TAYLOR GC = MARTIN 0??? IN SIZE?

[FELIX6786]

In terms of size, which Martin is more or less the same size as a GC? Comments welcomed!!

[Edward]

I'm no Marty expert so will defer to those in the know.  But my bet is on the OM (which, btw, is my favorite Martin body).

Edward

[Strumming Fool]

I agree with Edward. Although the difference in shape will yield a very different tonal profile between the two, the Martin OM or 000 styles would be the closest in size to the GC.

[Frettingflyer]

I have always found the Martin system confusing, but I agree with the above, OM and OOO.

[Earl]

If you look at the actual dimensions, the GC size is closer to a 00, and the GA size is slightly larger than a 000.  It isn't a perfect conversion.  I used to think that GC was a 000, but digging into the dimensions, found a 00 to be closer.  I too like the Taylor system, but as a recovering owner of Brand M, I had to know about all this.

The Martin system starts with 0 (zero) for the smallest common guitar.  (For the purists, there are size 1 and size 2 models too, still smaller than 0's).  Every time you go up in size - a wider body - add another zero.  Guitars got bigger to be louder and hopefully compete with ensembles in larger halls.  0 = parlor, 00 = GC, 000 = GA, 0000 = J.  In Martin nomenclature the J (jumbo) is the same body size as a dreadnought, but with a pinched waist, so basically an extra wide 000.  Other numbers like 15, 17, 28, 35, 42 etc refer to wood types, trim level and bling.  A 000-28 has the same trim and woods as any -28 model regardless of size.  It get further confusing in that Martin (and the industry) is not consistent with 000 versus OM.  OM or Orchestra Model was the first "large" guitar sort of born in parallel, with the dreadnought.  Both OM and 000 have the same body footprint.  Originally, the OM had a longer 25.4" scale, while the 000 models were short scale at 24.9".  But over the years, Martin has made both models in both scales, so it is not a hard-and-fast rule.  And it is pronounced "triple-ohh" but it is really triple zero.  Now back to my corner.....

[Bob Womack]

Here are a Taylor 312e 12 fret slot head short scale and a Martin OM28 side by side for comparison:



And a Taylor GA and the same OM28:



The GC and oM weigh about the same as well, with the OM perhaps a little breezier.  The OM uses the Martin 000
 sized body.  That is confusing because there are two 000 bodies, the original round shouldered version used on the original 12 fret 000s and a more square shouldered on like this OM.  The change happened in 1929 when the OM model was created.  A bunch of orchestra players wanted a longer-necked acoustic guitar to replace the banjo and particularly one Perry Bechtel, so Frank Henry Martin took the 000 and created the OM "Orchestra Model" with the square shoulders and a 14 fret neck.  It makes sense: they wanted more frets to emerge free of the body so they gave the body a sharper curve that allowed those frets to be exposed. In 1934, Martin began offering 14 fret version of all their models and reverted back to the 000 designation.  That proved confusing so in late 1934 they began referring to all the 14 fret versions as "Orchestra Models" and the 12 fret versions as "Standard Models."  There was an Orchestra Model D dread, for instance!  It has taken the modern era to really get it sorted, somewhat.  These days, OM is used on a 14 fret long scale 000 and 000 is used on a 14 fret short scale 000.  The easiest way to differentiate on the modern ones is that the pickguard only reaches halfway across the bottom of the sound hole on the OM and it reaches all the way across on a 000.

Bob

[FELIX6786]

AWESOME Thank You

[Edward]

Thanks, Bob, for your pics and, as always, your insight.

One must also remember that with regard to Taylor's GA, that lower bout is the same width as a DN (their dred).  As the pics suggest, and confirmed immediately by feel, the OM is closer to a GC than to a GA.  But yes, the Martin nomenclature is less than consistent and often a point of confusion.

Edward

[Bo]

I have a couple of Taylor GC's as well as a Martin 000. They are similar in size, but are quite different in feel.  To me the GC feels smaller. It has a narrower waist than a 000, so it sits lower on your lap if you are playing while seated. The upper bout is smaller too which also makes it seem smaller when playing.  I am long and tall, so perhaps that factors into my perception.

Approximate measurements (tape measure in a dim room) are as follows:

Body Length - GC - 19 1/2"   000 - 19 3/8"
Upper Bout -   GC - 11"         000 - 11 1/2"
Waist -           GC - 8 3/4"     000 - 9 1/2"
Lower Bout -   GC - 15"         000 - 15 1/8"
Depth -           GC - 4"          000 - 4"
   
Both are great guitars. But one sounds like a Taylor and the other like a Martin. I enjoy both, but many people have a distinct brand preference.

[FELIX6786]

Perfect. Thank You

[otis66]

Taylor GC is closer to a Gibson L-00. My Gibson L-00 guitar fit in my Taylor GC-6 guitar case perfectly. The Taylor is just a bit thicker. My Martin 000- would not fit and the Martin 000 is a lot thinner.