Author Topic: NGD GS Mini  (Read 4224 times)

Lizzy

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NGD GS Mini
« on: April 30, 2014, 11:59:47 AM »
So I traded my Martin 000X for a ltd Rosewood mini. Even trade...no harm, no foul. I've really been wanting to give the mini a chance since it is such a great size and has a really full sound for a smaller bodied guitar. The guitar and case came in perfect condition. Anyway, the mini is a lot easier and more fun to play than I remember when I tired them awhile back. When I tried them before though, I thought if I was going to buy one I would get a mahogany....but now that the Holden is out that one is really tempting with the Engelmann top and inlay work. Does anyone have any thoughts about the sound differences in these models. I know, this is all opinion...but that's what I'm looking for.
Thanks!

Earl

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2014, 12:18:29 PM »
We have a mahogany topped GS Mini (my wife's guitar) and we both like its warmer tone much better than the spruce topped ones.  We got a used GS Mini in spruce a couple of years ago as part of a guitar/amp trade, but sold the guitar off again not long after.  It just did not speak to us.  Since then, my wife has discovered that she really likes short-scale guitars that fit her petite hands better.  When shopping, she really preferred the mahogany tone better.

She actually recently acquired a Composite Acoustics Cargo, which has a 22.75" scale, compared to the GS Mini's 23" scale.  She likes the fuller carbon fiber sound and slightly wider neck of the Cargo better, and I can foresee the GS Mini going up for sale later this summer.  A direct comparison is not completely fair, since the Cargo sells for considerably more than the GS Mini.  Plus not everyone likes CF guitars.

I have never seen a HV Mini in person, or played one.  I have read forum posts indicating that the HV is nicer than the regular production models, probably because of the Engleman spruce.

$
« Last Edit: April 30, 2014, 02:51:54 PM by Earl »
Taylors:  424-LTD (all koa) and a 114ce that lives with friends in Alaska.  Low maintenance carbon fiber guitars are my "thing" these days, but I will always keep the koa 424.  Several ukulele and bass guitars too. 
*Gone but not forgotten:  a 2001 414ce, 410, 354-LTD twelve string, 314-N, 416-LTD baritone, T5 Classic, 615ce, 2006 GS-K, 1996 (first year) Baby

Lizzy

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2014, 12:27:08 PM »
Thanks for the input! My husband really likes carbon fiber guitars...but I'm still on the fence about them:)

mgap

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #3 on: April 30, 2014, 12:43:11 PM »
Congratulations Lizzy.  That is a fine guitar.  I hope you have years of enjoyment form it.  I have one just like it if it is the 2012 LTD.
He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all.

TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #4 on: April 30, 2014, 12:51:36 PM »
Congrats Lizzy...the back has beautiful grains. I bet there's a second GSM in your future too. ;).
Susie
Taylors: 914 ○ K24ce ○ 414 ○ GSMeK+
Pono Guileles: Mango Baritone Deluxe ○ Mahogany Baritone

Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

Strumming Fool

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #5 on: April 30, 2014, 04:37:04 PM »
Nice Mini - I love my rosewood mini as well. I picked it over two others in the shop, simply because it sounded better. All spruce tops sounded pretty similar. Not sure how much the laminated backs influence the overall sound....but that discussion resided in a different thread.

Congrats and enjoy!
My Taylor Grand Auditoriums:

1997 Cujo14 - old growth cedar/black walnut
2014 K24e - master grade koa
2018 Custom GA - bear claw sitka spruce/mahogany
2019 614 - torrified sitka spruce/flamed maple
2020 714 - lutz spruce/rosewood

Captain Jim

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2014, 05:36:10 PM »
I like the Mini... all flavors.  Congrats on your new acquisition - hope you enjoy it a bunch!   :)

Best wishes,
Jim

2014 Taylor 522ce 12-fret
2012 Taylor 814ce
2006 Taylor T-5
2011 Taylor GSmini
2013 Rainsong Shorty SG-FLE
Gibson ES-335-TDC (1965)
Bose L1 Compact
Roland Cube-ST
Fishman Loudbox Mini

Geez

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2014, 04:18:33 PM »
There's nothing I don't love about MY mini's.  What a perfect travel axe.  It's my go to camping instrument.  If I'm not mistaken, I even saw a contestant on American Idol last night (i don't follow that show, just happened to be surfing) was playing a mini hog during his performance.
1994 Ovation Celebrity Elite
2006 Takamine GS340
2011 Taylor NS24 nylon
2012 Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood
2013 Taylor K24ce
2013 Taylor Spring LTD 614ce (African)
2013 Taylor GS Mini
2014 HV GS Mini
2014 GS Mini Hog
2014 Taylor 814ce
2014 Taylor 816e
2014 GS Mini Koa

Lizzy

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2014, 04:23:24 PM »
You are right...that contestant plays his all the time on the show.
I'm really beginning to love the mini too...I just think I want a different flavor:)

Geez

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2014, 04:29:32 PM »
After watching his performance, I got to thinking that I need to add a Hog to my mini collection...but back to the tread...Minis are Great!!!
1994 Ovation Celebrity Elite
2006 Takamine GS340
2011 Taylor NS24 nylon
2012 Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood
2013 Taylor K24ce
2013 Taylor Spring LTD 614ce (African)
2013 Taylor GS Mini
2014 HV GS Mini
2014 GS Mini Hog
2014 Taylor 814ce
2014 Taylor 816e
2014 GS Mini Koa

TaylorGirl

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2014, 04:33:28 PM »
After watching his performance, I got to thinking that I need to add a Hog to my mini collection...but back to the tread...Minis are Great!!!
I am thinking the same thing.....getting my spruce mini a sibling (hog).
Susie
Taylors: 914 ○ K24ce ○ 414 ○ GSMeK+
Pono Guileles: Mango Baritone Deluxe ○ Mahogany Baritone

Have been finger-pickin' guitar since 1973!

Lizzy

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2014, 09:33:13 PM »
Blueshwk practically forced me into ordering a Holden Mini so I have one on the way.... :D  So the Rosewood is up for sale.

By the way, I talked to Taylor about the Holden's and they have a 30 day return period....which is pretty nice.

CodeBlueEMT

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #12 on: May 02, 2014, 12:38:38 AM »
 Congrats on a good trade. :)
Shayne

2023 Gibson Custom '57 Les Paul Goldtop
2017 Taylor T5z Pro SE "Erwin"
2014 Taylor 524ce
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BathTimeStrummer

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #13 on: May 02, 2014, 04:30:56 PM »
You won't regret that HV mini. It is hard to put down. I'm in the process of changing out the pickguard on mine (going to black). I bought it to be my "office" guitar and now I bring it home with me every night because I enjoy playing it so much. Welcome to the club!
2014 T5z Custom (Koa)
2013 316ce (Sitka/Sapele)
2014 Holden Village GS Mini (Engelmann/Maple)
1998 Fender DG-7

stepchildusmc

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Re: NGD GS Mini
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2014, 08:50:15 PM »
you wont regret the HV Mini. it's a fantastic one. i think it's the best mini( i had to get  a second HV because "the blonde" stole my first one) of the 3 tops.
Steppy
2008 NAMM Hot Rod(GA)
2013 spring ltd. 616 ce
2013 616 ce(honeyburst)
2011 Adamas 2080Sr
2014 324
2014 GS mini Hog
2013 GS mini Spruce
2014 GS mini Engelmann (HV)
only thing lacking is the talent !