GS Mini Koa ★ Detailed Guitar Review

[@nicestrat]

Out of all of my guitars, this one is my favorite! It is the perfect size for playing on the couch, at my desk, etc. The tone is incredible as is the playability. This may be the best purchase of my life. It has brought me back to playing and I now play daily. Thank you Taylor! You have enriched my life! Thanks for the video Tony!

[@Vences5]

My gf gifted me this guitar and I agree! I absolutely love it!

[@brysonkai1377]

@@Vences5 you have a lovely gf that’s so thoughtful. wish i had someone like that

[@jerryriggedadventures3173]

@@brysonkai1377 me too man. Me too

[@Mang0jo]

Man, this is the first guitar I ever bought myself back in 2018, for my 18th birthday. It’s still my all time favorite acoustic guitar still, even after buying multiple after it. I’ve taken it everywhere from busking outside, to live acoustic gigs. I’m smaller, so it’s size is perfect for my height, and I have no complaints. I’ll always love this guitar

[@lonniedeckermusic]

It really is fantastic, isn't it?

[@brendansapp1426]

Every time I go to my local guitar shop I play this one and I love it. The finger board is unreal to me. It flows through my hands like butter

[@hi_fi_lo]

Tony! Your demos on Acoustic letter were the best ones on youtube. So happy I have found you again.

[@iamapri1]

Yeah! I agree!

[@lonniedeckermusic]

I just bought one today and was floored when I first played it. I've always loved smaller guitars and parlor size, but this one being smaller than my Takamine parlour guitar with an even bigger, deeper sound. Great review. Loving this guitar!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Lonnie-- I just purchased mine this morning! Pretty excited. Are you still loving your mini? Any suggestions on strings? Have you stayed with the recommended Elixir strings or found something you like better? I tried Elixers 5 years ago on a different guitar and wasn't too thrilled with them at the time. Thoughts? Thanks so much!

[@lonniedeckermusic]

@@stephenlennartz3466 I still use it for every gig I play. The Koa version I bought is a tough little workhorse and it so reliable. I suggest using coated strings from D'Addario 12's or 13's are what I use. Good luck and enjoy.

[@stephenlennartz3466]

@@lonniedeckermusic Many thanks, Lonnie. 😎👍

[@benjamindavid6873]

I play a Takamine New Yorker GY93E since 2015 which i really love. But i would like to try something new. Do you think the Koa would be a upgrade??

[@lonniedeckermusic]

@@benjamindavid6873 Honestly, I've never played the Takamine NY, but coveted it around the same time as this Koa. Update: I still use the Koa but as my 2nd guitar and my first go to is a Yamaha CSF-TA which just blows my mind. I think it would just come down to what feels best in your hand...try one and see. ;) Good luck. Many people swear by Takamine...my Dad is a die hard fan and stands any of them up to Taylors at 2/3 the price or less.

[@Henlarious]

Walked into a Guitar Center today. Went into the acoustic room and after a quick look around this guitar just stood out from well over 200 guitars. I loved it! Will likely head back and get it.

[@naetuir]

I am in love with Koa guitars, and this one is no exception. Exceptional range and depth, with a low end that just doesn't stop. Even on the mini. Thanks for reviewing it!

[@mragunathan1627]

I love Tony's guitar reviews the best because he actually TALKS in depth about the guitars, as opposed to everyone else who just rattle off the specs and then play the thing. We wanna hear PASSION!

[@ieatpurpleeggs9315]

I played this guitar at my local shop and I played a few guitars at this price point and I have to say this is probably the best I tried at that price

[@jhustler1992]

This koa model sounds great. I have a GS Mini (mahogany) and I always liked mahogany best for its sound. Great review!!!

[@spacep0d]

Another great review, Tony. Thanks! I played the GS Mini e Koa today and was pretty blown away. Very comfortable too. I originally found ya on Acoustic Letter but just found this channel tonight. Subbed!

