of music store and former music store employee produced videos. I just had the epiphany that yours are head and shoulders above the others. Why? You are honest, straight forward, intelligent and not pushing a sales agenda over straight shooting. In a word, you are trustworthy. You put yourself in the minds of the viewers and give advice for beginners as well as seasoned players and that advice is always offered with honesty, humility, intelligence, and with the best interests of your viewers at heart. Long may you run.
Great video, as always, thanks. For future can you please consider grouping the input comparisons? As this video is edited, there is never a chance to hear the two guitars immediately back to back from the same input source. The only way to hear direct A-B comparisons is to click around the timeline to try to find the same thing being played through the mic or the line input. Thanks.
I don't like how you went from mic to line on the same guitar before the switch. Do mic first for both, then line for both. It threw me off bigtime. When I skip ahead myself past the plug in parts, which can be changed via EQ, the Furch definitely sounds more clear, brighter, rounder, and better overall tone.
I own a Furch for about 3 yrs. Fell in love with the tone which was very unique. I got a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. It's amazing. An interest comparison. Some portions one sounded better but like in the last portions it flipped again! I'm gonna have to hear this again!
I liked the Furch both ways. I thought the acoustic sound was a little bigger, and more interesting sonically, and the transition to the line in Baggs Anthem just shows how great that system is.
Hi Chris, thanks for the comparison here between these two guitars which are my favourites as I would like to play for my life . Still so far , I only got to listen to Furch guitar playing on youtube but not yet played myself on it. After listening to both of them played by you here, I just feel both are equal but Furch with LR Bags Anthem, I would grab it , provided its Fretboard made with pure dark ebony with brilliant dot inlays of mother of pearls on it as it makes playing guitar when being watched on by viewers. With regard to Taylor, I have a choice with the one with Deluxe model with armrest.
One thing I find incredibly frustrating with MANY guitar reviews online is how the reviewers often avoid expressing their own opinions. I watch until the end expecting some kind of summary or evaluation but then the video just stops! The reviewer here is obviously an expert (and a great player) so it would be interesting to hear his view on the pros and cons of the compared guitars and what the main differences are.
Hey, been watching and your videos are good A friendly suggestion, people mostly want to hear mic vs mic, line vs line So I think it's better to go in this sequence 1. Taylor Mic 2. Furch Mic 3. Taylor Line 4. Furch Line This way we are not confused trying to go back and forth
Great video thank you. I agree with the suggested comparison. I think even multiple quicker changes between each type so that you can reference them easier. Or at the end of each section do a back and forth multiple times. Thanks
Maybe it's just me, but I genuinely think there's something more eastern sounding in the Furch, and something distinctly American and steely in the Taylor. Love the sound of both, but I'd pick the Furch in this video over the Taylor. I'm willing to bet the Taylor has slightly easier playability.
I’m 35 now and I bought a Taylor GS8 when I was 20. For the last 15 years I’ve played every brand of acoustic for one I liked more than my Taylor. I never found one until today when I played and then purchased a Furch Yellow D CR. It’s the nicest guitar I’ve ever played or heard by a large margin. I’m addicted to playing it and will have it my whole life. Thank you so much to this wonderful company. Thanks to all the men and women who work at Furch. Greatly appreciate it with all my heart 🙏❤️
Furch Yellow D CR? Those are kind of rare to come by. I happen to buy that one too. I changed the strings to Martin medium retros and gained much more power and projection. I lost a little of the rich tone though. But, it still retains plenty of the rich tone. It might be the cedar top. I think. I liked it so much that I gave up on a Martin D 35. Yes. I am with you. You can’t help it, but fall in love with the guitar.
Both seem to loose the bottom end when on the pickups. That really just tells me that each needs some EQ to optimize their pickup input, depending on what they are going into. As far the mic'd or "true' sound, I thought the Furch was a little muddy compared to the Taylor. YMMV
Always hated that nasal high middiness of Taylors. Its like hearing a guitar through an intercom speaker. The furch does not have that 'sameyness' to the sound, and is 'full' and lush. No contest IMO
I think the Taylor sounds better unplugged, but then the line-in sound was tinny and just not very good. The Furch sounded a little more dead unplugged, compared to the unplugged Taylor (but still very nice) but sounded great plugged in.
