Acoustic Paradiso - Travel Guitar Shootout - Dreadnought Jr, GS Mini, Nomad Mini Saturn

[@Barrygee]

For years I wanted an acoustic that felt comfy to play while I chill out in my arm chair....something I could noodle about on without having to perch on the edge of the chair....I watched Rob and Lee's GS Mini review and my search was over....bought a GS mini and love it so much it's become my main guitar by a mile...sounds great, feels great and is small enough to sit in an arm chair and play comfortably.

[@Rj-uh1oh]

I have a gs mini mohogany and it is my all time favorite guitar and I have 6 guitars

[@alipaulstagram]

Sound examples- Strumming Martin: 6:51 Faith: 7:13 Taylor: 7:32 Picking Martin: 7:50 Taylor: 8:05 Faith: 8:23

[@alipaulstagram]

Martin has quite low bass but solid Mids and highs. Faith has very little bass or mids. Sounds like a high pass filter is on it. Taylor is the most well rounded and balanced to my ears.

[@donartyone3258]

Martin for the win 💯

[@EurghMatt]

Bought a mahogany Taylor GS mini a couple years back and cannot fault it one bit - it's beautiful and plays great. Definitely worth testing the spruce and hog in the shop though as there's quite a big brightness difference.

[@RRW276]

I work & presently live in a research station in Antarctica (brunt ice shelf, tbe). I have a Martin dread jr. and I love it & swear by it. it's also my only axe here. My wife sent it to me setup w/ a bone nut and saddle, which I'm certain makes an amazing difference. Haven't tried it w/ tusq. It really is a great guitar and I highly recommend it.

[@Brandon-sr8qd]

Ronnie Williams i wonder if it's cold there

[@eduardochozas7411]

Enjoyed hearing the presenters struggle to say something nice about the Faith.

[@ftlaud911]

Own the D Jr and it sounds fantastic. Will never sell it. I call it the gateway drug. Ended up buying a custom HD-28. Still play my D Jr the most out of all my guitars. So easy to play and feels great. The GS Mini is a wonderful guitar as well and comes in many wood combos. Either guitar is a great choice.

[@XMechaManx]

Recently sold my GS Mini because I picked up the Martin Dread jr. The GS sounded great, but the Martin has much more dynamic range and volume depth. With the GS Mini, you get great clear tone with more brilliant highs and punchier bottom, but whether I played loud or soft, it would be difficult to tell the difference in volume, so I would have to overemphasize louder/softer playing. The Martin was more “true to playing” volume, and I didn’t have to focus so much on over-emphasizing/over-exaggerating volumes and just enjoy playing. Either way, both are great guitars, try them out and go with what you prefer.

[@debbiewheeler4066]

Can’t go wrong with the Martin!

[@nrcarl00]

@@BLNKT. how are you liking the mini? (Also I’d you respond please like this comment so I’ll be notified)

[@buddyryeSE]

I think your comment should come with a disclaimer. Why would you care about dynamic range on a $600 guitar that's intended to be a travel guitar? Did you compare a spruce top Martin with an all Mahogany Taylor? If that's the case, you are misinforming everyone. You should clarify why and what you're using the guitar for. My personal opinion is that Martin is living in the 1930s even to this day and their guitars all sound the same.

[@anneberkeley7411]

@@buddyryeSE Why would you care about dynamic range on a $600 guitar that's meant for travel...? Huh? The all-solid wood $500 Martin has a more dynamic range which is one of the reasons I think it's a superior guitar, whether for travel or as a main guitar. I own both and use my Taylor for travel but the D Jr. has become more than that for me. It's "my guitar."

[@jolujo5842]

I own a GS Mini Mahogany. It's has a beautifully rich tone which translates to any style. Amplified, it stands out like a full body.

[@edfulginiti8798]

The GS Mini. By a good bit, actually.

[@fleepitt1608]

An evening with Mick & Pete . I'd buy a ticket !

