Taylor GT Comparison | GTe Urban Ash vs. GT811e vs. GTK21e

Today, we're taking a look at the current lineup of Taylor Grand Theater guitars. Chris (and Chris alone) is running through the specs and sounds of Taylor's newest body shape, comparing their wood pairings and aesthetics. The GTe Urban Ash, 811e, and K21e are all beautiful offerings, but which is right for you? Take a look and a listen to these demos and let us know what you think!
0:00 Intro
1:17 Comparing the Specs
6:51 Demos
13:31 Wrapping Up
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[@MiguelAbuel]

keep doing more running gags like the intro, i love em

[@caireann]

Haha awesome intro, glad to see Chris didn't miss another Taylor video ;)

[@752brickie]

I love ya locking the door !!!! Love all your videos Chris !!! It is great to see a company that has people that get along and have a great sense of humor.

[@StrandCheckout]

Great video Chris! This type of wrap up nicely condenses your 3 videos. I can actually tell the audio difference through KZbin. Well done 👍

[@paullevine9461]

I bought a GT Urban Ash this year. Like you said, Super fun to play, very responsive, huge sound for the body size. I was drawn to it because of the Taylor name, but mostly because I had read a bunch about the sustainable hardwoods. I love this guitar!! I miss the higher end appointments a bit, but for the price I am overwhelmingly happy with the GT Urban Ash. Instantly my new favorite acoustic I own.

[@philippemendelssohn9643]

Super video !! I'am going to buy a GTe Ash soon. Great sound and perfect size ! Exactly what I'am looking for. Thank for all your comments and demonstration.

[@joesomontan9374]

Thanks for posting this! I really love the Koa; unfortunately it's out of my reach for now. Can't wait to get one!

[@jeck]

That bit of intro is good!

[@AGNC7]

Keep up the good work and you’ll hit that 100k mark. Just don’t forget to be entertainers. Some people watch for knowledge but others watch just for entertainment. Loved this last couple videos great stuff y’all.

[@tboyd123]

Straight out of the box, there is no sweeter more balanced more rounded sound to me than spruce on rosewood (811). Love 'em all. Thanks, Alamo Music and Andy!! 🎶👏🏻

[@nicolen.9642]

Glad you're back Chris! You're funny and articulate, great videos 👍👍👍

[@rwbrawn1]

Thank you for this comparison! Since Taylor Road Shows are on (appropriate) pandemic-related hiatus, this video was my first opportunity to hear all three of these new models. It would be interesting to compare the sound between a GT and a GC.

[@DD-eight]

I love the videos guys!! Been a fan for a while appreciate the knowledge and Chris’s humor!! Fabio greenburgh is funny as well...

[@darthfaderlives89]

After playing an acoustic with koa back and sides for the last 15 years, I can definitely confirm that it warms with age. Looking at the Taylor 214ce-K SB for my next acoustic.

[@harleycowboy321]

I knew Cooper was going to be in trouble as soon as he did that LOL that’s some funny shit man

[@mcidor]

Love the video they all sound awesome

[@skentmar105]

I bought a GT UA (no -e) in December. Now, I'm not a person that giggles, but when I played it, my fingers certainly did.... I don't know how I feel about that. Actually, I love it.

[@coleycoley100]

I visited the store the day this vid was filmed! I even got to meet Chris. Alamo Music is an awesome shop; if I was a local (I live in AZ), I’d frequent the place.

[@DoDifferent]

I recently had the opportunity to play the GT Urban Ash and the 811 at a guitar store for an extended time. Much to my surprise I preferred the Urban Ash...but the 811 IS beautiful and is an outstanding guitar..

[@robs_harley698]

I really enjoyed the sound of the UA. It has highs miss and lows that can be used in a wide variety of playing. Great video.

[@paulv8453]

I love the little skits you guys do. More! 😄

[@Nashjersey]

Great video Chris! I currently own two Taylor’s. I think the big price jump from the GTe to the GT811e is a lot for this style guitar. (Nothing against the 800 series). I’m hoping they come out with a 300 or 400 series in the low $2k range. If so, I’ll buy one. If not, I may be interested in the GTe. Maybe Summer NAMM will provide some info? Thanks, Bill

[@handlewithcare1234]

great demo. thanks

[@mogasm6091]

Brilliant opening and outro ! I'm curious if you or Looper would exchange your GS Mini's for a GT?!?

