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

Martin Guitars has redesigned the Dreadnought Junior for 2019 with a new model designation of DJR-10 and DJR-10E; which means that it is time to compare these two guitars again. The Taylor GS Mini has been the a run away success for Taylor and leads the race in travel sized guitars. However, since its introduction the Martin Junior Dreadnought has had a number of features that make it a compelling alternative to the GS Mini. Most notably the fact that it features all solid wood construction. Does the redesigned 2019 model have what it takes to unseat the king?
**Poll at the end of the video!
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Features 1:38
*Playing Demo 7:40
*Fingerstyle 10:00
*Recap 12:25
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[@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

[@raceface_m2579]

Man, that Martin just has that nice balance, tightness, and warmth to its sound.

[@michdcruz18]

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

[@tomytomy.]

I have that exact Martin. Wanted one for a VERY long time and finally got it, and it didn’t disappoint. Actually, it exceeded all of my expectations! The djr-10 is my best playing and sounding guitar, and i had one that cost double the price. I love the feel, the size, the playability, the sound, the smell.. the beautiful sunburst finish(which is unfortunate they don’t manufacture anymore). Everything about it is great and high quality, and for the price it’s just a steal. Also have a little Martin lxm, that feels like a toy next to it. The djr is a real instrument, not just a “travel guitar”. If you want an all solid wood Martin that is slightly smaller and more comfortable than a regular Dreadnought, trust me, this one will not disappoint.

[@steventanner1428]

About a month ago my daughter was in the market for a guitar. We looked at both of these guitars. To me the neck on the Martin was really nice. I love my 000-28. My daughter was just about to buy the Taylor when she found the Journey Instruments RT410 It was used but in pristine condition. She picked it up and strummed it, wandered around the shop with it. When the guy that owned the shop came out with the bag for it. The bag had a cable in it a capo and bunch of picks. There is room in the bag for all her shituff. That was the the end of the search. I has a rich sound especially with the new D'Addario phosphor bronze strings we put on it.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 !

[@edfulginiti8798]

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

[@benmacquarrie7867]

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

[@edseijo6241]

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

[@teladan5]

I ended up getting the GS Mini with quilted sapele back and sides. Sounds great, looks killer.

[@bobfleudhouse8808]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@wyattsdad8561]

That little Martin has a great full sound

[@artwaskey8003]

I have had both and I love the Martin Jr. sound is slightly different ...being a little fuller while the Mini sounded brighter, I LOVE the feel of the Jr while I am playing it.

[@josueisaacsalazar]

I have both, Gs mini mahogany, djr sitka, and Guild jumbo junior… djr is precious sound

[@abramhernandez1216]

Great review and great playing! 🎶🎶🎶

[@bennettshapiro3117]

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

[@carolynshulman]

They both sound great, but I really love the tone of the Martin! Its warmth and sustain is really great - can't believe that much sound is coming from such a small bodied guitar! Solid woods for the win!

[@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.

[@stewartperry7797]

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

[@anthonyb2334]

I have owned both of these guitars and both are excellent for traveling or just want to grab something to noodle around with. I prefer the Martin . For me the sound is a little fuller and notes more distinct. I too prefer the wider nut. Thanks for the videos

[@thongamchan775]

Hi it's me again from Maldives. I was just listening to that comparison. I like the Taylor GS Mini sound . But you know I am going to buy Martin HD35 next month as I decided 6 months ago. Overall I realised now that Taylor guitar is a real force to reckon with and my next guitar when I purchase, will be a Taylor guitar as I find the Taylor guitar as more focused sound and lovely.

[@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!

[@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!

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

When I heard this video, it was easy for me to choose the martin over the taylor. Taylor guitars are always to bright sounding for my taste. I'm totally blind and how a guitar sounds is very important to me. I'd also have medium strings put on the martin junior guitar if I purchased one. I had Monel strings that were medium lights on my martin d18 at one time, and my guitar never sounded quite wright. When I had them replaced with medium strings, the difference was amazing. The thing I really like about the junior is that it is all solid wood. My d18 also has a sunburst finish, so if I got this guitar, they would match. Thanks for a great review and comparison.

[@MrHeliosoul]

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

[@jamesjackman6321]

Both sound great, but the Martin has a certain mellow sweetness to it. And the sunburst finish is a real eye catcher. For it's the Martin,

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@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.

