The Taylor GS Mini is nearly the same size as their Grand Concert guitars. A better comparison would be the Little Martin vs the Taylor Baby. I'd consider the GS Mini as a small 'proper' guitar rather than a travel guitar.
Since when did we start sizing guitars dependent on airline travel guidelines? The GS Mini is closer in size to a Grand Concert than what it is to a Taylor Baby or Little Martin.
Steve G Grand Concert is nearly 2" longer than GS Mini, but the Taylor Baby is nearly 2" shorter than the GS Mini so the GS falls in between on length. However, on body width, the GS Mini is only 5/8ths slimmer than the Grand Concert, and nearly 2" wider than the Taylor Baby, so on width the GS Mini is closer to the Grand Concert. When it comes to depth, the GS Mini a little deeper than the Grand Concert (4 7/16th vs 4 3/8ths) and over an inch deeper than the Taylor Baby. So, to summarize, out of 3 measurements (L/W/D) the GS Mini is closer in size to the Taylor Grand Concert in 2 of them (W & D) than it is the Taylor Baby, and on the length measurement sits more or less in the middle. Out of the three measurements, in not one is the GS Mini closer to the Taylor Baby. Grand Concert: L 19 1/2" W 15" D 4 3/8" GS Mini: L 17 5/8" W 14 3/8" D 4 7/16" Taylor Baby L 15 3/4" W 12 1/2" D 3 3/8" It's on the Taylor website if you want to check. I'm right, you're wrong. Goodnight.
I like them both but ....the GS is almost twice the price of the Martin, way bigger too. I have a little Martin LX1e and love it. The fishman pickup in it sounds great through a Fishman loudbox. I have a house full of guitars and play lil Martin more than any of the others. Very comfy while watching TV. GS sounds good acoustically but I don't like the sound of the add-on pick up.
I just picked up one of these Martin LX1e from my local Guitar Center. I love the size and the sound. Got it at 15% off the $439.00 tag price $374.00 or so, and I added 3 years of insurance on it for another $99.00 (covers nearly everything) The comparison between the LX1e and a Taylor Mini GS is apples and oranges....two completely different categories. This little Martin is Sweet !
Plugged in is a whole different story. The little Martin sounds full while the taylor sounds stringy. That’s typical for those guitars. For a finger picking style, one person singing and playing, Martin is better. For strumming style, full band, the taylor is better.
I am a fingerstyle guitarist. I tested both guitars (GS Mini and LX1E) at my local music store and ended up buying the Martin LX1E. The reasons: More comfort and easier to play, plug-in sound quality. It has been 4 years now and never regretted it.
Also thinking about Martin. It's small and good sounding. Taylor is more affected by humidity and has weaker pickups while having overall better sound.
I'm a owner of a little Martin lx1e. I like the bright clear "special" sound. A friend of mine ownes the taylor GS. It is a beautiful one. But for me i prefer the sound and handling of the martin.
I picked up the LX1E. When I first used it, it sounded very boxy but it has become more rich and crisp since I bought it. I like a smaller guitar and this seemed great. Would love the GS Mini though too.
Just wanted to say to everyone that this comparison was done because a lot of people had asked us to compare the two models. These are both two very unique guitars which both offer different features. Yes.....the baby Taylor vs the Martin LX1 would be a more exact comparison but this was not meant to compare "apples to apples" Just another comparison to help people make the right choice for there specific needs.
I bought a GS mini yesterday not the guitar I was looking for but I was recommended it by the sales person. I was blown a way from the start the sound was so bright . I have a shoulder injury and the size suited me perfectly it was really comfortable to play what can I say great sound from a small guitar.
The taylor sounds like a really good guitar but the lx1 just has a very distinctive sound. I noticed it at GC when I picked it up and was just startled by the unique tone. It sounds bigger than it is but it also sounds smaller than a standard guitar so it has this large but twangy sound that's freakin awesome. I loved this guitar way before I even knew sheeran used it on his albums but I was not surprised. It has tons of personality in the sound. Its like a rally car of guitars. Totally different than others and great in its specific range. If you are a fan of big, deep, and resonate tones you'll probably hate it. But there's a billion guitars like that if you have a thousand to spend. Ok now I'm rambling but I just think martin knocked out of the park with that thing
Does the Martin really compete with the GS Mini, though (approx. $100 - $150 in price difference, the significant size difference)? Wouldn't the Baby Taylor be more comparable in weight, portability, price, size?
Hey Brian, yes, you are correct. We've compared the GS Mini to the Baby Taylor and the Big Baby Taylor, but we keep seeing tons of questions about the Martin LX1, presumably because it's also a "travel guitar". We made this comparison video to help those interested in knowing the difference between these two guitars see that they're indeed in two different categories.
It’s funny reading all the comments who only compare these guitars based on tone. Of course the Taylor sounds “better” in this side by side. It’s bigger - that alone makes it an unfair comparison. But there is a trade off. You’re paying more for it and it’s not as portable. The Martin is better if portability is your main concern. I like them both. Play them both if you can, then decide which one meets your needs and budget. What is more comfortable to hold and play? What makes you want to play more? Which one will you take with you on a plane or a road trip and which one will get left at home because it’s too nice or you fear it could be damaged? When it comes to travel guitars, it’s not just about tone.