[@Ibeenez]

I personally own a Taylor GS Mini Koa with the ES2 pickup and I absolutely love it. Great volume, lovely tone, really easy to carry around and with the ES2, sounds great plugged in. I don't think either the Taylor or Martin are better than one or the other. They both have nice tone and good volume. It's down to player preference really! Although having read comments on other videos the Martin's don't come set up too well from the factory.

[@XLR8Wales]

For the first time ever i can hear the difference between anything :)

[@davidhale1568]

The GS mini made in Mexico is a great buy I bought a koa GS has a great sound for playing jazz on. I was also impressed by the spruce n walnut one. Even the case is great. I have several other good guitars.

[@alansturgess1324]

Martin --- Rich Taylor --- Open Faith ----- Bright As Mick says - the Faith is "a different thing". I've owned Faiths (and the GS) and Faith build quality is second to none - as was the GS. For me, the brighter sound of the Faith cuts through more than the very American sound of the GS & Martin. It's great for lead lines and although less deep and resonant, the overall sound is very balanced. It also depends upon what you like playing, and what you play with. I've not played the Martin, but played using your thumb and/or a softer type of pick (which is my style), the GS sound becomes less clear whereas the Faith stays bright. But, as in all things, It all boils down to a matter of taste, preference and need - which is basically what Pete says near the start. The GS is a brilliant guitar but for me, now, the Faith is what I need. It was probably unfair to pit the Faith against the GS and Martin, a much better shoot-out would probably have been to play it against the Baby Taylor. Also, Mick and Pete didn't give anywhere near as much time to the Faith. If you're one of the "it's a toy" brigade - give it a fair chance and watch these demos - Electro ....... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnnViXywhNZqY9U Acoustic .... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6CpnqeoaKdjr6M

[@swg1984]

I play my gs mini live (with the built in pick up system) and use it for guitar teaching. Great guitar!

[@waynesalter65]

Wow.... That was some demo of these guitars. I think both Pete and Mick got this review bang on. I own a GS Mini mahogany and it's such an amazing guitar. 🎸🎼✌

[@springkraft5878]

That Taylor GS, phenomenal sound- as good as it gets!

[@anneberkeley7411]

Not as good as it gets for me. I own both a Rosewood GS mini and a Martin D Jr, 2022. I play the Martin almost exclusively now because to my ears, there's no comparison. The Martin tone is richer, fuller, deeper, more complex.

[@wils300470]

Around 20! You guys can really jam, total pleasure to watch

[@thorwulfx1]

The Taylor was my favorite sound, easily. The Faith could be just the thing, if you were looking for that particular sound, but it was sort of outclassed otherwise.

[@insanerotta5332]

I'm gonna give a little praise to the underdog which is the Faith Nomad. It's certainly the most thin sounding of the lot and to my ears it has a slight banjo-esque twang. In certain mixes that tone would sit nicely on top of other instruments, so it has it's place. Ss a travel guitar you would want the fullest sound out of a smaller size body, so in that sense it does perform worst.

[@lance134679]

Hawaiian shirts are the key to good tone.

[@alexandervicta]

Aloha shirts*

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Love them both...leaning toward the GS mini...have the Taylor Academy small dread & Academy grand concert, which are also amazing smaller body guitars. VERY cool jam at the end! Thanks for another super awesome vid! ☺☺

[@KissingMaiden]

I have a Taylor GS Mini Mahogany and it's a fantastic guitar

[@nsiepmann]

GS Mini Mahogany user checking in! I got mine second hand from Andertons a couple years back, and I've loved it ever since. It regularly gets complimented for its tone by guest performers at my folk club (Bowes Park Folk Club - drop in if you're in North London, people!), and it just makes want to pick it up and never put it down again. My only reservations are: it can feel a little loose to the touch when you drop the bottom string down to D (but that can probably be rectified by string gauge choice); the black plastic layer on the headstock can catch on the (awesomely robust) gig bag and pull away from the wood, so I've had to repair it with superglue once or twice; and the one I got has the magnetic pickup rather than the piezo, and it's pretty noisy and lacking in high end detail - much though I hate that piezo sound, I'm considering having one put in for clearer live tone (and for quick scratch recordings). All that said, that Martin does sound pretty good and Martiny! The Faith is... less impressive. Although there's a certain bluesy swampy charm about a boxy-sounding guitar in drop D...

