Maple Sitka

Taylor GS Series Grand Symphony Acoustic Guitar (with Case)

It's big. And if you think you know the Taylor sound, you're in for a big surprise. Meet the all-new Grand Symphony, an original body shape developed by Bob Taylor. Its big voice is bold and new, and unlike any other Taylor. The GS Series features four wood combinations, each with the same visual appointments -- and all for around the same price. Try each one and find your big tone. Learn More...

    • New $2,099.00
  • Installment Plan:Call for 4 payments!
    • free ground shipping
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The alligator cash is NICE.

Quality:
Built like a Taylor, great.

Value:
The best guitar I have ever played at a decent price.

Desirability:
I love the look, some fancier dots would have been nice.

Sound:
I have been playing since 1978. The time had come for a new guitar. I was really leaning towards a higher end Martin but the Taylors always sounded better than the Martins to me. I have owned a Taylor 214, 414 and now my favorite is the GSRC. The first thing that got me was the low end, it was great to play a Taylor that actually growled. Then I realized the mids were there too! And of course it had the Taylor highs. I was able to play the different wood combinations and the Maple was beautiful but the rosewood "spoke" to me. The action was perfect and even hard srumming rendered a really loud balanced sound. I was fully intending on buying a 615ce with tobacco burst and quilted maple on the back - BEAUTIFUL but he GSRC out played it and sound SO much better. I can honestly say I have never played a guitar that sounded as good as the GSRC and I'm happy to say it went home with me. I love the looks. I also won't be afraid to take out to a pasture to pick with my friends. I also added the LR Baggs I-Beam and it sounds great ampified. THANK YOU TAYLOR - I'm in love!!!

Ease of Use:
Plays great, even for hard strumming

Support:
Haven't needed any yet.

Overall:
I could have purchased any guitar in the store and this one went home with me.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Desirability:
The minute I played this guitar I knew it was for me. It just had "the sound" that I've been looking for.

Sound:
Great tone, well balanced. The bass is not to low, but rings through incredibly rich when thumped with pick or thumb. (Mine is Spruce and Maple)

Overall:
Unless this guitar is stolen or inadvertantly destroyed, I would not part with it.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Sound:
I was fortunate to have and excellent player audition loads of guitars for me while I got the audience perspective of the sound. I guess commissions do motivate. Martins, Breedloves, Taylors, Guilds, Gibsons, Seagulls, Rainsongs (surprisingly nice sound BTW) and who knows what were played for me. What a treat. The GS was my hands down choice although some of the $3k dollar guitars were fabulous. I chose on the sound and didn't pay any attention to the looks until later. Mines spruce and maple with the 2 piece back. Some had the 3 piece back, but I prefer the 2 piece. Gorgeous looks and feather light. The perfect fitting case is just beautiful with a fake gator skin texture and gold hardware (5 latches and a lock). I usually don't care much about pampering a case but I know I'll feel bad about beating this one up. Nice and loud, articulate and well defined with chimey highs and ringing mids. Not the least bit harsh like some maple guitars and I prefer the slightly brighter character of this guitar over the rosewood model. Lots of smooth bottom end that doesn't get at all muddy or boomy. Doesn't compress or rattle when strummed hard. In fact the dynamic range of this guitar is quite remarkable and I look forward to the sound aging. The action is medium low and the 1-5/8" wide neck is my personal preference. Two flaws I can find are a small indentation beneath the finish on the peghead near the d string post and one of the the ribbon bindings falls short of the rear block by about 1/4".

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The Taylor expression system renders a natural acoustic sound when plugged in. Better than any Fishman. B-Band, or Takamine installed pickups I've played.

Quality:
Flawless workmanship. Everything works well. No cosmetic blemishes.

Value:
I had to wait for mine... @ $2000 today, I predict it will be worth hundreds more by this time next year, and $3000 in two years. This is my third Taylor and by far, the best of the bunch.

Desirability:
It is very nice looking. I'm sure that future GS Models will have more flash with additional abalone around the body and in the neck. However it is the sound and playability that make it nearly irresistable! I was privately commited to purchase it even before I played it plugged in. When I did, I was absolutely blown away!

Sound:
Clear, yet warm "Taylor" sound with a surprisingly robust bottom. Plugged or unplugged, the best I've played at any price range.

Ease of Use:
Comfortable neck. Feels like it is broken-in already. Inspires me to practice and play for no reason at all. Not as comfortable as a Strat, but for an acoustic, excellent.

Support:
No issues so far. No additional setup required.

Overall:
I've searched for "just the right" 6 string acoustic for the past 2 years. The search is over. I considered other Taylors, Martins, Breedloves, Takamine. I would have to replace it with another. Mine is Mahagony with Cedar. The Rosewood and Maple models are prettier, but this is an acoustic tone-master. It will grace my studio recordings for years to come.

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