It's a comparison only in the sense that it's each company's "mini" guitar. The fact that Taylors is "better" doesn't mean it's not fair. Just that based on the criteria of the comparison (being mini) the Taylor wins by a long shot.
The Royal Architects there’s the Baby Taylor which much closer in size to this Martin than the Mini Taylor, many are saying that’s the more level comparison
Am contemplating getting Taylor GS mini as my dreadnought getting me down. Too old! The Taylor sounds far superior to Martin! Thank you for such a brillant review! I think you have answered my questions!
I'm shocked that the Martin sounds so cheap! I'm glad to know I made the right call buying a Taylor instead. My FIL owns a Martin and I had to overcome some family-loyalty silliness in order to go Taylor. :)
im glad you guys did this comparison just because of how often they are used interchangeably. BUT, no comparison at all. None. Zero. Martin is the far superior maker, but Taylor did something really special with that GS Mini. Martin could learn a thing or two.
I would honestly recommend the Martin over the Taylor if you're not wanting to spend a lot of money. I got mine yesterday with a case for 199.99 guitar center. It plays and sounds great and its very portable.
As an avid Martin player and enthusiast, nothing else in the market today can touch the GS Mini for what it is and the price point. As far as travel guitars go, all around no brainer!
I own(Ed) both of the superb guitars, very different to play and sonically. The Taylor is a superior creation but like a Yamaha lacks the mojo sparkle that I can find in the LX1E. In a concrete multi storey car park playing the blues the Martin fills the arena and amplified is as good as any acoustic I have ever played, I own some very expensive guitars and the Martin gets played about 80% more than all of them. A tribute to my dear friend, song writer and musician Phil Lonergan.
Watching and listening to this on my iPad I can say that the sound from the Taylor sound way better than the Martin, I think I would rather pay the extra for the Taylor
Better to compare LX1 with Baby Taylor, both of which fit the category of travel guitar. GS mini more comparable to the smallest full size guitars ( off the top of my head, Martin 028 or Larrivee Parlour). GS mini is outstanding in all areas. Best guitar I've found under £500. I've owned or still own all the guitars I've mentioned so have some basis for my comments. Happy playing to all!
I’ve got a Harley Benton GS travel, definitely not in the same league as regards prestige or maybe build quality to an extent but when you consider its price and playability it’s an absolute steal! OK I had to do a little bit of setting up and put new (Elexir) strings on it but having tried both of the reviewed guitars I just couldn’t justify the extra cost for what I wanted it for! My full size guitars are Taylor and Martin so I do know what the difference between cheap and expensive is and I do think both brands are superb quality!
The Martin sounds just like the Taylor would sound if it had a beach towel stuck inside the body. I wish the demo videos gave examples of how the electronics sound as well. But thanks for the review. It was well done as always.
Yes you nailed it there. Ukelele like = cheap, twangy, nylony, weak, toneless, gutless shite The Taylor owns the Martin in this clip big time. To be honest, a fitting end to this video would be stomping the Martin into splinters so nobody has to listen to that excuse for a guitar again.
Thoroughly excellent comparison. I have one of the original models of the Taylor and it's superb. The Martin also sounds good but with far less depth and bass ... nice for bright finger-picking tones.
Best review I've found on the topic thus far after an hour looking for a smaller parlor/travel guitars for my wife. I own a Taylor 314ce so I was leaning towards the Martin to give a totally "different" tone when we jam, but after this review I think it will be the Taylor. Love the sound and style of the Martin as well so I understand anyone picking the Martin in this shootout; but to my ear the Taylor is more crisp and clear tonally. Thanks for the great comparison review.
Martin built that guitar to a price, Taylor built a guitar frugally and then decided what they'd have to charge for it. Martin should not have strayed from their roots, if it had cost $1-200 more and actually been a good guitar they would've profited more. I'm a Martin fan and own 4, 2 of which are really nice, but my 10 year old daughter and I tried out guitars for her for Xmas and we both loved the GS mini mahogany. I find myself playing it over my d35 a lot. Of course that will change when Xmas comes and it's in her room.
I put both guitars and honestly I think that the Martin plays better.... But I still got the GS mini just because of the size and nobody gives a really nice tone and the gs mini projects really well
I came here to hear the Taylor and I might buy it, but that Martin has a very recognizable sound to it. The more I hear Martins the more I understand why they say if you want that sound to get a Martin. Sure the Taylor has a bigger sound but not as vintage.
So many asking if the baby taylor is not a better comparison. It typically is between those two and there is a comparison video of those two already. The point of this video is for those who wonder if it is worth spending a little more for the upgrade. This vid shows that if you can afford the extra 150$, and are not looking specifically for a 3/4 size, then the sound upgrade is worth it. Clearly if you do want a cheaper, 3/4 size guitar it is between the Lx1 and the taylor BT1/2
I have a GS min and was considering buying the LX1, but after watching this, I'm happy with my GS mini and don't feel like I'm missing much with the LX. But that's just my opinion.
