Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: TaylorGirl on October 30, 2014, 11:58:46 AM
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I paid a visit to Elderly Instruments this past weekend and tried out a few GS's. I was pleasantly surprised on how comfortable they were to play and how well they sounded. I fell in love with a K26ce. I'm a 99% finger style player, but was impressed by the GS for my type of playing. I thought size-wise there was a bigger difference between the GA and the GS, so I mentally ruled out the GS for me. Now, I'm intrigued. Anyone want to share their thoughts about the comparison of these two?
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All things being equal, I frankly prefer the size of the GA from a comfort standpoint; the lower bout of the GS is just slightly bigger, and the corner of the guitar tends to dig more into my upper arm muscle. I also prefer it from a sonic standpoint too -- with one caveat...
I know Taylor promotes the GS as their strumming guitar -- which is primarily how I play, so you'd think I'd be drawn to it over the GA. But in the 6-string version, the GS sounds a bit too 'boomy' to me. Not really 'boomy' in a bad sort of way; just a touch too much bass response for my taste. I can almost come to terms with it -- until I play a GA, and everything just sounds more balanced to me. My brother has one of the BR-VIII guitars (Cedar/Claro Walnut), and I personally find it a too bit 'warm' for my taste -- which I attribute to both the wood combination and the GS body. I've played other Walnut guitars with various types of tops (['Sinker'] Redwood, Walnut, and Spruce) -- all in other body styles (GC, GA, and GO respectively) -- and my impression of Walnut was a bit more favorable in the smaller-bodied guitars.
Then I move on to a 12-string; and suddenly, I get it with the GS. I think I tried one GA 12-string when I was buying my first Taylors, and remember [literally] wrinkling my nose at it. Then Joe at Empire Music handed me a 656ce, and I knew I'd found my [first] 12-string. The extra bit of bass from the GS body just seems to compliment the octave strings perfectly, particularly with the Maple body. My K66ce and Custom GS-12 -- same kind of thing. And when speccing it out, I decided to spring for the armrest on my Custom GS-12 to mitigate the minor discomfort of the lower bout.
So my short answer to your question, Susie, is: I like nearly any GS-bodied 12-string... But prefer a GA-bodied 6-string...
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Good feedback...thanks Tim. Hmmm.......K24e.......
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When I was shopping for a new guitar recently, I went back and forth between a 314ce (GA) and a 316ce (GS).
I really loved the 316ce. It sounded nice, fat, and full. The 314ce sounded great, too but I went with the 314ce for 2 reasons:
1) The 314 (GA) uses light strings and the 316 (GS) uses medium. I’m sure the beefier strings on the GS play a big part in the beefier tone, but I wanted to stick with lights so I went with the GA
2) I was buying used, and since there are a lot more 314’s out there, I was able to get a better deal on one of those. I didn’t see many used 316’s since that model has only been out a couple of years.
One thing I did not keep in mind was that a Taylor with medium strings still plays easier than just about any other guitar with lights on it.
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Size difference: approx. 3/8" in the lower bout ...which is to say, nearly indistinguishable.
Tone difference: significant (think of the overall difference in surface area of the soundboard and air volume that "mere" dimensional change makes and you get it)
GS is better? Depends on the guitar, your ears, and your preferences.
For 12-strings, I love the GS and think it is the perfect body (and their old jumbo bod, natch!). But for 6-stringers, the difference in body changes the voice considerably, and bigger or smaller on the identical build can easily make the difference between one you kinda like to one you love; and either way, too! I've personally found some GS bods too boomy and unappealing, or GA bods a bit thin and lacking bottom, while others are suited perfectly where size, woods, and build all come together for "that voice" you fall in love with.
So there's my justification for "it depends." Vive la difference! :)
Edward
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I concur with Tim regarding the lower bout digging into the bicep. That's from a sitting position which is how I play. The armrest can fix that but it's a lot more $$$. I got a K26e for it's warm strumming sound (and looks) but it's also nice picked; however, my eir/sit (ss/sc) GA is far more comfortable for me. I've been purposely playing the K26e more and am getting more acclimated to it. When I switch back to the GA now it feels like an electric!
It's nice to have multiple guitars so you have the right scratcher for every itch. I still need a GC or 12 fret to round out the stable.