I somehow find furch sounding like a Martin , the mellow tone compared to Taylor. Taylor sounds distinct and I have seriously not heard anything sounding like a Taylor. Put furch against a Martin then we will know how good it . Plugged in furch is better
MOST FURCH GUITARS HAS A BOLT ON NECK MUCH DIFFERENT FROM TAYLOR ....FURCH HAD THE BOLT ON NECK LONG BEFORE TAYLOR AND MUCH EASIER TO SET UP... THERE A LOT DIFFERENT GOOGLE IT OR LOOK IT UP FOR YOURSELF... IT'S AMAZING....
@@georgemercer3013 Furch only made the bolt on neck starndad starting at serial number 60.000 or something like that, pretty late compared to taylor both guitar necks set ups are essentially identical, bolt on with neck support under the fingerboard extension, so dont spread missinformation besides that i love furch guitars dont get me wrong, all made in europe, lower budgets use alternative woods like walnuts etc, sustainable company, sound great and theyre very innovative using bolt necks, UV cured finishes etc etc
How can you possibly compare an instrument of the highest quality, lovingly created by craftsmen, from the finest materials with a piece of crud made by taylor???
Another video on the controversial topic Taylor vs Furch :o) It's all about personal preference. To me the Furch tones are more mellow and warm while the Taylor's have more volume, definition, and sustain. I can see how the mellowness and warmth of the Furch appeal to most people, hence, I totally understand the consensus choice. BTW I have both Taylor and Furch guitars; I have the more expensive versions Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition and Furch Red Deluxe. I like both guitars but IMO the Talor just edges out the Furch by a hair. And Mr. Cooper Greenberg of Alamo Music can vouch for me since he sold me my Taylor 814ce BE guitar :o)
No surprise that the Furch is in a completely different league to the Taylor. Really no contest. Of course Taylor guitars aren’t dreadful, but they’re marketed to death, loved by dealers who make money from them and of course laughingly overpriced. Yes I love my Taylor 810 L7 even though I know it’s junk - laughingly bad compared to just about anything of a similar price. All imho of course before you have a go at me!
I’ve enjoyed your videos for quite a while now; thank you, Chris! I prefer the Furch - but I am biased. Bought my first Furch, a Yellow GC SC (dealer special) earlier today after testing about a dozen guitars from four manufacturers, Furch, Lakewood, Martin, and Taylor. The closest competitor to the Yellow were another Furch (Orange OM SR, also in a dealer special edition) and a Lakewood M-32 CP. The Lakewood sounded excellent, except the bass was slightly less defined. The Orange was excellently balanced and surprisingly loud for an OM, but ultimately the wider dynamic range of the Yellow and the clarity of the bass, maybe due to the Cocobolo, tipped it for the Yellow. Your comparison with a Red and your testing a Yellow in another video appears to confirm my impression that there is not much difference in sound and quality between the top lines of Furch. They are just great guitars.
Hi, your pronunciation of Furch is not accurate. It neither does not end like MarK nor churCH. If you can pronounce Johan Sebastian BACH correctly, use the same ending with FURCH.
To me (listening on cell phone), the Furch is a little warmer with more throaty mids. I like the more full tonal spectrum the LR Baggs Pickup provides too but it seems to compress the low end more on the line input. BUT, those overtones and harmonics on the v-class were beautiful and rang forever.
The Taylor had beautiful tone with the mic, but the pickup ruined it. The difference with the furch between the mic and the pickup was more subtle. I own a furch orange masters choice GC-SR and absolutely love it!! PS I just bought a yellow GC-SR 12 string...it's unfuckingbelievable!!!!
I played 2 Furch at Winter NAMM this year. It felt great but due to the noise level in the auditorium I couldn’t pick up the nuance or tonal distinction. It felt very good to my hand however. A very nice neck carve. The comparison here confirmed my suspicion that the Furch is a worthy competitor to Taylor in the GA size. The aesthetics are beautiful as well. I have an issue with the LR Baggs Pro however as I can’t get past the huge preamp panel inlaid into the upper bout. It reminds me of acoustic electrics from 15 years ago. I have an Anthem dual source in my 814 and love it, but it’s the sound hole unit which I greatly prefer. Thanks Chris!
I’ve followed your channel for so long, not sure how I missed this video. Everything is subjective to one’s tastes. I’ve owned several Taylors over the years. Truly liked them but never loved them. Over the last year I got to try two Furch OM guitars, side by side with some 14 series Taylor guitars. A very high end shop, no background distractions. For me, and this is for ME, the Furch is more pleasing for my style. So much so in fact, I have listed a Martin for sale with the intent of buying a Furch. Thank you for all your great videos
Furch has so much more character in the sound and a distinct flavor which is between Taylor & Martin. Il Taylor just delivers goods every time, which would be my #1 choice.