[@ernieme101]

45 seconds in and i already love this video !

[@Charly-ul9qe]

You really know how to make me laugh guys🤣 Keep it up!💪

[@billbailey9833]

Great review as usual. I prefer the Koa. Seems to have richer sound. Hey, when are you going to publish the tabs for the great songs you use for your demos?

[@be.kind.to.animals]

Great video. Thank you

[@charlesbranch4120]

Like the scooped midrange of the rosewood in the GT811e (like the 814e), The GTK21e reminds me of Jeff Peterson's Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar playing and the elegant soundtrack on the Goodall Guitars factory KZbin tour. I'm partial to Sitka spruce and koa, having lived in both places. Koa was the Hawaiian surfboard wood of Duke Kahanamoku, and any number of haoles making and using fiberglass boards admitted the benefit of heavier dense koa in falling off the board. A lightweight board flies and you don't know where it's coming down, while a koa board just stays on the water and heads for the beach. Those of us doing fish and wildlife habitat surveys with the USFS out of Sitka in the 1980s felt it was a misallocation of Sitka spruce and other clear-grained old growth trees to send them to the pulp mils. I've wondered what kind of instrument a 4-foot diameter 200-foot tall alder would make, as those were beautiful trees to lunch under during a survey.

[@al4116]

I love hearing that the best guitar in the world is the one that you are playing. Thanks Alamo!

[@BaltimoreRockGuitar]

Loved it! Made me laugh and as always sounded great!

[@sizzlemann]

Loved the tone from both the 811 and the K21. The K21 will only get better over time but at a high cost. If Taylor made a GT321e with a mahogany top and Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides, it'd be tough for me not to pick one up.

[@dean8842]

Wow! There really is a dramatic difference in sound between the three. BTW, the GT811e is the one guitar out of the three that really caught my ear!

[@gabrielfort2574]

These intros are fire

[@shaneroberts9466]

I was finally able to play both the 811 and UA GT models side by side. I love GS-Mini's and small body and shorter scale guitars because of my physical size they are really comfortable and the GT is a great fit. It doesn't feel much bigger than a GS-Mini but sounds a bit bigger and is more polished. In person the 811 definitely is the prize winner. I still think the 811 is a bit pricey but I would get one, and may. Many videos accurately depict guitar character and tone, but I've watched nearly every video on the GT and have had harsh criticism but can now say that most of the videos reviewing the GT don't do the GT justice so I strongly advise trying one in person. I would still like the missing 800 series features on the GT.

[@SUPERTOMMO]

I suppose Taylor could come out with a Builder's Edition 411e - R. Since it's the only series without a Builder's Edition, and they have discontinued the 412e but the wood combination would be the same with the 811e. Now I'm confused. I was actually looking at the Wee Lowden but I'm drawn more and more towards the 811. Waiting for it to arrive at my local dealer here in Thailand. Thanks for your content guys, help me a lot with my decision on the BE 324ce. Will try to support you in some ways. By the way why don't you guys turn on the membership option, could be a way for international audience to support you.

[@EddyfyingArt]

The Koa sounded the sweetest to me.

[@anandberia]

Hey. Can you share the tabs of what you’ve played?

[@AU-cs6er]

Love Koa!!! I have a GS-Mini Koa Plus and simply amazed with its tonality, but I feel like the fretboard inlay and the gold hardware on GTK21e is a bit too overkill, or maybe fancy for my liking, I would have preferred the same style as GT811e or Urban Ash! But all the models are superb-sounding!

[@jameswood3977]

Same hear & i also have the mini plus koa, I just got a really good deal on the now discontinued GTe UA. I’m not keen on gold hardware although I like the tuners on my 324e builders edition which has kinda old gold tuners that fit with the dark body (similar to our mini koa plus

[@ianholmes2420]

Chris, thank you for the awesome comparison video. Your explanation and your back to back tone comparison really made it clear to me which sound I prefer. I love the GTK21e! However, I’m also considering the larger AD27e. Could you possibly do a comparison video between the GTK21e and the AD27e? I know there’s a significant difference in price between the two guitars but I’d love to hear the difference between the two instruments given their both built with woods that theoretically producer similar tonal ranges.

