Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus

[@jackiewatson5665]

Great review and playing 🙌😊

[@glcee349]

Ordered the same Taylor GS mini e koa plus 09/11/2023, Sweetwater, Sales Engineer Luke Herian. Really looking forward to receiving my guitar.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

Love the playing. Guitar sounds great, but great players make any guitar sound great. I play in a very similar finger style to yours, so this really gives me an accurate idea of what to expect. Kudos.

[@stevemercure902]

I'm considering purchasing one of these from a friend. My thanks for your review video. This is the kind of video that helps me decide. You play chords that I can actually play on this fine instrument, and that gives me a great opportunity to evaluate this guitar. Nice job, even 2 years after you made the video.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I still own and enjoy my GS Mini Koa Plus. Great little guitar.

[@DieterKrauss]

You played that guitar so beautifully. Inspiring! I've been looking for an acoustic electri guitar for a while and I've always thought this size feels too small to my fingers but my God this one definitely sounds like a bigger size guitar.

[@Roofished]

Chris, I love your videos. I’m 60 & just got my 1st guitar a Taylor Academy 10e, 1/22/21 & I’m learning slowly but surely. I want a Gs Mini next. Please keep your videos coming.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Congratulations on getting started on guitar. I wish Taylor Academy guitars had been around when I started. Much easier on the fingers than the $29.95 Silvertone started on. Have fun with it!

[@Roofished]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 I think I’ve totally ruined my fingertips, they’re numb

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@Roofished I remember that, it goes away. That's why I spend most of my time on nylon string guitars (or with light gauge strings on steel-stringed instruments). Part of the "rites of passage" for aspiring guitar players.

[@Roofished]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 a badge of honor of sorts, I suppose lol

[@FilmFlam]

Appreciate the tip about the string change.

[@vinsamson8061]

Very nice review Chris! I have recently just got one and it is absolutely gorgeous! Unplugged or plugged in! And the case like you say! Wow! As plush as Count Dracula’s coffin 👌especially all the lovely crushed red velvet. Top marks to Taylor indeed in every respect🤘

[@MindEnglishWorld]

I watched your video and bought my GS mini Koa Plus a week ago and I am loving it! Thank you for the review!

[@Sachosorig20]

The guitar looks and sounds very beautiful.

[@beardyJoeEaves]

Just a tip, don't put the tuner or a capo over the taylor logo on the minis, the logo can damage fairly easily on them

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

YEP. Unfortunately, been there done that. My tuner ground a little of the logo off of the head stock before I realized it. OUCH. Probably only noticeable to me really but it still hurt like hell. If you’re a couch player use your ear or phone app !!

[@nomandad2000]

Great tip

[@mikedkc]

Great playing by you. Great little Taylor.

[@jayxpea]

This was very helpful. And you played so beautifully. Thank you!

[@752brickie]

Chris I just bought another Martin Road Series 000 12 E. I was seriously looking at the Taylor GS Mini Koa. The sound they get out of a small guitar like that is AMAZING !! Thank you for your videos. Sounds great as always ! My wife's cousin has bought a lot from Sweetwater-they are amazing too.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Hard to beat the GS Mini, especially considering the price.

[@D.L.Edison]

Thank you sir. Nice play, insightful review.

[@Jsaddison]

Thanks! Such a great sound out of a little body!

[@2121toso]

Beautiful looking and sounding guitar

[@Savage_Queue]

All thst messing up? You played phenomenal!!! I just played the koa mini standard and damn, that koa just sounds so good. I can't put my finger on what it is but its great

[@petechandler9502]

Chris. I’m 71. Been playing guitar for 56 years. Wish I could play as well as you. I’ve been considering a GS Mimi for some time. Leaning toward Spruce and Rosewood but you may have changed my mind. Might go with Koa Plus. Enjoyed this video. Subscribed to your account. My wife says to ask you to record Somewhere Over the Rainbow finger style for her. Thanks.

