I owned a GS8 ...yes, a bold, punchy guitar. But ultimately not for me as I preferred my GA7E. The spruce/rw combo in a GS body is a potent one, to be sure, but there is a definite mid-scooped timbre to it that I felt left the overall tone lacking. That and a zingy top end left me cold and reaching for the much warmer, sweeter tone of a GA7 (or for that matter a good GS5). All IMHO, mind you, which is to say you owe it to yourself to try the different series out before committing as you may find that you suprise yourself with what you end up preferring in the end.
Edward
Just out of curiosity, have you tried a GS-8 with CV bracing?
I have a 2011 816ce (CV bracing) and 714ce. Both are amazing in their own right. Most days, however, I too prefer the warmth and sustain in the tone of the 714 to the 816.