The Furch should be compared to the 914ce, as the appointments are more similar. When you do that, you realize what a tremendous deal you get with Furch.
Quite a long review but it certainly worthwhile. I've been listening to the Furch on a few reviews and am very impressed. I started off liking the Furch best but as the video moved on I actually preferred the Taylor which surprised me as I would not say I am a fan of Taylor's generally. But both outstanding guitars and I would be happy with either.
I have a Taylor 414CE LTD and a Furch orange...both made of the similar woods - The Taylor has Englemann Spruce whereas the Furch has Sitka. The Furch is smaller but has almost the same resonance as the Taylor with the Englemann top. You cannot go wrong with Furch guitars! I love mine and highly recommend them over Taylor because their pickup system is way better. Just my .02...
Definitely two guitars from the absolute high end range. Personally, I would prefer the Furch- guitar. It just sounds cleaner and more differentiated to me.
@@rageagainsthememe71 They actually are the Gotoh tuners I purchased that exact guitar but without the built-in LR bags anthem as I didn’t like cutting holes in such a beautiful guitar. So I had that guitar shop here in Canada install the sound hole LR bags anthem SL.
I really love the fullrange sound, the balance and the complexity of details from the Furch guitar, Man, that´s simply stunning!! Also the line sound from the Bagg´s system is a lot more natural
The Furch is a beautiful guitar. I thoroughly enjoy listening to you play. Either one would be a very nice guitar to own. I personally lean toward the Taylor.
Can't go wrong with a Furch, I own 4 (Gc-23 CR, OM-34 LR, SGI Gc-TSW and a Rainbow J-SR) and about to order my 2nd Rainbow which will be a Gc-DB. One thing about all of the Furchs I own and have played is that they open up faster than any other guitar brand out there. I'm convinced that even after 2 weeks of consistent play, you will have a more open guitar. Also, the CNR neck is as stable as it gets. Flawless, beautiful fretwork, and excellent tone and playability. Yes, I'm biased, but for good reason. :-)
Both are nice... But IMHO, the Furch absolutely wiped out the Taylor. Sounded better through the mic and sounded WAY better with the pickup. Also looks much nicer for less money. Not sure if I'd bond with one because I still haven't found a Taylor that fits me and the Furch Color Series identity is closer to Taylor than Martin. But I'd love to give one a try!
I am staying away from Taylor’s now. I ordered a 314ce with V bracing online and hated it so much I drove it back to the shop that was 2 hours away. It was so thin sounding and the top didn’t resonate at all. I tried the 324CE in store and it was a bit better, but neither were as good as the Furch Blue GW SW that I eventually settled on. I don’t think Taylor can keep up on quality with the amount of guitars they push out! 10 years ago, my 314ce was amazing though! Shame they changed their bracing.
Thank you, Chris! Could you compare the sound of Furch Red Master's Choice Gc SR with Furch Vintage 2 D-SR? I need your opinion, you have the experience.
Looking at the comments, it looks like furch is getting all the attention. I own 4 furch guitars and the build and sound quality is far better than any Taylor
Its all about personal preference but I have a been Furch for 10 years and would never leave. I have 4 of them. Ive had a few Taylors and they were nice guitars but in my opinion, they dont come anywhere close to Furch in terms of sound, playability or build quality. Furch is fantastic.
When the Taylor switched to line in I cringed. It sounds totally different. The Furch line in was much more natural. Both sound very nice acousticly in their own way. But the Furch is just stunning to look at. All in all, it's the Furch for me.
Great demo!! I like the consistency of Taylor 814ce in both mic and line input. It's tone, dynamics, and overall sound quality for me is perfect. However, the furch is also a great sounding guitar but I prefer the more brilliant sound of the Taylor. So for me, I choose Taylor. 🙂
I wish more of these comparison reviews would at least include the reviewer's impressions. The quality of the sound on compressed-signal RU-vid and the monitor speakers many people need to use fail to show much distinction. You're not making a decision for us, but we trust what you hear as different or distinctive.
Not to bash any guitar maker but I’ve never been fond of Taylors to begin with but they make quality instruments and quality control is pretty good. That said, Furch all the way, has the brightness without being harsh and low end that is nice and tight without being boomy or muddy. My $$$ is on Furch.
