2020- SHOOTOUT TAYLOR GS MINI AGAINST MARTIN DREADNOUGHT JR 2

[@pittbin]

Thank you for the comparison. Strumming 1 -----> M 2:14 vs T 3:02 Strumming 2 -----> M 3:55 vs T 5:01 Fingerpicking -----> M 7:15 vs T 8:32

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Bin Pitt wow thanks

[@pndamonium1241]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore Nice!, What melody are you doing during strumming 2?. I just ordered a Taylor GS Mini yesterday.... so Taylor for me.

[@igoogle87]

Also interested in what you are playing in 2

[@felixbrandau4751]

thanks

[@manfredwolff3115]

Thanks so much,great idea 😃

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

I just bought a 10 year old mahogany gs mini. It’s fabulous! As soon as I picked it up in the shop I knew I had to buy it. After 10 years the wood has matured and now it has a beautiful blend of Taylor brightness with a mature woody warmth. I’ll never sell it!

[@sc5759]

Love the tone of the GS Mini. Just picked one up and it almost sounds like a full size guitar. Great bass response, projection and the action is amazing.

[@adyuriar]

Gratefulness to God is so very important. Even through difficult times. Thanks for mentioning this. God bless you.

[@SophiaM829]

Good thing I bought the GS mini...More balance to my ears..And also good advice! Family first then everything else..

[@shield400]

Martin = GLORIOUS! Plus it's all solid wood which means it will open up and sound even better as time passes.

[@tikigodsrule2317]

I went with GS Mini mahogany and love it. I felt the mahogany added bottom and warmth. Tone amp is on the way to add to the fun.

[@hdihiiehei]

That martin is so beautiful aaaaahh

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Yes

[@dileep385kumara2]

taylor

[@milo.ibrado]

Love the unexpected sharing of wisdom. Bless you, sir.

[@jamotokg4551]

Thanks for the video 👍🏽 I bought myself a gs mini-e mahogany. Arrived just couple of days ago) Great guitar! And now I'm going to order a martin djr-10e streetmaster) Also I have a Sheeran by lowden subtract edition s) And PRS se p20e) All of them are beautiful and I love them all. Really. I'm just enjoying every day. Playing, recording and etc. Each one of them has its own place in my heart) There could never be enough of guitars 😁

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

that’s good and i’m happy for you to be happy

[@jamotokg4551]

@TheGuitarSpaSingapore Hello. I've ordered a Martin 000-10e today) Thanks for your reviews 👍🏽 Wish you all the best!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@jamotokg4551 enjoy and play it in health

[@betterluckythangood4062]

I love the sound of the Martin for chords and strumming. It has such a great balance. The resonance of the Taylor sounds best when picking individual notes IMHO. Cool video!

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Exactly right....

[@dirckcopeland9154]

Great review of the guitars, I actually bought two of the GS mini koa’s one is the plus with the upgraded tuners and electronics, I love them both and prefer the sound of the mini’s though. Can’t go wrong with either though, such an amazing sound for such a small package. By the way, Taylor runs the special where you buy a full size US made Taylor and get the mini for a reasonable price, my mini koa was original $999 but because I bought the 514CE urban red ironbark, it only cost me $299.

[@rsabston]

Both guitars are beautiful, my ears like the GS mini a little more...I have the Taylor. Beautiful playing and beautiful morning routine, God Bless you for sharing your Faith! Subscribed!

[@goffdroid]

I just got one too.. the sapele quilted ga mini. It's beautiful plays great sounds great and up and down the neck is perfect.the way it fits is breath taking

[@johnhart2861]

actually bought the martin because of this comparison. Waiting for it to be delivered today! Your honesty concerning living the right way was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your love for life

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

That’s great and congrats

[@peterdeboer8924]

Wow, more similar in sound than I was expecting. I'd like to play the wider nut width, however.

[@mikebooysen3678]

Wisdom in between a great review! Can't go wrong with good old Spurgeon. Blessings

[@matthewnapoleon125]

Thanks for your advice. God bless

[@Frank-in-NY]

I agree with your assessment. That's why I purchased the Martin. I have the D Jr 10E in Sunburst, so with a Solid Spruce Top and Solid Sapele Back & Sides. I always find Taylor's to be bright, and the GS-Mini is no exception. I do own a Taylor Guitar as well, a 410ce, so no dings on Taylor, they make fine instruments.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Frank in NY nice

[@Woody103]

Agree and that by design the sound everyone thinks of acoustic guitar is a Martin it’s been around forever and used by almost everyone Taylor came along and make some tweaks to stand out slimmer necks brighter sound.. that way there is a real choice instead of just trying to sound like a “better martin” only except is gibson they have a slight unique sound as well

[@benjdoc]

Thanks 🙏 for sharing your gratitude and out look for the Lord!! God bless you My Friend!!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Benj Bondoc thanks

[@kyuliawan]

Came here looking for a comparison, left here being grateful for life and music 🙏

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Wow thanks and glad you love the video

[@brianemrick7232]

We are of like faith and thank you for sharing your faith.

