Still Looking for Next guitar

[dbvirago]

I started looking for advice in http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=10934.15, but I have some new information that may change things and need some expert advice.

The driving force behind my search is comfort, specifically my right shoulder. I'm now narrowed it down to a GC or a GT (with a GS mini from the Taylor Days deal)

They both seem more comfortable than my 814, but in looking at specs, I'm confused by something and that's where I'm looking for opinions/advice.

Besides the 814, I have an Academy 10, a dreadnought shape. When my shoulder starts bothering me, I will play it more as it seems more comfortable.

And that's where the confusion comes in. Looking at the specs, both guitars are pretty similar. The main difference that I see is that the waist is about 1 1/2" smaller on the 814, which in theory, should make it more comfortable for my shoulder as the lower bout on the two is the same.

Anybody have an idea why this is?

Either way, with a smaller bout and waist, bot the GT and GC should be easier on my shoulder

[Earl]

It all depends on your playing position.  Given your description, I presume that the guitar sits on your right leg (cowboy style)?   Old shoulder injuries forced me to give up that position years ago, in favor of a more classical position -- guitar sitting on left leg.  Best of all is the guitar centered on my body using a strap, even when seated.  I like having the button on the neck heel because then the guitar hangs naturally centered on my torso, a position that is actually the most comfortable for me.  My play is about 75% finger style and 25% strumming.  With a strap I can once again play larger body sizes like DN, or GO, or even a jumbo.  Most of those were sold off a long time ago.  Getting old ain't for sissies.....

Many folks can use smaller bodies like a GC or a GS Mini and still play on your right leg, but changes in your technique may be necessary.  It can take a while to get used to the new position and its subtleties for both hands.  In addition to shoulder issues, I needed total knee replacements six years ago, so playing while standing became impossible.  The attached picture shows me holding four different guitars, including a GA body and a carbon fiber double-neck that I was test driving.

Added:  Notice that the neck angle as fretted is consistent across all the pictures.  For the double neck, I had to rotate the body to access the twelve-string neck at the same angle.  That was the biggest reason I did not keep that guitar.

[dbvirago]

Thanks for all that, Earl. I'll keep trying the strap and the classical position. Just feels awkward to me.

[Frettingflyer]

Earl has some great points. As to your question, the A10 would seem to have a wider body, 16” vs 15 for the other two you are looking at. Also, the GC is a slightly slimmer body and the GT even more so. You really need to try them if possible. Having had shoulder issues myself I find I really like my GC guitars although now that I have healed I can play bigger bodies without as much trouble as I had before. I have tried going the more classical route but never gave it enough effort to stick with it, returning to using my right leg to hold the guitar.
For me, with my finger style guitar playing which is most of it I really like the 1 3/4” nut width so I don’t play the mini as much but find a great response from my GC guitars. It may seem counterintuitive but I also think not having to reach as far with the left hand has some minor impact on how I hold the guitar, or did when my shoulder was injured.
Good luck in your search, can’t go wrong with BOGO(how my son got his A12).
Earl-looks like we have the same guitar chair, does your squeak? Mine does if I move too much.

[Earl]

Thanks for all that, Earl. I'll keep trying the strap and the classical position. Just feels awkward to me.

It *will* feel awkward for a while - no way around that.  You just have to stick with it for a few weeks.  Now it feels weird to me trying to play with the guitar sitting on my right leg, the way I did for many years.  Plus I can only do that for a few minutes before my shoulder complains.  One added benefit is that classical position takes a lot of twist and stress off your wrist, forearm and elbow.  I often have students make a barre F shape at about the sixth fret, then move the guitar to the left leg while holding that chord.  It is amazing how much tension is reduced in your wrist.

Earl-looks like we have the same guitar chair, does your squeak? Mine does if I move too much.

It is a Pik-n-Glider from Elderly I got years ago.  Because I am so tall and my knees were so bad, I built a riser out of 2 x 6, so it sits up about 4" higher than normal.  Mine does not squeak, but a friend who has the full swivel version has that problem.  Mine simply glides forward and backward.  I went for black leather for the cushions to match our other furniture, and it wheezes when I first sit down and the cushion compresses.  Fabric is breathable but leather is not.  These days I split my playing time between the Pik-n-Glider and a Sound Seat, which I also like a lot.  Highly recommended.....  www.soundseat.com

[dbvirago]

Thanks everyone. Just got home with my new babies. Literally. I went with the GT in mahogany. I think the depth against the GC was the deciding factor.
And, with Taylor days I also got a mahogany GS Mini. It sounds a lot better than I thought it would.

[ClassicRock]

Congrats.  Will be looking for that NGD thread with lots of pics and playoff comparo.

[TaylorGirl]

Thanks everyone. Just got home with my new babies. Literally. I went with the GT in mahogany. I think the depth against the GC was the deciding factor.
And, with Taylor days I also got a mahogany GS Mini. It sounds a lot better than I thought it would.

Neato! Like CR said, looking forward to a NGD thread.