Introduction
After hearing so much about the Taylor GT, I got to spend some time with one. In this article, I discuss the Taylor GTe Urban Ash model. I’ll share my impressions of its playability and tone, in addition to highlighting some standout features that make this guitar different from similar guitars on the market.
Features & Highlights
First and foremost, the GT features a compact body design, which is essentially a scaled down version of their Grand Orchestra body type. Instead of listing all of the GT’s features, which can be easily found on the Taylor Guitars website, I’ll instead highlight the notable features that make the GT standout from the pack.
1. Unique Body Shape
The GT Body shape is a compact size, and an original design from Taylor. GT stands for “Grand Theater.” With a body width of 15” and a depth: 4 ¾”, its size sits in between Taylor’s GS Mini and Grand Concert body shapes.
2. Urban Ash Tonewood
The body of the GT is made of what Taylor dubs “Urban Ash.” Urban Ash is Taylor’s term for Shamel or evergreen ash, and is harvested from end-of-life street and park trees in California. This is consistent with Taylor’s focus on sustainability, and finding renewable sources of tonewood. The tone of Urban Ash is similar to Mahogany and Sapele, producing a strong fundamental note with fewer overtones than Rosewood. More on the GT’s sounds below.
3. Solid Sitka Spruce Top
The top is made of solid Sitka Spruce. Sitka is an overall great top wood for acoustics, and is the most popular wood used for solid acoustic guitar tops.
4. Eucalyptus Fretboard
Taylor’s use of roasted Eucalyptus is the first I’ve seen in a mainstream American-made acoustic. The GT’s fingerboard is made of Smoked Eucalyptus. This process is similar to torrifed (aka “baked”) tops in which the moisture is removed. However, Taylor also uses their process to darken the wood, and the resulting appearance is very similar to Rosewood. In addition, the feel of the GT’s fretboard is so close to Rosewood that most people would not know the difference if they weren’t told about it.
5. Scale Length
The GT’s scale length is 24 ⅛. This is of course shorter than most guitars you’ll find. The shortened scale length feels simpatico with the GT’s scaled down body proportions, and contributes to the overall easy, relaxed feel of this guitar. In addition to the reduced scale length, the GT’s nut width at 1-23/32″ is slightly narrower than the typical 1 ¾ found on most Taylor guitars.
6. C-Class Bracing
The bracing on this guitar is the feature that flies under the radar, but makes the biggest effect on the tone. Taylor’s website explains that C-Class was developed specifically for the GT body shape. Though based on their popular V-Class bracing, C-Class features cantilevered bracing. Taylor describes C-Class as a bracing that “emphasizes the lower frequencies to produce a surprisingly powerful bass response from a smaller-bodied guitar.“
7. Matte Finish
The finish on this guitar is interesting as well, in that Taylor has chosen to keep the finish relatively basic. It’s a matte finish, and although it has a nice luster, in some ways it already looks broken-in. I have to think that that this is by design. Taylor no doubt sees the GT line as a working and traveling guitar, and one that will take a few knocks and dings along the way. I can see players leaving this guitar out in the living room or music room for instant access. Given this intended use, a glossy finish would be overkill, and create unnecessary stress for people who would be worried about keeping the finish pristine.
Taylor GT Urban Ash Playing Impressions
The GTe played like other Taylors, which is to say it felt great. The body shape is very comfortable, and the neck is fast. Taylor necks strike a great balance between substance and playability.
I could certainly feel the difference in scale length while playing, but it wasn’t a bad thing, and it fits well with the size and feel of the guitar. Overall, this is an agreeably compact guitar that does not feel like a toy, or travel guitar.
Taylor GT Sounds
The first thing I noticed about the GT is the volume. I don’t know if this is characteristic of Taylor’s C-Class Bracing, but the guitar projected acoustically well beyond what I expected from a guitar of its size. For those who need to plug in, the GT features the Expression System® 2 pickup system.
Treble
The treble produced by the solid Sitka spruce top was open and honest. The treble shouted in an assertive way, but was not thin. Rather, I would describe it as articulate, which is well within the Taylor house sound. I detected a sweetness, and the slight bit of sweet compression that you get in a nice acoustic guitar. Although it had impressive projection, it never sounded harsh or brittle.
Midrange
The midrange was indeed Mahogany-like. The overall character was present, and straightforward without being overly bright. Strummed notes boomed in a surprisingly loud way. Fingerpicked notes jumped off the fretboard, and the slinky feel from the short scale length made notes on the upper frets really pop. I’d love to see what C-Class Bracing would sound like on other Taylor body shapes.
Bass
The low end was plummy and round, and jumped out with urgency. This is not a guitar where the low end is an afterthought.
W Sound Guitar Store has some excellent sound samples. Notice the impressive full sounds on the lower strings, starting at 0:58:
Who Is The GT Best For?
The GT is a great guitar for keeping around the house or studio, or anywhere you need a guitar that produces an open, clear tone with minimal fuss and upkeep. With its attractive and carefully designed matte finish, you’ll spend more time playing this guitar than worrying about it.
Though the GT fits the requirements of a travel guitar, it can cover a lot of bases in addition to that. With its short scale and slightly narrower nut, this is also a great guitar for kids, beginners, or people with smaller hands. Or, very simply, anyone who is looking for a relaxing guitar to play on the couch that also happens to have great tone.
Conclusion
The Taylor GT is a compact guitar with a big voice. To be fair, the GT’s tones were not the most complex tones I’ve heard from a Taylor guitar, but that’s not the point of the GT. The GT tone was punchy and sweet. This isn’t the type of guitar that you feature in a guitar cabinet. It’s designed to be a compact, portable, and good sounding guitar to be used, and used well. To sum it up, the Taylor GT is a “fun” guitar that still feels like a real instrument.
Editor’s Note: Taylor has expanded the GT line for 2023, adding the Sapele-bodied AD21e, as well as the Walnut-bodied AD11e-SB. The all-Koa GT K21e is also available.