Tell me please, how does the Taylor GS mini neck vs The Martin LX1 mini feel when you hold it in your hand, light or weighted? do your finger glide across the fret board? which is more playable? I could see visual and hear the difference in the tone, but it's when one holds a guitar in there hands they can say oh yeah, OK., this is the one thing i dislike about buying guitars by sight! --- In the 70's I once had a girl or should i say she once had a guitar and wouldn't sell it to me, after playing it, started looking for the name, so old the name was faded, it was a Martin mini, because of it's age super warm and the neck, playable with ease. 1958 keeps popping in my head, pretty sure it was 50's. it was older than me!...Thank You.
These are two vastly different guitars both in size and pricing. You should have compared the Martin to the Taylor Baby guitar(not the Big Baby). The sizes and pricing, as well as the sound, would have been a much better comparison. Having owned both the Martin and Taylor baby travel guitars and the GS Mini, hands down in comparing the two that you chose, the Taylor leaves the Martin in it's dust trail.
I have the LX1E and the GS Mini-E Koa, the GS is alot louder and fuller, but not as boxy and full as a standard sized guitar. Both travellable, as the taylor comes with a lovely padded bagpack. The lx1e is well rounded and has similar sustain, but the tone is alot different and more toyish, but sounds good when plugged in. The neck feels wider and flatter on the lx1e but also less space per fret. Both easy to play and great guitars but i think the GS mini sounds nicer.
Taylor, absolutely the best sound. Martin sound without right frequencies, is not rich of all the frenquency. Martin seems almost a dobro guitar in the sound. Taylor is the best between the two!
To me the difference would be am I looking for a small guitar that sounds really great (the Mini), or an even smaller guitar that won't be hurt by being near a campfire, being used to row the boat, low or high humidity, etc.
I've owned both. The little Martin felt like a to and is not real wood. The sound is jut ok. My Taylor GS mini is made better,sounds better and plays better. Bottom line. No contest. Taylor wins!
I like the Martin. It's an actual travel guitar and it sounds different from the Taylor. I disagree it is inferior in tone. Good review as ever. Lets us decide. Thank you
This is an apples and oranges comparison. The least expense Taylor GS Mini retails for $529 and the Martin LX1 with onboard electronics is $399. The Martin was made to compete with the Baby Taylor which the least expensive electro-acoustic model retails for $419 and was first to hit the market. In a side-by-side comparison of those two models the LX1 wins to my ears. The only complaint I have with the LX1 is that it sustains a little too much and requires more exacting fingering. A plus for both models is they were both available in lefties when I bought the Martin.
I don't know why you would spend the extra for the Taylor unless you think it sounds and fits that much better because in my opinion the lil Martin kicked ass!
guys chill I do get the boxy aspect of the LX but when picked I genuinely find it has that old-time sound which is basically what ppl like about the LX
I would love to try the taylor but the one I was looking at was 2x the price of the Martin and the LX1 that I tried sounded so sweet in drop D tuning, like an old parlor guitar, that I could not put it down. It plays easy and is really loud for an un-amplified acoustic guitar.
Martin sounds like a Uke at times due to its diminutive proportions, whereas Taylor sounds very little compromised - near enough a full guitar sound. (I'm really enjoying my brand new hog-topped GS Mini btw.)
Ohh~~ thanxs for the comparison - I was looking for a travel size and these are the two that pops up the most! I was looking for a smaller sized one and lucky I saw your review before buying!!
It almost seems like you can get the tone of the Martin on the GS mini if you play further up on the neck, but it couldnt be done the other way around. Thanks for this comparison, very helpful for me, GS mini all the way :D
I could go with either sound...i don't mind the Martin at all...kinda like it a bit more(I had a mahagony taylor years ago)....but I gotta have the fretboard markings which is why I shopping for a Taylor..once I get past the 5 fret I get lost. The Martin is a bit brighter/ dobroish, but for sure the Taylor has a more complex resonating sound.
One thing that you didn't mention is that the Martin has a more substantial set neck that is not lacking a heel like the Taylor's bolt on neck. This makes it far more sturdy to use as a travel guitar.
Never understood what all the hype was about for Martin Guitars. I have owned a couple lower end Martins and played a couple mid to upper range Martins and for the money was JUST NOT IMPRESSED with the playing or the sound. where as the couple of Taylors i played just blew me away. Don't own one yet but I will. For the time being my $100 Harmony Sovereign 1260 keeps me happier than any Martin could.
I have both Taylor and Martins. I love different things about each and every one of them. I have a couple Alvarez' that almost blow them out of the water.
elixir strings make a huge difference in clarity, brightness and tone; no matter what kind of guitar they're on. If you play a Taylor and Martin with Martin strings or a Martin and Taylor w/ Elixir 80/20s: (medium or light) they'll most likely sound a lot more similar. Taylor's sound better and look nicer but Martins are easier to play and have a natural warmer tone.
