Talk my out of a Taylor 811 GT

[waterlooz]

Something must be in the jet stream because this week, I found myself getting close to pulling the trigger on a 811. After much consideration and scouring through demo's, I decided not to because I don't "need" one. Taylors are great guitars and their customer service is fantastic - I own a Custom GC and a GS Mini Koa Plus too. They are both stellar guitars imho.

What I continued to hear after listening to countless demos were the unplugged tonal characteristics which led me to sell my 312 V-Class. Alert: I am not trying to offend in sharing my thoughts since tone is such a personal thing.

If I needed a compact gigging guitar, I may have thought differently because the deal was amazing, I know the 811 is a well built machine, and I am able to get a great live tone with the ES-2 pup. I have played a few different GT's locally and I always walk away with the same conclusion being, wow, my GS Mini checks that box.

All this to say, if you just have to have it, get it and let us know what ya think. : )

[donlyn]

Talk my out of a Taylor 811 GT

waterlooz,

Why do you want it?

I like my Taylor guitars a lot. I went looking for an 811 when they first came out, but couldn't find one in the wild. I did get to play a lesser model GT in a GC, but felt it was far inferior to my Taylor short scale spruce/rosewood 412e-R Grand Concert. (forget the (-e suffix; I don't plug in.)

Biggest issue was the nut/fretboard width. Not wide enough. And not a big enough sound, but I didn't get to play a rosewood one. Someone mentioned about an 812 earlier, which is about the same as mine but with a bit more in the bling dept. I love mine, and it is a joy to play and listen to. Even though I generally favor Jumbo size guitars.

And they are a bit pricey for all that. I've heard some nice demoes people have played on one, so it is a nice guitar. but the cost is too high, and there is no way I will part with my 412 Grand Concert.

One big point in an 811's favor is that it has the same body shape of a Taylor Grand Orchestra, but miniaturized. Which I found interesting. I have two spruce/rosewood Grand Orchestras, one a six string and one a 12 string, and they are wonderful instruments.

Let your fingers and ears lead the way to a decision. But play one before buying.

Good luck and good hunting,

Don
.

[waterlooz]

Originally Posted by donlyn

Talk my out of a Taylor 811 GT

waterlooz,

Why do you want it?

.

When it comes down to it, I dont want it. I was suffering from GAS and the notion that it was too good a deal to pass up. But alas, I have plenty of guitars to play.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Nick84

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

Looking for rational thoughts and advice...

- which taken together raise the question, "why did you come here...?"

[martingitdave]

Hard to justify a $4000 little guitar like that. I don't think they have the tone to command that price. Enjoy the A11 you have and save the money for something else. Get a guitar repairman to stain the fredboard if needed.

[Nick84]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

Hard to justify a $4000 little guitar like that. I don't think they have the tone to command that price. Enjoy the A11 you have and save the money for something else. Get a guitar repairman to stain the fredboard if needed.

I think I’m over it. I’d never spend that kind of money on one Dave - it’s half of that price which is why it got me thinking.

I was out playing my AD11 last night and it’s a great little guitar for the money!

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Nick84

I think I’m over it. I’d never spend that kind of money on one Dave - it’s half of that price which is why it got me thinking.

I was out playing my AD11 last night and it’s a great little guitar for the money!

Our job here is done Nick. May your audiences be happy and your bank account flush.

[Mr. Bill]

The best Taylors were made in the last century. You can do better

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Nick84

I think I’m over it.

OK. Mission accomplished.

I briefly browsed your site... Excellent work! So I don't think you need a Taylor, but I do think you should add a 12-string to your act!

[Zissou Intern]

Nick, I don't think you should buy a guitar that I don't care about and have never heard of before reading your post. An 811 GT? What is that? Now if it was a 911 GT3, you'd have my full support.

[Nick84]

Originally Posted by DCCougar

OK. Mission accomplished.

I briefly browsed your site... Excellent work! So I don't think you need a Taylor, but I do think you should add a 12-string to your act!

Thanks very much! I was thinking a jumbo is missing personally but yes a 12 string is missing also!

[Nick84]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

Nick, I don't think you should buy a guitar that I don't care about and have never heard of before reading your post. An 811 GT? What is that? Now if it was a 911 GT3, you'd have my full support.

I can only dream

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Iain1231

Get a 814 instead. People never go wrong with these

+1 for a Taylor 814ce or a Taylor 812ce. Both of these are real guitars and will sound wonderful acoustically and plugged in.

[waterlooz]

Afterthought.....During my tour of 811 demos, I forgot to mention the Koa GT sounded really nice. It's not cheap however but if I were to get at GT, that would be the one.

[Sarhog]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

+1 for a Taylor 814ce or a Taylor 812ce. Both of these are real guitars and will sound wonderful acoustically and plugged in.

Is an 811 not a real guitar?