Martin Dreadnought Junior versus Taylor GS Mini - Is the redesigned Dreadnought Junior better?

[@michdcruz18]

I closed my eyes while listening to both of them and Martin just sounded soulfully direct to my heart.

[@christinafranco4197]

I have always loved Taylor and have a Big Baby for my smaller hands, but that Martin D-Jr sounds like heaven. Thank you for the comparison.

[@AlamoMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@retroriven9740]

Had to make this decision today and went with the GS Mini in Mahogany. It just sounded better to me, especially when playing fingerstyle. Plays better too, action was low and the neck is so comfortable. I'm incredibly happy with it.

[@gageirwin7206]

I think you made the right choice the Taylors seem to just play better in my opinion the action is unmatched and they sound incredible. to be honest I haven't played a dean that I thought was worth the price tag

[@josueisaacsalazar]

I have gs mahogany and for me is better gs minis, but i have too djr 10 and this is better sound

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

@@retroriven9740 It would really depend on what kind of playing you liked. The strings might also play a part as well.

[@BaktaBak3]

I prefer 1 3/4 nut width on a guitar also. I have the Dred Jr & love it . Don't mind the richlite fretboard and love the all wood body. The guitar has great sound and playability. Thanks for another good review Chris !

[@capohd28]

One thing I have to say about these sound recording tests, is they are just that. They may indicate how a guitar will sound in a certain room, with a certain mike and placement, (not to mention speakers or headphones you listen to them on) but when you play them in person, they are totally different guitars than what you hear via a microphone. Some project forward, some project toward the player, Some project wide, others narrow, and the total sound of the guitar can be totally different than a small mike placed in a certain location. For anyone buying a guitar, I suggest they play it in person, and if they are comparing, they need to play them side by side in the same environment to really tell the difference, and the difference is usually a lot more than what is apparent in these videos. This is even aside from sound differences from individual instruments, even ones made of laminate.

[@edfulginiti8798]

I'd be very happy with either... I own the GS Mini and am pleased.

[@wyattsdad8561]

That little Martin has a great full sound

[@edseijo6241]

Best guitar review videos on youtube...great job as usual!

[@the_sporting_life_show]

I bought the DJr-10e this year, classic sikta top and I LOVE this guitar. I took the monel strings off and put in the Clapton strings and it’s awesome. Haven’t tried the mediums, but this far it’s been an amazing guitar, especially for the price. And I travel with it for driving to flights and it’s never not been in the plane storage closet or on the back seat. It’s hard for me to put it down. Great video!

[@GuitarOnTheRun]

I think both are good guitars. The Martin nut width and solid wood build is a plus. The Taylor size, durability, and bag are their differentiators. Sound wise both have pros and cons, but both are very good. The ease of travel and lack of concern with humidity for the laminate back and sides makes the Taylor my choice for travel.

[@teleguy5699]

You don't have to humidify laminate?

[@scdaymon931]

@@teleguy5699, no. Laminated guitars don't need humidification control. Keep in mind however that the Gs Mini has a solid spruce top (that needs humidification).

[@teleguy5699]

@@scdaymon931 Thanks!

[@mikebauer6917]

Love my Jr. Got one of the first ones when they came out back when. Still plays great. Sounds good. Is my most played guitar because it is just that kind of pick up and play jewel.

[@lindagillespie6556]

I like the brightness of the gs mini

[@kevinlbrockway]

Definitely like the clarity of the GS mini. The Martin sounds a bit muffled to me. Of course, I'm 65 so it could just be my ears. . .Both are great. Just bought the GS mini-e with sitka top, rosewood sides and back, and also the bass.

[@christineharrelson4831]

No I heard the same thing. I am definitely biased towards Taylors but always willing to try other brands. This Martin doesn't do it for me for the price, honestly.

[@Bossanovawitcha]

GS Mini Koa one of the best instruments ever conceived

[@Buragwit]

Would have been nice if they kept the es2 tho..

[@robertoiorio390]

I have got one mini koa and it’s a dream to play

[@opwave79]

I’m saving up for one. Tried it out at my local store and fell in love with the tone. A Baby Taylor and an 8-track mixer have been sacrificed for my savings fund.

