Taylor GA7 Guitar

[neil scarlett]

Hello. I might have the chance to buy a preowned mint condition home used only Taylor GA7 guitar in the UK for £1250 and I'm trying to decide whether this is a fair price. I've found a basic description on the internet but not much else and would like to know what sort of quality level this guitar is at - for example what price did it retail at, when was it discontinued, is it broadly comparable to the 700 series eg 714 which I know is good or does the 7 in GA7 have no connection to that level? Interestingly the information I have says that this was a non electrified guitar but the one I have seen has the Expression system built in. Obviously I would see the guitar on collection and decide whether it's worth it then, but any background advice on the quality level or price offered would be appreciated as I have to decide whether the 2 hour travel would be worth it. Thankyou if anyone can help.

[Earl]

The GA7 would be a 714 without electronics or cutaway, and maybe plainer trim and inlays.  It could have been ordered with the ES pickup though.  The “acoustic series” (DN, GA, GC, etc) were around for a few years - I don’t remember which years exactly, but want to say 2007-2011.  They were intended to address demand for non-ce versions of models.  Otherwise they were the same, so GA7 = 714.  I don’t know the availability or values of used Taylor guitars in the UK so cannot comment on that price.  But a mint condition GA7 with some aging would be a pretty sweet rosewood/spruce guitar, good for many playing styles.

Years ago I wanted a 714 when they were rosewood with cedar tops, which sounded great for finger style.  But they were beyond my wallet then, selling for US $2400.  I ended up with a 414ce for about $1600 new.  The 800’s are the flagship series (GA8 for the same acoustic model) and 700’s were just one notch lower in the line, so not cheap.  When I say “lower” that means plainer appointments and a sightly lower wood grade, which is mostly cosmetic anyway.  Hope this helps.  It would definitely be worth checking out.   

[madx2]

"...I don’t remember which years exactly, but want to say 2007-2011".

Small point. I had a 2013 DN7 so they went until at least then.

[Edward]

1. I gigged a GA7 for many years ...spectacular guitar, bar none, no excuses.  And that old, tired mantra of "cedar is not for strumming" or "low headroom" is simply silly in my opinion and experience.  The GA7 was my #1 go-to guit for many years until I sold it (another story, but not because of anything "lacking").  But bear in mind, depending on the year, a GA7 may have cedar, spruce, or a lutz top.

2. The GC, GA, GS, DN series of that era  (mine was an 07 fwiw) had a slightly thinner top than their corresponding acoustic/electric models; in your case a 714ce.  And this is per Taylor who I distinctly recall reading that the slightly thinner top of these "pure acoustic" models were to aid in resonance and dynamics, whereas the A/E versions had thicker tops as an eye toward stage use where said resonance can be a detriment.  Whether truly the case in actuality, who knows, but it's their point not mine ...but I'll take it

3. Bottom line: if you're good with no cutaway, simpler aesthetics, and no electronics (though some had an "e" designation to denote ES equipped), the series is a spectacular one to consider.  And they typically are priced lower than their numerical counterparts so they are a relative bargain, as well.

Edward

[Strumming Fool]

Totally agree with Edward's comments, and in certain aspects, I love the understated elegance of the aesthetics on the pure acoustic series, including grained ivoroid bindings and small abalone fretboard dots. I hope it works out for you. The GA7 is a great guitar, regardless of which top wood it has.

[neil scarlett]

Just to let you know I took the plunge and went to see this guitar. Absolutely stunning. 2009 model with Expression electronics with hard case all in mint condition. One gentle owner. Cedar top rosewood back and sides. Had a go unplugged - great balance across the strings, lovely sustain, really easy to play. You could tell the quality as soon as you picked it up. No bling but lovely colour tones on the woods.  Had to buy it and what's more I got a further £100 off it. Well pleased - a real bargain for a back bedroom strummer like me. Found an old price list on the internet $3400 new!! I don't think I'll play it - I'll just look at it!! Thanks for all the replies.

[Strumming Fool]

Congratulations Neil! Would love to see some photos as long as you're just looking at it! Enjoy!

[neil scarlett]

Here's the photos. Thanks again for all your interest and replies.

[Strumming Fool]

BEEEEUTIFUL! Gorgeous cedar/rosewood combination. I used to own a GC7 a few years back - such a pretty guitar.


Thanks for sharing!!