[@alexmanansala06]

Watching this is like watching my son competing in a singing contest. (I have the D Jr. I don't have a son though)

[@SuperEdge67]

The Koa Plus GS mini sounds amazing.

[@franswa1976]

I love the sound of my gs mini, plugged I installed a lr baggs element and the balance is perfect very bassy sound

[@SingSurfStrum]

Thank you guys, a perfect demonstration that you don't need a bazillion dollar vintage lustocaster to enjoy making music with a friend. Five hundred quid never sounded so good. Keep up the great videos

[@Nigel-ie6gy]

I also have a GS Mini e and I use it live all the time . The Martin sounds really good as well , not much between them , in a different league

[@Robstafarian]

Great jams! The Taylor GS Mini stole the show, to my ears; I would choose between it and the Composite Acoustics Cargo were I in the market.

[@joebryant8500]

Started with a Martin LX1 (which is just as boxy as the Faith), ended up with a Taylor GS Mini. It's the best travel acoustic guitar I've played.

[@greyguitar1956]

Great review guys. Late to the party I know. Thinking of pulling the trigger on a GS Mini but needed to compare the alternatives. You really did a great comparison which has made my mind up to get the Taylor. I'm no connoisseur with sound but you could really hear each note articulated on the GS, whereas the Martin just sounded a bit muddy to me. I think the little Faith was put out of its league a little bit. With it being a 12 fretter with the bridge down by the end of the bottom bout it was always going to struggle for volume and tone. BUT for £100 less and with a pickup,it has its place. Again, great work guys.

[@andy.robinson]

That tinny sounding Faith simply can't compete. I love my new mahogany GS Mini.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice review and performance!! I love Martin tone the best especially standard series. In this comparison, Martin Dread Jr is the best tone, but I prefer GS mini. I actually own GS mini.

[@ejm922]

great....fun...real...informative! thanks guys,your're the best!

[@olivierbourgeois3230]

Awesome videos guys

[@johngraydon506]

Miss you two together ❤ ❤

[@Chudhole]

Taylor ftw.

[@rakeshu.shenoy8514]

Great video!!! I request you to do a travel guitar comparison in the budget range with the likes of Yamaha JR2. Will be happy to see such video, thanks guys and the team at Acoustic Paradiso Anderton's TV.

[@RADThird1]

I bought a small body all laminate acoustic for my great-niece for $45 from Amazon Warehouse and after I changed the strings and set it up it sounds EXACTLY like this Faith. Personally, I don't know why anyone would pay ~$400 for the Faith. Oh yes...I bought a Martin Jr. for myself and like it very much.

[@clementnade972]

Love the GS mini so much, I have two.

[@stevieboy444]

I own a Martin parlour but actually preferred the Taylor in this vid in the hands of both players. Would like to see M&P comparing some £1200ish Martin & Taylors. I know there are KZbin vids out there which have done this, but having 2 knowledgable players like Mick & Pete, who play differently & know how to do a fair comparison is really useful.

[@BaktaBak3]

Martin Dred Jr is my choice. Sounds best to my ears.

[@debbiewheeler4066]

I have the Martin Dred Jr and love everything about it. I first bought the Taylor GS Mini, but just didn’t like it. I tried different strings, etc. but never warmed up to it. I traded it in at my local guitar shop immediately after discovering and playing the Martin. It’s my “Go To” guitar now (I also have a full sized Martin dreadnaught).