[@robertoiorio390]

Han Sagan i ve tried the mahogany f a friend of mine before and it sounds very good, better then the spruce top imo, but when I tried the koa at the shop (guitar guitar in Camden Town) i was blown away by that, it was an instant buy. Tried different martins and prs acoustic that day, and the koa gs was simply better for the price. So light and portable too

[@LawrieFWhite]

I own one & find myself playing it more often than my Gibson & Martin but the Martin in this demo sounds good. The GS mini Koa is just easy to carry, play & have around.

[@johnharrington2400]

I've owned Collings, Froggy Bottom, Vintage Martins etc. I've been deep down the rabbit hole but confess, the Martin Dread Jr absolutely surprised me, it plays insane, sounds wonderful and I love it. It's comfortable and it is about the only acoustic I play anymore, Get a good set up and plan on playing this thing for a very long time.

[@kazzz2765]

put dr rare atrings on it and play them in for a couple days. you’ll be surprised what this guitar is capable of

[@reinerabelarde2825]

I’ve watched this review over and over for a week and the other reviews as well, which one to buy between taylor or martin , but today I bought the DJr 10e, most of the comments here convinced me, had it set up and most of the staff in the store agreed for my choice and wow for martin. Taylor is amazing too. But no regrets for martin til long period of time. They say

[@joq702]

The Martin sounds less bright, but not in a bad way to me in this recording. It has a more vibratory, warmer depth on the low notes, or as can be expected, a Martin sound.

[@jenk264]

Dreadnaughts are a deeper sounding guitar. More mid-tones and bass.

[@MartynStandage]

I have just picked up a GS Mini -e Rosewood, I prefer the crisper brighter sound and the comfort of play. I’m sure a Martin will find its way into my collection at some point but I’m happy with my purchase. Thanks for the great review it has convinced me I made the right choice.

[@kevinwest5456]

I’ve been paying over 40 years. I can find something good about any guitar. I try not to focus on what I don’t like but instead on what I do like. I do like the warmth and balance of a Martin guitar. A Martin guitar pleases MY ears the most. I own more Martins than I do any other name. I have been very impressed with the line of Martins made in Mexico. Very impressed. My latest from there is the Martin Special Dreadnought X1AE style acoustic-electric 6 string. I’ve never bought a Martin for only $649.99 and felt like I paid $2,000 for it. Wonderful comparison video. It got you a subscribe. I choose the Martin.

[@le_th_]

The way you play that Taylor GS mini, you'd never know you're slightly more comfortable playing the Martin. Apples and oranges on the sounds; both are juicy and sweet, but the Taylor is brighter and the Martin is richer sounding. I'm not saying anything new that hasn't been said millions of times before. What matters is what you feel comfortable playing and which one motivates you to play.

[@edyue1]

100% agree, that's pretty much how it's always been between side by side comparisons all they up each of their lines. Martin and Taylor both design different features for a different sound. Martin has been doing it for this since the invention of the dreadnought.

[@usmcyounggun6879]

The biggest surprise to me is how much better the piezo pickup sounds on the Taylor than on the Martin. In my opinion the plugged in sound of the Martin was really bad, whereas the Taylor sounded a lot more natural plugged in. Unplugged I didn’t have much of a preference really. I’m looking at both of these and considering putting a HyVibe system in it like Phil McKnight did with his gs mini.

[@stewartperry7797]

Good comparison. I love my Taylor’s but I also love my Martin’s and I just bought this jr for my daughter.

[@SRVACE]

The Martin sounds warmer and fuller, both great guitars but I prefer the all solid Martin

[@musicmanikid]

My GS Mini Walnut is my favorite guitar. It just makes me so happy every time I play it. Plus you can’t beat the playability of a Taylor

[@jmm1817]

Right on brother I just bought the mini GS KOA and love it hey and your opinion should I leave the 13 strings on they seem a little hard on the figures I was thinking of going a little lighter what do you think?

