I've finally managed to buy a GS Mini and I can honestly say that the rumours are all 100% True . . . They are absolutely bloody amazing . . They sound amazing, feel amazing, play like a demon . . . Completely blown away . . I thought my 414 CE was good, and don't get me wrong it's really fucking good but in terms of value for money, these things are the mutts nuts . . . I paid £300 for it secondhand and it included the Taylor pickup which is pretty good too . . . Bob Taylor and his team have created a real gem . . Excellent . . .
Comments
Bandcamp
Spotify, Apple et al
My YouTube Channel
My YouTube Channel
Feedback : https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/58125/
My YouTube Channel
I recently got a 114e and I adore it. The projection from the spruce top is fantastic. I'm thinking of getting a mahogany GS Mini as well.
I was very fortunate to receive a long time service award at work and have used it to purchase a std GS Mini. My first thoughts are it isn't as bright as the RW model I previously had, and I had certainly missed that Taylor wood smell.
Funnily, my wife has already asked if am going to sell the Martin (or should I say hinted). And at the moment that is not something I can answer. They are two very different guitars in feel and sound. I guess I will have to see which gets the most playing time. However, I wouldn't have the GS Mini as my only guitar, although in not sure that's what my wife meant.
My YouTube Channel
I've never been able to justify owning multiple expensive guitar, and tbh the ones I have now, in acoustic terms, are still not expensive, but having £1k+ tied up in guitars is a lot when I only play for fun/relaxation and up until now have only played a few acoustics over £500.
The Martin is a OMXAE, all hpl and strata bond (bar the bracing). It has a very mellow, smooth sound, can be played super quiet and still sound balanced. I like the nut width and string spacing. Some of the great things are that it sounds the same today as it did when I purchased it 2 months ago, no breaking in :-), not effected by humitidy and super solid construction.
I've owned a few small body guitars now. A Martin LXM, LX1e and GS Mini and as you said above, the Little Martins just sound a little flat
Why the GS Mini again? Firstly it didn't cost me anything :-). But since owning the OM, I haven't taken it anywhere. I have always taken smaller guitars places (in laws, holidays, sometimes work).
I also missed that brighter tone with its clarity. I always play by my fingers and it works really well for that, if I want to strum and get some more zing the GS Mini works great. At the moment I am going to have to pick it up a lot to break it in and remember how the RW version started to loosen up after a couple of weeks of constant playing.
I did think that I may struggle with the slimmer neck and string spacing, but no problems so far, maybe even a little easier to get my fingers around the neck.
As I said above, they are two very different sounding guitars. As time goes by, my taste for sound may develop and I may look at other options, but there is no denying that the GS Mini is a very good lounge guitar as well as a travel guitar.
My YouTube Channel
Sadly yes . . . but Ive got the Taylor 414 CE and there's no way I'd part with it . . . I know I'll regret selling them but my SG and my GS Mini will have to make way for a 62 AVRI Stratocaster . . . If I had lots of money Id keep them all :-) but I haven't and I cant . . GAS takes no prisoners but GS Mini's are awesome guitars regardless of my GAS issues :-)
Feedback : https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/58125/
My YouTube Channel