Taylor GS Mini
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- We are an independent review website and do not sell products. Purchases are made with the retailer you choose.
The GS Mini started a small revolution in travel guitars. Instead of a thin, tinny "backpacker" guitar, Taylor shrank its Grand Symphony body while keeping a solid top and proper bracing. The result is a compact guitar that sounds surprisingly full — and is just as useful at home as on the road.
Specifications
| Body | Scaled-down Grand Symphony |
| Top | Solid Sitka spruce (also available in solid mahogany, koa and other versions) |
| Back and sides | Layered sapele |
| Neck | Sapele |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale length | 23.5" |
| Nut width | 1.6875" |
| Case | Taylor structured gig bag |
Why players love it
Comfort. The shorter 23.5" scale reduces string tension, so bends and barre chords are easier — great for beginners, smaller players and anyone with hand fatigue. Sound. It has more bass and projection than you'd expect from its size, and records well. Build. Taylor's neck design and consistent factory set-up mean it plays well out of the box.
Limitations
- It's not as loud or deep as a full-size dreadnought when strummed hard with a band.
- Shorter scale and tension feel different from a full-size guitar if you switch often.
- Electronics are optional (GS Mini-e models).
Verdict
One of the best "always within reach" guitars ever made, and an excellent first quality acoustic for smaller players. For a full-size alternative on a lower budget, see the Yamaha FG800.