[@vtwin4269]

Firstly, thanks Tony for all your videos. Inspired by all the reviews, I went hunting for a GS Mini Koa. I looked at 8 different Koas and none had the white ‘tail’ styling on Tony’s Koa. I was told that some of the earlier models had that character. Anyway, bought one myself. Being a parlour size, easy to play on a lounge chair. Compared to all the rave reviews, I must confess to being slightly disappointed with the sound. Coming from all solid Dread, I guess a laminated guitar with only solid timber on the front will have limitations. Having watched another review by Tony on ToneRite, I went and bought it and stuck it on my Koa for 3 days at the lowest setting and it really woke up my GS mini. It really does sound sweet. So I am now very happy with my purchase and I probably play Koa more at home than my other guitars. Keep up the good work Tony!

[@KarlyAspen]

This is the review that sold me! Just purchased a Taylor gs mini koa yesterday and it already shipped. Can’t wait to play this bad boy, thanks for reviewing it! I’m small, only 5’2 so hoping this is the perfect size. It’ll also be my first Taylor, so excited for that too 😊

[@aerickajm9298]

I am in love with that fret board

[@zbirdmusic]

Finally got a chance to try one out just now, everything you say about these are true. Amazing that it can pump out that kind of volume and bass out of such a tiny guitar.

[@JG_512]

Just bought my wife the Taylor GS Mini-e Koa for her birthday from Sweetwater; as always, their services was fantastic and we got to choose between three different wood grain top patterns. I have had my Taylor 314ce for over a decade so I knew I could count on the reliability of Taylor when upgrading from my wife's Alvarez acoustic, which is a fantastic guitar but too big for her. Can't wait to hear how this one sounds next to my 314ce when we play acoustic duets. Great video review.

[@craigprince4144]

I love all of your reviews, tony your such a source of knowledge. My heart is set on a Taylor grand concert or a Martin D13, I’m the sole provider for the family, so I don’t think I’ll ever own one of thous beautiful guitars that you play in guitar heaven but I sure love hearing them sing here!!! Keep singing them all praises

[@ka3uxu1]

I just picked up a GS Mini-e Koa Plus from Sweetwater and love it like crazy. I own my share of Taylor’s (5) and the GS is one of the best guitars I own. I have a 714 and T5Z amongst them and the two GS Mini’s I now have still rate at the top along with them. The GS is in a category all it’s own and a wonderful guitar. I should also mention that the case that comes with the GS’s is very rigid, sturdy, and of high quality as well.

[@sixstringstak]

Thanks for covering the GS Mini Koa 🙂I tried this one out at a local Guitar Ctr while picking up my Martin D28. I was instantly impressed and hooked. It will be joining my top 5 acoustic guitars.

[@deshhyvong5476]

I just recently bought this guitar, and it looked so different from what is pictured online. I actually didn't like mine because of the light line down the center, but I grew to love it because wood has imperfections just like we humans do! This video made me feel ever greater about getting mine. Not only does it sound AMAZING when played, it feels amazing to play too!

[@ennbee2051]

What's the action like outta the box, fella?

[@deshhyvong5476]

@@ennbee2051 oh it's amazing!

[@roneilken6668]

I love the sapwood center look! So natural!

[@asdfghjkl266]

Guys, don't expect find the exact same guitar design as this guy. I've seen dozens of koas and none of them looks as good as the one in the video. He has probably the most good looking koa guitar you could possibly find and he doesn't even know it lol

[@HoosierGuy]

Alan Nguyen sure he knows it! He said earlier in the video that his rep brought it to him. His rep knowing that he is a well known reviewer certainly wouldn't give him one that wasn't stunning visually 😍

[@seanarmao7385]

I have yet to see an ugly one though

[@slash2jimi]

I’ve seen cooler ones.

[@vickroytyler]

Wish I could share mine. My koa is way different and beautiful.

[@JoryValley]

asdfghjkl I searched high and low for one that looked like that in left handed but no luck. But I did just place a down payment on this one haven’t seen another like it. davesguitar.com/products/taylor/gs-mini-e-koa-left-hand/

[@danield888]

One of the best reviews I've seen on this guitar. Picking one up today. Great review!

