Talk me into a GS Mini!

[deepermagic]

I'm almost there. I've been contemplating one for a few years for two main reasons: 1) It could serve as a 'learning' guitar for the kids. I know the strings are mediums, but it would be more to their scale than what I currently own. 2) Nearly every time I travel somewhere I'd love to bring a guitar and don't because we're either going someplace where I'd rather not bring an expensive guitar or it's too big/bulky for the trip. (I might throw in a third reason; because it looks like a lot of fun!)

That said, it's still a pretty penny (for me) to drop. But like I said, I'm almost there. With enough will power I could easily save up. Now I'm asking you to help me over the line, gimme a nudge, push me off the cliff!

Give me your best reasons for getting a GS Mini!

[TaylorGirl]

Fun
Comfortable
Tone
Playability
Traveler
Looks
Convenient
Value
........

Do it! 

Are you over the cliff? 

[crashcup]

I agree with all the reasons "TaylorGirl" listed, but I'd qualify "tone for the size of the guitar."   And there are tons of used GS minis on the market which should make one more accessible.  Good luck!

[woodnut]

Awesome 👏 little guitar made by what I consider the best guitar manufacturer.
Who knows, you may end up with a free custom TRC for it.

[Jersey tuning]

A Koa version in the local GC sounds and plays good enough to recommend taking the plunge.

[Guitarsan]

1) It could serve as a 'learning' guitar for the kids. I know the strings are mediums, but it would be more to their scale than what I currently own.

You almost had it right there. Mediums aren't a challenge. This is a shorter scale guitar, so the string tension will be less than you expect on a regular scale acoustic with Mediums. There, I removed the last hurdle!

Did someone mention Koa mini? 

[Guitargeak99]

Right now I'm running Martin 80/20 lights on my GSM spruce/rosewood, and they are able to drive the top no problem- very clear and articulate.
Talk about easy to play...........the PB mediums were too bassy for me.
Of course I won't be doing any drop tunings.

[deepermagic]

1) It could serve as a 'learning' guitar for the kids. I know the strings are mediums, but it would be more to their scale than what I currently own.

You almost had it right there. Mediums aren't a challenge. This is a shorter scale guitar, so the string tension will be less than you expect on a regular scale acoustic with Mediums. There, I removed the last hurdle!

Good to know!

I only brought up medium strings as an issue because it was brought to my attention in another thread...I personally use Mediums and have zero issues, but thought it might be for noobs... I didn't even think about the string tension diminished being a factor! Thanks!

[deepermagic]

I agree with all the reasons "TaylorGirl" listed, but I'd qualify "tone for the size of the guitar."   And there are tons of used GS minis on the market which should make one more accessible.  Good luck!

I've done a little looking about, unless I'm looking in all the wrong places, I'm not really coming across anything that is dramatically cheaper than buying new. Usually anything priced lower seems to bring the price right back up with shipping.

I'll continue to keep my eye out, but I'll probably make my purchase at the local mom & pop.

[deepermagic]

A Koa version in the local GC sounds and plays good enough to recommend taking the plunge.

Yeah, the other big decision to make will be which one to get! While I can't deny the fact that I love a spruce top, my 316 is spruce/sapele (albeit solid), and I'm thinking either mahogany or koa. I'm leaning towards mahogany due to the price tho.

I'm also trying to figure out whether or not I should get the electronics. I'm leaning towards no electronics mainly due to price and what I envision using it for.

[wooglins]

I have the Koa Mini-E and it is very nice.   Great tone, and really nice build. 

[antsap]

My two cents ... go for it!

I picked up a Koa gs-mini a few months ago. Honestly, I was on the fence. I really liked the guitar playing it in the store, but it felt like a nice to have and not a must.
I bought it, and had 30 days to return it. I flip-flopped for the first two weeks with the following going around in my head.

1) I like it and will keep it
2) It costs a lot, and I'll return it and put that money towards a nicer full size taylor

In the end, I put a little nick in the back of the guitar by accident and that sealed the deal.
Well, I'm a few months in now and darn I'm glad I scratched it and kept it.
I keep it hanging on the wall and play it more than anything else. The sound is really amazing, and it sits so nice in your lap when you are on a chair or a bed etc.
I just got back from a 2 week trip to Germany and Israel. The guitar came with me and travelled really well. It fit in the overheads on the plane, and was easy to cart around the airports and such. Loved it and I have no regrets.

[magirus]

Mine arrived on the 4th of January this year after a fairly lengthy search for a guitar to start learning on, yet hopefully good enough to keep long term should the skills develop and the interest remain. The size works very well for me as I'm 5' 7" and have average size hands. It's very "couch friendly", and the set up and action, short scale, coupled with the low string tension mean that the medium strings are light to fret, even as a novice I've found the couple of barre chords I've learned haven't been any problem. Although for now I don't need electrics I thought I'd future proof and bought a koa model, which of course is also a thing of beauty to be stared at before playing! ;-)  After daily use for 2 months I can hear that it's starting to sound different/better, more separation of notes and it really rings out. I wish the wife and daughter would get up so I can start playing it, just have to have a stare for now.......

[Frettingflyer]

I have not been giving my mini's much love since getting Carbon Fiber guitars for travel, as I travel 3-5 days a week. But it just happens I had them both out last night to "check" on humidity etc...and wow, they really blow me away still.
Now, in my case I can add over 1 million air miles of travel, plus some family road trips in the mix on my original mini. It still plays and sounds incredible. The "wife's" Koa mini sounds great as well. I have kept my road worn mini just for the kids to grow into, although after playing it last night I am thinking it may make an occasional trip with me again sometime.
So, go for it, it won't you won't be disappointed.

[xtremearmor]

I agree with all the reasons "TaylorGirl" listed, but I'd qualify "tone for the size of the guitar."   And there are tons of used GS minis on the market which should make one more accessible.  Good luck!

I've done a little looking about, unless I'm looking in all the wrong places, I'm not really coming across anything that is dramatically cheaper than buying new. Usually anything priced lower seems to bring the price right back up with shipping.

I'll continue to keep my eye out, but I'll probably make my purchase at the local mom & pop.

I looked around on Reverb and Ebay and was surprised to see the prices for used ones so high.  Craigslist might be an option as well.  I can't imagine anyone not spending a little more for a new one with a lifetime warranty.  Good luck selling a used one for xx bucks less than new.


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