GT vs 312

[Summerprophet]

Hi there,
I have a few nylon string guitars and a tele, and am looking for a steel string acoustic. I primarily play finger style blues and a bit of classical. Typical acoustics (i.e. full size scale) tend to feel to firm and lifeless to me, as my fingers are used to bendy nylon strings and super responsive cedar bodies.
I went to purchase a GS mini, and found it too cramped, and while it played nice, didn’t sound super great (with the exception of the Koa model) but picked up a GT, and absolutely loved it.

My only question, as the 312 is just a hair larger, and still not quite full scale. Unfortunately, I have never seen one in person. Not sure if it is bad luck, or if they are actually rather rare. Is it worth seeking one out to compare them, or is the GT likely as good as I am going to find in that price range.

Cutaways and electronics aren’t super important to me. I just play at home for my own enjoyment.

Thank you.
Justin

[Edward]

Hi Justin,

Welcome aboard, sir!
Look on Taylor's website and you can see the differences in scale length, as well as guitar widths.  It's all about increments, and only you can decide which is the best fit for you.  I've personally not yet had my hands on a GT, but can tell you that a GC body (the 312 or any x12) is a very comfortable shape, play very well, and they sound beautiful particularly with bare fingers.  And not only is the scale length at 24 7/8" shorter than the "typical" acoustics you've played (likely 25.5", your tele's scale), but the GCs are strung with lights, as opposed to many "full" sized acoustics of which many are strung with mediums. 

Even more "comfy" and perhaps closer to your fit may be a Taylor 12fret model.  Hard to demo as I scarcely see them on walls, but this would be my personal pick --easy first pick for me-- over either GT or GC.  Not just for the feel of the guitar, but also for the bass and overall low-end roundness the 12F brings to the table.  I absolutely feel it is worth finding and driving to go try out a 12F, and of course a GC-bodied Taylor.  And forgive me for stating the obvious, but you may also want to consider looking at used Taylors as that will bring the prices down considerably.  Hope that helps you a bit.

Edward

[Frettingflyer]

Welcome, I agree with a lot of what Edward said. I have 4 GC’s, 2 12 fret and 2 14 fret. All have their own voices of course. If you want it to have that “slinky” feel Taylor talks about and not too much tension the 12 fret feels that way to me. I actually play the 14frets more these days though that varies over time.
You may also like a GA 12 fret which I think Edward was pointing at, but they are hard to find in the wild. I am kind of surprised you haven’t seen a GC out there, even the Academy 12 would give you an idea, but the nut width is narrower than the AD and 300’s and up. Also, they are pushing the AD22e now and that will have the same specs size wise as any other GC.
Best of luck, I have only played one or two GT’s and find I am happy with the GC. I agree about the lack of fretting room or being a bit cramped on the fingerboard for finger style but some of them are super nice instruments.