Taylor GT Comparison | What is the Best Grand Theater in Taylor's Lineup?

Today we're taking another look at the new Taylor releases for this year (GTe Mahogany, GTe Blacktop, and GT611e) and comparing them to the other GT's from previous releases (GT Urban Ash, GT811e, GTK21e). While we're sure more GT's are to come, take a look at these demos of what you can currently find and let us know which one is your favorite!
SHOP TAYLOR: www.alamomusic.com/taylor-gui...
0:00 Intro
8:25 Demos
27:35 Final Thoughts
BECOME AN INSIDER: / alamomusic
Shop Guitars - www.alamomusic.com/guitars/
Guitar Buyers Guide → bit.ly/2kssXsR
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → bit.ly/findmyguitar
__________________________________________________________________
KZbin: Pianos and Keyboards - bit.ly/YTpianos
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: [phone]
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamoguitarco
Facebook → / alamoguitar

[@SiggyMe]

The different tones really come out in the fingerpicking demos and the differences really become apparent. I appreciate such a fine demo. Lots to think about! Thanks!

[@crapsharkify]

I've watched a ton of your stuff over the last few days and I just want to say how great a job you're doing. I'm in the UK so there's no way I can afford the shipping from you guys but it's been a joy watching and you're input is so informative. I've just ordered a second hand urban ash. Could have easily been a GS mini or one of those beautiful Guilds. Here's hoping you've helped me made a good decision!

[@johnlord1399]

This video is a great study on the effect different tonewoods have on the sound a guitar makes! Even with this compact body size, each guitar has a unique sound.

[@hoellc]

I’m in San Antonio for work and bought a Taylor 210 CE Plus from you a couple days ago. Got it back to the hotel room and just realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Sounded great but was just too big. I took it back and got a GTe Mahogany. Man I love this guitar. It’s the perfect size, I love the tone and it just makes me want to play. I’m nothing special but wanted to get back into playing after several years of not playing and this is just a fantastic guitar for me. Also you’re shop is awesome and you’re staff is super friendly, helpful and just laid back. I love your reviews, keep it up!

[@charlesbranch4120]

Thanks for a great comparison, Cooper, Chris and... Josh and everyone else who has a hand in these video productions. I've been feeling a bit of the B.B. King and Reverend Willy vibe, since I delivered a Taylor Academy 12e and Breedlove Organic Concert (all-solid Torrefied European Spruce top/African Mahogany back, sides and neck) to my son in law last weekend. He's really enjoying playing the lighter 12-53 strings compared to the much heavier strings on his battleship (dreadnought) gloss finish, which was an ordeal to play through two complete Sunday services. As B.B. King told Billy F. Gibbons of "that li'l old band from Texas," after watching him struggle with 13s, "You're working too hard, try lighter strings." I'm sold on all-solid wood guitars with the this satin or open-pore finish.

[@MusicMikeRay]

Great video!!!! Out of all the previous GTs I played, I prefer the Urban Ash. I can't wait to play the new ones, especially the 611. Thanks!

[@michaelwhitehead5102]

Excellent review!! Love how it was structured, too. And as always, such Beautiful playing, Chris! The GTe Blacktop is now on my list, since that stunning koa model is out of my price range.

[@peterabbey1539]

Agreed. The GTe Blacktop faired well in this comparison.

[@federicovalmassoni3827]

BlackTop for me too 😉

[@markpope253]

Played the Urban Ash and loved the feel and suprising big sound. Love the looks of new ones. The 611 looks so good but out of my budget range. Blacktop is cool but I already have a spruce/walnut guitar (Gibson J-15). So, if I were to get one, I'd take the mahogany; nice rich, warm tone.

[@sizzlemann]

Love the sound of the original Urban Ash (which I did get a chance to play and fell head over heals for) and the Maple GT611e. Those two stand out in overall sound and clarity. The maple is out of my measly budget, but I might be able to get the Urban Ash GTe some day. One can dream can't they?

[@patfinnegan467]

Thanks for the excellent video you guys. Much appreciated!

[@JoeRicc]

Great video guys. Thanks for letting us hear the differences in the different tonewoods. Did you find the mahogany top a little quieter than the rest, or is it just darker sounding?

[@MelTuly]

Urban Ash e my first Taylor , really impressed by playability. For overall sound I still love and prefer my spruce S&P folk a little more . A lot cheaper , warmer and more responsive to dynamics atm , but full size and harder to lug about when traveling. I think the Urban Ash will open up over time and become more responsive. Feeling that happen . They are beautifully made , very clear and love how I can just sit practically anywhere and play . Love it . Thank you for reviews 💚

[@alkohallick2901]

Great video!

