How does the Taylor Grand Theater compare to the Taylor GS Mini?
Are you confused by the introduction on the new Taylor Grand Theater model? Have you read blog or user-group opinions stating "It's just an expensive GS Mini?" Or maybe you just haven't been able to go check them out for yourself and want a quick run-down. I hope to shed some light on this topic, as we have played both models, the Grand Theater, and the 811, and have played every GS Mini model available.
First, let me say with a resounding NO that this is not just another GS-Mini that is more expensive, and it is certainly not to be compared to the Grand Concert as a substitute either. This is an entirely new platform with completely new tonal possibilities. Here is a short list of differences:
GS Mini Vs. Grand Theater
- Layered wood back and sides Vs. Solid Wood
- 23-1/2" Vs. 24-1/8" Scale Length
- X-Bracing Vs. C-Class Bracing
- Grand Theater Nut Width 1/32" thicker 1-23/32"
BUT WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?!
A whole lot depending on who you are as a guitarist.
As a GS-Mini owner (and not just any GS mini, but a hand-selected GS-mini, from a huge selection) I can tell you that when it comes to playing it, it happens only when I decide to take it on a vacation, and even then the feeling of inspiration is never what I am hoping it will be, as I am used to playing a wide array of high-end guitars both in our store and at my house. Simply put, the expressiveness available in the El Cajon, CA built line of guitars simply doesn't exist in my GS-mini, and it is pretty evident why.
A point of explanation that happens nearly daily in our showroom revolves around the construction of the back and sides of a guitar and how layered wood responds in an instrument. When layers of a substance are bonded together with glue the result is a much stiffer substance than the original. This is why laminated beams are used in construction and have a higher load rating than just a piece of wood of the same dimensions. This is really a great phenomenon when it comes to strength, however not as desirable on an instrument. The wood needs to vibrate to its full ability, after all, the energy of a string vibrating is pretty small, compared to the strength of the body. The nuances of ones playing has a noticeable impact on the feeling coming through the notes, whether that is with great intensity, or subtleness. Solid wood back and sides allows this to happen in a way that layered wood simply does not. It can certainly make a guitar like a 224ce-K look as beautiful as its Koa counterpart, the K24ce, but the performance is drastic, as is the enhanced tone overtime.
Now that that long-winded explanation is out of the way, I'll get to my favorite part of this guitar. It simply sounds as full as any parlor guitar I have ever played, and even would be mistaken for a full size guitar if one had their eyes closed. The ease of play is fantastic, allowing me to do what I want to do without feeling cramped like the GS Mini leaves me feeling. The enhanced bass-bar style bracing helps fill the sound out more than playing the perfectly balanced Grand Concert body shape and makes the GT effortless to get full rich tones from.
In short, The GS Mini is one of the finest travel guitars you could ask for at a great price, however if you are wanting a shorter scale guitar, with more "parlor" dimensions but still have the rich timbre of the rest of the El Cajon line, this is the guitar for you.