[@TacticalNuke321]

I prefer the GS Mini sound. Some people I noticed think that it sounds jangly or clangy, but I think it sounds clear and crisp and not dull sounding like some other guitars sound. It has the sound that I want in a guitar.

[@daveallsopp320]

Thanks for the great review, it has to be the Taylor with the nut width of the martin, now there’s a hybrid project👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 keep up the good work

[@ptalley316]

I wish Martin would get rid of the white circle around the sound hole! To me it really cheapens the look! Love Martins tho:)

[@allenthomson2153]

Well: I have 2 very bad shoulders and cannot play a full sized guitar. I was very grateful to have found the Dreadnought Jr. It was a very tough choice over the GS mini. I really did appreciate the 1 3/4 nut. The sound is just incredible for a small Guitar and actually rivals some full size guitars. Today I was at a garage sale at a local music store and picked up a GS mini Roadshow LTD edition $150 off. It sounds awesome and is very comfortable for me to hold. The 1 11/16 nut is a tiny bit narrower but that does make it a bit easier to make some chords like the G. Now I do have the best of both worlds. Nobody ever said you can only enjoy one guitar.

[@Matasky2010]

1-11/16" vs 1-3/4" nuts- 1/16" is less of a difference than I expected based on all the comments about the nut.

[@shield400]

I own Martins and Taylors and both sound fantastic but I don't know wtf Martin was thinking with that Sonitone system.

[@MrHeliosoul]

Look at the silking on that Taylor spruce top! The one on my 914ce v-class is a bit nicer, but wow!

[@agfcotten]

I'm a Taylor guy. Love my 914 and 612. Love the GS Mini! But I'm recommending the Martin Dred Jr. to a 13-yr. old beginner who wants a guitar that fits him now, is easy to play, and that he can enjoy for years without feeling like he has to move up to a "real" guitar later. Oh, I know a number of pros who use the GS Mini for paying gigs, so I'm definitely not a hater. For this student, I think he will prefer the 1 & 3/4 nut, and the light strings. He's not likely to hear much difference yet, but he'll learn the nuances as he grows as a player. Thanks for this comparison. Very helpful!

[@AlamoMusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@ecmxcorp]

Between this and a D10E what would you reccomend? I'm also considering a Taylor 214ce, and if these entry level guitars are kinda the same, i'm thinking in saving a couple of Dollars and go with a Fender cd140 or a Takamine gd51. How would you list them and why?

[@willmcgregor7184]

I like the warmer sound of the Martin

[@karlcountry2363]

I only own Martin guitars but this Taylor is kicking martins but in this review!

[@parvezali89]

Came for the review, stayed for the music!

[@roneilken6668]

I agree with some of the other comments - you need to play both side by side. But I would add that the Taylor laminated guitars really shine when plugged in, so how you play for others (plugged in or mic) will matter! The laminate works better as a speaker box and will hold up better as far as humidity etc. Just my thought’s. Thanks for a great review! I am thinking of a smaller guitar as I have found them much more comfortable to play as I get older!

[@rayrodriguez8447]

I have a GS mini, the one from 2012, and it’s been great. I did get to try the Dreadnaught Junior when it first came out, and I thought it was amazing then. I like the revamped model better. I might get me one.

[@AlamoMusic]

Right on!

[@texhaines9957]

Hard to tell from the video sound on my phone so I tried both in a local store. Bought the GS Mini for the grandchildren - smaller hands, easier playing although I do like the tone of the Martin. Like the sound of a Martin 00-18 better & saving up for one. It's not in this price range. Wondering what the GS Mini Koa e sounds like vs the Martin jr10.

[@johnsugden1073]

Dreadnought JR real nice…LR bags in it and it’s a keeper

[@benmacquarrie7867]

Love my Sunburst DJr10E, GS mini is astounding for its size too. Great playing

[@tonyjams7770]

For me the Martin wins unplugged and the Taylor plugged.

[@rohadtanyad8908]

what are you listening on?

[@dmar3651]

Dion St. Michael depends. High end Fishman, like the Aura system or their Blackstack Magnetic pickups sound Amazing. However, their low end pickups like the Sonitone, Sonicore and MX-T piezo pickups sound Horrible. In contrast, the ES-2 and ES-b systems for Taylor sound Fantastic and quite close the the genuine sound of a guitar.

