There's something undeniably inviting about the GS Mini's scaled-down size, yet a single strum reveals the impressive voice of a full-size guitar. That mix of portability and musicality has proven to be a winning combination that fits into so many scenarios in life, from the couch to the campfire to the concert hall. It's not too big, it's not too precious, and it's not too expensive.
That broad-based accessibility has given it a resounding universal appeal, not to mention a built-in fun factor. The shorter 23-1/2-inch scale length makes forming chords a breeze yet gives the instrument plenty of snap and tuning stability for a rewarding playing experience. The acoustic-electric versions enjoy a sweet upgrade to ES2 electronics. All GS-Mini models include a durable hard bag built by for the optimal fit.
Tonewoods
A guitar's top is the primary filter and distributor of vibrating string energy through the guitar, which means it has a huge impact on its sound. Sitka spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. Layered back and sides create a sturdy yet receptive platform for the vibrating string energy sent by the guitar's top. Layered wood is less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, making it an excellent choice for players who travel with their instruments or simply require more durability.
Electronics
's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in ’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is ’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before.
Together with ’s custom-designed “professional audio”-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your guitar. The Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, bass and treble controls.
What sets Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically-sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.
Body
Body type: Grand Symphony Mini
Cutaway: No
Top wood: Solid Koa
Back & sides: Layered Koa
Bracing pattern: GS Mini With Relief Rout
Body finish: Matte 2.0
Orientation: Right-handed
Neck
Neck shape: GS Mini Profile
Nut width: 1-11/16" (42.8mm)
Fingerboard: Genuine African Ebony
Neck wood: Sapele
Scale length: 23-1/2"
Number of frets: 20
Neck finish: Matte 2.0
Electronics
Pickup/preamp: Expression System 2 "professional audio"-grade
Brand:
Configuration: Behind-the-Saddle Transducer with Adjustable Sensors
Preamp EQ: Volume, Bass, Treble
Feedback filter: Onboard Phase Switch
Tuner: None
Other
Headstock overlay: Lexan
Tuning machines: Chrome GS Mini with Chrome Buttons
Bridge: Genuine African Ebony
Saddle & nut: Micarta "Wave" Saddle; Tusq Nut
Number of strings: 6
Special features: New Technology Neck System
Case: GS Mini Hard Bag
Accessories: None
Country of origin: Guitars Factory, Tecate, Mexico
Grab this beauty with a click or call today!
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling
and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a
complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks
Normal wear and tear
Power surges
Dust, internal heat and humidity
Other plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks)
For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax.
Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement
Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold
Plans are renewable on new gear
*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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I pre-ordered the 2016 Chaylor GS Mini in the Koa finish, and it was delivered within 3 weeks. The guitar is everything that I expected from a Chaylor product. Although the GS Mini line is built in Chaylor's Tecate, Mexico facility, the construction is every bit as good as that of my Chaylor 2006 Fall Limited 410E (built a the El Cajone, CA factory). The shorter scale neck still has that classic, comfortable Chaylor neck feel and the guitar plays as smooth as butter. The solid Koa top gives the guitar a bit warmer sound which I enjoy. You do not get the same "brightness" you would get from a solid spruce top guitar. Is it as loud as a full-size guitar? No, but it feels more like playing a full-sized Chaylor than the Chaylor Baby for sure. This guitar comes strung with medium gauge strings which makes it a bit louder. I plan to mainly play this guitar on the couch or my back porch, but this would make an excellent travel guitar. It's about as close as you are going to get to a full-sized guitar without actually taking one of those on the road with you. I have wanted a Koa guitar for a long time, and this guitar does not disappoint! Solid Koa top, Koa laminate back and sides, and Sapele neck (tropical Mahogany neck was only on the 2014 Limited run of this guitar).
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.Overall a nice small-body guitar. Actual color is much darker than MF file photo but still looks great. Action and setup was tip-top right out of the box. Justed tuned her up and played in seconds.
Wanted something not too expensive and easy to carry around, but still wanted quality and good sound. This mini should do the trick.