[@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!

[@contatorogeriovalentini]

Good Morning! In your opinion, the best choice regarding sound and beauty

[@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.

[@lonestarpatriot876]

I like them both and just ordered a GS Mini Koa Plus. The pick up system is better in the Taylor and I have small hands with slim fingers so the smaller nut width does not present a problem with me. The action is better and the shorter scale length also helps my small hands. With that said, I may pick me up that Martin as I like both manufacturers for very different reasons. They are two different beasts.

[@Kingleesports]

both are having a good sound

[@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.

[@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.

[@erichinkle601]

I have an incredibly hard time choosing between them. I want them both for different reasons. I want a guitar for camping, the GS mini will weather the elements better because of laminate, and the sound is good for filling out highs and lows around the voices of sing alongs. But I love the Martin sound more, and it’ll be useful as a fingerpicking instrument to pair with my full sized Martin guitar. Its a tough choice.

[@TacticalNuke321]

I would get the GS Mini. I prefer it’s sharper and tingy sound but that’s just me

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

Thanks for this comparison.

[@stevekl100]

I love your playing!!!

[@roneilken6668]

Just went to a local shop and played both unplugged and plugged in! I thought the Taylor sounded better unplugged and it was very articulate! The Martin seemed muddier to me unplugged! When I plugged them in it seemed like the Martin had the edge, although the guy at the shop preferred the Taylor sound! Martin has a slightly wider nut and a longer scale length but they both seemed similar in playability and sound! I feel the high pressure laminate on the gs might make it a little less prone to humidity issues etc. Bottom line- I couldn’t decide! I did grab a Taylor GT and unplugged I didn’t think it sounded any better then the smaller GS mini! Curious to here others thoughts when they play them together!

[@SiggyMe]

The Martin has the tone rings through and the chords are tighter really like it surprised me. I was looking at some other 24" scale guitars and now will need to see if the Martin series to see if they will work for me. Nice demo great playing! Thanks!

[@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.

[@EJ4u]

Martin Rules!!! Thanks Chris

[@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.

[@stevenhale2268]

Swell I couldn't decide which one I liked better so I got both . The Koa Taylor is easier to finger pick due to my hand size and has a shimmer to its high end. Th Martin Jr. Mahogany has a more pronounced low end and mid range. I've found that the Martin records better mic wise and is great for accompanying vocalists while the Taylor is a more balanced tonal solo finger picking instrument . But that's just my take on it. Results may vary from player to player. I'm lucky enough to be the caretaker of two well built great sounding guitars and they didn't break the bank to buy. Maybe next a Guild M120 or Alverez mp66

[@genebrenner855]

The original Martin Dreadnought Junior, which I have, did come with medium strings, Lifespan PB. I've put all sorts of strings on mine in the years since and I've gone back to the Lifespan which sound better and last better now that they've improved them. A nice guitar with a really nice neck and fingerboard. A bigger sound IMO, than the Taylor GS Mini.

[@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.

[@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

[@nbacoco]

Hi Sir nice review! Do you think that the bridge pin holes are 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... 🤔

[@AlamoMusic]

Not quite sure about that one! You may want to try contacting someone in our sales department with that question (:

[@SRVACE]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@colej3360]

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

[@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.

[@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:)

[@meandmybabytaylor-janfranc1747]

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

[@shield400]

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

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

It'd be interesting to hear a comparison of the DJr. 10e vs the model it replaced as the body depths are supposedly different.

[@shawnreed9016]

Taylor sounds so much better plugged in than the Martin. The Martin sounds pretty good unplugged but I think the Taylor sounds better to me. I normally prefer Martin over Taylor in the full size guitars. Another great video Chris. 🤠🎸🤘

[@ralphgazda6735]

Buy the Martin without the Fishman and put in Barcus Berry. You will forget about the Taylor...

[@9unslin9er]

It's a fucking ACOUSTIC guitar!!! It better sound better acoustically.

[@Justafeller]

Each guitar has it's application. I'd go with natural finish option on the Jr over the sunburst if I had to choose. Personally, not a fan of travel guitars at all. To each his own. Thank you for the demo and info. You always do a great job.

[@TNTales]

Which one is better for smaller hands? I play electric mostly and want something closer to that feeling especially for putting the thumb over the E string (for things like D/F#). I've read that the Taylor necks are closer to an electric in feel.