[@BaktaBak3]

@@debbiewheeler4066 Same story here. The GS Mini is a nice guitar, but just didn't do it for me either.

[@liam2005]

Having had a Gibson J-45 Standard, the moment I picked up both the GS-Mini and 214CE-DLX I was converted immediately to Taylor; the tone to my ear is far more rich and vibrant, the feel of the necks and playability is just no comparison to Gibson. I traded the Gibson for both guitars and can't put them down.

[@smy0003]

The Faith sounds its size. The Martin is very impressive, would like to hear it side by side with a Mini Maton which are THE travel guitar here in Australia. Off to the music shop!

[@BipolarSmile]

The Martin sounds immense!

[@mouselim72]

Not in this video...in other videos, I would agree with you but in this, the Taylor sounds so much better... which I wrote that it is indeed puzzling...

[@smyrna5]

The Taylor blows the Martin out of the water in this video. It even has much deeper bass, but I’m not sure why, since I’ve played both in person, and the Martin usually has more bass.

[@jolujo5842]

👍 Thank you for describing dimensions in good old inches 👍 My vote is for Taylor GS Mini Mahogany hands down.

[@ZappaBlues]

I have recently purchased a Taylor GS Mini Mahogany. I've tried the Big Baby, The Baby, The Little Martin and Dread Jr. Got the GS Mini. 'Nuff said.

[@TastySandwich100]

Hey I know your comment is from a few years ago but how are you finding the GS Mini now? I'm very tempted to buy the GS Mini e.

[@vateok6840]

@@TastySandwich100 djr is all solid, it will age better, nuff said

[@davidkieltyka9]

I wouldn't sell the Faith short. It's the best choice IMO if size & weight for travelling is your main concern. Lotsa folks commenting here seem to be forgetting that portability is the main point of these instruments, at least per the title of this video. If I wanted a guitar bigger sounding than the Faith I'd opt, like Pete, for something like a Martin 0-15. In fact I do own one of those!

[@pieterjansenvanrensburg5010]

Goodness gracious me that Martin sounds perfect, I have the Taylor.. Guess the Martin is mine next

[@edfulginiti8798]

Taylor n Martin by miles!

[@frederickpfeiffer9276]

The Faith sounds like a toy guitar, the pay up is

[@edfulginiti8798]

GS Mini to this tin ear. Def.

[@maccrazy7335]

My favourite of these was the Taylor. I wouldn't think of these as travel guitars, though. Travel guitars, to my, are things like my Washburn Rover or my Johnson Trailblazer with full 24.75'' scale length. The Faith, to me, sounded like plastic...

[@SeanPatrickBurgess]

I agree. I understand they were trying to stick with guitars of similar construction, but if we're talking travel guitars, I think you need to look at the Washburn and Martin Backpacker, for sure. It would be helpful, I'm sure, to get their input on the tradeoffs you make between tone and convenience when you look at those alternative body shapes.

[@guitarreviews]

Great video guys! The GS Mini is a fantastic guitar, it really can take on its bigger more expensive brothers! I actually did a review on it!

[@chromosomehoarder6927]

Martin, recording king

[@Kyle-hq2rm]

I have GS mini mahogany. Looks smaller in person for some reason. Great sound and volume. The neck is thin; if you have thick fingers you'll have trouble with it.

[@antonlundstedt5517]

you guys should do a low volume video, for example comparing an amp with attenuator vs an amp without, a cranked amp vs the same amp at low volume, and also for example the dsl 15 vs the dsl 100.

[@markpeam8549]

Faith sounds like a uke. Taylor sounds lively to me, Martin Jr more mellow/round. Although in the outro, Pete's Faith's nasal mids helped it work against the GS Mini. GS Mini with a 1 3/4" nut width could be the best?

[@angusyoung9594]

I thought I was having a stroke at the beginning of the first jam.

