Talk my out of a Taylor 811 GT
 

I know this isn’t the place to come to be talked out of buying a new guitar.

I have a AD11 sunburst spruce/walnut GT Taylor that is so much fun to play, it’s feather light, and the Fishman Matrix I had installed just makes it an easy gigging instrument for me. I also like the satin finish and rounded edges.

My only niggle with it (and this is really minor and probably a little snobbish) is the eucalyptus fretboard and bridge. Im sure it will hold up just fine and I’m being stupid.

I’ve just agreed the sale of my Lowden S-35 and I was browsing and came across a GT 811. It looks great, I’m sure it will sound bigger than my AD11 with it being rosewood instead of walnut? I could also install my own pickup as it’s a straight acoustic (I can’t get along with ES2).

Has anyone got a GT 811 or spent a decent amount of time with one? I wouldn’t have to move on my AD11 but I can’t imagine me keeping 2 GTs.

Looking for rational thoughts and advice :)

Don't buy a Taylor 811GT

This. Don't do it.

Buy it...you know you want it...

Any particular reason ? Have you played and been disappointed?

I think it's overpriced for what it offers. It's in their flagship line and they don't offer a hard case or all the same appointments as other 800 series in the line, and I think sonically C-Class bracing leaves something to be desired (while it may accentuate the low end, I don't like what it does to the mids). I would spend a little extra and get an 812.

I've owned it twice (tried to convince myself to like it) and I actually like the walnut version better.

Thanks Jeremy a lot of sense in what you say. I really do like my AD11 I think this has just popped up at a very attractive price (£1999) and it got me thinking.

I operate a strict one on one out rule so eventually the AD11 would have to go to replace this. I think deep down I’m just chasing the ‘better’ specs.

I just picked up a GTe this week and I really don't think you can get much better sound out of a GT size guitar. That walnut is something magical. It's another reason I'm so sold on my AD12e.

Ditto. There, we tried...

For $3,500? Might as well get a new Guild.

I have owned an 811e and now own a Taylor C21e (Taylor Custom Catch #44 2023) top, b & s of tasmanian blackwood). I too love how fun and playable the GT body shape is. If you compare it with a much larger guitar, of course, the larger guitar will sound better. However, the GT guitars sound amazing for the size that they are. They are light years ahead of GS minis.

I switched from the 811e to the C21e because I wanted a more fundamental sound over the rosewood of the 811e. I mainly play chords to accompany my singing, and the 811e was just too rich and lush of a sound for me. I really love the C21e and, in fact, it is the only guitar I own.

I’m in no position to speak to the sound or tone of it, but I believe that the Aerocase is no downgrade from a hard case, quite the contrary.
Either way, the case is just a small portion of the cost here.

I have found that the 1SKB-000 Grand Concert / 000 Sized Guitar Case is a pretty good case for using around the house or when I know I'll be able to carry it reasonably carefully. It is very close in size and just leaves a little wiggle room.

I too like the Aerocase. It just doesn't seem to control humidity as well.

I'll do my best to talk you into the 811. This is NOT the best forum for thoughts on an 811. This forum seems to be mainly about dreadnoughts. So to many hear, a small guitar is anathema.

Get a 814 instead. People never go wrong with these