Taylor’s unrivalled innovation in the acoustic guitar world continues to offer players a wealth of choices. With the GT Grand Theater it’s developed a whole new size for players to enjoy the comfort of a smaller acoustic guitar without compromising tone. Guitarist magazine’s Tone Lounge recently put two GT models through their paces and came away thoroughly impressed by the combination of attractive strengths these guitars offer.
Tone Lounge hosts Neville Marten and Richard Barrett offer the perfect showcase for the GT and GTe Urban Ash models to discuss their features and showcase their sounds; two professional touring musicians who never shy away from a jam, and know what makes a great acoustic guitar.
“It’s a really interesting size of guitar,” notes Neville in the video above regarding the GT's balance between compact size and playing comfort. “Open chords feel really comfortable here.” Indeed, he finds the GT to be the “perfect size” acoustic guitar.
The Taylor Grand Theater series encompasses the GTe and GT Urban Ash, GT 811e Indian Rosewood + Spruce and GT K21e Hawaiian Koa. They are all solid-wood construction pro-level instruments, borrowing the curves of Taylor's Grand Orchestra model and offering a new proposition for players; a shorter 24-⅛-inch scale that lies between the successful GS Mini and Grand Concert models to deliver a lighter string tension for fluid and dexterous playing.
The 1-23/32-inch string spacing at the nut finds the sweet spot between 1-11/16” and 1-3/4”; little wonder designer Andy Powers describes the GT as a ‘goldilocks guitar’.
Taylor’s C-Class bracing is another new feature, inspired by Taylor’s acclaimed V-Class and designed specifically for the Grand Theater models to enhance lower end frequencies, volume and sustain.
“I would bet that they record extremely well,” notes Richard – and the video presentation proves that’s very much the case.
The two musicians also talk through the sustainable tone woods used for the GT Urban Ash – as the name suggests, the wood for the model’s body is harvested from trees scheduled to be removed from Californian city areas.
Urban Ash, also known as shamal ash, shares tonal characteristics with the renowned Honduran mahogany. It’s paired here with Solid Sitka spruce to pair a punchy midrange, rich low end and crisp highs with articulation for a superb all-round performance.
Joining the GT Urban Ash models are the KT 21e Hawaiian Koa and GT 811e Rosewood guitars. The latter features solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, paired with a solid Sitka spruce for warmth, clarity and a slightly scooped midrange that's perfect for vocalists and accompaniment with other instruments.
The GT K21e features the stunning grain of Hawaiian Koa for its top, back and sides. The model's visual appeal enhanced by premium features with a Spring Vine inlay in maple and Taylor's edgeburst treatment.
The combination of punchy mids and treble chime make for a sonic character as pleasing as its looks. Koa's mahogany-esque traits help to create natural compression while enhancing low end presence.
The GTe Urban Ash, GT 811e and GT K21e models are also stage-ready, thanks to the built-in Taylor ES2 Expression System to provide a plugged-in performance that effectively conveys the Grand Theater models' acoustic qualities.
For more information on the Taylor Grand Theater series visit Taylor Guitars