[@vateok6840]

When ur ears want the martin yet ur eyes want the taylor, oh the irony.

[@jonw8uk1]

Great comparison vid, thanks! For me I think they both sound great, better than expected. The Martin has a bit more depth, as expected with the larger body volume, but both project the notes, clearly, with nice sustain. I'm gonna order the koa GS plus, as for me, I prefer the look, and think the smaller body is better suited for a 'sofa guitar' without losing too much sonically, annnnnd its available now, at a reasonable price in a shop here in Bangkok. thanks for your help 😃🎸

[@gerysasko3410]

You do a great job and so warm and friendly. Cheers and all the best to you!

[@wrocklc]

Both guitars are good. When I A/B´d both at the store I was amazed how much I liked the DJR2 better. I wasn´t actually planning on buying another guitar as I bought a GS mini Ovangkol and a Martin 000-RS2 recently but after 45 minutes I left with the shop with the DJR2. Tried the Martin 000Jr and the DJR-10 too, both of which I didn´t enjoy that much. So if you still can get the DJR2 (which went for a very nice price, too), go and get it!

[@garyives1218]

000 Jr? Maybe I have heard of that. I must research that now :)

[@dmar3651]

The old DJR and DJR2 are WAY better than the newer models (DJr-10 and DJr-10 Sapele respectively). The base is more clearly heard and they handle full on strumming better. If you prefer the softer touch, then the Taylor GS-Mini is more in line with that.

[@ScottOHC]

I've always found Martin guitars muted or muffled. I've never found a one that agreed with me and this is no exception.

[@aaronsidman4674]

I Like Taylors a lot, but Martin's will always be my love!...

[@tommyrae1234]

I like the mid tones on the Martin. GS mini is very bright. Great advice at the end. Praise the Lord!

[@dolero]

i've been wanting to have a martin djr or a taylor gs-mini mahogany. but after you told me to be grateful for what i have, it made me realize my D&D Django JR sounds great. super! stay blessed.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

That’s great be happy with what you have

[@dolero]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore i bought LX Black because of your review. hehe

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@dolero thats great

[@dolero]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore yeah. it helped me decide.

[@Huntress59]

Beautiful playing . I feel I like the Taylor better on strumming and Martin on fingerpicking

[@vanomaden]

I guess it really depends on the song you want to use it for. From a sound engineer perspective I find the Taylor less complicated. I'd not need to EQ it very much if at all, the Martin has some "honkyness2 to it I'd like to take away, which is alway a bit tricky.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

That’s a great feedback from an engineer perspective

[@DLoh7073]

Good review. Would like to see a teach video on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

[@mariuszfoks5976]

Thank you for such an impressive playing and speech..

[@bonsaibloom]

You’re a wonderful person, thanks for the vid, very helpful !!

[@samuelsmith5223]

Both sounded great! The Taylor definitely brighter. The Martin is more woody, dry and tight but projects quite well. The Martin to me sounds more natural maybe? Note also the neck on the Martin is wider at 1-3/4" wide at the nut and I have heard it is more comfortable to play. My vote goes with the Martin. Oh, and awesome testimony at the end brother! Keep that up!

[@KingJames61]

Thanks, great info!

[@WordSpiritLife]

Thank you for the great review and for sharing your faith.

[@tituschoong]

strumming sound nice at martin...

[@lukecarvill7721]

I’m kinda torn because I prefer the Martin for sound and that it is all solid wood , a big plus long term as the sound will get even better. But I like easy to play guitars, I’m much more natural on thinner necks. But does the Martin drj still feel that bit smaller and comfortable and is the neck still easier to move on compared to full size guitars?

[@brucemartinez5343]

Having just purchased a GS- Mini which I love the warmth and tone and the bigness of it's sound, I really like the punchiness' of the Martin and the clarity of it's mid's , nevertheless I would of still bought the GS-mini.

