In this article, I give answers to over twenty questions we regularly get asked about the Tayor GS Mini. Ranging from what strings they come with, to how they compare against the Baby Taylor, and what wood they are made with. I answered them all!
Is A Taylor GS Mini Good For Strumming?
Yes, the Taylor GS mini sounds fantastic when strummed. For a smaller guitar players are constantly amazed at how good it sounds when strummed. It still has good volume and sound with a holistic tone. See this video for a sound sample when the Taylor GS Mini is being strummed.
Is Taylor GS Mini A Solid Top?
Yes the Taylor GS Mini is a solid top acoustic guitar. There are different models available, all made of different types of solid wood. Different types of solid top you can get for your Taylor GS Mini include Koa, Mahogany, Rosewood, and Spruce.
Can I Put Light Strings on Taylor GS Mini?
Yes, you can put whatever steel strings you would like on your GS Mini. Given it has a slightly smaller scale than a full-size dreadnought, you might find the light string doesn’t quite give you the volume or responsiveness you like. But many players have quite light strings on their Tayor GS Mini and are very happy with the sound and performance.
What Is The Difference Between Taylor Baby and Taylor GS Mini?
The Taylor Baby and Taylor GS Mini both have their own unique body shape, and the Taylor GS Mini is slightly bigger than the Taylor Baby, across the most important measurements, but overall there are a lot of similarities between the two models.
The Taylor GS Mini has a bigger body, longer scale, additional Relief Route bracing, 3-inch heel (compared to no heel). pickguard and a Taylor neck, instead of a bolt-on neck.
The best way to see all the minute differences between these two teams is to visit the Taylor guitars comparison page and select the different models you want to compare. Then you can see every single detail across both models in a clear, easy-to-read format.
https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/compare
Does a Taylor GS Mini Have a Truss Rod?
Yes, the Taylor GS does have a truss rod. There is a plastic cover over the truss rod end on the head you can remove to access the truss rod.
Does the Taylor GS Mini Have a Pickup?
It is possible to get a Taylor GS mini with a pickup, but the base models do NOT include a pickup. You can specifically buy a factory model with a pickup, by selecting a model that includes ‘e’ in the model, for example, ‘GS Mini-e’ and they will come equipped with a Taylor ES-2 pickup system.
Does the Taylor GS Mini Have Low Action?
The Taylor GS Mini has action comparable with other Taylor guitars, and guitars of similar size, It is not a ‘fixed’ height so could be modified by yourself or a guitar repair professional to whatever action height you need. Access to the truss rod is easy, right on the head, so it is not a difficult task.
How Big Is a Taylor GS Mini?
Taylor GS Mini size specifications are as below:
- Scale: 23.5″
- Body Length: 17 5/8″
- Body With: 14 3/8″
- Body Depth: 4 7/16″
- Frets: 20
How Much Is a Taylor GS Mini?
Taylor GS Minis varying price depending on the timber used to make them, and whether or not they include a pickup or not.
At the time of writing, the cheapest Taylor GS Mini was the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany, starting at $599, while the most expensive was the GS Mini-e Koa Plus at $1099. The increased price is a result of the Koa wood and included pickup.
How to Adjust Action on Taylor GS Mini?
Adjusting the action on a Taylor GS Mini is done in the way you would adjust the action on any other steel-string acoustic guitar. Truss rod adjustment (access the truss through at the head end) and changes to bridge and nut can be used to adjust the action to your preference.
How to Change Strings Taylor GS Mini?
Changing the strings on a Taylor GS Mini is done in the same way you would change the string on any other steel-string acoustic guitar with bridge pins. This video gives a complete overview:
How Many Frets Does A Taylor GS Mini Have?
Taylor GS Minis have 20 frets.
How to Clean Taylor GS Mini?
Cleaning a Taylor GS Mini is done in the same way you would clean any other steel-string acoustic guitar. This video gives a complete overview of how to safely clean a Taylor GS Mini:
How to Install Batteries in Taylor GS Mini?
For those Taylor GS Mini that have included factory pick-ups, the battery is encased at the far end of the body, where you attach your guitar strap. Simply bush the unit and the guitar battery component will release.
See this video for a demonstration of the battery compartment:
Is Taylor GS Mini Good for Beginners?
Yes Taylor GS Mini guitars are great for beginners. The slightly smaller size can make them more manageable, and they are very affordable for a fantastic-sounding acoustic steel-string guitar. Taylor GS Mini’s are highly recommended as a beginner acoustic guitar.
Is the Taylor GS Mini a 3/4 Guitar?
According to this article (https://www.guitarbio.com/guitar-sizes/), a 3/4 size guitar has a scale length of 23″. The ‘scale of a guitar is the distance between the guitar bridge and the guitar nut.
According to the Taylor Guitars website, the Taylor GS Mini has a scale of 23.5″. This is slightly bigger than the suggested scale of a 3/4 guitar in the above article, but close enough, in my opinion, to see the Taylor GS Mini in the same category as other 3/4 size guitars.
Is the Taylor GS Mini Discontinued?
No, Taylor GS mini’s are still very much being made and sold. See them here on the Taylor website:
https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/browse?series=1022
Is the Taylor GS Mini Too Small?
The Taylor GS Mini is around the same size as other 3/4 size guitars. Whether this is too small or not depends on your preference, size, and playing style.
Many people used Taylor GS Mini’s as their ‘travel’ guitar and take it with them when traveling for work, or on vacation.
Is the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany or Spruce?
The Taylor GS Mini is available in a range of different timbers including Mahogany, Spruce, Koa, and more.
Taylor GS Mini or Academy Series
If you can afford the extra dollars, my personal recommendation is to go with the Taylor GS Mini, The guitar design and optional wood choices give you a better quality instrument that will last you for longer, whereas you may grow out of the Academy series in time and then be looking for a new guitar.
The Taylor GS Mini is likely to be satisfying to you further through your guitar career.
What Strings Does the Taylor GS Mini Come With?
Taylor GS Minis have Elixir Phosphor Bronze Medium strings fitted when they are shipped from the factory.
Where Are Taylor GS Mini Guitars Made
Taylor does not manufacture any of its guitars in Asia, like many other acoustic guitar brands. Taylor has guitar factory locations in both the USA and Mexico, and the Taylor GS Mini specifically, is made in their Mexican production facility.
Which Taylor GS Mini Is Best?
The most expensive Taylor GS Mini is the Koa model, with a pickup. However the ‘best’ Taylor GS Mini is a subjective choice based on your personal sound preference. I recommend you take the chance to play multiple different models to see which one sounds and feels the best to you because it is a very subjective decision.
Which Taylor GS Mini to Buy?
The best Taylor GS Mini for you to buy depends on your budget and sound preference. The most expensive Taylor GS Mini is made from Koa timber and includes a pickup, however, these are optional extras. The best Taylor GS Mini for you to buy depends on your personal preferences so I recommend playing a few different GS Mini models before making your choice.