[@MicheleMakinson]

It sounds really good, steel string? My Martin Special Edition steel string is beautiful.

[@KingJames61]

Love the playing! Nice review 👍

[@halfabee]

Changing the strings made a big difference.

[@petechandler9502]

Chris. I’m 71. Been playing guitar for 56 years. Wish I could play as well as you. I just bought a Zager ZAD900 OM but may return it. Been considering a GS Mimi for some time. Leaning toward Spruce and Rosewood but you may have changed my mind. Might go with Kia Plus. Enjoyed this video. Subscribed to your account. My wife says to ask you to record Somewhere Over the Rainbow finger style for her. Thanks.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Pete...Thanks for the nice comments. I don't know exactly what it is, but there is something I really like about the Koa Plus version GS Mini. My son also bought the Rosewood model and then the Koa and prefers the Koa. I'll brush up on Somewhere Over the Rainbow and record it soon. It's been a while since I played it. Thanks again...Chris

[@johncrane6673]

Chris, a few years back I purchased a Taylor 515 CE-N based upon your review: a wonderful guitar! Now I'm headed to my local dealer to look at a GS Mini. Another great review, and I always enjoy hearing you play.

[@johncrane6673]

BTW, I'm 75. No one ever seems to mention how much easier it can be to play small-body guitars once Arthritis begins to raise its ugly head. Thanks again. OOPS! That was a Taylor 514 CE-N.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

John…I encourage you to try the Koa+ version.

[@johncrane6673]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Thanks for the reply.

[@jean-louisbaril6487]

Nice to see you again.

[@chriscarrillo967]

thanks for the video Chris! got to play one of these a while ago and forgot about the name of it, just remembered that I enjoyed it very much. I finally found it again and through your video I have decided to grab one of these if I can. much appreciated from another Chris hahaha

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I hope you enjoy it. I've had much nicer guitars (and correspondingly much more expensive), but there is something about these little guitars that make them fun to play.

[@JaysonGuinit]

Got this one today. Thank you so much for this review. It really helps ^_^

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@JaysonGuinit]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 definitely! Can't even seem to stop playing with this one. Haha 😂😂😂 Big LOVE to you Chris! Happy New Year.

[@singalls]

Always appreciate your take on your guitars. Even with the steel strings! This is no 50s nylon Martin but it sounds good too!

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

This is currently my one, and only, steel-string guitar. I like keeping one around just in case I want to try a tune that sound better with steel ... that happens rarely with me. I have about 99% nylon-string DNA. Perhaps one minor mutation in my double helix that makes me want to keep a steel-string instrument around just in case.

[@bbhdd6181]

this was probably the best test video out there for this guitar - thank you for uploading. :) have you tried the standard mini Koa GS Mini? If the case is no issue, which would you go for? I like both but won’t really need the case - is the Koa Plus still worth the price difference? Thanks

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I have not tried a standard Koa GS Mini, so I cannot help you with a comparison. I do like the Koa Plus a lot. Not so crazy about the Aerocase mainly because the Gig Bag seemed more compact and easier to carry around.

[@fidpiano]

great video I just purchase one. nice playing what is the name of the song at 3:06 in video ?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

The Water is Wide

[@billa6348]

Thanks for the performance and review. I've had a Taylor GS mini mahogany on my wall as "wall art" for a couple of years. A few months ago I needed to get a guitar quickly (you know, one of those "break glass in case of imminent jamming emergency" events) so instead of de-casing one of my other Taylors I grabbed my GS mini art. Now I'm looking for new wall art. That GS mini has become my "go to and grab" guitar for quick scales/arpeggio runs and tunes. I'm considering the GS mini plus because I like the ES pickup system. A 2 part question re strings: 1) You went from Elixir mediums to Martin lights. Did the truss rod adjustment solve the set up/buzz issue? 2) Do you believe splitting the difference--going with a "bluegrass?" combo (Mediums on 4-6 and lights on 1-3) would realize any difference in tone between the mediums and the lights? I know that answer is subjective. So I guess I'm wondering why you chose to go full light? Just personal playing preference? I can' believe how good it sounds with lights. Thanks again!

