Larryz Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Sitting here on this cold morning waiting by the front door for FED-X to deliver my Taylor GS-mini. ---> here's the pics and specs http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GSMiniEQS/ I have resisted the GAS attacks for the past several months claiming I'm not buying anymore guitars but I couldn't resist any longer. I need a little travel-sing around the campfire-guitar and when Taylor came out with the fall limited electronics on board, I had to pull the trigger... The guy I deal with at Sweetwater gave me $30 bucks off and set it up with 11-52 Elixir Polywebs and stuffed the box with extra packing bubbles (I hope). Will let you all know how it turns out once I get my hands on it today! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Niiiiiiiice.... ! That's gonna sound sweet, especially the high notes on the 1st and 2nd strings, which the short scale-length (23.5") will make warm and round with a strong fundamental. Those extra light strings are gonna be kinda floppy on a short-scaled axe, though- I'd have to go with 13's, and if I could get the strings I like best in 14's or 15's, that'd be what I'd go with on that. Of course, YMMV, and vive la différence! I want you to prove me wrong! Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEHpicker Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 Larry - I posted a few weeks ago about this guitar. My buddy bought one and I couldn't put it down-lol. Another friend has a $1700 Taylor, can't remember which one but the little mini played BETTER! And the tone is excellent! I've had a bad case of G.A.S. ever since I played that thing. It will for sure be my next acoustic. Caev - my buddy has 12s on his and it wasn't floppy at all - actually, the guitar and the strings felt very alive in my hands... Larry - you're gonna love this guitar. SEHpicker The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted October 29, 2013 Author Share Posted October 29, 2013 Sad to say I've got some 1st and 2nd string buzz at the 1st fret as they adjusted the action a little too low at Sweetwater. The 11-52's worked out great and it sounds really cool plugged-in. You're right Caevan the 1st and 2nd sounded really sweet as long as they were played above the 2nd fret and were even sweeter in the higher register...I may have to ship it back tomorrow after giving SW a call...SEH, they are nice sounding and playing little axes, but I live to far away from my Taylor luthiers to make the round trip just to get two strings adjusted. If you buy one, make sure to test them at the store before purchasing... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Looks easy to adjust the truss rod. And it is the simplest thing to do. I would say the 3rd fret may be a little high. I can't say for sure. Why not try and adjust it a bit. It will still be returnable if you don't say you adjusted it. Crank it a sixteenth of a turn at a time and re-tune it and let it settle in for a few hours before you readjust it.. dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phloid Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I bought my Taylor GS Mini from Sweetwater also. I like that you can see a picture of each guitar in stock and select the one you want to buy. I was tempted to get a Mahogany but I preferred the tone of the Sitka and picked the darkest Sitka they had at the time instead. I wish I had done a screen capture of it while it was still online. I didn't know what was to happen and learned that they are taken offline once sold. Makes sense. I just wish I had a picture of it still up. Love the guitar. Amazing tone. Convenient size when a full size would be too large. Not the easiest neck to play but useable. I was unaware of these special models. The ES-Go GS Mini Acoustic Soundhole Pickup that is fitted to the GS Mini has sounded absolutely terrible to me when demoed. I would use a microphone. I hate the sound of an electrified acoustic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 @DBM, I probably could have fooled with it and got her going but there is a restocking fee if you scratch it LOL! I think they dropped the saddle too low on the treble side as I could tell by the string height at the 12th fret that it may have a problem before I even played it. Had I really liked the feel, I would have kept it and dealt with the problem with my tech who could fix it in one short visit for about $20bucks. I was not comfortable with the feel of the neck due to the short scale and narrow nut width. I wish they had made the neck a little wider as it felt like I was in tight quarters which is alright on my Strat but not to my liking on an acoustic... @ Phloid, yeah Taylor just came out with the built in expression system on the Fall Limited GS mini for about $100 more than stock, so I was really excited. Plus some nice woods. SW sent me a bunch of pictures which was really nice of them. They are great little travel guitars and guys just have to try them before they buy them. I played it yesterday for 3 hours, went out for Chinese food and played it 3 more hours when I got back. Then, this morning made the decision to ship her back and put the $569 toward a Taylor 412e a little later on. I didn't care for that snap-in sound hole pickup on the original design either when they first came out with the mini... Ps. The only negative with SW is that it cost me $43 to ship the guitar back (via the Post Office which would have cost $73 via UPS). It would have cost me $20 in gas and two 1/2 hours in drive time to try it out at my nearest GC so I'm not complaining... