The ULTIMATE Taylor GS Mini Comparison! - GS Mini Koa vs Walnut vs Mahogany vs Spruce vs Ovangkol

Рет қаралды 225,454

5 жыл бұрын

The Taylor GS Mini is not just a guitar, but an entire range of instruments from one of the preeminent guitar manufacturers in the world. The line has grown over the years with options and tonewood to meet any players needs. Whether it is for travel, a child sized guitar or simply to enjoy Taylor's modern take on a parlor, the Taylor GS Mini has a model for you! We compared five models on price, features and tone to help you make the decision of which one works best for you. The range includes the original GS Mini with a spruce top, the GS Mini Mahogany, the GS Mini-e Walnut, the GS Mini-e Koa and the 2019 NAMM Limited GS Mini-e Ovangkol.
Listen and Chris McKee explains the recipe that has made the GS Mini such a success, the difference in price and features and demonstrates the tonal variance available from each model.
* Cast your vote! - Poll at the end of the video*
*Features 1:37
*Mahogany 4:40
*Walnut 6:58
*Ovangkol 8:28
*Koa 10:56
*Playing 14:10
*Recap 22:10
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Пікірлер: 354

@chalisblur 5 жыл бұрын

*Quick Sound Comparison* 14:11 mini 16:53 14:42 mini-m 17:55 15:16 e-walnut 18:58 15:51 e-ovangkol 20:00 16:19 e-koa 21:04 I'll be getting one, thanks buddy. Loved your explanations on the technical details that this series carries. Really helped me choose the right one for me.

@StoicTrader- 4 жыл бұрын

Which one did you get

@alansturgess1324 4 жыл бұрын

This listing for each demo is very useful. If you start each one for a few seconds and flip to the next you clearly hear the differences. I had one of the original Minis with that poor fit-it-yourself electro systems. I now have the Walnut E and it's superb.

@farithrosh 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@MildExplosion 3 жыл бұрын

You did the lord's work with this comment! I'm obsessed with the Walnut but I wouldn't turn down the Koa either 🌟

@chalisblur 3 жыл бұрын

@@MildExplosion Glad it helped you, I ended up getting the GS mini e Koa. I do abit of fingerstyle and find that the deeper tones are so soothing. Have a full sized Yamaha for the times I need a brighter sound. Can't go wrong with the walnut ver either, both sound awesome.

@aaronraynor7703 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best comparison review I have ever seen.

@TNTales 5 жыл бұрын

You got a subscription just for this video. You took the time not only to play the instruments but show the different models, explain the differences, the unique qualities and sales faff, and played them all in a similar fashion. I salute you sir. I had felt this was the guitar for me. You may even have made a sale down the road (curse you nickles and dimes).

@bradmaier4804 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Mahogany and it is absolutely the best. I play it almost every day and I can’t believe how it sounds, plays. I am relatively new to playing and just in the learning process and this guitar has really helped me so much, I love it. It is so much fun to own and highly recommend it. Great review Chris, you are always so informative and fun to watch. Thank you for all of your great reviews. Brad from Babylon, New York.

@FREEM1ND 4 жыл бұрын

By far the best video on the range. Very informative. That koa sounds incredible. Very well rounded.

@seanhallahan14 4 жыл бұрын

maybe the best comparison I've ever seen. fun and educational to listen to! thank you.

@kevinlbrockway 4 жыл бұрын

Another great demo. Really like just listening to you play. After listening to your demos, I now have the GS mini-e bass, and the GS mini-e rosewood.

@robertcrites8745 5 жыл бұрын

The walnut was the bomb. Very impressive. Loved the tone and bass was pronounced, even throughout the ranges. Would definitely buy.

@Burritosarebetterthantacos 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve got a the koa version....over time it has developed a really rich sound. Highly recommend.

@linda-mariaanttila112 3 жыл бұрын

Same here, it just keeps getting better.

@theshanny8 Жыл бұрын

I just bought mine so glad to hear that. How long before you noticed the change ?