[@brianneal4597]

Yeah, need a cigarette after intro. And I quit smoking years ago

[@Joe-hl2ts]

Yeah me too, unfortunately I actually was

[@PatFey]

Hot Take: I HAVE to give the Faith some deserving love... even though the first time I watched this video I had to agree it was by far my least favorite. BUT I've been coming back to this video a couple of times because I'm about ready to pick up a new GS-Mini-E, and every time I get to 22:25 I think how well that Faith compliments the other two guitars. Its sound is so familiar... I keep thinking that they must've recorded all of the Red Dead Redemption soundtracks with that guitar. Nice twang and it's thinness makes it stand out nicely when soloing over the beefier sounding Taylor and Martin. It certainly has its place that's for sure. And it reminds me so much of when John rode into Mexico haha.

[@b3ant0]

what is the song @ 20:22?

[@Antman-nf3tq]

Gs mini vs academy 12? Thoughts? Love both and i play small coffee shops and boardwalks. Will gs project as much or is the academy 12 better with a 1 inch scale difference?

[@johnnewton1830]

I have the mahogany GS Mini. Great guitar. Records really well.

[@rogerwredford]

Bit late to the game, and the Taylor and the Martin sound great, but in the Faith's defence, it is available for less than €400 over here in Europe, compared to €600 for the other two... plus it has the immediate plug in electro-acoustic option.

[@Vipr77]

i keep wanting to buy a Martin but end up with a Taylor. GS Mini crushes it here.

[@leeshelton1230]

Awesome playing as always. Treat yourself and listen to another great jam from 20.20, how they build it from nothing is inspiring

[@thelonetwangster]

To be fair the Faith is the only true "travel guitar" here so it does sound thinner than the other two. I have a discontinued Alvarez MSD1 which is probably the same size as the Faith. I use it either Nashville strung or in open tunings for slide - which because it has a slightly boxy sound gives a great imitation of a resonator. I would recommend the Faith precisely because it has a different sound which may inspire you to play differently, whereas the other two are more likely to sound like the other acoustics that you may have.

[@nbacoco]

Hi Sir nice review! Do you think that the bridge pin holes of this Djr10e is standard size like from all Martin? Because i plan to buy Graptech bridge pins, and not sure if traditonal or presentation style will fit the pin holes... 🤔

[@drummerboy1390]

The Dreadnought Jr has that 'Martin sound' you get with the Standard series, which surprises me at that price. It sounds like a Martin, an affordable one. The Taylor is a great sounding guitar too, so it depends which one speaks to you. I'd have the Martin. Or maybe the Taylor, or both. The Faith isn't cheap, but it manages to sound cheap. It sounds like a cheap banjo.

[@Sofiane.B]

The Martina's is a great guitar, but the Taylor one is killed it this time. Both are great.

[@JeongOhn]

No wonder the Taylor GS mini was so popular!

[@kevinbaker7803]

Love my gs miny,mahogany back and sides, has ore punch

[@raceface_m2579]

Mini for sure.

[@stuartcarden5402]

That Taylor sounds quite remarkable for its size. What kind of Voodoo witchcraft did they use to do that?! The Martin sounds okay. It lacks a little at the top but still okay. Unfortunately, by comparison, the Faith sounds a bit like a toy guitar. It might hold up better against say the Baby Taylor but against these two it just doesn't cut it.

[@wanhariz]

I concur, I have a Baby Taylor for noodling about and my next want is the DreadnoughtJr. but that GS Mini sounds amazing!

[@DogwithtwoBones]

I have the Big Baby and it can stand the ground in the studio very well. Pretty simple but has a surprisingly awsome and unique tone. Would be good to compare with the dreadnought junior.

[@Aleph_Null_Audio]

The GS mini is the deepest of the three, I believe. It also has more surface area in the lower bout of the top, that's where most of the sound (volume) is generated. They compare favorably to other small bodied parlor type guitars.

