I personally own a Tak 544 A/E. It's a grand auditorium sized body. it's got the diamond inlays, the new preamp with digital read out tuner, and back and sides made of Hawaiian Koa.... I like it for the amount that I paid. The action is a bit high... but I'm use to playing Breedloves and Taylors... so that doesn't say much. I think the G series has some great guitars and even the Korean Takamines are pretty nicely made. I would say either one would be i good buy... I would go with the older instrument if it is in about the same shape... Instruments tend to sound better as they age... time allows the joints to settle together... So if the older one is in the same shape go for it... otherwise go with the newer one... If you're interested in buying a 544 I'm selling mine currently for 400..... but for a GT user I'd take 350... haha.