414 vs 416 factory string gauge difference

[Tomm Williams]

Hello all

I own both a 414 and a 416, it’s my understanding that Taylor ships the 414 with Elixir light gauge (12’s) and the 416 with medium gauge (13’s). Their dimensions are very similar, so much that I hesitated buying my 416 except it was a killer price I couldn’t say no to. What is the reason Taylor places different gauges on guitars that appear so near identical?

[Strumming Fool]

I won't pretend to be Taylor's spokesperson, but I can relay my personal experience.  The extra square inches on the grand symphony's top make it more difficult to drive it with light gauge strings. When I tried light gauge strings on my GS, it became anemic in depth of tone. The  GA is more attractive to me, due to its full spectrum of tone and superior playability.

[xtremearmor]

I would expect the GS is braced differently as to accommodate medium strings, as it is intended to be used primarily as a strummer.

[416ce]

The 416ce GS is a wonderful strummer as well as with finger picking. Overall a great sounding player. Wonder when Taylor is going to bring back the GS in different series level.

I've yet to get a feel with the 12's I swapped it and will record, then I will swap it to the original gauge 13's. Sorry but it's not going to be the Elixirs no.
Maybe either an EB Earthwood or Monels both in 13's. If what they say is true that the gauge set up to Taylor GS body with 13's will play and feel as if it's a 12 then 13's will stay for sure as it's recommended stock installed and will drive the top more freely so.