[@ancientslav4863]

For me buy a Takamine TAN15C and forget these plywood catastrophes

[@ancientslav4863]

Go reverb or ebay and spend money wisely

[@dmar3651]

@@ancientslav4863 Martin Jr is all solid wood.

[@meandmybabytaylor-janfranc1747]

I love my gs mini but wanted a fuller sound. So I purchased the Martin's Dr Jr yesterday...

[@littlewing62]

note seperation and midrange response, martin takes the cake on this one

[@bennettshapiro3117]

Very nice recordings, even with that relatively cheap mic. Great playing. Thanks for doing this.

[@Kinglee.sports]

both are having a good sound

[@The_Mister]

They have such a different sound. I like both, but prefer the Martin’s warmer tone.

[@thedaughterwhomjesusloves9369]

I feel the exact same pattern of playing and strumming should always be played on both guitars to allow us to give a fair comparison

[@jeffware87]

My local shop has a yearly sale where all the GS Minis were snapped up on great deals before I could get one. Disappointed I went to the store and played the GS and while it was good, I had the exact same problem as you. The scale length and nut width threw me off, which I really didn't expect. I tried the Djr just for fun and it felt so similar to my D15 and it's voicing was nice and balanced that I bought it right there. Thanks for helping me decide!

[@1olddoggie]

I love them both. We own the Taylor Kia Mini and it's great. But the Martin has a deeper and richer tone without the pickup. The pickup makes it sound too twangy for my taste. But with a microphone it was wonderful. Another great review Chris!

[@CJthatDude]

Thank you for posting this! I’ve been studying these 2 guitars and I’m torn between the 2. I am still learning at the moment but I want a guitar that’s worth my money! Keep up the awesome videos!

[@bertbregdenz2756]

Ibanez AW 54jr !!!

[@FistPie]

For this price, you can get an Ibanez or Yamaha that’s full size. Really great starter acoustics.

[@ejc2064]

@@FistPie true but i have never found ibanez or yamaha's playabilty to be that great esp ibanez on the acoustic end. Seagull I like better then Ibanez and yama but taylor and martin just so easy to play with no mods. Once you add new nuts bridge strings bag etc and setup you might as well bought a martin or taylor. If you aren't new to playing or don't mind working a little harder then yes. I personaly have never found a ibanez acoustic I've liked to play ever. My father had a lot of them never liked playing any of them even turned down free ones from new players that quit because they didnt like playing them. IMO Taylor, Martin well a little pricey but worth it unless you are paying to get set up and replace things, seagull best of midrange bang for your buck with a setup and new parts can give martin taylor a run for their money, yamaha best of the low range bang for your buck with set up new parts can give factory seagull a run for its money. But mainly go play them, whatever is the most comfortable and has the best sound you like get that. You'll end up saving money as you will keep it longer. I hate the "starter guitar" stuff get something you enjoy playing even if it is a little more expensive or a ibanez. :)

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Same

[@judi699]

@@demolitionwilliams7419 I have had both and the Martin10 I still have. Nice guitar

[@aszlan96]

I got the gs mini m. The Martin is a touch better for my ears, but that doesn’t justify a plus of 200€ in price

[@abramhernandez1216]

Great review and great playing! 🎶🎶🎶

[@SuperKawaz750]

Martin djr10 still sounds like Martin. i like it. As i liked the previous model.Loses some bass, gains some comfort. To me it is a fair trade since i mostly play my guitar at home. From the factory Martin is way easier to play than gs mini because of the light (vs medium on gs mini) gauge strings and the wider nut width and the bigger scale lenght. Soundwise taylor is brighter and laouder with less sustain than martin. i own both.

[@lemaitrethemonk]

If you are a champion of the soul's journey through life. Surely, you would be grateful for either one, right?.?.?.?...

