Koa Guitars possess a unique charm, and my journey with them has been quite enlightening. My initial encounter with a koa Taylor guitar dates back to the late nineties. While its visual appeal was immediately striking, it didn’t leave a lasting sonic impression at the time. It was years later when my wife gifted me a Taylor GS Koa, purchased at a great price from Wildwood Music, that my appreciation for koa began to deepen. More recently, playing a cedar-topped GA BTO at Fuller’s in Houston further solidified my growing interest in koa. These experiences, particularly with the GA in Houston and my own GS, have convinced me of the value of owning a koa guitar, provided it’s within a reasonable budget.
I’ve come across varied opinions on koa as a tonewood. However, for my playing style, which leans heavily towards finger-picking and DADGAD tunings, and avoids using a pick or aggressive strumming, koa seems exceptionally well-suited. My koa GS has matured beautifully over time, developing a richer and fuller sound compared to its initial brighter tone when new. While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to play a Taylor GO model, I suspect that for someone of smaller stature like myself, anything larger than a GS might compromise playing comfort in seated positions.
Finally, and perhaps subjectively, I find the 2008 Fall Limited Edition Taylors to be among the most visually stunning guitars Taylor has ever produced. These models typically range in price from $2500 to $3000, although I have observed some listings exceeding $4000. For players who primarily strum with a pick and a forceful attack, a koa Taylor might indeed be perceived as overly bright. Yet, for fingerstyle guitarists seeking a tonewood with both visual beauty and a developing warmth and richness, koa presents a compelling option.
