GSMini is my first.. what's next?

[Jimmer]

I have had a Yamaha F310 for a few years (my first guitar). I never really got into learning until about 6 months ago my Wife bought me a GSMini and I haven't put it down yet. We have grown very close together. I love my mini. However; i feel it's time to move up in size. Looking at the 114. I really do not need the cutaway or the electric. The cutaway may be nice but i'm 58 years old and will never play any place where I would need a pick up.
My question is.. is the 114 a good move? Please don't tell my Mini.

Thanks

Jim

[mgap]

well since your 58, I think you should go for a 514.  That makes perfect sense.

[DennisG]

Jimmer,

The answer(s) to this question falls into the category of different strokes for different folks.  The 114 is Taylor's lowest-cost full-size guitar and, as such, is likely to be an incremental move from your Mini.  I'm not a proponent of increment moves because I believe we tend to grow out of them quickly, and they end up costing us more than if we'd just bought a better guitar in the first place.

I don't presume to know your budget and I'm not inclined to spend your hard-earned money, but if I were in your shoes, I'd save up my shekels for either a 314 or a 414, Taylor's new model numbers that replace the GA3 and GA4 respectively.  You might also check out the used market for these guitars.  Some very, very good deals can be had.  I bought a good-condition GC3 for ... well, the mods won't let me mention the price, to your misfortune.  I think the 300 and 400 series deliver much more guitar than the 100 series does.

[gdeleo]

Jimmer,
I agree with Dennis.  If you can aford a 314 or 414 that is the route I would take.  These are solid wood and the neck on these are 1-3/4" at the neck, not like the lesser Taylors.  But you will have to decide this for yourself.  I hope that there are some shops around where you live so that you can try different guitars to see the difference.  Good luck with your search, let us know your progress and don't hesitate to ask questions.

[Captain Jim]

I had a 114ce; it was my first Taylor... I sure don't consider it a "lesser" Taylor.  When I bought that guitar, I played a bunch of other Taylors, and that one felt and sounded great.  Since that time, I added a GSmini, swapped the 114 for an 814, and added a T-5.  Every one of those have been GREAT.

I would suggest you make a trek to a Taylor dealer who has a decent stock and start playing.  You will hear and feel a difference between the various models.  No doubt, one will speak to you.  As much as I like my Mini, the full size Taylors have more of the same.  We all have our particular likes here, but what works for one may not be "the one" for another.  There's a reason Taylor offers so many different models... see what one calls to you!

Good luck with the search!

Best wishes,
Captain Jim

[Edward]

Agree with all the above:

1.  That the 114 may not offer you "enough" of a delta when you're thinking of a "higher grade" guitar.  No slam on the 100/200s, mind you as I do like them, but they are what they are.  I'd go 300 or higher.

2.  Used is a marvelous way to get "more" guitar.  FWIW, it's the only way I could have acquired 99% of all my best gear.

3.  Final analysis is in trying it out for yourself.  Blog-o-pinions get you only so far.  Your ears and tastes rule, so no substitute for playing them yourself ...if even only to get an idea of the model your prefer, then searching it out used.  That's another nice thing about Taylors is their remarkable consistency reduces the risk of getting one that sounds like a lemon.

Take your time, mull over the myriad models and options, and enjoy the hunt.  You'll likely find that as you learn about the various guitars, you'll have a finer appreciation for the one you finally choose.

Edward

[oatordeal]

The 114 will still be a joy to play. I remember the last time I got to try a 214, and I can't put it down for almost an hour. But please do consider trying out the 314 

[andyi5]

Everyone's reply is spot on here. I also considered adding to my GSmini last year with a 114, then found the 214 to be much nicer aesthetically and started considering that, but luckily I then ran across a used mint GC3. This guitar has enough differences from the GSm to make it a very different feeling guitar - all solid woods, different nut width, and a very friendly and comfortable body shape. When I pick up a 3 series and above and compare them with the 100 or 200 series directly, the difference in feel and tone is definitely noticeable.

[Jimmer]

Thanks gang.. your feedback is very helpful and much appreciated.

[JB12]

Hi Jimmer,

I recently purchased a 114ce and love it dearly.  BUT, I would definitely consider the other models (such as the 300 and 400 series), especially if you know that you will be putting a considerable amount of time into playing/practicing.  After I bought my 114ce (which was a good value), I soon realized that I'm going to move on up the Taylor ladder eventually, in turn, paying more.  Therefore, I probably should have purchased the Taylor I really wanted from the get go (414ce).  But, I didn't have the knowledge I do now, so you are in a good place.

Have fun testing different models and when one calls, I have a feeling you'll know it.

[Jimmer]

Well thanks again guys... I'll be heading off to the local GC today and i'll pick up 314, 214, 414 & yes a 114. I'm sure what conclusion I will come up with.
In all my trips there i have never played anything above the 114. I just look at the price tag and back away .
You guys do make a very valid point. At my age i don't need 4-5 Taylors layen around.
Without breaking any fourm rules I am wondering if ebay is good place to look.

Thank again

Jim

[DennisG]

Well thanks again guys... I'll be heading off to the local GC today and i'll pick up 314, 214, 414 & yes a 114. I'm sure what conclusion I will come up with.
In all my trips there i have never played anything above the 114. I just look at the price tag and back away .
You guys do make a very valid point. At my age i don't need 4-5 Taylors layen around.
Without breaking any fourm rules I am wondering if ebay is good place to look.

Thank again

Jim

The upside of eBay is that you can occasionally score a good deal.  The downside is that you can't play the guitar first.  Personally, I would explore CraigsList before I'd buy sight unseen.  But if you elect to try out eBay, make sure you deal with a vendor who 1) has plenty of sales in his/her history;  2) has a rating of 99.9% or above, indicating happy customers; and 3) will allow returns if you're not satisfied.

I'd also check out my local guitar shops (and Guitar Center) for used instruments.

[GSMC Bob]

Another factor to consider is that your GS Mini is a compact guitar, so it has a very short scale length of 23 & 1/2" and relatively narrow nut width of 1 & 11/16".  For Taylor 6-steel-string guitars where the body and neck meet at the 14th fret, if you go to 100 or 200 series you get the same narrow nut but with the longer "standard scale" length of 25 & 1/2".  If you step up to any solid wood series Taylor 300 series & up, the standard nut width is wider at 1 & 3/4" and scale length is either 25 & 1/2" or the "short scale" length of 24 & 7/8"  in the GC/x12 body.  However, with the 300 series & up, you can special order a stock model guitar and choose between three different nut widths (1 & 11/16", 1 & 3/4" or 1 & 7/8") and either standard or short scale.  There are a few other option choices available as well, like pickguard choices and such, in the 300 & up series.  In other words, you can customize the guitar to better suit you with the width of the neck and distance between the frets depending on your hand size and flexibility and playing style.

At this point, all of this may or may not matter to you as you may not have established strong preferences yet, but the guitars you play will likely feel different to you than your GS Mini and not from just the body being larger, but because of the width and length of the neck.  It's nice to have choices, so for the obvious differences in moving up from laminate back and sides and as well as for the available spec changes, I will like many others urge you to start with the Taylor 300 series.

[lestergibson]

+1 on the move from Mini to 314(GA3) or 414(GA4). I like the 100/200's but the GA3 is just more, to me. Careful though because once you start, well......

Play as many as you can and the best of Irish to you.

[wooglins]

Just get a BTO and skip all the guitars in the middle.  That's what I did.  First Taylor was a ga4 then BTO.