dennisg wrote:
Al,
The 314 is a Grand Auditorium-sized guitar, and most dimensions are the same as a dread. Where it really differs is in the waist size: the waist on a GA is pinched in, making it a much more comfortable guitar to sit down with and put on your knee. A dread is made for standing up.
Even smaller than a Grand Auditorium is a Grand Concert, which is my new favorite Taylor size because it's so damned comfortable to sit down and play. It's smaller in almost every dimension than a Grand Auditorium, and it has a slightly shorter scale, enhancing its playability. If the GC size interests you, then look for a Taylor 312, as opposed to a 314.
I should probably start a new thread about the fun I'm having trying out guitars! Just searching for a more comfortable fit for couch playing and so I don't fatigue as easily as with a dread.
For those that are curious- I played a Larrivée 'Silver Oak' which sounded and felt gorgeous! No pickup/cutaway though
http://12fret.com/new/Larrivee_L-03_Gre ... ta_pg.html
I played a Martin all-mahogany small body- but found it very similar to my GS Mini in size.
http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/ ... 5SCUST.htm
I also took Dennis' advice and got my hands on a Taylor 312. Again, it felt good- but the size edged toward my GS Mini again. Also lacked a bit in bass- as you'd expect from a smaller bodied guitar. Still sounded great though!
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/312ce
I tried a Martin OMC-16GTE- which is a smaller bodied version of my current Martin. It uses all of the same materials as my DC-16GTE- just has a smaller body. Felt really good on my lap- but actually had trouble fretting. That's actually a complaint I have with my dread as well. More often than not- I buzz strings in barre chords up the neck. Small hands... small...? Don't say it!
http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/cho ... =OMC-16GTE
Still gotta try a Taylor 314ce. I know Dennis mentioned it has a similar body to a dread- but it is a bit smaller and has that smaller waist for sitting (how I play). I've done a search of reviews on this guitar and I'm hard pressed to find a negative one! They've ordered one to my local dealer and will try it out this week..
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--TAY314CE
Havin' a blast though!!