In the world of acoustic guitars, the name ‘Taylor’ is synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and exceptional sound quality. Over the years, Taylor guitars have held a special place in the hearts of many guitarists, from budding players to touring professionals. With their reputation for producing some of the best guitars in the industry, it was no small feat when Taylor introduced the GS Mini – a compact guitar designed to deliver big on sound and playability.
But does this scaled-down version live up to its big sibling’s name? How does it fare as both a travel companion and a musical instrument? And, perhaps most importantly, is it worthy of the ‘Taylor’ badge it proudly bears?
In this GS Mini review, we’ll journey through its features, dissect its design, and delve into what makes this guitar a beloved choice for many. Whether you’re a seasoned musician looking for a reliable travel guitar or a newcomer to the world of strings, our deep dive into the GS Mini will equip you with everything you need to know.
Taylor GS Mini Features:
Source: the Taylor Guitars website.
Solid top construction – Each Taylor guitar boasts a solid top for enhanced projection and clarity. Options include spruce, mahogany, and koa top woods.
Layered wood back and sides – Choose between layered rosewood, layered mahogany, layered sapele, and layered koa for the backs and sides, ensuring durability and a great sound.
Slender Taylor neck design: Designed for comfort, this model features a neck with a 1-11/16″ width and a slim profile. This makes it a hit among both beginners and seasoned guitarists.
ES-B electronics and digital tuner: Ready for the stage or studio, the Mini comes equipped with the ES-B acoustic pickup system. Plus, there’s an onboard digital tuner with an LED display and controls for tone and volume.
Diverse tonewood options: The guitar showcases subtle visual touches like the three-ring rosette and 4mm dot fretboard inlays. However, the real visual character lies in the choice of tonewoods. Options include rosewood, spruce, mahogany, and Hawaiian koa.
Acoustic bass variants: This Series isn’t just limited to just six strings. It offers compact acoustic basses with nylon-core bass strings for a unique playing experience.
Aesthetic upgrades: The GS Mini-e Koa Plus stands out with its refined appointments for players seeking an elevated aesthetic.
Gig bags included: Every guitar in this series is paired with a gig bag for protection and easy transport. And if you opt for the GS Mini-e Koa Plus, you’ll receive the upgraded AeroCase, offering the protection of a hardshell case with only a third of the weight.
Punchy Sound, Pint-Sized Package
Let’s start with the obvious – the size. Dubbed as a travel guitar, it carries the essence of its bigger sibling, the Taylor GS, but in a compact package. This doesn’t mean that it sacrifices sound, though. If you’re thinking of a tiny guitar that sounds tinny, think again. The solid top design, whether it’s the spruce, koa, or mahogany version, ensures optimal projection and clarity.
It’s a great-sounding guitar packed in a small body. The same can’t be said for other guitars of this size.
A Closer Look at the Tonewoods
Source: the Taylor website.
Taylor guitars are known for their attention to detail, and the GS Mini is no exception. While all acoustic guitars boast visual features, the three-ring rosette and 4mm dot fretboard inlays found on these guitars stand out. But the true star is its tonewoods.
Choose between rosewood, spruce, mahogany, and Hawaiian koa. Each offers a distinct organic beauty, resonating a different character and depth.
The Perfect Neck for All
Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced guitarist, this small-size guitar has you covered. Its slender Taylor neck design, characterized by a 1-11/16″ width and slim profile, is ideal for a smooth playing experience. This couch guitar is as comfortable during those long jamming sessions as the Baby Taylor but with a unique touch of its own. The ebony fingerboard is sleek, ensuring swift transitions and chords.
Go Electric!
Taylor’s GS Mini isn’t just confined to the acoustic realm, which is great news for those looking for an electric guitar. You can plug this beauty in and let it roar. Equipped with the ES-B acoustic pickup, the GS Mini is versatile for both the campfire and the stage. The built-in digital tuner and LED display ensure you’re always in tune, and the tone and volume controls let you refine your sound when plugged in.
