Taylor Guitars GS4E-LTD

Gloss Top, Satin back/sides; body style: Taylor GS style. Chrome tuners, 1 3/4" nut width, dot position markers, Tasmanian Blackwood back/sides, solid wood all around, upgraded ES System, Ebony fretboard, visually rather plain looking, although the Tasmanian Blackwood has a nice pattern to it. No fancy inlays, just kind of 'plain vanilla' look--yet still pleasing to they eye. Mahoghany 2-piece neck, but not the fingerjointed pattern that many did not like; it's a smooth glue line now.
This model is Taylor's way to allow players to own a GS model without having to pay another $600 for the all-gloss GS models.

Very well-rounded sound for most styles of playing; I play rock, folk, gospel, pop, etc. This guitar sounds amazingly similar to an 810 revoiced Taylor that would cost $500-600 more new. Nice bass response but not overwhelming, highs distinct. Upgraded ES system was defective from the start, giving me crackling, popping noises after a short amount of playing time; had preamp replaced under warranty and have had no problems since(knock on wood!). One thing I have found out is that the ES system is somewhat noisy at high volume. Also, when plugged in, a gloss top is silent when you run your finger across it. Run your finger across a satin finish on the sides?---you can hear every sound. This will only really matter if you record with it. I wish it was gloss on the back and sides, but you pay more for that.

Taylor is very good at setting up their guitars with nice, low action ready to play. My only complaint was mentioned above, where the ES system preamp had to be replaced under warranty after only a couple of months. Nice bookmatched top, visually striking Tasmanian Blackwood back/sides.

I would never gig w/o a backup, no matter what the guitar; who wants to mess with changing a broken string in between sets?
This guitar would easily stand up in live playing; the hardware will last, although I have no idea if the ES system would last long-term. It does have it's own sound(and sounds good), but the 'hiss' factor is there where other pickup brands(K&K, LRBaggs) seem quieter.

Replaced ES preamp under warranty; no problem encountered.

Been playing 30+ years; if this were stolen or lost, I would buy the all gloss GS; this guitar is a great instrument for live playing; it's meant to be played, not babied. As I said, it sounds very similar to the revoiced 810 Taylor.