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Bill - I was able to adjust the neck enough to suit my needs and eliminate any buzz or muting. However, I have an extremely light touch and play at very low volumes. Others with a heavier touch might need more adjustment. I have not experimented with hybrid solutions because I am very happy with the silk and steel strings (Martin MA130). I have been using them for years and like them a lot. I personally do not feel I give up much in tone, which was what I expected. I am primarily a nylon string player, so the silk and steel stings are very easy on my fingers. I also use them on my full size Taylor guitars. For what it is worth, I have owned about a half-dozen different versions of the GS Mini since they first came out; I liked them al, but the GS Mini Koa plus is my favorite...Chris

[@billa6348]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Thanks for the response, Chris. You've given me the heretical courage to break my dependency on the Taylor-blessed Elixir strings and give the Martins a go on my other Taylors. And your endorsement of the GS Mini Koa is going to cost me. The mog mini just might become wall art again. Thanks again! Bill

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@billa6348 For what it is worth, I found the Mahogany Mini my least favorite of the Minis. Still a nice guitar, but projection/volume was the weakest of the ones I owned.Good luck with your guitar-buying/string adventure!

[@davidarmstrong7903]

excellent playing and review! Do you recall which gauge Martin Silk and Phosphor strings you installed on that guitar?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Those were Martin MA130FX (11-47). I am now using Ernie Ball 2220 Power Slinky .011 - .048 on this guitar and like them.

[@KipFox]

Curious~~ how's the finish on yours? Noticing a lot of "chip/imperfections" around the inside just under the white binding on mine that arrived. Otherwise it plays amazingly, just a bit sad on the QC of the finish.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I just looked at mine with a flashlight and magnifying glass and noticed no imperfections. The quality of workmanship on this particular guitar looks excellent to me. There are some places on the inside where you can barely see a little glue where the back joins the sides. I do not consider that a QC problem and find it acceptable, especially in an instrument at this price point. I don't particularly find the finish attractive, but that is not as important to me as playability and tone which is great for this size guitar. I just ordered one of the new GTe guitars. It will be interesting to see how it compares with the GS Mini. Probably won't get it in until late in the year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHZfoaQqJKCo5o

[@KipFox]

Chris Crouch Appreciate the reply! And def let us know on the new one! Sadly I have a few inches of finish missing off the front. Ah well, it still plays amazingly :)

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@KipFox If you bought it new, I would think Taylor would take care of your finish problem under warranty.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@KipFox Update...I like the GS Mini much more than the GTe. Already sold the GTe, still have the Mini. Played it a lot today.

[@mattbergen6789]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 sorry, I'm quite late to this comment, but I just came across your video today. Why did you end up selling the new GT and preferring the GS Mini? Did you get the GT in Koa as well?

[@zerochaos1]

Nice selection of sounds esp when i survey.....

[@claudedascottebouhiere274]

Hello, can you explain how you were recording this nice guitar. Thanks a lot

[@thomas7johns]

Thanks for posting...my GS mini mahogany is getting a new brother

[@CrisGuitarBR]

Hi!!! Beautiful playing and fantastic guitar. Have you done any saddle or neck adjustments to make it even more playable? I have just bought one but it feels that the strings are a bit high although the neck the straight as it should be... do you have the same conditions?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

So far, I have made absolutely no adjustments other than putting on a set of light gauge strings. Seems to feel fine to me.

[@timr3255]

Nice playing Chris and beautiful guitar I have a Taylor acedemy series I'm just learning to play guitar! Love the videos

[@fedbumoz987]

With frustration ofcourse it only gets better...♡

[@timr3255]

@@fedbumoz987 thanks jae you play guitar too?

