I have the Baby with spruce top with rosewood back. I went to Washington Music Center and played all the models. Koa came close to rosewood in volume but in my ear had the better tone. Then I played 4 or 5 rosewoods and chose the best. All similiar, but one was clearly superior. It has survived two upper luggage rack trips on an airplane and lots of play by three teenagers.

I think the neck will take anything any other guitar neck will take. It is light and should be handled lovingly.

It's a great little guitar. I'd buy it again is I lost it. regards, Fortunato PS if you care to search there are a host of opinions in the Forum, just search on Baby Taylor.