Good afternoon, there is not a single comparison of Taylor 914ce with Furch Red Master's Choice GC-SR on the Internet. Please advise someone (only if you have really compared and know what to say): Which is better? Taylor 914ce (old 2009)? Or Furch Red Master's Choice GC-SR?
I have 2 Taylor's a 314ce and a GP 517e, love them both. The 814ce is typically Taylor bright and full. The Furch is warm and mellow which has impressed me, as for sounding like a Martin, that maybe so, but I think it sounds better than a Martin.
Still like the 814 natural tone better, slightly more balanced with chimey highs for finger style. That being said their Piezo pickup is outdated so they need to come up with a better option for their high end models. I wouldn’t pay for an 814 purely on that basis alone
Furch takes it! Fuller, richer tone with more depth and warmth. Taylor sounds too trebly and thin. It doesn't have the "sweetness" of tone that the Furch has when played fingerstyle.
@@khuluqin257 They go for a similar price for the taylor 814. And I live in Europe so there are dealers near where I live. They are not so expensive given that for their level of craftmanship they could charge a lot more tbh
Just bought a Furch online without ever playing one. The videos are making me feel less nervous. They sound really good. Hopefully it jives with my hands.
I prefer the Furch, even though I own an 814 and was hoping that one would win out. A suggestion: Please mention if the guitars in these comparisons have the same strings or not. Because, as you know, strings can make a big difference in how a guitar sounds. So I'd prefer if they had the same strings on them and you told us that. But love the videos and please keep them coming.
Cost wise the 814 is the same price as this Furch! Cost is a huge factor for most of us. I had settled on the 814. But now, would purchase the Furch! Wow sound is better and the cosmetics are much nicer than the Taylor and I play a 1993 Taylor.
I hate to admit that the Furch sounds better acoustically and supremely better electrically. I too am a fan of Taylor over Martin, and I own both. But Furch is my new favorite guitar on my wish list! Thanks for introducing me to Furch Guitars!
Phenomenal guitars. I can dream with either one. Furch get a little edge because sounds more fuller sound and deeper bass. Excellent arrangement for Amazing Grace. Chris keep the good job! God bless you
I choose Taylor, not just for the sound, but for the overall feel and playing experience as well. In my experience, the Furchs sound very good for the price, but the Taylor’s cost more, and from the neck profile to the body finish, to the overall sound it is a better guitar.
Taylors used to sound fuller and warmer. I remember when they were my favorite brand. Whatever they do to make them shimmery they need to chill out. They’re all shimmer these days.
Yes, as was pointed out, they are Gotoh tuners. Also, the video is slightly misleading in saying that they use tap tuning. Traditional tap tuning is not employed. It is a high tech “equivalent” if you will. More info is on Furch’s website.
Okay, I’m a Martin guy. The last Taylor I owned was a 615, and it was a very good instrument. Comparing the Taylor to the Furch... they seemed to be a better set of rivals than comparing a Furch to - let’s say, a Martin M36. All that being said, I felt that the Furch sounds a bit “muddy” compared acoustically, but with the L.R. Baggs system it really becomes a special instrument. I will admit, that particular Furch model is eye catching and spectacular!
It is shameful to adv. and speak of 'VS' 🥶 amongst great guitar builders and builds _ there is no such thing❗ - the most you should indicate is the 'Preferences' ‼️😖
I started wathing you because you are ALWAYS giving me TRUSTFULL answers and in the same way, im just enjoing your videos.Couple of years ago i traveled to Prague to buy taylor guitar 314ce,but i came home with Furch,because SOUND what this guitar produced was totally behind any expectations.The same story this year,this exact red master guitar will be my next one
I really enjoyed this demo. Nothing sounds like a Taylor and the comparison is great, but I believe Furch vs. Martin would be more apples to apples. I really like the Furch sound (heck Adrian Bellue can't be wrong) but the Furch sounds more muddy than the 814. You just don't hear the notes as clearly. Regardless, I would like to own both just for the versatility.
Yes, you are so right. Nothing sounds like a Taylor. Even If it was just an audio demo, i could tell which one was the Taylor. The Furch is a very good sounding Acoustic Guitar. But in my opinion, the sound is not distinctive. So i would have to compare it with any other very good Guitars out there. Taylor Guitars fits well in a Band setting, because it has a bright and sparkly sound that can cut through the mix. But it would be good to have the Furch as well, because it has a warm and mellow sound. But a Taylor is a Taylor. Love it or leave it.