[@davidchavez4464]

Is that the store??? PLEASE DO A SHOP TOUR

[@michaelogden5093]

OK... this beats the heck out'a those dopey Lost series. Waiting for the action-figures of Chris/Cooper to end up in happy meals.

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Always an education, thanks 😊!

[@jimdoner3443]

Do you play guitar?

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

@@jimdoner3443 yes, am learning, on an Eastman E10 P parlour guitar

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

@@jimdoner3443 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqrWgI2jds-Vpa8 Here I am ,with my guitar

[@jimdoner3443]

@@audreygiamlayhoon very nice

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

@@jimdoner3443 thank you, I am still learning

[@heretoeternity3311]

I think GT Ash sounds great, other 2 not that much better to justify the price

[@josephmyers9843]

Urban Ash, ALL THE WAY!!! I just bought one from you guys. It is a great guitar! It sounds better and sustains more impressions than my all KOA Taylor!

[@jacobwedra3724]

I would most like to see a 611 with maple back and sides! but yeah also a 511 like you said and maybe a 321

[@charlesbolton8471]

I’m hoping for a 611 myself. Hopefully with natural back and sides instead of the brown sugar stain they’ve been using for the last several years.

[@billprange6871]

You're the best, Chris

[@jeremybezinque3357]

I played a 811 today… the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard in a guitar. It was even better than my new 814ce. So incredible.

[@texhaines9957]

Like Goldie Locks and the three bears (I know, Cooper isn't here). I tried a GT Urban Ash-too even for my voice. GT K21 not enough umph to start with. GT 811e just right for me to sing with. Thanks Chris

[@carlosdangerio4755]

have had an UA for 6 months. Is it possible it is "opening up"? It is the favorite of our 5 Acoustics (Martin's Taylors and Yamaha) My point is We loved it when we bought it September and now it seems even better the low end seems better and the high's not as bright as when we first purchased. Maybe because it does seem to change quite a bit (More than other guitars) depending how it is strummed/picked/played??? oh so light, and it looks so cool as just a natural look American made guitar with a great sustainability story

[@jimdoner3443]

@@imeredithc no the GT Urban Ash is a solid wood guitar made in El Cahon California.

[@joebennett1794]

They all sound good but guess what , That Urban Ash sounds pretty Damn Good

[@josephmyers9843]

I predict that the Urban Ash will be a best seller!

[@juzzie]

For the money the Urban Ash really holds its own sonically .. the extra cash gets you a pretty guitar for sure .. but ..

[@ZENTiNELJUGGRz]

Hello, my first guitar was a yamaha f310 and I have been using it for 16 years, but now I gave my brother. So I wanted a high quality guitar at a great price. Since I haven't had a chance to test it myself. Please advise taylor a12 or taylor gs mini thank you.❤️

[@DarthAlgar5]

Man the 811e sounds great

[@stewartakers4519]

How is the neck joined to body?

[@texhaines9957]

Maybe a GT 511e with cedar top and Koa back and sides. Based on a 512ce 12 fret LTD, 4 piece Koa back and Cedar top.

[@charlesbranch4120]

I'd like to see that one, too, Tex. Back in Cd'A for this week, then another trip "back to the ranch." Thanking Dad for all that he's given me in this life as he prepares to depart at 92, and doing some maintenance last week and next. Keep on rollin', calving's done over there. Enjoying this coiled spring as we wait for the leaf.

[@r.jlovely]

Good Fun Sir

[@jrajanguitar]

When I asked Taylor and they said if they did a 500 series GT they would do a 521e

[@Roofished]

I want a GS Mini

[@CatchMeOutside361]

What about the maple 600!?

[@saiyuni2]

I like the sound of the 811E

[@nedludd3641]

It's odd, even my potato ears can hear the difference. The little koa rings like a bell, quite beautiful. I'd love to hear that in comparison to the Guild D-55. I know they are different sizes, but they both resonate. I wonder what the life-span is on a highly-strung guitar?

[@MikeEye44]

Cold open. Love it. 🤣

[@robertoclemente449]

COOL

[@Bossanovawitcha]

K21 is a dream

[@roderickmathison5245]

They are cool but I’ll wait till they bring one out with a cedar top (think I’ll be waiting a long time…).

[@smartmammal9926]

I love my GTe Urban Ash, but am finding the tuners leave much to be desired. Can I swap better Taylor tuners with no reaming or such?

