As a Taylor artist, former Minnesotan, and fellow ambient pedal lover, I really appreciate your straightforward presentation and great playing. Thank you! Keep it up 👍
@@AmbientEndeavors I've just got my '95 812C that has been my touring guitar forever, but have other boutique guitars for the studio. I originally found you during the pandemic when I went down the rabbithole building my pedalboard. Now I'm making YT tutorials as well, so it's great to see all the different ways of presenting material.
Great video. As my collection has grown, my gs mini has been bumped from hanging on the wall to the gig bag in the closet. Today I pulled her out and played her for the first time in years. I couldn’t believe how good it sounded and how fun it is to play. Thanks for posting.
Your audio is superb. Very clear great quality. Audio and video look great. I own 3 Taylors and each has its own tone. Gs mini e rosewood 214ce dlx and AD 12e SB. All wonderful. No regrets.
thanks for the kind words! Those are some great guitars! the -14 models are iconic , they were wildly popular when I started playing guitar almost 20 years ago. thanks for watching!
I've had the original GS Mini since it ever came to the market... Forever ruined my standard for a travel guitar... It truly is an amazing instrument. You did justice with this recording!!! Thank you for sharing :)
I have one and it’s a great guitar. The one int be video is an acoustic electric, not the $599 version. Lots of studio gear and effects and eq can make it sound a little different/better than what most people might experience. Also the mini is susceptible to neck resets but are easy for a qualified Taylor tech to handle.
well, I don't think it was even $599 when I bought it 10+ years ago, but yea the current "E" models are a bit more. A worthwhile note about the neck , mine required that recently from my tech but only after sitting mostly unplayed for years. I didn't realize these were actually pseudo bolt-on necks.
Great playing, great sounding guitar. The big secret about Taylor, which isn't really a secret among luthiers and seasoned players, is that the ones that cost less than $1000 sound so close to the much more expensive models, for most players it probably doesn't make sense to buy above the 200 series. There's a great video with a player doing a demo of the 214 to 314 on TH-cam, the 214 happens to be X-braced and a lot of people watching that, myself included much preferred the 214 tone... The things that make Taylor guitars so great is the precision milling with CNC machines, their guitars have the best intonation of any big builder, they are probably 4-5 years ahead in assembly line automation. It's also in their unique neck carve, fretboard radius, etc... the way their wood is conditioned and the tops are built, all of this very consistent between the two Taylor factories. The factory in Mexico where they build the GS Mini is only about a 45 minute drive to the USA headquarters in El Cajon. The top wood is conditioned exactly the same... The GT line was Taylor's attempt to create a made in the USA all solid wood take on the GS Mini and it's not done well, rumor is that model across all series all be discontinued.
I think there’s something to be said about what we expect from an acoustic guitar. I have a great J-45 that has warmth and boom, but sometimes I pickup my small body laminate import that has some twang and treble. One is not inherently good or bad, especially when you think about the music you want to express and the player that you are. The GS Mini is one of those guitars that do something a little bit different and is unique to itself!
totally agree. it's its own thing; and while it sounds like a small guitar, bright and present in a way that you can't really "dial out" - it's a unique and cool sound for the contexts that call for that, and as you mention, something you just can't get from a larger bodied dreadnought, jumbo, etc.
It sounds so good because you are playing it so well. It’s size means you have to treat it gently and sensitively to get the best from it. I had a 310ce for about a decade. It really was fantastic but I hardly ever played it as electric guitar is where I’ve been at for a long time now. With a fair amount of money in that guitar I decided to trade it in for an inexpensive Rathbone acoustic and a wedge of cash that I then reinvested in a T type I found in a shop in Netherlands in 2023. Guitar and Beans in Leiden is a guitar and coffee shop. Erik makes a line in house called Cortardo. It’s really as good as Fender make - he’s had people trade their Fenders in. I’ve picked up the Rathbone probably 7 times in the 11 months I’ve had it. I’ve played the Cortado TE loads and written and recorded with it numerous times. It was the right decision. That said my buddy Phil from Bleak District Electric released an excellent two track single recently of ambient music that included some acoustic. That got me thinking about how I might explore incorporating acoustic for album four. I’m already experimenting with midi instruments for the firs time so adding acoustic would add to the soundscape too. We shall see what comes out in the wash. 😊
love it! yeah, I think we're on similar wavelengths. I like what acoustic timbre adds in the mix of a washy ambient piece. Fun to experiment with new sounds and approaches!