[@TheTroyallen23]

I am a Martin guy. I own 6 Martins (000-28 Modern Deluxe, HD28, D28 Modern Deluxe, D18, 000-18 Custom Shop, and a D41). I am amazed by my choice, though, because I pick the taylor GS mini. I went to my local Guitar Center and played several of each guitar and easily concluded that the Mahogany is a little canon. I think it all has to do with the wood choice. Sapele, to my ears, is a pretty poor tonewood. Lastly, though, in my houseshold Martin wins easily 6 to 1, LoL. The 000 taylors and full size models don't measure up to my ears by a long shot. In the end, though, you win in either case because playing guitar enriches your life.

[@matthewnapoleon125]

I have sensitive ears and I really like warm sounding guitars. The Martin also comes with monel strings which also has a more traditional sound. Not sure if you have the stock strings but I always use the retro strings.

[@kas4751]

Ah your ABC song makes me wanna fall asleep. I shall learn that for my future kid! :)

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

hahaha....i was just testing...

[@kas4751]

The Guitar Spa Singapore I enjoyed it! Very soothing!

[@cadiehl1]

I have the Koa GS mini… but I want your hat. 😂

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

not for sale buddy

[@paulv8453]

Fantastic playing. It was so soothing to my ears whether you were strumming or finger picking. Question: does the 1 3/4 nut width on the Marin decrease the chance that your finger touches unwanted strings by mistake? Thanks

[@goog646]

Yes

[@anneberkeley7411]

Definitely.

[@ThePonDePon]

Much of the difference in sound could be the strings, martin used their in house strings and taylor likes to use elixirs, I would like to hear them with the same strings

[@michaeledano7181]

Good playing Bro. I think Martin sounds better but they’re both awesome guitars. God bless

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Michael Edaño yes they are

[@rancourage2448]

You must be a worship guitarist! God bless you bruh! Martin for me! 😊

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Sure

[@garyives1218]

6:00 good for you bud. Music nourishes our soul, but we certainly need to appreciate and take care of our bodies.....attitude of gratitude. PEACE. Oh, love the Orangewood Oliver Jr Mahogany I recently got (don't think they ship to Singapore?). Not quite as rich sounding as these but loving it's size and feel and intimate nature of it's quieter voice, set-up was great as it came and intonation is spot on :)

[@petrucci22]

You play beautifully and from the heart, it shows. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

James Prat appreciate it and I’m glad it moved you emotionally

[@nelsonvega2919]

The martin had more sistain, the Taylor was just nice and rounded. Thanks for sharing ... God bless

[@gratengelsker7614]

Great video! What would you say about the playability of the two guitars?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

after you set them up both plays equally well

[@yangkesah]

which one is better bass? and suitable to use in Malaysia?

[@stefhen71]

are you using a fish eye lens lah?

[@briancook3608]

the gs mini is by far the best for me, but of course it is its a Taylor

[@MarkRobinsonMusic]

Lovely playing, really good review; I love your values - your videos are brilliant 👏

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

thanks for the support

[@capohd28]

I tried both, and there was no contest. I bought the Martin with spruce top. Improved it with bone saddle and authentic 2.0 PB strings. Don't like the Monels.

[@seethowaikeng7826]

Agree

[@romymanabat4453]

Hi. Just want to ask what capo do you use in GS Mini? Thanks and God bless!!!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

G7 capo

[@Valeu]

I wonder which guitar has the better intonation? You can hear it when you play a standard open C and E Chord. I only tried the Taylor GS Mini and it was not satisfying for me. I wonder how would it be with a Martin Jr.

[@dmar3651]

ABCD? I thought you were playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star XD

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

D Mar yes it sounds like that’ too

[@chadbarton9631]

Taylor sound for me both are good

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Does the Jr2 has a thinner body than the previous Jr..???

[@michelleyue452]

Anyone know if martin dreadnought jr can fit in Taylor's gig bag?

[@cooloutac]

good question cause the martin one sucks lol.

[@ggrahman9371]

For sound i like taylor.......and style body i like martin.....😁

[@tomw7026]

Late to the party, but I tried both of these out today. The Martin is deeper and more focused. The Taylor brighter, but more spread out if that makes sense. I will say I really liked the wider nut on the Martin. Was noticeably more comfortable to play. I have a decision to make!

[@cooloutac]

what decision did you make?

