First up, from your perspective – the player, the proud owner – it feels great. Taylor GS Mini Review. The Martin is a truly accessible instrument that is truly built with the nomadic musician in mind, and it comes with a suitable helping of acoustic mojo. In fact, Taylor and Martin have always been considered as the best guitar brands on the market since a long time ago. Often brandished by chart-topping artists, they’re something of an in-thing in the guitar world, and have been for the best part of this decade. Expect booming projection, a rich midrange and crystal-clear treble response. However the Taylor GS mini is bigger and projects sound in a whole different league than the Martin. Next up, Ebony is used for the fretboard and bridge. Taylor also specially designed the ES-Go after-market pickup to fit into the GS Mini with ease. Enter the GS Mini; a beautiful little instrument that bears the Taylor name but comes in at sub-£700*. When they released the LX1, they did it with careful consideration of the market, great attention to detail and with absolute respect to the heritage of the acoustic guitar. The neck was straight and the action was very low. It costs around £80*, making it a relatively affordable, easy upgrade! © 2021 Andertons Music Company Both my sister and I were thinking about buying 2 new travel acoustic guitars for each of us. *all references to price are based on value at the time of writing and are subject to change! And compared to what I consider Martin?s equivalent (the Martin LX1E) this guitar wins by a long shot. And like the electric vehicle manufacturer, Taylor’s approach isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Thank you for your comments. Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Damon Albarn to name a few – started using them on stage, in the studio, in music videos. As travel has become increasingly accessible, the demands of touring musicians have increased – and manufacturers have responded accordingly. Go forth and strum! Taylor has been perfecting its mini models for more than 15 years now – pristine portability, perfect projection, and perennial playability. He’s since released a number of signature models and worked with other manufacturers, but the LX1 remains extremely popular – and Martin may, in part, have Sheeran to thank for that…. Affectionately referred to as ‘the Little Martin’, the LX1 is Martin’s take on the travel-style guitar. If you’re in the market for a new acoustic, check out our full range right here. Privacy Policy. If you want to compare the GS Mini to other guitars in a similar price range check out the link below. It’s a scaled-down version of their Grand Symphony model, debuted in 2006 (that’s a Grand Auditorium with a wider waist and broader lower-bout). This is particularly crucial given the fact that the LX1 is designed to be a travel instrument! Luthiers will tell you that it’s pretty impervious to many chemicals and nasty stuff (beer included) – though we wouldn’t recommend putting it to the test if you can avoid it. I'm looking for a new acoustic guitar for my girlfriend. Their thoughtful design and attention to detail is always apparent, no matter the series or model. He spends his free time composing for music libraries and playing in a post-rock band. When you purchase a Martin, you’re investing in a little piece of history. C.F. This potentially puts the Martin within reach of a slightly larger audience. It’s not often that you get to be the owner of an instrument with so much cultural significance behind it – especially when it costs as little as the LX1 does. Are you currently confused in choosing between Taylor 110e and Martin DX1AE? At 23.5” in scale length, the Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top is very easy to form chords on for players with small hands. Taylor 224ce-K DLX Acoustic-Electric Guitar; 2 Martin Guitars vs Taylor Guitars: Things to Consider. They're very comfortable, and they don't compromise on tone (which is a common complaint against smaller bodied guitars). It's not as small as a 3/4 size, but certainly smaller than a full size guitar. But, given its size and price point, the sound it produces is magic. Never played the Martin but I promise you won't be disappointed by a sg mini (: I have the GS mini in mahogany...its tone is lovely. We reckon that’s pretty darn cool. You’ll settle in in no time! Let’s look at the Little Martin’s selling points. Sam is one of our content writers, as well as being our resident southpaw and synth enthusiast. Taylor GS Mini Mahogany at Musician’s Friend; I hope you found this review helpful. By sticking to this design, Taylor ensured that the GS Mini looked the part, and provided