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Good feedback...thanks Tim. Hmmm.......K24e.......
Please don't think I'm trying to talk you out of a K26ce, Susie! Either guitar body can be used -- successfully -- as a strummer or a finger-picker. My brother plays more finger style -- yet he bought the GS-bodied BR-VIII because (aside from wanting the cool, matching Taylor amplifier -- not kidding!) he liked what he heard (the combination of woods with the guitar body) when he played it. As a strummer, I opted for a GA-bodied BR-V -- largely for the same reasons (I liked what I heard when I strummed it -- OK, and the cool, art-deco aesthetics... and the cool, matching Taylor amplifier... ;)). But if you believe the pure sales pitch from the Taylor marketing folks, we each wound up with the other's guitar, based solely on our primary playing styles (the GS is more suited to strumming, and the GA a better finger-style guitar)... There's so much more to choosing between these guitars than just what end-user the designers had envisioned...
It's best to play them (K24ce vs. K26ce) side-by-side if you're on the fence. Edward makes a very good point about the small difference in the linear dimension of the lower bout translating into a considerable difference in soundboard area and body volume. You may want more bottom end from your Koa guitar (even if you're finger picking it most of the time) than I want from my Koa guitar (when strumming it) -- in which case, the K26ce is your guitar.
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I paid a visit to Elderly Instruments this past weekend and tried out a few GS's. I was pleasantly surprised on how comfortable they were to play and how well they sounded. I fell in love with a K26ce. I'm a 99% finger style player, but was impressed by the GS for my type of playing. I thought size-wise there was a bigger difference between the GA and the GS, so I mentally ruled out the GS for me. Now, I'm intrigued. Anyone want to share their thoughts about the comparison of these two? What GS is your favorite and why?
Koa! Koa! Koa! Got ya thinkin', Susie? ;D
I've seen many play a GS for fingerstyle, it's not surprising. To me, Bob decided he wanted a Jumbo replacement that was, to your point, more comfortable. But still have that piano-like bass and more volume and some sustain, which is great for fingerstyle, certainly for bluegrass, but applicable for others. I haven't considered the GS mainly because Taylor recommends medium strings, and I like the ease of playing too much that I favor light strings over tone for playability, hence the GA works for me. You might be fine with medium strings. I just don't play enough now - they're too much work for me. Just wait until I retire though, that may all change as I get more time to play.....
You currently have a GC, a GA, and a DN. So....you dont' have a GS. Maybe reason enough? And you know that Koa looks so fine....tempting you yet?
Scott
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Thanks everyone, so far! Lots of good information to think about. One thing that I think is important is the light vs. medium strings. I do prefer the lights (except on my minis). Also, if a couple of you guys are finding the GS a bit uncomfortable on the arm, I'm likely to have the same issue. I'm a tall gal (5'9"), but it's definitely something to consider. My husband sure liked the K2x's when I showed him the pics. I told him it's too much money (I'm my worst enemy when finding reasons NOT to buy something). But, he still spoke positively about it. I think he's eyeing a new (larger) maple syrup evaporator, so maybe he feels that I should get something special too. Sure would be awesome to have in my stable. Based on the responses so far, I will do more playing at the store and see how I feel. Problem is, I went and retired with my husband and now we live 3 hours away, instead of 1/2 hour like before. Darn it. But, we do get down there for one reason or another on a regular basis.
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Koa! Koa! Koa! Got ya thinkin', Susie? ;D
....tempting you yet?
Yes, tempting!
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I owned a GS8 and play a lot of finger style. No matter how much I tried to convince myself it was the right guitar, I always felt I had to pluck a little too hard finger picking and that when I wanted to dial it back a bit and play more gently finger style wise, the bottom would fall out and it would be tough to hear. My 514ce is quiet different, albeit it has the cedar top and that helps, too, but I just think there's more finger picking dynamics to be had with a GA. It's more responsive to a softer touch and you can still hammer it as well. So, that's my two cents. Hope it helps.
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Yes, that helps. I'm beginning to think (based on the responses) that the GA is still a better fit for me (I know I absolutely love my 414). I will keep all these things in mind as I try out the Taylor koa's. I'm still impressed with the tone and the beauty. The 32x-k FLTD's were very very nice. They had a nice tone, different from what I have.
