GS Mini Koa ★ Detailed Guitar Review 

Out of all of my guitars, this one is my favorite! It is the perfect size for playing on the couch, at my desk, etc. The tone is incredible as is the playability. This may be the best purchase of my life. It has brought me back to playing and I now play daily. Thank you Taylor! You have enriched my life! Thanks for the video Tony!

Man, this is the first guitar I ever bought myself back in 2018, for my 18th birthday. It’s still my all time favorite acoustic guitar still, even after buying multiple after it. I’ve taken it everywhere from busking outside, to live acoustic gigs. I’m smaller, so it’s size is perfect for my height, and I have no complaints. I’ll always love this guitar

Every time I go to my local guitar shop I play this one and I love it. The finger board is unreal to me. It flows through my hands like butter

Tony! Your demos on Acoustic letter were the best ones on youtube. So happy I have found you again.

Walked into a Guitar Center today. Went into the acoustic room and after a quick look around this guitar just stood out from well over 200 guitars. I loved it! Will likely head back and get it.

I am in love with Koa guitars, and this one is no exception. Exceptional range and depth, with a low end that just doesn't stop. Even on the mini. Thanks for reviewing it!

I love Tony's guitar reviews the best because he actually TALKS in depth about the guitars, as opposed to everyone else who just rattle off the specs and then play the thing. We wanna hear PASSION!

I just bought one today and was floored when I first played it. I've always loved smaller guitars and parlor size, but this one being smaller than my Takamine parlour guitar with an even bigger, deeper sound. Great review. Loving this guitar!

I played this guitar at my local shop and I played a few guitars at this price point and I have to say this is probably the best I tried at that price

I am in love with that fret board

I just recently bought this guitar, and it looked so different from what is pictured online. I actually didn't like mine because of the light line down the center, but I grew to love it because wood has imperfections just like we humans do! This video made me feel ever greater about getting mine. Not only does it sound AMAZING when played, it feels amazing to play too!

This is the review that sold me! Just purchased a Taylor gs mini koa yesterday and it already shipped. Can’t wait to play this bad boy, thanks for reviewing it! I’m small, only 5’2 so hoping this is the perfect size. It’ll also be my first Taylor, so excited for that too 😊

I love all of your reviews, tony your such a source of knowledge. My heart is set on a Taylor grand concert or a Martin D13, I’m the sole provider for the family, so I don’t think I’ll ever own one of thous beautiful guitars that you play in guitar heaven but I sure love hearing them sing here!!! Keep singing them all praises

Guys, don't expect find the exact same guitar design as this guy. I've seen dozens of koas and none of them looks as good as the one in the video. He has probably the most good looking koa guitar you could possibly find and he doesn't even know it lol

This koa model sounds great. I have a GS Mini (mahogany) and I always liked mahogany best for its sound. Great review!!!

Firstly, thanks Tony for all your videos. Inspired by all the reviews, I went hunting for a GS Mini Koa. I looked at 8 different Koas and none had the white ‘tail’ styling on Tony’s Koa. I was told that some of the earlier models had that character. Anyway, bought one myself. Being a parlour size, easy to play on a lounge chair. Compared to all the rave reviews, I must confess to being slightly disappointed with the sound. Coming from all solid Dread, I guess a laminated guitar with only solid timber on the front will have limitations. Having watched another review by Tony on ToneRite, I went and bought it and stuck it on my Koa for 3 days at the lowest setting and it really woke up my GS mini. It really does sound sweet. So I am now very happy with my purchase and I probably play Koa more at home than my other guitars. Keep up the good work Tony!

I've never seen a GS Mini Koa this strikingly beautiful. Don't get me wrong, the 2 or 3 I've played look great (and of course sound great), but that is one of the most beautiful GS Mini Koa models I have ever seen. ^_^

Another great review, Tony. Thanks! I played the GS Mini e Koa today and was pretty blown away. Very comfortable too. I originally found ya on Acoustic Letter but just found this channel tonight. Subbed!

Finally got a chance to try one out just now, everything you say about these are true. Amazing that it can pump out that kind of volume and bass out of such a tiny guitar.

Just bought my wife the Taylor GS Mini-e Koa for her birthday from Sweetwater; as always, their services was fantastic and we got to choose between three different wood grain top patterns. I have had my Taylor 314ce for over a decade so I knew I could count on the reliability of Taylor when upgrading from my wife's Alvarez acoustic, which is a fantastic guitar but too big for her. Can't wait to hear how this one sounds next to my 314ce when we play acoustic duets. Great video review.

One of the best reviews I've seen on this guitar. Picking one up today. Great review!

I just picked up a GS Mini-e Koa Plus from Sweetwater and love it like crazy. I own my share of Taylor’s (5) and the GS is one of the best guitars I own. I have a 714 and T5Z amongst them and the two GS Mini’s I now have still rate at the top along with them. The GS is in a category all it’s own and a wonderful guitar. I should also mention that the case that comes with the GS’s is very rigid, sturdy, and of high quality as well.

