baritone

[revster]

I have heard the baritone 8 string and fell in love with the sound. Are there some who have them and can comment about how you feel; as well, as anyone the 6 string wh can compare to the 8. thanks

[jjrpilot-admin]

Are the baritones set an octave lower than a typical 6 string?  Forgive my ignorance...I haven't heard them...

[michaelw]

the 27" scale Taylor baritones are tuned B to b -
the 6 string model uses .016 -.070 gauge strings &
the octave strings on the 8 are .014 & .017

i believe if a capo is used on 5 (?), it will bring the tuning up to standard

[DennisG]

I've played them both at my local dealer, and I prefer the 6 because it's easier for me to fingerpick.  Using the 8, I have the same problem fingerpicking the octave strings as I have with a 12-string.  Strumming, either is good.  My observation is that the octave strings on the 8 are very subtle.

[Terry]

I have a 6 string, which is wonderful to finger pick, however strumming it doesn't always work, sound wise, for me.  The 8 strings I have played are bit more user friendly for strumming, I feel.
Terry

[flaggerphil]

I've played both the six and eight and, though they sound great, they're just not for me...playability wise.

[jalbert]

I got to play both a GT6 baritone and its GT8 sibling today. Tonally they feel like a completely different instrument that a 6-string in standard or even DADGAD tuning. I felt the GT8 had a slight edge over the GT6 in terms of sparkle. But as one used to playing a 12-string guitar with 6 doubled courses, my fingers got confused (sure, blame it on them!) with only two strings doubled.

[michaelw]

the clip of this BTO GT8 sounds pretty nice, imho &
the guitar is pretty 'easy on the eyes' too
http://www.thepodium.com/p-17283-taylor-gt-8-custom-maple.aspx

[DMBfan41]

I've played the 8 string several times at my local shop.  I love the sound but just can't bring myself to learn new chord fingerings or struggle with transposing when playing with others.  They are tuned B to B.  I was playing around with one of the shop owners on one.  He had a standard tuned 716 and I remember when I played, say for example a G on the baritone, he had to play a D.  I'm not going to say that was it definitively but just using as an example.

If I never had intentions of playing with others, I'd definitely ponder picking one up.  Just a little work involved if you play to accompany others.

[revster]

thanks to all who have responded. I have had just a little GAS with the baritone, but it does not fit the pocket book at this time.