[@fedbumoz987]

@@timr3255 for around 30 years. I still enjoy playing. That's why I'm looking for the perfect compact guitar. The sound is amazing when playing with others and using no amplification.

[@KevinSeifert]

I really like how the Koa sounds. Very nice jazz chords! If I hear it correctly, I think the tabs are something like this: E A D G B e 3 x 4 4 3 x 4 x 3 4 5 x 5 x 5 5 5 x 6 x 5 6 7 x 7 x 7 7 7 x x 7 6 7 6 x 5 x 5 5 5 x x 5 4 5 4 x

[@sweetlyprincesss]

Do you do online guitar lessons? Your finger style playing is amazing

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Ha...thanks so much for the nice feedback. I do not offer online lessons and that is a good thing. When I play around some "real guitar players", especially those who teach guitar...they always point out my "very bad guitar-playing habits" and try to "fix" me. I don't need to pass any of those bad habits on to younger players. Thanks again for you nice comments. I appreciate them. If it helps, this site has a few tutorials that I recorded for my friends to help them learn to play a particular tune they were interested in learning (e.g. Help Me Make it Through the Night, etc.).

[@alexinstoy1984]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 There is nothing called "bad habits" in music. You can do whatever you want! Great video! Thumbs up

[@SergeUnplugged]

Lovely little workhorse

[@fengcarlos]

Awesome video. I couldn't understand something, so you changed your strings to Martin 11s? Or 12s? Thanks

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I changed them to Martin Silk and Steel (called MA130 on the package).

[@fengcarlos]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Thank you for your reply. MA130 I think they are 11 gauge. I want to change to 12 guage. I was just wondering if I would get a lot of buzzing but I think I'm gonna be okay changing to 12s. Thank you

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@fengcarlos With the MA130 strings I occasionally get a slight buzz, but I generally play with a very light touch and at low volume, so it is not a problem for me. I doubt if you will get much buzz from the 12s. I really do not like the Elxir strings that it comes with.

[@fengcarlos]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 I agree with you. I do like Elixir but not medium. They are killing my fingers with only few minutes of playing where with 12 I can go for hours.

[@andrep1579]

Hi Chris, I came across your review on the Taylor academy 12N on a forum the other day and was wondering if you still have it? I'm a beginner and wanted to learn more of a fingerpicking style like yours :) so would you recommend the academy to someone like me? Which one do you prefer, the academy or the gs mini in terms of playability etc?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I did not end up bonding with the Academy and eventually (fairly quickly) put it in my "catch and release" program. It is gone. I personally favor the older NS model Taylor nylons, especially the NS52ce, NS72ce, NS54ce, NS74ce models). I would quickly choose a used NS24ce over the Academy and they would probably be close in price. If you want a steel-string guitar, the GS Mini is a great choice that represents solid value for the money spent (any of the various models and tone woods). Faroundthose used as low as the $400 range,

[@andrep1579]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 oh I see. What don't you really like about the academy if you could share? Cause I remember you saying it's more alike to the old taylors than the newer 214/314ce-n? Yeah unfortunately there isn't many used taylors/martins around where I live so have to settle on the new ones.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@andrep1579 After playing it for a while, I became a bit more disenchanted with the tone, both quality and volume, compared to alternatives. I did not experiment with strings on that guitar, so that might improve it. It is a nice instrument, as most all Taylors are, but not nice enough to keep - for me. In the Academy's defense, I don't find most guitars nice enough to keep. I usually buy them with the thought that they are just temporarily passing through my life. I don't hang on to many of them for very long. Some people buy boats, cars, jewelry, and such...I spend money trying out guitars. It is actually a pretty inexpensive hobby, especially if you buy used. If you want to try and Academy, don't let me discourage you. Given the price range of there Academy, it will probably be an inexpensive experiment for you. The problem with reviewing guitars is that so much depends on personal preference. What I like you may dislike and vice versa. In the end, you must try them yourself.