For a mini comparison, the Taylor looks huge compared to the Martin. No wonder the Taylor stomps the Martin in over all tone. Not a fair match up at all. Next time compare instruments that are actually the same size.
I prefer Taylor over Martin. Taylor just has more quality for the same price as Martin. Martin likes to use HPL for everything besides the LX1 below 600 to 700 €, trying to sell low budget cheap guitars for premium prices. Where Taylor guitars at every low price range has at least a solid top. The LX1 just like someone here also said in the comments sounds like a toy. An expensive toy. But it’s basically a 60 to 90 bucks guitar just with the name Martin on it for a higher price. Where Taylor really puts effort that even the Taylor Baby versions are serious guitars, with great sound. Going through their line ups, Taylor has more quality for a lower price than Martin. Less quality for a higher price, that’s sadly Martin. I don't know tried out some Martin’s and compared them to Taylor and Breedlove, Gibson, Epiphone and Furch, and I don’t think due to Martin’s overuse of HPL for back, sides AND top, delivering quality for higher prices than other premium manufacturers, Martin doesn’t the deserve the term premium manufacturers anymore, they have to earn it back, by getting serious again, stop selling full HPL toys as if they would be all solid guitars or at least solid top guitars. Martin as a brand is way older and maybe got too comfortable during that time, Taylor really had to earn its place and gives everything to still earn it. Martin sadly not so much, even though they made some great guitars over the time. But so do others as well. So for me, Martin isn’t comparable to Taylor, especially below the 700€ mark. And overall through all the price ranges, Taylor offers more quality for less money with beautiful guitars, where Martin guitars more or less all look the same. No design innovations. Nothing. And selling guitars for high prices doesn’t make a brand premium. Martin has to earn that title back, until then, Martin isn’t anymore premium than redwood or J&D guitars.
Hey can i know what song or short intro you use for demonstration? I like them a lot and would like to learn them for fingerstyle practice/ technique work.
gs mini is better but bigger ! i give you and advice : elixir nano web bronze+ Médiator Martin And Co - Tortoise Shell - mgp1l - Light for example but taylor will have a bigger sound
The martin sounds sooo ukulele-like and has a very tinny sound. The Taylor really does have the superior tone.
You do realize that the GS Mini is almost twice the size of the Martin right?
The GS mini are comparable to the Martin Dreadnought JR not the LX1.
The Taylor GS Mini is nearly the same size as their Grand Concert guitars. A better comparison would be the Little Martin vs the Taylor Baby. I'd consider the GS Mini as a small 'proper' guitar rather than a travel guitar.
Any guitar that fits in an airline compartment is a mini. The Taylor is nowhere near the size of the Mini. Not even a close comparison
Since when did we start sizing guitars dependent on airline travel guidelines? The GS Mini is closer in size to a Grand Concert than what it is to a Taylor Baby or Little Martin.
No it's not anywhere NEAR the size of a Grand Auditorium
And the comparison was for people like yourself who can't see for themselves because it's NO WHERE NEAR A GRAND CONCERT!
Steve G Grand Concert is nearly 2" longer than GS Mini, but the Taylor Baby is nearly 2" shorter than the GS Mini so the GS falls in between on length. However, on body width, the GS Mini is only 5/8ths slimmer than the Grand Concert, and nearly 2" wider than the Taylor Baby, so on width the GS Mini is closer to the Grand Concert. When it comes to depth, the GS Mini a little deeper than the Grand Concert (4 7/16th vs 4 3/8ths) and over an inch deeper than the Taylor Baby. So, to summarize, out of 3 measurements (L/W/D) the GS Mini is closer in size to the Taylor Grand Concert in 2 of them (W & D) than it is the Taylor Baby, and on the length measurement sits more or less in the middle. Out of the three measurements, in not one is the GS Mini closer to the Taylor Baby.
Grand Concert: L 19 1/2" W 15" D 4 3/8"
GS Mini: L 17 5/8" W 14 3/8" D 4 7/16"
Taylor Baby L 15 3/4" W 12 1/2" D 3 3/8"
It's on the Taylor website if you want to check. I'm right, you're wrong. Goodnight.
I like them both but ....the GS is almost twice the price of the Martin, way bigger too. I have a little Martin LX1e and love it. The fishman pickup in it sounds great through a Fishman loudbox. I have a house full of guitars and play lil Martin more than any of the others. Very comfy while watching TV. GS sounds good acoustically but I don't like the sound of the add-on pick up.
I just picked up one of these Martin LX1e from my local Guitar Center.
I love the size and the sound. Got it at 15% off the $439.00 tag price $374.00 or so,
and I added 3 years of insurance on it for another $99.00 (covers nearly everything)
The comparison between the LX1e and a Taylor Mini GS is apples and oranges....two completely different categories.
This little Martin is Sweet !
This is a PERFECT review. Lawd, I wish all reviews were this concise.