Thanks for covering the GS Mini Koa 🙂I tried this one out at a local Guitar Ctr while picking up my Martin D28. I was instantly impressed and hooked. It will be joining my top 5 acoustic guitars.

This guitar sounds like it has a very warm rich tone! Tony this is a great review! Thanks!

I tried one of these today at Tom Lee Hk and I was mesmerized by its quality, looks, size and most of all, the tone. Wonderful guitar. And I dare to say I tried it in between some 3x expensive Martins and this one just sound perfect.

Great review brother (as always). Bought one of these when they first came out, threw on a good bone nut and saddle and man does it sound good all these years later!

just bought an Academy 10, and Im very satified, its basicly the gs mini's younger brother, with a bit bigger body..but the Koa looks fckn stunning!

Excellent reviews as always! Your reviews helped me out a lot as I live in a town with limited guitar shopping options. Of course it's no substitute to trying guitars yourself, but you really helped me narrow down the options and reduce the confusion! I've had my GS mini Koa since June and have played it and gigged with it loads. It was my first smaller guitar and at first I wasn't sure about the tone as it was quite diffferent to my aged Taylor 110, smaller guitars will always have a certain boxiness. Once I did some test recordings I found the GS mini head and shoulders above the 110 though - it's so articulate. I play in a ceilidh band where it always cuts through the mix brilliantly, my bass runs come through so well. The es2 pickup is great - natural sounding and reliable with a good tonal range. It's so small, light and portable and comes in a well designed semi-hard case - that really makes a huge difference when you're carrying around a guitar a lot. Tip! I added a pickguard to mine by cutting one out of a tablet screen protector just helps reduce the wear and tear and costs next to nothing.

I recently got a Taylor GS Mini-e Koa for my birthday, and it is awesome. It has great volume, size, and weight. I got a non-branded guitar from Thailand, but the mini sounds louder and better than it. I totally recommend getting one!!

Hi, Oh yeah...I had the same experience recently. Saw and tried one at Steve's Music in Montreal and...well...I was so impressed. The sound, feel, look...all so great. I bought it, and now I can't stop playing it. So much fun to play. It's comparable to finding the Red Violin! Thanks Tony for your great RU-vid review.

Got my GS Mini Koa last month and I couldn't be happier. From my understanding, the new models now come with the ES2 electronics - mine did!

Great review, as always. This has to be the prettiest GS Mini I've seen. One minor correction. Layered back (and sides) are not all koa. Thin outer layers are koa, but the middle layer is some pale wood. It's the same as on other GS Minis. Cheers

Love your reviews, and have been considering your advice since I decided to upgrade. This is a fantastic guitar. I picked one up last year when Taylor had a buy one get one sale and got it for $300! I also picked up a 214, which I use for teaching and gigs, but the koa is the one I always pick up to play at home. I also owned a mini mahogany, which I also loved, but I decided to give it to my son after I picked up the koa. Really can't go wrong with Taylor

I bought this guitar 18 month ago. Following Tony's advices. I don't regret it at all ! Thanks for your work man !

It sounds like a fully size guitar!!

The back is not 100% Koa. Do an internet search "layered koa" and you will find a description by Taylor, its a blend of veneer woods, check it out

Gorgeous sound and an awesome review. I just tried this at my local guitar shop and I'm in love, though it's out of my price range and I just bought the GS Mini Spruce top a month ago. But I have a birthday coming up so it's going on my list.

I saw a gs mini koa at guitar center and it didn't look anything like this, it looked like mahogany; if it looked like this one, I would have bought it.

Thanks Tony 👍I've owned the spruce top model for 5 years and love it. I May have to get this one too.

Just bought this guitar, glad I’m not the only one who loves it! Love at first pluck ;)

Your reviews helped me decide on a GS Mini spruce top a couple months ago. I love it.

Hi Tony I have been a frequent visitor of Acoustic letter over the years. Happy to see you start your own channel! Congrats! Love your version of Freight Train.

I tried all the GS Mini tone woods and the koa is my personal favorite. I’m saving up to buy one.

Really good looking guitar! I also bought one a year ago after watching lots of reviews. Can’t say mine is as beautiful as this one but it’s close! I love to see how unique they all are.

Got a koa Gs mini. Love it, and the best one to travel with!

Tony love your reviews heard this guitar and had to have one best purchase I've ever made hours of pure Koa joy playing it and I owe it all to you and Taylor

Love all your reviews. Well recorded, great camerawork. Fantastic channel. Love this guitar too, beautiful sound

thanks tony, your passion for guitars inspiring

Mansons Guitars in Exeter UK currently have 3 stunning examples in stock.. I tried one yesterday they are beautiful to play.

Tony please start reviewing Seagull guitars!!!

Went to the local store to buy a new Kapo... played for the GF in the acoustic room. This little guy was on sale newish slightly used... had to buy it. Expensive Kapo purchase babe haha

I wish I could find one with this exact body color lol it's the most beautiful one I've seen...

I tried this one and I love it! The sound is amazing!

Love your work Mr. Polecastro and another awesome review!

Thanks for the great review, Tony. I already have a Spruce/Rosewood GS mini. Love it. The Koa is a huge temptation. GAS. GAS. GAS.

just a random thought.. i like how your tattoo matches the outline of the guitar (3:44)!

