Cedar Mahogany GA-5 Thoughts?

[ggj]

I've been considering a mahogany Taylor ever since last year's limiteds came out.  I'm focused on a GA-5 Cedar top, mahogany back and sides, with the ES system added and a tobacco burst top.  I'd love to hear any input you have.

[Edward]

I love ceedar, and dig what the 5 series brings to the table.  A firend of mine has an old 514 that just sounds stellar.  That said, I'd also look at a GS body (GS5/516) as these bring that extra thump that the mahogany could use.  Either way, I love Taylor's cedar/mahog guitars!

Edward

[Herb Hunter]

I have never played a 514 or GA-5 that I wouldn't be happy to own. The cedar/mahogany combination is very pleasing to the ear and remarkably consistent.

[sachi]

I have a GC-5, and it's excellent. IMO Taylor does its best with this combination of mahogany and cedar.

[Strumming Fool]

514s and GA-5s are among the most consistent of Taylor's offerings - I've never played one I didn't like. I ordered my 514 back in 2001 with an Engelmann top - I wanted a bit more headroom than the cedar offered (according to conventional wisdom), and I had owned and played more than a few sitka/mahogany guitars in the past. I wanted something a bit different, and have not been disppointed with my choice ever since. It's got a honey burst top instead of the tobacco burst you're looking for, but it is an all-around lovely instrument. You can't go wrong with either model!

[mgap]

I think it is a good choice.  I enjoy my rosewoods, but I always go to my 514ce and get great tone from it.  I love the mid-range you pull from it.  The GA is the perfect size for me, it just fells perfect in my hands. 
I use to have a 510 I liked it as well but the shape and size of the 514(GA) is just better for me.   Of course I would test run a few, but then that is a lot of fun as well.

On a scale of 1-10 I give the GA-5 a solid 9.  I would not give up my 514ce period. 

[maritimer]

I love a cedar / hog combination.  I had a custom GS with cedar over hog and it was a fantastic sounding guitar.  A friend wanted it bad and I sold it to him.  I may buy it back again at some point!  I recently bought a 2011 12-Fret GA LTD with cedar over macassar and the warmth and mid range overtones that cedar brings are there as was the case with the GS custom I had. 

Cedar brings a wonderful aged-guitar type of warmth and is very responsive to a light touch.  Mahogany brings out the detail and separation of notes and a preciseness to the balance, no overtones like with rosewood.  If you are an aggressive loud strummer, I do not recommend cedar as you will over drive the top.  If you are a finger picker and light to moderate strummer, then you will love it. 

Good luck and be sure to keep the forum posted!

[egkor]

I love the GS5e, but alas I tend to strum hard, so cedar may not be for me.

-Gary K

[cigarfan]

I've been considering a mahogany Taylor ever since last year's limiteds came out.  I'm focused on a GA-5 Cedar top, mahogany back and sides, with the ES system added and a tobacco burst top.  I'd love to hear any input you have.

Cedar / Mahogany is an awesome combination but it really depends on how you intend to use the guitar. I agree with the folks above that you may want to consider the GS if you need some extra headroom.

Good luck with your decision.