Simply brilliant - thank you :-)
Plugged in is a whole different story. The little Martin sounds full while the taylor sounds stringy. That’s typical for those guitars. For a finger picking style, one person singing and playing, Martin is better. For strumming style, full band, the taylor is better.
I am a fingerstyle guitarist. I tested both guitars (GS Mini and LX1E) at my local music store and ended up buying the Martin LX1E. The reasons: More comfort and easier to play, plug-in sound quality. It has been 4 years now and never regretted it.
Also thinking about Martin. It's small and good sounding. Taylor is more affected by humidity and has weaker pickups while having overall better sound.
I'm a owner of a little Martin lx1e. I like the bright clear "special" sound.
A friend of mine ownes the taylor GS. It is a beautiful one. But for me i prefer the sound and handling of the martin.
I picked up the LX1E. When I first used it, it sounded very boxy but it has become more rich and crisp since I bought it. I like a smaller guitar and this seemed great. Would love the GS Mini though too.
Ancient reply but how did you little martin age did it get better with time or did it move on out of your collection? Cheers
I have the Taylor my brother has the Martin, you to get a Taylor👍
You just can't beat the look of a Martin. The shape and form of the body, bridge, and headstock. Beautifully made.
Just wanted to say to everyone that this comparison was done because a lot of people had asked us to compare the two models. These are both two very unique guitars which both offer different features. Yes.....the baby Taylor vs the Martin LX1 would be a more exact comparison but this was not meant to compare "apples to apples" Just another comparison to help people make the right choice for there specific needs.
I bought a GS mini yesterday not the guitar I was looking for but I was recommended it by the sales person. I was blown a way from the start the sound was so bright . I have a shoulder injury and the size suited me perfectly it was really comfortable to play what can I say great sound from a small guitar.
Bought a GS Mini yesterday great guitar I love it
The taylor sounds like a really good guitar but the lx1 just has a very distinctive sound. I noticed it at GC when I picked it up and was just startled by the unique tone. It sounds bigger than it is but it also sounds smaller than a standard guitar so it has this large but twangy sound that's freakin awesome. I loved this guitar way before I even knew sheeran used it on his albums but I was not surprised. It has tons of personality in the sound. Its like a rally car of guitars. Totally different than others and great in its specific range. If you are a fan of big, deep, and resonate tones you'll probably hate it. But there's a billion guitars like that if you have a thousand to spend. Ok now I'm rambling but I just think martin knocked out of the park with that thing
The Taylor GS Mini should be compared to the Martin Dreadnaught Junior. They are comparable... The Martin LX1 is too small for the Taylor GS Mini.
Does the Martin really compete with the GS Mini, though (approx. $100 - $150 in price difference, the significant size difference)? Wouldn't the Baby Taylor be more comparable in weight, portability, price, size?
Hey Brian, yes, you are correct.
We've compared the GS Mini to the Baby Taylor and the Big Baby Taylor, but we keep seeing tons of questions about the Martin LX1, presumably because it's also a "travel guitar".
We made this comparison video to help those interested in knowing the difference between these two guitars see that they're indeed in two different categories.
Thanks for the reply. And thanks for the videos!!
The Taylor makes the Martin sound like an Ukulele :D
Yep; took the words right out of my mouth.
Yeah obs, but it depends which type of music you're going to use the martin for. I personally like the sonic aesthetic of the martin though.
Touché. It's you're in Jack Johnson's backing band that Martin might be an integral part of your rig!
ya kinda
bryan blas Ukulele > guitar. Bitch.
It’s funny reading all the comments who only compare these guitars based on tone. Of course the Taylor sounds “better” in this side by side. It’s bigger - that alone makes it an unfair comparison. But there is a trade off. You’re paying more for it and it’s not as portable. The Martin is better if portability is your main concern. I like them both. Play them both if you can, then decide which one meets your needs and budget. What is more comfortable to hold and play? What makes you want to play more? Which one will you take with you on a plane or a road trip and which one will get left at home because it’s too nice or you fear it could be damaged? When it comes to travel guitars, it’s not just about tone.
Body size makes a huge difference. The Taylor sounds better. I'm not sure this was a fair fight.
I own both and it was not a fair comparison.
@@r.c.vincent6063 Which one do you like? I'm so so struggle.
It's a comparison only in the sense that it's each company's "mini" guitar. The fact that Taylors is "better" doesn't mean it's not fair. Just that based on the criteria of the comparison (being mini) the Taylor wins by a long shot.
The Royal Architects there’s the Baby Taylor which much closer in size to this Martin than the Mini Taylor, many are saying that’s the more level comparison
I dont think this is really a fight, but more of a comparison between the differences in tone instead of which is better
To me, the Martin sounded like a toy guitar in this video
bulas king ya yes it did
Oh, boy! I've never heard a toy guitar like it. Never!
That is not what ed sheeran said.
If you plug both of them into a DI box they’re going to sound amazing. Personally, I chose to buy both 🤣
Am contemplating getting Taylor GS mini as my dreadnought getting me down. Too old! The Taylor sounds far superior to Martin! Thank you for such a brillant review! I think you have answered my questions!