[@TheGreenguy85]

just bought an Academy 10, and Im very satified, its basicly the gs mini's younger brother, with a bit bigger body..but the Koa looks fckn stunning!

[@hadeszhu8371]

sound will be louder in Academy 10?

[@TheGreenguy85]

@@hadeszhu8371 nah, i dont think theres much difference,

[@hadeszhu8371]

@@TheGreenguy85 thanks for telling this, i think i have answer to my next guitar

[@TheGreenguy85]

@@hadeszhu8371 Im still very much pleased with my academy 10, i play it every day! gl on your purchase :)

[@mercer77]

Excellent reviews as always! Your reviews helped me out a lot as I live in a town with limited guitar shopping options. Of course it's no substitute to trying guitars yourself, but you really helped me narrow down the options and reduce the confusion! I've had my GS mini Koa since June and have played it and gigged with it loads. It was my first smaller guitar and at first I wasn't sure about the tone as it was quite diffferent to my aged Taylor 110, smaller guitars will always have a certain boxiness. Once I did some test recordings I found the GS mini head and shoulders above the 110 though - it's so articulate. I play in a ceilidh band where it always cuts through the mix brilliantly, my bass runs come through so well. The es2 pickup is great - natural sounding and reliable with a good tonal range. It's so small, light and portable and comes in a well designed semi-hard case - that really makes a huge difference when you're carrying around a guitar a lot. Tip! I added a pickguard to mine by cutting one out of a tablet screen protector just helps reduce the wear and tear and costs next to nothing.

[@donnylee1992]

I've never seen a GS Mini Koa this strikingly beautiful. Don't get me wrong, the 2 or 3 I've played look great (and of course sound great), but that is one of the most beautiful GS Mini Koa models I have ever seen. ^_^

[@Diy-fever]

Great review, as always. This has to be the prettiest GS Mini I've seen. One minor correction. Layered back (and sides) are not all koa. Thin outer layers are koa, but the middle layer is some pale wood. It's the same as on other GS Minis. Cheers

[@briandesjardins728]

It's koa pressed with poplar center

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Love your reviews, and have been considering your advice since I decided to upgrade. This is a fantastic guitar. I picked one up last year when Taylor had a buy one get one sale and got it for $300! I also picked up a 214, which I use for teaching and gigs, but the koa is the one I always pick up to play at home. I also owned a mini mahogany, which I also loved, but I decided to give it to my son after I picked up the koa. Really can't go wrong with Taylor

[@opwave79]

I tried all the GS Mini tone woods and the koa is my personal favorite. I’m saving up to buy one.

[@Colebud01]

I recently got a Taylor GS Mini-e Koa for my birthday, and it is awesome. It has great volume, size, and weight. I got a non-branded guitar from Thailand, but the mini sounds louder and better than it. I totally recommend getting one!!

[@roqueeeeeeeee]

I tried one of these today at Tom Lee Hk and I was mesmerized by its quality, looks, size and most of all, the tone. Wonderful guitar. And I dare to say I tried it in between some 3x expensive Martins and this one just sound perfect.

[@steveb9325]

Yea I think Taylor beats Martin in the mini guitars

[@janellexfaith]

Got my GS Mini Koa last month and I couldn't be happier. From my understanding, the new models now come with the ES2 electronics - mine did!

[@StevieStirrup]

Great review brother (as always). Bought one of these when they first came out, threw on a good bone nut and saddle and man does it sound good all these years later!

[@europeanzorro4330]

This guitar sounds like it has a very warm rich tone! Tony this is a great review! Thanks!

[@TheMunchkin7777]

Hi, Oh yeah...I had the same experience recently. Saw and tried one at Steve's Music in Montreal and...well...I was so impressed. The sound, feel, look...all so great. I bought it, and now I can't stop playing it. So much fun to play. It's comparable to finding the Red Violin! Thanks Tony for your great KZbin review.

[@ricktemmen6272]

Thanks Tony 👍I've owned the spruce top model for 5 years and love it. I May have to get this one too.

[@Jon1Surf1Lim]

Mansons Guitars in Exeter UK currently have 3 stunning examples in stock.. I tried one yesterday they are beautiful to play.