[@jasinow]

They say it’s harder to beat a dog up than down. The Mini sounds naturally more dynamic and responsive than the Martin. So it should respond to subtle playing techniques better. Making it a more interesting instrument. I’ve got the mini Hog which is a happy medium. As for portability, strength, tuning, volume it unbelievable tbh. Playability of intricate chords on the higher frets is its weak point. But flat picking cowboy or bluesy finger picking is a players holiday, mostly cause the shorter length just makes it easier. Its the best couch shape out there too. The mini can cut through a mix. But if someone is hell bent and wants to own you with their new D 28 you might need to take a step forward. My quiver has iconic guitars but cause most of the time I just want have fun and hum along carefree. I tend to play the mini the most around the house. And it goes everywhere with me even to gigs as a back stage muck around. While it’s illustrious bigger brothers sit at home entertaining each other like a toy story movie I guess:)

[@pambloom_white2050]

I just prefer the sweeter sound of the Martin. I think a lot of it has to do with the kind of music you play. Also, I'm more of a rhythm player, so I don't want that chiming sound of the Taylor dominating.

[@allkindsofthings1497]

I think some of the difference between the sounds of the two guitars comes from them having a different string gauge. If you put medium strings (0.13) on the Martin too, it would sound clearer and brighter.

[@brendancurtis7848]

I bought a dread jr before I went to college since I didn’t want to take my Taylor into a dorm room. That was seemingly the right choice since somebody spilled fireball and apple juice down the front of the poor Martin. After a nice clean it still plays great though. I admit sometimes I’m jealous of you gs mini guys but I can’t say I’ve ever regretted my decision.

[@macfawlty]

Obviously, folks hear different things. The Martin has a deeper darker tone, but IMHO there’s a lot missing in the tonal range. Sounds a bit muddy. A better comparison would be the Martin 000x1-ae, which I actually really love even though I have several high end Taylor’s and Martins. The GS mini has a lot of depth to the sound, deep enough for a small guitar with midrange and shimmer in the highs. The GS mini played here would sound better and a little less bright with the Elixir PB nanos instead of the 80/20s that they ship with.

[@allenmcclain2745]

I prefer the warmth of the Martin, however, Taylor's brand of "bright" is a beautiful tone as well.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

I've played quite a few of both at every dealer that had them in my area. I like the Taylor but I bought the Martin. I just love the tone! Awesome guitar! Great video as usual thanks!

[@Pharesm]

I played a martin D35 from the 50's ~10 Years ago. Every tone ringing out like a bell. It changed the way I play! But too much pressboard in a lot of them today. And even if they were built identically, you can't get 70 Years of the tone wood maturing. I somewhat distrust the quick torrefication process, but I should probably put more research into that.

[@capohd28]

@@Pharesm You might want to try the newest Martin standards. I have a 1962 000-18, a 1944 D-18, but by far the best sounding and loudest guitar I own is 2018 reimagined D-41. I used to avoid newer guitars, but if I was able to take only one guitar to a deserted island, the D-41 would be it. In 2018, Martin made some serious changes to their standard instruments for the better, including going back to forward scalloped bracing in many models. Martin is making better guitars now than they have for decades. The 2018 D-41 only has a few hundred hours on it, but it keeps getting better. D-35s do not use laminate. You have to try the newest ones to understand how good they are now.

[@johnfair62]

Taylor sounded better in my opinion. The layered laminate body of the Taylor will be more durable for travel and changing weather conditions. Not that the Martin is bad, I own Martins, but the one thing I wish Martin would have done to sweeten the deal was to use ebony or rosewood for the tailpiece and fingerboard. Its like they made a great body then cheapened it with counter top material. Maybe like buying a nice suit then wearing cheap tennis shoes. Why do that, just to save a few dollars? Not worth it. They should have stayed first class.

[@dartht.3736]

I bought the Martin DJR 10e and my wife bought the GS Mini. Both within the last 60 days. They are both amazing instruments. I've spent hours with both, and the Martin wins for the larger scale and nut. My hands aren't huge, so I can play either. The GS MINI is so small that it takes a while to go back to a full sized guitar. The Martin is so close, the difference is easy to adjust to. Both have great gig bags, and the GS MINI is overall smaller and a little easier to travel with. Sound wise, they're close. but unless you're going to stay with the GS MINI, the Martin is a better small guitar to transition in an out with a full sized.

