Two fine looking guitars! Very different....let us know your playing impressions when you can come up for air....
814ce:
Well - after just looking at it for a while (this is a beautiful guitar given that it doesn't have figured wood like coco or koa), when I started to play, my first thought was - "lotsa bass". When you dig into the big strings the bass just jumps out of this guitar. That being said, it is also very balanced when strumming. I don't hear a mid-range drop like rosewood is known for. Just a very balanced guitar with lots of sweet tone with big bass when you need it. My thought with this guitar was a Jack-of-all-trades and I think its exactly that. It responds well to light fingerstyle and also to bluegrass rhythm and flatpicking.
Another immediate impression was how easy it is to play. As far as I know this setup is straight from Taylor; Shoreline did no setup work to my knowledge. It is definitely the easiest guitar in my stable to play without a doubt.
GS Mini-e Koa FLTD:
I had owned a Baby some time ago and was never really impressed with it. So, before I ordered this GS Mini, I played my son's Mini just to get a feel for it. I was pleased so I ordered this guitar. The Koa really adds a great sound to the Mini IMHO. It sounds much fuller and sweeter than you'd expect in a smaller body - at least more than I expected. The guitar is very "handy". You can grab it to take out on the porch, on the couch, etc. without the size of a GA or even GC. The short scale is kinda fun too. Things that are a reach on the GA are just right there under your fingers. I'd certainly recommend this as a travel guitar or even as a regular player or someone who wants or needs a smaller body.
I can't speak to the electronics on either model since I haven't plugged either of them in. I usually don't amplify at home and the one outside venue I normally play at (state prison worship service) doesn't allow electronics, cords, etc. to be used.