[@mikewoike9429]

Very nice by the way. Thanks

[@felipemendes6573]

Martin sound vs Tayor sound on smaller packages. Both great sounding.... I am more of a Martin guy, so my vote goes for the D Jr 10.

[@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?

[@johnhiscutt1853]

Dreadnought jr for me, great sound!

[@slanford6767]

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

[@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.

[@Castro_yanka]

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

[@chrismccannIRL]

Chris. A quick question. I had a djr-10 and it was great but I found myself picking up the full size Martin D-18 much more often than the jnr so I sold the jnr. I sort of miss it... mostly for strumming on the sofa. I was thinking an LX1 which is smaller might fill that gap for something small and fun or something similar to it. Any thoughts? I’ve been eyeing a ukelele but prefer a guitar. Cheers

[@AlamoMusic]

The LX1 is a good guitar! Not sure what your budget is but you also might wanna check out the Taylor minis! They are beautiful and they sound great! I'm sure you'd be happy with either though! www.alamomusic.com/search.php?search_query=taylor+mini

[@chrismccannIRL]

Alamo Music Center Thanks for replying. I love the look of the gs mini but worry it’s a bit too similar in size to the Dreadnought junior. I like the idea of something small to Chuck in the back of the car. Maybe the Taylor BT1. I don’t have any budget in mind. If someone made a high quality fun small guitar I’d consider it. I’ll watch some of your gs mini comparison videos for a look. Do you think the 000-Jnr 10 might be a good size option?

[@AlamoMusic]

Sorry for the late reply! Yes it's good!

[@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.

[@allenmcclain2745]

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

[@Zuschauer9]

There is a new Djr 10e called 02 at the end. Where is the difference ? Thank you

[@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?

[@Xyrium]

It's a gig bag, but damn the Taylor bag is nice. Thanks for bringing this to us!

[@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.

[@rebeccabrereton7856]

Please can I ask what the second song is you are playing? I love the “ping pong” at 7:55 but not sure how to play it. Thank you!

[@AubreySalokaN]

If I'm more into flatpicking/bluegrass style, would the Taylor GS Mini rosewood or the Martin D-Jr be better?

[@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.

[@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.

[@franswa1976]

I have a GS mini that I love but I played a Dread and wow I realized I had been missing that boomy sound. !!! And I also would like to try a 1 3/4 nut as Taylor only have that nut width in pricier models.

[@deejaydelacruz]

Either way, both are great guitars and you'll never go wrong whichever you pick, but i'm curious on how it will sound plugged if you get a D-Jr without a pickup and install it with a LR Baggs Anthem. 🤔

[@weeranontnawachanon5410]

I like Martin.

[@curtsheldon5320]

Amazing Grace was awesome! I liked the Martin best.

[@jimantonellis3960]

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

[@otisskopik1400]

both sound great. I personally like the martin better, because it sounds like a martin if that makes sense ;)

[@joq702]

Exactly! The sound is not like a smaller version. It still retained the overwhelmingly, unmistakeable deep full lower notes of the Martin dread (or close to for the size). Also the Taylor is just too bright, sounds kind of clicky as opposed to the Martin's silky and warm. Some like that immediate crispness sound, but the warmer mellow depth of the Martin is my preference in this review.

[@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:)

[@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.

[@cilledelight4831]

As a newbie in guitar. Which of the two has a lower action for easy playability? Thanks

[@RWayne-nu2fi]

The action is adjustable by a guitar tech....... either guitar can be set up high or low.

[@jimmielittle877]

Jr looks to be the perfect size, great sound 🔊 too🌹

[@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

[@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?

[@karlcountry2363]

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

[@iSKATEcall911]

what was the second little lick you played? An original? I need tabs!!!

[@littlewing62]

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

[@mikewoike9429]

I've been watching you for a while now watching you play an electric guitar something was a little rough but hearing you play an acoustic makes me feel better knowing you were just playing the wrong instrument. I've been looking at both of these now and I like the brightness of the Taylor I just like the way it sounds a little better, so thanks for the video.

[@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

[@rickhuo6531]

Hey man what song are you playing at 10:00?? Please tell me the name!

[@darksidemoonguitar]

Rick Huo amazing grace