[@andrep1579]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Yeah I guess that makes sense. I'll probably just have to bite the bullet and see if I like it, but I'm pretty sure it will be much better than the old guitar I have right now. Appreciate your help, good sir!

[@bobsimmons3466]

Chris, I was surprised when this review popped up yesterday on my KZbin feed. It's been a while since you have posted here. I ran across you a few years ago when I was looking for info on the Martin 00-28C my friend was letting me borrow for awhile. I don't remember what tunes you demonstrated on the video for the 00-28C, but I watched some others and stumbled on your renditions of "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night". This was a few months before Christmas, so I watched them over and over until I got the fingerings figured out and performed them at the Christmas show at our church using the 00-28C. I have no idea what the names are for some of the chords you used, but I sure like the way they sound. I also liked and learned your rendition of "Cold, Cold Heart" but that tune would not have been appropriate for the Christmas show! Thanks for posting and giving me an opportunity to add a bit to my repertoire.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Bob...Good to hear from you. Thanks for the nice feedback and I am glad you could use my videos to learn a few new tunes. Hopefully you improved on them. By the way, I totally swiped the arrangement of Silent Night from Craig Dobbins...so he gets credit for that. I used to record a lot more, but I don't think much about doing it now unless someone asks me for a specific demonstration of something. Maybe I'll get back to it someday. Keep learning and having fun! Chris

[@junek9558]

What is the music you’re playing around 3:22 ? Its beautiful

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I believe the name of that tune is The Water is Wide. James Taylor does a great version of it.

[@davidwatson3456]

Sounds like strings are a bit high off fret board

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I'm not sure how you are coming to that conclusion from the video. The strings are actually very low and comfortable to play.

[@AndyJohnsonGuitar]

Great review 👌

[@seanarmao7385]

Should you get a mini if you have fatter fingers?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

I can't really answer that since I have relatively thin fingers and I don't know what it is like to have otherwise. I would certainly try one out before buying. I do switch from classical and crossover nylon (2" and 1/7/8" nut) necks quite often and it doesn't bother me.

[@douglasboyd8475]

All that messing up….. I wish I could mess up like that. Lol

[@bohemian46]

Hello Chris. Are you still playing Sands guitars?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

yes

[@bohemian46]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Excellent. I am tempted, they are beautifully made and extraordinary tone and playability. I would be willing to sacrifice a few of my guitars, and prepared for a long wait. Meantime I'll keep my eyes open for a used one. Enjoy your playing and commentary. Thanks.

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@bohemian46 Kirk's guitars are about as good as it gets for nylon/electric instruments (especially for fingerstyle players.)

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Recorded with an iPhone mounted on a mini tripod.

[@kasetpati998]

Made in ...?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Mexico

[@nomandad2000]

What gauge are your strings

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Silk and Steel, Martin & Co. MA130 (11.5 to 47)

[@ahmadsetiadi1479]

Suaranya sebanding dengan harganya

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

Setuju

[@jetwoman10001]

Are using the original strings?

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

No, I am using Martin Silk and Steel (MA130) light gauge strings. I am not a fan of Elixir strings.

[@jetwoman10001]

@@SouthwindCCCC1414 Chris Thanks for replying. I didn’t think you were using the originals because yours looked lighter and seemed more playable. I am not crazy about these medium Elixirs. They are heavy especially for blues and even small bends. Will checkout the Martins. I have the same GS you have...same wood and electronics. Your finger style is so beautiful...if you ever feel like doing a video on it...I think folks would enjoy and get a lot out of it...

[@SouthwindCCCC1414]

@@jetwoman10001 Sandra - I am primarily a nylon-string player, so the Elixirs are too hard on my fingers. This is a personal preference, but I think the silk and steel strings make it seem like a totally different (and better) guitar. I have tried many different kinds of light gauge strings and keep coming back to the MA-130 strings (not the MA130S strings or other versions). It is especially comfortable to play with the MA130 strings and a capo at the second fret. Have fun!