Did you set up/ modify your GS Mini?

[ZephyrZ33]

Since the GS Mini is quickly becoming one of the most common guitars here, I was just curious as to how many people have had a set up done? (adjusted action, modified nut and bridge etc...by yourself or a luthier?)

Please mention if changed:
-strings
-nut
-bridge
-pins
-tuners
-neck/rod etc...

The Mini seems pretty consistent out of the box, but how do you like your setup?

I love the way mine's play, but I can't help but think the action could be lowered a tad. Maybe it's just enthusiasm for such a sweet little guitar, but it'd be nice to have collective feedback for everyone.

[isu1648]

Originally Posted by ZephyrZ33

Since the GS Mini is quickly becoming one of the most common guitars here, I was just curious as to how many people have had a set up done? (adjusted action, modified nut and bridge etc...by yourself or a luthier?)

Please mention if changed:
-strings
-nut
-bridge
-pins
-tuners
-neck/rod etc...

The Mini seems pretty consistent out of the box, but how do you like your setup?

I love the way mine's play, but I can't help but think the action could be lowered a tad. Maybe it's just enthusiasm for such a sweet little guitar, but it'd be nice to have collective feedback for everyone.

I did the following:

- changed tuner buttons from the chrome to ebony.
- Added a custom TRC from Bill Nichols (originally on a Solidbody electric).
- Added a custom pickguard from Bill Nichols (originally on a 514ce)
- Added abalone dot ebony bridge pins.

Photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1058035...KLL_e_bypnwAQ#

[Steely Glen]

I tweaked the truss rod to take out a little relief on the neck, changed the bridge pins from plastic to ebony (no change in tone, but it looks so much better), put on Elixir Nanoweb PB Mediums, and installed a K&K Pure Western Mini.

[thedak]

Elixir NonoWeb Mediums & Removed the Pick Guard

[ZephyrZ33]

Originally Posted by isu1648

I did the following:

- changed tuner buttons from the chrome to ebony.
- Added a custom TRC from Bill Nichols (originally on a Solidbody electric).
- Added a custom pickguard from Bill Nichols (originally on a 514ce)
- Added abalone dot ebony bridge pins.

Photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/1058035...KLL_e_bypnwAQ#

The inlay on the TRC is definitely a nice touch. <~ My only aesthetic complaint with the Mini is the plain-jane plastic rod cover. I may have to check out Nichol's products.

Originally Posted by Steely Glen

I tweaked the truss rod to take out a little relief on the neck, changed the bridge pins from plastic to ebony (no change in tone, but it looks so much better), put on Elixir Nanoweb PB Mediums, and installed a K&K Pure Western Mini.

Would you say your tone got brighter or mellower with the PB's?

[Steely Glen]

Originally Posted by ZephyrZ33

Would you say your tone got brighter or mellower with the PB's?

Mellower, definitely. Or "warmer" might be another way of putting it. I'm not averse to going back to 80/20s on the Mini, since I use them on my 414, but the GSM is a pretty bright guitar as it is, so the PB helps. And the added low end thump of the PB is nice too.

[ZephyrZ33]

Originally Posted by Steely Glen

Mellower, definitely. Or "warmer" might be another way of putting it. I'm not averse to going back to 80/20s on the Mini, since I use them on my 414, but the GSM is a pretty bright guitar as it is, so the PB helps. And the added low end thump of the PB is nice too.

I've always been fond of the brighter quality of some Taylors when other people play them. I have to be careful not to drown myself out. A slightly "warmer" tone would be ideal.

Thanks glen. I think I found my next set of strings.

[TaylorTele]

So far I haven't changed any thing yet but I'm going to change the tuners and the saddle and nut and bridge pins

[uncle_w]

Can't really see any reason to lower the action as the Mini is quite easy to play as it is compared to my other guitars. I just played it for the first time in months and as usual it makes think i'm a lot better than
I am because it's so easy to play.

I also recommend sticking with PBs as it's pretty bright already.

[ZephyrZ33]

Originally Posted by uncle_w

Can't really see any reason to lower the action as the Mini is quite easy to play as it is compared to my other guitars. I just played it for the first time in months and as usual it makes think i'm a lot better than
I am because it's so easy to play.

I also recommend sticking with PBs as it's pretty bright already.

Yeah, you're right. It's actually pretty easy to play. I just have my other guitars set really low and fast and I was solely playing electric for years.

I'll probably leave it as is.

[ZephyrZ33]

...so I figured what the hell, why not? Life is short.

Took the factory equipped 80/20's strings off and switched to the Elixir Phosphor Bronze medium. While the saddle was accessible, I sanded it down to about 1/32 give or take (a little more than 1/64 at the 12th fret). The Graph tech "Nubone" composite is pretty easy to shape with 220 grit.

Some thoughts...

Playability:
(And this is just from mostly a flatpicker strummer/ occasional fingerpicker's opinion.) The playability is now much better. I loved it before, but it's that extra tightness in slack that makes the neck feel closer to electric once you start playing up the scale. Hammer on and pull off's are now smoother, making the GS mini just more fun to play. This is the primary reason I purchased this little guy.

Sound:
I found what I was looking for (Thanks Steely Glen). The phosphor bronze Elixirs definitely has a mellower high allowing, in my opinion, to blend the higher strings more on open chords. The PB's seem to give the midrange and lows more clarity and "umph".

With the stock strings, the GS Mini exhibits hints of that smaller-body boxy tone when driven too hard. The PB's bring out the mids and mask that characteristic really well when you're jamming away.

If you're more of strummer/ flatpicker/ sing-along type of person, the PB's are golden. If you like the brighter Taylor sound, then stick with the 80/20's. The Phosphors almost give the Mini a more warm vintage Gibson Hummingbird sound, but don't flame me I've only heard a couple.

Cheers!

Z

[Steely Glen]

^ Great post. You absolutely nailed the tone distinction between 80/20s and PBs on this guitar, at least to my ears.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Although it's quite tempting to modify this little gem it needed nothing so I left it stock.

[rorymac0]

I removed the pick guard. The factory elixirs are still bright after a few months and have grown on me.
I think I'll sand a smidgen off the saddle next time I restring. I don't play it too often tbh but I'm glad I got it for sure.

[ddown]

Went Elixer medium Phos. bronze sounds deeper and better overall tone IMHO Mellow tone is how I'd describe it now. Only got it yesterday can't put it down.