Would love to see some Orangewood guitars reviews! They have great offerings, model-wise, and I think their business model is cool, but as a side effect of that business model it’s hard to ever test one out in person.
I hope they continue to make the current line of GS minis, but it's time Taylor came out with a version that has more string spacing and a fatter neck to allow people like myself with larger hands, to play the instrument comfortably. Having the two editions would not only help folks like me but would also benefit Taylor financially.
Excellent artistry playing and recording. I admire what your doing. I can. not find the information of which wood type your model is in this video. I have two already but like yours a little better. Pease answer me?
thanks for the kind words and for watching! I was scratching my head to remember which it was; it was so long ago I bought this. I *think* it's a mahogany top. all the sitka spruce tops I see online look much lighter than mine. That's my best guess!
I was touring around the world with my Koa version of Mini GS for years but didn’t like the sound of the built in electronics . From small bars to big festivals. It's a great songwriting, travel, jamming and recording guitar 10/10. But for stage performance I'd give it a 4/10, I've had mine for 11 years. Jonah Lake
I bought a Guild OM260 CE Deluxe recently it is in the same price range. I love mine i need to file the bridge down a little but other than that its great
I havve 2 early GSminis' both like yours and the same electronics. Can I ask what strings and gauge your are using? At the time ours were said to be mahogany which I was confused about and the Sepelle word they used to use. My daughters GS mini (for Sale) and mine wonderful in the studio. Neither one looks like yours which appears warmer and a little darker. In your verbal description you mention the top being "Layered Mahogany top" later you say "solid wood tops" so that confused me . What did you mean? Laminated? I checked both of ours, and they appear to be a sold wood soundboard decking. I thought yours sounded a little warner. I see all three settings are the same at about 40% up. I do wish Taylor would add and use the wood type name, in the Id labeling Serial and Model. Woods can very a lot, I also have 2 very high end Solid KOA guitars one is a Taylor. Thanks again for the help responses.
Yeah I believe mine is a solid mahogany top; I think it most closely resembles the "Neo-tropical mahogany" that's on the Taylor site, but I honestly just can't remember - it was so long ago and as you mentioned, there's nothing signifying what wood it is on the labeling, etc.
I think these are .12s , stringjoy I believe. I should know this, I just don't have a standard for acoustic yet so it's whatever my tech put on it at setup.
![Shootout + Opinion: HARLEY BENTON GS-TRAVEL-E vs. TAYLOR GS MINI-E [MAHOGANY]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WUoZ4-DTMhs/mqdefault.jpg)
As a Taylor artist, former Minnesotan, and fellow ambient pedal lover, I really appreciate your straightforward presentation and great playing. Thank you! Keep it up 👍
Aw, thanks man, appreciate it! What model(s) are you rocking?
@@AmbientEndeavors I've just got my '95 812C that has been my touring guitar forever, but have other boutique guitars for the studio. I originally found you during the pandemic when I went down the rabbithole building my pedalboard. Now I'm making YT tutorials as well, so it's great to see all the different ways of presenting material.
Gosh such beautiful sounds as always
Is an ambient pedal used in this recording?
Your production is amazing. Really loved the little asmr textures you tucked in there. Your stuff RULES
Thanks man! Appreciate it!
Great video. As my collection has grown, my gs mini has been bumped from hanging on the wall to the gig bag in the closet. Today I pulled her out and played her for the first time in years. I couldn’t believe how good it sounded and how fun it is to play. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching! Cool you’re getting reacquainted with the GS mini, I had a similar experience shooting this vid. Impressive little guitar!