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phloid Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 What was it that prompted you to take this route and aim for the 412e instead? Did you realize that the GS Mini was not enough of something you wanted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 What was it that prompted you to take this route and aim for the 412e instead? Did you realize that the GS Mini was not enough of something you wanted? The Mini was $599 and the 412e is $1,849 so I was not expecting the Mini to be more than it is and save me a lot of money. I have a 416ce Taylor cutaway that I play every day and love it. I just wanted a little parlor style guitar without the cutaway that I could play around the campfire with. It did not have to be expensive, so I chose the Mini. If it had felt right to me, I would not have sent it back (even with the minor fret buzz problem). I just couldn't see paying $600 for a guitar that didn't feel right for me. I may not buy the 412e but it's one that I have been thinking about as well... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 The Mini was $599 and the 412e is $1,849 so I was not expecting the Mini to be more than it is and save me a lot of money. I have a 416ce Taylor cutaway that I play every day and love it. I just wanted a little parlor style guitar without the cutaway that I could play around the campfire with. It did not have to be expensive, so I chose the Mini. If it had felt right to me, I would not have sent it back (even with the minor fret buzz problem). I just couldn't see paying $600 for a guitar that didn't feel right for me. I may not buy the 412e but it's one that I have been thinking about as well... Have you looked at the little Loar or Epiphone parlor guitars? Same or lower price range as the GS. http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Loar_LO_215_Acoustic_Guitar_Review http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Epiphone_EL_00_Pro_Acoustic_Guitar_Review Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 The Loar 215 wouldn't work as it's a 12 fret and I do need those two frets in front of the body (along with electronics, just in case I want to plug-in). But, it is a brand I have looked at and will be checking into their other models. The Epi EL-00 looks very interesting and one that I might have to check out. Thanks for the links and demos Scott! Ps. Found a Loar LH-200vs on youtube which runs $699 list and sells around $525 that looks interesting as it has the 2 extra frets before the body and electronics...however, I couldn't find that model on the Loar web-site. Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEHpicker Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 Wow - I'm surprised that the mini Taylor didn't work out for you Larry. I guess Caev was right - different strokes - maybe the one my buddy bought was just an exceptional guitar. Or maybe it just fit me very well. BTW - my buddy bought his new for $415 at GC. SEHpicker The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 1, 2013 Author Share Posted November 1, 2013 It was close SEH. The problem for me is the 1.687 nut width combined with the shorter 23.5" scale. It cramps me up in the 1st 3 frets as far as comfort goes. It was a nice little travel axe but I was just not real comfortable with it. The Fall Limited's are about $100 more as they have the expression system built in...I may cry in my beer over sending it back for some time! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesape Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 I know a guy who just got one a couple months back, and he now gigs with it as a main axe. He has an old Norman that nobody but him likes, and has tuning issues. The Mini is about as good as small guitars get, IMHO. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 4, 2013 Author Share Posted November 4, 2013 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P3NY132107/ <--- OK here's the replacement. Should be here in a few days... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEHpicker Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P3NY132107/ <--- OK here's the replacement. Should be here in a few days... Hey Larry - I gotta admit that looks mighty fine... if it plays as good as it looks... SEHpicker The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P3NY132107/ <--- OK here's the replacement. Should be here in a few days... Quite a bump up, pricewise, from the GS. I hope this one is the magic bullet for you. Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phloid Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Did you try one of those and fall in love or something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 @ SEH, Thanks! I'm keeping my fingers crossed. She do look sweet! The electronics are top of the line so she should sound good plugged or unplugged. It's a new model so there are few reviews but from what I've seen and heard she should be very nice and woodsy sounding! @ Scott, yeah the Taylor GS mini goes for $599. The Taylor 412e goes for $1,849. I'm kind of splitting the difference as I'm getting a discount on this one right around a grand even...this is a lot more guitar for the money. It doesn't have the fancier name brand but Takey's have been used by some very famous players and the pro models get great reviews... @ Phloid, I've been wanting and trying to find a smaller parlor guitar for quite some time. My buddy has 4 Takamine 12 strings and they are the easiest 12's I've ever played. They are a little narrow on the neck. He also has a 6 string which feels good for people with smaller fingers like me. This one has an A-symmetric "C" neck designed to fit the hand better. The 1.673 nut width is a little tight (like playing my electric Strats) but it has a longer 24.75 scale than many short scaled parlor guitars which will give me the little more room that I need in the 1st 3 frets. Plus, I love cedar tops! Thanks to you guys for checking her out. I can only Pray she will fit the bill and I won't have to send her back. So stay tuned [pun intended] and I tell you what I think of her in a few days! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred_C Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hey Bro, A beautiful guitar! I'm envious, but hope that my little Loar will suffice. Enjoy playing it! BTW: I absolutely agree that if you're willing to not be swayed by the name on the headstock, buying from a "second tier" manufacturer can get you 90-95% of the performance for hundreds less. If you play cool, you are cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 BTW: I absolutely agree that if you're willing to not be swayed by the name on the headstock, buying from a "second tier" manufacturer can get you 90-95% of the performance for hundreds less. My 3 Epiphone archtops fall squarely into that category. I really like them & am on the prowl for a few more. Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Remember your famous quote Fred: "it's not the wand, it's the magician." You're going to make that Loar sound great and I'm looking forward to your review... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred_C Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Remember your famous quote Fred: "it's not the wand, it's the magician." You're going to make that Loar sound great and I'm looking forward to your review... Larry, Thanks for your confidence in me. I think the Loar will work out OK. As I wrote, my first impressions were very favorable (haven't heard from my tech-gonna' call him today). That doesn't change the fact that I'm envious of you. Nice guitar, brother! If you play cool, you are cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Thanks Fred...will know more about the guitar tomorrow when FedEx gets here! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 8, 2013 Author Share Posted November 8, 2013 Initial Report: Just got in and the replacement just came in today...haven't put her through the paces and won't get time to do so till tomorrow afternoon. Just popping her out of the case (i.e. Takamine P3NY) I can say she is very nice. I think we will make a great team. Easy to play and sounds great plugged in. Unplugged she's very loud with great acoustic sound for a small sized parlor guitar. No loss of volume. More string squeak than I'm used to with my flat wounds on my other guitars but for acoustic afficianados, it sounds great! The narrow nut width is easy to handle with the longer scale and the neck feels great. The rosewood fretboard feels woody and great. The action is just right out of the box. It could be a tad lower, but I'm happy the way it is. I think I'm falling in love already but I will know more tomorrow. Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted November 11, 2013 Author Share Posted November 11, 2013 Taylor GS Mini Vs Takamine P3NY update. The Fall limited Taylor GS mini is a great little guitar with the expression system which puts it in a whole other class over the standard mini. I think the Taylor expression system (to include the GS Mini version) surpasses the Takamine top of the line electronics. As far as feel and quality, there is no comparison. The Takamine is a major step above the GS mini IMHO. However for about double the price you would expect that dream to come true. If you have smaller fingers the mini will fit you well, but again, I would try before you buy. As a little travel guitar, they both fit the bill (i.e. $599 vs. $1,149 list) but I like the included hard shell case on the Takamine. It may not fit in the overhead as well as the GS mini. But, it has a smaller than a standard case for packing in with the camping or RV gear. Both guitars are made for packing to the beach, lakefront or other campsite or parlor venues and playing them unplugged. The Takamine is definitely louder unplugged and it's a great little parlor guitar, but you might consider it to be a little too expensive for campout venues depending on your budget. There are two little negative things I would say about the Takamine (and they are not a problem at all to overcome or adjust to). 