Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus - Shaded Edgeburst Reviews

I cant put this guitar down it sounds and feels fantastic.!! Other than my J45 I don't think I would ever part with it . I just want to give some thanks to Sweetwater and especially to Jeff Bohan hands down one of the best sales reps I have had to deal with. Give him a holler if you ever need something you won't be disappointed.

This guitar is a perfect fit for my needs. It sounds so so much better than I expected. It has great tone and volume for a mini guitar!!! Plus, it's absolutely beautiful!!

Thank you, Sweetwater, for a great little guitar, and Cliff Hackleman for your continued assistance with all of my music purchases. The guitar was in flawless condition when it arrived and perfectly set up.

I have to say this is one of the most gorgeous guitars I have ever purchased. Workmanship is top-notch, right up there with Taylor standards. Sale was outstanding; shout out to my (new) sales engineer Jeff Bohan for making the deal a pleasure. But for those of you coming to new Koa guitars for the first time: this is not mahogany nor maple, and tends to have a rich, but darker sound with less projection. My luthier told me this is normal, that once a new Koa axe is played for awhile the wood will loosen up and it will project better.

Also, be forewarned that ordinary straps will not fit on the input jack end, due to the jack being very thin, length-wise. Taylor straps will not fit (ironic, huh?) because they are double-layered and too thick, as are most others. So I went to my local store that begins with G and ends with R and picked up a Perri's "baseball glove leather" single-ply strap that fits fine. Strange how the maple and mahogany GS Mini-e's with the other electronics have a METAL jack on the bottom that fits most straps, but the most expensive model does not? Plus, that whole assembly on the bottom including the battery door is plastic. I hope it holds up.

5 stars for the guitar, excellent hard soft case, and transaction; docked 1/2 star for the plastic battery door/input jack that won't fit most double-ply straps.

This guitar hangs on a wall hanger right next to my practice space. It's so easy to grab and go. Compact size, nice full tone and great playability. I have begun gigging with this acoustic, and it's so easy to haul and use on stage. It sounds a bit more mid-rangy and brighter than my full-bodied Taylor 410ce, but I tweak the EQ on the guitar, amp, and PA, and it sounds wonderful...

I own 7 guitars and had always been curious about owning a Taylor for some time now. Decided to give the GS Mini a try as I was interested in a smaller travel size guitar. I had read positive reviews and was expecting a good guitar…but WOW, I was immediately impressed and blown away the moment I first played mine. The powerful clean sound coming out if this small guitar defines physics, it's a well rounded and defined loud tone that makes me sound better than I really I'm. It has motivated me to push my skills to the next level as I can't put it down. It also beautiful and looks great in my living room.

The folks at Sweetwater made this transaction smooth, fast and friendly. I've been a long term customer and will continue to buy all my musoc instruments and products from them.

My preference for this guitar undoubtedly derives somewhat from two facts; I'm a smaller fellow and the type of music I play and write: blues and ballads. Aesthetically, the overall look of the guitar is elegantly simple; the koa needs no adornment. The playability of this guitar is very hand-friendly because of the smaller size. Tonally, as the guitar ages (about two years and a half for me), it sounds increasingly rich. The electronics are first-rate, and the Taylor "gig bag" that comes with this guitar is the best I've ever seen, padded, sturdy, and attractive. Finally, a word about the salespersons I've dealt with at Sweetwater, Grant (now at a different job) and Jack Welty, with whom I've worked on my more recent purchases. Jack is knowledgeable, responsive, efficient, and personable; every dealing I've had with Jack (and Grant) has been exemplary professionally. Thank you, Jack and Sweetwater, for such excellent service!

Fun little thing to play, it has worked perfectly for me and sounds great every time.

Picked it up in person at their superstore campus in northern Indiana, and it was definitely worth the trip.

It has taken a few tumbles and has been extremely resilient.

This is a fun guitar. I can't put it down for long. The best instruments inspire you to play and this one does it in spades. The sound is full and open for a guitar of this size and easily expands when plugged in with the ES electronics. Acoustically the Koa sound is somewhere between mahogany and rosewood. I have not had it long enough to hear a change in the Koa loosening up yet but it will sweeten the more I play it. Great guitar and support from Bart and Sweetwater. Get yourself one!

I got this guitar 2 weeks ago and I can't put it down. The sound it puts out is well-balanced and vibrant. It sounds like a bigger guitar.
The fact that you can plug it into an amp makes it even better and the electronics are solid.

I didn't think about this when I got it but if you are getting into and past that 15th fret you will be a little challenged because there is no break in the body. On an acoustic guitar, I'm not sure how often you will need to get that high but something to think about.