[@Lalairu]

My guitar teacher has one. They are wonderful.

[@denisem9407]

Gorgeous sound and an awesome review. I just tried this at my local guitar shop and I'm in love, though it's out of my price range and I just bought the GS Mini Spruce top a month ago. But I have a birthday coming up so it's going on my list.

[@leopoldi1377]

The back is not 100% Koa. Do an internet search "layered koa" and you will find a description by Taylor, its a blend of veneer woods, check it out

[@reverb508]

You're right. There's a middle layer of poplar.

[@markolwick2223]

He literally says that in the video.

[@Unprofetsaguitare]

Really good looking guitar! I also bought one a year ago after watching lots of reviews. Can’t say mine is as beautiful as this one but it’s close! I love to see how unique they all are.

[@Historyrhymezz]

Got a koa Gs mini. Love it, and the best one to travel with!

[@redpandacreations]

Just bought this guitar, glad I’m not the only one who loves it! Love at first pluck ;)

[@Ncvl7]

It sounds like a fully size guitar!!

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Your reviews helped me decide on a GS Mini spruce top a couple months ago. I love it.

[@tacguitar]

That makes me so happy to hear!! Cheers, John!!!

[@MAGirlable]

Just played this yesterday alongside a Martin d11e and thought the Taylor was miles better. I was so astonished. The next closet thing to this that I could get my hands on was the D13e which is like $600 more.

[@TonyHawkTuah]

I bought this guitar 18 month ago. Following Tony's advices. I don't regret it at all ! Thanks for your work man !

[@devue4183]

I tried this one and I love it! The sound is amazing!

[@FiliWirth]

Hey Tony, great Review! You were saying it is equipped with the ES-T, but isn't it the ES2? Anyways, love the GS mini :)

[@RynoComesAlive]

I have played this instrument in Guitar center with other models gs mini, They Are great , but most of the time i was holding this and Guitar really sings and it has ES2 system in it. Stunning top , i decided to get IT AND bring IT home :)

[@ruh4734]

Hi Tony I have been a frequent visitor of Acoustic letter over the years. Happy to see you start your own channel! Congrats! Love your version of Freight Train.

[@stevenhale2268]

Tony love your reviews heard this guitar and had to have one best purchase I've ever made hours of pure Koa joy playing it and I owe it all to you and Taylor

[@jeremynason7437]

Good little camp porch picking buddy, this does have a nice warmth to it. beautiful mini, great job Taylor, thanks for the review Tony.

[@tacguitar]

You're welcome, Jeremy! More to come :)

[@phlipbs]

Thanks for the great review, Tony. I already have a Spruce/Rosewood GS mini. Love it. The Koa is a huge temptation. GAS. GAS. GAS.

[@peterdvideos]

I’ve been watching a ton of Taylor guitar videos and this may sound and look the best.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Love all your reviews. Well recorded, great camerawork. Fantastic channel. Love this guitar too, beautiful sound

[@carvelz8061]

Tony please start reviewing Seagull guitars!!!

[@melavanessa7124]

just a random thought.. i like how your tattoo matches the outline of the guitar (3:44)!

[@ThePearlDrummer10]

Love your work Mr. Polecastro and another awesome review!

[@mehro]

thanks tony, your passion for guitars inspiring

[@TGRizzle]

I have this same model, and I tried out the Koa ePlus and the spruce ePlus. Neither in my opinion had the note articulation that this model has. Sure I could eq both of the others and get a great sound with the ES2 pickup system, but why pay more when this one has that sound right out of the box. The EST pickup system sounds great on this model with a boost on the low end. The other thing I notice is that he says this has the EST pickup system but it looks like the ES2. I know some of the earlier models had the ES2 or a variation of the EST that had the same three controls as the ES2. Matter of fact, I use this as my main guitar now over full scale Martin or Taylors. It just feels so comfortable to play. Might just get another one of these with a unique wood grain.

[@W0nderArts]

I wish I could find one with this exact body color lol it's the most beautiful one I've seen...

