What kind of Taylor?
 

Hi all, this is my first post so i'm sorry if this question has come up before. I'm looking at buying a new Taylor to replace my L'Arrivee LV-05E. The larry is great for finger picking, but I don't get as much out of it strumming as i'd like to.

What kind of Taylor would you recommend for me; I'm mostly a strummer with a bit of picking here and there. I play praise and worship music so I need something that will come through nicely in the mix. I kind of like the idea of the 315ce Jumbo, but I don't know if that's the best fit for me. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks alot.

Welcome to the Forum! Feel free to ask any question whether or not it has come up before.

The 315 is certainly one to consider but since you already have a mahogany guitar, after you try it, you may find it's sapele too similar to mahogany. With strumming in mind, others to try are a GS5, GA4 and DN4 all of which can be ordered with the Expression System but cost less than their counterparts in the electric-acoustic line (516ce, 414ce, 410ce). While the GS5/516ce has a mahogany back and sides, its cedar top makes it sound quite different from a sitka/mahogany combination. Ultimately, only you can decide what is best for you.

Thanks for the advice. My friend has a GS and we play together in church, so I don't really want to have the exact same one as him, but i'll definitely look into the GA4 and the DN4. I played a 500 series Tayor once (512 maybe?) and I think it was a GA; I loved it but at the time couldn't afford it. Is the GA4 similar to that?
Thanks again.

Maple all the way. 600-series.

Welcome to the AGF!

The GA4 is probably more similar, in tone, to an 814. The 512 would be a GC and a 514, a GA. You could probably order a custom jumbo, a 415 which would be rather unique and well suited for strumming. The only other stock jumbos are the 616 and 815 but they are more expensive.

I love my 314ce. It handles stumming well, but if you are wanting to get down and dirty and really hammer the strings - go with the 315ce. I consider the XXX-14 models to be most versatile when it comes to finger, flat, or strumming, and the body is a very comfortable shape. For me the jumbo body is too big if you sit down to play. But again, that's just "my" preference. Good luck.

I have had Larrivee L's before and I have a 314CE now. They Larrivees are pretty decent strummers, probably even a bit better than the GA size, so I say that if the Larrivee L didn't do it for you then the GA might not either. Look to the jumbo or GS in the Taylors to get the oomph that you need.

Rob

+1

I have a 616ce. If you want to cut through, the 600 series won't disappoint.

My 614 is loud and proud. :D

What kind?

Any kind your heart desires, ears divine, and wallet can surrender.

I have a 455ce 12-string. The guitar is LOUD, and I mean LOUD, but very clear and crisp, not muddy. I have not ever played a 415 but if it's anything like that, it's a strummer's dream.

Maybe a T5? Lots of folks use them in worship settings. I'm still adjusting to the short scale, narrow neck. However, seems like it may be very useful in our music ministry.

Love this advice! But yes, lots of good options and your playing style sounds like mine. I'd say if you can find a 414ce or 416ce Spring LTD with blackwood back and sides, go for it. Clear and punchy and a bit rounder than koa. I've heard of it being referred to as "koa on steroids". I like mine :)

I'd agree with that, though I think the Springs may be mostly sold out. I love mine as well. :)

I definitely think the GS body is the way to go in grewt's case.

Adam

Wow thanks for all the great advice everyone. I can't believe it took me this long to discover this forum, this is amazing. I'm hoping to try a bunch of different Taylor's over the Christmas holidays. I guess the best way of figuring out which one to get is how it feels and plays when I pick it up.
Thanks for the tips all. Cheers.