Hey Tony, great Review! You were saying it is equipped with the ES-T, but isn't it the ES2? Anyways, love the GS mini :)

Good little camp porch picking buddy, this does have a nice warmth to it. beautiful mini, great job Taylor, thanks for the review Tony.

This review made me choose the GS Mini in Koa wood. I love love love it! So glad I watched this before going out to buy a new music machine :). Just recorded a couple of covers with it, guitar sounds ace :D. Thank you! All the best, T

Your playing punch is so good that this junior guitar like a big guitar!

I’ve been watching a ton of Taylor guitar videos and this may sound and look the best.

Just played this yesterday alongside a Martin d11e and thought the Taylor was miles better. I was so astonished. The next closet thing to this that I could get my hands on was the D13e which is like $600 more.

I have just bought one of these guitars, I can't play 5% of what Tony can play but it is a stunning guitar

Tony...I love watching your acoustic reviews and have purchased a guitar due to your reviews. I have the Taylor GS Mini Koa. I would like to know what is the best strings to put on the GS Mini? Thanks, Larry

Playing is at 3:13. You're welcome.

this is the MOST GORGEOUS Koa top i I have ever seen on the GS mini!

"Brilliance" is the best description; or mahogany on steroids.

It is a really nice and confortable guitar easy to play on it and good looking with a nice sound, i was about to get one but i took a k14ce builder's edition and i don't regret it because this is a much more beautiful guitar in the sound and in the shape but the GS is a good one for travelers 😉

This is a super nice guitar, for travel or just for jamming on the couch its perfect! :)

First of all, thanks for the vid! The guitar sounds and looks great. A question: In a previous video you recommended the mini Rosewood. Which one do you prefer the mini Rosewood or mini Koa? I'm going to pick one of the two, but I can't decide

that sweet koa sound…

Just got one and man the sound AMAZING!!👍

great demo. i'm in!

Wow... that sounds fantastic!

Hi Tony I know this is kind of old news but I was checking out your review and got excited about seeing the tabs. At least on my iPhone the links in the description aren’t any good. What happened?

I love mine and play it more than mt K26ce, very playable great tone

It'd be really cool if you could try and review some matons Tony, you don't see many reviews for them because they're just not well known. Or even Lowden guitars, also.

I swapped the strings out for heavy gauge martin phosphor bronze and it's nowhere near as bright as this video anymore but it's suddenly a blues beast

Oh Man...! I have one...Love this Guitar...

This is basically Railroad Tycoon soundtrack. Cool.

thanks for the video, you are very talented. A couple of questions: what kind of strings did you use? and what is that microphone you have to record the guitar's sound ? thank you!

Are you going to review the GS Mini-e Koa Plus? Would be amazing, thank you!

the biggest disadvant. of this pretty one is 14-th fret joining...why does travel guitar need it? I think it gives more unpractical moments.

Hi. is there any chance that i find the name of the song that you play just after Big Sandy River? thanks, mate.

I have this same model, and I tried out the Koa ePlus and the spruce ePlus. Neither in my opinion had the note articulation that this model has. Sure I could eq both of the others and get a great sound with the ES2 pickup system, but why pay more when this one has that sound right out of the box. The EST pickup system sounds great on this model with a boost on the low end. The other thing I notice is that he says this has the EST pickup system but it looks like the ES2. I know some of the earlier models had the ES2 or a variation of the EST that had the same three controls as the ES2. Matter of fact, I use this as my main guitar now over full scale Martin or Taylors. It just feels so comfortable to play. Might just get another one of these with a unique wood grain.

Just ordered one!

This one is an amazing looking guitar! Would love if reviewed the Guild Jumbo Junior or make a comparison between the Jumbo Junior and the GS Mini Koa.

I believe you had a show where you showed you seeing the guitar

Great review, which kind of batteries uses the electronics?

The back is actually koa layered on top of poplar

GS Mini is my favorite travel guitar. Aren’t the back and sides actually poplar sandwiched between layers of koa?

Thanks for this review. I'm thinking about getting the Koa as I'm branching out from my ukuleles - so Koa is for me with its Hawaiian connotations. Is the action low on this? Might have to try it in a shop before buying 🙄

Wow, that’s beautiful.

I've played it and it's not what I prefer although it does look very nice and others may like it. I have to use something with more sound like an hd35 because I play alot of leads and stuff

layered wood is laminated wood, alternating thin layers of wood and glue.

hey Tony! I've been watching your reviews and just today, I realized acoustic life is different from letter haha anyway, I've read on one of your comments on your videos that you prefer GSmini Mahogany over Matron D Jr, I'd like to know why? aesthetic? built? tone? I'd like to know :) fantastic new channel!

That top is amazing looking

It sounds great. I'm debating between this and the Taylor Academy 10e

Damn! What are doing with my guitar? It looks exactly like mine. Mine has about the same pattern, with the white stripe in the center. I had to put a red pick guard. Because, when my friend borrowed it, scratched with the pick.

I want it!!!