"2017 Roadshow GS Mini KOA" VS Standard GSM KOA, and Standard GSM?

[marc55]

Anyone know the difference between the "2017 Roadshow GS Mini KOA" and the Standard GS Mini KOA?

I read the RS GSM KOA is "Flamed KOA", but other than that are there any real quality differences?

Also, what are the differences between the standard GSM KOA, and the standard GSM with the Spruce top? Does the KOA sound noticeably different?

Thank you,
m

[zeebow]

if you're lucky to see the roadshow koa gs mini, you better buy it, it's a higher grade koa (it's really visual imo)

a roadshow koa gs mini and koa gs mini should sound similar

a spruce top gs mini will be slightly brighter, and the back and side laminate woods don't make much difference imo

im not in the gs mini fan club, but if i wanted one, i 100% would get the roadshow koa

[davwir]

The "Roadshow" KOA Limited Mini has "AA Grade" Koa (usually more figuring, flame and book-matching), as well as the ES2 Electronics (now discontinued on the GS Mini series)

I have seen some really killer ones (grabbed one of those myself), but also some surprisingly disappointing ones.

It would REALLY be special and awesome if they gloss finished them!

[Frettingflyer]

The roadshow mini I saw sounded the same to my ear as our older koa mini. Owning both, but not having played them for a couple weeks now I can say you will definitely notice a difference in sound, so finding your preferred "flavor" should involve playing both if possible.
To me the roadshow version added eye candy value, but not sonic value, so I wouldn't worry about getting one unless you are very concerned about the looks.