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT GUITAR!

I love how good this guitar sounds! It's perfect in its sound and size. I love this Taylor mini!

Wanted a guitar that I could take out on the road to my hunting camp as I didnt want to risk taking My Gibson J-45. This guitar meets all of the requirements that I hoped for. Thanks to Jason Sain and all of the Sweetwater techs for the excellent setup of this guitar. Plays like butter.

What a fantastic guitar, easy to hold(size-wise), Koa sounds balanced; excellent resonance and tone, nice projection and lows.
Most comfortable guitar I have owned.

A lot has been said of the GS mini series. This Koa version is all you could want in a GS mini. I have a few high end Taylor's and they are great. But this Koa mini is my main guitar. So comfortable to hold and play. Looks amazing, and sounds sweet. I got a first year model. The top is becoming clearer in detail sounds. Perfect for finger-style playing too.

The case is top notch! Very sturdy. A lot has been said of the ES2 system. I've never had any eqing problems with it. Its a plus for impromptu jamming in a club. I love this guitar so much!

It has gone up in price $ since I got mine in 2020. I'm also happy to say that, if something were to happen to my guitar, I can easily replace it at the current price.

If your on the fence with this one? Don't be. This maybe the greatest guitar you will ever own. Truly a marvel for affordable acoustic guitars with ebony fretboards and bridge! No other manufacturer comes close to the quality that Taylor put into this model.

But this guitar TODAY!!!! You will thank yourself for it.

Plays great. Sounds great. Comfortable. Premium case. It's perfect if you never travel… or if you always travel. And I haven't had any problems with big changes in humidity. From Miami to Las Vegas, the mountains of Colorado, and everywhere in between- The playability has always been great. Kudos to Taylor for putting out a great product. And kudos to Sweetwater for their excellent customer service!

Like others have said, this guitar can do it all. I play this at live acoustic gigs and people are amazed by the sound. I run it through my TC Helicon play acoustic but it sounds great even without the added effects. Super comfortable to play which is why I originally went to the mini models. I have this one and the eKoa and the ES2 pickup system is definitely better sounding than the ESB, but I have used both live and received complements from other musicians in attendance on the impressive voicing and dynamic range out of this mini.

I already had one GS Mini (spruce top), but the KOA plus was a temptation I couldn't pass up. It's more than just a go to guitar for me. For me, the GS mini guitars are just pure genius. The case is also very noteworthy not your typical soft case at all. It's super sturdy as a perfect fit.
Although I gravitate toward larger guitars (Taylor 210e DLX & 714), I find the GS mini's irresistible to play.
They have a special tone to them that can't be duplicated. I'm more articulate with the fretboard because of its size, but I'm never disappointed by the tone and the quality sound. I'm not at all shocked why the GS mini guitars are so popular.

As a newer guitar player, I wanted to get the most for my money. I love the sound of an acoustic and wanted a warm sound that could be heard clearly. I am only 5' tall and a smaller build so I've had my challenges finding the right size and sound. I'd had a full-sized Ibanez and full-sized Yamaha. They were ok but not really what "fit" me. I researched a lot on line, spoke to many guitar players about pros & cons to look for. Then i sat myself and played just about every acoustic in the room. FINALLY, I came across the Taylor GS mini in Koa wood with Starburst pattern. Yes, I believed I'd found what I was looking for. I called Sweetwater and chewed my rep's ear off with questions and bought my Little Mac. It's beautiful warm tones are gorgeous and it fits me like a glove. Ever one of my friends that see me with it say it looks like it was custom-made to fit me. It holds it's tuning like I've never seen before and sounds just as lovely when I plug her in as when I'm home plunking around. We will be best pals for many years to come.

IT Plays good, and it look nice. I have a PRS I like a lot to. The GS Mini-e Koa Plus is real mice.

This GS Mini Koa Plus is absolutely incredible. The tone is beautiful and it looks like a piece of art - even better looking in person! Special thanks to Ryan Springer, who is so helpful that every purchase is a pleasurable experience. He answers all of my questions and follows up promptly with every inquiry. I will never buy a guitar or any other musical equipment from anywhere else. Shipping was quick and the box was packed perfectly so even my UPS man couldn't damage anything (although it looked like he tried!) I can't put this guitar down! Everything I play sounds so much better! In case you're wondering how the Mini looks next to a Taylor 324ce, I added a photo of them next to each other.