[@adityasrinivasan2531]

amazing , great video , keep up the great work my friend , have a great day !!!

[@julianol.2773]

Thanks for these comparisons. They are great, keep them coming. Question, what pick do you use?

[@johnlord1399]

When the GTe UA was first introduced, one had the sense that Taylor was going to bringing along other wood combos eventually, but I never imagined there would be so many to choose from by January 2022!

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

It just does not get any better with Chris and Cooper. So knowledgeable and likeable. Thanks.

[@charles-ul9uo]

you guys do great videos.

[@mattvanlandingham8034]

Chris, what are the collection of diddies you always play on Demos? I appreciate you always playing the same thing, it helps for comparison across the spectrum.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

That 611 just sticks out for me. Had the video running in the background and wasn't even looking and it was always the one that stuck out the most for me. Just sounded rich and rounded, but the individual note articulation wasn't ever lost. 811 was a close second for me. I wish I didn't have such expensive taste. 😭

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

I love the look of the GTK21e, but prefer the sound of the GTe Blacktop and GT 611e. Great video. Cheers. (ADDED: Just read through the comments and it seems most folks are drawn to the sound of the 611 as well.)

[@carl3042]

Great video guys! I am not a Taylor fan (or Martin either) so I am bias towards some of the aspects of the voicing that others (like Chris) seem to like. I am with Cooper on this one, the overall most "natural" sound to my ears was the Maple 611. I own the GS Mini Koa, and it sounds great when you are looking at the guitar because it is so cool for something so small to sound that good... but I don't think the sound alone stands up all that well and it feels cramped to me so I am selling it. The GT is the most comfortable guitar I have ever played. I have the Rosewood 811 and I still think it is the richest sound with the most depth, and for me I think it will be the best for my needs and home recording. To my ears, the Mahogany and Koa both sound a little forced, those tone woods just still want a slightly bigger body that puts a little more woody flavor into the tone IMHO, but they are interesting and very unique sounding. The Ash is just not my cup of tea, but I was surprised that for me that walnut blacktop seemed fairly balanced and good value. I think the GT line overall still struggles a bit to match the hype in terms of tone and sonics, but what really pushes it over the edge is just how perfect it feels to hold and play. Thanks again for the great comparison!

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

I have to try a black too it shines through.

[@keith.loves.lasagna]

Great review! Thanks so much! I had to ignore Rosewood, Koa, and Maple since its out my price range...and skill lol. That said, Walnut seems like a good in between from Urban Ash and Mahogany, so its special in that way! But I think Urban Ash and Mahogany are more unique, and would love to own both! One airy and bright, one mellow and warm.

[@Art_by_Lisa_Shaffer]

I have the Urban Ash and the Mahogany for just that reason! Love them both!!

[@jazz_addict7079]

Thanks for this valuable comparison. Your guitars reviews are among the best on youtube. To my ear, the Koa stands above all the rest. It's too expensive for my budget, unfortunately.

[@jeremybezinque3357]

Great video thanks! I wish they did a 411e. I’d love ovangkol.

[@texhaines9957]

To my ear, the guitars I could best sing with: 611eLTD, 811e, K21, GT urban Ash, GT black top w walnut. For mahogany, I think the AD22e is better for me. Cooper might like the 611e LTD to play but I'll be able sing with it. And in a few years after the maple is played in, it ought to be fantastic. Thanks Chris and and Cooper. I love the Alamo inlay especially having been there a few times.

[@JAGProductionss]

It's got to do with the Eucalyptus fretboard and bridge. The better ones are using ebony with better clarity and bass. Ebony still transmit the sound the best without clouding or muddying the tone. Even with the new 611 they chose to go with ebony even though maple would do great with a little warmer tone with the Eucalyptus

[@andyred782]

The three stand out sounds for me are the original urban ash, 611e and the blacktop.

[@theocorfiatis8456]

GTe Mahogany sounds fantastic with all styles, just love the tone. I would definitely buy it.