1) The bone nut is a little sharp outside edged to slide by so you have to lift your fingers a little. 2. The write up says it a 20 fret and in the same write up it says it's a 21 fret. It is actually a 21 fret, but the last fret area between the 20 and 21st fret does not play or mutes out, so both descriptions are correct. I can't reach the 21st fret or the 20th, with no cutaway, so it doesn't matter to me either way. Don't get me wrong, the intonation is perfect and it plays very well. I might have my techs drop the Takey's 6th string just a tad in the future, but it is adjusted correctly and plays well right out of the box. I am a very happy camper and both guitars are meant for certain kinds of players. I would choose the Takey but if budget is a problem the mini would still be a second choice. I would not have sent the mini back if the action had been set up correctly. I'm glad I wound up with the Takey as it's exactly what I was looking for. The electronics will sound different with different string choices. It plays easily and sounds great unplugged. I am surprised that it sounds so trebly with a cedar top, but for many, that may be a good thing! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
music_is Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Larryz, we don't try to adjust the truss rod on your own. The mini does not come with a wrench but, you can pick one up where ever you bought your mini. it is a hex shape wrench made by taylor. i change the gauge of my strings often depending on how i feel and adjusting the truss rod is necessary just about every time i do. go to the taylor site for tips on how to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
music_is Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 i have yet to settle on a string gauge for my mini. i have had it a year. came with 13-56 and a rode them out for a a couple months but found the action to be a little too stiff. great for chording but bending was difficult. i switched to 12-53 and found the action loosened up but it took away from the bottom end. something that i did not want to give up so i went back to 56. does anyone know if there is a company that makes 12-15-22-35-45-56? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted May 25, 2014 Author Share Posted May 25, 2014 Welcome aboard Music is! This is a pretty old thread, but thanks for the ... http://www.juststrings.com/cfm-m-240.html <--- here's a great site for researching strings. You can even buy singles if you must have specific sizes that your prefer for each string. Martin makes a set of Blue Grass acoustics in 12-56. I don't mind adjusting the truss rod, but I found out that there are times that it will do you no good on an acoustic. I tried adjusting the Takamine (as I have wrenches) after going to 11's instead of the 12's the guitar came with, as I prefer 11-50's. No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of a couple of newly discovered fret buzzes with the lighter strings. I took the guitar to one of my luthiers and he made me a new bone bridge saddle adjusting the string height and filed a fret or two. He solved the problems and recommended I dress the rest of the frets if I want it perfect. This was needed on my brand new guitar. It's been done right and it now plays like a dream... Ps. How do you like your GS Mini? Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 i have yet to settle on a string gauge for my mini. i have had it a year. came with 13-56 and a rode them out for a a couple months but found the action to be a little too stiff. great for chording but bending was difficult. i switched to 12-53 and found the action loosened up but it took away from the bottom end. something that i did not want to give up so i went back to 56. does anyone know if there is a company that makes 12-15-22-35-45-56? You could always mix gauges for a set that allows easier bending and vibrato on the higher strings, with crisper definition and tighter, fuller bottom on the lower strings. D R Strings will make up custom mixed-gauge string-sets from the various gauges that they currently make for little or no added charge at all, though there may be a minimum of two or three sets that you can order and purchase this way; just about any dealer that carries D R Strings should be able to order them for you. I've done that, myself, to get a guitar and tuning 'just-right'. :cool:And I can HIGHLY recommend their Sunbeam Acoustic Guitar (as opposed to their Sunbeam Bass) round-core and Rare Phosphor-Bronze hex-core strings. The Sunbeam round-cores are particularly warm, toneful, sustaining, and flexible- perhaps you could have your cake and eat it, too, with a mixed-gauge set of D R Sunbeams. (The round-core and hex-core designation only applies to the wound-strings, and not the plain/treble strings.) Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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