We bought this for our daughter for graduation. She has smaller hands and wanted a great-sounding guitar that would work for her...her dreadnought was just too big. She absolutely loves it. It is beautiful to look at and has a marvelous tone. The ES2 electronics are definitely worth the upgrade. I can actually see recording the DI at the same time as a microphone with this instrument. Really, really impressed with what Taylor did in making this sound like such a balanced, warm and full instrument given the smaller size. Highly recommended - God bless!

I'm so happy I finally got my hands on a GS Mini Koa Plus! The sound, feel and look are outstanding. It plays so much more comfortably on the porch swing, lounging on the couch and even in bed, with the sound of a full bodied guitar. My 616CE probably won't see daylight very much now. The local music store that has taken care of my needs greatly since 1987 recently went out of business, no other guitar shops around gave me that same feeling so i decided to buy online from Sweetwater and i have been very impressed with the whole process. I wouldn't ever hesitate to buy another guitar sight unseen from them again.

Thank you, Sam

Tried the mini Koa but hated the ESB system. Traded for Mini Plus and what a difference! I show it to all my musician friends and they are always impressed. Spend the extra couple of dollars on a set up. Plays like butter and sounds like thunder! Fast becoming my favorite guitar.

I purchased this instrument through Sweetwater, and have to say that this instrument isn't just a crown jewel of the GS Mini line. It's one of Taylor's best guitars overall.

The build, playability, sound, tonality, and loos of the instrument all meet the highest standards of Craftsmanship. As a Midwesterner, I love the stability that the layered sides and back provide. An all-wood instrument is far more effected by our temperature and humidity changes, where this guitar remains very consistent.

And, guitar sounds as good as it looks.

I own a 214ce (Spruce and Layered Koa), and this guitar sounds even better, to my ears, matches the 214ce in every way, which is really incredible for a small-bodied and shorter-scale instrument.

It's a great practice instrument, a great travel instrument, a great first guitar, a great stage guitar, and could just as easily be part of a collection as it could be an only and primary stage instrument.

The guitars coming out of their Baja, Mexico plant prove that you can get a professional-quality Taylor instrument without having to break the bank.

Really cool little acoustic that has very good tone unplugged and through an amp. I have a size 12 ring finger and have no issues fretting chords. Chris and Sweetwater made the transaction effortless and it arrived in perfect condition within a couple of days. Would highly recommend this guitar and Sweetwater.

This guitar has a beautiful voice. The size makes it a much better fit for my office, too. I'll very happy so far.

If you're worried that this Taylor won't have enough sound or anything else that larger guitars come with, think again. This Taylor sounds beautiful, with the same high end electronics on it that much more expensive full size Taylors have. And MAN is it a pretty looking piece of art as well--great purchase!

Thanks to Jerrod as well, my Sweetwater sales engineer who really helped me through the buying experience.

I have several high end Taylor's at home but I have been having some right shoulder issues, so I decided to purchase the Taylor mini. It was delivered a couple of days ago and I can't stop playing it! Wow....Can't believe how great this sounds and feels. I don't even want to play my other guitars...just picking up this one....Amazing!

This deeper toned color of the GS Mini Koa Plus sounds fantastic. This is the 4th GS Mini that I have and this one takes the cake. My only wish is that the electronics will hold up because other GS Mini models have defective pre-amps. So far this one has had no issues.

I received my new Taylor GS-mini-e Koa plus guitar a week or so ago. It is probably one of the most beautiful, best-sounding guitars I have ever owned. I bought it because I already had another GS-mini among my guitar arsenal (I have over a dozen "tools of the trade") and had already been impressed with the playability, size (I'm a petite woman) and warm sound. The new GS-mini is -- if possible -- even more amazing, because (even though it doesn't have a built-in tuner on the shoulder, as with my other GS-mini) it features a much larger volume knob, which was among the reasons I purchased it. My new guitar looks beautiful; the koa wood is stunning in itself, and provides a rich and robust sound. The larger volume knob makes throwing in a solo much easier. The lower weight means I can stand on stage for longer sets holding it, and the action is superb -- smooth and comfortable. I cannot say enough good things about this ax, and as soon as possible, I'll send Sweetwater a photo of me playing it with one of my bands for your "new guitar day" pages. Thanks, y'all!

I drove 2.5 hours to Sweetwater to check out the Taylor selection. I had a worker bring out the gs mini Koa plus and once he played it I knew what I wanted. I left with my first brand new Taylor and couldn't be happier with my purchase. The staff were very friendly and helpful! I'll definitely be going back…SOON!