Your audio is superb. Very clear great quality. Audio and video look great. I own 3 Taylors and each has its own tone. Gs mini e rosewood 214ce dlx and AD 12e SB. All wonderful. No regrets.
thanks for the kind words! Those are some great guitars! the -14 models are iconic , they were wildly popular when I started playing guitar almost 20 years ago. thanks for watching!
I've had the original GS Mini since it ever came to the market... Forever ruined my standard for a travel guitar... It truly is an amazing instrument. You did justice with this recording!!! Thank you for sharing :)
it really is something; they did a beautiful job from the start on these and it was fun to see that they record really well too. Thanks for watching!
@@AmbientEndeavors Thanks for the reply! The only bad things is it make me want to get the koa or the mahogany version.. lol
I have one and it’s a great guitar. The one int be video is an acoustic electric, not the $599 version. Lots of studio gear and effects and eq can make it sound a little different/better than what most people might experience. Also the mini is susceptible to neck resets but are easy for a qualified Taylor tech to handle.
well, I don't think it was even $599 when I bought it 10+ years ago, but yea the current "E" models are a bit more.
A worthwhile note about the neck , mine required that recently from my tech but only after sitting mostly unplayed for years. I didn't realize these were actually pseudo bolt-on necks.
I have two Taylor’s, and yes one is a gs mini rosewood! Sounds great plays great 👍
love it! they're fun little guitars to have around!
Nicely done, Andrew. The Taylor T5z's are a really nice, easy playing guitar. Light, thin body that falls right in between an electric and acoustic.
It’s been AGES since I’ve played a T5. Would be fun to revisit those
SO many guitars. SO many pedals. So little time...
Great playing, great sounding guitar. The big secret about Taylor, which isn't really a secret among luthiers and seasoned players, is that the ones that cost less than $1000 sound so close to the much more expensive models, for most players it probably doesn't make sense to buy above the 200 series. There's a great video with a player doing a demo of the 214 to 314 on TH-cam, the 214 happens to be X-braced and a lot of people watching that, myself included much preferred the 214 tone... The things that make Taylor guitars so great is the precision milling with CNC machines, their guitars have the best intonation of any big builder, they are probably 4-5 years ahead in assembly line automation. It's also in their unique neck carve, fretboard radius, etc... the way their wood is conditioned and the tops are built, all of this very consistent between the two Taylor factories. The factory in Mexico where they build the GS Mini is only about a 45 minute drive to the USA headquarters in El Cajon. The top wood is conditioned exactly the same... The GT line was Taylor's attempt to create a made in the USA all solid wood take on the GS Mini and it's not done well, rumor is that model across all series all be discontinued.
I think there’s something to be said about what we expect from an acoustic guitar. I have a great J-45 that has warmth and boom, but sometimes I pickup my small body laminate import that has some twang and treble. One is not inherently good or bad, especially when you think about the music you want to express and the player that you are. The GS Mini is one of those guitars that do something a little bit different and is unique to itself!
totally agree. it's its own thing; and while it sounds like a small guitar, bright and present in a way that you can't really "dial out" - it's a unique and cool sound for the contexts that call for that, and as you mention, something you just can't get from a larger bodied dreadnought, jumbo, etc.
that intro is perfect
aw thanks man , appreciate it :)
It sounds so good because you are playing it so well. It’s size means you have to treat it gently and sensitively to get the best from it. I had a 310ce for about a decade. It really was fantastic but I hardly ever played it as electric guitar is where I’ve been at for a long time now. With a fair amount of money in that guitar I decided to trade it in for an inexpensive Rathbone acoustic and a wedge of cash that I then reinvested in a T type I found in a shop in Netherlands in 2023. Guitar and Beans in Leiden is a guitar and coffee shop. Erik makes a line in house called Cortardo. It’s really as good as Fender make - he’s had people trade their Fenders in. I’ve picked up the Rathbone probably 7 times in the 11 months I’ve had it. I’ve played the Cortado TE loads and written and recorded with it numerous times. It was the right decision. That said my buddy Phil from Bleak District Electric released an excellent two track single recently of ambient music that included some acoustic. That got me thinking about how I might explore incorporating acoustic for album four. I’m already experimenting with midi instruments for the firs time so adding acoustic would add to the soundscape too. We shall see what comes out in the wash. 😊
love it! yeah, I think we're on similar wavelengths. I like what acoustic timbre adds in the mix of a washy ambient piece. Fun to experiment with new sounds and approaches!