[@tomw7026]

@@cooloutac Martin

[@leeanbasaenmusic]

Good day! Just want to ask if you have any idea where to buy a hardshell case for a Dreadnought Jr. Thanks. 🙂

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

check with the place where you got the martin...or search the web

[@shuklajayant]

Loved you video and loved your thoughts. Thank you 😊

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

well thanks I give my all...heart and soul in each videos

[@brianwilson3133]

Yeah the sound of the martin appeals to me a little more, but I think I will like the size and shape of the Taylor a little more. Both sound amazing though and I think they are both great choices.

[@luisitodeanda5903]

Great video, which guitar less tense or hard when stepping on the rope with chords?

[@gioruiz08]

Both sound great, but, Martin seems to have a better balance and more mature sound.

[@jwalczak74]

🙏🏻🙏🏻 God bless Jarvis

[@alphawave5603]

If you’re learning guitar which would you recommend? I’m thinking the least expensive? Is it better to learn on a regular scale guitar or it doesn’t matter?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Buy the one that give you the best playability JB

[@naenaylee]

I bought Yamaha Fg800 for my first start.

[@minpil-u7v]

it was interesting hearing a song progression very very close to mine, I play those 2 first chords in my song at the beginning too, good chords for a love song! im talking about the song at 4:00. Is it a song you wrote or a composition of another artist?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

coldminded21 kzbin.info/aero/PLyF77OUTSNqyjZnXFVIzEI2B_HBYSYn8c

[@kenmorgan9470]

You are awesome, brother

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Thanks I appreciate you too Bro

[@karlinhosMG]

Difficult to say... Martin sound is more "deep" and "warm" while the Taylor is more sharp and dynamic. But I have no doubt about which one is prettier. The Martin sapele (both the dreadnought and the junior) the more beautiful acoustics I've ever seen.

[@briandesjardins728]

Isn't the martin fully solid wood vs taylor is laminate back and sides? That's a BIG factor for myself.. I personally don't understand how laminates cheaper to make yet has 4 or 5 steps to make it vs solid wood lol I dunno been a question of mine for nearly 25 years lmfao

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

It’s all about the top and how it is brace the back and side colours the tone

[@cooloutac]

more about the cost of the materials I guess.

[@travishernandez2193]

Which one has a better neck in your opinion

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Taylor always have better playability.. it’s feels better but tone is Martin

[@petedetraglia4776]

The Martin has a bigger body on it so of course it will sound louder but personally i thought the Taylor had better overall dynamics and clarity sound wise. The Taylor GS Koa mini plus would destroy the Martin hands down... Play one and see...

[@vateok6840]

Martin = warm Taylor = bright Both sounds amazing, it all comes back to personal preferences

[@Whitemoon379]

Better than Martin drednaught jr street master?

[@yitian007]

Which one do you recommend for a beginner

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Honestly both are good

[@BeardnScars]

I see what you mean. On the high register the Martin was real nice. But the fingerstyle the Taylor was obviously #1. Even the subtle things like the slides were just exquisite. Both are good, just depends what you want. Didn’t know the JR was bigger than the Mini tho!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@BeardnScars good observations

[@codking82]

what are you using to record this sound to youtube?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Zoom Q8 camera with XRL condenser mike

[@codking82]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore thats it?? how do you get it to sound so good? i had a q8 but it sounded bad

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@codking82 it’s the level of the two mics and how you adjust it .. maybe the guitar is too good or maybe it could just be I’m a good player LOL!!

[@satriasamudra306]

Hai jervis, what do you choice? Martin Drednoug mini or Yamaha CSF3M?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Both are different

[@genebrenner855]

I like the Martin Dreadnought Jr better but then I own it. I like your open style playing very much.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Great

[@abramhernandez1216]

The Taylor kicks ass!

[@tedboughter-dornfeld5281]

❤️

[@ndoc7]

The Martin sounds more ¨bassier or maybe more warmer. The Taylor sound more bright. I love both but if I have to choose between these two I would chose the Taylor.

[@KentC0813]

have you thought of doing some live review? it will be awesome!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Kenneth Chung all my reviews are one take so it’s really live

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@Vin well if that is what people want I can do that

[@lonnielewis6800]

I’m looking at a Martin 00-15m and keep circling back to a GS Mini Koa Plus. Have some shoulder problems and the mini is shorter scale and a little smaller. Is the sound difference worth the difference? Thanks!

[@ANTHONY81586]

What did you end up going with? What made you decide? How’s the experience been?