a comfortable playing experience. Let’s start with the obvious: the LX1 comes with a lower price tag than its Taylor-made counterpart. We hear ya. Martin vs Taylor: Strumming . Width-wise we lose approximately 48mm, but only 5mm from the depth. Smaller instruments always had their place, particularly in the folk and blues movements of the early 20th Century. I'm 6'4 and it doesn't look weird at all. Martin has been building 000-size guitars since the early 20th century, and most of the guitars in this article are modeled after that design in one way or another. Also my hands are on the biggish size but I don't really have any problems with the fingerboard. From what I understand, the Martin that OP owns, despite being small-bodied (like a grand concert/auditorium style), is still a full-sized scale compared to the GS Mini, which is a compact scaled-down guitar. Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar; 1.7 02. Here in this Taylor GS Mini review article, you will get to know why this is hailed as an exemplary first-rate instructional tool when it comes to learning how to play for beginners. Both the Baby Taylor BT2 and the Little Martin LX1 are great guitars for many occasions. Played a GSmini not long ago, almost bought it, haha, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. This guitar produced tons of sound with the brightness and clarity you’d expect from a Taylor, but at a reduced size compared to the other full-sized guitars. I was worried the Taylor … Next, the HPL approach gives the LX1 a certain toughness to it. They were unable to locate a Martin 000C Jr-10e which was unfortunate. So, just how mini is the Mini? But before them, Taylor was putting its instruments into new hands thanks to the Baby and GS Mini travel-sized lines. The Martin LX1 Affectionately referred to as ‘the Little Martin’, the LX1 is Martin’s take on the travel-style guitar. Taylor, meet Martin - oh, you've already met? Its also much more of a guitar. Scratches, dings, scrapes – it takes quite a lot to mark this little guy. Martin Dreadnaught guitars were created to be the biggest, loudest strumming and flatpicking instruments around back in the Golden Era and still have a chokehold on that space today. Two manufacturers naturally emerged as leaders in the category – so we thought we’d compare them. From what I understand, the Martin that OP owns, despite being small-bodied (like a grand concert/auditorium style), is still a full-sized scale compared to the GS Mini, which is a compact scaled-down guitar. The Taylor Guitars brand is often associated with premium, cutting-edge instruments – kinda like the Tesla of the acoustic guitar world. In an industry that gets more competitive by the day, price is a hugely important consideration. The GS Mini has a solid Sitka Spruce top; The GS Mini Mahogany has a solid Tropical Mahogany top; That?s it! Granted, you lose a lot of the deeper tones when compared to a full-sized acoustic, but for its size it still sounds pretty great. Just a smooth top layer that feels wonderful to play, and looks pretty wonderful in an understated sort of way. These handy little strummers quickly started appearing in the limelight. Combine that with something this compact and affordable, and you’re potentially onto a winner. It's the perfect size to pick up and noodle around on, but keeps a high quality despite its smaller size. Speaking of legacy, Martin have been in the business a fair bit longer than Taylor. Practicality gave way to downright cool, and guitarists across the spectrum got in line for a piece of the action. They will sound different, but the GS Mini is a spectacular guitar. Martin guitars and strings are known for more than their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. MORE INFO:Give us a call at (406) 290-9390 or email us at sales@musicvilla.com for more information. All in all, a great guitar but I'd always recommend trying before buying. The sound is so unexpectedly good, the GS Mini has won numerous awards and accolades. The Martin is a little out of my price range but am willing to spend a little more if I know it is worth it. What’s so special about HPL though? So, what a great way to test between a guitar with a mahogany top and a spruce top. So I'm assuming it should be just as small and comfortable, if not more so, than OP's guitar. As a child’s first guitar, there are few on the market of greater value than these two competitors. Its balanced sound makes it a perfect jump-off point for pretty much any style. Will she like it if she likes my Martin, or should I just buy her the same guitar I have? Sheeran rose to fame with his LX1 by his side, and it inspired a whole generation to pick up