@narigon3942 Жыл бұрын

So true. I bought mine almost a year a half ago. Wound take out, here and there, play it minimally. Still has the stock strings. A few days ago I was planning to sell it. Too many guitars in the stable. Played with it for a few minutes, then took it off the selling list. The sound had been greatly improved. I love the sound of it more than the other many features. Amazing warm sound that can show clarity and brightness when needed. Definitely staying with me. 😁😎🤠

@ultramagnetic3556 2 жыл бұрын

These guitars are amazing!! I wish Taylor would release a small scale guitar like this but with a cutaway. Maybe a GS Mini-EC in the future would be great!! Love your videos

@bigmike6030 4 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'3" 400lbs as wide as I am tall, and I adore my Mahogany GS Mini, it feels and plays like an electric guitar.

@tallokie67 4 жыл бұрын

Are the shorter frets much of a concern or issue?

@brians9278 5 жыл бұрын

Great review. Thanks, Chris! I have an older Spruce top/Rosewood back and sides. Feeling like it is more special since they don't make them anymore!

@maurysteigman4437 5 жыл бұрын

As always, Chris, GREAT , helpful comparisons.....Thank you

@StefBorremans 4 жыл бұрын

Love your reviews/demo's! Keep on makin' em!

@Ragnar-Viking 4 жыл бұрын

Best dam Demo I've ever seen and the finger picking was absolutely beautiful ! Ty so much ! Best GSMINI DEMO ON KZfaq

@warmonger9100 5 жыл бұрын

The Koa looked amazing. I am pleasantly surprised by the Walnut and ovangkol mini.

@robertremington4659 2 жыл бұрын

TRULY EXCEPTIONAL TAYLOR GS MINI REVIEWS !! THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPERTISE AND DETAILED PERFORMANCE !!

@buggy627 5 жыл бұрын

I love when you play dude you are passionate I can tell how much you love it. You play with emotion

@josepinchero 4 жыл бұрын

the koa, ovangkol, and walnut all sound the most amazing to me. nice sound for a little guitar.

@diegoruizguitar 5 жыл бұрын

Owned it for years, became one of my main acoustics, you can be sure that any difficult stuff for a standard acoustic, becomes much easier on the great gs mini

@gingergoldilocks1761 4 жыл бұрын

I own the mahogany one and I love it sooo much. I've had it for about 6 years now and it's still my favourite acoustic guitar :)

@Uncle_brandoo 4 жыл бұрын

Best GS mini comparison on the net! Thank you!

@alansturgess1324 3 жыл бұрын

As ever, excellent, well-sequenced demonstrations. I have the Walnut e. Lovely guitar but haven't as yet figured out which strings will give me the perfect sound that I hear in my head.

@EJ4u 5 жыл бұрын

I love your videos and learn so much from your expertise. Great personality and awesome guitar knowledge

@jamestu9861 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Very comprehensive. I really need to go into a shop to experience it first hand.

@Thorkell64 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Thanks.. I bought the Koa bass today. Very happy with it.

@thefray123 4 жыл бұрын

Really beautiful playing during the second half of the video. Really random, but it totally made me start thinking about friends I never catch up with, but really should.

@daamsettachan6767 3 жыл бұрын

This is an awesome review. Thank you.

@patricekleypas3531 5 жыл бұрын

Love your guitar reviews! Someday I hope to get Koa. It's the most beautiful small guitar that I have ever seen.

@marycasey9929 2 жыл бұрын

great comparison video- very helpful!

@PJ-bv9tc 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Love this comparison. It’s very helpful. I think a GS Mini -M is in my future! Blessings to y’all in this difficult COVID 19 time.

@PJ-bv9tc 4 жыл бұрын

Indeed I purchased a mahogany GS mini last week and I love it. Wonderful sound from such a small instrument. No wonder they are so popular!

@MrHeliosoul 4 жыл бұрын

I never seen anyone fall asleep after every song they play. Great bedtime music.

@rockturtleneck 4 жыл бұрын

This was a great comparison, thanks for posting. I'm planning on getting one very soon at my local guitar store (in the northeast) and I'm leaning towards the Mahogany--seems like it's the best for campfire-style strumming. The Koa sounds amazing too.

@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@DrDelSolar 4 жыл бұрын

Just got a GS Mini-e Ovangkol today from my local shop. It was the last one. Absolutely love it, I was torn between the Walnut and Ovangkol, and tried them both for about two hours. My heart and ear decided for the Ovangkol, now at home I'm having a blast playing it. They are all excellent guitars.