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You asked for opinions, Susie, so here goes:
I generally prefer the GA size, and I'm a big NFL lineman-sized guy with long arms. I don't play dreads anymore because of shoulder injuries. Most of the guitars in my signature are GA's - largely because they were acquired before the GS body shape came out, and I like the balance of tone that body size provides. But the size difference with a GS is not dramatic when holding it. If you can hold a GA with comfort, you can also probably hold a GS too without problems.
For instruments like all koa and 12 string, some extra bass power helps to better balance things out, and the larger GS body seems to do the trick nicely. Remember that koa tops will take some time to open up and will add some low-end as they age a bit. Koa starts out fairly bright and develop richness over time.
At a Find-Your-Fit event about three weeks ago, I had the chance to play the K24, K26 and the K28 side by side in a reasonably quiet room. I liked the K26 best for overall balance of tone. The GO size K28 felt too big for me. But they are all awesome. None of them are bad, so choose the one that speaks to you best. I'm a 75% fingerstyle player (nails only) with some flatpick rhythm strumming thrown in when jamming with others. Because I play Hawaiian slack-key style a fair amount, koa instruments are special to me -- both guitars and ukes.
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Thanks everyone, so far! Lots of good information to think about. One thing that I think is important is the light vs. medium strings. I do prefer the lights (except on my minis)...
Keep in mind as you're comparing GA- and GS-bodied guitars, that (as Michael pointed out in this thread (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=5697.msg61209#msg61209)) the overall string tension using medium-gauge strings on the GS Mini is effectively the same as the light-gauge strings on your 414ce. Since a K26ce has the same scale length as your 414ce, but medium-gauge strings, the overall string tension will be higher. Now, having said that, I don't find it objectionable; Taylor's Dreadnought 6-strings also come with medium-gauge strings. After playing for a bit, it will cause some hand/wrist fatigue compared to the light-gauge strings; but if you can deal with the string tension on your 150e, you'll be fine with a K26ce.
... Also, if a couple of you guys are finding the GS a bit uncomfortable on the arm, I'm likely to have the same issue. I'm a tall gal (5'9"), but it's definitely something to consider...
I don't think "uncomfortable" is quite the word I'd use to describe it; I mean, it's not like the guitar is cutting off the circulation to my hand or anything. With the GS body (sans armrest), I'd just call it a bit more fatiguing when compared to the GA body; that's all.
Given your height, and that you've already test-driven a GS-bodied guitar and liked it, I don't think you'll have any long-term discomfort if you choose the K26ce over the K24ce.
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Thanks everyone. Looks like some more test driving for me. This is all good information.
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i was able to compare a CV braced k24ce to a standard II (08) k26ce &, to me, the newer k24ce
won out in terms of depth, warmth, projection, but a CV braced k26 might up the ante a bit more -
these look pretty nice, imho
WW adi CV AA koa ES2 k24ce
http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/products/1108184099.php?CategoryID=106&n=4 (http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/products/1108184099.php?CategoryID=106&n=4)
k26ce
http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/products/1108184094.php?CategoryID=106&n=6 (http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/products/1108184094.php?CategoryID=106&n=6)
Thanks everyone, so far! Lots of good information to think about. One thing that I think is important is the light vs. medium strings. I do prefer the lights (except on my minis). Also, if a couple of you guys are finding the GS a bit uncomfortable on the arm, I'm likely to have the same issue. I'm a tall gal (5'9"), but it's definitely something to consider.
i'm just a hair over 5' 10" & the GS is comfortable to me, although i use EXP19s (medium E, A, D, .025 G -
same gauge as elixir HDs & light B & e (.016 & .012), but i think the GA may feel a bit cozier, especially when
sitting down, because of the body taper, curve of the waist & the 16" lower bout, rather than the GSs 16 1/4"
My husband sure liked the K2x's when I showed him the pics. I told him it's too much money (I'm my worst enemy when finding reasons NOT to buy something). But, he still spoke positively about it. I think he's eyeing a new (larger) maple syrup evaporator, so maybe he feels that I should get something special too.