As the other Taylors I own, the balance of sound on the GS Mini is no different, especially for a guitar of it's size. As with all Taylors, it has bright highs, warm mids & deep lows. The portability of this guitar is a very important factor. It's protective Aero gig bag and compact size make it a great traveling companion. It's a perfect carry-on for flights, fitting snuggly in the overhead. I'm looking forward to many years of playing it. So far, so good!

Although I already have a GS Mini (spruce top), I always wanted a Koa acoustic. My dream came true when my new Koa GS Mini arrived from Sweetwater today. It is a pleasant guitar to play and worthy of public and studio performance. I'm fond of the Academy 12 as well, and I'll never be convinced between the two of them that Taylor makes an entry level guitar. You certainly get more than your money's worth with both.
The GS Mini Koa Plus is an exceptional guitar. It also has a beautiful finish. It kind of reminds me of a western look. I'm excited to find the voice if this guitar over time, but knowing Taylor, I won't be disappointed. In closing, I would be wrong not to mention the soft case it comes with. Remarkable workmanship. This a very serious package deal with the case.

Longtime Martin player here, but have been eyeing these for some time more as a stage guitar. Always been a huge fan of the Taylor expression system too.

But man, I can't put this thing down. Sure it sounds much thinner than a D28, but plugged it it is so bright and expressive and brings more than enough low end. And acoustic it is just really fun to play. You pick it up and go. It is comfortable, great action, looks phenomenal.

I fear it may ruin me regarding full size guitars :(

This guitar is beautiful and fascinating. That's not enough. It took me a while to get it set up just right for me with the right medium gauge strings and truss adjustments, but now it's a WOW! I love everything about it. It's a marvel of size, feel, and sound too. I am so glad it's in my stable of 4 Martin dreadnoughts and a Martin OOO. Well done Taylor. I love to play it which is really the whole point.

It has a big, full sound despite its size. One of the best investments I have ever made.

I recently purchased my new guitar: Taylor GS Mini! I am still in love with my new guitar. It sounds awesome, robust, looks great, and feels wonderful to enjoy it. It has character, great design!

The Taylor GS Mini Koa Plus is a well made instrument and sounds nice and full with some warmth. It's extremely light but it feels like it's built with quality components. I'm 6'1 and even though it's smaller than a full size acoustic, it doesn't look like a tiny guitar either. The case feels just as protective as a hard case.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a GS Mini Koa + before Christmas and it's become the one I like to reach for first. That is despite it being "undersized", having a layered body and it being my least expensive guitar by far. It is simply a joy to hold and play every day, especially while standing and using a strap.

The volume, tone and sustain coming from this little Koa body are remarkable and great for playing any style, particularly with open tunings and slack key. With its rounded back and special X-bracing it is punchier than many larger V-class Builders Editions and the new Edgeburst Koa finish gives it a warmer, more mature voice than any of the other GS-Mini tonewoods. It is hard to to explain, but easy to hear. The ES2 electronics take it to another level.

The padded hardshell Aerocase is fantastic, tough, and fits like a glove. All in all this Taylor guitar is a fantastic bargain.

My advice: if you see one in stock - grab it quick. It is rare to find one in the wild these days. Call Zach in the Guitar Dept, he is a Sweetwater Wiz and will help you hunt one down.

This small guitar not only sounds great, but is so good looking. So glad I bought it. Has a big sound for such a small package. The Koa wood is so beautiful.

What can I add that others haven't... I cannot express strongly enough how awesome the *depth of tone* is from this guitar!! Slightly warmer, darker than standard Koa model. Exactly what I was seeking and ES2. It's focused, well balanced EQ, crystal. I'm struck daily how pretty the tone is. Allow me to encourage you to purchase if you happen to be on the fence.

My order took 6 weeks as I anticipated during this pandemic Autumn 2020. I also want to thank Sweetwater and Patrick Ortiz for their customer service excellence!

Bought this from a different source as Sweetwater was out of stock for so long. Guitar arrived in good condition, case inside was bagged in plastic to protect from moisture. The guitar sounded very tight and 'choked' on first few days as others have mentioned. After a few days, the strings were broken in and the guitar opened up a lot. The sound is excellent for such a small guitar. The fretboard is a little cramped for someone with big hands, but manageable. Overall, a little pricey for what you get, but very nice tone throughout the range. Nice finish in appearance, but my particular instrument looked like it could have used a little more sanding on the back pre-finishing stage. Not a big deal; they must be cranking these out. Plenty of volume for its size, and sound is pleasing enough to play and enjoy at low volume. The case: Wow! I had read that the case was good, but it is even better than expected. The case is a huge part of this deal that pushes it up to 5 stars and makes the purchase totally worth it. Hats off to Taylor for making a case that is even better than this excellent guitar deserves. Great looks, superb support and protection, great fit as a backpack, quality construction.