[@jamestonguet1737]

I love mine and play it more than mt K26ce, very playable great tone

[@bmftn]

I have just bought one of these guitars, I can't play 5% of what Tony can play but it is a stunning guitar

[@ToniSidgwickMusic]

This review made me choose the GS Mini in Koa wood. I love love love it! So glad I watched this before going out to buy a new music machine :). Just recorded a couple of covers with it, guitar sounds ace :D. Thank you! All the best, T

[@ThePonDePon]

I swapped the strings out for heavy gauge martin phosphor bronze and it's nowhere near as bright as this video anymore but it's suddenly a blues beast

[@dustinfennimore8104]

Went to the local store to buy a new Kapo... played for the GF in the acoustic room. This little guy was on sale newish slightly used... had to buy it. Expensive Kapo purchase babe haha

[@dustinfennimore8104]

Also glad this guitar purchase led to your page!! Subscribed

[@Hsien-l1l]

Your playing punch is so good that this junior guitar like a big guitar!

[@mitsterful]

It'd be really cool if you could try and review some matons Tony, you don't see many reviews for them because they're just not well known. Or even Lowden guitars, also.

[@tacguitar]

I've got Maton reviews on the way!!!

[@mitsterful]

+AcousticLife.tv Excellent, I look forward to them :)

[@larryw.bowers3638]

Tony...I love watching your acoustic reviews and have purchased a guitar due to your reviews. I have the Taylor GS Mini Koa. I would like to know what is the best strings to put on the GS Mini? Thanks, Larry

[@conradsidoroff]

Just got one and man the sound AMAZING!!👍

[@carlatabet6884]

It is a really nice and confortable guitar easy to play on it and good looking with a nice sound, i was about to get one but i took a k14ce builder's edition and i don't regret it because this is a much more beautiful guitar in the sound and in the shape but the GS is a good one for travelers 😉

[@jokikayu73]

How much is that guitar in banana?

[@donl5158]

I believe you had a show where you showed you seeing the guitar

[@davefstein]

Hi Tony I know this is kind of old news but I was checking out your review and got excited about seeing the tabs. At least on my iPhone the links in the description aren’t any good. What happened?

[@chizzledich]

This is a super nice guitar, for travel or just for jamming on the couch its perfect! :)

[@user-ov4dw3yr5d]

Oh Man...! I have one...Love this Guitar...

[@danielguitar5150]

this is the MOST GORGEOUS Koa top i I have ever seen on the GS mini!

[@CmdrTomalak]

Wow... that sounds fantastic!

[@youdagoob]

Looks FANTASTIC... but I can never hear any bass. I'm watching his thumb hit the string, but can't hear a bass note. Am I missing something?

[@neilmartin99]

Yeah, your hearing.

[@MrMagJon]

Are you going to review the GS Mini-e Koa Plus? Would be amazing, thank you!

[@charlesbolton8471]

That would be awesome. I just bought a GS Mini-e Koa the week before the Plus model came out. I haven’t seen one of the Plus models in person yet, but I think the only difference is that it has the ES2 system instead of the ES B that the other Minis have. Taylor’s website makes it look like it has a nicer top, but I don’t think a higher grade top is in the specs.

[@flashes_of_ramfis]

thanks for the video, you are very talented. A couple of questions: what kind of strings did you use? and what is that microphone you have to record the guitar's sound ? thank you!

[@JRInTroy]

It sounds great. I'm debating between this and the Taylor Academy 10e

[@search2077]

get this

[@JRInTroy]

@@search2077 I did get this :)

[@search2077]

@@JRInTroy nicee dude!

[@search2077]

@@JRInTroy u got the koa model? how does it sound? do u like it?

[@stanrubin9409]

Wow, that’s beautiful.

[@chosenwarfare3811]

I've played it and it's not what I prefer although it does look very nice and others may like it. I have to use something with more sound like an hd35 because I play alot of leads and stuff

[@mingak82]

Hi. is there any chance that i find the name of the song that you play just after Big Sandy River? thanks, mate.

[@john-ob7bv]

Last steam train engine

[@nofnway13]

Just ordered one!