[@maraviyoso8473]

Wait until you play the GS Mini Koa. It blows minds.

[@Unexplained_Bacon]

Ooofff!! That is one tasty Taylor.

[@Tigerex966]

How are the new Yamaha small guitars?

[@bluetrain477]

What strings do people use with the DJR? I swapped out the stock Retro Lights 12-54 with the Tony Rice 13-56 and prefer the sound, but not have tried the Phosphor Bronze lifespan that comes with the D28.

[@TylerjLloyd]

An important difference that I didn't hear mentioned in the rundown of all the guitars is that the Dreadnought Jr is solid back and sides, where as the GS mini is a laminate. It's a great laminate, and I use one as a school teacher because it's a great sounding guitar, with a pickup, that is virtually indestructible around 6 year olds. Love my GS, but that Martin sounds unbelievable

[@FelixRosas10]

I’m so torn, Martin has the D Jr-10 now with a shallower body, but the wider neck is definitely preferable to me. That Taylor has the low end though and the Sapale version is $150 cheaper. I heard it has tuning issues when using a capo though, and the shorter nut length makes me feel it would be pretty cramped for fingerpicking which is my main style… this is torture.

[@erikr.bergman9100]

i saw your video and was inspired to purchase a smaller bodied guitar . I found an amazing guitar ! it's a Bristol bm 15 it a ooo body style and plays amazing

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Is the Martin a "travel" guitar? Not in my mind, I have a Sigma TM15E, now that's a travel sized guitar...at least what I think of when I think of travel guitars..

[@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.

[@stephentyndall159]

The Martin kicks ASS!

[@elledechenestudio]

My GS Mini Koa is on its way to me right now, even more impatient after watching this.

[@shield400]

I only know Faith Guitars because of Carl Brown. ;-) That Martin Jr just sounds AMAZBALLS!!!

[@brin57]

I hope that Faith was cheap, because it sure sounded like it!! I always have a picture in my mind that Faith is some kind of "Worship" guitar ;)

[@johnhiscutt1853]

Dreadnought junior👍

[@DavidDyte1969]

Please please PLEASE can you provide tab for that one lick you do, Mick. You know the one.

[@Wulfarwacht]

I think the Taylor has all the right sequences in all the right places, nice deep bass for that size and so on - but for me it just lacks character. It sounds "empty" to me. The Martin sounds less perfect than the Taylor but it has character and sounds a bit more balanced too, boomy, but thanks to the size not as boomy as a normal Martin dread and at the same time not so "Hi-fi" as a Taylor sounds. I really liked it.

[@santysmokes]

great review

[@parulgharami6036]

Which guitar i buy betwn Martin D jr e and Sire r7 dz dreanaught.. ?

[@82aziat]

nice job guys! can someone tell me what the last song they are playing by the end of the video? thanks and keep it up!

[@paulfrenchfrench3679]

Good stuff lads but when your swapping guitars can u put up on screen in white letters which guitar your playing,,,,,u know what its like after a smoke,,,,cheers,,,keep up the good work

[@oscarreal9163]

Just bought the mahogany gs i cant wait i made the right decision...... ;)

[@musicalnightsprism6444]

How is it? I am planning to buy one

[@oscarreal9163]

@@musicalnightsprism6444 buy it good investment!!

[@ifuzion896]

@@musicalnightsprism6444 does in tune, hows the tuners on it? realllly curiousss

[@mysteriousboozebunny6534]

Five years late the success of the GS Mini tells you all you need to know about small guitars. It's the best. More or less the de facto standard for small scale acoustics.

[@anneberkeley7411]

No, not the best. I own both and play both but keep coming back to the Martin because, to me, it's by far the best!

[@paulytheaussie]

did that faith guitar became become firewood?

[@DP-qe2xo]

good lord that faith is really not cutting it haha, GS and Martin sound sick though!

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

I love these guys man.. Pete reminds me of a good south african mate I have lol