sounds like a pretty fair 'trade' to me ;)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161272133271?lpid=82 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/161272133271?lpid=82)
i don't know if these pics are of the blemished one, because they don't seem to change when a selection
is made, but this is some of the nicest looking koa series grade koa i've seen, on my laptop screen, in a while
http://www.zzounds.com/item--TAYK26CE?siid=110247 (http://www.zzounds.com/item--TAYK26CE?siid=110247)
Sure would be awesome to have in my stable. Based on the responses so far, I will do more playing at the store and see how I feel. Problem is, I went and retired with my husband and now we live 3 hours away, instead of 1/2 hour like before. Darn it. But, we do get down there for one reason or another on a regular basis.
sometimes a little more distance to a good store is not such a bad thing, as it may make a trip there a bit more special -
when i get where i'm going, within the next week i'm hoping, it'll a good 8 hours (minimum)
to what i would consider to be a good store & the store that i have frequented for over the
past decade will be over 8 hours away (by air) & a good 40+ hour (@ 70 mph) road trip away ... :-\
if koa is not in cards, there might be some pretty strong winds of change happening to maple soon
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I'm a fingerstyle performer, and I chose the GS7. My voice has gotten lower as I age, so I tune down 1/2 step…and that means when I use medium strings the tension is about the same as light strings tuned normally. It's a perfect match that way for me: more tone from heavier strings, but softer feel because of less tension. You do lose a tiny bit of the "zing" on top that way…but not enough for anyone but me to notice. If you play with other people, then tuning to standard pitch is important (or just pull out your capo), but as a solo act…well, who cares. Just another thing to consider.
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I love my 316GS not to big not to boomy for me. I replaced the Tusq saddle with a Colosi Hard Ivory and it really made a noticeable difference. A lot more definition and sustain. I'd like to get a Grand Orchestra next.
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It's nice to have options. 8) I prefer light strings too, but put mediums back on both of my GS's. Lesson learned. Have fun deciding. :)
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). But, he still spoke positively about it. I think he's eyeing a new (larger) maple syrup evaporator, so maybe he feels that I should get something special too. Sure would be awesome to have in my stable.
Yeah I hear you -- Came down to either a nice maple 616 GS or a sweet maple syrup evaporator. GAS decisions today are not what they used to be.
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So many great comments here. Thanks guys. I appreciate it. The thing that baffles me, is how did you (Michael) know that the new evaporator pan that my husband was considering was a 2x6 raised flue? And from that seller! Your link is right on. Thanks for all the other links, those are beautiful. And yes, waiting to see what happens with the 600 series is a must. IF I do something, it won't be until 2015.
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Sorry I'm a bit late in chiming in, but here are my thoughts:
First of all, it's obvious from my signature that I will come down on the side of the GA vs the GS. I have owned dreads, jumbos, GCs, GS, and of course, the GA. With my height and frame (5'6" - 145 lbs), the GA is the right fit for me.
CAUTION: I tried several GS Taylors in the store, and I liked quite a few of them. I even brought one of my guitar straps (I always stand when I play and sing) to test-drive a few of these. They felt quite comfortable, and I barely noticed the size difference. The proof in the pudding for me was taking one home and living with it for a while. The size, combined with the medium gauge strings, became fatiguing for me, and I wasn't having fun playing it. I switched to light gauge strings, but the guitar sounded anemic and still felt too large during my playing sessions. I gave it up for a GC7. I loved that guitar, but it couldn't ultimately stand up to some of my more aggressive strumming tunes, so I gave it up for - you guessed it- another GA!
I have a K24e on order with upgraded koa (my seventh, and hopefully last GA) - I can't wait!
Just my $.02
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Thanks SF. So many people weighed in on this and based on what people have said, I think I may be happier with the GA. Not that a GS isn't a good fit for others, probably not the best for me, all things considered. My husband brought it up again this morning. I think he really wants me to have a Taylor koa. He again expressed a love for the K2x. He said "I deserve it". Looks like it might be something I end up with. I will probably wait a while (next year), but it sure made an impression on me. I'm probably thinking a K24e. We'll have to see what 2015 brings.