Would love to see some Orangewood guitars reviews! They have great offerings, model-wise, and I think their business model is cool, but as a side effect of that business model it’s hard to ever test one out in person.
totally! in the works...
I hope they continue to make the current line of GS minis, but it's time Taylor came out with a version that has more string spacing and a fatter neck to allow people like myself with larger hands, to play the instrument comfortably.
Having the two editions would not only help folks like me but would also benefit Taylor financially.
yeah this is a great call. I too find the smaller neck/fretboard a bit uncomfortable when playing for long periods of time.
There’s a reason why Taylor is one of the best
they certainly make a great guitar, and have an undeniably recognizable tone.
Excellent artistry playing and recording. I admire what your doing. I can. not find the information of which wood type your model is in this video. I have two already but like yours a little better. Pease answer me?
thanks for the kind words and for watching! I was scratching my head to remember which it was; it was so long ago I bought this. I *think* it's a mahogany top. all the sitka spruce tops I see online look much lighter than mine. That's my best guess!
I love mine. My lil pal for almost a decade.
Love it! They definitely made a splash when the line was announced, cool that they have had such a staying power with players.
I was touring around the world with my Koa version of Mini GS for years but didn’t like the sound of the built in electronics . From small bars to big festivals. It's a great songwriting, travel, jamming and recording guitar 10/10. But for stage performance I'd give it a 4/10, I've had mine for 11 years.
Jonah Lake
I bought a Guild OM260 CE Deluxe recently it is in the same price range. I love mine i need to file the bridge down a little but other than that its great
Very nice! Spoiler alert: the next guitar up in the series is a guild ds240e :)
Im torn between this and the MArtin 000jr-10 which has a slightly wider nut
that looks interesting too, and I'd be into that wider nut width. Haven't played that particular Martin but seems like a notable comparable.
Great playing! What size of string is on it?
thank you! I think I'm using 12s on this, although don't quote me ha.
I havve 2 early GSminis' both like yours and the same electronics. Can I ask what strings and gauge your are using? At the time ours were said to be mahogany which I was confused about and the Sepelle word they used to use. My daughters GS mini (for Sale) and mine wonderful in the studio. Neither one looks like yours which appears warmer and a little darker. In your verbal description you mention the top being "Layered Mahogany top" later you say "solid wood tops" so that confused me . What did you mean? Laminated? I checked both of ours, and they appear to be a sold wood soundboard decking. I thought yours sounded a little warner. I see all three settings are the same at about 40% up. I do wish Taylor would add and use the wood type name, in the Id labeling Serial and Model. Woods can very a lot, I also have 2 very high end Solid KOA guitars one is a Taylor. Thanks again for the help responses.
Yeah I believe mine is a solid mahogany top; I think it most closely resembles the "Neo-tropical mahogany" that's on the Taylor site, but I honestly just can't remember - it was so long ago and as you mentioned, there's nothing signifying what wood it is on the labeling, etc.
I think these are .12s , stringjoy I believe. I should know this, I just don't have a standard for acoustic yet so it's whatever my tech put on it at setup.
The guitar on this is it spruce top / sapele back ?
Is this rosewood?
It definitely looks like layered rosewood back and sides. As such, the top is solid spruce instead of mahogany 😅
is this GS Mini or GS Mini-e?
It’s an E - has electronics.
@ one last thing does it include a built in tuner?