[@marcorobles6101]

This one is an amazing looking guitar! Would love if reviewed the Guild Jumbo Junior or make a comparison between the Jumbo Junior and the GS Mini Koa.

[@jeffreydouglas351]

"Brilliance" is the best description; or mahogany on steroids.

[@damianrjames]

great demo. i'm in!

[@GloomyPookie]

First of all, thanks for the vid! The guitar sounds and looks great. A question: In a previous video you recommended the mini Rosewood. Which one do you prefer the mini Rosewood or mini Koa? I'm going to pick one of the two, but I can't decide

[@josejcastaneda5826]

Damn! What are doing with my guitar? It looks exactly like mine. Mine has about the same pattern, with the white stripe in the center. I had to put a red pick guard. Because, when my friend borrowed it, scratched with the pick.

[@davidson8104]

Is gs mini koa e any good for percussive playing?

[@timremy9552]

Davidson yep. It aint gonna roar like a big guitar but you can definitely get some good resonance

[@mojav3_]

Davidson don’t be fooled, it has a smaller body but with this higher end model and koa wood, it’s going to have incredible resonance. Definitely not too different from a larger bodied guitar

[@mkwc]

that sweet koa sound…

[@ThePonDePon]

The back is actually koa layered on top of poplar

[@siegfredkeenemacapas6368]

hey Tony! I've been watching your reviews and just today, I realized acoustic life is different from letter haha anyway, I've read on one of your comments on your videos that you prefer GSmini Mahogany over Matron D Jr, I'd like to know why? aesthetic? built? tone? I'd like to know :) fantastic new channel!

[@Hdjandbkwk]

Hi, I am not Tony but I was also trying to pick between Martin D Jr/GS mini Mahogany/GS mini Koa hope my comment can help you decide. After trying out 6 GS mini Koa, 2 Martin D jr and few mini Mahogany. I walked home with a Koa and I am very happy with the decision. I mostly play fingerstyle and to me GS mini sound warmer and smoother between each notes. When just playing the Martin Dr J by itself I feel like its a great guitar and want to walk home with it, but when played it next to a GS mini it sounded dull and I really don't like don't like the sound of high G/E string from DrJ (sounded kind of flat to me), however, I did notice that Martin sound clearer when strumming, where as the mini sounds a little muddy compare to it. Now between Mahogany and Koa, I feel like Mahogany is a little too quiet for my taste and lacks some brightness on the high notes. Koa on the other end sounds like a Mahogany on steroid, it gives me the warmth that I want from a Mahogany but louder and it also gives me this high end that I am looking for. Have fun picking between two!

[@kaiser81]

Great review, which kind of batteries uses the electronics?

[@theboyjames3065]

Thanks for this review. I'm thinking about getting the Koa as I'm branching out from my ukuleles - so Koa is for me with its Hawaiian connotations. Is the action low on this? Might have to try it in a shop before buying 🙄

[@gmoore6166]

GS Mini is my favorite travel guitar. Aren’t the back and sides actually poplar sandwiched between layers of koa?

[@VisualparanormalChannel]

G Moore yes that’s what they are. The back and sides are koa, poplar, koa .

[@itcowboy2]

That is what all laminated guitar's are. The solid wood provides the tone... the laminated wood in this case Koa does not resonate.

[@Randuski]

I absolutely love the koa version. But bob damnit why can't i get it without electronics 🤦🏻‍♂️ ugh

[@neilmartin99]

Seriously. This would sell for about $200 less without the electronics.

[@Randuski]

@@neilmartin99 I record with my guitars, don't play live. And I've yet to record a guitar that has electronics, that doesn't have a little buzz or rattle that the mic pics up. Electronics are useless and actually cause issues for me haha

[@dahartluke8438]

That top is amazing looking

[@guitarsid]

layered wood is laminated wood, alternating thin layers of wood and glue.

[@StanleyJankowski]

How about a comparison of the Taylor Mini GS against the new PRS P20(e)? Or just a review of the PRS P20(e)?

[@mogomusic4453]

Excellent demo! What mic do you use ?