[@lindyloulie80]

I watched/listened to this again, and I noticed that in the last 3 demos of the guitars you stopped playing the GT811e. Why was that? I was interested to hear that one all the way through the comparisons. Interestingly enough, based on my original listening of this comparison, I bought the GT Urban Ash model. I thought it was great - until I had the opportunity to try the 611e, the 811e Limited edition with sinker redwood top, and finally the 811e. They were all wonderful guitars, however for my ears, the 811e rosewood/spruce model won hands down. I ended up exchanging the Urban Ash for the 811e. Wish I had had the opportunity to try a koa model, but it was not to be. I suspect, however, that based on this video, the koa would be too bright and not enough low end for my taste. In the end, Chris, of all the demos available on KZbin, yours are the best. The mic you use gives a very realistic demonstration of the tone of different instruments, and I like that you demonstrate various styles of music in order to show each instrument’s tonal pallet and dynamic responses, i.e. their response to playing full-out strumming and flat picking as well as to more delicate techniques of fingerstyle. Bottom line, however, is that there is no substitute for actually playing and comparing the instruments side-by-side. Even that can result in showing differences between individual instruments of the same model because every instrument is just that - individual with its particular set of characteristics. I truly LOVE the Taylor GT! Andy Powers hit yet another home run. OOPS!! I almost forgot to ask… I’d love to hear a comparison between the GT811e and a Taylor 812ce 12-fret Deluxe. Since they are close in size an scale, it would be interesting to hear the differences.

[@jonnyhammerstix1535]

I just ordered a Black Top GTe lefty. Unfortunately, I had to order it but as we all know lefties are hard to come by. Praying its as good as I hope it will be.

[@charlesbolton8471]

I think the 611 is the one for me. I’m just sure if I want to spend that much money (even though it is definitely worth it). By the I make up mind they will probably be sold out. I wish Taylor would use this finish on all of the 600 series. I haven’t liked the Brown Sugar Stain since they started using it.

[@markreams3192]

I have a GTe urban ash. As you hold it and play you can feel the guitar vibrate more than any guitar I’ve played. It has sustain for days and the sound is way bigger than it’s size. There’s not a bad sounding guitar in the bunch. Bang for the buck is still the urban ash. I like the looks of the 611 and the mahogany. I like the sound of the 811 the best. I have an AD22e. I would like to see a comparison between that and the GT mahogany. I believe the GT mahogany is mahogany back and sides as well as top.

[@christophercoutto]

You guys gotta do a comparison with the AD22 n the GT Mahogany 😅

[@imaaniswki1288]

Hey, I've been meaning to buy a new guitar and I really like the GT's body size because it's small enough that it's comfy but big enough that I has some depth and loudness Do you know any other 7/8 steel string guitars with good quality that would be under $600? I can only find classical ones. Thanks!

[@michelweedfald1657]

I just bought the taylor GTe urban ash and the taylor AD 17. So I think iam set for taylor guitars right now:)

[@ThePonDePon]

There's just something about a taylor without electronics that just seems so much more fancy and high end to me

[@situacionando]

Bang for the buck is still the urban ash🤙🏽 hard to beat a spruce top though

[@scoggers1628]

Hey guys, how would you compare say the GT Urban Ash to the Martin Dreadnought Jr.? Different specs for sure, but very similar in size.

[@silvercobra3373]

For the prices Alamo has set for the newer models I will stay with the Urban Ash - the other models do not sound hundreds of dollars better. Only the appearance increases the costs. The Maple is the only exception.

[@BarbarraBay]

I like the Mahogany and the 811e 🙂🙂

[@texhaines9957]

Great Cooper and Chris. Voted with my wallet: 611e LTD and 811e.

[@lindyloulie80]

For my ears the Urban Ash takes the cake. It is the fullest, most resonant with plenty of low end and sweet balanced highs and mids. For looks the Koa then the 611 win hands down. Beautiful instruments. For me, however, the sound and playability are the most important factors when choosing any instrument. For sound the 611 comes in second place.

[@JohnCaseSlingIn360]

I’d love to see a comparison video between GS Mini & the Grand Theater

[@scottrempel7243]

Blacktop, Urban Ash, and 611 are my top 3 for sound. My wallet likes UA the best, and my eyes like the 611 the best.

[@lorenzohernandez8371]

Hi, My flamenco guitar is made with spruce top and mediterranen cypress back and sides. The tone is very bright and dry. It is an alternative to get a brighter sound in acoustic guitars. See you

[@jimmybike62]

I've got the K21. The sound is amazing and way bigger than the guitar. It is such a comfortable guitar to play. I played all three of the original offerings and the other two don't come close to the K21, at least to me. I'd really like to try the 611..... Cooper, if I could get a limited edition, I'd vote for an Ebony. I think my Ebony Taylor is the best sounding guitar I've ever heard.

[@marcolalama6729]

An idea for you guys: record high definition audio files of the guitars you review and make them available through the internet. Paid service for those who are shopping online

[@ianson3]

Can't decide, want em all.

[@jaredcaldera]

Noooo waaaayyyy!!!!! How exciting😁

[@randywarren6925]

How dose the size of the GT compare to the academy 12 series??