[@teleguy5699]

Newbie here used to playing narrow nut Tele's. How do you think the transition to the Martin would be for me?

[@FunWithDave1]

The Grand Symphony shape is so much more appealing. GS mini sounds great and looks great.

[@dc2288]

The Martin doesn't have the low end boom that the Taylor does but I think I like the over all sound of the Taylor. I have a 1970 D28 that I got new and played for many years until I got a Taylor 414ce which became my daily driver. My D28 over the years got so dark sounding. My Taylor has become rich and big sounding over the almost 20 years but still sounds bright too. I think it aged better than the Martin. I will never sell either. I love them both. Kind of like having kids and watching them mature but don't have to deal with the teenage years!

[@3bosilak541]

for this video I prefer the Martin.

[@lancerains4185]

Both wonderful instruments There is no clear winner just different... Get the one that gives you the biggest tickle or better yet get both.

[@peterjhillier7659]

Both wonderful Guitars, how to choose, but guess the 1.3/4“ Nut and mellow Quality of the Martin might just get it for me, mind jump at having either. How does the Martin Jr stack up against a Martin Road Standard Size Dreadnought?

[@jerome5969]

I am 5’6 and has a small hands, I bought the Martin dreadnaught Jr it really sounds so good, the best guitar that I have. But, it’s a little bit hard to play due to the nut width, also the fingerboard somehow slippery when I play fingerstyle. Hope I can try GS mini in the shop.

[@AdityaPurwanegaraBass]

I like warm and woodyness from martin plus the sunburst color is killer, it looks like old vintage guitar, will saving up to get one!

[@greglueck970]

Both are great guitar companies. My question is why buy a dreadnought model when you want a smaller guitar to play? My ears and eyes make me lean towards the Taylor.

[@kas4751]

I already have a Taylor Academy 12E. So if I were to buy a second guitar, I'll get the Martin DJR. If you're able to own 2 guitars, why stick to one brand/sound.

[@debbiewheeler4066]

Agreed. However I have both these guitars and if I could have only one it would be the Martín D Jr, hands down.

[@lambo3549]

that’s a great point, i also own a 12e and now i’m looking to go for the martin dreanought JR for the smaller size and different brand!!

[@docpearson]

i have a martin custom 45 gibson 200 and they are both made in heaven above. but i cant take them everywhere i want because they cost me an arm and a leg and i dont want anything to happen to them. . so i bought an all mahogany gs mini. I love it to death. i take it everywhere. it is the joy of my life. but after listening to this comparison i kinda like the warmer sound of the martin d jr. i think i will buy one and try it out. thanks for the comparison

[@bobfleudhouse8808]

Very good Chris, as usual. Enjoyed this. Bob F

[@curtsheldon5320]

Amazing Grace was awesome! I liked the Martin best.

[@sallybowles2781]

taylor mini wins fo rme! such sweet tones, but still a little bit of bass (not a lot, agreed) - the smaller the neck for me the better

[@seethowaikeng7826]

I have both the 2015 DJr and GS mini. Tone wise without plugging in, Martin wins because after playing for an hour especially strumming, gs mini is just too bright. Fingerpicking on the gs mini is ok. After 5 years the Martin Djr all solid wood guitar opens up and blow gs mini away unplugged. Gs mini wins for superb action and electronics coz the Fishman sonitone is so bad sounding i pulled it off from my Martin. However, gs mini bridge lifts in high humidity country where the DJr is more robust. After 7 years i got tired of tbe gs mini sound and upgraded to taylor 214ce which has more bass and rings like a bell on harmonics. Still Martin DJr overtones and responsiveness is still greater than a full sized 214ce.

[@patrickd1805]

Martin solid wood all day long!

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

Thanks for this comparison.