I'm shocked that the Martin sounds so cheap! I'm glad to know I made the right call buying a Taylor instead. My FIL owns a Martin and I had to overcome some family-loyalty silliness in order to go Taylor. :)
im glad you guys did this comparison just because of how often they are used interchangeably. BUT, no comparison at all. None. Zero. Martin is the far superior maker, but Taylor did something really special with that GS Mini. Martin could learn a thing or two.
I would honestly recommend the Martin over the Taylor if you're not wanting to spend a lot of money. I got mine yesterday with a case for 199.99 guitar center. It plays and sounds great and its very portable.
agreed. not a fair match. you should compare LX1 with baby Taylor.
They did.
hahahaha dude
I bought a Jim Dandy by Gretch the other day. Not in this class; but an adequate knock around mini guitar.
it's fair
As an avid Martin player and enthusiast, nothing else in the market today can touch the GS Mini for what it is and the price point. As far as travel guitars go, all around no brainer!
I own(Ed) both of the superb guitars, very different to play and sonically. The Taylor is a superior creation but like a Yamaha lacks the mojo sparkle that I can find in the LX1E.
In a concrete multi storey car park playing the blues the Martin fills the arena and amplified is as good as any acoustic I have ever played, I own some very expensive guitars and the Martin gets played about 80% more than all of them. A tribute to my dear friend, song writer and musician Phil Lonergan.
Watching and listening to this on my iPad I can say that the sound from the Taylor sound way better than the Martin, I think I would rather pay the extra for the Taylor
Better to compare LX1 with Baby Taylor, both of which fit the category of travel guitar. GS mini more comparable to the smallest full size guitars ( off the top of my head, Martin 028 or Larrivee Parlour). GS mini is outstanding in all areas. Best guitar I've found under £500. I've owned or still own all the guitars I've mentioned so have some basis for my comments. Happy playing to all!
I’ve got a Harley Benton GS travel, definitely not in the same league as regards prestige or maybe build quality to an extent but when you consider its price and playability it’s an absolute steal!
OK I had to do a little bit of setting up and put new (Elexir) strings on it but having tried both of the reviewed guitars I just couldn’t justify the extra cost for what I wanted it for!
My full size guitars are Taylor and Martin so I do know what the difference between cheap and expensive is and I do think both brands are superb quality!
The Martin sounds just like the Taylor would sound if it had a beach towel stuck inside the body. I wish the demo videos gave examples of how the electronics sound as well. But thanks for the review. It was well done as always.
Hey, this is a great review! Playing the same riffs back to back with good editing. Great video. Thanks
I actually like the tone to the Martin. Sounds very ukelele-like. Love it.
Yes you nailed it there. Ukelele like = cheap, twangy, nylony, weak, toneless, gutless shite
The Taylor owns the Martin in this clip big time. To be honest, a fitting end to this video would be stomping the Martin into splinters so nobody has to listen to that excuse for a guitar again.
Thoroughly excellent comparison. I have one of the original models of the Taylor and it's superb. The Martin also sounds good but with far less depth and bass ... nice for bright finger-picking tones.
I have the Martin and it sounds incredible irl
Best review I've found on the topic thus far after an hour looking for a smaller parlor/travel guitars for my wife. I own a Taylor 314ce so I was leaning towards the Martin to give a totally "different" tone when we jam, but after this review I think it will be the Taylor. Love the sound and style of the Martin as well so I understand anyone picking the Martin in this shootout; but to my ear the Taylor is more crisp and clear tonally. Thanks for the great comparison review.
i used to have a martin like that and i have to say the sound is quite boxy
I found it so hard to choose between these tow guitars because I love them both.
Martin built that guitar to a price, Taylor built a guitar frugally and then decided what they'd have to charge for it. Martin should not have strayed from their roots, if it had cost $1-200 more and actually been a good guitar they would've profited more. I'm a Martin fan and own 4, 2 of which are really nice, but my 10 year old daughter and I tried out guitars for her for Xmas and we both loved the GS mini mahogany. I find myself playing it over my d35 a lot. Of course that will change when Xmas comes and it's in her room.
I put both guitars and honestly I think that the Martin plays better.... But I still got the GS mini just because of the size and nobody gives a really nice tone and the gs mini projects really well
I gave the Taylor away to a good friend but will never have a good enough friend to part with the Martin
I came here to hear the Taylor and I might buy it, but that Martin has a very recognizable sound to it. The more I hear Martins the more I understand why they say if you want that sound to get a Martin. Sure the Taylor has a bigger sound but not as vintage.
Thanks you Tony for your good comparison.
I really love Martin guitars but this one is for the Taylor!
Chris Martin & Taylor Swift
+Gabo Loynaz ed sheeran and taylor swift too haha
I love my GS Mini - it has a full body sound with a smaller body - The Martin sounds more like my "BABY Taylor" ( not the Big - Baby)
Side by side comparison- super helpful. Thank you!