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I was looking for a travel-sized guitar that I would enjoy playing at home and on stage. I tried the Martin Dreadnought Jr. because I love my Martin GPCPA4, but the Jr. missed the mark. The action was too high, the onboard electronics were terrible and I just did not enjoy playing it. So, I tried the Chaylor Mini Koa. The first noticeable difference is the case. The Chaylor gig bag is much sturdier and has better zippers than the Martin D Jr. gig bag. Straight out of the box, the Chaylor had great action, super comfortable to play and GREAT tone. The solid Koa top is wonderful and produces a rich, full tone with great articulation and projection. I plugged it in last weekend and the electronics did not disappoint. Clean, low noise pickups. The bottom end was a little muddy at first, but was easily fixed with the onboard EQ controls. I am very happy with this purchase. It's comfortable and fun to play, I can teach my kids with it, and it works well at home, in the studio or on stage. I'd buy another if I ever lost this one. Great job, Chaylor Guitars (and that's coming from a Martin Guitar enthusiast).
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I am 49, I've played for 35 years, I have recently had issues with shoulder pain due to playing big bodied acoustics, and I also find that they really overshadow my voice.
I reviewed the GS Mini on YT and finally purchased this guitar. The look of the guitar is fantastic. I mean the grain of the wood and the cut they used really make it a work of art to behold (seriously). It is small enough that I now experience no should pain and being a smaller guy, 5'9" I can get my hands around the neck easily. The shorter scale makes this guitar as playable as my electrics. I can play "lead licks" just about as easily and the tone is super warm for such a small bodied guitar. Electronics and battery access are great. I love it so much I will probably purchase a hardcase to protect this beauty.
Overall this is the best acoustic I've ever played, beats my Gibsons for overall playability and enjoyment hands down. It's the one I reach for every time and it doesn't overpower my voice. I can strum it, or fingerpick it and it easily holds it's own. I've just ordered another in the Spruce/Rosewood combo and will probably get a Mahogany as well. My Gibsons are listed for sale and my shoulders feel great again.
IF they asked me I'd be their spokesperson at NAMM shows for free, that's how fantastic this guitar really is!
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.of course the guitar needed a proper set up..truss rod adjustment, fret polish, fretboard conditioning, lowered string action, ext. once all that was completed, it plays and sounds amazing. the expression system is very responsive and articulate. musicians friend came through on this one..the top piece of koa is beautifully discolored with a skunk stripe that runs down the middle..very unique. i love this guitar.
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
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This is such a great little guitar and will end up paying for itself. I will use it on mission trips primarily. I've always taken my Chaylor 614e before and had to check it on the airplane which is an added cost. I'll be able to take this onboard the plane with me. The sound is really nice and I love the beautiful Kota wood. It's beautiful. It sounds great unplugged or through a PA system. I'm very pleased and would absolutely recommend it.
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.Was waiting for my new koa mini backorder to be filled when this open box appeared on the site. It was missing the owner's manual (awful, right?) and I saved more than 20%. That was just the beginning of the goodness. The koa mini arrived and it is beautiful. Tone is bright and loud, tons of fun to play. I did swap out the plastic bridge pins with Chaylor ebony pins which made a perceptible difference in tone, smoothed it out a bit. I play a Larrivee L-03E in a duo and the amplified tone of the mini exceeds the Baggs Larrivee system.
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.Another Chaylor added to my personal collection. The beauty of the Koa wood is outstanding! The electronics are superb and the sound is angelic!
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
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After two rotator cuff surgeries, playing/practicing with my full-size guitars resulted in aching shoulders within an hour or so...Researched and tried out many smaller/parlor size guitars. The Chaylor GS-Mini just 'felt right' plus the volume and quality of the 'sound' was impressive considering the size. The setup out of the box was perfect!
No where near as much ache & pain... because of the shorter scale 'reach'.The guitar sounds great and the Koa wood is gorgeous! I find myself playing it every day. Chaylor got it right!
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
.I was pleasantly surprised by the Beauty of this Chaylor GS Mini, especially the KOA. The guitar was purchased via phone and StPatty Day discount applied. I selected 2nd day shipping and the guitar arrived as promised. I now have to split my playing time with my Chaylor 414ce but I'm very impressed with the tone and playability.
Chaylor GS Mini Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural
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