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My husband brought it up again this morning. I think he really wants me to have a Taylor koa. He again expressed a love for the K2x. He said "I deserve it". Looks like it might be something I end up with. I will probably wait a while (next year), but it sure made an impression on me. I'm probably thinking a K24e. We'll have to see what 2015 brings.
Or Christmas maybe, seems Santa has a real hankering for that maple evaporator! 8)
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Yes, he does, and I think "he deserves it" too. ;D
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I'm probably thinking a K24e. We'll have to see what 2015 brings.
I love mine so much. I swear mine's opening up on the low end already, but might be my imagination. Yeah, that's it, buy it in 2014, and then it'll open up in 2015, just in time haha!
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You are bad for someone else's pocket book. ::)
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You are bad for someone else's pocket book. ::)
Just trying to "help"! 8)
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You are bad for someone else's pocket book. ::)
Just trying to "help"! 8)
:) :D ;D :o
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Excuse me for being English but what on earth is a a maple syrup evaporator?
For what it's worth I have an 816 and a 714 hung on my wall and which one do I always go for? Neither, it' s about 50/50
Craig
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Excuse me for being English but what on earth is a a maple syrup evaporator?
For what it's worth I have an 816 and a 714 hung on my wall and which one do I always go for? Neither, it' s about 50/50
Craig
Thanks Craig. A maple syrup evaporator varies in size, but it's a large device that is used to boil down (evaporate) the water in sap from a maple tree to eventually end up with pure maple syrup. A tree's sap starts at about 1-3% sugar and when you boil to 67% sugar it's pure maple syrup. Lots of work and expense, but oh so good.
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So many great comments here. Thanks guys. I appreciate it. The thing that baffles me, is how did you (Michael) know that the new evaporator pan that my husband was considering was a 2x6 raised flue? And from that seller! Your link is right on. Thanks for all the other links, those are beautiful. And yes, waiting to see what happens with the 600 series is a must. IF I do something, it won't be until 2015.
easy-peasy -
i've kept my ESP(N) subscription current & i'm also an IHG rewards royal ambassador ;)
ok, ya got me, i don't have ESPN (no cable/satellite tv) & i've stayed
at best western, overall, more often than at the holiday inn express :-[
i looked up maple syrup evaporators & found one closest in $ to a k24ce @ MAP
yes ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8bC-hWUCDw#t=35 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8bC-hWUCDw#t=35)
:-\
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Coincidence for sure. Actually, I just found out that was one he WAS considering, but now he's decided on a different one. I really like what he's considering....latest and greatest. He deserves it.
Thanks for all the wonderful responses. great information. I appreciate it. It really helped. I think there's a K24ce in my future. ;D
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i'm waiting for my local shop, still local for the time being, for a 326ceFLTD-k, or 3, to roll
through the front door, as they have a plethora, a virtual cornucopia, of 324ceFLTD-Ks -
i had a 05 324ceL10 all koa (pre standard II with ES1.11 (2AA, revised pre-amp) & a 07
424ceSL all koa (standard II, ES 1,2 9V, 2 defeatable body sensors) but i think that the
wood thicknessing & some other details (finish process), as well as the ES2, makes the
current 14 fall 32Xce all koa a little more mature, rounder & more consistent in tone
across several examples straight out-of-the-box (+1 to PB strings & micarta saddle),
but i'm waiting on the big gun 326 (big being a relative term, as there are no 3/418s yet)
the value per $ on the all koa 300s is ridonkulous, imho, &
the edgeburst 51X tas blackwoods aren't too shabby either ;)
the 518eFLTD ... nice 8)
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Hello Taylorgirl...I must admit I really do not have the acute ear for the differance in tone. All I can add is that I have a GS and Find no comfort issues between that and my 814... Go with your heart and your ears!! What works for you personally is your best answer!! BTW,,,Do you sell any Maple Syrup? Let us know!!
Wish you the best and know you won't go wrong!! :)
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Hello Taylorgirl...I must admit I really do not have the acute ear for the differance in tone. All I can add is that I have a GS and Find no comfort issues between that and my 814... Go with your heart and your ears!! What works for you personally is your best answer!! BTW,,,Do you sell any Maple Syrup? Let us know!!