So many asking if the baby taylor is not a better comparison. It typically is between those two and there is a comparison video of those two already. The point of this video is for those who wonder if it is worth spending a little more for the upgrade. This vid shows that if you can afford the extra 150$, and are not looking specifically for a 3/4 size, then the sound upgrade is worth it. Clearly if you do want a cheaper, 3/4 size guitar it is between the Lx1 and the taylor BT1/2
Whats the name of the song at 2:47??
I have a GS min and was considering buying the LX1, but after watching this, I'm happy with my GS mini and don't feel like I'm missing much with the LX. But that's just my opinion.
The Martin just sounds better to me, I dont really know why it just has a fuller bass sound while the taylor has a twangy brighty cheap sound.
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Hahahahahahhaa
Maravi Yoso lol almost every review of the lx you get so triggered.....crazy
Tell me please, how does the Taylor GS mini neck vs The Martin LX1 mini feel when you hold it in your hand, light or weighted? do your finger glide across the fret board? which is more playable? I could see visual and hear the difference in the tone, but it's when one holds a guitar in there hands they can say oh yeah, OK., this is the one thing i dislike about buying guitars by sight! ---
In the 70's I once had a girl or should i say she once had a guitar and wouldn't sell it to me, after playing it, started looking for the name, so old the name was faded, it was a Martin mini, because of it's age super warm and the neck, playable with ease. 1958 keeps popping in my head, pretty sure it was 50's. it was older than me!...Thank You.
The martin lx1 i couldn't get enough bass sound out off it so should i but taylor gs mini ?
Definitely would prefer the Little Martin over the GS Mini. I prefer most Martins over the Taylors. I loooooooooove that warm, dark tone.
These are two vastly different guitars both in size and pricing. You should have compared the Martin to the Taylor Baby guitar(not the Big Baby). The sizes and pricing, as well as the sound, would have been a much better comparison. Having owned both the Martin and Taylor baby travel guitars and the GS Mini, hands down in comparing the two that you chose, the Taylor leaves the Martin in it's dust trail.
I have the LX1E and the GS Mini-E Koa, the GS is alot louder and fuller, but not as boxy and full as a standard sized guitar. Both travellable, as the taylor comes with a lovely padded bagpack. The lx1e is well rounded and has similar sustain, but the tone is alot different and more toyish, but sounds good when plugged in.
The neck feels wider and flatter on the lx1e but also less space per fret. Both easy to play and great guitars but i think the GS mini sounds nicer.
Taylor, absolutely the best sound. Martin sound without right frequencies, is not rich of all the frenquency. Martin seems almost a dobro guitar in the sound.
Taylor is the best between the two!
To me the difference would be am I looking for a small guitar that sounds really great (the Mini), or an even smaller guitar that won't be hurt by being near a campfire, being used to row the boat, low or high humidity, etc.
How tall are you bruh? I'm 5 ft. and when i sit my elbow level is on my thigh. which do you think is more suitable for me?
Ran a pawn shop and a Martin LX came in. You've got to hear it in person.
Martin could do with using their old tenor guitar body size and this same neck, would make it far more of a close race.
I've owned both. The little Martin felt like a to and is not real wood. The sound is jut ok. My Taylor GS mini is made better,sounds better and plays better. Bottom line. No contest. Taylor wins!
The martin sounds better and it's smaller an you won't have to have 4 humidifiers to keep it playable love your reviews thanks💪👍
I like the Martin. It's an actual travel guitar and it sounds different from the Taylor. I disagree it is inferior in tone. Good review as ever. Lets us decide. Thank you
This is an apples and oranges comparison. The least expense Taylor GS Mini retails for $529 and the Martin LX1 with onboard electronics is $399. The Martin was made to compete with the Baby Taylor which the least expensive electro-acoustic model retails for $419 and was first to hit the market. In a side-by-side comparison of those two models the LX1 wins to my ears. The only complaint I have with the LX1 is that it sustains a little too much and requires more exacting fingering. A plus for both models is they were both available in lefties when I bought the Martin.
Is that riff at 3:48 from something, or does it have a name?
What song is on 2:43 ?
Great video. I have both. I fly on scuba trips with the little Martin. The Taylor is to big to fit in an overhead compartment.
Not true- I fly with my GS mini in overhead compartment regularly. It fits just right in there.
Actually Taylor have a better sound, more deep, more warm and more definite shades
I don't know why you would spend the extra for the Taylor unless you think it sounds and fits that much better because in my opinion the lil Martin kicked ass!
guys chill I do get the boxy aspect of the LX but when picked I genuinely find it has that old-time sound which is basically what ppl like about the LX
Hey, it would be awesome for you to do a comparison of the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin!
I would love to try the taylor but the one I was looking at was 2x the price of the Martin and the LX1 that I tried sounded so sweet in drop D tuning, like an old parlor guitar, that I could not put it down. It plays easy and is really loud for an un-amplified acoustic guitar.
the little martin vs the Ed Sheeran signature little martin :D
Martin sounds like a Uke at times due to its diminutive proportions, whereas Taylor sounds very little compromised - near enough a full guitar sound. (I'm really enjoying my brand new hog-topped GS Mini btw.)