@davidhassler9842 4 жыл бұрын

Outstanding comparison! I will be looking to buy a mini in the next few months and this really helps! Thanks

@AlamoMusic 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@miggybyte 4 жыл бұрын

Was gearing towards to buy the mahogany but that ovangkol is perfect for me just the right balance of bass, mid range and treble. Thanks for the review!

@perfumistaperfumista943 3 жыл бұрын

Funny I normally am not an ovangkol fan, but I really liked it for this

@MediaGrope 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Well paced What a comparison video should be

@williamwoerner9938 3 жыл бұрын

I have the mahogany, love it. This is the best review I have seen!!!

@originalstarbucks2604 4 жыл бұрын

I just purchased from your online store because of your very informative videos! You sold me the guitar, so I won't buy from anyone else! Thanks Chris! I am super excited to receive my GS mini - Koa.... also, AJ was really helpful throughout the process with online chat and email! He sent me pictures of the koa wood guitars you had in stock so I could see the grain of the wood prior to purchasing. Same as cash financing plus free shipping made this a no-brainer! Thanks again!

@ryanr6240 4 жыл бұрын

I picked up a pre-owned Koa GS mini-e today for a fantastic price. It's a beautiful guitar. It gives off great sound for a smaller guitar.

@jennifercorday 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great review!

@stevesstrings5243 5 жыл бұрын

Great review! I think I like the warmer tone of the mahogany and Koa. Very nice playing too!

@ericoswood1856 3 жыл бұрын

I have the spruce top with rosewood back and sides. Great tone and projection.

@lrmhawk Жыл бұрын

GS minis are fantastic guitars. I already had a mahogany, but couldn't resist picking up a koa on the BOGO sale Taylor is having. I picked it up when I bought a 214ce, and I must say the koa has become my favorite guitar. Absolutely gorgeous guitar! The mahogany is louder (honestly it even seems louder than the 214) and warmer than the koa, but the koa is more articulate and sounds terrific. You really can't go wrong with any of the GS minis.

@lepanzon 4 жыл бұрын

I have the Koa version and I love it. I hope you guys do a demo of the Koa plus. I think I might get that one, especially since on that one the upgraded the pickups and preamp to the ones used on the high end Taylors

@TweakMDS 3 жыл бұрын

I can't actually play guitar, but out of all these, the Koa definitely sounds the best to my ears. I've been playing a bit on a $60 classic nylon string "Stagg C440", but it's still very tempting to go for a Koa GS Mini. Very tough choices because it's very hard to audition them physically these days. And then nowadays there's the Koa Plus, which is absolutely gorgeous. I really like the idea of a more compact guitar though, but I think I have to get better to get to the point where I'd appreciate this more. Reason I comment now is I've found myself watching this video for the 4th or 5th time ._.

@huxtorhs 5 жыл бұрын

I own a monogamy, and now I want a koa... thank man, for taking the time of making this videos! 🙌🏻

@usernamemykel 5 жыл бұрын

You're a monogamist? Are they lawful?

@hvhvgitaar 5 жыл бұрын

Hector Sanchez same here: monogamy, but lusting after something else 😉

@usernamemykel 4 жыл бұрын

Be careful, Hector, you might turn into a polygamist - and that gets expensive!

@usernamemykel 4 жыл бұрын

@@hvhvgitaar Clever, clever - my type of mind.

@scupking 3 ай бұрын

I have had my Mahogany GS Mini since 2014 and love it! Favorite guitar out of all the guitars I have owned. So much so I sold all my other acoustics including a Martin D-15.

@DaneFerolin 3 жыл бұрын

Got the koa yesterday and it's so sweet

@C_L_Thomas 5 жыл бұрын

Have the Koa. Love it!

@garrysawyer394 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you pointed out which was the back of your head

@mickaeljiffrelot8686 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Very helpfull

@buskingbetty7135 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. We have the Koa with electronics.

@anthonyroach7974 4 жыл бұрын

Brill review very detailed ..sound beautiful those guitars

@matanbenmoshe91 4 жыл бұрын

The mahogany fingerboard looks amazing.

