Help me understand string tension
 

So, I’ve got a Taylor GS 6 and my son has a Taylor 110e. He was saying there’s something he really likes about my guitar. “When I play it, the strings feel tighter. I don’t know how else to describe it. The strings on my guitar feel looser.”

I know what he’s talking about, but don’t know why it is. Both guitars are setup for mediums.

Any explanation?

-he likes the way your guitar is set up in terms of string height, probably at the nut
-different scale lengths between the guitars?
-same fret height on both instruments?
-same tuning? (Are you 1 step higher or is he 1 step lower?)
-placebo and he subconsciously really really wants that GS6

What you are describing is often called "compliance". There has been much discussion, but not so much agreement about what factors affect it.

It’s that “it” factor. Apparently your guitar fits him better. Time to trade up!

This may be a silly question, but are you both using the same brand, model and gauge strings?

-he likes the way your guitar is set up in terms of string height, probably at the nut

To expand on this, the string slot height can make a surprising difference to how a guitar feels to play. I'm guessing dids is set up much lower than the son's guitar.