Wish you the best and know you won't go wrong!! :)
Thanks shorty....you are right. You have to ultimately do what's best for yourself. I appreciate the comment. Yes, we sell our syrup, but we are sold out of the 2014 syrup. The 2015 syrup will be ready in the spring.
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Seems like you have a lot of good comments already, but I'll add my vote for the GS. I wrote about my GA v GS discovery here: http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=4822.0 (http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=4822.0)
I have no opinions on maple syrup evaporators.
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Have you considered the 324CE-K Fall Limited Edition? I tried both the 324 and 326 and for my taste I liked the 324 which I bought. It's at a good price and is a good substitute for the K24's, K26's. YMMV. I also have a 810CE.
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Have you considered the 324CE-K Fall Limited Edition? I tried both the 324 and 326 and for my taste I liked the 324 which I bought. It's at a good price and is a good substitute for the K24's, K26's. YMMV. I also have a 810CE.
Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
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Pics!!!
Congrats Taylorgirl. Enjoy
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Pics!!!
Congrats Taylorgirl. Enjoy
Will do pics for sure! Thanks!
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Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
Hey congrats, TaylorGirl!
Looks as if we'll be fellow K24 owners soon as mine is due in December. Can't wait to see pics and hear your review. Enjoy!
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Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
Hey congrats, TaylorGirl!
Looks as if we'll be fellow K24 owners soon as mine is due in December. Can't wait to see pics and hear your review. Enjoy!
Thanks! Yeah, we need to start a Koa Club!
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Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
Hey congrats, TaylorGirl!
Looks as if we'll be fellow K24 owners soon as mine is due in December. Can't wait to see pics and hear your review. Enjoy!
Thanks! Yeah, we need to start a Koa Club!
Ya'll could be called, "Allkoa"
https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/home.asp
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Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
Hey congrats, TaylorGirl!
Looks as if we'll be fellow K24 owners soon as mine is due in December. Can't wait to see pics and hear your review. Enjoy!
Thanks! Yeah, we need to start a Koa Club!
Ya'll could be called, "Allkoa"
https://www.alcoa.com/global/en/home.asp
LOL...love it!
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Yes, I did! Then, my husband saw a K24ce that he feel in love with, as well as me. Got a great price on it, so I bought it. So, I ended up going with the GA. I think it's better for me.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone!
Congratulations!
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I was in the market for a used Taylor CE for 8 months, and most of them were the x14ce series. When I stumbled on a like-new 816CE, I fell in love with it because of the extra bass response it had. Of course the 1/2 off street value did not hurt with the purchase. I've stucked using medium gauge strings, and I do both strumming and finger-picking.
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Size difference: approx. 3/8" in the lower bout ...which is to say, nearly indistinguishable.
Tone difference: significant (think of the overall difference in surface area of the soundboard and air volume that "mere" dimensional change makes and you get it)
GS is better? Depends on the guitar, your ears, and your preferences.
For 12-strings, I love the GS and think it is the perfect body (and their old jumbo bod, natch!). But for 6-stringers, the difference in body changes the voice considerably, and bigger or smaller on the identical build can easily make the difference between one you kinda like to one you love; and either way, too! I've personally found some GS bods too boomy and unappealing, or GA bods a bit thin and lacking bottom, while others are suited perfectly where size, woods, and build all come together for "that voice" you fall in love with.
So there's my justification for "it depends." Vive la difference! :)
Edward
I agree here and there, there is that model where you decide the likes of body shape and wood type. I think our great take on this would be favorite of ours and used would be to get the utmost maximum tonal sound and playability with these acoustic guitars. There is that " It all depends " which is true. The string gauge/make/type..the wood overall....the shape...the electronics that would take or have and the ease of it all as to ease of playing throughout the neck shape. These would have to come all together and maybe not all for everyone but when you do get this plus more? They you know you got something very special that you will play and hold dearly as a keeper that no one else might've have yet come across. I love these kinds of journey in all kinds of guitars. It's what make yours sound and play differently as it's really your own now and style. ;)
There is always that search for that perfect one from the rest. 8)
Sorry an updated edit added here >>>>>> The 314ce/414ce are both great if only Taylor had not added the X16ce in the series i would have been very happy with the previous mentioned. But that GS on the 416ce is something as well as the GO models. ;D