@ChristTiger 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful playing

@jameslyme8719 4 жыл бұрын

So helpful. Thanks

@Noumenon4Idolatry 2 жыл бұрын

You can make the spruce tops sing with your plucking but the koa is a really special magical thing. It has that warmth with just enough brightness. Mahogany sounds nice but maybe a little too one dimensional for what I want to do. Nice playing and thanks for sharing. 😎😎😎

@NASHKEY750 5 жыл бұрын

I'm a fan of mahogany but the walnut example is very balanced and expressive. The koa low end is impressive. Pretty top too!

@usernamemykel 5 жыл бұрын

I installed a pickup under the saddle in my GS Mini Mahogany, and left some of my DNA inside the guitar - darn Super Glue thought that my finger was part of the pickup!

@Meymeygwis 4 жыл бұрын

I think it's the new Koa e-Plus, yet to come...thanks!

@gustau4764 2 жыл бұрын

Mahogany for me. It sounds sweet and intimate. Koa a close second, with more projection; to me it sounded country&western. The spruce ones were all fine, but quite indistinct.

@_flanky 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome comparison, love that Koa... What's the finger picking tune at the end?

@Smoothie-King 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! You really helped me out with choosing the right GS mini for me. I really loved your fingerpicking tune! What song were you playing? One day I'll have to make my way down to the Alamo from Canada. Cheers!

@cumming_soon 3 жыл бұрын

love my taylor gs mini-e bass so much! very good feeling to play and a big sound for a litte grand symphony :)

@RjBenjamin353 3 жыл бұрын

GS mini’s are just simply amazing.

@jolujo5842 4 жыл бұрын

The Koa sounds like a ukelale. The spruce tops sound like Martin's and the mahogany has the richest most pleasant tone. My sister just gifted me with a GS Mini Mahogany ... I was amazed at the quality and tone 👍💓 Thank you Taylor for producing these gems!

@cchavez248 3 жыл бұрын

Man, you must have heard some amazing ukes!

@cesarpalmos8235 4 жыл бұрын

I'm split between the Walnut and Olvangkol..tho every time I listen to the Olvangkol I fall more in love

@mojav3_ 4 жыл бұрын

the walnut imo.. much brighter clear tone for me

@futureproof80 Жыл бұрын

Love the look of the Mahogany & Koa but preferred the sound of the Walnut (decisions!🙈). Really impressive guitars. Will be getting a GS Taylor over the weekend! (From a guitar newbie). 👌🎶

@im58woody 5 жыл бұрын

I love the finger picked piece that you played Chris. Can you post a link to it? There's not a stinker in that group of guitars. However, when you played the Koa version it sounded like going from mono to high definition sound. Koa is beautiful looking and to me surpasses the others in tone. Thanks for the great review and playing.

@gexapple 4 жыл бұрын

Great comparison, very detailed indeed. How do these handle lower tunings with the short scale length? I play half step and sometimes full step down.

@tomrutledge5621 4 жыл бұрын

Great, informative video. What was the name of the finger-style piece you were playing?

@machitect 2 жыл бұрын

i have an all solid wood guitar, and i have those that arent with a solid top, there is definitely a difference. not only in sound, loudness, and definitely the feel of how it vibrates while you play. all solid wood guitars are addicting to use.

@SwapneelGhosh95 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making these amazing videos! :)

@quill6408 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Spruce top d16 Martin. which wood of these would put out a sound most different from what i currently have? Ideally it be whichever is the most quiet, since i want to be able to play at night without waking the neighbors. would koa or mahogany probably be what i'm looking for? thanks in advance people!

@jcoats5529 4 жыл бұрын

I have the mini and really like it. I'm looking to add another Tayor to my quiver. What would suggest as an upgrade in the parlor sized guitars. I really like the neck but looking for a richer sound?

@pwrmx24 4 жыл бұрын

I live on a sailboat on the Chesapeake and travel from the Chesapeake to England around down to the Bahamas. Which one of these models do you think will hold up the best? Sound is not as important as the guitar itself holding up under the sailing conditions. Thank you.

@tylerlee2833 2 жыл бұрын

What a great review, and beautiful playing! Are these all factory set up and using Elixir strings?