[@charlesbolton8471]

Taylor’s website has all the dimensions for all their guitars. Without taking the time to check that myself it is almost exactly in between a GS-Mini and a Grand Concert (regardless which series).

[@johnowens5207]

So I think for me the urban ash and the blacktop are the top two for me. Koa is always beautiful but not the sound id go for.

[@timnewman1172]

It may have a lot to do with the recordings, but they remind me of Martins... the Mahogany top sounds a lot like a 00-15 and the Blacktop earily sounds like my 0-18...

[@timnewman1172]

I have really been wanting a 00 mahogany top with a short scale, did Taylor just build my guitar?

[@leviperegrino8829]

I think the gte is all mahogany right?

[@robertbalkevitch7832]

What are the songs played here?

[@josephhayes3359]

Chris you said sapele B&S but isn’t it all mahogany?

[@A-Wa]

I need a gt with a cutaway

[@erickdelmoral_]

who wins? Gte urban fresno Vs Gte Top black

[@jimdoner3443]

So on the 611 , is the Sitka torrified

[@robertoclemente449]

WOW !!! Greetings from Europe.

[@TedBarrett]

Some reviewers claim the GTe Mahogany has Mahogany back and sides but Alamo keeps saying Sapele?

[@b.j.surfdog3724]

"had to retool their machines to get a nut width between 11/ 16ths & 12/16ths. Interesting. I've been wondering why so many Acoustic MFG's have been making nut widths below 12/16ths ( 3/4" ) altogether , as the wider width helps in fingerpicking as well as aiding fat fingered players like myself

[@paulv8453]

I really wanted to like the GT Urban Ash . It was the perfect size and the feel is awesome but I didn’t like how the G-string had this weird harmonic pitch. It was louder than all other strings. It was super twangy almost like a banjo string (if that’s even a word) Anyone else experience this? I tried 2 of them, same thing.

[@thelongislandguy]

Interesting comment. I haven't played the GT series yet, but the G on gs mini is very loud. Not just the G string, G played on other strings as well. I wonder if that's typical of small body guitars in general of just Taylor's?

[@paulv8453]

@@thelongislandguy Interesting right?

[@jimdoner3443]

A comparison to the gs minni to the gt to the big baby

[@morgenholz]

The Koa sounds muddy compared to the Maple in this miced sample.

[@toddlancaster5990]

Have an Ad 22, just bought the blacktop. Blacktop is considerably better sounding. Sounds like 0017 to me

[@reneknoche2841]

Hey Chris, could you offer the Tabs for your Jam? Grüße aus Deutschland.

[@lgx2410]

How is the 611e more expensive than the 811e

[@gorlagOv]

It’s very comfortable.

[@happytrails1963]

611 ltd looks so nice

[@jimdoner3443]

So where are the 12 strings

[@chrisleslie6384]

Isn’t the GTe mahogany all mahogany?

[@niteshdey8138]

I have role for you cooper which is Assassins creed Unity Arno;s character...LoL

[@silvercobra3373]

Chris and Cooper - where are the GT Guitars? No GT Line?

[@juzzie]

Still prefer the OG .. Urban is perfect and priced so well

[@einfussganger]

GT611e for tone, GTK21e for looks.

[@jimdoner3443]

The big baby still rocks

[@PaulGAckerman]

Did KZbin repossess the Play Button?

[@nellatrab]

Nice review guys, Cooper's all dressed up...thank you for noticing, have a date afterwards ;-)...Just what the world needs another tiny, thin sounding, overpriced Taylor...these GT's are all over the internet used between a $1000.00 -1200.00. Folks tend to regret buying them for $1600-1700.00 after having them a couple months...look and see!

[@MrLph427]

I’ve braced myself…..x3 new models from Taylor

[@NetMillionaire]

GTK 21e wins by a mile, sounds like a violin 🎻 ❤

[@sustainablelife1st]

I bought the GT MH online (elsewhere) HATE IT. The neck feels like a baseball bat. It has a narrow nut width, but the neck is thick and chunky and is wide at the body. The guitar is chunky and dead. If you like fat guitar necks, then this is for you. But if you like slim necks, skip it.

[@TheDennzio]

Taylors are nice but Martin is the real deal

[@jdog_unchained8098]

Very subjective. I've played both and they both sound good they're just different I prefer Taylor's but I wouldn't get rid of my Martin's for all taylor or vice versa

[@jimdoner3443]

Yea free slurppie

[@wblynch]

The mahogany was ok. Except for the 811 I didn’t like any of them. The 811 is starting to be ok. Sorry Taylor on this round up.