[@lonnielewis6800]

@@ANTHONY81586 Hi Anthony, The lack of availability of the Martin 00-15, being able to try the GS and loving the sound Led me to buying the GS Mini Koa Plus. We love the sound and it’s a beautiful guitar for sure. The GS Mini putting out the sound it does at its size is just a winner. It’s easy to play and travel with anywhere. Not long after I purchased the Koa Plus, I added the Taylor Academy 12e. Oddly enough, the Academy 12e is my favorite of all. Spec wise perhaps it shouldn’t be but…. Now instead of a Martin Fan Boy I’m a Taylor and Martin Fan boy. I see what all the Taylor fuss was about.

[@ANTHONY81586]

@@lonnielewis6800 thanks for the response. I currently have the gs mini rosewood but am trading it in for the hog version. It was a toss up between the mini and the academy 12e, but I never was able to try the academy. The Martin sort of came up afterward because I do love that signature Martin sound. What about the academy makes you like it more than the mini?

[@lonnielewis6800]

@@ANTHONY81586 It’s a short scale compared to my Martin 00016 GT so easier on my shoulder. It has a bevel at the top that your arm rests on. Extremely comfortable playing guitar. I like the sound better. It has a beautiful voice. Saying that though as I’m sure you’re aware, they are all I little different. I got lucky. Thinking about it. These two guitars have a different function for me. If I’m sitting in my chair or on the couch its always the mini. If I’m play sitting on my guitar stool it’s always the Academy 12e. Many love the GT models that are shorter scale than the 12e but bigger than the mini. I tried 4 different GTs and disliked them all.

[@ANTHONY81586]

@@lonnielewis6800 thanks again. Yea I am a beginner so this is my first guitar. I mainly play on the couch or on the back deck. I plan to take it on camping trips and such so having the smaller body appeals to me.

[@ubertwerpify]

dread 2 for the win

[@rubbyemir]

somehow you made a review video far from boring with your spontaneity, thanks Jarvis!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

rubby emir I’m still learning so please be patient with me ...

[@karlcountry2363]

Jarvis, have you thought about making videos showing how to work on guitars?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

at this point it's tough for me to do any of these videos ...as this channel is more of a Guitar Review channel ...rather than a DIY videos...

[@anthonylynchmusic]

I have a gs mini and I’ll definitely buy the martin jr soon, I love the way you enjoy testing the guitars😂

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

well i enjoy most guitars and it’s a lovely hobby

[@anneberkeley7411]

Hope you bought the Martin, Anthony. I have both and to my ears, there's no comparison. The Martin is a better sounding small guitar by far. I never play my rosewood mini anymore. Not sure what to do with it. Ha ha!

[@anthonylynchmusic]

@@anneberkeley7411 I haven't yet but I will soon, just wondering if the latest version is still all solid cause I can't find the specs anywhere. To be honest I like my gsmini a lot but the martin sound is a must have, and I feel that this guitar even if is cheap it has that great tone, very similar to the big models!

[@anneberkeley7411]

​@@anthonylynchmusic Yes, the Martin Jr's have solid sapele back and sides with solid spruce top. They shave off the cost with Richlite fingerboard and bridge, hardwood neck, and a cheaper gig bag, which I'm about to replace with a Gator hard case. I loved my mini (rosewood) too for quite a while. Till bought the Martin and now I rarely pick up the Mini. And yes, it does have that magical Martin sound. The Martin, at an amazing $499 for now, is less expensive than any of the the GSMinis. You're in for a treat!

[@anthonylynchmusic]

@@anneberkeley7411 in europe is a little more expensive, the one with ekectronics is 750€, still worth the price!

[@kaiserthegreat]

Basically identical to me.

[@TwoMinutesBass]

Taylor sounds better when its new but i feel like Martin will getting better over time

[@atulcanhandle]

Martin for strumming and Taylor for fingerpicking.

[@jeffr985]

I like the GS Mini better of these 2 but like the Sitka Dreadnought Jr better than both of these. I have a Koa GS Mini which I love and a Sitka Dreadnought Jr that I like just a little more. All three are great little guitars.

[@afriendlygoblin]

I can't test the Taylor because no shop near me has any. What do i do ?

[@j.watson1644]

Ask yourself..duh

[@afriendlygoblin]

@@j.watson1644 forgot to update i bought a gs mini mahogany and i love it

[@752brickie]

GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR GREAT WITNESS FOR CHRIST !!!!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

thanks a million

[@752brickie]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore You keep making all those wonderful videos !

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Amen.

[@HeadbangoO]

Pfff, I don't know... I like both, you're not helping me 😂

[@chrisdunn2176]

You need to compare the GS with the OO JR not a Dreadnought. Two different body styles with totally different sounds.