[@peted6812]

Martin- Deeper , fuller tone,.really projects. Prefer the nut width and all wood construction. Now that may be because I own the exact model.........just sayin. Have played both and owned a TaylorGT. Agree that Taylor's electronics are better. Really enjoy all of Alamo's video's ...very informative and helpfu. Thanks

[@PhillProbst]

Must be the recording settings, but this is the first KZbin comparison where the Taylor came off on equal footing with the Martin, at least acoustically. Plugged in, the Taylor sounded better. FWIW, however, I prefer the previous D Jr model (especially with a sapele top), they lost something in the new model with the shallower body. Also, I’d never order one with factory electronics, I’d get the non-E model and put a K&K in it.

[@redalaska]

Those monels aren’t doing that guitar any favors. I’m a fan of them but not on my Djr10

[@elijahmonn3757]

I have put knk pure mini. pickups in two sigma guitars . The knk pickup is a lot more natural sounding than the factory fish man. I can clean it up with a di though. Martin without the Di sounds electric and muddy. To my ear. So I know what you mean. Cheers Brent

[@Stewartr56]

I purchased a Dread Jr with out a pickup. Installed an LR Baggs M1A.. Very happy With the results ..

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I’ve never played a bad Martin guitar. Even the cheap ones are good. I had one years ago with the fake wood or whatever it is. It still sounded great. But once I got my hands on a D28 there was no going back Only other guitar I ever played that I really loved was a Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Very powerful guitar! The one I had was louder and more powerful than the HD28V I also had. Unfortunately it burned in a house fire and I haven’t been able to replace it. No guitar at all now 🤦‍♂️

[@BTMovieSecondChannel]

You mean HPL?

[@cramerswifesbf5100]

I have 2 gs mini's and a martin auditorium the 2019 martin looks & sounds awesome, anyways I vote Ham Sandwich.

[@biscuitninja]

Sandwiches and chips!!

[@ordinarylife2343]

Martin Dreadnought Jr. is Nice!

[@dankirk6096]

I would have to play the Martin. I've played the Mini mahogany (non-e) and really enjoyed it. Based solely on this video I would choose the Taylor.

[@nwpiper5782]

The Martin 💯 The Taylor’s not even close on this one . I do love Taylor’s and have owned them but that Martin ❤️

[@paulreh905]

I tried both a few times and then bought the Martin. The additional fret board spacing and Martin tone were deciding factors. It’s a fantastic travel guitar and couch guitar. It sits on my lap unobtrusively allowing me to play while watching a game on television. Although I own a four other nice guitars (two acoustic and two electric) this one will get the most play time.

[@752brickie]

There are things I love about both of them. The GS is an amazing little guitar. I have two Taylors and Three Martins. I wanted to buy another Martin till I played a 214 Koa that blew me away !! It sounded better than all the higher priced guitars !

[@nirwanaeathell]

thx for this comment, im about to buy djr-10 or gs mini and after watch couple 214koa review omg that guitar another lv, but its kinda lil too bright for me. any suggestion ?

[@john15333]

I've played both and owned the Taylor. I sold it for a Martin and know it was the right choice for me.

[@chrisdunn2176]

This is like comparing a Camaro to a Corvette. Martin OO JR should be compared with the GS Mini not a Dreadnought don't you think?

[@colej3360]

I use those Martin Retro strings on my taylor 324ce. Sounds incredible.

[@gageirwin7206]

I have played them all in store and have never played a Martin that I like more than the Taylor. LOL I bought the koa GS mini a few years ago I love the guitar. plugged it in for the first time and sounds great electric as well. but I did notice a small short it seems when I spin the cable in the guitar and its a brand new cable have to get that looked at other then that no issues love it and will buy another Taylor acoustic one day hoping to get a full size next

[@davidhunn5926]

I was leaning toward tge Taylor GS Mini, then, I heard the Maryin Dreadnought Junior!

[@pvillehick67]

The new Martin is a serious choice next to the GS Mini. As a GS Mini owner for 8 years, I don't think the Martin sound is enough better to spend the money. Taylor quality is hard to give up.

[@pvillehick67]

I had an outlaw Ibanez Dove I bought in West Germany. Even with professional tune up and hardware, it became impossible to tune. The GS Mini was a great improvement, and air travel worries ceased.