@NHail Жыл бұрын

great comparison

@geeo57 5 жыл бұрын

I spent over 3 hours at GC yesterday trying out the spruce/Mahogany/Koa.....I love the clean bright sound of the Spruce, I will be buying the Spruce top, Beautiful sound.

@jemtechandmore2101 3 жыл бұрын

I like the sound of the Koa, it sound so smooth and gentle..

@AlamoMusic 3 жыл бұрын

We're pretty obsessed with Koa ourselves! It's a very unique and beautiful wood!

@luckyluke9160 3 жыл бұрын

Really liked the Koa!

@samdarris 3 жыл бұрын

I got the KOA . Im in Love 😍😍😍Thanks for a great video 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️

@TacticalNuke321 2 жыл бұрын

Damn that Koa looks insanely gorgeous! 😳

@yvonnecowan5994 3 жыл бұрын

Listened to both songs played through all five guitars. It seems like the option I preferred most was right in the middle the third choice. Can you tell me which guitar that was? Thank you.

@shield400 3 жыл бұрын

I think the Mahogany & Ovangkol sound best when fingerpicked. The Koa sounds fantastic no matter how you play it but I am a bit bias because I do own a mini-e Koa Plus.

@davidhale1568 4 жыл бұрын

I polished my Koa gs, really brings the grain out also gave the braces a going over with fine grit paper to smooth the insides out. The tone improved a lot over 18 months it's now has the sort of tone that suits jazz quite well.

@Suchac_cz 4 жыл бұрын

How did you polished the satin finish?

@keithbell6350 4 жыл бұрын

Koa wins for me, awesome video!!!!!!! What was the finger style song you were playing the second time around? Beautiful and very helpful!

@spacetygrss 4 жыл бұрын

I have the Koa. No regrets.

@viveksanwre 4 жыл бұрын

@alamomusiccenter just wondering, what's the name of the song you played at 16:53 ? (Can't get enough of it😅)

@mkparelius9322 3 жыл бұрын

I spent an hour playing/comparing the Koa and the Mahogany versions and for me it came down to this: the KOA looks better (imo) and sounds really good. The Mahogany looks alright but sounds really Really good. Slightly warmer and more sustain compared to the KOA. I bought the Mahogany version and so far I am super happy with it. Plan to install a LR Baggs Anthem SL as I have read great things about this combo

@cuckmasterflex9106 3 жыл бұрын

I've noticed the Koa's need a little time to "mature" before hitting their sweet spot

@bowerybums7846 2 жыл бұрын

Was the action on your gs mini high when you bought it?

@thelongislandguy Жыл бұрын

@@bowerybums7846 i’ve had the spruce version for over a year and yes, the action is very high. I keep meaning to bring it in for a set up.

@Compass2101 4 жыл бұрын

Do Taylor ever do a line of GS Mini Koa without the electronics?

@trevorjones5484 2 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous demo, any chance you know the name of the fingerstyle arrangement?

@danieli.9252 5 жыл бұрын

Not long after viewing this video I came across a used GS Mini in mahogany, for $50 less than the new price. I pulled the trigger and when I went to pick it up I found out that it had the Taylor pickup already installed (that detail wasn't in the product description). That was a nice bonus, even though I don't own an amp! I've only owned it for a couple of days, but I already love it.

@shannonhondo260 4 жыл бұрын

Its a beautiful guitar

@Lol51LeRetour 4 жыл бұрын

Are you sure it isn't a baby mahogany. It has serial preamp.

@MarcusTryggMusicSwe 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing how I tought the Koa would sound best but.. It only looks the best.. I am pleasantly surprised by the Walnut

@Christian-oi7sd 3 жыл бұрын

I thought the mahogany sounded the best I was surprised how easy it was to hear the difference though my phone

@kristiawancandra6958 2 жыл бұрын

First of all, thank you for the review. Seeing this video in 2021 and found it very useful. I have one strange question perhaps: grateful if @Alamo Music Center / anyone can answer this: how does Taylor GS Mini compare with the V-class range (say: 312-CE)? I reckon the body size is the same? Maybe not! Please kindly enlighten me if you know the answer. Cheers, Kris