GC for Strumming?

[kh1967]

Out of curiosity.....If you wanted a Grand Concert sized Taylor, but wanted it to be a good strumming/rhythm guitar, what would you build?

[ataylor]

I played a 12-fret GC in spruce/mahogany earlier this week that would be a nice strummer. You get more of a vintage tone with the strumming that's really popular in more indie/folksy stuff right now.

[sachi]

My GC-5 is actually pretty good for strumming, but it's hard to say what you might like. It really depends on what sounds good to your ears, not to mine.

[kh1967]

My GC-5 is actually pretty good for strumming, but it's hard to say what you might like. It really depends on what sounds good to your ears, not to mine.

I totally understand it is a matter of preference, but just wondering what others might prefer/envision for meeting the description.

[cjd-player]

I think it depend upon how you want to use it.   GC's strum o.k. but if you are looking for pure acoustic volume, you'll be disappointed.  However, if you're plugged in, then volume will not be an issue, and I think you will like the sting-to-string balance.

[kh1967]

I think it depend upon how you want to use it.   GC's strum o.k. but if you are looking for pure acoustic volume, you'll be disappointed.  However, if you're plugged in, then volume will not be an issue, and I think you will like the sting-to-string balance.

I agree - there are some volume limitations to the GC.  But, what I am wondering is if someone were going to build a GC for this purpose, what would you build or suggest?  I understand that a larger body style would give the extra volume, but I am wondering if there is a certain wood combination that might give the GC its best chance for being a good strumming guitar?  Yes, with an AMP....all problems solved.

[Steve]

Personally, I'm going with a Mahogany/Adi combination...

[kh1967]

Personally, I'm going with a Mahogany/Adi combination...

12 or 14 fret?

[sachi]

Personally, I'm going with a Mahogany/Adi combination...

This what I would likely do as well, if it were focused on strumming.

[Steve]

Personally, I'm going with a Mahogany/Adi combination...

12 or 14 fret?

I'd go with the 12 fret.

You can play any style on any guitar. Some are just better suited to some styles than others...

[steelerboy329]

I had a GC-Ke and didn't really like it for strumming.  I sold it a few months later and went with the GS body style.  I'm much happier with the GS than the GC.  Just my opinion though.

[jrporter]

I think that I'd search for a deeper-bodied variation of a GC shape to possibly combine the best of both worlds. I'm not saying that it's an exact fit, but something like a Huss & Dalton CM....

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

The larger guitar is nice for volume, IMHO you can't go wrong with any of the Taylors for projection (read Mini, yes it is a GS shape).  They all seem to project so well.

Now, the GS is a nice sounding (to say the least) guitar and the volume is off the scale but I played a couple of GC's yesterday and really liked them.  For me the GC is a better fit than the GS but as mentioned above in the end it all comes down to you and what you like.

[michaelw]

I think that I'd search for a deeper-bodied variation of a GC shape to possibly combine the best of both worlds. I'm not saying that it's an exact fit, but something like a Huss & Dalton CM....

there were some deep body GCs (X12s) around the late 80's/early 90's
with a deep body, about 1/16" deeper than the dreadnought & jumbo

the NSX2/X12-N models have always had a 4 5/8" body, but imho, it'd be a nice
LTD model, with a revised bracing pattern (or just adi braces) & 'vintage style'
appointments, non-cutaway, optional electronics, 14 fret (with open back tuners) &
12 fret, with or without a burst finish - mahogany & rosewood models, please

[Jannie]

Interesting, when you first posted this, I thought not really, I mean it's okay strumming. I had been trying different stringsets and in the process ended up with (I thought) Custom Light PB's from either Eliler or EXP's. I, on a whim just switched back to Elixir Nano Light PB's and yes I would say its nice for strumming, the tone just came out better, everything seems to fit better soundwise. Granted it's not the same as a Grand Auditorium or Dread but for playing at home it's very nice and with a pick I could get more than enough volume if needed.
Maybe not for Bluegrass but I don't play that- at least not yet

Wowzers this sounds really pretty when I use a capo, the sound strumming is really nice. I've just never used one before so it's new to me but I'm really liking the sound both picking and strumming from this guitar with the Light guage Elixir PB's. The guitar was set up from the factory with Light 80/20's of the same diameters.