I’m looking for opinions on a 2011 Taylor GS8

[GooseGuitar]

I’ve found a local 2011 GS8 that’s a little beat up for a great price. I’ve never tried one of the all acoustic Taylor lineups and I believe I heard they were voiced slightly different than other Taylor’s of the time, maybe I’m wrong?

I’m gonna check it out tomorrow for myself but I wanted to get some opinions on the guitar, I’ve been very back and forth with Taylor’s, some I’ve tried sounded kinda tinny while others were bright but still full and woody. I think by 2011 the cv bracing was introduced onto this model.

Every guitar and person is different of course just curious what the general sentiment of these are.

[edward993]

I've owned both GA7 and GS8 guitars in the past (maybe around 2009-ish...): yeah, they're stellar!

According to Taylor and my memory from back then, the tops of the "acoustic only" line were a tad thinner than the "electric" line that used numbered model names (like a 714 or 816, for example). And no cutaway, of course.

The GS guits are amazing: deep bass, but balanced tone across the strings. Ain't nothing "thin or tinny" with the GS guits, nor the GS8 I had owned. And very comfortable to play since the waist is narrower than a dred and really feels very GA-like. They are strung with mediums, but you can do anything you want of course. The sitka/rw of the GS8 makes for a slightly scooped-mids voice. If you have a chance to demo it, I'd jump on it for sure if the price and tone suits you.

Edward

[TBman]

I had a 2008ish GS8. Great guitar. Finances caused me to let it go. I wish I had that one back, but I do have my Avalon now.

[llew]

I had a GS7 (Cedar/EIR) that was the best Taylor I've owned. I though about trying to run another one down...

[LAPlayer]

I've never heard any 800 series guitars from Taylor that sounded tinny. They are among Taylor's best, if you like the Taylor sound. Of course string type, age and composition will have a bit to do with how it sounds when you test it.

[jmhill]

Had a GS5 around 2008, was one of the best sounding guitars I had at the time. Although it was cedar and hog, I think the spruce and rosewood on the "8" series was also really good, I play more finger style so was more drawn to the cedar top of the "5".
Ended up selling due to a big move and needed $$$.

I think the GC 12 fretters and the GS body models are some of the best sounding from Taylor. Hard to go wrong.

Hope it works out for you =)

[rmp]

I still have a 2006 Cedar / Hog Grand Symphony, that in later years became the GS series.

This one has been stellar in every way.

[guitararmy]

I have a GS7 cedar/rosewood model from the first year of production.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how good the Grand Symphony models sound!

[jseth]

The Grand Symphony models are the only Taylors I've played that I REALLY like a lot! I like the GA models, but the Grand Symphony size/shape is pretty much my ideal for an acoustic guitar...

Absolutely worth giving serious consideration...

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by jseth

The Grand Symphony models are the only Taylors I've played that I REALLY like a lot! I like the GA models, but the Grand Symphony size/shape is pretty much my ideal for an acoustic guitar...

Absolutely worth giving serious consideration...

YES!!! THIS^^^right here is my experience as well. Just wonderful guitars in any of their wood combinations.

BUT...what is REALLY going to matter, is what YOU think of this particular guitar, not what we think of them as a whole.

Go have a look and try it, and see how it works for you, and don't hesitate to buy it if you do like it.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Ceabeceabe]

Still have my GS5, which I bought in 2007 I think. Like playing a piano in terms of sound, and balanced tone across the strings.

[FOG01]

Great guitar with some mojo for a great price, sounds like a deal.

[RP]

I've owned a bunch of Taylors of all stripes and tones. My advice is to get the oft repeated and generally inaccurate notion of Taylor brightness out of your head. By doing that you'll be much better prepared to assess a Taylor's tone without preconceived bias...

[Don Lampson]

I've held a secret yearning for a GS7 for decades... Alas! I just haven't been able to make the romance come true - Yet!

Don