Talk me into a GS Mini!

[sstaylor58]

I have owned several versions, currently own a Koa one.  For my money, I would try and find a used mahogany one, the deeper, darker the color the better (not sure why but the darker ones sound better to me!).  I have seen them for $xx - $xx used typically.  With regards to electronics - put a k & k pure western mini pickup in it down the road when you can afford it.  They sound fantastic with the mini.  Good luck on your search - they are really fun guitars.



$, per forum rules

[Edward]

Agreed on both counts: that these are great guits that sound and play a lot better than they "should"; and also that for whatever reason, folks think they can unload them used for close to what new w/warranty would cost!!  FWIW, I scoured the net and waited until I found a perfect one shipped for xx a bit over a year ago.  Ya gotta wait, and be ready to pounce immediately.  And don't forget that you can always send folks offers ...you just never know. But used or new at cost, these are great guitars.

Edward



$, per forum rules

[Edward]

^^^doh!!!   And duh!!!  Sorry bout that...and I should know better!  Big mea culpa and apologies!!!

Edward

[TaylorGirl]

^^^doh!!!   And duh!!!  Sorry bout that...and I should know better!  Big mea culpa and apologies!!!

Edward

I just thought it was an internal audit test  (....and I'm a retired auditor, btw)

[Paul Tobias]

Even the backs are pretty !!

[zeebow]

if you have a daughter...

https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/american-girl®-gs-mini

[captaineasychord]

My story's a bit like ansap's. I bought my gs mini koa based on the reviews, Tony Polecastro's video and a good credit deal! The first time I played it I wasn't convinced at all as it sounded so different to my old taylor 110, much darker with a slight boxiness. I nearly sent it back but I gave it a chance and it won me over. Changing the strings to Martins and playing with my hand nearer the bridge opens up the brightness
 a bit. Although it's different to my 110 it's actually much more articulate. The portability and practical case is a real bonus, you really can take it anywhere. It sounds great recorded, particularly finger picking stuff and I've done lots of gigs with it. If you accept that it has a different sound to a full size guitar and don't expect it to sound like a dreadnaught then you can really appreciate what a well designed and made guitar it is.

[SETX_Picker]

I just picked up a Spruce/Sapele GS Mini last month and I love it. I bought it because I travel some and spend time at the beach. I didn't want my Gibson SJ in that environment. The truth is my Gibson hardly ever leaves the case now. The GSM is so playable and couch friendly, that I find myself noodling on it for hours without even knowing it.

That alone just makes me a better player. (not that I am great as it is)

Just take the plunge. No regrets will follow.

[cotten]

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'd suggest that you keep looking. I found a spruce topped GS Mini with a little pick-drag wear, with a (Gator?) hard shell case for a great price for a 10-yr. student. Many potential buyers had bypassed this one, preferring something pristine. I talked with the seller a bit on behalf of my student and his non-guitarist parents. The seller was very open and honest about his Mini's condition.  It wasn't bad, but it obviously wasn't new. Perhaps an 8.5 on my 10 scale. Because of that, he was willing to come down a bit from his asking price and absorb the shipping cost. It turned out to be a very happy transaction for both parties.

This student began with me last Fall, and has taken to guitar instantly. He's already performed in church and in public a couple of times. No prodigy is he, but quite talented. His previously loved GS Mini will stay with him as long as he wants - he'll not outgrow it. Yes, it's smaller than normal, but has a big, rich voice and is easy to play. It's been a great choice for him!

cotten 

[Airborne]

I have a mini mahogany and I reeeeeeeaaaaaaallllllllllllllyyyyyyy love it!!!!!

[antsap]

I also noticed that the used circuit prices are really not great, and pretty darn close to what my local mom & pop shop charges for a new one.
Once in a while you see one that might save you a Benjamin Franklin off new (factoring in taxes), but you definitely need to be patient and hunt them down as I suspect they are few and far between & grabbed up pretty quickly.

Well, I've now had the mini for around 5 months. I still love the snot out of the guitar and play it very frequently. Probably more so than my 814 for two reasons:
   1) The mini hangs on the wall and not in a case with a humidifier. This makes it quick and easy to grab and play even if its just for 10 minutes.
   2) Size size size. I take it on any long car ride where my wife is willing to drive, and I play/practice sitting in the passenger seat
   3) It almost always comes with me on any overnight trip because its so darn small and easy to toss around in the taylor bag (I have a hard case but only use it on flights)
   4) I'm way less concerned about "life" happening to the mini, so I'll grab it and play by the campfire, or sitting on the front porch without a second thought.

I've really grown to love the sound of the guitar as well. That makes it sound like I didn't like the sound when I bought it, but that isn't what I mean. I appreciate the difference in the Koa Mini vs my 814 more and more as time goes on. The 814 out classes her in playability and overall tone/sound, but the Koa has some deep mojo that definitely sets it apart from my big girl and it makes it a joy to play and not just a convenience.

Also, ... my wife and I have a daughter on the way. I'm of course convinced she'll be a musician (god ... please make her a musician and not an athlete .
If she does end up playing, I plan on this being the guitar she can learn on and enjoy with those small growing hands.

If you can't tell ... we all want you to take the plunge

[g.man]

I sure LOVE mine!

[SoCalSurf]

g.man, that is gorgeous.

I'll bet I own the absolute most ulgy gs-mini koa on the planet. I ordered it when they first came out and were a bit hard to get and when it arrived I thought it was a mistake. So ugly!

But it does sound great. It's what I imagine it would be like to have an unattractive child who is talented in science. 

[g.man]

g.man, that is gorgeous.

I'll bet I own the absolute most ulgy gs-mini koa on the planet. I ordered it when they first came out and were a bit hard to get and when it arrived I thought it was a mistake. So ugly!

But it does sound great. It's what I imagine it would be like to have an unattractive child who is talented in science. 

If that's in in your Avatar, not too shabby!  I had to have a bunch of Guitar Centers send me photos...as no two are alike with KOA, and even when I went to pick it up, this was one they had in back.  Yes, plays as good as it sounds!  I did change the TR Cover, Bridge Pins, and tuner buttons on it.

[SoCalSurf]

If that's in in your Avatar, not too shabby!  I had to have a bunch of Guitar Centers send me photos...as no two are alike with KOA, and even when I went to pick it up, this was one they had in back.  Yes, plays as good as it sounds!  I did change the TR Cover, Bridge Pins, and tuner buttons on it.

The guitar in my avatar is a custom model that cost me significantly more than the mini!

Love the additions to your mini. Well worth the price.