If you’re someone who’s often on the move and needs their guitar by their side, you’ll absolutely love the GS Mini. This isn’t just because it’s a compact guitar but also because it comes with a gig bag designed especially for protection and transport, making sure your small guitar is safe and sound. And if you opt for the GS Mini-e Koa Plus, you’re in for a treat – get an upgrade to the AeroCase, which provides hardshell protection at a fraction of the weight.
Basses, Too!
For the bassists who might be feeling a bit left out, Taylor has something special for you, too. This Series introduces some great compact basses. These come with nylon-core bass strings, which have a soft, slinky feel, quite unlike any other bass out there.
Guitars in the Taylor GS Mini Series:
- Rosewood
- Rosewood Plus
- Mahogany
- Maple Bass
- Sapele
- Koa
- Koa Plus
- Koa Bass
From rich tonewoods, like rosewood and koa, to specialized models like the bass variations, this series offers a diverse range of guitars catering to different musical tastes and preferences.
The Ideal Player: Who is the Taylor GS Mini Perfect For?
In the vast spectrum of guitar choices available on the market, understanding which guitar suits you can be a bit overwhelming. The Taylor GS Mini, with its array of features and variants, has a lot to offer and sits in a unique position.
So, who is this guitar really perfect for?
1. The Traveling Musician
The GS Mini’s compact size is a dream come true for touring artists and traveling enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re hopping from city to city for gigs or just love strumming by the campfire on a mountain retreat, its portability will make sure you have a great-sounding guitar by your side without the bulk.
Source: the Taylor website.
2. Beginners and Young Players
The slender Taylor neck design and shorter scale length make this guitar comfortable for beginners or younger players with smaller hands. This guitar provides an easier grip, ensuring a smooth learning curve without compromising on sound quality.
3. The Casual Couch Player
For those who love a relaxed jamming session on the couch after a long day or during lazy weekend afternoons, the GS Mini is ideal. It’s lightweight, sounds delightful, and is easy to pick up and play on a whim.
4. Studio Musicians
Thanks to its ES-B electronics and digital tuner, the GS Mini is not just limited to unplugged sessions. Studio musicians will find it a handy tool for recording, especially when looking for a distinctive acoustic sound or even an electric-acoustic blend.
5. Bassists Seeking Variety
With the GS Mini-e Maple Bass and GS Mini-e Koa Bass, bass players aren’t left out. These models offer a unique, soft, and slinky feel, introducing a different flavor to any bassist’s collection.
6. Guitar Enthusiasts Appreciating Aesthetics
For those who are particular about the visual appeal of their instruments, this series offers a variety of sophisticated guitars. From the stunning patterns of koa to the dark allure of mahogany, there’s a Mini that’s not just music to the ears but also a treat for the eyes.
7. Players on a Budget
While Taylor guitars often come with a premium price tag, the GS Mini offers an affordable entry into the world of Taylor without skimping on quality. It’s an investment that delivers on both sound and durability.
Our Taylor GS Mini Review: The Final Note
If you’re in the market for a shorter-scale guitar without compromising on sound quality, the GS Mini, especially the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany, should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re an experienced player looking for a secondary guitar or a newbie looking for a comfortable start in the guitar world, the GS Mini won’t disappoint.
Taylor guitars have always been a staple in the guitar world, and with the GS Mini, they’ve redefined what it means to have a travel guitar. It isn’t just a compact instrument; it’s a testament to Taylor’s commitment to quality, sound, and playability.
And if, after all this, you’re still thinking, “Do I really need another guitar?” let us tell you – there’s always room for a fantastic-sounding guitar, especially one as versatile and beautiful as the Taylor GS Mini.
Now, the only decision left is which tonewood to go for!
Remember, the world of guitars is vast and beautiful, but sometimes, the best things come in small packages. So, the next time you see a GS Mini at your local guitar shop or online, give it a strum. You might just find your next favorite guitar.