[@pjmuck]

I'm a Martin guy, but the one Taylor I do own is a GS Mini, and IMO it wins this shootout. The tone plugged in is much more natural and almost identical to the tone unplugged, whereas the Martin's plugged in tone is just that typical Fishman pickup crap you hear on every low end guitar with an electronic option.

[@nana-ld4cr]

I liked the Taylor's electronics way better than the Martin's. I'm planning to play gigs with it so that's pretty important to me.

[@jasondrums1311]

They are great, but the Martin is solid wood all the way through. The bracing in the Taylor isn’t as great. The Martin has a more full sound, which doesn’t need super strong electronics within.

[@terrytarpening9456]

That and if you use IR’s it won’t matter as much what the onboard electronics sound like. I can make a little Martin sound WAY better with a D-45 IR. I would then go with looks, playability, real woods and wider neck. Martin for me for the win!

[@jimantonellis3960]

Great video. Must say the Martin DJR sounded warmer than the Taylor.

[@Castro_yanka]

Could you make a review of Martin 000 junior vs. Taylor gs mini please:) ?

[@peterbryan3081]

This is a great review! I have always been a Martin guy and currently own 3. I was looking for a small guitar and was torn between the DJR and Mini. Your review helped me make up my mind and stick with Martin. Thanks very much.

[@capohd28]

I'm in the same position. I have three full size Martins and want to own a travel guitar that I can use as a beater. I keep trying them, but I can't find one yet that I like the sound of. Going to try the DR10 again this week. I think I'm spoiled by owning some killer full size Martins. I know that a mid size guitar won't sound like a full size, but can I get used to it? Time will tell.

[@peterbryan3081]

@@capohd28 Thanks for your reply. I am up in Canada and, with the pandemic, there is about a 6 month wait to get a DJR. That being said, I did go ahead and order one. Will be August or September before it arrives. Oh well! Let me know how you make out and if you get one. Cheers, Peter

[@capohd28]

@@peterbryan3081 I am from Canada, and I did buy a DJR 10E yesterday. Long and McQuade has them, but not every store. I went to the nearest store that had it. I compared it with other guitars such as Taylors, and other Martin styles, and this was the best. After playing it home for last couple of days, I really like the guitar. It’s not a full size Martin but the sound is actually pretty decent, and it’s an easy guitar to play for hours without fatigue. Not sure what was different except for the store, but it sounded much better this time. Might have been the room in a different store I tried it I last time.

[@peterbryan3081]

@@capohd28 Oh, so pleased that you bought one and like it. I looked at L&M as well (I live in Welland) but prefer to buy from my local store, Central Music, who always treat me very well. There price is the same as L&M's. Also, I wanted the non E version, which nobody has. Central Music already had one on order which could be in as early as August, but more likely September. I have small hands with short, stubby fingers and am very interested in the slightly shorter scale length. How do you find it? Did you find it difficult switching between the varying scale lengths of your various instruments?

[@capohd28]

@@peterbryan3081 I don’t think the electronics have affected tone much, it’s still pretty resonant... likely due to scalloped bracing. I wouldn’t let that deter you. My other three guitars don’t have it, and it’s not obtrusive, I don’t notice the electronics when I play it. As far as the the scale, I have no issues with it. I have a 000-18 that has a shorter scale, and I also play with a capo a lot so used to playing with a shorter scale. The neck is wide, 1 3/4”, and the only other guitar I have with that width is my 2018 D-41. Took me a bit on that guitar, but no issue now, it just feels like I’m playing with the capo on the second fret. Profile is almost exactly the same as the D41. I have musician’s hands though, long slim fingers and medium/large size hands so not sure how it will work for you, but I suspect scale won’t be an issue. Also, I play mandolin, so I’m used to very short scales. I find shorter scales nicer to play then standard scales. Even up the neck is not an issue.

[@slanford6767]

Bravo. They booth sound better than I'm capable of playing.

[@sparknado]

It's amazing just how much better then Martin sounds than the Taylor

[@pseudonymlifts2]

Prefer the martin acoustically, especially on the low/open position strumming where it straight up sounds good in its own right, not just good 'for a small guitar'. However, plugged in the taylor just absolutely wrecks it.