the guitar and play along. It certainly looks great, feels great and the specs are great on paper. For decades, the acoustic guitar was largely synonymous with big-bodied, booming tone. Little Martin has a good weight and you will be surprised by its playability. The Taylor – GS Mini may be small, but it packs a huge punch. Of course, both guitars are made by well-known manufacturers. For years, guitarists on the search for a compact or travel acoustic have found themselves at this exact fork in the road. To top it off, Taylor have released a number of GS Mini varieties with different tonewoods; Mahogany, Koa and Walnut to name a few. The company’s most affordable 000, the 000X1AE offers a number of surprises, the most significant being that … A D-28 will keep getting louder as you hit it harder and is an incredible thing to hear and experience. The Grand Symphony-style body ensures that this guitar really kicks out some volume. Sam's desert island gear would be his Mexican Tele, Strymon El Capistan and Teenage Engineering OP-1. The Taylor GS mini has a longer scale length and boasts the sound of a full sized instrument. When I was shopping for a quality travel guitar, there was no honest competition to the GSmini- it was unmatched in quality and sound. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The GS Mini-E was £645 when we reviewed it four years ago, even remarking then that it cost more than its travel guitar competition. Taylor GS Mini-e Acoustic Guitar; 1.8 03. But can the LX1 compete with Taylor’s cutting-edge approach and undeniable value? Little Martin vs Taylor Big Baby vs GS Mini: Playability. Since it has an HPL body, rather than wood, it’s pretty sturdy, too. The mahogany top gave it that little extra warmth, potentially lost from its smaller body, and the curving of the back panel helps with sound projection. Today we compare it to 2 powerhouse, best-sellers… the 2019 Martin DJR-10 and the Guild Junior Jumbo Maple. Welcome to r/guitar, a community devoted to the exchange of guitar related information and entertainment. The soundboard is an essential component when it comes to an acoustic guitar’s sound. Which one should I go with? She has a big bodied Fender acoustic. Unlike Taylor’s GS Mini, it could be considered a new body shape rather than a scaled-down classic. Now the Californians have turned their attention to a full-size series that could put a Taylor in reach of aspiring players sooner. Like all Taylor GS-Mini models it features a laminate back and sides and none of the C-Class development found here. Taylor fans and acoustic aficionados will recognise the company’s instruments from a mile off. As such, they kinda know what they’re doing. Once in a while a guitar comes along that just feels right in every way. So, other than the fact that it’s affordable for a Taylor, what makes the GS Mini so special? It's lightweight and the case it comes with is pretty sturdy, meaning I can carry it home from Uni easily and comfortably. If you have guitar related questions, use the "Search" field or ask the community. It has better intonation when tuned to standard tuning. I play mostly fingerstyle blues/soloing stuff so I … The GS Mini fits right into the catalogue, with alluring jumbo-style curves. I recently picked up a GSmini from the States and brought it back to the UK. I am currently looking to purchase a Taylor GS Mini or a Martin 000jr-10 for a travel/couch guitar. Both Taylor 110e and Martin DX1AE are acoustic-electric guitars that happen to be available in the same price range. Its lightweight design allows you to pack it … If there's something you'd recommend that is similar please mention it thanks! If we had to sum it up, we’d say that the Taylor is a workhorse instrument that sounds as great in real life as it does on paper, thanks to a great selection of woods. If you only play through an amp you can get by with the Martin. Fast forward 30 years, I decided to get an acoustic again. Baby taylor vs little martin comparison. I own a Martin 000X1AE and love it. And we’re all ears. Coming in at just under the £400 mark*, it undercuts the Taylor by around 20% – a pretty significant saving. It's quickly become one of my most used guitars. Such a great bang for your buck guitar. The best place to start if you're new is right below in our "Rules" section. Not only that, but many guitarists have professed to using it in place of guitars that are 2, 3, 4 times the price*. Website: https://musicvilla.com They are backed by our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices. Compact acoustics are more popular than ever. Clarity of sound is provided by the solid Sitka spruce top married to the mahogany grained HPL back