I own 2 martins and love them above any brand, however, Taylor win this hands down, sound lovely
GS Mini sounds really good!
For traveling.. The Martin one is perfect.. And the sound is quite good enough
The Martin seems to have a thud thud thud sound as he strums the strings. Reminds me of a tissue box guitar I made with elastic bands.
If anyone knows the song at 3:15 I would be very thankful
Taylor hands down if you can afford it. Just a much higher quality and better sound.
Ohh~~ thanxs for the comparison - I was looking for a travel size and these are the two that pops up the most! I was looking for a smaller sized one and lucky I saw your review before buying!!
It almost seems like you can get the tone of the Martin on the GS mini if you play further up on the neck, but it couldnt be done the other way around. Thanks for this comparison, very helpful for me, GS mini all the way :D
The bass strings on the LX1 sound very dull. I like the Mini so much I might get it.
I could go with either sound...i don't mind the Martin at all...kinda like it a bit more(I had a mahagony taylor years ago)....but I gotta have the fretboard markings which is why I shopping for a Taylor..once I get past the 5 fret I get lost. The Martin is a bit brighter/ dobroish, but for sure the Taylor has a more complex resonating sound.
One thing that you didn't mention is that the Martin has a more substantial set neck that is not lacking a heel like the Taylor's bolt on neck. This makes it far more sturdy to use as a travel guitar.
Whoops. Sorry I was thinking of the Taylor Mini which is the true comparison to the LX. Why are you comparing these two?
Never understood what all the hype was about for Martin Guitars. I have owned a couple lower end Martins and played a couple mid to upper range Martins and for the money was JUST NOT IMPRESSED with the playing or the sound. where as the couple of Taylors i played just blew me away. Don't own one yet but I will. For the time being my $100 Harmony Sovereign 1260 keeps me happier than any Martin could.
I have both Taylor and Martins. I love different things about each and every one of them. I have a couple Alvarez' that almost blow them out of the water.
I actually really like the martin, However i use different strings then what comes stock, so thats a thing
What strings?
elixir strings make a huge difference in clarity, brightness and tone; no matter what kind of guitar they're on.
If you play a Taylor and Martin with Martin strings or a Martin and Taylor w/ Elixir 80/20s: (medium or light)
they'll most likely sound a lot more similar. Taylor's sound better and look nicer but Martins are easier to play and have a natural warmer tone.
Hay Tony great video and guitar playing love the guitars
The martin sounds like a kids guitar mostly because of the size!
what was the first riff you played in the comparison part of the video it was beautiful and i want to learn it
Do you have a comparison of the Martin LX1e and the Taylor BT1e
Natural and Plugged in ?
For a mini comparison, the Taylor looks huge compared to the Martin. No wonder the Taylor stomps the Martin in over all tone. Not a fair match up at all. Next time compare instruments that are actually the same size.
I suggest you play them side by side and form your own opinion. Everyone has one.
I prefer Taylor over Martin. Taylor just has more quality for the same price as Martin. Martin likes to use HPL for everything besides the LX1 below 600 to 700 €, trying to sell low budget cheap guitars for premium prices. Where Taylor guitars at every low price range has at least a solid top.
The LX1 just like someone here also said in the comments sounds like a toy. An expensive toy. But it’s basically a 60 to 90 bucks guitar just with the name Martin on it for a higher price. Where Taylor really puts effort that even the Taylor Baby versions are serious guitars, with great sound.
Going through their line ups, Taylor has more quality for a lower price than Martin. Less quality for a higher price, that’s sadly Martin.
I don't know tried out some Martin’s and compared them to Taylor and Breedlove, Gibson, Epiphone and Furch, and I don’t think due to Martin’s overuse of HPL for back, sides AND top, delivering quality for higher prices than other premium manufacturers, Martin doesn’t the deserve the term premium manufacturers anymore, they have to earn it back, by getting serious again, stop selling full HPL toys as if they would be all solid guitars or at least solid top guitars.
Martin as a brand is way older and maybe got too comfortable during that time, Taylor really had to earn its place and gives everything to still earn it. Martin sadly not so much, even though they made some great guitars over the time. But so do others as well. So for me, Martin isn’t comparable to Taylor, especially below the 700€ mark. And overall through all the price ranges, Taylor offers more quality for less money with beautiful guitars, where Martin guitars more or less all look the same. No design innovations. Nothing. And selling guitars for high prices doesn’t make a brand premium. Martin has to earn that title back, until then, Martin isn’t anymore premium than redwood or J&D guitars.
What guitar would you recommend for a beginner ?
Hey can i know what song or short intro you use for demonstration? I like them a lot and would like to learn them for fingerstyle practice/ technique work.
gs mini is better but bigger ! i give you and advice : elixir nano web bronze+
Médiator Martin And Co - Tortoise Shell - mgp1l - Light for example but taylor will have a bigger sound
the taylor just sounds more defined and better
i love the sound of the taylor but i love the size of the martin