I ordered this back in May and it took a little while to finally arrive and may I say, it was well worth the wait. I am currently working from home during this Pandemic and my home office is getting a bit cramped. I wanted to have light and smaller guitar to quickly pick up and play at my desk in between Zoom meetings. I based my purchase on the many positive reviews out there for the Mini Taylor line. This little beauty is new to that line and I just loved the warm mahogany color, so I set my sights on this guitar. It has ended up being the perfect choice. I just love playing this guitar so much. Its so comfortable and playable and the tone is warm and bright and surprisingly loud for it's size. I never played or owned a Taylor before. I now like it more than my Martin and am thinking that I may someday get a full size Taylor, but that will be down the road. If you are at all considering this guitar, you won't go wrong. Just get it.

This thing feels. The curvature of the back melds to your body as you strum your favorite chord, and feel it run through your whole body.

As stated, it took a week for mine to settle. It sometimes seems to play itself, and I'm just along for the song and the ride. ES2 with koa..... more, now, again. I went to light strings and can't look back. It's as loud in a room as my full-size, and sounds like the most expensive Taylor you can buy live. There literally is not a reason to pass on this guitar.

Special shoutout to Cristian Good. Dude has helped me get everything I need promptly, followed up on every piece of inquiry I have, and been a good sport with my persistence. Thanks Sweetwater. Thank you Taylor. Last but not least I have to thank myself for buying it, because it's that good. No joke.

I am loving this guitar the more I play it. I even tuned it 2 steps lower and actually liked it better to fit my singing voice. It makes me feel like I'm playing a guitar with natural reverb. I did not like it that much on the first week I got it, likely from the new strings needing to settle down. After playing it over and over again + maintaining good room temperature indoors, it sounded really great after a week. Highly recommended for strumming and fingerstyle. A bit tricky for me to do fingerstyle at first on it due to feeling of a natural reverb on it since I mostly play my classical guitar that's more flat sounding compared to this Gs mini. Once I learned to adjust my fingerpicking technique for this guitar, I end up playing it more and more. Thanks to both Sweetwater and Taylor for this awesome guitar! Now I see why I both need a Martin and a Taylor , different but great, will suit different kinds of songs. Just depends what sound I'm looking for.

Have you ever met someone and knew instantly that it was meant to be? Well, that's how I feel about this guitar. I don't just love it, I am IN love with it. What an amazing and beautiful guitar! I like the uniqueness of this model,too; each one seems to have it's own pattern in the Koa top. It is Gorgeous. The neck and fingerboard makes it super easy to play, like all Taylors. Plus, the guitar has a beautiful voice, across the entire range, with great sustain.

I have had it a little over a week, and haven't played my other guitars since. And the aero case it comes with is super sturdy and tough, good looking, and has a pretty and very plush interior. I highly recommend this guitar.

And of course, if you don't know already, Sweetwater can't be beat. Thanks to the great customer service and the care and love you give to us and these musical instruments. It is greatly appreciated.

I own a Taylor Grand Orchestra 618ce and a Martin dreadnaught. Have been playing for 40 years. Love the Taylor brand and ordered myself one of these GS mini koa+ models from sweetwater. Arrived two days ago after several months on preorder and all i can say is wow. Already my favorite guitar. Cant put it down. Amazing sound from such a small guitar. Good bass, quick action off the fretboard. Great range and amazing tone So comfortable to play while sitting in any chair of the house, and the koa! What a beautiful looking guitar. Case has cool backpack straps. What more do you need to know? Buy it and you wont regret it i promise Sweetwater customer service rocks also! They were in touch with me every step of the way and are great to work with.

Nothing about guitar's that's for sure. But I know I love the guitar. One small gripe would be that the 9v battery holder appears to be mislabeled or the leads were swapped in manufacturing. I had to install the battery backwards to get the pickup working. And, so far the Sweetwater experience has been great.

I am disappointed at the high action on the Taylor Mini. I previously bought two Martin baby guitars and one other Martin (GPA3) from Sweetwater, and the actions were excellent. I know that the 55 point inspection doesn't have anything to do with playability. I got a card in the case saying if you want good action that you need to order it when you buy the guitar. I'll either have to deal with it (and probably not use it very often) or drive 60 miles each way to Lay's Guitar Shop in Akron and pay $100 to get it done. I trusted Taylor to ship guitars with better action.