[@smedleybutler8787]

The urban ash is 🔥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@TacticalNuke321]

They should make a cutaway version

[@jimdoner3443]

I like them all (daRn it)

[@slithereencrush7370]

tabs pls, for the last three piece

[@startreker8591]

Now the more I get, what should I get

[@KayZee1957]

A guitar this good for beginners should have an Academy Version.

[@scottettinger3445]

Great job Chris. I love catching your and Coopers videos, always informative and enjoyable. Sadly i have to unsubscribe as they also cost me $$ :). If i find the Koa at 0% financing its a done deal. Keep up the good work!

[@josephmyers9843]

It might look the worse, but it sounds the best, Urban Ash, all day.

[@michaeljenkinson840]

Brill

[@nilsaduran9683]

Cooper😍

[@TacticalNuke321]

Should I get the GS Mini Koa Plus or a Taylor GT?

[@jorgefloresesc]

Same question

[@robertelsbury2121]

I decided to get both. Each is unique in their own way.

[@Magitroll]

omg he killed him

[@lindyloulie80]

Once again I am late to the party, but I thoroughly enjoyed this comparison demo of the Taylor GT series. Everyone has a story and here’s mine: Yesterday I was at my local guitar store waiting for my sales rep to figure out my trade-in and purchase of a (spectacular) Martin OM-42. I also wanted to check out a small body “couch guitar” that would sound good and would be one I could take to a gathering of friends and not worry about it getting scratched or dinged. I am so particular about sound and intonation that I doubted I would find such a guitar that would fit the bill. I picked up the GT Urban Ash and was instantly blown away by the full, balanced and resonant sound coming out of this small box! They had several of these in the store, so I tried 5 of them. I was surprised by the differences in tonality, resonance and projection between the different guitars. I wasn’t ready to like any of them - especially because of this wood called “Urban Ash.” I am admittedly a guitar snob, so I thought there was no way a guitar made of such unheard-of “junk” wood could possibly produce a great sound. Little did I know what a genius named Andy Powers would come up with! I just love that Andy is not afraid to explore new ideas and possibilities. He is a true innovator. At the same time I was checking out the GT Urban Ash, I was also trying out a Martin 00-28, a 000-18 and a Taylor 812CE. The Martins and Taylor 812 were terrific guitars with corresponding high price tags, but then along came the Taylor GT Urban Ash outlier. It was clearly out of its league. Or was it? The one GT that stole my heart was the one that came home with me. 😍 It has a full, resonant tone with great bass response, sweet top end, is balanced across the strings, and it projects nearly as well as a full-size guitar. I love the intimate size and easy-on-the-fingers playability. I also love the not-so-refined finish. The rich, dark reddish-brown coloration of the ash against the light spruce is gorgeous! It is a classy little guitar whose big sound belies its diminutive size. No doubt this little beauty will be my daily finger picker. It is a winner and a keeper! All this said, my advice to prospective buyers is that if possible they should try several GT’s back-to-back because they do vary in tonal characteristics. All in all, however, IMHO the GT Urban Ash is a winner! You can’t beat it when you consider what you get for your hard-earned dollars.

[@gosman949]

Close to the same size as my 1964 LG-01 Gibson. My how history repeats inself and self indulging luthiers copy each other!

[@Runoratsu]

This was _so_ mean! 😂

[@markreams3192]

I have the GT urban ash. It’s the best sounding and playing guitar I’ve owned. I would like to see a 300 series in mahogany and blackwood. It sound somewhat like the koa at a more affordable price. I’d definitely buy one if it were offered!

[@001mladen]

For the price i bought FURCH guitar in the end..... Both guitars here are nice, just overpriced for my taste. Cheers!!

[@marshallmcelmurry7087]

That urban ash is the most martin sounding Taylor I've ever heard lol...

[@donhoward1975]

I prefer GT 811e.

[@gerrykrupp4418]

I Prefer the kioa. That’s cuz you could buy a Kia for the price of the Koa.

[@DD-eight]

Wish you would ha e put a broom with a wig beside you and called it cooper..

[@user-kk6bm3no4d]

811 sounds the crispiest

[@colinparks619]

All sound a bit like they are missong a bit of bottom ebd

[@nilsaduran9683]

🤣

[@RjBenjamin353]

Please PLEASE!! learn another song!!

[@brucebyrnes125]

Playing the same songs is actually pretty helpful for comparison persons