and sides. Unlike Taylor’s GS Mini, it could be considered a new body shape rather than a scaled-down classic. While doing my research, I found a relatively cheap Taylor GSmini. But the ethos was an accessible instrument with an accessible price. …not that Martin need some jumped-up award-winning 20-something singer-songwriter to help them sell their instruments. The most affordable model is usually priced around the £500* mark. I have a Martin D15M that I love, but I'm looking to get something a little more maneuverable. Martin designed it from the ground-up, taking cues from their colourful legacy of market-leading acoustics. I decided on the Martin because of the 1.75 inch nut width and 24 inch scale. Yes, it’s noticeably smaller – but everything is proportionate, almost down to the millimetre. HPL stands for high-pressure laminate, and it refers to the layers used in the guitars construction. This is a forum where guitarists, from novice to experienced, can explore the world of guitar through a variety of media and discussion. I've had it for about four years. The Martin 000X1AE is a 14-fret 000 body acoustic-electric guitar with a smaller body design than the traditional Dreadnought, but a surprisingly full sound. In addition, the HPL finish is tough as anything. Martin Dreadnaught Jr and Taylor GS mini I have owned a Taylor GS mini for about 2 years now, it's my primary guitar as I am on the go and love the sound. Taylor knew it’d have to be a solid, dynamic material, so they opted for a classic; Solid Spruce. It records well, handles venues of all sizes, and comes with a number of great electronics options. It makes the guitar far less susceptible to environmental side-effects like warping and cracking finishes. This adds a pronounced yet smooth quality to the attack of your guitar. Press J to jump to the feed. But in recent years, compact acoustics have seen a surge in popularity. I love playing it because it's so easy to play, even as a 5'9" guy with meat-shovel hands. It’s an instrument designed to be played for hours without any problem. The GS Mini has arguably become one of the Taylor’s most popular instruments. Thanks for visiting. The GS Mini-E model comes pre-fitted with Taylor’s popular Expression 2 system, a fully-fledged pickup/preamp that’s found in many of their high-end instruments. Martin & Company has been around since 1833 (almost two whole centuries ago). This audience is ever-expanding, largely due to you-know-who. These are the kind of instruments worth holding on to even after you’ve moved on to bigger and better guitars. Is this guitar too small? Having said that, if Tesla made a car that sold for £10k instead of £100k, we reckon it’d go pretty well. Whilst we're discussing the differences between the GS-Mini … It makes fingerpicking sparkle and gives strumming a brilliant edge. Our beloved GS Mini is one of those guitars. Well, there you have it. I'm a big dude, and I have plenty of full size guitars, but I love my GS Mini. There is literally only one difference between these two models. I've the Mahogany topped mini, and it sounds great. My friend just purchased a used Taylor GS Mini-e Koa with the ES-2 pickup system rather than the same guitar with the newer ES-B system. She tells me that while playing for a while, the bigger bodied Fender hurts her chest. In this article, we’ll take a look at two guitars that lead the charge: Taylor’s GS Mini and Martin’s LX1. Our Values. The Taylor loses out to the Martin on electronics, however - there are none as standard here, and Taylor’s optional ES-Go pickup will set you back another $98. Best for kids: Taylor – GS Mini. Taylor BBTe Electro Acoustic Guitar. Martin designed it from the ground-up, taking cues from their colourful legacy of market-leading acoustics. Well, compared to the full-size Taylor GS (grand symphony), introduced in 2006, the Mini cuts 51mm off the scale length and just 86mm off the overall length. But she loves my guitar and says she can play it for hours because of the smaller bodied Martin. The Difference between the Taylor GS Mini and the GS Mini Mahogany. Back to the tangible stuff – the LX1, like many of Martin’s guitars, has an HPL finish. Because of the scaled-down size, the Taylor GS Mini-e also makes for the perfect travel guitar. (above) An attractive Koa version of the Taylor GS Mini. The GS Mini’s sparkling highs, crystal clear mids and tight low end offer a cut-price slice of Taylor tone - and it serves as a kick-ass recording acoustic guitar too. So I'm assuming it should be just as small and comfortable, if not more so, than OP's guitar. No squeaky gloss to worry about marking or scraping. 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