Grand Auditorium vs. Grand Symphony

[michaelw]

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
k26ce
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

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

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

[bhuss1]

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.

[Dave60]

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.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 It's nice to have options. I prefer light strings too, but put mediums back on both of my GS's. Lesson learned. Have fun deciding.  

[pjroberts]

). 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.

[TaylorGirl]

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.

[Strumming Fool]

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

[TaylorGirl]

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.

[Guitarsan]

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! 

[TaylorGirl]

Yes, he does, and I think "he deserves it" too. 

[Guitarsan]

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!

[TaylorGirl]

You are bad for someone else's pocket book. 

[Guitarsan]

You are bad for someone else's pocket book. 

Just trying to "help"!   

[TaylorGirl]

You are bad for someone else's pocket book. 

Just trying to "help"!   

 

[Craig]

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