Taylor GS Mini review

Taylor pitches the GS Mini at new players looking for a comfortable first guitar as well as travelers, and lists it at $499 on its US site. It uses a solid torrefied spruce top with layered sapele back and sides, a tropical mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard, with a 23-1/2 inch scale that is about two inches shorter than a dreadnought. Taylor says the slender neck and low action give a relaxed feel, and a staff answer on the product page gives the factory action as 5.5/64 inch on the bass side and 3.5/64 inch on the treble side. A structured gig bag is included. Two caveats for beginners: it ships with medium .013 gauge coated strings, which Taylor says can be swapped for lights with a small loss of volume, and the small body cannot match a dreadnought's bass. The plain GS Mini has no pickup; the GS Mini-e versions add electronics at a higher price.

Who it is for

beginners who want a compact guitar that travels

Price

$499 on Taylor's US site when checked; includes a structured gig bag.

GS Mini $ 499 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Solid torrefied spruce top with layered sapele back and sides
• 23-1/2 inch scale and 1-11/16 inch nut
• Ebony fretboard and bridge, NuBone nut
• Patented Taylor neck for adjustability
• Structured gig bag included

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Short scale and slender neck make fretting easier
• Strength: Gig bag included
• Strength: Taylor publishes its factory action for this model
• Weakness: Ships with medium .013 strings, which are stiffer than lights
• Weakness: Smaller body has less bass than a dreadnought
• Weakness: No pickup on this version (GS Mini-e models add one)

Key facts

• Body: GS Mini (scaled-down Grand Symphony)
• Top: Solid torrefied spruce
• Back and sides: Layered sapele
• Scale length: 23-1/2 inches
• Nut width: 1-11/16 inches
• Strings: D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013 to .056)

Where it ranks

Taylor GS Mini is No. 2 in our Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars verdict.